2013 ENGLISH SPEAKING HELP BOOK
Anand sharma www.arshBook.com
Arsh book (ArshBook.com) is online education system in India
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1 Introduction
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INTRODUCTION This book is designed for all students of engineering and management. Many students have very good knowledge in technical field but can’t get a decent job due to poor English communication. Your knowledge is your product and you need very good packing to sell your best product. English is packing for your knowledge product. You can’t make very good money without good knowledge, although you have very good English communication. So product should be always best but packing have own importance and should never ignore it. This e-book contains Basic English grammar, speaking pattern and vocabulary building techniques. The purpose of this book is only development of English communication, not grammar.
Author Anand sharma
[email protected]
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2 Content List
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CONTENT LIST 1.
Introduction
3
2.
Content
5
3.
Basic English grammar
7
4.
Primary English words
74
5.
English speaking basic
125
6.
Most frequent words
175
7.
Root words (Latin and Greek )
181
8.
Word formation ( root + affixes )
183
9.
Idiom and phrase
196
10.
Sample dialogue
204
11.
GRE words
214
12.
Interview tips
241
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3 Basics of English Grammar
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Basics of English Grammar If you just started learning English, you first need to know some basic rules of the language. Developing a solid foundation in English grammar will not only help you create your own sentences correctly but will also make it easier to improve your communication skills in both spoken and written English. Study all the lessons below and incorporate your learning into your speaking and writing.
Singular and Plural Nouns A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, the first page of a grammar book tells you about nouns. Nouns give names of concrete or abstract things in our lives. As babies learn "mom," "dad," or "milk" as their first word, nouns should be the first topic when you study a foreign language. For the plural form of most nouns, add s.
bottle – bottles cup – cups pencil – pencils desk – desks sticker – stickers window – windows
For nouns that end in ch, x, s, or s sounds, add es.
box – boxes watch – watches moss – mosses bus – buses
For nouns ending in f or fe, change f to v and add es. www.arshbook.com
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wolf – wolves wife – wives leaf – leaves life – lives
Some nouns have different plural forms.
child – children woman – women man – men mouse – mice goose – geese
Nouns ending in vowels like y or o do not have definite rules.
baby – babies toy – toys kidney – kidneys potato – potatoes memo – memos stereo – stereos
A few nouns have the same singular and plural forms.
sheep – sheep deer – deer series – series species – species
[Quiz 1.1] Choose the correct form of the noun in each sentence. 1) I have three (child, children). 2) There are five (man, men) and one (woman, women). 3) (Baby, Babies) play with bottles as toys. 4) I put two big (potato, potatoes) in the lunch box. 5) A few men wear (watch, watches). www.arshbook.com
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6) I put a (memo, memos) on the desk. 7) I saw a (mouse, mice) running by. 8) There are few (bus, buses) on the road today. View Answers [1.1] 1) children 2) men, woman 3) Babies 4) potatoes 5) watches 6) memo 7) mouse 8) buses
Count Nouns vs. Non-Count Nouns Count nouns Can be counted as one or more.
pen, computer, bottle, spoon, desk, cup, television, chair, shoe, finger, flower, camera, stick, balloon, book, table, comb, etc.
Take an s to form the plural.
pens, computers, bottles, spoons, desks, cups, televisions, chairs, shoes, fingers, flowers, cameras, sticks, balloons, books, tables, combs, etc.
Work with expressions such as (a few, few, many, some, every, each, these, and the number of).
a few pens, a few computers, many bottles, some spoons, every desk, each cup, these televisions, the number of chairs, a few shoes, a few fingers, many flowers, some cameras, every stick, each balloon, these books, the number of tables, many combs, etc.
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Work with appropriate articles (a, an, or the).
a pen, the computer, a bottle, the spoon, a desk, the cup, a television, the chair, a shoe, the finger, a flower, the camera, a stick, the balloon, a book, the table, a comb, etc.
Do NOT work with much (for example, you would never say much pens or much computers). Non-count nouns Cannot be counted. They usually express a group or a type.
water, wood, ice, air, oxygen, English, Spanish, traffic, furniture, milk, wine, sugar, rice, meat, flour, soccer, sunshine, etc.
Generally cannot be pluralized. Work both with and without an article (a, an, or the), depending on the context of the sentence.
Sugar is sweet. The sunshine is beautiful. I drink milk. He eats rice. We watch soccer together. The wood is burning.
Work with expressions such as (some, any, enough, this, that, and much).
We ate some rice and milk. I hope to see some sunshine today. This meat is good. She does not speak much Spanish. Do you see any traffic on the road? That wine is very old.
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Do NOT work with expressions such as (these, those, every, each, either, or neither). [Quiz 2.1] Choose all of the non-count nouns in the following list: wine, student, pen, water, wind, milk, computer, furniture, cup, rice, box, watch, potato, wood View Answers [2.1] wine, water, wind, milk, furniture, rice, wood
Possessive Nouns Possessive nouns are used to indicate ownership. Possessive nouns usually are formed by adding an apostrophe (') and s.
John's book Kerry's car Grandma's mirror
When a noun is plural and ends in s, just add an apostrophe (').
The kids' toys My parents' house The teachers' lounge
If two people own one thing, add the apostrophe and s to the second person only.
John and Mary's new house David and Sue's wedding
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Tom and Doug's car
If two people own separate things, add the apostrophe and s for each person.
Susan's and Beth's books Jean's and Dan's pants Ben's and Jim's offices
[Quiz 3.1] Which of the following is not correct? 1) Dr. Hunts has a new computer. 2) Dr. Hunts's new computer is working well. 3) Dr. Hunts' computer is new. View Answers [3.1] 2
Pronouns A pronoun takes the place of a noun. Example story: Mary is one of the heads of the ToJi Corporation. Mary works with Mr. James and Mr. James' son Tom. Mr. James and Mr. James' son Tom are experts in biochemistry. Mary, Mr. James, and Tom researched and invented a drug for cancer treatment. If the story above is written using pronouns: Mary is one of the heads of the ToJi Corporation. She works with Mr. www.arshbook.com
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James and his son Tom. He and his son Tom are experts in biochemistry. They researched and invented a drug for cancer treatment. Personal Pronouns Personal pronouns refer to a person:
I go to school. You are a student. They are Koreans. He works here. We gave her food.
The word ‘it' refers to an object:
I drank it. It is big. They cut it into halves.
Memorize the personal pronouns: Singular Singular Singular Plural Plural Plural Subject Object Reflexive Subject Object Reflexive First
I
me
myself
Second
You
you
Third Male
He
us
ourselves
yourself you
you
yourselves
him
himself
they
them themselves
Third Female She
her
herself
they
them themselves
Third Neutral It
it
itself
they
them themselves
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we
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[Quiz 4.1] Write the correct pronoun in each blank. 1) I ate an apple. was delicious. 2) You look tired. should rest. 3) She is a teacher. I gave a book. 4) They are my friends. I like very much. 5) He saw the movie. was fun. View Answers [4.1] 1) it 2) you 3) her 4) them 5) it
'Be' Verbs A verb shows action or a state of being. I go home. Home is my place to rest. I like the smell of my house. I feel totally relaxed. Home refreshes me. At home, I get ready for a new day. "Be" verbs indicate a state of being. Verbs must match subjects.
I am a doctor.
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He is sleepy. We are here.
Negative sentences need ‘not' after the verb.
I am not a doctor. He is not sleepy. We are not there.
The verb comes first in interrogative sentences.
Am I a doctor? Is he sleepy? Are we there?
"Are not" (is not) can be shortened to "aren't" (isn't).
He isn't sleepy. We aren't there.
Remember the variations of "be" verbs: Present I am You are He is She is It was We are You are They were
Negative I am not You are not (aren't) He is not (isn't) She is not (isn't) It was not (wasn't) We are not (aren't) You are not (aren't) They were not (weren't)
Interrogative Am I? Are you? Is he? Is she? Was it? Are we? Are you? Were they?
[Quiz 5.1] Which of the following sentences are written correctly? www.arshbook.com
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1) I am thirsty. 2) You are kind. 3) He am not sad. 4) She are not tall. 5) It is not moving. 6) We aren't tired. 7) Is they running? 8) Are you ready? View Answers 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8
Action Verbs Action verbs express action and are the most common verbs. Action verbs need s at the end with third-person, singular subjects.
He eats bread. She walks to the station. It floats on the sea.
Negative sentences need do not, does not, or did not.
I do not eat bread. He does not eat bread. You did not walk to the station. It does not float on the sea.
Interrogative sentences begin with do, does, or did.
Do you eat bread? Does he eat bread? Does she walk to the station? Did they finish it?
Do not can be shortened to don't, does not to doesn't, and did not to didn't. www.arshbook.com
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I don't eat bread. She doesn't walk to the station. It doesn't float on the sea. They didn't finish it.
Remember the variations of action verbs: Affirmative Sentence
Negative Sentence
I do not (don't) sing a song. You sing a You do not (don't) song. sing a song. He (she) sings a He (she) does not song. (doesn't) sing a song. We do not (don't) We sing a song. sing a song. They sang a They did not (didn't) song. sing a song. I sing a song.
Interrogative Sentence Do I sing a song? Do you sing a song? Does he (she) sing a song? Do we sing a song? Did they sing a song?
[Quiz 6.1] Correct the verb errors in the sentences below. Some sentences may be correct as is. 1) I runs a marathon. 2) You look sleepy. 3) She do not dance. 4) Does you leave today? 5) We don't stay here. 6) It come with rice. View Answers www.arshbook.com
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[6.1] 1) runs -> run 3) do -> does 4) Does -> Do 6) come -> comes
Adjectives Adjectives describe or modify nouns. I like fairy tales. A fairy tale is an imaginary story that has unrealistic characters in a fantastic background. It makes me forget about the real world and refreshes my tired mind. Adjectives generally appear immediately before the noun.
A pretty girl Red flowers A long stick Heavy boxes Warm weather
Commonly, adjectives of opposite meaning are formed by adding a prefix such as un, in, or dis.
clear – unclear, important – unimportant, predictable – unpredictable, believable – unbelievable, common – uncommon, aware – unaware, ambiguous – unambiguous, conventional – unconventional, certain – uncertain definite – indefinite, correct – incorrect, comparable – incomparable, complete – incomplete, evitable – inevitable, expensive – inexpensive able – disable, assemble – disassemble, content – discontent, similar – dissimilar
When using a string of adjectives, they should appear in a set order: size/shape + age + color + origin + material. www.arshbook.com
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A big brown house A small old English desk A beautiful black Italian leather purse Delicious Chinese food
The + adjective describes a class or group of people and acts as a noun.
the old, the young, the poor, the rich, the oppressed, the homeless, etc. This popular TV show is loved by the old.
