CAN THO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

ADVANCED ENGLISH
GRAMMAR
(SG281)

Compiled by: Phuong Hoang Yen, PhD

Vo Phuong Quyen, MA

Tran Thi Phuong Thao, MA

Tran Mai Hien, MA

Can Tho - 2015

PREFACE

Advanced Grammar is the last course in a series of three grammar courses that
students majoring in English Studies and Translation and Interpretation have to follow
in their study program. The course focuses on different ways to transform sentences to
express ideas in written and spoken texts.

The current advanced grammar textbook includes eight chapters. Each chapter
consists of three main sections namely Grammar Knowledge, Grammar Exercises and
Grammar in Use. Using this book, students have opportunities to review the grammar
knowledge that they have acquired in previous grammar courses, practice different
exercises compiled from different grammar books and other resources, and use their
grammar knowledge in daily communications.

The book can be used as a textbook for the Advanced Grammar course at School of
Foreign Languages, Can Tho University or a reference book for those who wish to
review their English grammar knowledge.

2
3
Table of Contents

PREFACE

Chapter 1: Voices .................................................................................................. 5

Chapter 2: Comparisons ...................................................................................... 30

Chapter 3: Types of sentences .............................................................................. 52

Chapter 4: Reported speech .................................................................................. 68

Chapter 5: Phrases ................................................................................................ 81

Chapter 6: Transformation of sentences ............................................................ 111

Chapter 7: Transformation from clauses to phrases .......................................... 139

Chapter 8: Miscellaneous .................................................................................. 163

REFERENCES .................................................................................................. 176

4
CHAPTER 1: VOICES
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 differentiate between active and passive voices and their special
cases

 transfer active to passive voices and vice versa in different contexts

 use active and passive voice appropriately in different contexts

GETTING STARTED
1. Look at the picture below. Do you recognize where it was taken? Have you
ever been to this place? Do you know anything about its location,
construction and history?

2. Read the text about My Son Sanctuary. Find answers to the questions
above.

Outstanding Universal Value

During the 4th to 13th centuries there was a unique culture on the coast of
contemporary Vietnam, owing its spiritual origins to the Hinduism of India. This is
graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of impressive tower temples in a
dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom
for most of its existence.
My Son Sanctuary dates from the 4th to the 13th centuries CE. The property is
located in the mountainous border Duy Xuyen District of Quang Nam Province,
in central Viet Nam. It is situated within an elevated geological basin surrounded
by a ring of mountains, which provides the watershed for the sacred Thu Bon
river. The source of the Thu Bon river is here and it flows past the monuments,
5
out of the basin, and through the historic heartland of the Champa Kingdom,
draining into the South China Sea at its mouth near the ancient port city of Hoi
An. The location gives the sites its strategic significance as it is also easily
defensible. […]
The My Son Sanctuary is a remarkable architectural ensemble that developed
over a period of ten centuries. It presents a vivid picture of spiritual and political
life in an important phase of the history of South-East Asia.
Source: http://whc.unesco.org

3. Underline all the passive constructions that you find. For each of the
passive that you can find, circle the receiver. If the agent of the action is
mentioned, put an asterisk on it.
4. Why do you think the author choose passive voice instead of active voice
for each of those sentences?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Forming passive
1. Verb forms: BE + Ved/3
Passive verb forms have one of the tenses of the verb to-BE and a past
participle.
Example: The letter was sent two days ago.
Transitive verbs (verb + object) can have a passive form.
- Active: Her presence surprised him.
Passive: He was surprised by her presence.
- Active: Scientists have developed a new drug to combat asthma in
small children.
Passive: A new drug has been developed to combat asthma in small
children.
Intransitive verbs (verbs without objects) do not have passive forms.
- He slept for nearly ten hours last night.
- They arrived at the airport two hours before the flight.
Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive.
- Our staff will meet him at the airport.  He will be met at the airport (by
our staff).
- I hope we’ll meet again sometime.  no passive
- They grow corn in this region.  Corn is grown in this region.
- Paul has grown almost 2 inches last month.  no passive
6
 Phrasal verbs have the preposition after the verb in passive form.
- He is often laughed at.
- The house was broken into last week.
Infinitives, gerunds and participles can also have passive forms.
- Josh always needs to be told what to do.
- I hate being lied to.
- Authorities refused to reveal any information about the case being
investigated.
2. Ditransitive verbs
Verbs followed by either object + object or object + prepositional object can
have two corresponding passive forms. (ask, give, grant, hand, lend, offer, pay,
promise, sell, teach, tell, throw, etc.)

They paid the customer $500 as compensation. The customer was paid $500
I.O D.O as compensation.
They paid $500 to the customer as $500 was paid to the customer
D.O I.O as compensation.
compensation.

Verbs that can’t be followed by object + object in the active have only one
passive form. (demonstrate, describe, explain, introduce, mention, report,
suggest)

He explained me the procedure. (wrong) I was explained the procedure.

(wrong)
He explained the procedure to me. The procedure was explained to
me.

3. Verbs not used in passive

3.1. Intransitive verbs
We arrived home late at night.
Did you sleep well?
He was running too fast.
3.2. Certain state verbs: belong, have (own), lack, resemble, suit etc.

7
 - Some state verbs can be both stative and active meanings: measure, fit
and weigh
o The truck weighed 2.5 tons. (Its weight was 2.5 tons.)
 stative meaning, cannot be made passive
o They weighed the truck before and after loading the cargo. (They
measured its weight)
 active meaning, can be made passive
The truck was weighed before and after loading the cargo.
- Some state verbs can normally be passive: know, love, misunderstand, etc.
Nothing is known about the thief.
She is loved by all her friends.
I have the feeling I've been misunderstood.
3.3. Verbs which are usually passive
He was born into a wealthy family.
The victims were hospitalized immediately.
The room was strewn with clothes.
The area is mainly populated by families with small children.
Food and medical supplies were severely depleted.
3.4. Active verbs with a passive meaning
The sign on the door reads “No entry”.
The company’s new phone doesn’t sell as well as the last one.
The gate needs painting.
The dog wants feeding.
3.5. Passive verbs with an active meaning
My parents are retired now.
Are you finished yet?
Those days are gone.
4. Agents
4.1. BY-phrase
Usually there is no by-phrase in a passive sentence. The by-phrase is used
in passive sentences when
- it is important to know who performs an action.
o This sweater was made by my mother, but that sweater was made by
my aunt.

8
 - it is a proper name indicating an artist, an inventor, a discoverer, or an
innovator.
o The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
- it is an indefinite noun phrase conveying new information that is
thought to be important enough to mention.
o These works of art were all produced by a woman.
- it is an unexpected inanimate noun.
o All the lights in this building are controlled by computers.
4.2. Other prepositions
WITH: usually used with instruments and the verbs fill, crowd, cram,
and pack
- The crowds were dispersed with tear gas. (The police
dispersed the crowds with tear gas.)
- He was hit with a branch while walking in the woods.
(Someone hit him with a branch while he was walking in the
woods.)
- The bottle was filled with whiskey.
IN: usually used with the verb cover
- When I looked out the window in the morning, I saw that the
streets were covered in snow.

Using Passive
Reporting information with active verbs is preferred whenever possible because
1. the inclusion of the agent(s) is more personal
The My Son Sanctuary presents a vivid picture of spiritual and political life in
an important phase of the history of South-East Asia
2. the use of active verbs is more dynamic
The location gives the sites its strategic significance as it is also easily
defensible.
Passive is chosen in the following situations
1. When the agent is not known, is ‘people in general’, is unimportant or is
obvious (by leaving out the prepositional phrase by)
- My office is broken into when I went on a holiday. (unknown agent)

9
 - Information regarding the festival can be found at the office on weekdays.
(agent: people in general)
- I was told to wait here until you came. (unimportant agents)
- Historic structural remains and thousands of artifacts were uncovered.
(obvious agent; presumably ‘archaeologists’)
2. In factual writing, particularly in describing procedures or processes.
- Coffee bean harvesting is still done manually. Next, the beans are dried
and husked.
3. In formal writing, instead of using a subject such as someone, people, one,
everybody, they, we or you
- They’re installing a new heating system in the building next week.
- A new heating system is being installed in this building next week. (more
formal)
Note:
A noun can be used as the subject of passive sentences, with a new passive
verb introduced
- The installation of the new heating system will be completed in this
building by next week.
4. In order to put new information at the end of the sentence
- The tower temples were built to the Hindu divinities. They are constructed
in fired brick with stone pillars.
5. When the agents (subjects) consist of long expressions
- The unique culture is graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of
impressive tower temples in a dramatic site that was the religious and
political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence.
6. In parallel phrasing
- My Son Sanctuary is situated within an elevated geological basin
surrounded by a ring of mountains
7. Sometimes, even when the agents are known, a passive is used in order to
a. Change the focus of the sentence
o Her figure was reflected in the water in the nearby pool. (focus on
her figure, the recipient)
b. Hide the agents, such as in a story
o The basement was filled with a mysterious scraping sound.
c. Avoid placing credit, responsibility or blame
10
 o A mistake was made in the investigation.
d. Maintain the impression of objectivity
o It was noted that only first graders chose to eat the fruit.
Reporting with Passive
The following passive patterns are used to avoid mentioning the generalized agents
we, they, people, everybody, one etc. with reporting verbs.

Active It + passive reporting verb + that-clause

Everybody knows that my It is known that my grandfather likes red

grandfather likes red wine. wine.

Active S + passive reporting verb + to-infinitive

Everybody knows that my

My grandfather is known to like red wine.
grandfather likes red wine.

S + passive reporting verb + to –infinitive

(in perfect or perfect continuous)

They know she was writing / has

She is known to have been writing songs
been writing songs for years.
for years.
They assumed Lucy had left the
Lucy was assumed to have left the day
day before.
before.
They know that the picture was
The picture is known to have been
painted / has been painted by
painted by Caspar David Friedrich.
Caspar David Friedrich.

Active (that-clause begins that + It + passive reporting verb + that-clause

there…) Or: There + passive reporting verb + to Be
It is thought that there are too many
People think that there are too many obstacles to peace.
obstacles to peace. There are thought to be too many
obstacles to peace.

Other reporting verbs used in the passive voice

11
allege discover know say
assume estimate observe see
believe expect presume show
claim feel prove suppose
consider find report think
declare intend reveal understand

Special Passive Patterns

1. Modals

Active Modal + BE + Past Participle

We can’t open the window. The window can’t be opened.

They should teach children to respect Children should be taught to respect their
their elders. elders.

Active Modal + HAVE BEEN + Past Participle

You should have sent the letter last The letter should have been sent last
week. week.

2. Verb-ING vs. TO-Verb

2.1. Active patterns with V-ING

V + V-ing + O Passive

I enjoyed taking the children to the I enjoyed the children being taken to the
zoo. zoo.
Other verbs in this patterns include avoid, consider, delay, deny, describe,
imagine, remember, resent.

V + O + V-ing Passive
They saw him climbing over the He was seen climbing over the fence.
fence.
Other verbs in this patterns include bring, catch, hear, find, keep, notice, send,
show.

V + O + V-ing No passive

12
I appreciate you coming to see me. You were appreciated coming to see me.
(wrong)
Other verbs in this pattern include anticipate, dislike, dread, forget, hate, imagine,
like, (not) mind, recall, remember.

2.2. Active patterns with TO-V

V + TO-V + O Passive
His colleagues started to respect him. He started to be respected (by his
colleagues.)
Other verbs in this pattern include appear, begin, come, continue, seem, tend
3. Stative Passive (BE + Verb-ed/3 as Adjective)
Be can be followed by an adjective. The adjective describes or gives information
about the subject of the sentence.
Be can also be followed by a past participle (the passive form). The past
participle is often like an adjective. It describes or gives information about the
subject of the sentence.
In the stative passive:
- No action is taking place; the action happened earlier.
- There is no BY-phrase.
- The past participle functions as an adjective.
Now the door is locked.
I am done with my work.
I don’t know where I am. I am lost.
He is satisfied with his job.
Some common stative passive verbs (+ prepositions)
be accustomed (to) be divorced (from) be lost
be acquainted (with) be done (with) be made of
be addicted (to) be dressed (in) be married (to)
be annoyed (with, by) be drunk (on) be opposed (to)
be associated (with) be engaged (to) be pleased (with)
be bored (with, by) be equipped (with)
be prepared (for)
be broken be excited (about)
be protected (from)
be closed be exhausted (from)
be provided (with)
be cluttered (with) be exposed (to)
be qualified (for)
be composed (of) be filled (with)
be related (to)
13
be concerned (about) be finished (with) be remembered (for)
be connected (to) be frightened (of, by) be satisfied (with)
be coordinated (with) be gone (from) be scared (of, by)
be covered (with) be hurt be shut
be crowded (with) be interested (in) be spoiled
be dedicated (to) be involved (in, with)
be terrified (of, by)
be devoted (to) be known (for)
be tired (of, from)
be disappointed (in, with) be limited (to)
be worried (about)
be discriminated (against) be located (in, south of,
etc )

4. Get + past participle

Get is often used instead of be in the passive voice in informal spoken English to
refer to an action that happens by accident or unexpectedly:
Their car got stolen in front of their house last night.
Get expresses an action and change and is only used with action verbs, not
state verbs.
Jerry wasn’t invited to many parties.
Jerry didn’t get invited to many parties. (invite is an action verb)
Nothing is known about the museum thief.
Nothing gets known about the museum thief. (know is a state verb)
A reflexive pronoun after get indicates that the recipient of the action is in some
way involved in or responsible for what happened.
He got injured while playing football. (it was an accident)
He got himself injured while trying bike stunts. (it was partly his fault)
The get passive is also used in certain idiomatic expressions which are not
passive in meaning. The past participle after get is like an adjective; it describes
the subject of the sentence.
Idiomatic expressions with the get passive
get acquainted get engaged get lost
get arrested get excited get married
get bored get finished get mixed up
get confused get frightened get started
get crowded get hurt get scared
get changed get interested get sunburned

14
get divorced get invited get tired
get done get involved get washed
get dressed get killed get worried
get drunk

5. Causative

Have + s.o + V + O Have/Get + O + past participle

Get + s.o + to V + O

I had the hairstylist cut my hair. I had my hair cut.

Have you ever had somebody pierce Have you ever had your ears pierced?
your ears?

Have + O + past participle can also have the non-causative meaning

"experience something unpleasant". In this case, the subject of the sentence did
not initiate the action.
I had my bike stolen. (My bike was stolen.)
He had his leg broken in a car crash.

6. Be supposed to/ be used to/ be accustomed to

- Mike is supposed to call me tomorrow. Be supposed to is used to talk about

(I expect Mike to call me tomorrow.) an activity or event that is expected to

occur.
- We are supposed to write a
composition. In the past form, be supposed to often
expresses the idea that an expected
(The teacher expects us to write a
event did not occur.
composition.)

- Alice was supposed to be home at ten,

but she didn't get in until midnight.

(Someone expected Alice to be home at

ten.)

I am used to living in a big city. Be used to/be accustomed to

My friend Jenny is accustomed to expresses the familiarity with

15
having eight hours’ sleep a night. someone/something

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Complete the sentences in passive voice with the verbs in brackets. Write
on the line given. An example has been done for you.
0. Ten houses ________ here last year. (build)
 Ten houses were built here last year.
1. Letters____________ by the postman at 8 every day. (deliver)
2. This bag ____________ in the bus yesterday. (find)
3. The dress____________ in hot water. (cannot wash)
4. ____________ your motorbike____________ yet? (repair)
5. The message____________ tomorrow. (send)
6. These offices____________ now. (clean)
7. This report____________ in time if you didn't help me. (not finish)
8. Why____________ the TV____________ ? (turn on)
9. This building____________ since the 1930's. (not reconstruct)
10. Bags____________ in the cloakroom. (must leave)
11. The engine____________ just____________ when the manager saw it. (test)
12. The last umbrellas____________ in the morning. (sell)
13. You ____________ to arrive so late if you worked for me. (not allow)
14. The plan____________ in two days. (announce)
15. All the halls____________ at the moment. (paint)
16. What were we doing at 11 o'clock? We____________ . (interview)
17. After the window pane____________ someone smashed the window again.
(replace)

2. Put the verbs in brackets into an appropriate tense, either active or passive.
An example has been done for you.
Joseph Ford, the politician who (0) was kidnapped (kidnap) last week as he (1)
________________ (drive) to his office, (2)____________ (release) unharmed. He
(3) ________________ (examine) by a doctor last night, and (4) _______________
(say) to be in good health. Mr. Ford (5) _________________ (find) walking along a
small country lane early yesterday evening. A farmer (6) _____________ (see) him,
(7) ______________ (recognize) who it was, and (8)__________________ (contact)
16
the police. When his wife (9)____________________ (tell) the news, she said, “I’m
delighted and relieved that my husband (10) __________________ (find).” Acting on
information received, the police (11) _______________ (make) several arrests, and
a man (12) _________________ (now/question) in connection with the kidnapping.

3. Choose the appropriate options to complete the following sentences. An

example has been done for you.
0. The windmill, which has been used for hundreds of years to pump water and grind
grains, __________ redesigned to produce electricity.
A. it is now
B. it now
C. it now can
D. it has now
E. is  The answer is A.
1. Most of the patient visits __________ to physician assistants in the recent years
all around he world.
A. have been made
B. was made
C. will have been made
D. have made
E. make
2. These differences between two photographs __________ with the help of
Photoshop.
A. should remove
B. must have removed
C. have to remove
D. could have been removed
E. were able to remove
3. No clinical studies __________ in this child disease research so far.
A. had completed
B. will be completed
C. have completed
D. had to complete
E. have been completed
4. The government __________ that the tasks __________ with great success.

17
 A. is confirming/ maintained
B. confirms/ have been maintained
C. was confirmed/ have maintained
D. will confirm/ had been maintained
E. confirmed/ are maintaining
5. With a comprehensive international report, the country's position In the regional
and global arena __________ with measurable criteria.
A. is to identify
B. identifies
C. will be identified
D. identified
E. is going to identify
6. The critics __________ that the review __________ as a book in English and In
many other languages.
A. are said/ could be published
B. say / can be published
C. will say / had been published
D. said / may be published
E. have said / should publish
7. New legislation __________ in congress but it __________ by many.
A. was introduced / wasn't accepted
B. introduced / didn't accept
C. will be introduced / isn't accepted
D. introduced / hadn't been accepted
E. is introduced / won't accept
8. If you would like to know what __________ in the project so far, you __________
the full report at our website.
A. has been completed / can visit
B. completed / will be visited
C. completes / should be visited
D. was completed / had been visited
E. will be completed / may be visited
9. These clothes ________ for daily use so you _______ them wherever you want.
A. design / should be worn
B. will be designed / must wear
18
 C. are designed / can wear
D. were designed / could be worn
E. designed / might be worn
10. A more developed model of this car __________ in the showroom soon.
A. is going to show
B. will be shown
C. was shown
D. has been shown
E. had shown
11. Epilepsy __________ to be caused by poor air, which __________ to be
carried by the veins to the brain.
A. is believed / thought
B. believes / is thought
C. was believed / was thought
D. is believing / is thinking
E. will be believed / has thought
12. The Wii, which is a video game console __________ by Nintendo __________
on November 19, 2006.
A. made / was released
B. is made / was released
C. was made / will release
D. makes / released
E. made / released
13. He __________ his first collection of poems in the early eighties and since that
time he __________ by critics and public.
A. publishes / praised
B. published / has been praised
C. publishes / has praised
D. was published / was praised
E. will publish / will be praised
14. We can very confidently predict that if more of the forests __________ , there
__________ erosion
A. are cut / will be
B. cut / is
C. will cut / was
19
 D. have been cut / used to be
E. was cut / will be
15. The poor bird __________ and all its efforts to escape from the trap
__________ in vain.
A. has been captured / had been
B. captures / were
C. had been captured / was
D. will capture / are
E. had been captured / were
16. To have a clear image, stars __________ with a telescope.
A. must be observe
B. had better observe
C. should be observed
D. had to observe
E. could have been observed
17. It _________ that his music _________ thousands of people in the next years.
A. was thought / will influence
B. thinks / is influencing
C. is thought / will influence
D. will be thought / influences
E. thought / influenced
18. Archaeologists __________ today that the pyramid of an ancient Egyptian
pharaoh __________ after being buried for generations.
A. announced / had rediscovered
B. announces / is rediscovered
C. are announced / was rediscovered
D. will announce / rediscovers
E. have announced / has been rediscovered
19. A Malawi woman who ________ with HIV five years ago ________ a baby now.
A. is facing / expects
B. is faced / was expected
C. was faced / is expecting
D. faces / expected
E. faced / will be expected

20
20. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl __________ an International bestseller
that __________ into more than 50 languages.
A. is / has been translated
B. had been / is translated
C. is / has translated
D. will be / translated
E. was / will translate
21. Space-produced photographs showed that air pollution __________ from the
industrial Belts in the middle latitudes.
A. is being exported
B. exported
C. has been exported
D. will export
22. Millions of tons of coal __________ every day to produce energy.
A. are burning
B. are burnt
C. burnt
D. will burn
23. According to studies, single women often lack satisfactory life Insurance
coverage and 64 percent of American women __________ life insurance at all.
A. aren't carried
B. don't carry
C. weren't carried
D. didn't carry
24. The taste of the coffee __________ by how and where the coffee bean is grown.
A. should have affected
B. has to be affected
C. can be affected
D. could affect
25. Many researchers agree that abilities such as concentration __________ by
playing the piano.
A. could have built
B. can build
C. used to build
D. may be built
21
26. The board __________ to consider a range of options by many, including
Microsoft raising its offer in an attempt to break the stalemate between the
companies.
A. was expected
B. is expecting
C. will expect
D. has expected
27. New methods of dating ancient footprints show that the first Americans --- there
at least 25,000 years earlier than thought.
A. must be settled
B. should be settled
C. can settle
D. may have settled
28. The CSU team today __________ an updated forecast that predicts eight
hurricanes - four of them with winds exceeding 110 miles.
A. has released
B. may be released
C. had released
D. is released
29. There are many factors behind the sharp increase in the oil price, which
__________ most of the time.
A. had been overlooked
B. have been overlooked
C. are overlooking
D. will overlook
30. The hundreds of millions of people who live on the border of poverty __________
with the threat of starvation now.
A. are faced
B. had faced
C. had bee faced
D. faced
31. When I __________ him two weeks ago, he told me that he had returned from
the South of France.
A. met
B. have met
22
 C. will be met
D. may be met
32. As education, culture and the level of income __________ better, needs also
expand and reach new dimensions.
A. got
B. get
C. getting
D. to get
33. When he heard the accusations against him, the man __________ that he
himself was the actual victim of the crime.
A. alleged
B. was alleged
C. has alleged
D. will be alleged
34. As I have put on weight recently, I have to get the tailor __________ my suit
before my graduation ceremony.
A. take in
B. took in
C. to taking in
D. to take in
35. The best thing that you can do to extend the life of your car is to have your car
__________ on a routine basis.
A. to service
B. to be serviced
C. service
D. serviced

4. Transfer the following ACTIVE sentences into PASSIVE ones. An example

has been done for you.
0. The gardener has planted some trees.
 Some trees have been planted by the gardener

1. Doctor Brown will give you some advice.

 _________________________________________________________________
2. Everybody knows that he is innocent.

23
 _______________________________________________________________3.
A famous designer will redecorate the hotel.
 _________________________________________________________________
4. Steven Spielberg directed “E.T.”
 _________________________________________________________________
5. Someone has broken the crystal vase.
 _________________________________________________________________
6. Fleming discovered penicillin.
 _________________________________________________________________
7. They will advertise the product on television.
 _________________________________________________________________
8. Someone is repairing that fence.
 _________________________________________________________________
9. They speak Italian in Italy.
 _________________________________________________________________
10. I have finished my assignment.
 _________________________________________________________________
11. They make shoes in that factory.
 _________________________________________________________________
12. People must not leave bicycles in the driveway.
 _________________________________________________________________
13. They built that skyscraper in 1934.
 _________________________________________________________________
14. The students will finish the course by July.
 _________________________________________________________________
15. They are repairing the streets this month.
 _________________________________________________________________
16. They make these tools of plastic.
 _________________________________________________________________
17. They have finished the new product design.
 _________________________________________________________________
18. They were cooking dinner when I arrived.
 _________________________________________________________________
19. Smithers painted 'Red Sunset' in 1986.
 _________________________________________________________________
24
20. Did the plan interest you?
 _________________________________________________________________
21. They had finished the preparations by the time the guests arrived.
 _________________________________________________________________
22. You should take care when working on electrical equipment.
 _________________________________________________________________
23. They are going to perform Beethoven's Fifth Symphony next weekend.
_________________________________________________________________
24. Someone will speak Japanese at the meeting.
_________________________________________________________________
25. Karen is going to prepare the refreshments.
_________________________________________________________________
26. We haven't cleaned the house for weeks.
 ________________________________________________________ for weeks.
27. They are going to open a new supermarket next week.
 _______________________________________________________ next week.
28. They couldn't use the car because the garage was servicing it.
 __________________because________________________________________
29. Will they publish her new book next month?
 ______________________________________________________ next month?
30. The police have just arrested him on suspicion of murder.
________________________________________________ on suspicion of murder.
31. Someone has just found her.
 _________________________________________________________________
32. They had finished the work by the end of 1997.
 _________________________________________________ by the end of 1997.
33. They are going to close the factory.
 ________________________________________________________________.
34. They discuss important subjects at lunchtime every day.
 ______________________________________________ at lunchtime every day.
35. They are still considering this matter.
 ________________________________________________________________.
36. They were making every effort to end the strike.
 ___________________________________________________ to end the strike.
37. You must clean the house.
25
 ________________________________________________________________.
38. Somebody told him about that yesterday.
 ________________________________________________ about that yesterday.
39. When did he make this mistake?
 ________________________________________________________________?
40. How often do your teachers ask you?
 ________________________________________________________________?

5. Rewrite the following sentences into the active form. An example has been
done for you.
0. The floor has just been cleaned.
They have just cleaned the house.
1. The instructions have been changed.
 Someone _________________________________________________________
2. She will have to be taught.
 Someone _________________________________________________________
3. This car was manufactured in Japan by Toyota.
 Toyota _____________________________________________this car in Japan.
4. Why aren't the exercises being finished on time?
 Why ___________________________________________this exercise on time?
5. Last year 2,000 new units had been produced by the time we introduced the new
design.
 We ______________________________________________________________
6. Casual clothes must not be worn.
 You _____________________________________________________________
7. $400,000 in profit has been reported this year.
 The company _____________________________________________________
8. The test will be given at five o'clock this afternoon.
 The school ________________________________________________________
9. Students are required to wear uniforms at all times.
 The school ________________________________________________________
10. This rumor must have been started by our competitors.
 Our competitors ____________________________________________________
11. All work will have been completed by five o'clock this evening.
 You _____________________________________________________________
12. We were told to wait here.
26
 Someone _________________________________________________________
13. Lunch was being served when we arrived.
 They ____________________________________________________________
14. Lectures are recorded and posted on the Internet.
 They ____________________________________________________________
15. Portuguese has always been spoken in this village.
 People in this village ________________________________________________
16. He is being deceived by his own friends.
_________________________________________________________________
17. Prince Hamlet was welcomed by the people.
_________________________________________________________________
18. The proposal has been rejected by the committee.
_________________________________________________________________
19. I have been given much cause for anxiety.
_________________________________________________________________
20. Have my orders been carried out by you?
_________________________________________________________________
21. The story was eagerly listened to.
_________________________________________________________________
22. Our lives are wasted in anticipation.
_________________________________________________________________
23. The tree was uprooted by the storm.
_________________________________________________________________
24. The wounded persons were taken to hospital by the police.
_________________________________________________________________
25. By whom was this piece of composition written?
_________________________________________________________________
26. America was discovered by Columbus.
_________________________________________________________________
27. Is John taught by you?
_________________________________________________________________
28. The first meeting of the society was held in the blue room.
_________________________________________________________________
29. The decision was made by management.
_________________________________________________________________
27
30. The project is expected to cost $70,000.
_________________________________________________________________

GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Speaking:
1.1 Information gap
Work in pair. Student A thinks about the answers to the questions in card A, then
asks your partner to check the answers. Student B answers each of your partner’s
questions using one of the suggested clues in card B.
Card A:
1. Where are Mercedes cars made?
2. Who was the author of The Harry Porter Book?
3. Where was champagne produced?
4. Where was gun powder first invented?
5. When was the Africa discovered?
6. When was the first telephone invented?
7. In Vietnam, where are coconut trees grown in larger number?
8. When will the exam results be announced?

Card B:
a. Germany e. In 1876
b. France f. J K Rowling
c. Ben Tre province g. China
d. In the 15th century h. After the course has finished

1.2 Find someone who……

Think about the questions to ask for the following information. Answer them by
yourself and move around the class to ask your friends.

Questions You Friends

28
 1. wasn't born in hospital
2. has been stung by a centipede or a jellyfish
3. was made to do housework when they
were a child
4. was given a prize at school
5. was taught Maths in English
6. has been offered a part-time job
7. thinks they may be asked to work overtime next week
8. has been chased by a dog
9. is going to be picked up after the class
10. would like to be given a piece of clothing
for their birthday
11. has been disturbed by noisy neighbours
12. hopes they will be invited to a party this weekend
13. has been lost off when travelling
14. has been asked to be best man or bridesmaid
15. at a friend's wedding

2. Picture descriptions
Choose one of the following pictures and write a short paragraph to describe it. You
may present your description to your class or exchange your description with your
partner.
Picture 1

The process of how wine is made

Picture 2

29
 The process of recycling waste paper

Picture 3

Process of making pulp from waste

CHAPTER 2: COMPARISONS
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to
 review your knowledge on the forms of adjectives;

 identify the degrees of adjective comparisons;

 use different degrees of comparison to transfer sentences with the

same meaning;

 use different forms of comparison to talk and write about people or

things.
GETTING STARTED

30
Read the following text of the two cities: London and San Francisco. Underline
all the adjectives in the text.

CHANGES
Changing places
Joanna is an artist from San Francisco who moved to London in 1988. We
asked her to compare life in San Francisco and London. Here’s what she told us.
San Francisco is a lovely city in a beautiful bay. It’s got lots of great buildings and
places. It’s smaller and much more modern than London, but it’s less interesting.
London has a lot more theatres and museums. The Americans are usually more
interested in money than culture! The architecture in London is incredible and very
stimulating, and the parks and markets are wonderful. London isn’t as dangerous
as San Francisco, and it’s less violent. I feel much safer living here – nobody
carries a gun, not even the police! People have a higher standard of living in the
States because generally, it’s much less expensive than England. For example,
petrol is less than half the price and things like food, clothes, and cameras are
much cheaper.
The food
Food in the States is generally much better. It’s fresher, cheaper, and there’s
much more choice. Restaurants aren’t as expensive as in London and the service
is much better. In some restaurants they put a clock on the table when you arrive,
and if they haven’t served your meal in five minutes, they’ll give you the food free!
I’m usually disappointed when I eat out in London, although the Indian restaurants
are excellent.
1. How many adjectives are there in the text?
2. How many degrees of comparison can be identified? What are they?
3. Can we change such degrees of comparison without changing their meanings?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Forms of adjectives
Adjectives can be grouped in two types:
1. Short Adjectives:
1.1. One-syllable adjectives: small, short, big, long, cold,…
1.2. Two-syllable adjectives ending in -Y, -ER, -ET, -LE & -OW : happy, clever,
quiet, gentle, narrow

31
 1.3. Two-syllable adjectives stressed on the second syllable: sublime, profound,
polite, severe
1.4. Some other adjectives: common, handsome, pleasant
2. Long Adjectives:
2.1. Adjectives with two or more syllables: awesome, important, fantastic,
impossible
2.2. Adjectives in participle forms: interested/ interesting, excited/ exciting, bored/
boring
Degrees of adjectives
Equal Degree

AS + ADJ./ADV. + AS
NOT + AS/SO +ADJ./ADV. +AS
Examples:
- Mary is as tall as her father.
- Her skin looks as white as snow.
- The exercise is as easy as ABC.
- My house is not so / as small as yours.
Superior Degree

short ADJ./ADV.-ER + THAN

more + long ADJ./ADV. +THAN
Examples:
- Our car is bigger than your car.
- This grammar topic is easier than most others.
- Today’s ESL lesson was more interesting than usual.
- Jack works faster than Jill.
- His wife thinks more carefully than he.

Inferior Degree

LESS + ADJ/ADV + THAN

Examples:
- The notebook is less thick than the book.
- This car is less expensive than that one.

Superlative Degree
32
 in ( place)
THE + ADJ-EST + 
of ...
Examples:
- He is the tallest man in the class.
- The "Prince" runs the fastest of the five.

in ( place)
(THE) +MOST+ long ADJ/ADV+ 
of ...
Examples:
- He is the most intelligent of the students.
- He came the earliest of the group.
- She smiles the most gracefully of all the girls.

Superlative of Inferiority

THE LEAST + ADJ/ADV + in/of ...

Examples:
- It is said that donkeys are the least intelligent animals.
- She is the least tall of the models.
- He argues the least convincingly.

Some rules when adding –ER or –EST to Adjectives/ Adverbs

1. If an adjective already ends in –E, only add –R or –ST: large – larger – largest,
simple – simpler – simplest
2. If an adjective ends in a consonant + -Y, change the –Y to –I before adding –ER
or –EST: happy – happier – happiest, lucky – luckier – luckiest
3. If a one-syllable adjective ends in 1 vowel + 1 consonant, double the final
consonant before adding –ER or –EST: big – bigger – biggest, fat – fatter –
fattest
4. Irregular Adjectives/Adverbs
good (adj)
better best
well (adv, adj)
bad worse worst
older oldest (older in general)
old
elder eldest (for members of the same

33
 family)
little + N uncount
less least
few + Nplu, count
much + N uncount
more most
many + Nplu, count
latest
late (adj, adv) later
last (the previous one, the final one):
latter (the 2nd of the 2)
last week, the last guest
foremost (adj, adv) (đầu tiên, đứng
fore (adj, adv)
former (the 1st of the 2) đầu, trước nhất)
first (adj, adv)
farther farthest (more distant)
far (adj, adv)
further furthest (more, more distant)
inmost = innermost (adj) (tận trong
in (adj, adv) Inner
cùng, tận đáy lòng)
outmost = outermost (adj) (phía
out (adj, adv) outer
ngoài cùng, ngoài xa nhất)
uppermost (adj) (cao nhất, quan
up (adj, adv) upper
trọng nhất), (adv) (trước hết)
nearest
near (adj, adv) nearer
next

Double Comparisons
1. Short adjectives: ( càng ngày/lúc càng)

short Adj- ER AND short Adj- ER

Example: The days are shorter and shorter in winter.(…càng ngày càng ngắn…)

2. Long adjectives: (càng ngày/ lúc càng)

more AND more + long Adj

less AND less + long Adj
Examples:
- Our lessons become more and more difficult.(…càng lúc càng khó…)
- Doris is less and less attentive in class.(… càng lúc càng ít tập trung…)

34
3. A combination between long and short adjectives: (càng… càng)

The short Adj-ER + S + V, the short Adj-ER + S + V

Example: The higher the sun is, the shorter the shadow is.(..càng cao…, càng
thấp…)

The short Adj-ER + S + V, the more/ the less + long Adj+ S + V

Examples:
- The harder he tries, the less progress he seems to make.(…càng nhiều,
càng ít)
- The harder he tries, the more money he gets. (càng nhiều, càng nhiều)

The more + S + V, the more+ S + V

Example: The more he works, the more he earns.(…càng nhiều, càng nhiều…)

The less + S + V, the less + S + V

Example: The less he works, the less he will be paid. (càng ít…,càng ít…)

Interchange of Degrees of Comparison

Here are 5 rules of changing the degrees of comparison from positive to comparative
and superlative degrees.
1. RULE 1:

Positive degree: No other…/ There is no…/ Nothing ( in case of singular)

Comparative degree: than any other…/ than anything…
Superlative degree: The …/ …of any…
Examples:
- Positive: No other boy in the class is as good as John.
- Comparative degree: John is better than any other boy in the class.
- Superlative degree: John is the best boy in the class.
2. RULE 2:
Positive degree: Very few…/ Few…/ Nothing ( in case of plural)
Comparative degree: than most other…/ than all other…
Superlative degree: one of the …/ …of all…
Examples:
- Positive: Very few cities are as developed as New York in the world.
- Comparative degree: New York is more developed than most other/ than
all other cities in the world.

35
 - Superlative degree: New York is one of the most developed cities in the
world.
3. RULE 3:
Positive degree: as…as/ so…as (affirmative/ negative) (single sentence)
Comparative degree: not than…
Superlative degree: not applicable
Examples:
- Positive: The boy is as strong as the girl.
- Comparative degree: The girl is not stronger than the boy.
- Positive: You believe him as much as I.
- Comparative: I do not believe him more than you.
- Positive: Your bag is as fine as mine.
- Comparative degree: My bag is not finer than yours.
4. RULE 4:
Positive degree: As…as (affirmative)/ As…as (negative)
(before a sentence) (not changing the subject and verb)
Comparative degree: Not less… than (affirmative)/ Less…than (negative)
Superlative degree: not applicable
Examples:
- Positive: The girl is as ugly as you said.
- Comparative: The girl is no less ugly than you said.
- Positive: The student is not as good as I think.
- Comparative: The student is less fool than I think..

5. RULE 5:
Positive degree: As soon as
Comparative degree: No sooner had…than
Superlative degree: Not applicable
Examples:
- Positive: As soon as the man came, I left the room.
- Comparative degree: No sooner had the man come than I left the room.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Check your grammar knowledge on comparatives and superlatives.
Are these sentences True or False?
36
1. To compare two things, we add -er to many adjectives. True False
2. We add -est to make the superlative form of many adjectives. True False
3. We never change the spelling of the adjective before adding -er / -est. True False
4. We often use "than" after a comparative. True False
5. We often use "the" before a superlative. True False
6. With longer adjectives, we use "more" + adjective or "most" + adjective.
True False
7. There are not irregular comparatives and superlatives. True False
8. Double comparatives are used to express increasing/ decreasing returns
True False
2. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the words in brackets. An example
has been done for you.
0. My house is (big)_________ than yours.
 My house is bigger than yours
1. This flower is (beautiful)_________ than that one.
2. This is the (interesting)_________ book I have ever read.
3. Non-smokers usually live (long)_________ than smokers.
4. Which is the (dangerous)_________ animal in the world?
5. A holiday by the sea is (good)_________ than a holiday in the mountains.
6. It is strange but often a coke is (expensive)_________ than a beer.
7. Who is the (rich)_________ woman on earth?
8. The weather this summer is even (bad)_________ than last summer.
9. He was the (clever)_________ thief of all.
10. London is not the (expensive) ____________city in the world.
11. The DLR is (fast) ___________than the bus
12. Our school isn’t as (famous)___________as the Tower.
13. The people in London are the (awful)__________ in the country.
14. Lily’s room isn’t as (big) ___________ as Jake’s room.
15. The buses in London aren’t as (clean) __________ as Dad’s taxi.
16. This is the (delicious) __________ pizza in London!
17. The cows on the farm were (loud)___________ than the sheep.
18. Lily’s present from Lucy was the (special) _________ present.
19. Ben had three hamburgers. He was the (hungry)________ boy in the class.

3. Circle the correct answer or answers. An example has been done for you.
0. My nephew is ___________ ambitious ____________my niece.
37
 A. less . . . than
B. not as . . . than
C. X … than
1. My nephew is _________old _________my niece.
A. less . . . X
B. not as . . . as
C. more … than
2. A bee is _______ big ________ a bird.
A. less . . . than
B. not as . . . as
C. Both A and B
3. My brother is ________interested in planning for the future ________ I am.
A. less . . .than
B. not as . . . X
C. more …X
4. I am _______good at repairing things ______ Diane is.
A. less . . . than
B. not as . . . as
C. Both A and B
5. Some students are ________ serious about their schoolwork _______ others.
A. less . . . than
B. as . . . as
C. Both A and B
6. An elephant's brain is ________ a whale's brain.
A. more big than
B. bigger than
C. the bigger than
D. the biggest
7. Monkeys are ____________ learners than elephants.
A. faster
B. very fast
C. more faster
D. more fast
8. I am _________________ my brother.
A. tall than
38
 B. taller
C. more taller than
D. taller than
9. Tom thinks that his car is ___________________ than my car.
A. expensiver
B. more expensiver
C. most expensive
D. more expensive
10. This examination is ______________ than the other examination.
A. more easy
B. difficult
C. more difficult
D. more easier
11. David is ___________________ than Ed. Ed is arrogant.
A. more modest
B. arrogant
C. modest
D. most modest
12. My town is _______________ this city.
A. more peaceful
B. peacefuller than
C. peaceful than
D. more peaceful than
13. The test says that Mark is more _____________ Becky.
A. taller than
B. creative than
C. happier than
D. faster than
14. Some students are more ____________ than others.
A. cleverer
B. successful
C. brave
D. slow

15. I was ill yesterday but I am ___________ today.

A. better
39
 B. gooder
C. weller
D. best

4. Complete the sentences. Use any appropriate form of the words in

parentheses and add any other necessary words. There may be more than
one possible completion. An example has been done for you.
0. Tom is a very excellent student. He is (good) ________ than John. He is one of
(good) ______ students in my class.

 Tom is a very excellent student. He is better than John. He is one of the best
students in my class.

1. Lead is a very heavy metal. It is ________ than gold or silver. It is one of (heavy)
________ metals of all.
2. Dogs are usually (friendly) ___________ cats.
3. One of (famous) ________ volcanoes the world is Mount Etna in Sicily.
4. A car has two (wheels) __________ a bicycle.
5. Mrs. Cook didn't ask the children to clean up the kitchen. It was (easy)
_________ for her to do it herself __________ to ask them to do it.
6. Duck eggs and chicken eggs are different. Duck eggs are (large) ____________
chicken eggs. Also, the yolk of a duck egg is (dark) _________ yellow
_________ the yolk of a chicken egg.
7. The volcanic explosion of Krakatoa near Java in 1883 may have been (loud)
________ noise __________ recorded history. It was heard 2,760 miles (4,441
kilometers) away.
8. __________ (important) piece of equipment for bird-watching is a pair of
binoculars.
9. Although both jobs are important, being a teacher requires (education)
__________ being a bus driver.
10. The Great Wall of China is (long)__________ structure that has ever been
built.
11. Howard Anderson is one of (delightful) __________ people I've ever met.
12. (hard)__________ I tried, (impossible) ________________ it seemed to solve
the math problem.

40
13. Perhaps (common) _____________ topic of everyday conversation the world is
the weather.
14. World Cup Soccer is (big)___________ sporting event in the world. It is
viewed on TV by (people)___________ any other event in sports.
15. Human beings must compete with other species for the food of the land.
(great) _________ competitors we have for food are insects.
16. When the temperature stays below freezing for a long period of time, the Eifel
Tower becomes six inches (fifteen centimeters) (short)
_______________________.
17. Have you ever been bothered by a fly buzzing around you? (easy)
_______________ way to get a fly out of a room is to darken the room and
turn on a light somewhere else.
18. Young people have (high)___________ rate of automobile accidents
_______all drivers.
19. The wall of a soap bubble is very, very thin. A human hair is approximately
ten thousand times (thick) ________ the wall of a soap bubble.
20. English has approximately 600,000 words. Because of the explosion of
science discoveries and new technologies, there are (words) ______in
English ______ in any other language.
21.You'd better buy the tickets for the show soon. (long) _________ you wait,
(difficult) _______ it will be for you to get good seats.
22.No animals can travel (fast) ________ birds. Birds are (fast)
________animals of all.
23. Most birds have small eyes, but not ostriches. Indeed, the eye of an ostrich is
(large) ____________ its brain.
24.(great) _____________ variety of buds a single area can be found in the
rainforests of Southeast Asia and India.
25. It's easy to drown a houseplant. (houseplants) ____________ die from too
much water not enough water.

5. Use the following sentence segments to create double comparatives (the

good kind) of your own. An example has been done for you.
0. Mary/ study/ hard, good results/ she/ get
 The harder Mary studies, the better results she will get/ she gets.
1. people / come / party , food / we / need

41
 ________________________________________________________________.
2. difficult / test , students / study
 ________________________________________________________________.
3. nice / customer service representative , happy / customer/ feel
_________________________________________________________________.
4. high-tech / car , expensive / model
 ________________________________________________________________.
5. full / church , good / pastor
 ________________________________________________________________.
6. funny / comic , sales / CD / have
 ________________________________________________________________.
7. severe / judge , harsh / sentence
 ________________________________________________________________.
8. experienced / technician , satisfying / repair
 ________________________________________________________________.
9. long / play, bored / audience
 ________________________________________________________________.
10. money / spend , money / save
 ________________________________________________________________.
11. you / study, you / learn
 ________________________________________________________________.
12. time / take, assignment / your turn in
 ________________________________________________________________.
13. money / spend, you / worry about saving
 ________________________________________________________________.
14. fast / car, dangerous / it
 ________________________________________________________________.
15. crazy / idea, fun / people
 ________________________________________________________________.

6. Correct mistakes in the following sentences. An example has been done for
you.

0. She is beautifuller than her sister.

 She is more beautiful than her sister.

42
1. He is worst than I.
2. Horse is usefuller than a car.
3. Gold is most precious than silver.
4. From the two he is clever.
5. From the three he is more clever.
6. I have never seen a so beautiful sight.
7. He was not as big than his brother.
8. He is a best player in the team.
9. These pants are more cheaper than the other ones.
10. My uncle John is funner than my uncle Mike.
11. Rhianna is best singer in the world.
12. This is the worsest town in England.
13. I am tireder than yesterday.
14. This is the most interest website for learning English.
15. He’s a lot taller you.
16. She’s worst than me at maths.
17. This pizza isn’t as good Alfie’s.
18. It’s frighteninger if you look down.
19. Where’s the most cheap place to eat?
20. I’ve been eating a lot, I think I’m fater.

7. Change the Degree of Comparison in the following sentences without

changing their meanings. An example has been done for you.
0. Very few cities are as developed as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
 Ho Chi Minh City is more developed than all other cities in Vietnam.
OR: Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most developed cities in Vietnam.

1. Very few doctors in the hospital are as dedicated as he is.

 He is____________________________________________________________.
2. Silver is more plentiful than gold.
 Gold is___________________________________________________________.
3. Akbar was one of the greatest of Indian Kings.
 Very few_________________________________________________________.
4. The pen is mightier than the sword.
43
 The sword is______________________________________________________.
5. A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend.
 A foolish friend____________________________________________________.
6. I get up earlier than she does .
 __________________________________________________________ as I do.
7. Lead is the heaviest of all metals
 ___________________________________________________________(heavy)
8. He is not the best boy in the class.
 He is____________________________________________________________.
9. I know him quite as well as you do.
 You do not_______________________________________________________.
10. Very few cities are as large as Delhi.
 Delhi is bigger____________________________________________________.
11. He is as wise as Solomon.
 Solomon was not__________________________________________________.
12. Birds do not fly as fast as the aeroplane.
 The aeroplane flies_________________________________________________.
13. No other metal is as costly as gold
 Gold ____________________________________________________________.
14. Very few cities in India are as big as Mumbai.
 Mumbai is ________________________________________________. (bigger)
 Mumbai is one ____________________________________________. (biggest)
15. No one in this group is younger than Mary.
 She is __________________________________________________________.
16. Tom is the best football player in the team.
 No one _________________________________________________________.
17. Everest is higher than any other mountain in the world.
 Everest _________________________________________________________.
18. This story is more interesting than the other stories that I’ve ever read.
 This is __________________________________________________________.
19.The Nile is the longest river in the world.
 No other river ____________________________________________________.
20. We breathe polluted air. We get weaker.
 The more ________________________________________________________.
21. My father can’t cook as well as my mother does.
44
 My mother _______________________________________________________.
22. George drives more carefully than he used to.
 George didn’t _____________________________________________________.
23. No other city in Vietnam is so large as Ho Chi Minh city.
 Ho Chi Minh city ___________________________________________________.
24. I don’t type so quickly as Tom does.
 Tom ____________________________________________________________.
25. Physics isn’t so difficult as Maths.
 Maths ___________________________________________________________.
26. Nam speaks English worse than his sister.
 Nam’s sister _____________________________________________________.
27. He spent too much money. He became poor.
 The more ________________________________________________________.
28. I feel miserable when it is hot.
 The hotter ________________________________________________________.
29. Nobody can run as fast as John.
 John ____________________________________________________________.
30. Jane is cleverer than her brother.
 Jane’s ___________________________________________________________.
31. Tom doesn’t dance so gracefully as his younger sister.
 Tom’s younger sister________________________________________________.

32. Her car is more comfortable than his car.

 His car __________________________________________________________.
33. You are young. You learn easily.
 The younger ______________________________________________________.
34. I get up later than my brother.
 My brother _______________________________________________________.
35. Linda speaks French more fluently than Tom.
 Tom ____________________________________________________________.
36. A horse is more intelligent than an ass.
 ________________________________________________________________.
37. Bombay is the best sea-port in India.
 ________________________________________________________________.
38. Disraeli was the greatest statesman of England.
45
 ________________________________________________________________.
39. Jim seemed more cheerful than any of his companions.
 ________________________________________________________________.
40. We had the most calls yesterday.
 ________________________________________________________________.
41. Beef is more nourishing than any of other foods in today’s menu.
 Beef ____________________________________________________________.
42. The Mekong is a more important river than the Hong Ha and the Tien.
 The Mekong ______________________________________________________.
43. Chicken and pigs get sick easily.
 Chicken _________________________________________________________.
44. Our school’s library and theirs have 40,000 books.
 ________________________________________________________________.
45. Daklak and Cao Bang are beautiful.
 ________________________________________________________________.

46
GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Which one do you like? Explain your answers with comparative sentences.
1. Which house would you choose? Why?

$ 50,000 $ 150,000

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2. Which computer would you decide to buy? Why?

47
 __________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

3. Which social network do you like using? Why?

48
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Speaking: In pairs, follow the prompts and make a conversation

You are shopping with a friend. A friend is looking for a new phone.
A: sees two phones and asks for their friend’s opinion on the colour
B: says which they prefer and why
A: sees three more phones and asks which one is the most up to date
B: says which one is the most up to date and why
A: prefers another one because it’s pretty
B: agrees, but says that it is more expensive
A:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
B:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
A:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
B:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
A:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
B:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Present your dialogue to the class.

49
3. Classroom Survey:
1. Answer the questions below. Put your answers in the second column of the table.
How old are you?
How tall are you?
What type of mobile phone do you have?
How many languages can you speak?
What time do you get up?
How far is your home from class?

Survey Your name Friend 1 Friend 2 Friend 3 Friend 4 Friend 5

……………. ………... ………... ………... ………... ………...

Age

Height

Type of mobile
phone

Number of
languages

Time to get up

Distance to class

2. Work in groups of six. Interview the five students in your group. Write each
student's name at the top of the table and complete the table with their answers.
3. When you have all the answers, write sentences to compare the students in your
group. Using different adjectives, write three comparative sentences and
three superlative sentences.
Examples: I am the oldest in my group.
My mobile phone is more expensive than Jane's mobile.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

50
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Compare your sentences with your classmates.

51
CHAPTER 3: TYPES OF SENTENCES
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to
 classify sentences according to their structures;

 identify the structures of sentences;

 transform sentences using different structures;

 use different sentence structures to convey ideas.

GETTING STARTED
1. Work in pairs or small groups. Look at the pictures and make sentences.
The first sentence has been done for you as an example.

1. Picture 1= Subject, Picture 2= Verb

Picture 1: Toc Tien- Subject; Picture 2: listens to music- Verb
 Toc Tien listens to music.

2. Picture 1= Subject, Picture 2= Verb, Picture 3= Subject, Picture 4: Verb

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

52
3. Connect pictures together to make a sentence

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. Connect pictures together to make a sentence

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Look at the above sentences again. Answer the following questions:

1. How many sentences have you made? Do they have similar or different
structures?
2. How many structures can these sentences be grouped? What are they?
3. How different are they?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Sentences can be classified into four types according to their structures:
Simple sentences
A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject and a
verb.
These are two basic simple sentence patterns:

53
 Subject + Verb
Subject + Verb + Object/ Complement
Examples:
- Tom can cook. - She is beautiful.
- The dog runs. - I love her.
- The president was murdered. - Our family lives in Can Tho City.
- My mom stayed here for 30 years. - My students gave me a gift.
- My friend and I intend to go to Australia.
- I prepare some fish for lunch.