[Quiz 7.1] Write opposite adjectives using the appropriate prefix. 1) Clear – 2) Definite – 3) Correct – 4) Expensive – 5) Complete –
[Quiz 7.2] Underline all adjectives in the following sentences. In the spring, red roses blossom in my cute small garden. The beautiful birds also sing in the big oak tree. View Answers [7.1] 1) unclear 2) indefinite 3) incorrect 4) inexpensive 5) incomplete www.arshbook.com
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[7.2] red, cute, small, beautiful, big, oak
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives Comparative adjectives compare two things. Superlative adjectives compare more than two things Commonly, adjectives that contain only one syllable or end in 'y' use 'er' to form comparatives and 'est' to form superlatives. For adjectives ending in y, change the 'y' to 'i' before adding the 'er' or 'est'.
old – older – oldest young – younger – youngest pretty – prettier – prettiest long – longer – longest short – shorter – shortest bright – brighter – brightest close – closer – closest happy – happier - happiest
Adjectives with two or more syllables do not change but instead add more to form comparatives and most to form superlatives.
respectable – more respectable – most respectable beautiful – more beautiful – most beautiful preferable – more preferable – most preferable hardworking – more hardworking – most hardworking
Some adjectives have different forms of comparatives and superlatives.
good – better – best bad – worse – worst little – less – least much (many) – more – most far – further - furthest
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The word than typically appears in comparative sentences.
Amy is smarter than Betty. Chad is stronger than Dan. Greg is more diligent than his brother. I have more apples than he. She likes him more than me.
Superlatives are typically accompanied by the word the.
Tom is the oldest man in town. Paul is the tallest boy in the neighborhood. That shade of blue is the most beautiful color. This is the longest song that I have ever heard.
[Quiz 8.1] Write the appropriate comparative or superlative form of the word cold in each blank. Yesterday was a cold day. Today is Tomorrow will be the day yet.
than yesterday.
[Quiz 8.2] Which of the following sentences is incorrect? 1) Mary is shorter than Jane. 2) The moon is more closer to the earth than the sun. 3) I have the best score on the exam.
[Quiz 8.3] Fill in the blanks. 1) My friend has a pretty purse, but I have a www.arshbook.com
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2) The weather is yet to come! 3) Today's sunshine is beautiful than yesterday's. View Answers [8.1] colder, coldest [8.2] 2 [8.3] prettier, best, more
Adverbs Adverbs modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. An adverb tells more about a verb in the sentence.
The fire engine runs fast. Listen to his speech carefully. I browse the web frequently. It rained hard.
An adverb describes more about an adjective in the sentence.
The news is very surprising! The coffee is extremely hot, so be careful. Nature is really amazing!
An adverb modifies another adverb in the sentence.
It rains very hard. Computers run much faster these days. I clean my room less frequently because I am busy.
Commonly, adjectives can be changed to adverbs by adding 'ly'.
slow – slowly
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quick – quickly comfortable – comfortably loud – loudly clear – clearly
To change adjectives ending in 'y' into adverbs, change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'ly'.
happy – happily easy – easily
[Quiz 9.1] Choose the correct word form in the following sentences. 1) I spoke to you (careful, carefully) last time. 2) We talked about it (clear, clearly). 3) I sat on the (comfortable, comfortably) sofa. 4) My dog runs very (fast, faster). 5) Let’s install the new program (quick, quickly). View Answers [9.1] 1) carefully 2) clearly 3) comfortable 4) fast 5) quickly
Simple Tense Verb tense tells you when the action happens. There are three main verb tenses: present, past, and future. Each main tense is divided into simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive tenses. Simple Progressive www.arshbook.com
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am/is/are finishing was/were Past finished finishing will will be Future finish finishing Present finish
Progressive have/has have/has been finished finishing had had been finished finishing will have will have been finished finishing
Things to remember about simple tense: a. Present tense is the original verb form. b. Past tense has a few patterns. c. Future tense needs will (shall) + verb. run
I run a marathon this year. (present) I ran a marathon last year. (past) I will run a marathon next year. (future)
eat
I eat lunch now. I ate lunch an hour ago. I will eat lunch in one hour.
see
I see a movie once a week. I saw a movie yesterday. I will see a movie tomorrow.
know
I know it. I knew it the day before yesterday. I will know it by tomorrow.
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learn
I learn English. I learned English the last two years. I will learn English next year.
cook
I cook my supper every night. I cooked our dinner already. I will cook breakfast tomorrow.
[Quiz 10.1] Fill in the blanks with appropriate verb forms. 1) I 2) He 3) I
a song at the concert yesterday. a letter to his girlfriend tomorrow. to the library to borrow some books this weekend.
View Answers [10.1] 1) sang 2) will write 3) will go
Progressive and Perfect Tense Progressive Tense The progressive tense involves action that is, was, or will be in progress at a certain time. In the progressive tense, verbs are formed with a "be" verb + ing. run
I am running a marathon right now. (present progressive)
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I was running a marathon at this time last year. (past progressive) I will be running a marathon next Sunday. (future progressive)
eat
I am eating lunch now. I was eating lunch when you saw me. I will be eating lunch in the meeting.
learn
I am learning English at my desk. I was learning English the last two years. I will be learning English then.
cook
I am cooking my supper now. I was cooking our dinner when you called me. I will be cooking breakfast by the time you come home.
Perfect Tense The present perfect tense describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present time. Use has/have + the past participle form of the verb. The past perfect tense describes an action that started and ended in the past. Use had + the past participle form of the verb. The future perfect tense describes future actions that will occur before some other action. Use will have + the past participle form of the verb. run www.arshbook.com
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I have run several marathons this year. (present perfect) I had run many marathons in the past. (past perfect) I will have run a marathon by the time I turn 30. (future perfect)
learn
I have learned a lot about English grammar this semester. I had learned the basics of English grammar in elementary school. I will have learned a lot about English grammar when I finish college.
know
I have known her since I was young. I had known her until she passed away. I will have known her for 20 years next month.
cook
I have cooked supper every night this week. I had cooked supper every night until the stove broke. I will have cooked supper every night by the time this diet ends.
[Quiz 11.1] Using the following sentence and create three more sentences using the present, past, and future progressive tenses. I sing a song on the big stage.
[Quiz 11.2] www.arshbook.com
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Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given. 1) He 2) I
(exercise) hard since last year. (study) math as my major since high school.
View Answers [11.1] I am singing a song on the big stage. I was singing a song on the big stage. I will be singing a song on the big stage. [11.2] 1) has exercised 2) have studied
Perfect Progressive Tense The perfect progressive tense describes actions that repeated over a period of time in the past, are continuing in the present, and/or will continue in the future. The present perfect progressive tense tells you about a continuous action that was initiated in the past and finished at some point in the past; however, the action has some relation to the present time. Use have/has + been + ing.
It has been raining, and the street is still wet. I have been running, and I am still tired. She has been practicing the piano, and she is much better now.
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The past perfect progressive tense illustrates a continuous action in the past that was completed before another past action. Use had + been + ing.
It had been raining, and the street was still wet. I had been running, and I was still tired. She had been practicing the piano, and she had gotten much better.
The future perfect progressive tense indicates a continuous action that will be completed in the future. Use will + have + been + ing.
By tonight, it will have been raining several hours, and the street will be very wet. By next summer, I will have been running for almost a year, and I will be fit and healthy. By the time of the concert, she will have been practicing the piano for several months, and she will be much better.
[Quiz 12.1] Choose the incorrect sentence from the following. 1) I have been sleeping all day today. 2) They will have been walking for almost an hour by the time they arrive at their destination. 3) She have been eating a lot recently. View Answers [12.1] 3) have -> has
Irregular Verbs Regular verbs form their past and past participle by adding ed (d).
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Base Verb learn study cook solve ask watch listen
Past learned studied cooked solved asked watched listened
Past Participle learned studied cooked solved asked watched listened
Irregular verbs do not have definite rules, but there are a few patterns.
Base Verb grow know begin draw drive fly give speak swim go take find spend teach pay feel buy www.arshbook.com
Past grew knew began drew drove flew gave spoke swam went took found spent taught paid felt bought
Past Participle grown known begun drawn driven flown given spoken swum gone taken found spent taught paid felt bought Page 31
meet have feed keep cut hit set shut fit
met had fed kept cut hit set shut fit
met had fed kept cut hit set shut fit
[Quiz 13.1] Find the past and past participle forms of the following verbs using your dictionary: bring drink think tell eat make beat View Answers [13.1] brought – brought drank – drunk thought – thought told – told ate – eaten made – made beat – beaten
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Gerunds A gerund (verb + ing) acts like a noun in a sentence.
Seeing is believing. Running a marathon is not an easy thing to do. Watching TV is sometimes harmful. Eating is always fun. My hobby is painting. She loves babysitting her sister. I like listening to music. I wasted all my afternoon by taking a nap. I am afraid of singing a song on a stage.
Often, a possessive noun or pronoun comes before a gerund.
I hope that you don’t mind my using your pen. Don’t be mad about my leaving early. I don’t want you misunderstanding. You will be amazed by my writing.
[Quiz 14.1] Fill in the blanks. 1) I enjoy (draw) as a hobby. 2) She likes (buy) clothes. 3) Children are fond of (play) with water. 4) (dance) is my favorite thing to do. 5) I am upset at his (break) the rule. View Answers [14.1] 1) drawing 2) buying 3) playing
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4) Dancing 5) breaking
Infinitives Part 1 An infinitive is a verb combined with the word to. Most often, an infinitive acts as a noun in the sentence. Less frequently, it acts as an adjective or an adverb.
I want to go home early today. I hope to be chosen as a member. I prefer to go there earlier. You need to consider various rules in writing sentences. You have to explain your reasoning in detail. You might wish to act as a teacher. To leave for a vacation is my only wish at this time. A common mistake in a relationship is not to trust the other person. Help me to save the trees! To be mentally healthy, you must read books. Do you want me to fill out this form? Here is our to-do list. It was nice to meet you. It is time to move on. I am young enough to change my habits. Don’t forget not to make grammar mistakes. You are required to leave all your belongings here. I came to see a doctor today. You have to work harder to succeed. I need to take three more classes to finish my graduate study. I got closer to the speaker to listen clearly. Be sure to check if you have tickets. I am going to buy the new computer.