Sometimes, a simple sentence can have more than one subject and more than one
verb. In these cases, a conjunction is used to combine two subjects or two verbs.

2 or more subjects + Verb

Example:
- Tom and I studied in the same class.

1 subject + 2 or more verbs

Examples:
- Tom likes music and dislikes sport.
- The man walked into the office, sat down at his desk, and picked up the
telephone.

2 or more subjects + 2 or more verbs

Example:
- My husband and his colleagues took a flight to Nha Trang and wented to Da
Lat by coach.

Compound sentences
A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinator.
The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Except for very short
sentences, coordinators are always preceded by a comma.
Examples:
- I finished my homework. Now I can watch TV
I finished my homework, and now I can watch TV.
- Jackson wants to work in the garden. The ground is too muddy.
 Jackson wants to work in the garden, but the ground is too muddy.

54
 - I love to learn English. I often listen to English songs.
 I love to learn English, so I often listen to English songs.

Coordinators Examples

AND - She studied at Can Tho university, and she worked there.

- The boss called, and Mary quickly left her home.

BUT - Jack wanted to go swimming, but his wife wanted to

go shopping.

- We like being outdoor, but we don’t want to go fishing.

YET - She looks beautiful, yet she is very friendly.

OR - Go to your school quickly, or stay at home alone.

- Do you want to go out, or you decide to cook at home?

NOR - They didn’t come, nor did they call.

- Kids don’t like fish, nor did they smell it.

SO/ SO THEN/ - It’s raining outside, so I decide to stay at home.

THEN

Note: Sometimes, two independent clauses are connected by a semicolon, not a

coordinator.
Example:
- My teacher instructed us some homework; we tried to take notes carefully.
Complex sentences
A complex sentence has one independent clause joined by one or more
dependent clauses. A complex sentence always has a subordinator such as
because, since, after, although, or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or
which.
Examples:
- I chose to major in English because I want to get a good job after
graduation.
- Although it rained heavily, John caught a taxi to go to the concert.
( John caught a taxi to go to the concert although it rained heavily.)

55
 - When we graduate from this university, we will work for foreign companies.
( We will work for foreign companies when we graduate from this university.)
- A rainbow appeared after the storm passed.
(After the storm passed, a rainbow appeared.)
- The children who are on the bus are going to visit the museum.
- The church that my grandparents were married in is old.

Types of Dependent Clauses

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

Types of Adverbial Clauses Examples

1. Adverbial clause of Time with - My children had gone to bed when I came home.
when, while, until, till, before, after, - Our friends will wait for us until we get back.
as soon as, since, whenever.
- Mrs Howell cut her finger while she was slicing
bread.
- I'll ask the teacher a question before the class is
over.

2. Adverbial clause of Place with - We go fishing where we can find a lake.

where, wherever
3. Adverbial clause of Condition with - Rice won't grow if there isn’t enough rain.
if, unless
4. Adverbial clause of Manner with - He acts as if he were very sad.
as, as though, as if
5. Adverbial clause of Comparison -The climate is not as bad as it would be.
with as...as, -er... than, more...than - She looks more beautiful than her sister does.

6. Adverbial clause of Reason with - They fought bravely because they loved their
as, since, because country.

7.Abverbial clause of Result with so... - She is so beautiful that everybody can't help
that, such... that liking her.
- We have such hard homework that I always
need help.

8. Adverbial clause of Purpose with - We planned for a long time so that we had a
so that, in order that good trip.

9. Adverbial clause of Concession - He bought the tickets although the price is high.
with though, although, even though

56
ADJECTIVE CLAUSES

Types of Adjective Clauses Examples

WHO, WHICH, THAT as subject -The man who (that) I spoke to is Manuel.
-The tickets which (that) he gave me are
expensive.

WHO, WHICH, THAT as object - Mr. Campos is Carmen's father who you were
asking about.
- The story is from the book that we were talking
about.

possessive WHOSE - This is the girl whose car was stolen.

- The boy whose girl-friend is charming is a
freshman.

ON WHICH, AT WHICH (=WHEN), IN - The house in which she lives is very large.
WHICH (WHERE)
- The house where she lives is very large.
- I always remember the day on which I firstly met
my husband.
- I always remember the day when I firstly met my
husband.

NOUN CLAUSES

Types of Noun Clauses Examples

Noun clause as subject - When he will arrive is unknown

Noun clause + Verb+ complement

Noun clause as subject complement - My wonder is whether he will arrive or

not.
Subject +Verb + Noun clause as complement

Noun clause as object of a verb - I don't know when he will arrive.

Subject + Verb + Noun Clause

Noun clause as object of preposition - I receive no news about when he will

arrive.
Subject + Verb+ Preposition +Noun clause

Noun clause as object complement - I was sure that I had left my keys on the
counter.
Subject + Verb + Adjective+ Noun Clause

57
Compound- Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence is one that consists of two or more independent
clauses and one or more dependent clauses
Examples:
- Although I like to go camping, I haven't had the time to go lately, and I
haven't found anyone to go with.
- We decided that the movie was too violent, but our children, who like to
watch scary movies, thought that we were wrong.
- If this is a confusing lesson, return to it later and keep going to the next three
lessons.
Transformation of sentences
1. A simple sentence can be changed into a compound sentence or a complex
sentence by expanding a word or phrase into a clause.
Examples:
- Simple sentence: It is too late to start a new lesson.
Complex sentence: It is so late that we cannot start a new lesson.
Main clause Subordinate clause
- Simple sentence: On seeing a snake, I ran away.
Compound sentence: I saw a snake, and/ so I ran away.
 Complex sentence: As I saw a snake, I ran away.
2. A complex or compound sentence can also be changed into a simple sentence by
reducing a clause into a word or phrase.
Examples:
- Complex sentence: He worked hard that he might pass the examination.
Main clause Subordinate clause
 Simple sentence: He worked hard to pass the examination.
- Complex sentence: He ordered that the traitor be jailed.
 Simple sentence: He ordered them to jail the traitor.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Identify the following sentence as simple, compound, complex or
compound-complex by choosing the correct answers. An example has been
done for you.
1. We can wait here until Carlo calls us.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
58
2. Either the engine starts, or we will remain here all night.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
3. A group of my classmates studied the problem and solved it in a few minutes.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
4. The old car was in fairly good operating condition, but the condition of the body
was poor.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
5. The small streams that run through the area are loaded with fish.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
6. When the leaves begin to fall, we will harvest the last of our crops.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
7. Your sister said you haven't slept for two or three nights.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
8. People who have poor diets are likely to catch cold.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
9. The crew checked the ship and prepared it for sea.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
10. We must repair the dam, or the water will rush through.
A. simple B. compound C. complex
11. This is a simple sentence.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
12. I like playing basketball, and my brother likes playing tennis.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
13. I'll help you if you help me.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
14. Her name is Sachiko and she comes from Japan.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
15. My mother cooked dinner while I was doing my homework.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
16. While I was doing my homework, my father cooked the dinner and my mother
was asleep in front of the television.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
17. Do you want to go swimming tomorrow, or would you prefer to play tennis?
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
18. I've brought my umbrella with me in case it rains.
59
 A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
19. I don't know why he did that.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
20. My family came to Germany when I was at grade 5, but I never learned to
speak German very well.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
21. I'm so pleased that you can come to my party.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
22. He told me that he is returning to London next summer.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
23. I have not seen my grandmother since I came to Germany.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
24. We were doing a mathematics test when the fire alarm rang yesterday.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
25. She runs every day, so she is very fit.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
26. Because she runs every day, she is very fit.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
27. The new girl in our ESL class has a brother at grade 7 and a sister at grade 9.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
28. You should read every day if you want to improve your English more quickly.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
29. Although it was cold and the rain was getting heavier, we decided to go fishing
as planned.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
30. You should start working a little harder or you are going to fail your test.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
31. I didn't know what time it was so I was very late to class.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
32. Most European countries now use the Euro, but the United Kingdom still uses
the pound (£).
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
33. To build a doll's house you need wood, a hammer, a saw, and lots of nails.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
34. She failed her driving test because she didn't look in her mirror often enough.
60
 A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
35. He got up, walked over to the window, and jumped out.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
36. John went to school today, but James remained at home.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
37. We decided to go fishing and camp out at the lake.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
38. During last night's game, the bases were loaded, and Bob hit a grand slam.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
39. This summer our vacation should be both exciting and restful.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex
40. Those clouds promise rain, so we should hurry up and leave before we get
caught in a flash flood.
A. simple B. compound C. complex D. compound-complex

2. Match the conjunctions to their functions. An example has been done for you.
Condition Place Result Manner
Purpose Contrast Time reason
0. I was cooking (when) my mom called.
Answer: ‘when my mom called’ is the time clause.

1. I'll go (provided) I can sit in the front.

2. I like (the way) she sings.
3. (Wherever) I am, I always think of you.
4. She never leaves home without a crossword (so that) she doesn't get bored.
5. (By the time) I get to New York, he'll be gone.
6. (Since) I have nothing to say, I shall remain silent.
7. It rained (so) much (that) the streets were soon flooded .
8. (While) they may look cute, they don't make very good pets.
3. Combine the following simple sentences to create a compound sentence.
An example has been done for you.
0. I went to bed late last night. I get up late this morning.
 I went to bed late last night, so I get up late this morning.
1. It rained for three days. The streets in my neighborhood flooded.
 ______________________________________________________________.

61
 2. I got to ball practice late. I forgot to set my alarm.
_______________________________________________________________.
3. Kyle completed his homework. He put it in his binder.
_______________________________________________________________.
4. Luke mowed the lawn. He earned ten dollars.
_______________________________________________________________.
5. I stayed up late last night. I am tired today.
_______________________________________________________________.
6. Neil doesn't like seafood. He doesn't like cabbage.
_______________________________________________________________.
7. My pencil was broken. I borrowed one from Jake.
_______________________________________________________________.
8. I like apples. I like pears more.
_______________________________________________________________.
9. Eight people got into the elevator. It was crowded. Three people got off.
_______________________________________________________________.
10. Georgia gathered the pictures. She could arrange them in a special album for
her family.
_______________________________________________________________.

4. Identify the independent clauses and dependent clauses in the following

sentences. Then name the dependent clauses. An example has been done
for you.
0. Although it rained yesterday, I went to class early.
Independent clause: I went to class early
Dependent clause: Although it rained yesterday- concession adverb clause.

1. Jason decided to stay up late because he had a lot of homework to do.

 ______________________________________________________________.
2. If you hurry, we might get to school on time.
_______________________________________________________________.
3. Although she had a cold, Monica went to school to take her test.
_______________________________________________________________.
4. While washing the car, Dave slipped on the soap.
_______________________________________________________________.

62
5. After we arrived at the party, Dana put on some music.
_____________________________________________________________.
6. As his heart pounded with dread, Ben bolted up the stairs to check out the
strange noise.
_______________________________________________________________.
7. Molly baked brownies since she had nothing else to do.
_______________________________________________________________.
8. When I discovered a mouse in my locker, I almost passed out.
_______________________________________________________________.
9. You’ll never pass that class until you decide to study more often.
_______________________________________________________________.
10. When buses are delayed, students are usually late for school.
_______________________________________________________________.
11. Why he left is a mystery to me.
 ______________________________________________________________.
12. The movie was good, but I enjoyed the book more.
 ______________________________________________________________.
13. Lisa replaced the glass that she had broken.
_______________________________________________________________.
14. That is not what I want.
 ______________________________________________________________.
15. We argue for hours about when we should start.
 ______________________________________________________________.
16. She drives wherever she wants.
 ______________________________________________________________.
17. Though it was late, we decided to go.
 ______________________________________________________________.
18. This is the man whom we saw.
 ______________________________________________________________.
19. Are you coming to the game, or have you made other plans?
_______________________________________________________________.
20. Helen told us that she had bought the tickets.
_______________________________________________________________.

63
5. Combine the sentences to make one compound complex sentence. An
example has been done for you.
0. My teacher lives in the countryside. It is very peaceful. She often comes back
home at weekends.
 My teachers live in the countryside which is very peaceful, so she often comes
back home at weekends.

1. Susan teaches the kids who live in the neighborhood. They meet in the evenings
after she comes home from work.
 ________________________________________________________________.
2. The doctor wants to prescribe physical therapy. He asked me to see a specialist.
He recommended Dr. Smith.
________________________________________________________________.
3. Anthony told us about the assembly of the products. Unfortunately, he didn't tell
us about where they were made.
 ________________________________________________________________.
4. We managed to finish the exercise on time, and passed the exam. However, it
was very difficult.
 ________________________________________________________________.
5. The man spoke little English. Mary understood him, but couldn't help.
 ________________________________________________________________.
6. We didn't have much time, so we didn't read the final chapter. However, we still
enjoyed the book.
 ________________________________________________________________.
7. We will miss our father greatly. He taught us many lessons. Those lessons have
helped us succeed in life.
 ________________________________________________________________.
8. The eagles attract many tourists. They live in the local mountain range.
Unfortunately, the politicians still refuse to protect them.
 ________________________________________________________________.
9. We finished our work early, so we decided to go out for a drink. We went to
Allan's Pub.
 ________________________________________________________________.
10. The students who attended the university went on strike. They protested the
tuition hikes.
________________________________________________________________.
64
11. Sandy wanted to ask her uncle questions about his experiences. Her uncle
fought in WW II.
________________________________________________________________.
12. The boys refused to ask the teacher any questions. They failed the exam.
________________________________________________________________.
13. I don't like the food. The staff prepares the food. I also do not like their unfriendly
attitude.
 ________________________________________________________________.
14. Sheila loves red. The Mustang is red, but she might wait a few months.
 ________________________________________________________________.
15. He can join us if he asks the man who invited us to the party. He can also stay
home.
 ________________________________________________________________.

GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Work in pairs to describe the pictures, using various sentence structures to
describe their pictures:
Student B
Student A

65
Write a paragraph describing the differences and similarities of the two
pictures on the lines below.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Read the following paragraph about one’s favorite gadget. Answer the
questions below.

I'm going to describe my mobile phone. I bought it online. I use the phone
to keep in touch with friends and family, for communication by voice, text and
email. They are video, MP3 player, wireless Internet, digital camera and
games. It has various features. It's easy to share photos and music. I use it
for almost everything, it even has a calendar. It reminds me about
appointments.

66
 1. What do you think about the above paragraph?
2. Should the sentences be connected together? Why?
3. Should they be developed? If possible, in what way?

Rewrite the above paragraph in a more developed and logical way on the lines
below:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

67
CHAPTER 4: REPORTED SPEECH
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 gain knowledge about the uses of reported speech;
 identify the use of reported verbs and punctuations in
indirect speech;
 identify the types of indirect speech;
 identify the types of changes in indirect speech;
 understand direct and indirect form of speech;
 report information about someone or something.

GETTING STARTED
Work in groups of four. Discuss the following questions. You can use any
resources (grammar books, internet, etc.) to help you.
1. What is reported speech/indirect speech?
2. What are some examples of situations where people use indirect speech?
3. What are the main types of reported speech?
4. What kind of changes should be made in reported speech?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Indirect speech is used to report the meaning of what is said, not exact the words.
For example, we want to tell another person about conversations taking place in the
past (a phone call, a story, some pieces of news someone told us..)
Example:

68
1. Reporting verbs
Reporting verbs say, tell, ask before that or WH-clause

Reporting clause Reported clause

John told me (that) he was going to stay late at work.
Peter said (that) he wanted to visit his parents that
weekend.
The teacher asked us
What we thought about the story.

Other reporting verbs can more accurately describe what someone has said. These
verbs take a variety of structures. A number of verbs can take more than one form.

Forms Verbs Examples

verb object advise Jack encouraged me to look for a new job.
infinitive encourage
invite They invited all their friends to attend the
remind presentation.
warn
verb agree She offered to give him a lift to work.
infinitive decide
offer My brother refused to take no for an answer.
promise
refuse
threaten
verb (that) admit Tom admitted (that) he had tried to leave
agree early.
decide
deny She agreed (that) we needed to reconsider
explain our plans.
insist
promise
recommend
suggest
verb gerund deny He denied having anything to do with her.
recommend
suggest Ken suggested studying early in the morning
mention
report
verb object accuse They accused the boys of cheating on the
preposition blame exam.
gerund congratulate She blamed her husband for missing the train.
verb apologize He apologized for being late.
preposition insist She insisted on doing the washing up
gerund
69
Some reporting verbs which are followed by a that-clause has an alternative with an
adjective + to infinitive (often to be): acknowledge, assume, believe, consider,
declare, expect, feel, find, presume, report, think, and understand. The
alternatives are often rather formal.
Examples:

I felt that the results were Or: I felt the results to be satisfactory
satisfactory.

They declared that the vote was Or: They declared the vote to be invalid.
invalid

2. Reported statement
Typical reporting verbs for statements: say, tell, mention, inform….
He said……….
He said that……….
He told me that……
He told me……..
He mentioned that………
He informed me that………
Pronouns may need to change to reflect a different perspective
Tense sometimes has to go back one tense (backshift) if the reporting verb is in
past tense

Pronoun Tense Place Time change

change change change

direct He said “I was sick here yesterday.”

statement

reported He said he had been there the day before.

statement (that) sick

RULES FOR “THAT”

1. That is included after reporting verbs in formal use and is omitted in informal
use.
Example: - The prime minister said that she would consider it.
I told him (that) I was taking a language course.
70
 2. That is used when describing the speaker’s intention (to complain, deny..) or
manner of speaking.
Example: - They complained that they were left out.
3. That is used after phrasal verbs.
Example: - One student pointed out that the date was wrong.
4. That is used when other information is included between the reporting verb
and the that – clause
Example: - He said in the last week’s meeting that we were wrong.
5. That is used when reporting using nouns such as acknowledgement, advice,
announcement, answer, argument, claim, comment, conclusion , decision,
explanation, forecast, guarantee, observation, promise, reply, report, response,
statement, warning…
Example: - Did you hear the announcement that classes were
cancelled?
- His response that he worked hard was not true.
3. Reported questions
Typical reporting verbs for reported questions: ask, want to know, inquire,
wonder, remember …
Normal word order is used in reported clause. There is no inversion of the subject
and auxiliary, and no question mark in reported clause.

YES/NO questions: Reporting clause + if/whether clause

Alex: Have you booked tickets for - Alex was wondering if/whether I had
the concert? booked tickets for the concert.
- Jasmine inquired if/whether there was a
Jasmine: Is there a wireless
wireless network available in the library.
network available in the
- Peter wants to know if/whether it is cold
library? outside or not.
- Peter wants to know whether or not it is
Peter: Is it cold outside?
cold outside.

WH questions: Reporting clause + WH + clause

Rebecca: Where do you live? - Rebecca asked me where I lived.

Tim: Who are you waiting for?
- Tim wanted to know who I was waiting for.
Ivan: How funny!
- Ivan exclaimed how funny it was.

71
RULES:
1. We can use an indirect question after other reporting verbs when we are not
reporting a question but we are talking about the answer to a question:
Examples:
- I've told you before why I don't like shopping malls.
- She didn't say what time she would be back.
2. When we want to make a question more polite, we often introduce the
sentence with expressions such as Could you tell me...?, Do you know...? etc.
and continue with an indirect question:
Examples:
- Could you tell me how I can get to the railway station?
- Do you know if this shop sells second-hand records?
- Can you remember what time the play starts?

4. Reported requests and orders

RULES
1. When reporting requests, orders, intentions, promises, or suggestions, we can
use a to infinitive clause after the reporting clause.

S + V + O (not) to infinitive
2. Such verbs include: ask, advise, command, compel, expect, instruct, invite,
order, persuade, recommend, remind, request, tell, urge, warn.
Examples:

Direct request Reported request

Ask + O + to Infinitive

“Close the window, please?” She asked me to close the window.

“Could you close the window please?”
“Would you mind closing the window
please?”
“Please don’t be late”
Direct orders Reported orders
tell + Object +(not) to infinitive
“Stop playing games and go to bed!” He told the child to go to bed.
“Don’t make noise when the teacher is He told the students not to make
explaining the lesson!’ noise when the teacher was
explaining the lesson.
72
5. Types of changes in reported speech
5.1. Change of Time Expressions
Sometimes time expressions are changed from direct to indirect speech. Changes
depend on when people heard the direct speech and when they say the reported
speech.
Examples:
- It's Monday. Julie says "I'm leaving today".
- If I tell someone on Monday, I say "Julie said she was leaving today".
- If I tell someone on Tuesday, I say "Julie said she was leaving yesterday".
- If I tell someone on Wednesday, I say "Julie said she was leaving on
Monday".
If I tell someone a month later, I say "Julie said she was leaving that day".
Some possible conversions:
now then / at that time
today yesterday / that day / Tuesday / the 27th of June
the day before yesterday / the day before / Wednesday
yesterday
/ the 5th of December
last night the night before, Thursday night
last week the week before / the previous week
tomorrow today / the next day / the following day / Friday

5.2. Change of tenses

Normally, the tense in reported speech is one tense back in time from the tense in
direct speech:
Example: She said, "I am tired." = She said that she was tired.

Direct speech Reported Speech

Simple present Simple past

"I always drink coffee.” She said that she always drank coffee.

Present continuous Past continuous

"I am reading a book” He explained that he was reading a book.

Simple past Past perfect

"Bill arrived on Saturday.". He said that Bill had arrived on Saturday.

73
Present perfect Past perfect

"I have been to Spain.” He told me that he had been to Spain.

Past perfect Past perfect

"I had just turned out the light.” He explained that he had just turned
out the light.

Present perfect continuous Past perfect continuous

"We have been waiting for hours". They complained that they had been
waiting for hours.

Past continuous Past perfect continuous

"We were living in Paris." They told me that they had been living in
Paris.

Future Present conditional

"I will be in Geneva on Monday.” He said that he would be in Geneva on

Monday.

Future continuous Conditional continuous

"I'll be using the car next Friday". She said that she would be using the car
next Friday.

5.3. No tense changes

There are no tense changes in indirect speech if the reporting verb is in the present,
or if the original statement was about a permanent situation, a universal truth, or
something that is still relevant.
RULES:
1. The reporting verb is in a present tense; this is often the case with simultaneous
reporting or when the original words were spoken a short time ago and are still
relevant.
Examples:
Joanna: I have just arrived in Hanoi.
Joanna says she has just arrived in Hanoi. (reporting a recent telephone
conversation; the reporting verb say is in present simple)
2. The reported words are true at the time of reporting:
Examples:
74
 George: I'm meeting Karen tomorrow.
George said he is meeting Karen tomorrow. (reported on the same
day, tomorrow still refers to tomorrow)
Compare:
George said he was meeting Karen the following day. (reported days later,
the meeting has already happened)
3. The reported words express a general or universal truth:
Examples:
Copernicus: The planets revolve around the sun.
Copernicus stated that the planets revolve around the sun. (It is a general
truth.)
He says that mathematics is a very useful science.
Compare:
Once, people believed that the earth was flat. (The reported words are no
longer true; people do not believe that the earth is flat)
4. The reported words refer to an unreal situation:
Example:
Mike: I wish I was a year older; then I could enter the race.
Mike wished he was a year older, so he could enter the race. (He is not older)
5. These modal verbs do not change in reported speech: might, could, would,
should, ought to:
Examples:
We explained, "It could be difficult to find our house." = We explained that
it could be difficult to find our house.
She said, "I might bring a friend to the party." = She said that she might bring
a friend to the party.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Rewrite these sentences with a that-clause if possible. If it is not possible,
put an X. An example has been done for you.
0. I understood the findings to be preliminary.
 I understood that the findings were preliminary.

1. My French teacher encouraged me to spend time in France.

___________________________________________________________.

75
 2. They believed the mine to contain huge deposits of gold.
___________________________________________________________.
3. They wanted us to pay now.
___________________________________________________________.
4. Most people consider her to be the best tennis player in the world today.
___________________________________________________________.

2. Underline the correct verb(s) in each sentence.

1. She reassured/promised that she would pick me up at 5.00.
2. Sue reminded/warned me that it was Tim’s birthday in two days’ time.
3. My doctor advised/told that I should cut down on cakes and biscuits.
4. My neighbor informed/told me that there was a crack in the wall of my house.
5. Amy warned/told that I should be more careful.
6. The experience convinced/taught me that I needed to practise the violin more.
7. Bob convinced/advised that I should take a holiday.

3. Underline the more likely verb. If both are possible underline both.

1. Jim says that he goes/went to Majorca every Easter.

2. The president announced that the country is/was at war with its neighbor.
3. The researchers estimated that between five and ten people die/died each day
from food poisoning.
4. The article said that the quality of wine in the north of the country has
improved/had improved.
5. The study estimates that today’s average pedestrian walks/walked at 2.5 miles
per hour.
6. The company reports that demand for their loudspeaker is growing/was
growing rapidly.
7. The owners claim that gallery is/was still as popular as ever.
8. He reported to minister that an agreement with the unions has been reached/
had been reached.
4. Choose a pair of verbs to complete the reports of what was said. Make the
verb negative in the reporting clause or the reported clause, whichever is
more likely. An example has been done for you.
predict/would expect/lend believe/could
explain/be want/wait complain/could
0. “I bet Peter won’t be on time.”
 She predicted that Peter wouldn’t be on time.

76
 1. “You can’t jump across the river.”
 She ________that I ________ jump across the river.
2. “I can’t see the stage clearly.”
 She ________that she ________ the stage clearly.
3. “I’d rather she didn’t wait for me.”
 He said he ________me ________for him.
4. “It’s not possible to see Mr. Charles today.”
 He ________that it ________ possible to see Mr. Charles that day.
5. “Alan probably won’t lend us his car.
 They ________ Alan ________them his car.

5. Use one of the verbs below and a to-infinitive clause. You may need to use a
verb more than once. If necessary, add an appropriate object after the verb.
An example has been done for you.
ask demand invite remind threaten volunteer warn
0. “Would you like to come on a picnic with us?”
 He invited me/us to come on a picnic with them.
1. “If you don’t give me a pay rise, I’ll resign.”
 He________________________________________________________.
2. “Can I borrow your pencil?
 He________________________________________________________.
3. “I must know your decision soon.”
 He________________________________________________________.
4. “Don’t forget to go to the supermarket after work.”
 He________________________________________________________.
5. “Can you give me a lift to the station?”
He________________________________________________________.
6. “Stay away from me!”
He________________________________________________________.
7. “If you can’t find anyone else, I’ll drive you to the airport.”
 He________________________________________________________.