Generally, it is not common to split to and the verb except for when you want to emphasize the verb.
I want you to immediately stop doing that.
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You have to seriously work hard to succeed. You need to definitely explain your reasoning in detail.
[Quiz 15.1] Fill in the blanks. 1) I am going 2) It is common 3) Did you come
(learn) English. (make) a grammar mistake. (clean) my house?
View Answers [15.1] 1) to learn 2) to make 3) to clean
Infinitives Part 2 Commonly, an infinitive is used with the subject it. The sentence structure is "It is + infinitive.…" It refers to the infinitive. This expression is used in many ways.
It is time to do math. It is common to think that way. It is appropriate to keep a low profile. It was nice to see you. It was my pleasure to meet you. It was my honor to have dinner with you. It is good to see you. It was great to go on a trip with them.
Both gerunds and infinitive phrases can function as nouns, in a variety of ways. Gerunds and infinitives can follow certain verbs but not others. You need to remember which verbs can be followed by only a gerund or only an infinitive.
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Verbs that can precede only gerunds: consider, suggest, enjoy, deny, avoid, miss, mind, practice, postpone, resist, finish, quit, give up, put off Verbs that can precede only infinitives: offer, decide, hope, attempt, promise, agree, afford, deserve, refuse, undertake, learn, fail, seem, appear, tend, pretend, choose, demand, desire, guarantee, claim, manage, determine, expect, want, wish Verbs that can precede either gerunds or infinitives without changing meanings: continue, like, love, begin, start, propose, neglect, stand, hate Verbs that can precede either gerunds or infinitives but change meanings: forget, remember, stop, try
I stopped watching the movie. (I no longer watched the movie.) I stopped to watch the movie. (I stopped what I was doing to watch the movie.)
[Quiz 16.1] Fill in the blanks. 1) I decided (leave) the job. 2) She pretended (know) me. 3) He desires (be) a professor. 4) The company considered (sell) its main building. 5) I expect (win) at this game. 6) Do you enjoy (take) care of your pet? 7) She hopes (go) on a vacation. 8) Did you fail (pass) the exam? 9) They want me (take) this position. 10) It is great (hear) that they agreed (share) www.arshbook.com
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the land. View Answers [16.1] 1) to leave 2) to know 3) to be 4) selling 5) to win 6) taking 7) to go 8) to pass 9) to take 10) to hear, to share
Active Voice and Passive Voice Verbs are either active or passive in voice. In the active voice, the subject and verb relationship is straightforward: the subject is a do-er. In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence is not a do-er. It is shown with by + do-er or is not shown in the sentence. Passive voice is used when the action is the focus, not the subject. It is not important (or not known) who does the action.
The window is broken. (It is not known who broke the window, or it is not important to know who broke the window.) The class has been canceled. (The focus is on the class being canceled. It is not important to know who canceled it.) The passive voice is often used. (The focus is on the passive voice. It is not important to explain who the writer is.)
Passive voice should be avoided when you want more clarity in writing. However, in some cases, you need to use passive voice to stress the action, not the actor. Also, passive voice can be considered more polite, as it sounds less aggressive or dramatic.
That building was built in 1990. The car was invented about a hundred years ago.
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I was told that Mary moved to a different country. Your business is appreciated. She was elected to city council. It was rumored that the company would lay off a few people soon. It is recommended that the billing process be shortened.
You can easily rewrite an active sentence to a passive sentence. The object in the active sentence becomes a subject in the passive sentence. The verb is changed to a “be” verb + past participle. The subject of the active sentence follows by or is omitted.
Sam wrote a letter to Jamie. A letter was written to Jamie by Sam.
The government built a new bridge. A new bridge was built by the government.
I recommend that you apply for this position. It is recommended that you apply for this position.
[Quiz 17.1] Rewrite the following sentence in passive voice. John gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday. [Quiz 17.2] Choose the sentences written incorrectly in the passive voice. 1) I was eaten an ice cream. 2) The song was sung by a singer. 3) I was deceived by the TV program. www.arshbook.com
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4) The concert was finished at 12 p.m. 5) He was written a novel. 6) The tennis match was aired on TV. 7) He was treated kindly. 8) I have been managed a company since 2004. View Answers [17.1] I was given a bunch of flowers on my birthday by John. OR A bunch of flowers was given to me on my birthday by John. [17.2] 1) I ate an ice cream. 5) He wrote a novel. 8) I have managed a company since 2004.
Mood for Grammar A mood shows the writer’s attitude toward what he/she is saying. Indicative Mood states an actuality or fact.
We will go to see a movie this Sunday. I’ll follow you.
Imperative Mood makes a request.
Let’s go to see a movie this weekend! Please stop bugging me!
Subjunctive Mood expresses a doubtful condition (contrary to fact) and is often used with an "if" clause.
If I were you, I wouldn’t buy a house. I wish I were more organized.
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The following verbs often attract the subjunctive mood: ask, recommend, suggest, wish, insist, order, commend, request, and demand. A verb in the subjunctive mood may have a different form. The subjunctive for the present tense third-person singular drops the s or es so that it looks and sounds like the present tense for everything else. In the subjunctive mood, the verb to be is be in the present tense and were in the past tense, regardless of what the subject is.
Incorrect: If I was you, I would take any offer. Correct: If I were you, I would take any offer. (The verb follows ‘if’ and expresses a non-factual condition.) Incorrect: I wish I was able to speak English fluently. Correct: I wish I were able to speak English fluently. (The second verb is in a clause following a verb expressing a wish. It suggests a non-factual or doubtful condition.)
Incorrect: Our suggestion is that everyone on the team does the survey. Correct: Our suggestion is that everyone on the team do the survey.
Incorrect: She recommended that each student takes a note. Correct: She recommended that each student take a note.
[Quiz 18.1] Write the correct form of the verb given. 1) I insist that Jennifer (finish) her meal. 2) She suggests that the office (be) closed today. 3) If I (be) you, I would win the game. 4) I wish I (can) fly.
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[Quiz 18.2] Choose the correct sentence from the following. 1) I wish I was able to buy this car. 2) It were recommended that the company closes its foreign offices. 3) If Jack were 17 years old, he would apply for the university. 4) Our manager insists that the group is reorganized. View Answers [18.1] 1) finish 2) be 3) were 4) could [18.2] 3 Correct sentences for 1, 2, and 4: 1) I wish I would be able to buy this car 2) It was recommended that the company closed its foreign offices. 4) Our manager insists that the group be reorganized.
Auxiliary Verbs "Be", "Do", "Have" An auxiliary verb helps the main (full) verb and is also called a "helping verb." With auxiliary verbs, you can write sentences in different tenses, moods, or voices. Auxiliary verbs are: be, do, have, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must, ought, etc.
I think I should study harder to master English. I am having a cup of coffee. You have been practicing hard. It was written by a petitioner. You may choose what you like.
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The verb forms of be, do, and have can be used either as a main (full) verb or an auxiliary verb. The following examples show these verbs used as auxiliary verbs. 1. "Be" as an auxiliary verb a. Used in progressive sentences:
I am taking a bath. She is preparing dinner for us. They have been studying all night.
b. Used in passive sentences:
I was given a free meal. He was seen by fans at the airport. This song has been sung by all nations.
2. "Do" as an auxiliary verb a. Used in negative sentences:
I do not know the truth. She doesn’t agree with me. They didn’t arrive here yet.
b. Used in questions:
Do you want to have another one? Did he finish his homework? Do we need to keep going straight?
3. "Have" as an auxiliary verb a. Used in perfect sentences:
I have been following you for a mile. We have done a lot so far. She had been queen of the town.
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[Quiz 19.1] Identify all auxiliary verbs in the following paragraph. I have just heard that you didn’t attend the meeting yesterday. Did you have a conflict with that time? I must ask that you explain the reason.
[Quiz 19.2] Which of the following sentences does not show any auxiliary verbs? 1) I didn’t have any reason to go there. 2) Have we practiced this song enough? 3) Three seats have been reserved for us. 4) I am a professor in the economics department. View Answers [19.1] I have just heard that you didn’t attend the meeting yesterday. Did you have a conflict with that time? I must ask that you explain the reason. [19.2] Sentence 4 (the verb am is used as the main verb)
Auxiliary Verbs "Will/Would" and "Shall/Should" The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow.
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Will Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:
I will take this duty. Will you stop talking like that?
Used to express the future:
It will rain tomorrow. The news will spread soon.
Used to express capacity or capability:
This bucket will hold two gallons of water. This airplane will take 200 passengers.
Used to express determination, insistence, or persistence:
I will do it as you say.
Would (past form of will) Often used in auxiliary functions with rather to express preference:
I would rather go shopping today. We’d rather say something than stay quiet.
Used to express a wish or desire:
I would like to have one more pencil.
Used to express contingency or possibility:
If I were you, I would be so happy.
Used to express routine or habitual things:
Normally, we would work until 6 p.m.
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Shall Mainly used in American English to ask questions politely (it has more usages in British English). For the future tense, will is more frequently used in American English than shall.
Shall we dance? Shall I go now? Let’s drink, shall we?
Often used in formal settings to deliver obligation or requirement:
You shall abide by the law. There shall be no trespassing on this property. Students shall not enter this room.
Should (past form of shall) Often used in auxiliary functions to express an opinion, suggestion, preference, or idea:
You should rest at home today. I should take a bus this time. He should be more thoughtful in the decision-making process.
Used to express that you wish something had happened but it didn’t or couldn’t (should + have + past participle):
You should have seen it. It was really beautiful. I should have completed it earlier to meet the deadline. We should have visited the place on the way.
Used to ask for someone’s opinion:
What should we do now? Should we continue our meeting? Should we go this way? Where should we go this summer?
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Used to say something expected or correct:
There should be an old city hall building here. Everybody should arrive by 6 p.m. We should be there this evening.
[Quiz 20.1] Fill in the blanks using an appropriate auxiliary verb. 1) I 2) You 3) 4) I 5)
leave now. It is too late. have seen him. His dance was amazing. we have lunch together? like a cup of tea, please. we read the email?
View Answers [20.1] 1) should 2) should 3) Shall 4) would 5) Should
Auxiliary Verbs "Can/Could" and "May/Might/Must" Can Used to express ability (to be able to do something):
I can make jewelry. He can’t speak French.