GRAMMAR IN USE
Speaking and writing
1. Prepare a list of questions you would like to know about your partner.

77
(e.g., his childhood, his memorable events, his achievement, his hobbies, his future
plans, his daily routine).

After you have finished asking the questions, find a new partner and report
what you have learnt about your first partner using reported speech. You can
use the following questions to help you.
1. When and when did you start your kindergarten?
2. What was your favourite toy when you were a child?
3. Who was your best friend in your childhood?
4. What was your favourite food and games?
5. What did you use to do when you were younger that you don't do anymore?
6. Now how long have you known your best friend? Can you give me a
description of him/her?
7. What kind of music do you like? Have you always listened to that kind of
music?
8. What is your favorite sport and how long have you been playing/doing it?
9. What are your plans for your next vacation?
10. Can you tell me what you do on a typical Saturday afternoon?
Example:
Nam: When and when did you start your kindergarten? What was your
favorite toy when you were a child?
Minh: I started kindergarten when I was two years old. My favorite toy at that
time was the doctor’s stuff box.
Nam: So surprising, my mother told me that I had also liked the doctor’s
stuff box very much when I was a toddler.
Nam to other classmate: Minh said he had started kindergarten when he
was two years old. We were both surprised
because we were interested in the same kind of toy.
2. Reporting back – famous interview
In this activity, students work in groups and create the interview then:

1. Decide on a famous person who they would like to interview.

1. Nominate ONE person in that group to be the famous person.
2. Famous people roles come up to the front and form a new group on a panel to
be interviewed by the class, who are journalists.
3. Journalists have some time to think of questions. During this time the famous
people can talk about what they are going to say.
78
 4. When the journalists are ready, the interview starts.
5. Once all the famous people have answered the questions, they get back to
seats.
6. Everybody writes a report with at least two things they remember from the
interview including examples of reported speech in the report.
7. Compare their reports in pairs and some pairs read out the reports to class.
3. Reported interview
Before class, search around the internet and select an interview you are
interested in (e.g., an interview of your favorite person/ role ideal or your
favourite topics).
Paste the interview into a word document.
Make a reported version of the interview you select (150 words).
In class, swap/share reports with peers in a group for comments and correction.
Choose the best report of your group and report it to the class.
4. Reported news
Read the news and write the direct form of the reported clause to show that
you understand the reported speech. Add more details if necessary.

Encroachers destroy forest in Phu Quoc Island

Almost 10,000 sq forest in Ganh Dau Commune in Phu Quoc Island District are
destroyed as a local resident wants to sell land. — Photo tienphong.vn
KIEN GIANG (VNS) — Forest rangers of Phu Quoc National Park forest
protection unit discovered that almost 10,000sq.m of forests were destroyed in Ganh
Dau Commune, Phu Quoc Island District.
Head of the forest rangers unit Tra Tho said encroachers used an excavator to
cut the trees.

79
 Nguyen Thi Cong, a local resident, reportedly said she had hired the excavator
to clear the trees because she thought the land belonged to her family.
She said she asked a relative to help her get the land-use right certificate over
the plot.
Forest rangers seized the excavator and fined Cong VND50 million (US$2,300).
Police are investigating the case to decide whether to prosecute the
encroachers or not.
Phu Quoc Island in the southern Kien Giang Province has 29,596ha of special-
use forests and more than seven 7,000 ha of protected forests. — VNS

80
CHAPTER 5: PHRASES
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to
 understand form and function of a phrase within a sentence

 recognize phrases in a sentence

 distinguish between different kinds of phrases

 differentiate a phrase and a clause

 construct sentences of solid structures and various forms

GETTING STARTED
Describe in detail the picture of a luxury aircraft cabin. Then read the text
below and answer the following questions.

Luxury Aircraft
A private jet offers luxury services
to travelers who can afford it. A variety
of comforts and special features are on
board. The well-designed interiors have
comfortable seats, work tables, and
Internet access. The wide aisles leave enough space to walk around. Some private
jet services include a chef. Gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners are prepared
in the galley of the aircraft.
Tired passengers can nap in their seats or they can sleep in one of the on-
board bedrooms. A relaxing shower in the spa will allow a passenger to arrive fresh
and ready to greet people. Such conveniences are the result of new technology and
creative thinking. In so many ways, luxury jets are like flying luxury hotels.

Source: "First Class Cabin Features." Emirates. 2014. Web. 27 July 2014. <emirates.com>.

1. What are the head nouns in each sentence? Circle all the words describing
the head nouns.
2. Underline all the phrases beginning with a preposition.
3. What do phrases starting with verb–ing and to–verb modify?
4. How many different kinds of phrases are there in the text?

81
 GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Definition of phrases
A phrase is a group of related words that does not include a subject and a finite
verb and hence not a complete clause or sentence.
A phrase acts as a single unit in meaning and in grammar. It functions as a part
of speech and includes a head (or headword), which determines the nature of the
unit.
Example: An unlucky student almost lost a 17th century violin worth almost
£200.000 when he left it in the waiting room of a London station.
Kinds of phrases according to their structures
1. Gerund phrase
1.1. Definition
A Gerund Phrase is a group of words which begins with a gerund. Gerund
phrases always function as a noun, so they will be subjects, subjective
complements and objects.
- Eating ice cream on a windy day can be a messy experience if you
have long, untamed hair.
- A more disastrous activity for long-haired people is blowing giant
bubble gum bubbles with the car windows down.
- My father enjoys singing to his beloved ones.
1.2. Form

- We don’t like smoking in schools and in

Gerund + Modifier
hospitals.

Gerund + Object - Playing tennis is her new hobby.

Gerund + Complement - She dreads getting old.

1.3. Function

- Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier

1. Subject of a Verb than what we're trying to do.
- Cramming for tests is not a good study strategy.

- Would you consider selling the property?

2. Object of a Verb
- John enjoys swimming in the lake after the dark.

82
3. Object of a - I have no objection to hearing your story again.
Preposition - Touch your toes without bending your knees!

4. Subjective - My cat’s favorite activity is sleeping on my bed.

Complement - My hobby is arranging flowers.

- His habit, smoking cigarettes, begins to annoy

5. Apposition
me.

2. Infinitive phrase
2.1. Definition
An Infinitive Phrase is a group of words which begins with an infinitive and
includes objects and/or modifiers. Infinitive phrases can function as nouns,
adjectives or adverbs.
- Lakesha hopes to finish college by the end of next semester.
- The best way to survive Dr. Peterson's boring history lectures is a
sharp pencil to stab in your thigh if you catch yourself drifting off.
- Kelvin went to the bank to open a deposit account.
2.2. Form

Infinitive + Modifier - I want to go home early.

- This book helps me to understand English
Infinitive + Object grammar.
- She lets her boyfriend borrow her computer.
Infinitive + Complement - You need to stay healthy.

2.3. Function

Subject - To save money now seems impossible.

1. As a
Object of Verb - I managed to put the fire out.
Noun
Complement - His goal is to win her heart.

2. As an - She went home to get her book.

Modifier
Adverb - I was eager to go for a walk with him.

3. As an - John always has plenty of money to

Modifier
Adjective spend on movies.

83
3. Participle phrase
3.1. Definition
A participle phrase is a group of words which begins with a present or past
participle and often includes objects, modifiers and/or complements.
Participle phrases always function as adjectives, adding description to the
sentence.
- Walking along the river bank, we heard a loud shot.
- Grabbing a sandwich from the tray, Tom hurried to the door.
- Feeling very pleased, the father gave his son a reward.
- The dog found in the street was homeless.
- Promoted to the rank of captain, he felt more responsible.
3.2. Form

- Smiling gracefully, she accepted his invitation.

- Driving at full speed, he tried to be in time for the
Participle + modifier conference.
(Adverb)(word, - Coming back where he was born, he was filled
phrase, clause) with sweet memories of his childhood.
- Born where his father had died, the boy was badly
brought up.

- Having shot the tiger, the man returned home.

Participle + Object
- A policeman was there, explaining the matter to
(word, phrase, the crowd.
clause) - Believing that Juliet was dead, Romeo decided to
kill himself.
Participle +
- Being ill, my brother could not come.
Complement

3.3. Function

- Lowering his black umbrella, the stranger

rang the doorbell.
- We went along the street covered with mud.
Modifier
- The stone steps, having been worn down
1. As an Adjective
of Noun by generations of students, need to be
replaced.
- The pond, frozen over since early
December, is now safe for ice-skating.

84
 Comple- - I found the fire burning brightly.
ment - I found the house burnt down.
- After preparing the dinner, Michelle will read
2. As an Adverb * a book.
(When preceded - By working ten-hour day for days, we can
by a Preposition: have a long weekend.
BY, UPON,
- Remember to turn off the lights before
BEFORE,
leaving the room.
AFTER)

Participle phrases can also be used to replace an adverb clause.

- As he feared that he did not have enough money to

1. Adverb Clause of support his family, he worked overtime.
Reason Fearing that he did not have enough money to
support his family, he worked overtime.

- Although I admitted (that) he was right, I did not like

2. Adverb Clause of his plans.
Contrast Admitting (that) he was right, I did not like his
plans.

- If you take morning exercise every day, you will be

3. Adverb Clause of in good health.
Condition Taking morning exercise every day, you will be in
good health.

- While I was walking along the street, I saw an

4. Adverb Clause of
accident.
Time
Walking along the street, I saw an accident.

4. Prepositional phrase
4.1. Definition
A prepositional phrase is a group of words beginning with a preposition
and ending with a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause. Prepositional phrases
function as adjectives, adverbs or sometimes nouns.
- Look at the girl with green eyes.
- The car turns without any signals.
- The park is by the riverside.
4.2. Form

85
 - My only recollection of it is sleeping in a wood
Preposition + Pronoun
for about 4 or 5 hours.

Preposition + Noun - He is a man of action.

- Instead of getting people up so early, she

Preposition + Gerund could stick around and have breakfast for an
hour or two.

Preposition + Wh. Phrase - It is just a question of how to organize it.

- It is just a question of how we organize it and

Preposition + Wh. Clause
what the numbers should be.

Preposition + Adverb - I have to wait till then.

4.3. Function

- Everybody questions the significance of

1. As an Modifier of
the result.
Adjective Noun
- Birds of the same feather flock together.
- They are ignorant of the causes of this
Modifier of
disease.
Adjective
- Aren’t you curious about them?
- She saw a butterfly through the window.
Modifier of
2. As an - The old man stumbled over the piece of
Verb
Adverb stone.
- Among young men, suits and ties are not
Modifier of a the fashion.
Sentence - To my surprise, the doctor phoned the next
morning.
Subject of - Before breakfast is when I do my best
Verb work.
Subjective
- Yesterday the sun was just as it is in India.
Complement
3. As a Noun
Objective
(occasion- - I brought her out of hospital.
Complement
ally)
Object of - Did you apply for anything in the final
Verb year?
Object of - The view from above the shore is
Preposition magnificent.
86
5. Noun phrase
5.1. Definition
A Noun Phrase is a group of related words that consists of a noun as its
head and its modifiers.
- My fiancé gave me a beautiful big diamond ring.
- The girl with a hat entered the building.
- He has announced his intention to retire.
5.2. Form

- This dish is prepared at the table by a waiter.

Modifier + Noun
(Proper, Descriptive, - Every student was charged three dollars for the
Numeral, Interrogative, second glass.
Possessive, Demonstrative, - He’s a clever student.
Indefinite Adjectives,
- What color do you like best?
Participle)
- Milo is a well-trained dog.

- She carries a basket full of fruit.

- I want to employ a secretary capable of
translating scientific papers.

Noun + Adjective Phrase - I’d like to speak to all the people involved.
- We live in a society exquisitely dependent on
science and technology, in which hardly anyone
knows anything about science and technology.
(Carl Sagan)

- The house on the corner is on sale.

Noun + Prepositional Phrase
- The reason for his absence is unknown.

- Do you know the man standing over there?

Noun + Participle Phrase
- The boy talking to Angela looks handsome.

- I need somewhere to sleep.

Noun + Infinitive phrase
- I’ve got no decent shoes to wear.

- We went to see the house that Jack built.

Noun + Adjective Clause
- The place where they met was still a secret.

- He’s still very fit, in spite of the fact that he’s over
Noun + Noun Clause eighty.
- She got the idea that people didn’t like her.

87
 5.3. Function

- The tall girl is pretty.

1. Subject of a verb
- Diligence is a virtue.

- I met a gentle girl.

2. Object of a verb
- My brother likes action movies.

- We talk about this lesson.

3. Object of a preposition
- He’s lived here for three years.

- He is an interesting teacher.
4. Subjective complement
- Sitting there, I felt a complete idiot.

- They elected him the monitor.

5. Objective complement
- They called Beethoven a musical genius.

6. Apposition - Nguyen Du, a famous poet, wrote “Kieu”.

7. Adjective equivalent - He is a second-year student.

8. Adverb equivalent - He works two hours.

6. Adjective phrase
6.1. Definition
An Adjective Phrase is a group of words that consists of an adjective as
the head word and its modifiers.
- Can you help me get everything ready for the news conference?
- I met a man one hundred years old.
6.2. Form

- The doctor is very professional.

Adverb + Adjective
- I am thoroughly confused.

Adjective + Prepositional - My sister is fond of animals.

Phrase - I’m afraid of upsetting her.

Adjective + Infinitive - I’m glad to meet you.

Phrase - Are you ready to go?

88
 6.3. Function

An adjective phrase functions as an adjective, so it describes a noun, a

pronoun or a noun equivalent. Within a sentence, it often has the following
positions.

1. MODIFIER

Before a Noun - He is wearing a nice red shirt.

2. COMPLEMENT

a. After To BE or Linking - I feel so tired after work.

Verbs - Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand.

In a series - He has a face thin and worn but eager and

linked by resolute.

Conjunctions - He is a writer both witty and wise.

b. After a In a phrase - He gave me a glass full of water.

Noun
As an
- His appearance makes me extremely
objective
frightened.
complement

Proper Noun - Alexandra the Great

+ THE + - William the Silent

Adjective - Ivan the Terrible

c. After an Indefinite Pronoun - I’ll tell you something very important.

7. Adverb phrase
7.1. Definition
An Adverb Phrase is a group of related words that consists of an adverb
as the head word and its modifiers. Adverb phrases functions as an adverb in
a sentence.
- He ran extremely fast to escape punishment.
- Surprisingly, I met my ex at the party.
7.2. Form
89
Adv + Adverb - He graduated very recently.
- She left quite suddenly.
- I wish you’d write clearly enough for us to read it.
Adverb + Adv - The air was warm, stirred only occasionally by a
breeze.
Adverb + Prepositional
- Unfortunately for him, his wife came home early.
Phrase
- The thief runs too quickly to be caught.
Adverb + Infinitive
- He works hard enough to send his children to
Phrase
school.

7.3. Function

1. Modify a Verb - Could you speak loudly enough for us to hear it?

2. Modify a whole - Surprisingly, the little boy was able to answer the
Sentence difficult question.

8. Verb phrase
8.1. Definition
A verb phrase is a group of related words that consists of a verb as the
head word and its modifiers.
- She has announced her wedding to everybody.
- Please sit down and take a rest.
- I have decided to talk to her.
8.2. Form

Verb + Adverb - He drives carefully.

Verb + Noun phrase - The boy eats two ice-creams.

Verb + Prepositional phrase - We walked across the field.

Verb + Infinitive phrase - I ran quickly to catch the morning train.

Verb + Gerund phrase - She remembers closing the door.

Verb + Clause - I hope that we can meet again.

8.3. Function

90
 - He was listening to the radio.
1. As a predicate
- The child has eaten all the pie.

- Running on the wet floor, she slipped and

2. As an Adjective broke her arm.
- I don’t know what food to eat.

- Finally, I have saved enough to buy a

house.
3. As an Adverb
- The students are eager to learn about
environment protection.

- Would you come wash the dishes?

4. As a Verb Complement
- I happen to know about her secret.

Kinds of phrases according to their functions

Phrases can have many different functions in a sentence. They are used as
subjects, objects, complements, modifiers, or adverbials.

1. Noun phrase
1.1. Definition
A Noun Phrase is a group of words used in the same way as a Noun to be
subject, object or complement in a sentence.
- Working diligently is a virtue.
- She wants to go to the zoo.
- Her part time work, sorting letters, is boring.
1.2. Form

Head Example

- The handsome English man is waving a flag.

- She carries a basket full of fruit.
- He expressed a hope that you would soon be well again.
A Noun
- She has no idea about the value of money.
- He was filled with ambition to become famous.
- They are living in a house painted with different colors.

A Gerund - Mastering the English language is not an easy thing.

91
 - What he likes is going to the concert.
- His bad habit is writing hastily and messily.
- Happiness is the state of being happy.

- To give him so much money would be to spoil him.

An Infinitive - I’d like to go earlier this week.
- As a poet, his aim was to search for the beauty of nature.
- There is often a lack of communication between the young
An Adjective
and the old.

2. Adjective phrase
2.1. Definition
An Adjective Phrase is a group of words used to describe a Noun, Pronoun
or noun equivalent in the same way as an Adjective.
- Vietnam is a rice-producing country.
- Vietnam is a country which produces rice.
- The tall man in grey suit is the chairman.
- The tall man wearing a grey suit is the chairman.
2.2. Form

Head Example

- He told me a very exciting story.

- He is afraid that he would lose.

- She told me her plan different from theirs.

- He shows himself a man responsible for his words.

An Adjective
- We were sorry not to see you at the meeting.

- They serve us coffee too cold to drink.

- We couldn’t find a place safe enough to shelter from the

storm.

- He was supported by a man wealthy enough to send him

through college.

92
 Head Example

- The boy with a dirty face has opened the door.

A Preposition
- He is a man of action.

- He has an ambition to become a great man.

An Infinitive - He expresses a desire to study abroad.

- This is only a book to read for fun.

- We found a knife stained with blood.

- The girl standing in the corner comes from my town.

- Somebody wearing army boots robbed the bank.

- Being captain of the team, Peter played to win.

A Participle
- Feeling so tired, he stopped playing.

- People shouting loudly on the streets want to get higher

salary.

- Bowing low, the clown displayed his bald head.

- Her father’s friend was sentenced to ten days’

A Noun
imprisonment.

3. Adverb phrase
3.1. Definition
An Adverb Phrase is a group of words used in the same way as an Adverb
to modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.

Example
- She said with great regret.
- I will never do that, not in a million years.
- We were very glad to meet you.
- She arrives early enough to get a good seat.
93
 3.2. Form

Head Example

- Peter is playing very well.

- He does it faster than anyone else can imagine.

An Adverb
- The bus drives quickly enough for me to arrive on time.

- He speaks English too quickly for us to understand.

- We were surprised at her remark.

A Preposition - On coming into the room, I saw my friends.

- He was surprised at what she said.

- I am pleased to hear about your news.

An Infinitive
- You should be careful not to break the vase.

- They played football last week.

Noun - Three years ago, Peter played football very well.

- But you have to wait a long time.

- Weather permitting, we will go on a picnic.

A Nominative
- Most of his students passing the exam, the teacher was
Absolute
glad.

4. Absolute phrase
4.1. Definition
An Absolute Phrase (a nominative absolute) is a group of words consisting
of a noun or a pronoun and its modifiers (which frequently, but not always,
include a participle). An absolute phrase modifies an independent clause as a
whole, so it may precede, follow, or interrupt the main clause.
- The summer holidays over, we came back to school.
- The man stood laughing, his weapons at his hips. (Stephen Crane)
- The dog, tail wagging, went straight up to the stranger.
- Their slender bodies sleek and black against the orange sky, the
storks circled high above us.

94
 4.2. Form

- Coach Nykesha strolled onto the court, her arms akimbo

and a large silver whistle clenched between her teeth.
- The new recruits stood in one corner of the gym, their
uniforms stiff and ill fitting, their faces betraying their
Noun/ Pronoun + anxiety.
Participle Phrase
- We decided to have our picnic, the weather being warm
and clear.
- Their slender bodies sleek and black against the
orange sky, the storks circled high above us.

Participle Phrase - Strictly speaking, you have no right to be here.

- They knew all too well how all their hard work could be
Prepositional Phrase
undone, in an instant.

- And then there was my best friend Sally, the dear girl,
Noun Phrase who has certainly fallen on hard times.
- John is painting a wall, his shirt dirty with paint.

Parallelism and dangling constructions

1. Parallel Structure:
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or
more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word,
phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of
coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or."
Consider the following correct and incorrect sentences.

NOT PARALLEL PARALLEL

Peter is rich, handsome, and many Peter is rich, handsome, and popular
people like him.

Mr. Henry is a lawyer, a politician, Mr. Henry is a lawyer, a politician, and

and he teaches. a teacher.

The soldiers approached the enemy The soldiers approached the enemy
camp slowly and silent. camp slowly and silently.

95
She likes to fish, swim, and surfing. She likes to fish, to swim, and to surf.

When teenagers finish high school, When teenagers finish high school, they
they have several choices: going to have several choices: going to college,
college, getting a job, or the army. getting a job, or joining the army

Enrique entered the room, sat down, Enrique entered the room, sat down,
and is opening his book. and opened his book.

Note
If the sentence indicates that the different clauses definitely happened or will
happen at different times, then this rule does not need to be followed.
Example:
- She is a junior, studies every day, and will graduate a semester early.

2. Dangling structures
A phrase is considered as a dangling one when it is placed in a wrong
position and modifies a wrong word.

Example
Situation
Wrong Right

Dangling - Driving through the - Driving through the

Participial mountain, several bears mountain, we saw several
Phrases were seen. bears.
- Riding my bicycles, a dog - Riding my bicycle, I was
chased me. chased by a dog.

Dangling - After putting a worm on my - After putting a worm on my

Gerund hook, the fish began to bite. hook, I found that the fish
Phrases began to bite.
- Before exploring the desert,
our water was refilled. - Before exploring the
desert, we refilled our
water supply.

Dangling - To examine the brakes, the - To examine the brakes,

Infinitive wheel must be removed. one must remove the
Phrases wheel.
- To write effectively, practice
is necessary. - To write effectively, one
must practice.
96
Dangling - A young girl sat quietly - A young girl in a red
Prepositional watching the gull flying back bathing suit sat quietly
Phrases and forth over a dune in a watching the gull flying
red bathing suit. back and forth over a
dune.

Dangling - When a baby, my father - When a baby, I was given

Elliptical gave me many toys. many toys by my father.
Clause
- While rowing on the lake, - While rowing on the lake,
our boat overturned. we overturned our boat.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Underline the noun phrase in the following sentences. Write their function in
the sentence. An example has been done for you.
0. Maria has prepared a big birthday cake for her grandma.
 Object of the verb prepare

1. I hope to win the first prize.

 _____________________________________________________________
2. I tried to solve the puzzle.
 _____________________________________________________________
3. Did you enjoy reading this book?
 _____________________________________________________________
4. The boy wants to go home.
 _____________________________________________________________
5. Horses prefer living in dark stables.
 _____________________________________________________________
6. The accused refused to answer the question.
 _____________________________________________________________
7. The boy denied stealing the money.
 _____________________________________________________________
8. To write such rubbish is disgraceful.
 _____________________________________________________________
9. I dislike having to punish my kids.
 _____________________________________________________________
10. I will hate to do such a thing.
 _____________________________________________________________

97
2. Underline the adjective phrase (according to structure) in the following
sentences. An example has been done for you.
0. The crowd was quite impatient.

1. The water was extremely cold.

2. They are completely exhausted from the trip.
3. I am too tired to go out tonight.
4. Is your coffee hot enough?
5. This coffee is too hot.
6. She's not experienced enough for this job.
7. The dress was too small for her.
8. She's not old enough to get married.
9. You're too young to have grandchildren!
10. The teacher was rather nice.

3. Underline the adjective phrase (according to function) in following sentence.

Circle the noun that it modifies. An example has been done for you.
0. Everybody knows his intention to go abroad.

1. The main character in the story is a young boy.

2. He is a visitor from another planet.
3. Part of the treasure map is missing.
4. The road along the coastline has the best views.
5. Several of the eggs are cracked.
6. The sign on the bench said "WET PAINT."
7. I'm reading a book about the Pony Express.
8. I would like a bike with ten speeds.
9. The gate to the playground is locked.
10. The notebook with the plaid cover is mine

4. In each of the following sentences replace the adjective in bold letters by an

adjective phrase of the same meaning. Write on the line given. An example
has been done for you.
0. There is a wooden table in the kitchen.
 There is a table made of wood in the kitchen.

1. The King wore a golden crown.

 _______________________________________________________________

98
 2. It is a white elephant.
 _______________________________________________________________
3. He lived in a stone house.
 _______________________________________________________________
4. There was an earthen pot on the table.
 ______________________________________________________________
5. She wore a diamond necklace.
 _______________________________________________________________
6. Much has been said about the Swiss scenery.
 _______________________________________________________________
7. The Spanish flag flew at the top of the mast.
 _______________________________________________________________
8. That was a brave act.
 ______________________________________________________________
9. It was a horrible night.
 _______________________________________________________________
10. Heroic deeds are worthy of admiration.
 _______________________________________________________________

5. Underline the adverb phrases in the following sentences. An example has

been done for you.
0. The kids were eager to have a pet.

1. She lives in a palatial home.

2. Is there water on the moon?
3. She ran into her room.
4. They chatted for a while.
5. She performed the task with great skill.
6. The desert stretched towards the north.
7. The gun went off with a loud noise.
8. The fishers went sailing over the sea.
9. He lay beside the heap of corn.
10. She whispered in his ear.

6. Underline all the Prepositional Phrases. Are they used as an Adjective or an

Adverb An example has been done for you.
0. They walked along the river bank. (adverb)

99
 1. The baseball catcher moved his hand inside his glove, and the pitcher saw the
signal easily.
2. Rain is frequent in Vancouver.
3. My friend John wore a hat with a button of the Earth saying "home."
4. The teacher lives in a brand new apartment.
5. The capital of Saskatchewan is Regina.
6. The loveliest area to live in Vancouver is near Stanley Park.
7. The height of a rhododendron can reach 15 metres!
8. The people in the park are walking.
9. The pine needles are falling from the tree.
10. They went to the Aquarium to see the sea otters.