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Can you open this jar?
Used to ask for permission:
Can I use your bathroom? Can I leave now? Can I raise the volume?
Used to make requests or suggestions:
Can I have more napkins? Can I have the bill? You can take this spot if you like. You can do whatever you want.
Could (past form of can) Describes an ability that someone had in the past:
I could swim when I was young. You could see the boat sinking. They could tell he was nervous.
Often used in auxiliary functions to express permission politely:
Could I take this jacket with me? You could borrow my umbrella. Could you please let me pass you? Could I get you more water?
Used to express possibility:
All of them could ride in the van. You could always stay at our house. Could it be true? This plan could really work out.
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May Used to ask for formal permission:
May I come in? May I say something now? May I ask one question?
Used to suggest something that is possible:
She may agree with this plan. They may not be happy about what happened. It may shower tonight.
Might (past form of may) Used to suggest a smaller possibility than may does (actually, might is more common than may in American English):
He might have finished it. I might go see a doctor. I might not come this time. It might be right. You might have lost it. The store might have been closed today.
Must Used to express something formally required or necessary:
I must complete the project by this week. The government must provide health care for everybody. Everyone must save the natural resources of the earth. The building must have a fire alarm. You must answer my question right now.
Used to show that something is very likely:
He must be a genius. You must be joking!
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There must be an accident. She must be very tired.
[Quiz 21.1] Choose the right word for each blank. 1) She (can, could, may, might, must) have practiced a lot. Her performance was amazing. 2) I can’t find my watch anywhere. I (can, could, may, might, must) have lost it. 3) Professor, (can, could, may, might, must) I ask a question? 4) (can, could, may, might, must) you please lower your voice? 5) You (can, could, may, might, must) be kidding! How is that possible? 6) I (can, could, may, might, must) speak both English and Chinese fluently. View Answers [21.1] 1) must 2) might 3) may 4) could 5) must 6) can
Prepositions "On", "At", and "In" www.arshbook.com
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A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence. Prepositions can be tricky for English learners. There is no definite rule or formula for choosing a preposition. In the beginning stage of learning the language, you should try to identify a preposition when reading or listening in English and recognize its usage.
to the office at the desk on the table in an hour about myself
A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object. Here are a few common prepositions and examples. On Used to express a surface of something:
I put an egg on the kitchen table. The paper is on my desk.
Used to specify days and dates:
The garbage truck comes on Wednesdays. I was born on the 14th day of June in 1988.
Used to indicate a device or machine, such as a phone or computer:
He is on the phone right now. She has been on the computer since this morning. My favorite movie will be on TV tonight.
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Used to indicate a part of the body:
The stick hit me on my shoulder. He kissed me on my cheek. I wear a ring on my finger.
Used to indicate the state of something:
Everything in this store is on sale. The building is on fire.
At Used to point out specific time:
I will meet you at 12 p.m. The bus will stop here at 5:45 p.m.
Used to indicate a place:
There is a party at the club house. There were hundreds of people at the park. We saw a baseball game at the stadium.
Used to indicate an email address:
Please email me at
[email protected].
Used to indicate an activity:
He laughed at my acting. I am good at drawing a portrait.
In Used for unspecific times during a day, month, season, year:
She always reads newspapers in the morning. In the summer, we have a rainy season for three weeks. The new semester will start in March.
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Used to indicate a location or place:
She looked me directly in the eyes. I am currently staying in a hotel. My hometown is Los Angeles, which is in California.
Used to indicate a shape, color, or size:
This painting is mostly in blue. The students stood in a circle. This jacket comes in four different sizes.
Used to express while doing something:
In preparing for the final report, we revised the tone three times. A catch phrase needs to be impressive in marketing a product.
Used to indicate a belief, opinion, interest, or feeling:
I believe in the next life. We are not interested in gambling.
[Quiz 22.1] Identify all prepositions in the following sentences. After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit and went to the baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the conveyer belt. I almost picked up the wrong one because it looked like mine.
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Choose a correct preposition in the sentence. 1) I want to lose 5 kilogram 2) Could you get me this pants 3) She seems to be interested 4) I will come to pick you up 5) This class will be held
(on, at, in) one month. (on, at, in) a larger size? (on, at, in) Psychology. (on, at, in) 2 pm tomorrow. (on, at, in) Mondays.
View Answers [22.1] After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit and went to the baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the conveyer belt. I almost picked up the wrong one because it looked like mine. [22.2] 1) in 2) in 3) in 4) at 5) on
Prepositions "Of", "To", and "For" Of Used for belonging to, relating to, or connected with:
The secret of this game is that you can’t ever win. The highlight of the show is at the end. The first page of the book describes the author’s profile. Don’t touch it. That’s the bag of my friend’s sister.
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I always dreamed of being rich and famous.
Used to indicate reference:
I got married in the summer of 2000. This is a picture of my family. I got a discount of 10 percent on the purchase.
Used to indicate an amount or number:
I drank three cups of milk. A large number of people gathered to protest. I had only four hours of sleep during the last two days. He got a perfect score of 5 on his writing assignment.
To Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward, or the direction of something:
I am heading to the entrance of the building. The package was mailed to Mr. Kim yesterday. All of us went to the movie theater. Please send it back to me.
Used to indicate a limit or an ending point:
The snow was piled up to the roof. The stock prices rose up to 100 dollars.
Used to indicate relationship:
This letter is very important to your admission. My answer to your question is in this envelop. Do not respond to every little thing in your life.
Used to indicate a time or a period:
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I work nine to six, Monday to Friday. It is now 10 to five. (In other words, it is 4:50.)
For Used to indicate the use of something:
This place is for exhibitions and shows. I baked a cake for your birthday. I put a note on the door for privacy. She has been studying hard for the final exam.
Used to mean because of:
I am so happy for you. We feel deeply sorry for your loss. For this reason, I’ve decided to quit this job.
Used to indicate time or duration:
He’s been famous for many decades. I attended the university for one year only. This is all I have for today.
[Quiz 23.1] Choose the correct preposition in each sentence. 1) I slept (of, to, for) only two hours last night. 2) It was my first trip (of, to, for) Hawaii. 3) Turn off the TV and go straight (of, to, for) bed. 4) This book was written (of, to, for) the people who want to learn how to play a guitar. 5) I was late (of, to, for) school. 6) Spencer is one (of, to, for) my best friends. www.arshbook.com
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View Answers [23.1] 1) for 2) to 3) to 4) for 5) for 6) of
Prepositions "With", "Over", and "By" With Used to indicate being together or being involved:
I ordered a sandwich with a drink. He was with his friend when he saw me. She has been working with her sister at the nail shop. The manager will be with you shortly.
Used to indicate "having":
I met a guy with green eyes. Were you the one talking with an accent? People with a lot of money are not always happy.
Used to indicate "using":
I wrote a letter with the pen you gave me. This is the soup that I made with rice and barley. He cut my hair with his gold scissors.
Used to indicate feeling:
I am emailing you with my sincere apology.
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He came to the front stage with confidence.
Used to indicate agreement or understanding:
Are you with me? Yes, I am completely with you. She agrees with me.
Over Used to indicate movement from one place to another:
Come over to my house for dinner sometime. Could you roll over? They sent over a gift for his promotion.
Used to indicate movement downward:
The big tree fell over on the road. Can you bend over and get the dish for me? He pushed it over the edge.
Used to indicate more than an expected number or amount:
This amount is over our prediction. Kids twelve and over can watch this movie. The phone rang for over a minute.
Used to indicate a period of time:
I worked there over a year. She did not sleep there over this past month.
By Used to indicate proximity:
Can I sit by you? He was standing by me. The post office is by the bank.
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Used to indicate the person that does something in a passive voice sentence:
The microwave was fixed by the mechanic. The flowers were delivered by a postman. The branch office was closed by the head office.
Used to indicate an action with a particular purpose:
You can pass the exam by preparing for it. I expressed my feeling toward her by writing a letter. She finally broke the record by pure effort.
Used to indicate a mean or method:
Please send this package to Russia by airmail. I came here by subway.
[Quiz 24.1] Choose the correct preposition in each sentence. 1) If she left at 4 p.m., she should be here (with, over, by) now. 2) Go (with, over, by) there and catch my ball. 3) (With, Over, By) your determination, you will be able to achieve your dream. 4) I just found it! It was (with, over, by) the radio on my desk. 5) I knocked him (with, over, by) accidentally. 6) She was (with, over, by) me when the accident occurred.
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View Answers [24.1] 1) by 2) over 3) With 4) by 5) over 6) with
Coordinating Conjunctions and Correlative Conjunctions A conjunction joins words or groups of words in a sentence.
I ate lunch with Kate and Derma. Because it is rainy today, the trip is canceled. She didn’t press the bell, but I did.
There are three types of conjunctions: 1. Coordinating Conjunctions a. Connect words, phrases, or clauses that are independent or equal b. and, but, or, so, for, yet, and not 2. Correlative Conjunctions a. Used in pairs b. both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also 3. Subordinating Conjunctions a. Used at the beginning of subordinate clauses www.arshbook.com
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b. although, after, before, because, how, if, once, since, so that, until, unless, when, while, where, whether, etc. Coordinating Conjunctions 1. And—means "in addition to":
We are going to a zoo and an aquarium on a same day.
2. But—connects two different things that are not in agreement:
I am a night owl, but she is an early bird.
3. Or—indicates a choice between two things:
Do you want a red one or a blue one?
4. So—illustrates a result of the first thing:
This song has been very popular, so I downloaded it.
5. For—means "because":
I want to go there again, for it was a wonderful trip.
6. Yet—indicates contrast with something:
He performed very well, yet he didn’t make the final cut.
Correlative Conjunctions 1. Both/and
She won gold medals from both the single and group races. Both TV and television are correct words.
2. Either/or
I am fine with either Monday or Wednesday. You can have either apples or pears.
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3. Neither/nor
He enjoys neither drinking nor gambling. Neither you nor I will get off early today.
4. Not only/but also
Not only red but also green looks good on you. She got the perfect score in not only English but also math.
[Quiz 25.1] Write the correct conjunction in each sentence. 1) my friend I are taking the geography class. 2) Do you want to go swimming golfing? 3) I studied grammar for a long time, I still make mistakes. 4) wood bricks can be used as homebuilding materials. 5) I wasn’t feeling well this morning, I had to go to work. View Answers [25.1] 1) Both, and 2) or 3) but (yet) 4) Either, or 5) yet (but)
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Subordinating Conjunctions 1. Although—means "in spite of the fact that":
Although it was raining, I ran home. She showed up, although she felt sick. Although my mom told me to come home early, I stayed out late.
2. After—indicates "subsequently to the time when":
Please text me after you arrive at the shopping mall. We were forced to stop watching TV after the electricity went out. I always tell my daughter that she can have dessert after she eats her dinner.
3. Before—indicates "earlier than the time that":
He had written a living will before he died. Before he contacted me, I was going to call him. I need to finish the dishes before my wife gets home.
4. Because—means "for the reason that":
Because he was smart and worked hard, he was able to make a lot of money. They stopped building the house because it was pouring. I love dogs because they are so cute.
5. How—means "the way in which":
I wonder how you did it. He explained how he completed it in a few days. Can you show me how you fixed the computer?
6. If—means "in the event that":
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If it is sunny tomorrow, we can go to the beach. If I receive a promotion, you will be the first to know. You can watch TV if you finish your homework.
7. Once—indicates "at the moment when":
Once you see him, you will recognize him. Once the light came on, we all shouted with joy. Call me once you start having contractions.
8. Since—means "from the time when":
I’ve been a singer since I was young. Since he graduated, he has been doing nothing. This building has been remodeled three times since I lived here.
9. So that—means "in order to":
So that she could keep her position, she didn’t complain at all. He finished his work as fast as possible so that he could leave early. He worked harder for a raise so he could buy a nice car.
10. Until—means "up to the time that":
Don’t go anywhere until I come back. She didn’t realize her talent in painting until her teacher mentioned it. They won’t allow us to sit until everyone arrives.
11. Unless—means "except, on the condition":
You will not pass the exam unless you get a score of 80 or higher. I will not tell you anything unless you tell me what you know first. Unless you ask her, you will never know.
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12. When—means "at that time":
When I came in the room, everyone looked at me. I woke up when my baby was crying. I started looking for a gas station when my gas light went on.
13. While—means "during the time":
Someone called you while you were at the meeting. We met while we were working at the University. My dog started barking while I was talking on the phone.
14. Where—indicates "in the place":
This is where I came from. Please tell me where you are going. I need to know where John hid the present.
15. Whether—means "if it is true or not":
We will have a picnic whether it rains or not. It is time to decide whether we should take action. You need to decide whether or not you are hungry.
[Quiz 26.1] Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction. 1) Could you email me you receive the offer? 2) I want to buy it it is expensive or not. 3) Don’t do that I allow it. 4) you are confident with it, you should go for it. 5) I didn’t enroll this semester I could go backpacking in Europe. www.arshbook.com
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6) My neighbor’s cat has been missing last Friday. 7) I own a house, I am required to pay property taxes. View Answers [26.1] 1) when 2) whether 3) unless 4) If 5) so that 6) since 7) Because
Conjunctive Adverbs Conjunctive adverbs are words that join independent clauses into one sentence. A conjunctive adverb helps you create a shorter sentence. When you use a conjunctive adverb, put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it.
We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.
Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are: accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, therefore, then, etc.
The due date for the final paper has passed; therefore, I could not submit mine on time. There are many history books; however, none of them may be accurate. It rained hard; moreover, lightening flashed and thunder boomed.
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The baby fell asleep; then, the doorbell rang. The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime; otherwise, there would be many more accidents.
Conjunctive adverbs look like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor); however, they are not as strong as coordinating conjunctions and they are punctuated differently. A conjunctive adverb is also used in a single main clause. In this case, a comma (,) is used to separate the conjunctive adverb from the sentence.
I woke up very late this morning. Nevertheless, I wasn’t late to school. She didn’t take a bus to work today. Instead, she drove her car. Jack wants a toy car for his birthday. Meanwhile, Jill wants a dollhouse for her birthday. They returned home. Likewise, I went home.
[Quiz 27.1] Choose the right conjunctive adverb for the sentence. 1) Hurry up; , you will be late for the train. 2) I studied hard for the exam; , I failed. 3) Tom is a sportsman; , his brother Tom is athletic. 4) He didn’t go to college. , he started his own business. 5) He is not good-looking. , he is popular among girls. View Answers [27.1] 1) otherwise 2) however 3) likewise 4) Instead 5) Nevertheless
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Indefinite and Definite Articles The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles. Indefinite Articles—a, an an—used before singular count nouns beginning with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or vowel sound:
an apple, an elephant, an issue, an orange
a—used before singular count nouns beginning with consonants (other than a, e, i, o, u):
a stamp, a desk, a TV, a cup, a book
Definite Article—the Can be used before singular and plural, count and non-count nouns 1. Indefinite Article (a, an) Used before singular nouns that are unspecified:
a pencil an orange
Used before number collectives and some numbers:
a dozen a gallon
Used before a singular noun followed by a restrictive modifier:
a girl who was wearing a yellow hat
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Used with nouns to form adverbial phrases of quantity, amount, or degree:
I felt a bit depressed.
2. Definite Article (the) Used to indicate a noun that is definite or has been previously specified in the context:
Please close the door. I like the clothes you gave me.
Used to indicate a noun that is unique:
Praise the Lord! The Columbia River is near here.
Used to designate a natural phenomenon:
The nights get shorter in the summer. The wind is blowing so hard.
Used to refer to a time period:
I was very naïve in the past. This song was very popular in the 1980s.
Used to indicate all the members of a family:
I invited the Bakers for dinner. This medicine was invented by the Smiths.
[Quiz 28.1] Choose the correct article in each sentence. www.arshbook.com
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1) Did you bring (a, an, the) umbrella? 2) Are you looking for (a, an, the) shampoo? 3) I checked (a, an, the) mailbox again. 4) Can I have (a, an, the) spoon please? 5) I was born into (a, an, the) poor family. 6) She will come back in (a, an, the) hour. 7) Have you been to (a, an, the) Space Needle Tower in Seattle? 8) I would love to talk to one of (a, an, the) managers. 9) What (a, an, the) amazing view! 10) The helicopter landed on (a, an, the) roof of a building. View Answers [28.1] 1) an 2) the 3) the 4) a 5) a 6) an 7) the 8) the 9) an 10) the
Interjections An interjection is a word that expresses some kind of emotion. It can be used as filler. Interjections do not have a grammatical function in the sentence and are not related to the other parts of the sentence. If an www.arshbook.com
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interjection is omitted, the sentence still makes sense. It can stand alone.
Ouch! That hurts. Well, I need a break. Wow! What a beautiful dress!
When you are expressing a strong emotion, use an exclamation mark (!). A comma (,) can be used for a weaker emotion. Interjections do the following: 1. Express a feeling—wow, gee, oops, darn, geez, oh:
Oops, I’m sorry. That was my mistake. Geez! Do I need to do it again? Oh, I didn’t know that.
2. Say yes or no—yes, no, nope:
Yes! I will do it! No, I am not going to go there. Nope. That’s not what I want.
3. Call attention—yo, hey:
Yo, will you throw the ball back? Hey, I just wanted to talk to you about the previous incident.
4. Indicate a pause—well, um, hmm:
Well, what I meant was nothing like that. Um, here is our proposal. Hmm. You really need to be on a diet.
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A: I got a perfect score on the math exam. B: (Well. Wow! or Um.) [Quiz 29.2] What should be C’s expression? C:
! (Nope, Hey, or Geez) My computer just broke.
View Answers [29.1] Wow! [29.2] Geez
Capitalization Capitalization means using a capital letter (for example, A instead of a). The use of capital letters helps readers read your writing without confusion. Always capitalize the following: The first word in a sentence.
I grew up in India. She left a message on my phone.
The pronoun I.
This country is where I dreamed of.
The first letter of a proper noun (specific name).
David wants to play soccer with us. This letter is from Chang. I graduated from the University of New York. I like Coca-Cola.
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She likes Godiva chocolates.
The first letter of months, days, and holidays (but not seasons).
Today is June 8, 2011. Susie’s birthday is this Thursday. The shops are closed on Easter. This summer is going to be very hot.
The first letter of nationalities, religions, races of people, and languages.
We often eat Italian food. I want to master many languages, such as Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Russian. There is one Christian church in my town.
The first letter in a person’s title.
This is Dr. Simon. I got it from Mr. Tom.
Geographic areas: cities, states, countries, mountains, oceans, rivers, etc.
My destination is Paris, France. Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Historical periods.
The Renaissance began in the 14th century. The Qing Dynasty is the last dynasty in China.
The first letter of each major word in the title of a book, movie, article, etc.
Tolstoy’s War and Peace is my favorite novel. I found the article “How to Write a Good Cover Letter” in this magazine.
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[Quiz 30.1] Correctly write each sentence using proper capitalization. 1) i was born in shanghai, china, but grew up in the united states. 2) mrs. ohana gave me the bible. 3) if you walk two more blocks, you will be able to see mt. rocky. 4) my family will have a summer vacation in hawaii. 5) I didn’t want to cook tonight, so I just ordered thai food for dinner. View Answers [30.1] 1) I was born in Shanghai, China, but grew up in the United States. 2) Mrs. Ohana gave me the Bible. 3) If you walk two more blocks, you will be able to see Mt. Rocky. 4) My family will have a summer vacation in Hawaii. 5) I didn’t want to cook tonight, so I just ordered Thai food for dinner.