7. Underline absolute phrase in each sentence. Do NOT underline any

participial phrase that is directly grammatically related to the rest of a
sentence. An example has been done for you.
0. Weather permitting, we’ll go the beach.
1. Her suspicions confirmed, the police officer made the arrest.
2. Backing out of the driveway, I hit the mailbox.
3. They will take the daytime train, the landscape inviting.
4. My doubts relieved, I gained confidence as the game progressed.
5. Peering through a microscope, the scientist identified several microbes.
6. His dogs panting with exertion, Hagos took a break from his run.
7. Its shutters hanging limply in the wind, the house looked abandoned and
forlorn.
8. The car rusted and worthless, I left it at the junkyard.
9. Wearing a red plaid outfit, Lydia looked like a character in a novel.
10. Everything planned in advance, the party went like clockwork

8. Write the letter that best describes kind of the capitalized group of words
according to its structure on the line. There may be more than one correct
letter.
a. Prepositional phrase e. Noun phrase
b. Participle phrase f. Adjective phrase
c. Gerund phrase g. Adverb phrase
d. Infinitive phrase h. Verb phrase
i. Appositive

100
 0. _a, g_ They are driving ON A LONG AND WINDING ROAD.

1. _____ We MET PAUL last week.

2. _____ Houses are UNBELIEVABLY EXPENSIVE now.
3. _____ A CAR THAT WON’T GO is not particularly useful.
4. _____ I enjoy eating IN INDIAN RESTAURANTS.
5. _____ Tell YOUR LOVELY SISTER not to worry.
6. _____ Steven's book, which made Oprah's Book Club this month, is not IN ANY
STORES.
7. _____ While PREPARING FOR THE SPEECH, Joe couldn't help but worry
about his entrance.
8. _____ Ahmad wants TO VISIT QUEBEC, but he will need to wait for his next
vacation.
9. _____ AFTER THE BANQUET, the cooks will take a well-deserved break.
10. _____ Joey is hoping for a change TO PLAY POOL with his uncle.
11. _____ The dog that Sam chose FROM THE LITTER seems to be healthy.
12. _____ Sam Smith, who recently spoke to the youth group, excels at
MOTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE.
13. _____ PUSHED BEYOND ENDURANCE, the runner dropped the baton.
14. _____ The shoes he saw in the catalogue are available DOWN THE STREET.
15. _____ The reporter CROUCHED BEHIND THAT TREE got the best picture of
the arrest.
16. _____ Samuel hid her present BEHIND THE DRESSER.
17. _____ The sun RISING GLORIOUSLY IN THE SKY inspired the visitors to the
ancient temple.
18. _____ The Rock, NICK'S FAVORITE WRESTLER, will certainly win tonight's
match.
19. _____ Clyde plans TO MEET HIS FAMILY on the other side of the mall.
20. _____ Does Rick plan on ATTENDING EVERY GAME that the Ducks play
next year?
21. _____ Did Bill go to the meeting WITHOUT HIS BRIEFCASE.
22. _____ DRIVEN BY HER NEED TO BE PERFECT, Gertrude always did well in
her classes.
23. _____ The student, BORED BY THE LECTURE, drew pictures in her
notebook.

101
 24. _____ His dog, A MINIATURE SCHNAUZER, chases away any birds or
squirrels that come into the yard.
25. _____ BEFORE THE RACE, the sprinter put a lucky penny in his sock.
26. _____ Both the Union and the Confederacy recruited Native Americans TO
HELP THEM DURING THE CIVIL WAR.
27. _____ All of the invitations SENT TO THE CLUB MEMBERS had the wrong
date on them.
28. _____ The shark CHASING A SCHOOL OF FISH looked like a hammerhead.
29. _____ The Mexican artist Diego Rivera enjoyed PAINTING PICTURES OF
CHILDREN.
30. _____ In the United States, citizens have the right TO SPEAK THEIR MINDS.
31. _____ Rachel talked her friends into WATCHING THAT MARIAH CAREY
VIDEO.
32. _____ Julio said that he prefers the bike WITH THE ALL TERRAIN TIRES
AND THE WIDER MORE COMFORTABLE SEAT.
33. _____ GOING TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY can really improve your grades.
34. _____ My brother learned TO DRIVE A CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST
SUMMER.
35. _____ Sometimes it can be fun LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN.

9. Circle the letter that best describes kind and function of the italicized group
of words in each sentence. An example has been done for you.
0. At each checkup, the doctor or nurse measures your baby's length.
A. An adverb phrase
B. An absolute phrase
C. An appositive phrase
D. A prepositional phrase modifying “measures”
1. Ashamed of his role in the escapade, Dr. Chuck avoided reporters for the next
six months.
A. A participial phrase modifying ‘Dr. Chuck’
B. An absolute phrase
C. An appositive phrase
D. That's a clause, not a phrase
2. Screeching her tires and blasting her horn, Esmeralda took off in a cloud of dust
and smoke.
A. An absolute phrase
102
 B. That's a clause, not a phrase
C. A participial phrase modifying Esmeralda
D. A participial phrase, but it modifies the whole sentence
3. Charlie spent the entire afternoon running after his daughters.
A. Participial phrase
B. Noun phrase
C. Gerund phrase
D. Prepositional phrase
4. After the movie was finished, we decided to go out to eat at an Italian
restaurant.
A. Prepositional phrase acting as an adverb
B. Noun phrase acting as the subject
C. Prepositional phrase acting as subject
D. This not a phrase; it's an adverbial clause
5. This meeting, far too boring for teenagers, should be ended as soon as
possible.
A. Not a phrase, but an elliptical clause
B. This is really an adverbial clause
C. A participial phrase modifying 'meeting'
D. A gerund phrase acting as the object of the sentence
6. Using the disguise of a matador, the tourist was able to sneak into the arena
without paying
A participial phrase modifying 'the tourist'
B. A gerund phrase acting as the subject
C. An absolute phrase
D. Not a phrase but a modifying, introductory clause
7. We never accepted the principle of living within our means.
A. Participial phrase modifying 'principle'
B. Gerund phrase acting as the object of the sentence
C. Gerund phrase acting as the object of the preposition 'of'
D. Absolute phrase
8. To raise the level of consciousness regarding sexual harassment, management
provided several workshops.
A. Absolute phrase.
B. Infinitive phrase modifying 'management'
103
 C. Infinitive phrase modifying 'provided'
D. Prepositional phrase acting as the subject
9. His major achievements collapsing around him, the executive officer retired.
A. Participial phrase modifying 'the executive officer'
B. Too long to be a phrase, this must be a clause
C. Gerund phrase acting as subject
D. Absolute phrase
10. The UConn basketball program, one of the most successful in the country,
continued to thrive in recent years.
A. Prepositional phrase modifying 'program'
B. Appositive phrase
C. Absolute phrase
D. This is not a phrase; it's an adjective clause

10. Write the letter that best describes the names and function of the
underlined phrase. An example has been done for you.

(i) Name according to its (ii) Name according (iii) Function

structure to its function
a. Infinitive phrase a. Noun phrase a. Subject of Verb
b. Present participial phrase b. Adjective phrase b. Object of Verb

c. Past participial phrase c. Adverb phrase c. Object of preposition

d. Gerund phrase d. Subjective

e. Prepositional phrase Complement

f. Noun phrase e. Objective complement

f. Appositive
g. Adjective phrase
g. Modifier of Noun
h. Adverb phrase
h. Modifier of Verb
i. Modifier of Adverb
j. Modifier of Adjective

0. The president will be arriving in a short time.

- Name according to structure: e
- Name according to function: c ................... Function: h
1. Steven's book, which made Oprah's Book Club this month, is not in any stores.
- Name according to structure: ___________

104
 - Name according to function: ___________ Function: ________________
2. While preparing for the speech, Joe couldn't help but worry about his entrance.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: ________________
3. Ahmad wants to visit Quebec, but he will need to wait for his next vacation.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: ________________
4. Hoping for a miracle, the doctors continued the surgery.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: ________________
5. Our boss supports donating time to charity.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: _________________
6. Melanie hoped to find a cure for the disease, but she tried to be realistic.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: _________________
7. After the banquet, the cooks will take a well-deserved break.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: _________________
8. Joey is hoping for a chance to play pool with his uncle.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: _________________
9. The dog that Sam chose from the litter seems to be healthy.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: _________________
10. Sam Smith, who recently spoke to the youth group, excels at motivating
young people.
- Name according to structure: ___________
- Name according to function: ___________ Function: _________________

11. Write P (parallel) or N (not parallel) on the line.

1. _____ I admire him for his intelligence, cheerful disposition, and he is honest.
2. _____ Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer and a politician.
3. _____ When Anna moved, she had to rent an apartment, make new friends,
and find a job.

105
 4. _____ Barb studies each problem carefully and works out a solution.
5. _____ Aluminum is plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
6. _____ Many visitors to Los Angeles enjoy visiting Disneyland and to tour
movie studios.
7. _____ Children are usually interested in but a little frightened by snakes.
8. _____ Either fainting can result from a lack of oxygen or a loss of blood.
9. _____ So far this term, the students in the writing class have learned how to
write thesis statements, organize their material, and summarizing
their conclusions.
10. _____ The boat sailed across the lake smoothly and quiet.
11. _____ When I looked more closely, I saw that it was not coffee but
chocolate on my necktie.
12. _____ Not only universities support medical research but also many
government agencies.
13. _____ Physics explains why water freezes and how the sun produces heat.
14. _____ All plants need light, a suitable climate, and an ample supply of water
and minerals from the soil.
15. _____ With their keen sight, fine hearing, and refined sense of smell,
wolves hunt day or night in quest of elk, deer, moose, or caribou.

12. Look for sentence parts that don’t match. Find and underline ten non-
parallel sentences. Write corrected sentences on the lines below the
passage.
SNORKELING
Last summer, Marta took a journey into a new world. She went snorkeling in a
cove on the California coast. At first Marta was hesitant, nervous, and felt
scared. Her friend Jen, who’d snorkeled many times, tried to calm her.
“Can you hold your breath, float, and are you able to swim?” she asked. “If so,
you can snorkel. First we’ll rent gear,” Jen explained. “It’s cheaper to rent
equipment than buying it.”
Marta strapped on a face mask, snapped in a snorkel, and was pulling on swim
fins. Walking in the fins was as hard as to dance a ballet in combat boots! Once
in the water, Marta kicked, splashed, and was gliding gracefully.

106
 Through her mask, Marta saw a world that was beautiful, ever-changing, and
fascinated her. She saw one fish that was round, yellow, and didn’t act afraid. A
big eel was ugly but a shy creature.
By day’s end, Marta had a new favorite sport. “Snorkeling is more fun than to
water-ski!” she exclaimed.

Corrected sentences:

1. _____________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________________________

7. _____________________________________________________________

8. _____________________________________________________________

9. _____________________________________________________________

10. ____________________________________________________________

13. Rewrite the sentences that contain a dangling phrase. An example has
been done for you.
0. Going upstairs, the keys have been found.
 Going upstairs he has found the keys.

1. To be sure of a good seat, your tickets should be bought in advance.

 _____________________________________________________________
2. At age of ten, my father took me up for my first airplane ride.
 ______________________________________________________________
3. While working for a jeweler, a watch disappeared, and Mike was accused of
taking it.
 ______________________________________________________________
4. Being in a hurry to get to the basket ball game, Harold completely forgot to
take his raincoat.
 ______________________________________________________________
5. Having spent all afternoon at the football game, my throat was sore.
107
 ______________________________________________________________
6. Before reaching Crown Point, Mount Hood could be seen towering in the
distance.
 ______________________________________________________________
7. Last June, after graduating from high school, my uncle gave me a job in his
factory.
 ______________________________________________________________
8. Running to my first-period class, my jacket caught on a nail and ripped.
 ______________________________________________________________
9. To play golf well, a combination of mental concentration and physical
relaxation is essential.
 ______________________________________________________________
10. If left alone with nothing to do, parents can’t expect children to keep out of
mischief.
 ______________________________________________________________
11. Being thoroughly dissatisfied with the picture, it was hidden in the closet.
 ______________________________________________________________
12. Seeing the advancing army, all valuables were hidden under the stairwell.
 ______________________________________________________________
13. Plunging into the water, the drowning child was rescued.
 ______________________________________________________________
14. Criticizing the defendant for his cruel behavior, the sentence was handed
down by the judge.
 ______________________________________________________________
15. After painting the car, it was given to the man’s wife by the man.
 ______________________________________________________________
16. Being an early riser, it was easy for Edna to adjust to her company’s new
summer schedule.
 ______________________________________________________________
17. After winning the tennis match, the victory made Nancy jump for joy.
 ______________________________________________________________
18. Having wandered through the mountain passes for days, an abandoned
shack where they could take shelter was discovered by the hikers.
 ______________________________________________________________

108
 19. Being very protective of its young, all those who approach the nest are
attacked by the mother eagle.
 ______________________________________________________________
20. Before playing ball, a two-minute period of silence was observed by the
baseball players for their recently deceased teammate.
 ______________________________________________________________

GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Writing/speaking: Describe the activities in one weekend of the boy in the
drawing below. Try to be as detailed as possible. Then share your
description with your partner.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

109
 _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Speaking: Discuss how to do the following things with a partner.

1. Prepare for your favorite food
2. Make a simple object
3. Make a lantern
4. (your choice)
Give a demonstration to the class.
3. Group discussion:
1. In a small group, discuss the motives of the following situations:
- loan someone money
- not telling a friend some bad news
- being friendly and obedient to a rich/high social status person
- working harder than anyone else at your job
2. Base on your discussion, give your opinion and reasons on the following topic:
Should we judge people’s action by what they do or why they do it?

110
CHAPTER 6: TRANSFORMATION OF
SENTENCES
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to
 rewrite sentences using different structures

 construct sentences of solid structures and various forms

 vary sentence style and structure to express yourself effectively

and appropriately

GETTING STARTED
Read the following introduction. What should be done to make it more
interesting? Rewrite the text without changing the message.

My name is Eliza. I was born in Copthorne. I am sixteen years old. I like

animals. I have a pet rabbit. I have a pet dog. I have two goldfish. I would like
a cat. My mum will not let me have a cat. She thinks cats are not loyal. Cats
can make me sick.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

1. Did you make any changes in the sentence purpose or sentence structure?
2. In what ways does your edition make the text better than its original?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Sentence transformation
Transformation of a sentence means changing the form of a sentence without
changing its meaning. The transformation can be done in a number of ways. Some
of the most common ways are listed below.
Some common ways to transform sentences
111
1. Interchange of Affirmative and Negative Sentences

Rule Affirmative Negative Example

Only Allah can help us.

1 Only (Person) None but
=> None but Allah can help us.
He likes only sweet.
2 Only (Things) Nothing but
=> He likes nothing but sweet.

Not more than He is only ten.

3 Only (Age)
/Not less than => He is not more than ten.

Not more than The man has only a shirt.

4 Only (Number )
/Not less than => The man has not more than a shirt.
Allah alone can save us.
5 Alone (Person) None but
=> None but Allah can save us.
You must obey your parents.
Can’t but /
=> You cannot but obey your parents. /
6 Must Can’t help +
verb + ing => You cannot help obeying your
parents.
We have to leave this beautiful world.
=> We cannot but leave this beautiful
world. /
Can’t but /
=> We cannot help leaving this
7 Have/has to Can’t help + beautiful world.
verb + ing
He has to run his family.
=> He cannot but run his family. /
=> He cannot help running his family.
I had to join the study tour.
Couldn’t but
=> I could not but join the study tour. /
8 Had to /Couldn’t help
+ verb + ing => I could not help joining the study
tour.

Can’t but / I need to go there.

9 Need to Can’t help + => I cannot but go there. /
verb + ing => I cannot help going there.
Couldn’t but I needed to go there.
10 Needed to /Couldn’t help
+ verb + ing => I could not but go there. /
112
 => I could not help going there.
I have many friends.
11 Many Not a few
=> I have not a few friends.
I have a few friends.
12 A few Not many
=> I have not many friends.
I have a little rice.
13 A little Not much
=> I have not much rice.
He has much money.
14 Much Not a little
=> He has not a little money.
As soon as the thief saw the police, he
No sooner had ran away.
15 As soon as
… than => No sooner had the thief seen the
police than he ran away.
Scarcely had the thief seen the police
Scarcely … No sooner had when he fled away.
16
when … than => No sooner had the thief seen the
police than he fled away.
Hardly had the bird seen the hunter
No sooner had when it flew away.
17 Hardly … when
… than => No sooner had the bird seen the
hunter than it flew away.
There is no + Every mother loves her child.
noun + but +
18 => There is no mother but loves her
verb / There is
Every + Noun child. /
no … who
does not + => There is no mother who does not
verb love her child.

Not less … My father is as wise as our Headmaster.

19 As … as than /No less => My father is not less wise than our
… than Headmaster.
My father is less wise than our
Headmaster.
20 Less … than Not as … as
=> My father is not as wise as our
Headmaster.

Not only … He is both a student and a player.

21 Both … and
but also => He is not only a student but also a

113
 player.
So … that + He is too weak to walk.
22 Too … to can not / could
not => He is so week that he cannot walk.

Do not always
/ Does not Abed sometimes comes to our house.
23 Sometimes always => Abed does not always come to our
Did not always house.
/ Not always
Never + Diba was always punctual.
24 Always adjective’s
antonym => Diba was never late.

For the last Never … He came here for the last time.
25
time again => He never came here again.

Never … He has given up smoking for good.

26 For good
again => He will never smoke again.
He has left the village forever.
Never …
27 For ever => He will never come to his village
again
again.

Affirmative The man is happy.

28 Not + antonym
word => The man is not unhappy.
Negative Health is wealth.
29 Universal truth Interrogative
=> Isn’t health wealth?

2. Change of Sentence Purpose

2.1. Interchange of Assertive and Interrogative Sentences

Rule Assertive Interrogative Example

He was very gentle.

1 Affirmative Negative
=> Wasn’t he very gentle?

He is not a good person.

Negative / => Is he a good person?
2 Affirmative with Affirmative
Their glory can never fade.
‘NEVER’
=> When can their glory fade?

114
 Who can + verb +
None can avoid death.
None, No one, No
…?
3 man, No person, => Who can avoid death? /
Can / Could
Nobody => Can anyone avoid death?
anybody + verb …?

Who does not / did

Everybody, Everyo Everybody wants to be happy.
not + verb + …?
4 ne, Everyman, all, => Who does not want to be
Who cannot / could
all men + verb happy?
not + verb + …?

Everybody, Everyo
All are equal in the eye of law.
ne, Everyman, All, Who is not / Who
5 => Who is not equal in the eye
All men + TO-BE was not + …?
of law?
verb

Is there any + noun Every mother loves her child.

6 Every + noun who does not + => Is there any mother who
verb …? does not love her child?

Abed never tells a lie.

=> Does Abed ever tell a lie?

7 Never Ever I never forget those happy dáy.

=> Shall I ever forget those

happy dáy?

Nothing can prevent me.

8 Nothing Anything
=> Can anything stop me?

There is no use of this

There is no use of What is the use of machine.

10
+ noun … + …? => What is the use of this
machine?

There is no (body) There is nobody wiser than

Who is + adjective
11 + adjective + than her.
+ than …?
… => Who is wiser than her?

115
 Life is nothing but a hell.
12 Nothing but What …but …?
=> What is life but a hell?

It does not matter if you fail in

What though / Does the exam.

13 It does not matter
it matter …? => What though if you fail in
the exam?

2.2. Interchange of Exclamatory and Assertive Sentences

Rule Exclamatory Assertive Example

Subject + verb + a +
VERY + adjective/
WHAT + a/ an +
adverb + ext. // What a nice story it is!
adjective/ adverb +
1 Subject + verb + =>It is a very nice story.
ext. + subject +
INDEED + a + => It is indeed a nice story.
verb!
adjective/ adverb +
ext.
WHAT + a/an + The + noun + ext. +
What a beautiful day!
2 adjective + noun + to-be + VERY +
=> The day is very beautiful.
ext.! adjective

HOW + adjective/ Subject + verb + How nice the scenery looks!

3 adverb + ext. + VERY + adjective/ => The scenery looks very
subject + verb! adverb + ext. nice.
How chivalrous of you to help
HOW + adjective + IT IS VERY +
her like that!
4 OF + subject + to- adjective + OF +
=> It is very chivalrous of you
V + ext.! subject + to-V + ext.!
to help her like that.

IT IS A MATTER OF Hurrah! We have won.

HURRAH! Subject
5 JOY that + subject + => It is a matter of joy that we
+ verb + ext.!
verb + ext. have won.

IT IS A MATTER OF Alas! I am undone.

ALAS! Subject +
6 SORROW that + => It is a matter of sorrow
verb + ext.
subject + verb + ext. that I am undone.

116
 If I had the wings of a bird!
IF + subject + verb Subject + WISH +
7 => I wish I had the wings of a
+ ext.! subject + verb + ext.
bird.
Subject + WISH +
WERE/HAD + Were I a child again!
8 subject + were/had
subject + ext.! => I wish I were a child again.
+ ext.
Would that we could shift
WOULD THAT + Subject + WISH +
there!
9 subject + could + subject + could +
=> We wish we could shift
verb + ext! verb + ext.
there.

2.3. Interchange of Assertive and Imperative Sentences

Rule Assertive Imperative Example

You + auxiliary You should do the sum.

1 Verb + ext.
verb + verb + ext. => Do the sum.

You +auxiliary
Do + not + verb + You do not waste your time.
2 verb + not + verb +
ext. => Do not waste your time.
ext.

You + should + Never + verb + You should never tell a lie.

3
never + verb + ext. ext. => Never tell a lie.

Let + me/ us/ him/

I/We/He/She/Noun She sings a song.
4 her/ them/ noun +
+ verb + ext. => Let her sing a song.
verb + ext.

I/we/he/she/they/ + Let me/ us/ him/

We do not do it.
5 auxiliary verb + not her/ them + not +
=> Let us not do it
+ verb + ext. verb + ext.

Noun + auxiliary
Let not + noun + John does not go there.
6 verb + not + verb +
verb + ext. => Let not John go there.
ext.

117
2.4. Change from an Imperative Sentence to an Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative form is a milder or more polite form of the imperative. However,
the addition of ‘or not’ adds a touch of threat to the command.
Study the following examples.
Imperative: Stop talking.
This sentence can be changed into an interrogative which is milder and hence
more polite.
Interrogative: Will you stop talking?
We can make it even more polite by adding ‘please’.
Will you, please, stop talking?
More examples:
Get away from the pool. => Will you get away from the pool or not?
Please, don’t disturb me. => Will you, please, stop disturbing me?
Stop staring her => Will you stop staring at her?
Shut the door. => Will you shut the door?
Change of structure
1. Simple to Compound
To transform a simple sentence into a compound one, enlarge a phrase or word in
the sentence into a coordinate clause.

Simple Sentence Compound Sentence

- We go to school every day. - We go to school every day, and

We play tennis on we play tennis on weekends.
weekends.
1. AND - He is a tourist and a
Both … - He is a tourist. He is a photographer.
and photographer. He is both a tourist and a
Not only … photographer.
but also He is a tourist as well as a
As well as - To his eternal disgrace, he photographer.
betrayed his country.
- He betrayed his country and
this was to his eternal disgrace.
- Mary lives in Turkey. Abdul - Mary lives in Turkey, but Abdul
lives in Kuwait. lives in Kuwait.
2. BUT
Still - The rain falls. We irrigate - The rain falls, yet we irrigate
Yet our fields. our fields.
However
- He failed. He tried again. - He failed; however, he tried
again.
118
 - The weather was cold. I - The weather was cold, so I
stayed indoors. stayed indoors.
3. SO
Therefore - The teacher punished the - The children were
children for disobedience. disobedience, so the teacher
punished them.

- Do you love me? Will you - Do you love me, or will you
leave me? leave me?
4. OR
Either … or - We must eat to live. - We must eat or we cannot live.
Neither …
- Failing prompt payment, the - You must either pay the bill at
nor
goods must be returned by once or return the goods.
you.

2. Compound to Simple
A compound sentence can also be transformed into a simple sentence by reducing
the number of clauses into one, and reducing clauses to participial, prepositional or
infinitive phrases.

Compound Sentence Simple Sentence

- He got up and he walked - Getting up, he walked away..

1. Participle away.
- Driven by rain, he took
Phrase - He was driven by rain and he shelter under a tree.
took shelter under a tree.

- He gave them not only a - Besides a house, he gave

2.
house but some land also. them some land also.
Prepositiona
l Phrase - He was ill, but he attends the - In spite of his illness, he
classes. attends the classes.

- He ran away and thus he - He ran away in order to

3. Infinitive escaped arrest. escape arrest.
Phrase - We must eat or we cannot - We must eat to live.
live.

4. Absolute - The sun rose and the sky - The sun having risen the
Phrase cleared. sky cleared.

119
3. Simple to Complex
A simple sentence can be transformed into a complex sentence by expanding a
word or phrase into a subordinate clause, which can be a noun clause, an
adjective clause or an adverb clause.

3.1. Using Adjective Clause

Simple Complex

- We found his torn shirt. - We found his shirt which was badly
torn.
- A studious boy is sure to pass the
exams. - The boy who is studious is sure to
pass the exam.

- Jones had never been on a train - Jones, who had never been on a train
before. He was too excited to sit still. before, was too excited to sit still.

3.2. Using Noun Clause

Simple Complex

- He admitted his theft. - He admitted that he had stolen the

watch.
- I hope to hear from you soon.
- I hope that I’ll hear from you soon.

- His advice did not prove successful. - What he advised did not prove
successful.
- Aunt Helen did not tell Dad that story.
The fact made me realize her great - The fact that Aunt Helen did not tell
kindness. Dad that story made me realize her
great kindness.

3.3. Using Adverbial Clause

Simple Complex

- You may go anywhere. - You may go wherever you like.

- Don’t decide to do it without my - Don’t decide to do it unless you have

permission. my permission.
120
 Simple Complex

- Larry was late. He stopped at the - Larry was late because he stopped at
drugstore to make a phone call. the drugstore to make a phone call.
Although Larry was late, he stopped
at the drugstore to make a phone call.

- I hired a car. I was on holiday. - I hired a car when I was on holiday.

4. Complex to Simple
A complex sentence can be converted into a simple sentence by reducing a
subordinate clause into a word or a phrase.
4.1. By reducing an Adjective Clause

Complex Simple

Adjective Clause Adjective Phrase

- The dog which is found in the street is - The dog found in the street was
homeless. homeless.