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4 Primary English Words
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Primary English words A ability (n) able (adj) about (adv & prep) • about 500 students (adv) • The film is about a small boy. (prep) above (prep) abroad (adv) absent (adj) accept (v) access (n) • disabled access • internet access accident (n) accommodation (n) accompany (v) according to (prep phr) account (n) accurate (adj) ache (n & v) achieve (v) across (prep) act (n & v) • in the second act (of the play) (n) • to act in a play (v) • to act strangely (v) action (n) active (adj) activity (n) actor (n) actress (n) actual (adj)
ad (advertisement) (n) add (v) addition (n) • in addition additional (adj) address (n) admire (v) admission (n) • charges/cost/price admit (v) adult (adj & n) advanced (adj) advantage (n) adventure (n) advert (n) advertise (v) advertisement (n) advice (n) advise (v) aeroplane (n) afford (v) afraid (adj) after (prep) afternoon (n) afterwards (adv) again (adv) against (prep) age (n) aged (adj) agent (n) agency (n) ago (adv) agree (v) ahead (adv) aim (n & v) air (n) air-conditioning (n)
air force (n) airline (n) airmail (n) airport (n) alarm (n) alarm clock (n) album (n) alike (adv) alive (adj) all (adj, adv, det & pron) all right/alright (adv) allow (v) almost (adv) alone (adv & adj) along (adv & prep) aloud (adv) alphabet (n) already (adv) also (adv) although (conj) altogether (adv) always (adv) a.m. (adv) amazed (adj) amazing (adj) ambassador (n) ambition (n) ambulance (n) among (amongst) (prep) amount (n) amusing (adj) ancient (adj) and (conj) angry (adj) animal (n) ankle (n) anniversary (n) www.arshbook.com
announce (v) announcement (n) annoy (v) annual (adj) another (det & pron) answer (n & v) answerphone (n) antique (adj & n) anxious (adj) any (det & pron) anybody (pron) anyhow (adv) anyone (pron) anything (pron) anyway (adv) anywhere (adv) apart from (prep) apartment (n) apologise (v) apology (n) appear (v) appearance (n) apple (n) application (n) apply (v) appointment (n) approach (v) approve (v) architect (n) area (n) argue (v) arm (n) armchair (n) army (n) around (adv & prep) arrange (v) arrest (v) Page 76
arrival (n) arrive (v) art (n) article (n) artist (n) as (conj & prep) as well (adv) as well as (prep) ashamed (adj) ask (v) asleep (adj) aspirin (n) assistant (n) at (prep) at all (prep phr) at first (prep phr) at last (prep phr) at least (prep phr) at once (prep phr) at present (prep phr) at the same time (prep phr) athlete (n) athletics (n) atmosphere (n) attach (v) attack (n & v) attempt (v) attend (v) attention (n) attitude (n) attract (v) attraction (n) attractive (adj) audience (n) aunt (n) automatically (adv) available (adj) www.arshbook.com
average (adj & n) avoid (v) awake (adj) away (adv) awful (adj)
B baby (n) back (adv, adj & n) background (n) backpack (n) backwards (adv) bad (adj) bag (n) baggage (n) bake (v) balance (n & v) balcony (n) bald (adj) ball (n) ballet (n) balloon (n) banana (n) band (n) bandage (n) bank (n) bank balance (n) banknote (n) bar (n) barbecue (n & v) bare (adj) base on (phr v) baseball (n) basement (n) basic (adj) basin (n) basket (n) Page 77
basketball (n) bat (n) bath (n & v) bathroom (n) battle (n) bay (n) be (v) beach (n) bean (n) bear (n) beard (n) beat (v) beautiful (adj) because (conj) because of (prep phr) become (v) bed (n) bedroom (n) bee (n) beef (n) before (prep, adv & conj) begin (v) behave (v) behind (prep & adv) believe (v) bell (n) belong (v) belongings (n) below (adv & prep) belt (n) bend (n & v) beneath (adv & prep) benefit (n & v) beside (prep) between (prep & adv) beyond (prep & adv) www.arshbook.com
bicycle (n) big (adj) bike (n) bill (n) • electricity bill bin (n) biography (n) biology (n) bird (n) birth (n) birthday (n) biscuit (n) bit (n) bite (n & v) bitter (adj) black (adj) blackboard (n) blame (n & v) blank (adj) • a blank piece of paper blanket (n) bleed (v) blind (adj & n) block (n) • block of flats blond(e) (adj & n) blood (n) blouse (n) blow (n & v) blue (adj) board (n & v) boarding pass (n) boat (n) body (n) boil (v) bold (adj) bomb (n & v) Page 78
bone (n) book (n & v) booking office (n) bookshelf (n) bookshop (n) boot (n) • leather boots • the boot of the car border (n) bored (adj) boring (adj) born (adj) borrow (v) boss (n) both (pron & det) bottle (n) bottom (n) bowl (n) box (n & v) boy (n) boyfriend (n) brain (n) brake (n & v) branch (n) brave (adj) bread (n) break (n & v) break down (phr v) • The car has broken down. break in (phr v) • Someone broke in and stole the computer. break up (phr v) • When does school break up?
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• The pop group has broken up. breakfast (n) breath (n) breathe (v) brick (n) bridge (n) brief (adj) bright (adj) brilliant (adj) bring (v) bring up (phr v) • She was brought up in London. broad (adj) brochure (n) brother (n) brown (adj) brush (n & v) bucket (n) buffet (adj & n) bug (n) build (v) building (n) bulb (n) • light bulb bull (n) bullet (n) bureau (n) burger (n) burglar (n) burglary (n) burn (n & v) bury (v) bus (n) business (n) bus station (n) Page 79
bus stop (n) busy (adj) but (conj) butcher (n) butter (n) button (n) buy (v) by (prep) by accident (prep phr) by all means (prep phr) by hand (prep phr) by mistake (prep phr) by name (prep phr)
C cab (n) cabbage (n) cabin (n) cable (n) café/cafe (n) cage (n) cake (n) calculator (n) calendar (n) call (n & v) call for (phr v) • I’ll call for you at 7. call in (phr v) • She called in to see a friend. calm (adj) camel (n) camera (n) camp (n & v) campsite (n) can (n) canal (n) www.arshbook.com
cancel (v) candidate (n) candle (n) canteen (n) cap (n) capital (adj) • capital city • capital letter captain (n) car (n) carry out (phr v) car park (n) card (n) • birthday card • credit card • identity (ID) card • playing card cardboard (adj & n) care (n & v) • take care of someone (n) • to care (about/for) someone/something (v) career (n) carpet (n) carrot (n) carry (v) carry on (phr v) • He carried on walking despite the rain. cartoon (n) case (n) • suitcase cash (n & v) cassette (n) cassette player/recorder (n) castle (n) Page 80
cat (n) catch (v) cathedral (n) cauliflower (n) cause (n & v) cave (n) CD (n) CD-Rom (n) ceiling (n) celebrate (v) celebration (n) celery (n) cellar (n) cent (n) centimetre (cm) (n) central (adj) central heating (n) centre (n) century (n) cereal (n) certain (adj) certificate (n) chain (n) chair (n & v) chalk (n) challenge (n & v) champion (n) chance (n) change (n & v) changing room (n) channel (n) chapter (n) character (n) charge (n & v) chat (n) cheap (adj) cheat (v) www.arshbook.com
check (n & v) check in (phr v) • They checked in to a hotel. check out (phr v) • He checked out of the hotel at the end of his stay. checkout (n) cheerful (adj) cheers! (exclam) cheese (n) chef (n) chemist (n) chemistry (n) cheque (n) chess (n) chest (n) chicken (n) chief (adj) child (n) childhood (n) chimney (n) chin (n) chips (n) chocolate (n) choice (n) choose (v) church (n) cinema (n) circle (n) circus (n) city (n) clap (v) class (n) • language class • first class, second class classical (adj) Page 81
• classical music classroom (n) clean (adj & v) clear (adj & v) clever (adj) click (v) cliff (n) climate (n) climb (v) clinic (n) cloakroom (n) clock (n) close (adj, adv & v) cloth (n) clothes (n pl) cloud (n) club (n) • to join a club coach (n) coal (n) coast (n) coat (n) cocoa (n) coconut (n) coffee (n) coin (n) cola (n) cold (adj & n) collar (n) colleague (n) collect (v) collection (n) college (n) colour (n & v) comb (n & v) come (v) come down (phr v) www.arshbook.com
• The house had come down in price. come on (phr v) • Come on or we'll miss the bus. comedy (n) comedian (n) comfort (n) comfortable (adj) comic (adj & n) command (v) commercial (adj) committee (n) common (adj) • a common surname • have something in common communicate (v) communication (n) compact (adj) company (n) compare (v) comparison (n) compete (n) competition (n) complain (v) complaint (n) complete (v) complicated (adj) composition (n) computer (n) concentrate (v) concert (n) conclusion (n) condition (n) • in good condition conference (n) confident (adj) Page 82
confirm (v) congratulations! (exclam) connect (v) connection (n) consider (v) consist (v) consul (n) consulate (n) contact (n & v) contain (v) contents (n) continent (n) continue (v) contract (n) control (n & v) convenient (adj) conversation (n) cook (n & v) cooker (n) cookie (n) (Am Eng) cool (adj & v) copy (n & v) corn (n) corner (n) correct (adj & v) correction (n) corridor (n) cost (n & v) costume (n) cottage (n) cotton (n) cough (n & v) count (v) country (n) countryside (n) couple (n) courage (n) www.arshbook.com
course (n) • English course • main course • of course (exclam) court (n) • law court • tennis court cousin (n) cover (n & v) cow (n) crash (n & v) crazy (adj) cream (adj & n) create (v) creative (adj) creature (n) credit (n) • credit card crew (n) crime (n) criminal (n) cross (n & v) crossing (n) • pedestrian crossing cross out (phr v) • Cross it out and write it again. crossroads (n) crowd (n) crowded (adj) crown (n) cruel (adj) cruise (v) cry (n & v) cucumber (n) cultural (adj) culture (n) Page 83
cup (n) cupboard (n) cure (n & v) curious (adj) curly (adj) currency (n) current (adj) curriculum (n) curriculum vitae/CV (n) curry (n) curtain (n) curve (n & v) cushion (n) custom (n) customs (n pl) customs officer (n) customer (n) cut (n & v) cut up (phr v) • She cut up the cake into small pieces. cute (adj) cycle (n & v)
D dad (n) daddy (n) daily (adj & adv) damage (n & v) damp (adj) dance (n & v) danger (n) dangerous (adj) dark (adj & n) date (n & v) • today’s date (n) www.arshbook.com
daughter (n) day (n) dead (adj) deaf (adj) deal (with) (v) dear (adj & exclam) • too dear to buy (adj) • Dear Sir (adj) • Oh dear! (exclam) death (n) decide (v) decimal (adj & n) decision (n) declare (v) deck (n) • the deck of a boat decrease (n & v) deejay / DJ (n) deep (adj & adv) defeat (n & v) defence (n) defend (v) definitely (adv) degree (n) • 90 degrees • a degree in maths delay (n & v) delighted (adj) deliver (v) delivery (n) demand (n & v) demonstration (n) dentist (n) depart (v) department (n) departure (n) depend (v) Page 84
• It depends on what you want to do. deposit (n) • pay a deposit depressed (adj) depth (n) • the depth of the water describe (v) description (n) desert (n) deserve (v) design (n & v) desk (n) despite (prep) dessert (n) destination (n) destroy (v) detail (n) detective (n) develop (v) diagram (n) dial (v) diary (n) dictionary (n) die (v) diet (n & v) differ (v) difference (n) different (adj) difficult (adj) difficulty (n) dig (v) digital (adj) dining room (n) dinner (n) diploma (n) direct (adj & v) www.arshbook.com
direction (n) director (n) directory (n) • a telephone directory dirt (n) disabled (adj) disadvantage (n) disagree (v) disappear (v) disappoint (v) disc/disk (n) • compact disc/CD • hard disk • floppy disk disco(theque) (n) discount (n) discover (v) discuss (v) discussion (n) disease (n) disgusting (adj) dish (n) dishwasher (n) dislike (n & v) display (n & v) distance (n) distant (adj) district (n) disturb (v) dive (v) divide (v) dizzy (adj) do (v) doctor/Dr (n) document (n) documentary (adj & n) dog (n) Page 85
doll (n) dollar (n) dolphin (n) door (n) double (adj) doubt (n & v) down (adv & prep) download (n & v) downstairs (adv) dozen (n) drama (n) draw (v) • to draw a picture of someone or something • to draw the curtains • to draw near drawer (n) dream (n & v) dress (n & v) dressing (n) drink (n & v) drive (n & v) driving licence (n) drop (n & v) drugstore (n) (Am Eng) drum (n) dry (adj & v) dry cleaning (n) duck (n) due (adj) • The next bus is due in five minutes. due to (prep phr) dull (adj) during (prep) dust (n & v) www.arshbook.com
dustbin (n) duty (n) duty-free (adj) duvet (n) DVD (n) DVD player (n)
E each (det & pron) ear (n) earache (n) early (adj) earn (v) earring (n) earth (n) east (adj, adv & n) eastern (adj) easy (adj) eat (v) economics (n) edge (n) educate (v) education (n) effect (n) efficient (adj) effort (n) egg (n) either (adv, det, pron & conj) elderly (n & adj) elect (v) election (n) electric (adj) electrical (adj) electricity (n) electronic (adj) elementary (adj) Page 86
elephant (n) else (adv) email (n & v) embarrassed (adj) embarrassing (adj) embassy (n) emergency (n) employ (v) employee (n) employment (n) empty (adj & v) encourage (v) end (n & v) end up (phr v) enemy (n) engaged (adj) • to be engaged to someone • The phone was engaged. engine (n) engineer (n) enjoy (v) enormous (adj) enough (adv, det & pron) enquiry (n) enter (v) entertain (v) entertaining (adj) entertainment (n) entrance (n) entry (n) envelope (n) environment (n) equal (adj) equipment (n) escalator (n) escape (n & v) especially (adv) www.arshbook.com
essay (n) essential (adj) euro/Euro (n) even (adv) • He couldn't even do that. evening (n) event (n) ever (adv) every (adj) everybody (pron) everyone (pron) everything (pron) everywhere (adv) exact (adj) examine (v) examination/exam (n) example (n) excellent (adj) except (prep, conj) excitement (n) exchange (n) • an exchange visit • in exchange for exchange (v) exchange rate (n) excited (adj) exciting (adj) excuse (n & v) exercise (n & v) exhibition (n) exist (v) exit (n) expect (v) expedition (n) expensive (adj) experience (n) experiment (n & v) Page 87
expert (n) explain (v) explanation (n) explode (v) explore (v) extra (adj & adv) extraordinary (adj) extremely (adv) eye (n)
F face (n) • a sad look on his face facility (n) • The hotel has excellent facilities. fact (n) factory (n) fail (v) failure (n) faint (adj & v) fair (adj & n) fairly (adv) faithfully (adv) fall (n & v) (n) (Am Eng) (Br Eng: autumn) false (adj) familiar (with) (adj) family (n) famous (adj) fan (n) fantastic (adj) far (adv) fare (n) • The return fare is £26. farm (n & v) www.arshbook.com
fascinate (v) fashion (n) fast (adj & adv) fasten (v) fat (adj & n) father (n) fault (n) favour (n) favourite (adj & n) fax (n & v) fear (n) fee (n) feed (v) feel (v) feel like (v) • to feel like doing something female (adj) fence (n) ferry (n) festival (n) fetch (v) fever (n) few (adj) fiancé(e) (n) fiction (n) field (n) fight (n & v) figure (n) fill (v) fill in (phr v) • You need to fill in a form. fill up (phr v) • He filled up the car with petrol. film (n & v) film maker (n) film star (n) Page 88
final (adj & n) financial (adj) find (v) find out (phr v) • I must find out when he’s arriving. fine (adj, n & v) finger (n) finish (n & v) fire (n) firefighter (n) firm (adj & n) • firm ground (adj) • a good firm to work for (n) first (adj, adv & pron) • first name (adj) • first of all (adv) • He was the first. (pron) fish (n & v) fit (adj & v) • keep fit (adj) • These shoes don't fit. (v) fitness (n) fix (v) flag (n) flat (adj & n) flight (n) flight attendant (n) float (v) flood (n & v) floor (n) flour (n) flow (n & v) flower (n) flu (n) flute (n) fly (n & v) www.arshbook.com
fog (n) fold (v) folk (adj & n) follow (v) following (adj) fond (adj) • to be fond of something/someone food (n) fool (n) foot (n) football (n) for (prep) forbid (v) force (n) forecast (n & v) foreign (adj) foreigner (n) forest (n) forever (adv) forget (v) forgive (v) fork (n) form (n) former (adj) fortnight (n) fortunately (adv) forward(s) (adv) fountain (n) free (adj) freeze (v) freezer (n) French fries (n) (Am Eng) frequent (adj) fresh (adj) fridge (n) friend (n) Page 89
frighten (v) from (prep) front (adj & n) frontier (n) frost (n) fruit (n) fry (v) frying pan (n) fuel (n) full (adj) full time (adv) full-time (adj) fun (n) funny (adj) • a funny story (amusing) • a funny thing happened (strange) furnished (adj) furniture (n) further (adv & adj) future (adj & n)
G gallery (n) • an art gallery gain (v) • gain experience game (n) gap (n) garage (n) garden (n) gas (n) • a gas cooker • to put some gas in the car (Am Eng) (Br Eng: petrol) www.arshbook.com
gate (n) general (adj) generation (n) generous (adj) gentle (adj) gentleman (n) geography (n) get (v) get along (with) (phr v) • How do you get along with Harry? get back (phr v) • When did you get back from New York? get down (phr v) • Get down at once! • Did you get all the notes down? get in (phr v) • Can you get in through the window? get off (phr v) • We get off at the next stop. get on (phr v) • Get your coat on and then we can leave. • How are you getting on now? get on (with) (phr v) • She got on with her work. • I’m getting on well with French. • Do you get on well with Sam? get rid of (phr v) Page 90
get up (phr v) • What time do you get up in the morning? gift (n) giraffe (n) girl (n) girlfriend (n) give (v) give back (phr v) • Give me back this book on Tuesday, please. give in (phr v) • Have you given in your homework yet? • Do you give in? give out (phr v) • Will you give out these papers for me, please? give up (phr v) • Has David given up playing tennis? give way (phr v) • You must give way to traffic at a roundabout. glad (adj) glance (n & v) glass (n) glasses (n pl) global warming (n) glove (n) go (v) go for (phr v) • He went for the job. www.arshbook.com
• The dog went for the man. go off (phr v) • They went off to Australia. • Suddenly the lights went off. go on (phr v) • The meeting went on until six o'clock. • What's going on? go out (phr v) • The fire has gone out. • Are you going out with Thomas tonight? go with (phr v) • Your tie doesn't go with your shirt. goal (n) goat (n) gold (adj & n) golf (n) good (adj) • The film was very good. • to be good at maths goodbye (exclam) good-looking (adj) goodnight (exclam) goods (n pl) govern (v) government (n) grade (n) gram(me) (n) grammar (n) grandchild (n) grand(d)ad (n) granddaughter (n) grandfather (n) Page 91
grandma (n) grandmother (n) grandpa (n) grandparent (n) grandson (n) grant (n) • He was given a grant to study in Australia. (n) grape (n) grass (n) grateful (adj) great (adj) green (adj) greengrocer (n) grey (adj) grill (n & v) grocer (n) ground (adj & n) group (n & v) grow (v) grow up (phr v) • Children grow up fast. guard (n & v) guess (n & v) guest (n) guest-house (n) guide (n & v) guidebook (n) guilty (adj) guitar (n) gum (n) • chewing gum • sore gums gun (n) guy (n) gym(nastics) (n) www.arshbook.com
H habit (n) hair (n) haircut (n) hairdresser (n) hairdryer (n) half (adj, adv & n) hall (n) hallo/hello (exclam) hammer (n & v) hand (n & v) hand-held (adj) hand in (phr v) • Please hand in the answer sheet when you’ve finished. hand out (phr v) • Hand out the books please, Tom. handbag (n) handkerchief (n) handle (n & v) handsome (adj) handwriting (n) hang (v) • to hang a picture hang out (phr v) • to hang out with friends hang up (phr v) • She hung up at the end of the phone call. happen (v) happy (adj) harbour (n) hard (adj & adv) Page 92
hardly (adv) • hardly any time • He could hardly wait. hat (n) hate (n & v) have (v) have got (v) he (pron) head (n & v) • to hit one's head (n) • the head of the company (n) • The child was sent to see the Head Teacher. (n) • to head a ball (v) headache (n) headline (n) health (n) hear (v) heart (n) heat (n & v) hedge (n) heavy (adj) height (n) helicopter (n) hello/hallo (exclam) helmet (n) help (n & v) her (det & pron) here (adv) hero (n) hers (pron) herself (pron) hide (v) high (adj & adv) hill (n) www.arshbook.com