- The man who is entering the room saw - The man entering the room saw his
his friend. friend.

4.2. By reducing a Noun Clause

Complex Simple

Noun Clause Noun Phrase

- You may go wherever you like. - You may go anywhere.

- The malefactor confessed that he was

- The malefactor confessed his crime.
guilty.

- Youth is the time when character is - Youth is the time for the formation of
formed. character.

4.3. By reducing an Adverb Clause

121
 Complex Simple

Adverb clause of Time

 WHEN 
WHEN  WHILE  + V-ing
+S+V
WHILE Prep. 
 

- While I was walking along a street, I - (While/On) walking along a street, I

saw an accident. saw an accident.

- When/After I had finished my work, I - (When/After) having finished my

went home. work, I went home.

Clause Independent/Absolute phrase

- After the work have been done, we sat - The work having been done, we sat
down to rest. down to rest.

Adverb clause of Reason BECAUSE OF 

DUE TO 
OWING TO  + N/Gerund
BECAUSE  
AS +S+V AS A RESULT OF 
SINCE ON ACCOUNT OF 

- Because she behaves well, everybody - Because of her good behavior,

loves her. everybody love her.

- As he behaved badly, he must be - Because of his bad behavior, he

punished. must be punished.

Adverb clause of Reason

BECAUSE Participle Phrase

AS +S+V
SINCE

- Because my brother was ill, he couldn’t

- Being ill, my brother couldn’t come.
come.

- Because he had been invited by - Having been invited by someone

someone else, my friend could not else, my friend could not come to my
come to my party. party.

Adverb clause of Concession

122
 Complex Simple

ALTHOUGH  DESPITE 
THOUGH +S +V IN SPITE OF 
EVEN THOUGH   NOTWITHSTA NDING  + N/Gerund
   
(tuy, dù) 

- Although he was not guilty, they - In spite of his innocence, they

executed him. executed him.

- Though he was inexperienced, he got a - Despite his inexperience, he got a

good salary. good salary.

- Even though the team played well, - Despite the team’s good
they lost. performance, they lost.

Adverb clause of Concession

Present Participle Phrase
ALTHOUGH 
THOUGH +S +V V-ing + …
EVEN THOUGH 
 

- Although I admitted he was right, I do - Admitting he was right, I do not like

not like it. it.

Adverb clause of Result

SO  ADJ 
SUCH (A  ADJ)  N + (THAT) + S + V ADJ + ENOUGH + FOR S.O + TO INF.

- This question is so easy that we can

answer. - This question is easy enough for us
- It is such an easy question that we can to answer.

answer.

- It was such an interesting novel that I - The novel was interesting enough
read it many times. for me to read many times.

Adverb clause of Result

SO  ADJ 
SUCH (A  ADJ)  N + (THAT) + S + V negative TOO + ADJ + FOR S.O + TO INF.

- The box was so heavy that the child - The box was too heavy for the child
couldn’t carry it. to carry.

123
 Complex Simple

- It was such a heavy box that the child

couldn’t carry it.

- This raincoat is so small that she can’t - This raincoat is too small for her to
wear it. wear.

Change of voice (see Chapter 1)

1. Active to Passive
Example: The dog ate the bone.
 The bone was eaten by the dog.
Having done the work, they took a rest.
 The work having been done, they took a rest.
People say that Henry is in love with Claire.
 It is said that Henry is in love with Claire.
Claire had the man decorate her room
 Claire had her room decorated.
2. Passive to active
Example: The temple was built two centuries ago.
 The local people built the temple two centuries ago.
She was reported to be the first to win the gold medal.
 People reported that she was the first to win the gold medal.
Change of degree of comparison (see Chapter 2)
Example: I am not so old as my friend.
 My friend is older than I.
We’ve never bought such an expensive car.
 This car is more expensive than any other one we have ever bought.
 This is the most expensive car we’ve ever bought.
This is the highest mountain in the country.
 This mountain is higher than any other one in the country.
Change of Speech (see Chapter 4)
Example: Direct: He said, ‘Burglars broke into my house last night.’
Indirect: He said that burglars had broken into his house the previous
night.
124
 Direct: She said to me, ‘I was waiting for my sister.’
Indirect: She told me that she had been waiting for her sister.
Direct: She asked, "Do you want to come with me?"
Indirect: She asked me if I wanted to come with her.
Direct: I said to him, ‘Love and obey your parents.’
Indirect: I advised him to love and obey his parents.
OR I advised that he should love and obey his parents.
Some other structures
1. Transform to the expletive there is / there are
Example: A lamp is on the wall.
 There is a lamp on the wall.
Two children were at the park.
 There were two children at the park.

2. Transform to cleft sentences

Example: Peter broke the vase.
 It was Peter who broke the vase.
We consider Jack intelligent.
 It was Jack whom we consider intelligent.
He ate a pizza.
 What he ate was a pizza.

3. Use It is + Adjective + Infinitive phrase

Example: The secretary must finish his work this afternoon.
 It is important for the secretary to finish his work this afternoon.

4. Using expression As soon as or Scarcely (hardly) had …when … for sentences

beginning with no sooner
Example: No sooner had I reached the bus-stop than the bus left.
 As soon as I reached the bus-stop, the bus left.
 Scarcely (or hardly) had I reached the bus-stop when the bus left

5. Using so … that for sentences containing too … to

Example: The girl was too clever to be taught.

 The girl was so clever that she could not be taught.

125
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Combine the simple sentences to make compound ones. The first one has
been done for you as an example.
0. I bought a car. John bought a truck.
 I bought a car, but John bought a truck.
1. She studied for the exam. She didn’t pass it.
 ______________________________________________________________
2. We went to Canada. We didn’t visit Toronto.
 ______________________________________________________________
3. Irene works at the mall. Her brother visits her store every day.
 ______________________________________________________________
4. John is watching movie. Ann is eating popcorn. /119
 ______________________________________________________________
5. The plane didn’t leave on time. We arrived at our destination late.
 ______________________________________________________________
6. She forgot to set her alarm clock. She woke up late.
 ______________________________________________________________
7. The man was guilty. He went into hiding.
 ______________________________________________________________
8. A friend intervened. He was later released from jail.
 ______________________________________________________________
9. He was innocent. He never thought of running away.
 ______________________________________________________________
10. You must study hard. You will not pass the exam.
 ______________________________________________________________

2. Combine each pair of sentences into one new sentence using the word(s) in
parentheses.
00. The other passengers will get on the bus soon. Then we’ll leave. (as soon as)
 As soon as the other passengers get on the bus, we’ll leave.
0. I turned off the lights. After that, I left the room. (before)
 I turned off the lights before I left the room.
1. Susan sometimes feels nervous. Then she chews her nails. (whenever)
 _______________________________________________________________

126
 2. I saw the great pyramids of Egypt in the moonlight. I was speechless then. (the
first time)
 _____________________________________________________________
3. The frying pan caught on fire. I was making dinner at that time. (while)
 _______________________________________________________________
4. I’ll finish working on the car soon. Then we’ll all take a walk in the park. (as
soon as)
 _______________________________________________________________
5. Ceylon had been independent for 24 years. Then its name was changed to Sri
Lanka. (after)
 _______________________________________________________________
6. Shakespeare died in 1616. He had written more than 37 plays before then. (by
the time)
 _______________________________________________________________
7. Douglas fell off his bicycle last week. He has had to use crutches to walk.
(since)
 _______________________________________________________________
8. John went to the movies. He had a lot of work to do. (although)
 _______________________________________________________________
9. Mark didn’t get the job. He lacked the necessary qualifications. (because)
 _______________________________________________________________
10. I get home after work. I’ll give you a call. (when)
 _______________________________________________________________

3. Form compound or complex sentences (as indicated) from the following

groups of simple sentences.
0. Gingko trees are very pretty. Their fruit smells dreadful. (compound)
 Gingko trees are very pretty but their fruit smells dreadful.
Gingko trees are very pretty. Their fruit smells dreadful. (complex)
 Although gingko trees are very pretty, their fruit smells dreadful.

1. The boy closed the door. He walked away. (Compound)

 ______________________________________________________________
2. Richard works badly. He plays games well. (Compound)
 ______________________________________________________________

127
 3. The children had finished their lessons. They went home. (Complex)
_______________________________________________________________
4. We come to school on Friday. We have a holiday on Saturday. (Compound)
 ______________________________________________________________
5. Jack went up the hill. Jill went up the hill. They fetched a pail of water.
(Compound)
 ______________________________________________________________
6. Jack fell down. He broke his crown. Jill came tumbling after. (complex)
 ______________________________________________________________
7. We decided to remain at home. It was foggy. (compound)
 ______________________________________________________________
8. We decided to remain at home. It was foggy. (complex)
 ______________________________________________________________
9. You said something. I did not understand it. (complex)
 ______________________________________________________________
10. I was nervous all morning. I had to get a tooth extracted in the afternoon.
(complex)
 ______________________________________________________________

4. Rephrase the sentences using the words in brackets and a noun. An

example has been done for you.
0. They went out for a walk even though the weather was bad. (despite)
 They went out for a walk despite the bad weather.
1. All the trains were on time, even though the snow was heavy. (despite)
 ______________________________________________________________
2. Our coach didn’t arrive late, even though the traffic was terrible. (in spite of)
 ______________________________________________________________
3. A lot of people buy those houses, even though the prices are high. (despite)
 ______________________________________________________________
4. She managed to write, even though her hand was injured. (in spite of)
 ______________________________________________________________
5. He came and stayed, even though she objected. (despite)
 ______________________________________________________________
6. Although he’s old, he still leads an active life. (in spite of)
 ______________________________________________________________

128
5. Change the adverb clause to a modifying phrase. An example has been
done for you.
0. Since he opened his new business, Bob has been working 16 hours a day.
 Since opening his new business, Bob has been working 16 hours a day.
1. I shut off the lights before I left the room.
 ______________________________________________________________
2. While he was herding his goats in the mountains, an Ethiopian named Kaldi
discovered the coffee plant more than 1200 years ago.
 ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. Before they marched into battle, ancient Ethiopian soldiers ate a mixture of raw
coffee beans and fat for extra energy.
 ______________________________________________________________
4. After I had met the movie star in person, I understood why she was so popular.
 ______________________________________________________________
5. I found my keys after I searched through all my pockets.
 ______________________________________________________________
6. When it was first brought to Europe, the tomato was thought to be poisonous.
 ______________________________________________________________
7. Since it was first imported into Australia many years ago, the rabbit has
become a serious pest because it has no natural enemies there.
 ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
8. When it was first brought to Europe, the tomato was thought to be poisonous.


9. While we were walking along the street, we saw a squirrel.

 ______________________________________________________________
10. She carefully locked the door after she turned all the lights off.
 ______________________________________________________________

6. Rewrite the sentences in the active, beginning with the words given. An
example has been done for you.
0. The phone is being repaired now.
 They are repairing the phone now.

129
 1. A new motorway has been built.

 They __________________________________________________________
2. The information is kept on our computer.
 We ___________________________________________________________
3. A man was arrested late last night.
 The police _____________________________________________________
4. The medicine should be taken after meals.
 You __________________________________________________________
5. The hotel will have to be sold.
 We ___________________________________________________________
6. Mike doesn’t like being criticized.
 Mike doesn’t like people __________________________________________
7. When I returned to the town, my old school had been pulled down.
 When I returned to the town, they ___________________________________
8. As I was walking home, I thought I was being followed.
 As I was walking home, I thought someone ___________________________
9. We are thought to have moved to New York city.
 Many people ___________________________________________________
10. She is said to be the first woman winning that award.
 The representative _______________________________________________

7. Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first.
Write between TWO and FIVE words on the line, and use the word given. An
example has been done for you.
0. I haven't been to a concert for a long time. (since)
 It's a long time since I went to a concert.
1. You didn’t pass the exam because you didn’t study. (had)
 If _________________________________ you would have passed the exam.
2. I’m going to buy a new computer. (decided)
 I have _________________________________ a new computer.
3. There are a few apples in the fridge. (many)
 There _________________________________ apples in the fridge.
4. Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet. (by)
 Romeo and Juliet _________________________________ Shakespeare.

130
 5. Snowboarding is more dangerous than tennis. (as)
 Tennis is _________________________________ snowboarding.
6. Those shoes are too small for you. (big)
 Those shoes are _________________________________ for you.
7. He asked me when I would arrive. (you)
 “When ________________________________?" he asked.
8. “What kind of job are you looking for?” she asked me. (was)
 She asked me what kind of job _____________________________ looking for.
9. Joe had not expected the movie to be so good. (better)
 The movie _________________________________ had expected.
10. There are only a few concerts this month. (very)
 There __________________________________ concerts this month.
11. This room is too small for us to play music in. (enough)
 This room isn't ________________________________ for us to play music in.
12. I prefer playing the guitar to playing the piano. (like)
 I _________________________________ than playing the piano.
13. We could not take our instruments on the plane. (allow)
 We were ____________________________ take our instruments on the plane.
14. The neighbor complained the music at our party was too loud. (quietly)
 We ________________________________ because the neighbor complained.
15. It wasn't obligatory to go to work today. I thought it was! (need)
 I ________________________________ gone to work today.

8. Complete the sentence without changing the meaning of the original. An

example has been done for you.
0. I wouldn’t tell them anything if I were in your place.
 I wouldn’t tell them anything were I in your place.
or:
 Were I in your place I wouldn’t tell them anything.
1. If she should take him seriously, she would be forced to quarrel with him.
 Should ________________________________________________________
2. If he were to see you, he’d be surprised.
 Were _________________________________________________________
3. They have been so successful that they are moving to Bond Street.
 So successful ___________________________________________________
131
 4. Phillip was so irritated that I decided to leave him alone.
 So irritated _____________________________________________________
5. He felt so tired that he had to stop a taxi.
 So tired _______________________________________________________
6. His voice was so sad that she felt sorry for him.
 So sad ________________________________________________________
7. His behavior was such that everyone disliked him.
 Such __________________________________________________________
8. The shock was such that she dropped the milk-can.
 Such __________________________________________________________
9. Their diet was such that they weren’t getting the necessary vitamins.
 Such __________________________________________________________
10. She gave me a lift to the airport, so I didn’t miss the flight.
 If _____________________________________________________________

9. Convert each of the following complex sentences into simple sentences. An

example has been done for you.
0. He didn’t tell us where he lives.
 He didn’t tell us his address.
1. He sold the house that belonged to his father.
 ______________________________________________________________
2. I have no money that I can lend you.
 ______________________________________________________________
3. The marks that were left by the whip are still visible.
 ______________________________________________________________
4. He prospered by the money he inherited from his father.
 ______________________________________________________________
5. A man who is dead has no worries.
 ______________________________________________________________
6. After he had learned his lessons, he went out to play.
 ______________________________________________________________
7. While I was walking along the street, I saw a dead cobra.
 ______________________________________________________________
8. Although he was wealthy and educated, he never made a name.
_______________________________________________________________
132
 9. If you follow my advice, you will win your object.
_______________________________________________________________
10. As he was driven out of his country, he sought asylum in a foreign land.
 ______________________________________________________________
11. A gypsy who was wandering across the fields found the baby.
 ______________________________________________________________
12. Because they were blinded by a dust storm, they lost their way.
 ______________________________________________________________
13. After he was deceived by his friends, he lost all hope.
 ______________________________________________________________
14. As he was driven by hunger, he stole a piece of bread.
 ______________________________________________________________
15. Since she was overwhelmed with grief, the poor widow killed herself.
 ______________________________________________________________
16. He confessed that he was guilty of the crime.
 ______________________________________________________________
17. The steamer will leave as soon as the mails arrive.
 ______________________________________________________________
18. The homeless man found a pair of shoes that were worn.
 ______________________________________________________________
19. How long will she stay is doubtful.
 ______________________________________________________________
20. He agrees with what I suggested.
 ______________________________________________________________

10. Choose the letter of the best answer to make complete sentences. An
example has been done for you.

0. She read this letter and burst into tears.

- As soon as ________
A. she read this letter had did she burst into tears.
B. she burst into tears she read this letter.
C. she read this letter she burst into tears.
D. reading the letter she burst into tears.

133
1. The best place in which we can practice English is the staff-room.
- The best place ________
A. is the staff-room to practice English.
B. is the staff-room for practicing English.
C. for us to practice English is the staff-room.
D. for practicing English for us is the staff-room.
2. There are a lot of books in the library. I cannot count them.
- There are too ________
A. many books in the library for me to count.
B. books for me in the library to count.
C. many books for me I the library to count them.
D. many books in the library for me cannot count them.
3. ‘What does my mother get for food?’
- I want to know ________.
A. what my mother does get for food.
B. what my mother got for food.
C. what my mother gets for food.
D. my mother gets what for food.
4. The place where the readers can do research is the library.
- The place ________ is the library.
A. for doing research with the readers
B. in which for doing research of the readers
C. for the readers to do research
D. to the readers for doing research
5. The gym master told us about Le Huynh Duc. Every football fan admired his
records.
- The gym master told about Le Huynh Duc, ________
A. whose records every football fan admired.
B. whose every football fan admired his records.
C. whose records did every football fan admire.
D. whose records admired very football fan.
6. You are held in high esteem. Always have the courage to say to yours elf: ‘I am
ignorant.’
- No matter in what ________
A. you are held in high esteem, always have the courage to say to yourself: ‘I
134
 am ignorant.’
B. always have the courage to say to yourself ‘I am ignorant,’ you are held in
high esteem.
C. held in high esteem you are, always have the courage to say to yourself: ‘I
am ignorant’.
D. high esteem you are held, always have the courage to say to yourself: ‘I
am ignorant’.
7. I stayed at home because it rained this morning.
- I stayed at home ________
A. because of the morning rain.
B. because of the rain morning.
C. because of the rainy morning.
D. because of in the morning it rained.
8. The person whom you can meet at the airport is Mr. Brown.
- The person ________ at the airport is Mr. Brown.
A. to meeting for you
B. meeting you
C. for meeting to you
D. for you to meet
9. She sang so beautifully that everybody admired her.
- So beautifully ________ that everybody admired her.
A. sang she
B. did she sing
C. she sang
D. she did sing
10. This instrument is very small. You can put it in your pocket.
- This is ________ that you can put it in your pocket.
A. a such small instrument
B. such a small instrument
C. such small instrument
D. a small such instrument

135
11. Paraphrasing is rewording text so that the original meaning is there but it
is in a new form. Consider the example.
Original: Any trip to Italy should include a visit to Tuscany to sample their
exquisite wines.
Paraphrase: Be sure to include a Tuscan wine-tasting experience when
visiting Italy.

Paraphrase the following sentences.

1. Niagara Falls is viewed by thousands of tourists every year.

 ______________________________________________________________
2. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo.
 ______________________________________________________________
3. It was a spacious room with lit candles all over.
 ______________________________________________________________
4. In ancient times the olive branch was used as a peace symbol, as well as the
dove.
 ______________________________________________________________
5. The gray clouds were a warning of an approaching storm.
 ______________________________________________________________
6. He was saddened by the news.
 ______________________________________________________________
7. Pouring hydroxide peroxide on your wooden cutting board will kill salmonella
and other bacteria.
 ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
8. Ginger shuts down nerve receptors that trigger the vomiting reflex.
 ______________________________________________________________
9. She was a successful author and speaker.
 ______________________________________________________________
10. The still waters of the Caribbean were teal in color.
 ______________________________________________________________
11. The majority of consumers prefer imported cars.
 ______________________________________________________________

136
 12. The museum has a huge collection of African art.
 ______________________________________________________________
13. A scroll compressor looks like a screw and squeezes the refrigerant.
 ______________________________________________________________
14. To make jazz hands, simply put your hands out, open your fingers and shake
your hands.
 ______________________________________________________________

15. With electronic cigarettes, there will be no smoky smell on your clothes or
skin.
 ______________________________________________________________

GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Speaking: Interview your partner for personal information. Take notes and
then report the information you have just got to the class. Notice how your
sentence structures differ from your partner’s.

2. Writing: Write a paragraph describing your last holiday. Exchange it with

your partner. Then take turn to describe each other’s holiday again in a
paragraph. Try not to repeat your partner’s sentence forms. Compare your
paragraph with your partner’s.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

137
5. Writing: Select a paragraph from a book or a newspaper. Read it carefully to
get the meaning. Paraphrase it and then compare your paraphrase with your
partner’s.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

138
CHAPTER 7: TRANSFORMATION FROM
CLAUSES TO PHRASES
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 transform sentences by changing from clauses to
phrases and vice versa;

 use transformation ways to convey ideas diversely.

GETTING STARTED

1. Look at the pictures and guess what happened in the pictures as a story.

Source of picture: Get ready to write, Karen Blanchard and Christine Root, Longman

2. Read the two following narrative paragraphs describing the above pictures.
Answer the questions below.
139
PARAGRAPH A:

A man and a woman had a terrible first date because of his horrific memory. They
went to eat dinner at a luxurious French restaurant. The waiter took their orders, and
then they started to eat and talk gladly. Everything was so fine and fun. After that,
the waiter gave them the bill. The man checked his wallet and he noticed forgetting
his wallet. He didn’t have money to pay. He must wash the dishes. This made the
woman unhappy. To conclude, always check your pockets and make sure you have
money when you go on a date.

PARAGRAPH B:

A man and a woman had a terrible first date because the man had a horrific memory.
They went to eat dinner at an French restaurant which looked the most luxurious in
that area. The waiter took their orders, and then they started to eat and talk happily.
Everything was so fine and fun. After that the waiter gave them the bill. Checking his
wallet, the man noticed that he forgot his wallet. He had to pay by washing the
dishes. This made the woman who was unhappy. To conclude, always check your
pockets and make sure to have money when going on a date.

1. Do the two paragraphs have similar or different contents?

2. What have been changed? In what ways?
3. In what ways can the changes be grouped? What can they be named?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Paraphrasing
To paraphrase is to say the same thing in another way. One paraphrasing technique
is to change from a clause to a phrase. Below are the three main ways that you can
use to paraphrase

Changes from Adjective Clauses to Adjective Phrases

There are two main ways:
1. If the adjective clause contains the BE form of a verb, omit the pronoun and
the BE form. Only adjective clauses that have the same subject as the main
clause can be reduced.
Method 1: Omit subject pronouns and BE
Examples:
- The boy who is riding his bicycle is Michael.
 The boy riding his bicycle is Michael.
140
 -The man who is taking to John is from Korea.
The man taking to John is from Korea.
- The ideas which are presented in that book are good.
 The ideas presented in that book are good.
- Ann is the woman who is responsible for the error.
 Ann is the woman responsible for the error.
- The books that are on that shelf are mine.
 The books on that shelf are mine.

2. If there NO BE form of a verb in the adjective clause, it is sometimes possible to

omit the subject pronoun and change the verb to its –ING form.
Method 2: Omit subject pronouns and add V-ing
Examples:
- English has an alphabet that consists of 26 letters.
 English has an alphabet consisting of 26 letters.
- Anyone who wants to come with us is welcome.
Anyone wanting to come with us is welcome.
If the adjective clause requires commas, the adjective phrase also require commas .
Example:
- George Washington, who was the first president of The United States, was
wealthy colonist and the general in the army.
 George Washington, the first president of The United States, was wealthy
colonist and the general in the army.
Adjective phrases in which a noun follows another noun are called “appositives”.
Examples:
- Paris, the capital of France, is an exciting city.
- I read a book by Mark Twain, a famous American author.
Changes from Adverbial Clauses to Adverb Phrases
There are two possible categories as follows:

1. Adverb clauses are reduced in the same way as adjective clauses. Omit the
subject pronouns and the BE form of the verb
Method 1: Omit subject pronouns and BE
Example:
- While I was vacationing in Hawaii, I met an old friend.
 While vacationing in Hawaii, I met an old friend.

141
2. If there NO BE form of a verb in the adverb clause, omit the subject and change
the verb to its –ING form. Only adverb clauses having the same subject as the
main clause can be reduced to phrases. The subordinating conjunction
introducing the adverb clause may also be eliminated if the meaning of the
sentence is not changed.
Method 2: Omit subject + V-ing
Examples:
- While he drove home from work, John fell asleep.
 While driving home from work, John fell asleep.
John fell asleep driving home from work.
- After I signed the report, I gave it to the director.
 After signing the report, I gave it to the director.

3. Some types of Adverbial Clauses which can be reduced:

3.1. Adverbial Clauses of Time with BEFORE, AFTER, SINCE

1. Keep the subordinating conjunction
2. Remove the subject and the verb 'be'
3. Keep the noun or adjective OR Change the verb to the gerund form
Examples:
- Before he bought the house, he did a lot of research.

Before buying the house, he did a lot of research.

- After she had lunch, she went back to work.

 After having lunch, she went back to work.

- Since I moved to Rochester, I have gone to the Philharmonic a number of
times.

 Since moving to Rochester, I have gone to the Philharmonic a number of

times.
3.2. Adverbial Clause of Time with AS
1. Delete ‘as’
2. Remove the subject
3. Change the verb to the gerund form
Example:
142
 - As I was falling asleep, I thought about my friends in Italy.

 Falling asleep, I thought about my friends in Italy.

3.3. Adverbial Clauses of Time with AS SOON AS , WHEN

1. Delete ‘as soon as ’ / ‘when’ and replace with ‘upon’ or’on’
2. Remove the subject
3. Change the verb to the gerund form
Examples:
- As soon as she finished the report, she gave it to the boss.

 Upon finishing the report, she gave it to the boss.

- As soon as we woke up, we got our fishing poles and went to the lake.

 On waking up, we got our fishing poles and went to the lake.
- When we entered the theater, we handed the usher our tickets.

 Upon entering the theater, we handed the usher our tickets.

3.4. Adverbial Clause of Time with WHILE

1. Keep or delete ‘while’
2. Remove the subject
3. Change the verb to the gerund form
Example:
-While I was walking down the street, I ran into an old friend.

 While walking down the street, I ran into an old friend.

_____ Walking down the street, I ran into an old friend.
3.5. Adverbial Clauses of Causality with BECAUSE, SINCE, AS
METHOD 1
1. Remove the subordinating conjunction
2. Remove the subject
3. Change the verb to the gerund form
NOTE: When using the negative form of the verb, place 'not'
before the gerund when reducing.
143
Examples:
- Because he was late, he drove to work.

 ________Being late, he drove to work.

- Since she was tired, she slept in late.

______Being tired, she slept in late.

- I had not understand what he said, so I asked him to repeat the directions.

Not having understood what he said ,___ I asked him to repeat the
directions.
METHOD 2
1. Change subordinating conjunction into: because of, due to,
owing to, as a result of, on account of
2. Remove the subject and the verb
3. Change the verb to the participle form or noun phrase
Examples:
- Because she behaves well, everybody loves her.

 Because of her good behavior, everyone loves her

- As he has behaved badly, he must be punished.

Because of his bad behavior, he must be punished.

- Since I can’t read Italian, I’ve had to have the book translated into English.

 Because of my impossibility/ inabililty to read Italian, I’ve had to have the

book translated into English.
3.6. Adverbial Clauses of opposition with ALTHOUGH, WHILE
METHOD 1
1. Keep the subordinating conjunction
2. Remove the subject and the verb 'be'
3. Keep the noun or adjective
OR Change the verb to the gerund form

144
Examples:
- While he was a happy man, he had many serious problems. (adjective)

While happy, he had many serious problems.

- Though she was an excellent student, she failed to pass the test. (noun)

 Though an excellent student, she failed to pass the test.

- Although he had a car, he decided to walk. (gerund)

 Although having a car, he decided to walk.

METHOD 2
1. Change subordinating conjunction into: despite, in spite of
2. Remove the subject and the verb
3. Change the verb to the gerund form or noun phrase

Examples:
- Although he was not guilty, they excused him.

 In spite of his innocence, they excused him.

- Though he was inexperienced, he got a good salary.

 Despite his inexperience, he got a good salary.

- Even though the team played well, they lost.

 Despite the team’s good performance, they didn’t win.

Changes from Noun Clauses to Noun Phrases

There are two main ways:
1. We may reduce noun clause by deleting the clause marker (subordinator) and
change the verb phrase to infinitive.
Method 1: Reduce a noun clause to an infinitive phrase

1.1. Noun clauses with the meaning of ADVICE:

145
 - He advised me that I should review the lessons (noun clause)

 He advised me to review the lessons. (noun phrase)

- He told me that I should show him the passport. (noun clause)

 He told me to show him the passport.(noun phrase)

1.2. Noun Clauses with the meaning of REQUEST:
- He asked me if I would pick him up. (noun clause)

He asked me to pick him up.

- Please inform where we will have the meeting.

Please inform us where to have the meeting.

1.3. Noun Clauses with the meaning of OFFER:
- I'd like to know how I can help. (noun clause)

I'd like to know how to help. (noun phrase)

- He offered that he would clean the car for me. (noun clause)

He offered to help clean the car for me (noun phrase)

1.4. Noun Clauses with the meaning of POLITE QUESTIONS:
- I don't know what I should do. (noun clause)

I don't know what to do. (noun phrase)

- She wondered how she could learn English faster. (noun clause)

She wondered how to learn English faster. (noun phrase)

1.5. Noun Clauses with the meaning of REPORTED SPEECH:
- He doesn't know how he should solve his problem. (noun clause)

 He doesn't know how to solve his problem. (noun phrase)

- He is not sure whether he should study economics or marketing.

 He is not sure whether to study economics or marketing.

146
1.6. Noun Clauses with PASSIVE VOICE:
- Everybody knows that he is a liar. (Present Simple of Be)

 He is known to be a liar.
- They think that Murat has a lot of money.(Present Simple of an ordinary verb)

 Murat is thought to have a lot of money.

- We feel that Teddy was right yesterday. (Past Simple of Be)

Teddy is felt to have been right yesterday.

- People claim that James stole the money. (Past Simple of an ordinary verb)

James is claimed to have stolen the money.

- They report that The Prime Minister is going to Greece. (Present Continuous)

The Prime Minister is reported to be going to Greece.

- People know that he was struggling for his country. (Past Continuous)

 He was known to have been struggling for his country.

- We expect that economy will get better soon. (Simple Future)

 Economy is expected to get better soon.

2. We may reduce noun clause by deleting the clause marker (subordinator) and
change the verb phrase to gerund phrase.
Method 2: Reduce a noun clause to a gerund phrase
Examples:
- I suggested that we make the decision faster.

 I suggested making the decision faster.

- She acknowledged that she had taken the bribe.

 She acknowledged having taken the bribe.

- She admitted that she broke the glass.
147
  She admitted breaking the glass.
- My boss insists that we be early tomorrow.

My boss insists being early tomorrow

-The man denied that he stole the money.

The man denied stealing the money.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Change the adjective clauses in the following sentences to adjective
phrases. An example has been done for you.
0. I made friends with many people who are working in New York.
 I made friends with many people working in New York.

1. Do you know the woman who is coming toward us?

 _______________________________________________________________
2. The people who are waiting for the bus in the rain are getting wet.
 _______________________________________________________________
3. I come from a city that is located in the southern part of the country.
 _______________________________________________________________
4. The children who attend that school receive a good education.
 _______________________________________________________________
5. The scientists who are researching the causes of cancer are making progress.
 _______________________________________________________________
6. The fence which surrounds our house is made of wood.
_______________________________________________________________
7. They live in a house that was built in 1890.
 _______________________________________________________________
8. We have an apartment which overlooks the park.
 _______________________________________________________________
9. Dr. Stanton, who is the president of the university, will give a speech at the
commencement ceremonies.
 _______________________________________________________________
10. Be sure to follow the instructions that are given at the top of the page.
 _______________________________________________________________
148
11. The rules that allow public access to wilderness areas need to be
reconsidered.
 _______________________________________________________________
12. The photographs which were published in the newspaper were extraordinary.
 _______________________________________________________________
13. There is almost no end to the problems that face a head of state.
 _______________________________________________________________
14. The psychologists who study the nature of sleep have made important
discoveries.
 _______________________________________________________________
15. The experiment which was conducted at the University of Chicago was
successful.
 _______________________________________________________________
16. Kuala Lumpur, which is the capital city of Malaysia, is a major trade center in
Southeast Asia.
 _______________________________________________________________
17. Antarctica is covered by a huge ice cap that contains 70 percent of the earth’s
fresh water.
 _______________________________________________________________
18. When I went to Alex’s house to drop off some paperwork, I met Jerry, who is
his longtime partner.
 _______________________________________________________________
19. Our solar system is in a galaxy that is called the Milky Way.
 _______________________________________________________________
20. Two out of three people who are struck by lightning survive.
 _______________________________________________________________
21. Simon Bolivar, who was a great South American general, led the fight for
independence early in the 19th century.
 _______________________________________________________________
22. Many of the students who hope to enter the university will be disappointed
because only one-tenth of those who apply for admission will be accepted.
 _______________________________________________________________
23. There must exist in a modern community a sufficient number of people who
possess the technical skill that is required to maintain the numerous devices
upon which our physical comforts depend.
 _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
149
2. Change the adjective phrases to adjective clauses if possible. An example
has been done for you.
0. My sister studied in Asian Institute of Technology, one of the well-known
schools in Thailand.
 My sister studied in Asian Institute of Technology which is one of the well-
known schools in Thailand.
1. We visited Barcelona, a city in northern Spain.
 _______________________________________________________________
2. Corn was one of the agricultural products introduced to the European settlers
by the Indians. Some of the other products introduced by the Indians were
potatoes, peanuts, and tobacco.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. He read The Old Man and the Sea, a novel written by Ernest Hemingway.
 _______________________________________________________________
4. Mercury, the nearest planet to the sun, is also the smallest of the nine planets
orbiting the sun.
 _______________________________________________________________
5. The pyramids, the monumental tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, were
constructed more than 4,000 years ago.
 _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
6. The sloth, a slow-moving animal found in the tropical forests of Central and
South America, feeds entirely on leaves and fruit.
 _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
7.Two-thirds of those arrested for car theft are under twenty years of age.
 _______________________________________________________________
8. St Louis, Missouri, known as “ The Gateway to the West,” traces its history to
1763, when Pierre Laclede, a French fur trader, selected this site on the
Mississippi River as a fur-trading post.
 _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
9. Any student not wanting to go on the trip should inform the office.
 _______________________________________________________________

150
 10. I just purchased a volume of poems written by David Keller, a contemporary
poet known for his sensitive interpretations of human relationships.
 _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

3. Combine each group of short, choppy sentences into one sentence. Use the
underlined sentence as the independent clause; build your sentence around
the independent clause. Use adjective clauses and adjective phrases
wherever possible. An example has been done for you.
0. Chihuahua is divided into two regions. It is the largest Mexican state. One
region is mountainous area in the west. The other region is a desert basin in the
north and east.
 Chihuahua, the largest Mexican state, is divided into two regions, a
mountainous area in the west and a desert basin in the north and east.
1. Disney World covers a large area of land. It is an amusement park. It is located
in Orlando, Florida. The land includes lakes, golf courses, campsites, hotels,
and a wildlife preserve.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Jamaica is one of the world’s leading producers of bauxite. It is the third largest
island in the Caribbean Sea. Bauxite is an ore. Aluminum is made from this one.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. Robert Ballard made headlines in 1985. He is an oceanographer. In 1985 he
discovered the remains of the Titanic. The Titanic was the “unsinkable”
passenger ship. It has rested on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean since 1912. It
struck an iceberg in 1912.
_______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. William Shakespeare’s father was a glove maker and a town official. William
Shakespeare’s father was John Shakespeare. He owned a shop in Stratford-
upon-Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon is a town. It is about 75 miles (120 kilometers)
northwest of London.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

151
 5. The Republic of Yemen is an ancient land. It is located at the southwestern tip
of the Arabian Peninsula. This land has been host to many prosperous
civilizations. These civilizations include the Kingdom of Sheba and various Islamic
empires.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

4. Underline the subject of the adverb clause and the subject of the main
clause. Change the adverb clauses to modifying adverbial phrases if
possible. The two first sentences have been done as examples.
1. While Joe was driving to school yesterday, he had an accident.
 While driving to school yesterday, Joe had an accident.
2. While Joe was watching TV last night, the telephone rang. (no change)
3. Before I came to class, I had a cup of coffee.
_______________________________________________________________.
4. Before the student came to class, the teacher had already given a quiz.
 ______________________________________________________________.
5. Since I came here, I have learned a lot of English.
 ______________________________________________________________.
6. Since Bob opened his new business, he has been working 16 hours a day.
 ______________________________________________________________.
7. After Omar (had) finished breakfast, he left the house and went to his office.
 ______________________________________________________________.
8. Alex hurt his back while he was chopping wood.
 ______________________________________________________________.
9. You should always read a contract before you sign your name.
 ______________________________________________________________.
10. Before the waiter came to our table, I had already made up my mind to order
shrimp.
 _____________________________________________________________.
11. Before you ask the librarian for help, you should make every effort to find the
materials yourself.
 ______________________________________________________________.
12. While Jack was trying to sleep at night, a mosquito kept buzzing in his ear.
_______________________________________________________________.

152
13. While Susan was climbing the mountain, she lost her footing and fell onto a
ledge several feet below.
 ______________________________________________________________.
14. The Wilsons have experienced many changes in their lifestyles since they
adopted twins.
 ______________________________________________________________.
15. After I heard Mary describe how cold it gets in Minnesota in the winter, I
decided not to go there for my vacation in January.
 ______________________________________________________________.
16. After it spends some time in a cocoon, a caterpillar will emerge as a butterfly.
_______________________________________________________________.
17. When the movie started, it suddenly got very quiet inside the theater.
 ______________________________________________________________.
18. Because I was unprepared for the test, I didn’t do well.
 ______________________________________________________________.
19. Before I left on my trip, I checked to see what shots I would need.
 ______________________________________________________________.
20. Since Indians in the high Andes Mountains live in thin air, their hearts grow to
be a larger than average size.
 ______________________________________________________________.
21. Because I hadn’t understood the directions, I got lost.
 ______________________________________________________________.
22. My father reluctantly agreed to let me attend the game after he had talked it
over with my mother.
 ______________________________________________________________.
23. When I discovered I had lost my key to the apartment, I called the building
superintendent.
 ______________________________________________________________.
24. Jane’s family hasn’t received any news from her since she arrived in Australia
two weeks ago.
 ______________________________________________________________.
25. Because the forest area is so dry this summer, it is prohibited to light
campfires.
 ______________________________________________________________.

153
5. Combine the two sentences, making a modifying adverbial phrase out of the
first sentence if possible. An example has been done for you.
0. The children had nothing to do. They were bored.
 Having nothing to do, the children were bored.
1. I heard that Nadia was in the hospital. I called her family to find out what was
wrong.
 ______________________________________________________________.
2. We slowly approached the door to the hospital. The nurse stepped out to greet us.
 ______________________________________________________________.
3. I live a long distance from my work. I have to commute daily by train.
 ______________________________________________________________.
4. Heidi lives a long distance from her work. She has to commute daily by train.
 ______________________________________________________________.
5. Abdul lives a long distance from his work. His car is essential.
_______________________________________________________________.
6. I did not want to inconvenience my friend by asking her to drive me to the
airport. I decided to take a taxi.
 ______________________________________________________________.
7. I was sitting on a large rock at the edge of a mountain stream. I felt at peace
with the world.
 ______________________________________________________________.
8. I am a married man. I have many responsibilities.
 ______________________________________________________________.
9. The little boy was trying his best not to cry. He swallowed hard and began to
speak.
 ______________________________________________________________.
10. Anna kept one hand on the steering wheel. She opened a can of soda pop
with her free hand.
 ______________________________________________________________.

6. Underline the adverb clauses in the following. Change the adverb clauses to
adverb phrases if possible. Make any necessary changes in punctuation,
capitalization, or word order. An example has been done for you.
1. Alexander Graham Bell, a teacher of the deaf in Boston, invented the first
telephone. One day in 1875, while he was running a test on his latest attempt to
create a machine that could carry voices, he accidentally spilled acid on his coat.
154
Naturally, he called for his assistant, Thomas A. Watson heard words coming from
the machine, he immediately realized that their experiments had at last been
successful. He rushed excitedly into the other room to tell Bell that he had heard his
words over the machine.
After Bell had successfully tested the new apparatus again and again, he
confidently announced his invention to the world. For the most part, scientists
appreciated his accomplishment, but the general public did not understand the
revolutionary nature of Bell’s invention. Because they believed the telephone was a
toy with little practical application, most people paid little attention to Bell’s
announcement.
2. Wolves are much misunderstood animals. Because many people believe that
wolves eagerly kill human beings, they fear them. However, the truth is that wolves
avoid any contact with human beings. Wildlife biologists in the United States say
there is no documented case of wolves attacking humans in the lower 48 states.
More people are hurt and killed by buffaloes in Yellowstone Park than have ever
been hurt by wolves in North America.
Because they are strictly carnivorous, wolves hunt large animals such as elk
and deer, as well as their mainstay, small animals such as mice and rabbits. And
they are particularly fond of sheep. Killing rancher’s livestock has helped lead to
wolves’ bad reputation among people.
Because it was relentlessly poisoned, trapped and shot by ranchers and
hunters, the timber wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, was eradicated in the lower
48 states by the 1940s. Not one wolf remained. In the 1970s, after they realized a
mistake had been made, U.S. lawmakers passed laws to protect wolves.
Long ago, wolves could be found in almost all areas of the Northern
Hemisphere throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Today, after they have
been unremittingly destroyed for centuries, they are found in few places, principally
in sparsely populated areas of Alaska, Minnesota, Canada, and the northernmost
regions of Russia and China.

7. Rewrite the following sentences by changing noun clauses into noun

phrases. An example has been done for you.

0. I don’t know what I need to prepare before the exam.

 I don’t know what to prepare before the exam.

155
1. We must find out what we should do next.
 ______________________________________________________________.
2. Do you know what you should look for?
 ______________________________________________________________.
3. I will show you how you should manage it.
 ______________________________________________________________.
4. Please show him where he should put his things.
 ______________________________________________________________.
5. Please tell me how I can learn a foreign language.
 ______________________________________________________________.
6. It is not safe that people swim there.
 ______________________________________________________________.
7. He is happy that he is healthy again.
 ______________________________________________________________.
8. I am glad that I have been chosen president.
 ______________________________________________________________.
9. Everybody knows that he is a liar.
 ______________________________________________________________.
10. They think that Murat owns many houses.
 ______________________________________________________________.
11. We feel that John was right yesterday.
 ______________________________________________________________.
12. People claim that James stole the money.
 ______________________________________________________________.
13. They report that The President is traveling to New Zealand.
 ______________________________________________________________.
14. People know that they were struggling for their homeland.
 ______________________________________________________________.
15. We expect that he will recover soon.
 ______________________________________________________________.
16. They allege that books are stolen from the library.
 ______________________________________________________________.
17. They suspect that the man was murdered.
 ______________________________________________________________.
18. They believed she had done it on purpose.
156
  ______________________________________________________________.
19. I suggest that we wait a while before we make any firm decisions.
 ______________________________________________________________.
20. While he admitted that he had received the stolen jewelry, he denied taking
part in the robbery.
 ______________________________________________________________.
21. They admit that they have problems at school.
 ______________________________________________________________.
22. They recommend that you buy a less expensive car.
 ______________________________________________________________.
23. I suggested that John buys a less expensive car.
 ______________________________________________________________.
24. That the peace treaty was signed was important.
 ______________________________________________________________.

8. Choose the correct answer so that the two sentences has the same
meaning. An example has been done for you.
0. It is important for students to read instructions carefully before doing tests.
A. It is important which students read instructions carefully before doing tests.
B. It is important who students read instructions carefully before doing tests.
C. It is important that students read instructions carefully before doing tests.
D. It is important where students read instructions carefully before doing tests.
1. It is essential for her to change her job.
A. It is essential that she change her job.
B. It is essential what she change her job.
C. It is essential who she change her job.
D. It is essential which she change her job.
2. The principal of the school: “ Jane should study harder.”
A. He suggested that Jane studies harder.
B. He suggested that Jane study harder.
C. He suggested if Jane study harder.
D. He suggested whether Jane studies harder.
3. The Vice-Principal of the school: “The students must not forget their
homework.”
A. She insisted what the students not forget their homework.
157
 B. She insisted what the students don’t forget their homework.
C. She insisted that the students not forget their homework.
D. She insisted if the students don’t forget their homework.
4. I’m glad to have been selected.
A. I’m glad what I have been selected.
B. I’m glad who I have been selected.
C. I’m glad that I have been selected.
D. I’m glad which I have been selected.
5. We don’t know what to do.
A. We don’t know that we have to do.
B. We don’t know what we have to do.
C. We don’t know whether we have to do.
D. We don’t know which we have to do.
6. My mother told me where to get second hand books.
A. My mother told me what I could find second hand books.
B. My mother told me when I could find second hand books.
C. My mother told me where I could find second hand books.
D. My mother told me that I could find second hand books.
7. “Mr. Brown, please sign your name.”
A. I requested that he signs his name.
B. I requested that he sign his name.
C. I requested if he sign his name.
D. I requested what he signs his name.
8. He’s happy that he is here.
A. He’s happy to be here.
B. He’s happy he is here.
C. He’s happy that is here.
D. He’s happy that to be here.
9. Could you tell me how I can get to the station?
A. Could you tell me where I can get to the station?
B. Could you tell me how can get to the station?
C. Could you tell me that I can get to the station?
D. Could you tell me how to get to the station?
10. I can’t decide whether to change my plan or stick to it.
A. I can’t decide what I should change my plan or stick to it.
158
 B. I can’t decide that I should change my plan or stick to it.
C. I can’t decide whether I should change my plan or stick to it.
D. I can’t decide why I should change my plan or stick to it.

9. Match the sentence halves and complete the sentences below using a
present participle. Don't add any punctuation. An example has been done
for you.
1- c: Having to work late, some employees will be provided with taxis.
1. Some employees have to work late a. She moved to Australia
2. A doctor lived in this house before us b. She caught a shoplifter
3. Some doctors attended a conference on malaria c. They will be provided with taxis
4. A blonde woman is wearing a dark suit d. They urged governments to act
5. Several roads lead to the city centre e. They were all closed for the parade
6. A woman runs a local shop f. She is the new boss
6. A driver has been stopped by the police g. He is going out with my sister
7. A dog was hit by our neighbor’s car h. It is not seriously hurt
8. A young man is playing the guitar i. He was three times over the legal limit
9. A lorry overturned on the motorway j. He was nearly knocked down by a bus
10. A horse is being ridden by a jockey in blue k. It caused two lanes to be closed
11. An elderly man was crossing the street l. It is the odds-on favorite to win

2-___: __________________________________________________________.
3-___: __________________________________________________________.
4-___: __________________________________________________________.
5-___: __________________________________________________________.
6-___: __________________________________________________________.
7-___: __________________________________________________________.
8-___: __________________________________________________________.
9-___: __________________________________________________________.
10-__: __________________________________________________________.
11-__: __________________________________________________________.
12-__: __________________________________________________________.

10. Correct the errors in the following sentences. An example has been done
for you.
0. I was very tired, go to bed.
 I was very tired, so I went to bed OR I was very tired and went to bed.
159
1. One of the people which I admire most is my uncle.
2. Baseball is the only sport in which I am interested in it.
3. My favorite teacher, Mr. Chu, he was always willing to help me after class.
4. It is important to be polite to people who lives in the same building.
5. She lives in a hotel is restricted to senior citizens.
6. My sister has two children, who their names are Ali and Talal.
7. He comes from Venezuela that is a Spanish-speaking country.
8. There are some people in the governments who is trying to improve the lives of
poor people.
9. I have some good advice for anyone who he wants to learn a second
language.
10. My classroom is located on the second floor of Carver Hall that is a large
brick building in the center of the campus.
11. A myth is a story expresses traditional beliefs.
12. There is an old legend telling among people in my country about a man lived
in the seventeenth century saved a village from destruction.
13. An old man was fishing next to me on the pier was muttering to himself.
14. When I was a child, I was always afraid of the beggars whom they went from
house to house in my neighborhood.
15. At the national park, there is a path leads to a spectacular waterfall.
16. The road that we took it through the forest it was narrow and steep.
17. There are ten universities in Thailand, seven of them locate in Bangkok is the
capital city.
18. I would like to write about several problem which I have faced them since I
come to United States.
19. There is a small wooden screen separates the bed from the rest of the room.
20. At the airport, I was waiting for some relatives which I had never met them
before.
21. Because our leader could not attend the meeting, so it was canceled.
22. I and my wife likes to travel.
23. I always fasten my seat belt before to start the engine.
24. I don’t like our classrooms. Because it is hot and crowded. I hope we can
change to a different room.
25. The day was very warm and humid, for that I turned on the air conditioner.

160
 26. Upon I learned that my car couldn’t be repaired for three days, I am very
distressed.
27. Having missed the final examination because, the teacher gave me a failing
grade.
28. Both my sister and my brother is going to be at the family reunion.
29. I hope my son will remain in school until he will finish his degree.
30. My brother has succeeded in business because of he works hard.
31. Luis stood up, turned toward me, and speaking so softly that I couldn’t hear
what he said.
32. I was lost. I could not find my parents neither my brother.
33. Having studied Greek for several years, Sarah’s pronunciation was easy to
understand.
34. Because of Rosa’s computer skills were poor she was not considered for the
job.
35. Because Rosa’s computer skills were poor she was not considered for the
job.
36. What do I want is a better education.
37. What makes good manners is a thoughtful person.
38. Sometimes I don't know what do you believe.
39. What most people seem to think about fashion.
40. That what he said to me was really crazy.

GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Speaking: Work in pairs and take turn to add more information to complete
the sentences below.
1. After having finished my …
2. Before going to …
3. Since coming to …
4. Sitting in the park the other day …
5. Having heard a strange noise in the other room …
6. Being new on the job …
7. Being the largest city in the United States …
8. Upon reaching our destination …
9. Receiving no answer when he knocked on the door …
10. Exhausted by the long hours of work…

161
2. Writing: Give students a paragraph or a short essay copied from any
sources. Ask them to paraphrase by changing from clauses to phrases or
vice versa. Try this following paragraph as an example.

Hi! My name is Isti. I’m a student who is from West Java. I’m taking my
bachelor degree in the UI, which is located in Depok. I, who come from a small
town, feel very happy to study here. My major which is economics is the
favorite major. I like my lecturers, especially Mrs. Ramadhani who teaches
accountant. Although she is a senior lecturer, she is humble and modest. One
day, while I was walking hurriedly to the class, I bumped into her. However,
because she knew that I was in a hurry, she didn’t angry . Therefore, because I
like her, I want to be a lecturer just like Mrs. Ramadhani.

3. Writing: Choose one of the following topics and write on that topic. Try to
use as many clauses and phrases as possible

1. Write about three historical figures from your country. Give your reader
information about their lives and accomplishments.
2. Write about your favorite TV shows. What are they? What are they about? Why
do you enjoy them?
3. You are a tourist agent for your hometown/ country. Write a descriptive
brochure that would make your readers want to visit your hometown/ country.
4. What kind of people do you want to marry? What kind of person do you not
want to marry?

162
CHAPTER 8: MISCELLANEOUS
(PARAPHRASING FOCUS ON SYNONYMS & INVERSION)

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

 get familiar with paraphrasing using synonyms and different word
orders;
 paraphrase your own ideas using synonyms and different word
orders.
 master how to make sentences more emphatic by using negative
inversion and adverbial inversion.

I. PARAPHRASING USING SYNONYMS

GETTING STARTED
Read the following examples, underline the word(s) with close or similar
meanings to the bold word(s) in the first sentence and compare whether their
part of speech.
Example 1:
Student 1: I can't wait for winter vacation to be over. I miss school.
Student 2: Let me get this straight, you are looking forward to going back to
school?
Example 2:
a. Her life spanned years of incredible change for women.
b. She lived through an era of liberating reform for women.
Example 3:
a. Giraffes like Acacia leaves and hay and they can consume 75 pounds of
food a day.
b. A giraffe can eat up to 75 pounds of Acacia leaves and hay everyday.
Example 4:
a. Any trip to Italy should include a visit to Tuscany to sample their
exquisite wines.
b. Be sure to include a Tuscan wine-tasting experience when visiting Italy.

Look at the above sentences again. Answer the following questions:

1. Does the second sentence of each pair mean what the first sentence originally
means? Why?
2. What type of change is made in the second sentence?

163
GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Paraphrasing means to restate information you read or heard in your own words by
using different wordings or structures or orders so as to keep the original
meaning of what was written or said. In discussion, it is very common to restate
what you have heard or read. Sometimes paraphrasing helps to make sure you
understood what someone else said. You may want to rephrase what you have
already said, to help someone else understand what you mean. There may be times
when you paraphrase what someone else has said as a way to lead to your own
idea; that is, you paraphrase to connect your idea to someone else's idea.
 When paraphrasing, it is important to keep the original meaning and to
present it in a new form.
 There are several strategies used to paraphrase. Never use one single
strategy to paraphrase.
 Paraphrasing using different wordings includes:
1. Paraphrasing using vocabulary with similar meaning or synonyms
2. Paraphrasing using different parts of speech and word orders or
structures
1. Paraphrasing using synonyms/vocabulary with similar meaning
Synonyms are different words that have the same meaning.
Steps
- Come up with a word from your own vocabulary that comes as close to the
meaning of the original as possible
- Reread the original passage with the new word(s) in place. See if it makes
sense. If it changes in meaning, come up with a new synonym.
- Compare the dictionary definitions of the original word with your synonym. If the
definitions do not correspond, come up with a new substitution because it is
hardly for all synonyms to have exactly the same meaning. Synonyms are similar
but not always identical in meaning and usage.
Examples:
Original sentence: “It can be difficult to choose a suitable place to study English."
Paraphrased sentence 1: “It is often a challenge to pick up (x) a relevant (x) school
to learn English."
Paraphrased sentence 2: “It is sometimes hard to select an appropriate place to
learn English."

164
  Sentence 1 is unnatural because “pick up" does NOT have the same meaning
as "choose", and “relevant" and "suitable" are not close in meaning at all in this
case.
 Sentence 2 is a much better paraphrase of sentence 1 because all of the
words have the same meaning.

2. Paraphrasing using different parts of speech and different word

order
Changing the word order may lead to change in grammar of the sentence. By
changing the word order you may have to add a word, subtract a word or change
the form of the word.
Steps
- Use other part of speech of word(s) to paraphrase (e.g., changing adjective into
adverb, noun into verb).
- Check word order or sentence structure because these changes will then
involve changes in word order or sentence structure.
Examples:
1. There has been a dramatic rise in the production of films.
 The production of films has increased dramatically.
2. The purchases of tickets dropped significantly last month.
There was a significant drop in the purchase of tickets last month.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Choose from the table the synonym(s) of the underlined word.

Rewarding Current permitted Nimble benefit

Fragile Revitalize Notice Arrival progressive

Renowned Vigorous Unbearable Enticed Adapt

Dispense alluring Bothersome Empower ed Astounding

Inspire Examine Current Vague Tenacious

1. Advanced technology is changing the world.

2. Is there any advantage in arriving early?
3. With the advent of computers, many tasks have been made easier.
165
 4. Deer are very agile animals.
5. The extra money allowed us to stay abroad another day.
6. Working abroad is appealing to many people.
7. Only authorized employees are allowed in the laboratory.
8. The celebrated pianist will be giving a concert this weekend.
9. Contemporary architecture makes very good use of space.
10. Many publishers distribute their newspapers directly to homes in their area.
11. Even though the runner finished second, he was encouraged by his
performance.
12. Sam hasn’t been as energetic as he usually is.
13. The frail wings of the newborn bird could not lift it off the ground.
14. The idea of getting rich quickly tempted him to invest his life savings.
15. It’s worthwhile to prepare for the TOEFL.
16. Scientists must analyse problems thoroughly.
17. Mosquitos can be an annoying part of a vacation at the beach
18. He restored my confidence in him.
19. You must conform to the rules or leave the club.
20. The tutoring is an ongoing project of the school.
21. Human beings like to observe the behaviors of monkeys.
22. Any opposition to the rules is intolerable.
23. The men received an ambiguous message from the boss.
24. The scientists mad an astounding discovery.
25. She has a resilient personality and will soon feel better.

2. Use synonyms to replace the bold word in the following sentences:

1. John bought some new books.
2. A student was caught cheating at her post-graduate entrance exam using her
cell phone.
3. The “cheat sheets” are concealed in the palm of the hand.
4. There are discounts for those who order larger quantities.
5. Smoking causes lung cancer.
6. Money is the main incentive for people to work.
7. Before the advent of computer, memory referred to a part of the human
mind, now it is also refers to a part of the computer.
8. New technologies shave led to an increase in output per worker.

166
 9. Information and communication technology has produced profound
changes in business methods.
10. Violent crime is on the rise among teenagers.
11. My car needs petrol.
12. Global warming is mostly caused by emissions from internal combustion
engines.
13. Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest
that people over the age of sixty-five can continue to live full and active lives.
14. The property developers invested $20 million in the development of the
shopping centre.
15. Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects to adult life.

3. Paraphrase the following sentences as instruction:

A. Change a word from one part of speech to another
Medical professor John Swanson says that global changes are influencing the
spread of disease.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
B. Use synonyms
The US government declared that the AIDS crisis poses a national security
threat. The announcement followed an intelligence report that found high rates of
HIV infection could lead to widespread political destabilization.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
C. Change numbers and percentages to different forms
Minority groups in the United States have been hit hardest by the epidemic.
African Americans, who make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, accounted
for 46 percent of the AIDS cases diagnosed in 1998.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

167
4. Paraphrase the following sentences:
1. My car needs petrol.
2. Violent crime is on the rise among teenagers.
3. Global warming is mostly caused by emissions from internal combustion
engines.
4. As languages such as Spanish, Chinese and English become more widely
used, there is a fear that that many minority languages may die out.
5. Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects to adult life.
6. Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest that
people over the age of sixty-five can continue to live full and active lives.
7. The property developers invested $20 million in the development of the
shopping centre.
8. People say that global warming is caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

GRAMMAR IN USE
Writing & Speaking
In group, search the internet for pieces of information (around 150 words) about the
topic(s) you like. The following topics are suggestions.
1. Advantages of playing sports
2. Famous Tourist destinations
Paraphrase such information particularly by using synonyms and different word
orders
Show both the original text and your paraphrased version to other groups and
teacher
Discuss the paraphrased texts and give comments and suggest corrections if any

II. INVERSION
GETTING STARTED
Read the following sentences and discuss the following questions:

1. Never have I encountered such rudeness! (extract from a letter of complaint

about the service in a restaurant)
2. Not only is Amanda Swift a gifted musician, but she is also a good- natured
and responsible. (extract from a covering letter)

168
 3. No sooner had he locked the door than the phone started ringing.
4. Not only when the last person had left did she sit down and try to relax.
5. Under no circumstances can you inform the staff about the imminent
changes.
6. Not a sound could be heard in the church.
7. Had I known it would be so difficult I would never have enrolled.
Questions
1. What does each sentence mean? Does each sentence mean to emphasize
something?
2. What begins each sentence? Why?
3. What term is used to call the putting of verb before subject?

GRAMMAR KNOWLEDGE
Inversion means the putting of verb before subject. In very formal or written English
inversion is used when people want to emphasize to make the sentence sound
surprising or striking or unusual.

1. After negative adverbials:

Under no circumstance Under no circumstances can we accept credit cards.
In no way In no way can he be held responsible.
No way No way are we going to pay for the damages.
At no time At no time did she say she would come
On no account On no account should you do anything without asking
me first.
Nowhere Nowhere have I ever had such bad service.
Not once Not once did she take me to the party.
Not since Not since I was a child have I had such a great time.
Not until Not until I heard my name did I believe I had won the
race.
2. After “seldom, rarely, never, little”
Seldom Seldom have I seen such a beautiful view.
Seldom have we seen him in his office since he got the
job.
Rarely Rarely did he pay anyone a compliment.
Rarely have there been so many cases of corruption

169
 before.
Never Never had I felt so happy.
Never before have I met such a beautiful house.
Little (with negative Little did he imagine how dangerous it would be.
meaning) Little did we know about his family since he moved
here.

3. After time adverbials “hardly, scarcely, barely, scarcely…when, no

sooner…than”, when one thing happens after another
Hardly Hardly had I begun to speak when I was interrupted.
Scarcely Scarcely had we started our meal when the phone rang
Barely Barely had I opened the book to read when my
neighbor put on some music at full blast.
No sooner…than No sooner had I arrived than they all started to argue.

4. After adverbial expressions beginning with 'only' and 'not only':

Only after Only after the meeting did I realize the importance of
the subject.
Only when Only when the plane landed safely did he calm down
Only then Only then did I understand why the tragedy had
happened
Only later Only later did she really think about the situation.
Only now Only now am I able to understand what really
happened.
Only in this way Only in this way could John earn enough money to
survive.
Only by Only by working extremely hard could we afford to eat.
Only once Only once did I climb such a high hill.
Only if Only if we invest more money can we save the company
from the crisis.
Not only Not only was the car slow, it was also very
uncomfortable.
Not only…but also No only will you have a good result, but you will also be
the best.
5. After adverbial expressions of place or direction (quite formal or literary)
such as back, down, in off, up, round…:

170
 Examples:
- Round the corner came the postman.
- On the doorstep was a bunch of flowers.
- In his bag was all the money we had lost.
- Dave began to open the three parcels. Inside the first was a book of
crosswords from his aunt Alice.
- Above the fireplace was a picture of Duke.
- I lit the fuse and after a few seconds up went the rocket.
- In an armchair sat his mother. (Not: In an armchair sat she.)
6. Conditionals with inversions (formal):
Examples:
- Had I seen the thief, I would have called the police immediately.
- Had I known it would be so difficult, I would never have enrolled.
- Had I been there, this problem wouldn’t have been happened.
- Had we arrived sooner, we could have prevented the accident.
- Should you need more information, please telephone our main office.

7. After 'here' and 'there' as exclamatory sentences:

Here Here comes the winner!
Here comes grandma!
There There goes all our money!
There goes the train!
Notes: Correct: Here comes she. Incorrect: Here comes Jolie.

8. After 'here' and 'there' at the beginning of the sentence:

Here Here are your letters.
There There are many people waiting to be served.

9. After 'so + adjective...that'; “such + be …that”; “neither…./nor” to give

special emphasis on the adjective.
Examples:
- So beautiful was the girl that nobody could talk of anything else.
- So delicious was the food that we ate every last bite.
- So successful was her business that Marie was able to retire at the age
of 50.
- So dangerous did the weather become, that all the mountain roads
were closed.

171
10. In comparison with “as” and “than”
Examples:
- The cake was excellent, as was the coffee. (or ….as the coffee was.)
- I believed, as did my colleagues, that the plan would work. (or …as my
colleagues did…)
- Research shows that children in villages watch more TV than do their
counterparts in inner city areas. (or…than their counterparts do…)
11. In structure “Such + be..” to emphasize the extent /degree of something.
Examples:
- Such is the popularity of the play that the theatre is likely to be full every
night. (The play is so popular that the theatre is likely to be full every night.
12. After “neither”, “nor” and “so” when these words begin a clause:
Examples:
- The council never wanted the new supermarket to be built, nor did local
residents.
- For sometimes after the explosion Jack couldn’t rather hear, and neither
could he see.
- She is good at studying languages and so is her brother.
- Peter doesn’t like eating Mexican food and neither does his girlfriend.
Note: In the following expressions, the inversion comes in the second part of
the sentence:

Not until I saw John with my own eyes did I really believe he
Not until
was safe.

Not since Not since Lucy left college had she had such a wonderful time.

Only after I'd seen her flat did I understand why she wanted to
Only after
live there.

Only when Only when we'd all arrived home did I feel calm.

Only by Only by working extremely hard could we afford to eat.

Only if we invest more money can we save the company from

Only if
the crisis.

172
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
1. Write new sentences with a similar meaning beginning with one of these
adverbials. An example has been done for you.
Never before not not until only by on no account scarcely
Barely in no way little no sooner only after
0. The door could not be opened without using force.
 Only by (using) force could the door be opened.
1. This was the first time the race had been won by European athletics.
_______________________________________________________________.
2. The plan had only just taken off when smoke started to appear in the cabin.
_______________________________________________________________.
3. She made no sound as she crept upstairs.
_______________________________________________________________.
4. This window must not be unlocked without prior permission.
_______________________________________________________________.
5. He only thought about having a holiday abroad after he retired.
_______________________________________________________________.
6. The telephone started ringing just after he had left the office.
_______________________________________________________________.
7. She didn’t realize what would happen to her next.
_______________________________________________________________.
8. Judith started asking me questions as soon as I had stepped through the door.
_______________________________________________________________.
9. They didn’t get round to business until they had finished eating.
_______________________________________________________________.
10. The existence of extraterrestrial life is not confirmed by the report.
_______________________________________________________________.

2. Rewrite the following sentences using adverbial phrases of direction or

place at the front of the clause. Use inversion where possible. An example
has been done for you.
0. The people dived for cover as the bullets flew over their heads.
 Over their heads flew the bullets.
1. That night, just as John had predicted, a heavy snowfall came down.
______________________________________________________________.

173
 2. The two me were talking in front of the station.
______________________________________________________________.
3. A line of police officers was behind the protesters.
______________________________________________________________.
4. A small stream ran at the end of the street. There was an overgrown garden
across the stream.
______________________________________________________________.
5. She could hear the sound of the tractor and suddenly it came round the corner.
______________________________________________________________.
6. A white pillar as in front of them and a small, marble statue stood on top of it.
______________________________________________________________.
7. The teacher blew a whistle and the children ran off.
______________________________________________________________.

3. Write new sentences form these situations using as or than + be or do. An

example has been done for you.
0. She loved staying in the cottage. Her friends who visited her there loved it, too.
 She loved staying in the cottage, as did her friends who visited her there.
1. Compared to France, Germany has more company-cars on its roads.
Germany_______________________________________________________.
2. The European Union is in economic difficulty, together with the USA and
Japan.
 The European Union_____________________________________________.
3. Compared with ten years ago we know a lot more about the universe.
 We now know __________________________________________________.
4. My sister knows something about computers, but I know a lot more.
 I_____________________________________________________________.
5. After forty years the hotel is still there. The man who first ran it is there, too.
 After forty years_________________________________________________.

GRAMMAR IN USE
1. Complete these sentences in any appropriate way. An example has been
done for you.
0. Such was the power of the punch that his opponent fell to the canvas.
1. Such ______________________ that half the trees in the area were blown down.
174
2. Such ______________________ that shops all over the country have sold out.
3. So _______________________ , that no one believed them.
4. So ________________________, that he left he didn’t need to revise anymore.
5. So ________________________, that the United Nations sent food and water
supplies to the area.

2. Correct any mistakes you find in this newspaper item.

The people of Sawston were Later in the day, as the wind changed
evacuated yesterday as forest fires direction and it became clear that the fire
headed towards the town. Such the heat would leave Sawston untouched, were
was of the oncoming inferno that trees heard complaints from some residents. “At
more than 100 meters ahead began to no time the fires posed a real threat,” said
smoulder. Only once in recent years, one local man. “I didn’t want to leave my
during 1994, a town of this size has had home, and not most of my neighbors did.”
to be evacuated because of forest fires. But chief Fire Officer Jones replied, “Hadn’t
A fleet of coaches and lorries arrived in we taken this action, lives would have been
the town in the early morning. Into these put at risk. Only when the fires have moved
vehicles the sick and elderly climbed, well away from the town residents will be
before they headed off to safety across allowed to return to their homes.”
the river. Residents with cars were
ordered to leave by mid morning.

175
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 1:
1. Azar, B. S. (2003). Fundamentals of English Grammar, 3 rd edition, Pearson Education
2. Azar, B. S. (2002). Understanding and Using English Grammar, 3rd edition. New York:
Pearson Education
3. Beaumont, D. & Granger, C. (1992). The Heinemann ELT English Grammar. Oxford
4. Eastwood, J. (1999). Oxford Practice Grammar, 2 nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
5. Le, T. H. (1993). A practical English grammar for Vietnamese students, part 1. Nha xuat ban
Tre
6. Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A.V. (1989). A practical English grammar, 4 th edition. Nha xuat
ban tong hop Hau Giang
7. http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/bookhub/14?e=mccrimmon-ch16_s02:
8. http://www.e-grammar.org/passive-voice/test1-exercise1/
9. http://www.englishgrammar.org/change-active-voice/
10. http://www.englishlab.net/hp/quiz26_mixed_tenses_2_active_into_passive_1.htm
11. http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_passive1.html
12. http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_passive2.html
13. http://www.grammarbank.com/passive-causative-quiz.html
14. http://www.grammarbank.com/passive-causative-esl-quiz.html
15. http://www.grammarbank.com/passive-causative-test.html
16. http://www.grammarbank.com/esl-passive-voice.html
17. http://www.grammaring.com/ditransitive-verbs-in-the-passive-voice
18. http://www.madehow.com
19. http://www.onlinegrammar.com.au/active-and-passive-voice-2/
20. http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:3yV-
BPadhMwJ:campus.almagro.ort.edu.ar/ingles/descargar/articulos/338579/+&cd=9&hl=vi&ct=c
lnk

CHAPTER 2:
1. Azar, B. S. (2003). Fundamentals of English Grammar, 3 rd edition, Pearson Education
2. Le, T. H. (1993). A practical English grammar for Vietnamese students, part 1. Nha xuat ban
Tre
3. Eastwood, J. (1999). Oxford Practice Grammar, 2 nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
4. Beaumont, D. & Granger, C. (1992). The Heinemann ELT English Grammar. Oxford
5. Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A.V. (1989). A practical English grammar, 4 th edition. Nha xuat
ban tong hop Hau Giang
6. English Grammar by Charts
7. http://esl.about.com/od/common_mistakes/a/Double-Comparatives.htm
8. http://www.englishpractice.com/improve/correct-mistakes-exercise-3/
9. http://www.businessenglishresources.com/31-2/student-section/practice-exercises-
new/common-english-mistakes-error-correction/
10. http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/comparatives-and-superlatives-correct-or-
incorrect
11. http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/sites/teens/files/gs_comparative_and_superlatives_
-_exercises.pdf
12. http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/english/transformation-of-sentences-by-changing-degree-of-
comparison-of-adjective/41990/
13. http://diendan.giasualpha.com/showthread.php?1168-sentence-transformation-degrees-of-
comparison-&langid=1
14. http://www.icseenglishhelp.org/2008/11/transformation-of-sentences-degree-of.html
15. https://englishcomparative.wordpress.com/
16. http://www.teach-this.com/resources/grammar/comparatives-superlatives
176
 17. http://www.teach-this.com/images/resources/classroom-survey.pdf
18. http://www.academia.edu/9179705/5_Rules_of_Changing_Degree_Positive-Comparative-
Superlative_

CHAPTER 3:
1. Ha, V. B (1996). Nhung mau cau tieng Anh (Patterns of English). Nha Xuat Ban Thanh Pho
Ho Chi Minh.
2. Raimes, A. (2004). Grammar troublespots- A guide for student writer, 3rd edition. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press (From Ebook4U)
3. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Types-Of-Sentences-According-To-Structure-936714.html
4. https://www.classzone.com/books/lnetwork_gr07/page_build.cfm?id=quiz&ch=8
5. http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/multi/satzType.htm
6. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar/clause-phrase-and-
sentence/sentence-structure
7. http://www.gmstigers.com/apps/download/6lxVnL57BzKVEvoWTozGks5NhhQnvUNv2bynAZ
w9EgR3a7IT.doc/Compound%20_%20Complex%20Extra%20Practice.doc.
8. Image sources: http://nv-ad.24hstatic.com/imageupload/upload2015/2015-1/singer/2015-03-
04/1425460904_toc-tien-13_WVRK_ZXJU.jpg
9. http://images.clipartpanda.com/listen-to-music-clipart-nTX85keLc.gif
10. http://media6.tiin.vn/medias/4e8006c055939/2012/03/05/26ffa201-3faf-49ea-bd89-
2f6e910290e4.jpg
11. http://cdn.vectorstock.com/i/composite/83,78/child-reading-book-cartoon-vector-1578378.jpg
12. http://mshoa.hanoicdc.net/uploads/images/2015/01/27/14224159104818.jpg
13. http://www.arcticllama.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/comma-clipart.jpg
14. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm
15. http://www.englishgrammar.org/transformation-sentences/

CHAPTER 4:
1. Hewings, M. (2005). Advance Grammar In Use, 2rd edition. CUP.
2. Ha, V. B. (1996). Nhung Mau Cau Tieng Anh (Patterns of English), 2 nd edition. Ho Chi Minh
City Publishing House.
3. http://esl.about.com/od/grammarchants/a/l_repspeech.htm
4. http://www.grammaring.com/reporting-questions
5. http://www.onestopenglish.com/grammar/grammar-reference/verbs-and-tenses/reported-
speech-tips-and-activities/152843.article
6. http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/reported-speech.html

CHAPTER 5:
1. Beaumont, D. & Granger, C. (1992). The Heinemann ELT English Grammar. Oxford
2. Dykes, B. (2007). Grammar for everyone. Victoria: ACER Press. From EBook4U
3. Eastwood, J. (1999). Oxford Practice Grammar, 2 nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
4. Ha, V. B. (1996). Nhung mau cau tieng Anh (Patterns of English). Q1, TPHCM: NXB TPHCM
5. Jacobs, R. A. (2003). English syntax – A grammar for English language professionals. NXB
Da Nang
6. Le, T. H. (1993). A practical English grammar for Vietnamese students, part 1. Nha xuat ban
Tre
7. Leech, G. & Svartvik, J. (?). A communicative grammar of English. From ebook4u
8. Suter, J. (2005). Good grammar. Irvine, CA: Saddleback Educational Publishing (From
Ebook4U
9. Suter, J. (2005). Good grammar. Irvine, CA: Saddleback Educational Publishing (From
Ebook4U
10. Thewlis, S. (2000). Grammar Dimensions. Boston: Heinle & Heinle Publishers
11. Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A.V. (1989). A practical English grammar, 4th edition. Nha xuat
ban tong hop Hau Giang

177
 12. http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/gerundphrase.htm
13. http://dictionary.reference.com
14. http://www.englishpractice.com/grammar/adjective-phrases-exercise/
15. http://www.englishgrammar.org/noun-phrases-exercise
16. http://www.frontiernet.net/~tnklbnny/grammarshed/parallelans/par.ans1.html
17. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/phrase_quiz.htm
18. http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/nounphrase.html
19. http://www.grammaruntied.com/phrases/phrasepractice.html
20. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar/clause-phrase-and-sentence/noun-
phrase
21. http://www.linguisticsgirl.com/grammatical-functions-of-english-verbs-and-verb-phrases/
22. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource
23. http://www.phschool.com/atschool/writing_grammar_08/grade6/exercise_bank/chapter20/wag
6_act_20-1a.cfm
24. http://www.quia.com/quiz/413380.html?AP_rand=1216334376
25. http://www.studyandexam.com/types-of-phrase.html
26. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/internet-grammar/phrases/ex4.htm
27. www.123rf.com

CHAPTER 6:
1. *Anonymous (). English grammar by chart. Trung tâm nghiên cứu Dịch thuật TPHCM (U.10)
2. Folse, K.S., Muchmore-Vokoun, A., & Solomon, A.V. (2005). Great sentences for great
paragraphs – An Introduction to basic sentences and paragraphs. New York: Houghton Mifflin
Company (p. 82, 106, 119, 122)
3. Ha, V. B. (1996). Nhung mau cau tieng Anh (Patterns of English). Q1, TPHCM: NXB TPHCM
4. Le, T. H. (1993). A practical English grammar for Vietnamese students, part 1. Nha xuat ban
Tre
5. Phan, T.K.L., Van, T.N.T, Nguyen, T.T.N. (2009). Tai lieu on tap tieng Anh dau ra sau dai
hoc. DHKHXH&NV
6. Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A.V. (1989). A practical English grammar, 4 th edition. Nha xuat
ban tong hop Hau Giang
7. From http://changingminds.org/techniques/language/persuasive/short_sentences.htm
8. From http://www.english-for-students.com/Transformations-of-Sentence.html
9. From www.englishgrammar.org/sentence-conversion-exercise/
10. From http://www.englishgrammar.org/sentence-transformation-exercise-4/
11. From http://www.englishpractice.com/learning/change-simple-sentence-complex-compound-
sentence
12. From http://examples.yourdictionary.com/paraphrase-examples.html
13. From http://examples.yourdictionary.com/complex-sentence-examples.html
14. From https://freelance-writing-articles.knoji.com/the-different-classification-of-sentences/
15. From https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/grammar-and-vocabulary-
exams/sentence-transformation
16. From https://targetstudy.com/languages/english/transformation-of-sentence.html
17. From http://www.towson.edu/ows/sentpatttrans.htm
18. From http://www.tutorialpoint.org/EnglishGrammar/Transformation_page4.html

CHAPTER 7:
1. Azar, B. S. (2002). Understanding and Using English Grammar, 3rd edition. New York: Pearson
Education.
2. http://www.englishpractice.com/grammar/changing-noun-phrase-noun-clause/
3. http://www.eslprintables.com/printable.asp?id=431188#thetop
4. http://www.ingilizceders.biz/ing/noun_clauses/reduction_of_noun%20_clauses.htm
5.http://khoaanh.hcmup.edu.vn/projects/Grammar/grammar2_2008/1A07/Van.Khan h
Mong.Thu_Kiem.Diem_Ngoc.Linh/15.htm

178
 6. http://www.sponsoravillage.ca/english-2020/clauses-independent-and-dependent- clauses-
level-iii/reduce-clauses-to-phrases-level-iii/
7. http://thewindlike.blogspot.com/2012/10/reduced-noun-clause.html
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75rzNZc_FPA

CHAPTER 8:
1. Hewings, M. (2005). Advance Grammar In Use, 2rd edition. CUP.
2. Ha, V. B. (1996). Nhung Mau Cau Tieng Anh (Patterns of English), 2 nd edition. Ho Chi Minh
City Publishing House.
3. http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-paraphrasing.html
4. http://www.hawaii.edu/eli/student-resources/sa-lis3-paraphrasing.html
5. http://www.higherscore.ca/downloads/Higher%20Score%20Free%20Advice%202%20-
%20Paraphrasing.pdf
6. http://ieltsadvantage.com/2015/03/31/paraphrase-ielts/
7. http://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_cont/verbs/inversion.html
8. http://www.learnglish.net/archives/2264
9. http://www.usca.edu/asc/pdf/writing%20room/paraphrasing.pdf
10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGoIePml2w4
11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHdU2VGC4kE

179