him (pron) himself (pron) hire (v & n) • to hire a boat (v) • for hire (n) his (det & pron) historic (adj) historical (adj) history (n) hit (n & v) • The song was a great hit. (n) • to hit the ball (v) hitch-hike (v) hobby (n) hockey (n) hold (v) hold up (phr v) • He was held up in the heavy traffic for over two hours. hole (n) holiday (n) home (adv & n) homepage (n) homework (n) honest (adj) honey (n) hope (n & v) horrible (adj) horse (n) hospital (n) hostel (n) hot (adj) hotel (n) hour (n) house (n) Page 93
housewife (n) housework (n) hovercraft (n) how (adv) how much (adv) however (adv) huge (adj) human (adj & n) hunger (n) hungry (adj) hurry (n & v) hurt (adj & v) husband (n) hut (n) hydrofoil (n)
I I (pron) ice (n) ice cream (n) ice hockey (n) idea (n) identity (n) • identity (ID) card if (conj) ill (adj) illness (n) imagination (n) imagine (v) immediate (adj) immediately (adv) immigration (n) import (v) importance (n) important (adj) impossible (adj) improve (v) www.arshbook.com
in (adv & prep) in advance (prep phr) in any case (prep phr) in case of (prep phr) • in case of fire • in case of delays in danger (prep phr) in the end (prep phr) in fact (prep phr) in front of (prep phr) in half (prep phr) in ink (prep phr) in love (prep phr) in order (prep phr) in order to (prep phr) in pencil (prep phr) in pieces (prep phr) in place (prep phr) in private (prep phr) in public (prep phr) in stock (prep phr) in time (prep phr) in turn (prep phr) in two (prep phr) include (v) income (n) incorrect (adj) increase (n & v) indeed (adv) independent (adj) index (n) • the index of a book individual (adj & n) indoor (adj) indoors (adv) industry (n) influence (n & v) Page 94
inform (v) information (n) ingredients (n) inhabitant (n) initial (n) • His initials are J.B.H. injure (v) ink (n) inn (n) inquiry (n) insect (n) inside (adv, prep & n) insist (v) instance (n) instead (adv) instead of (prep phr) instruction(s) (n) instructor (n) instrument (n) • musical instrument insurance (n) insure (v) intelligent (adj) intend (v) • to intend to do something interest (n & v) intermediate (adj) international (adj) internet (n) interpret (v) interrupt (v) interval (n) • an interval in a play interview (n & v) into (prep) introduce (v) introduction (n) www.arshbook.com
invade (v) invasion (n) invent (v) invention (n) invitation (n) invite (v) involve (v) iron (n & v) island (n) issue (n) IT (Information Technology) (n) it (pron) item (n) its (det) itself (pron)
J jacket (n) jail (n) (Am Eng) (Br. Eng: prison) jam (n) • strawberry jam • traffic jam jar (n) jazz (n) jealous (adj) jeans (n pl) jet (n) • to go by jet (plane) jewellery (n) job (n) jog (v) • to go jogging join (v) • The rivers join there. • to join the army Page 95
• to join (in) a game joke (n & v) journalism (n) journalist (n) journey (n) judge (n & v) jug (n) juice (n) jump (n & v) jury (n) just (adv)
K kangaroo (n) keen (adj) • He's keen on cycling. • to be keen to do something keep (v) keep in (phr v) • She kept the children in as it was so cold. keep on (phr v) • He kept on talking. keep up (phr v) • Keep up the good work! kettle (n) key (n) • key to a lock • key to success keyboard (n) • computer keyboard • keyboard music kick (n & v) kids (n pl) kilo(gram[me]) (kg) (n) www.arshbook.com
kilometre (km) (n) kill (v) kind (adj & n) king (n) kiosk (n) kiss (n & v) kitchen (n) kitten (n) knee (n) kneel (v) knife (n) knit (v) knock (n & v) knock down (phr v) • He was knocked down by the car as he stepped into the road. knock out (phr v) • The fall knocked him out. know (v) knowledge (n)
L laboratory (lab) (n) labourer (n) lack (n & v) ladder (n) lady (n) lake (n) lamb (n) lamp (n) land (n & v) landlady (n) landlord (n) landscape (n) language (n) laptop (computer) (n) Page 96
large (adj) laser (n) last (adj, adv & v) late (adj & adv) lately (adv) later (adj & adv) latest (adj) laugh (n & v) laundry (n) lavatory (n) law (n) lawn (n) lawyer (n) lay (v) lazy (adj) lead (v) • to lead someone by the hand • Where does this road lead? leaf (n) learn (v) least (adj & adv) • the least amount (adj) • at least (adv) leather (n) leave (v) leave out (phr v) • He left out several important facts. lecture (n & v) left (n, adj & adv) leg (n) leisure (n) lemon (n) lemonade (n) lend (v) length (n) www.arshbook.com
less (det, adj, adv & pron) lesson (n) let (v) • Let her do it. • Let me think. • Let’s go out tonight. letter (n) letter-box (n) lettuce (n) level (adj & n) library (n) licence (n) • a driving/marriage/TV licence lie (n & v) life (n) lift (n & v) • Can you give me a lift, please? (n) • The lift is going up. (n) • Please help me to lift this table. (v) light (adj, n & v) lighter (n) • a cigarette lighter lightning (n) like (adv, prep & v) likely (adj) limit (n & v) line (n) • a line on a page • a clothes line • a railway line link (n) • a link to a website lion (n) lip (n) Page 97
lipstick (n) liquid (n) list (n) listen (v) literature (n) litre (n) litter (n) little (adj & pron) live (v) live (adj) • live music/sport lively (adj) living (adj) living room (n) load (n & v) loaf (n) loan (n) local (adj) location (n) lock (n & v) locker (n) lonely (adj) long (adj) look (n & v) look after (phr v) • Who's looking after your baby now? look forward to (phr v) • I’m looking forward to the party! look like (v) • She looks like her sister. look out (phr v) • Look out or you'll have an accident. look up (phr v)
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• Look up the meaning of the word in your dictionary. loose (adj) lorry (n) lose (v) lost property office (n) lot (n) loud (adj) lounge (n) love (n & v) lovely (adj) low (adj & adv) lower (v) luck (n) luggage (n) lump (n) lunch (n) lunchtime (n) lung (n) luxury (n)
M machine (n) mad (adj) Madam (n) made of (adj) magazine (n) magic (adj & n) magnificent (adj) mail (n & v) main (adj) majority (n) make (v) make-up (n) make sure (phr v) male (adj & n) Page 98
man (n) manage (v) • to manage a business • to manage to do something (succeed in) manner (n) many (adj & pron) map (n) mark (n & v) market (n) • to buy something from a market marriage (n) marry (v) master (n) match (n & v) • a box of matches (n) • a tennis match (n) • This tie matches your shirt. (v) mate (n) material (n) mathematics/math(s) (n) matter (n & v) • Is anything the matter? (n) • It doesn't matter. (v) maximum (adj & n) maybe (adv) me (pron) meal (n) mean (v) • What do you mean? • What does it mean? means (n) measure (v) mechanic (n) www.arshbook.com
meat (n) medicine (n) medium (adj) meet (v) melon (n) melt (v) member (n) membership (n) memory (n) • to have a good/poor memory • happy memories • computer memory mend (v) mention (v) menu (n) merry (adj) message (n) metal (n) method (n) • modern methods of teaching metre (m) (n) microwave (n) midday (n) middle (adj & n) midnight (n) mild (adj) mile (n) milk (n) millimetre (mm) (n) mind (n & v) • His mind was on other things. (n) • Would you mind if I called tomorrow? (v) • I don’t mind. (v) Page 99
• Mind your head! (v) • Who's minding the baby for you? (v) mine (pron) mineral (adj) mineral water (n) minimum (adj & n) minister (n) • government minister minute (n) mirror (n) miserable (adj) miss (n & v) Miss (n) mist (n) mistake (n) mix (v) mobile (phone) (n) model (adj & n) • a model railway (adj) • It's cheap because it's last year's model. (n) • She’s a fashion model. (n) modern (adj) moment (n) money (n) monkey (n) month (n) moon (n) more (adj, adv & pron) morning (n) mosque (n) most (adj, adv & pron) mother (n) motor (n) motorbike (n) www.arshbook.com
motorcycle (n) motor-racing (n) motorway (n) mountain (n) mouse (n) moustache (n) mouth (n) move (v) movie (n) (Am Eng) (Br Eng: film) movie theatre (n) (Am Eng) (Br Eng: cinema) movie star (n) (Am Eng) (Br Eng: film star) MP3 player (n) Mr (n) Mrs (n) Ms (n) much (adj, adv & pron) mug (n) multiply (v) mum (n) mummy (n) murder (n & v) museum (n) mushroom (n) music (n) musical (adj & n) musician (n) mustard (n) my (det) myself (pron) mystery (n)
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nail (n) • fingernail • hammer and nails name (n & v) narrow (adj) nasty (adj) national (adj) nationality (n) natural (adj) nature (n) • nature studies near (adv, prep & adj) nearby (adj & adv) nearly (adv) neat (adj) necessary (adj) neck (n) need (v) needle (n) negative (adj) neighbour (n) neighbourhood (n) neither (pron, adv, conj & det) nephew (n) nervous (adj) • a nervous person • to feel nervous net (n) network (n) never (adv) new (adj) news (n) newsagent (n) newspaper (n) next (adj, adv & pron) next to (prep) www.arshbook.com
nice (adj) niece (n) night (n) nightclub (n) no (adv & det) nobody (pron) noise (n) none (pron) nonsense (n) noon (n) no one (pron) nor (conj) normal (adj) north (adj, adv & n) northeast (adj & n) northwest (adj & n) nose (n) not (adv) note (n & v) • to write a note (n) • a ten-pound note (n) • Please note. (v) notebook (n) notepaper (n) nothing (pron) notice (n & v) • to read a notice (n) • until further notice (n) • Did you notice anything wrong? (v) novel (n) now (adv) nowadays (adv) nowhere (adv) number (n) • numbers 5 to 7 • a large number of cars Page 101
• What’s your (phone) number? nurse (n & v) nut (n)
O object (n) obvious (adj) occasion (n) occasional (adj) occupation (n) ocean (n) o’clock (adv) of (prep) of course (adv) off (adv & prep) • It fell off the table. (prep) • The meeting is off. (adv) • I’ve got the afternoon off. (adv) offer (n & v) office (n) officer (n) often (adv) oh! (int) oh dear! (int) oil (n) OK/O.K./okay (adj) old (adj) old-fashioned (adj) omelette (n) on (adv & prep) on board (prep phr) on business (prep phr) on fire (prep phr) on foot (prep phr) on holiday (prep phr) www.arshbook.com
on loan (prep phr) on purpose (prep phr) on request (prep phr) on sale (prep phr) on time (prep phr) once (adv) • once a year • I once saw him dancing. one (pron & det) oneself (pron) one-way (adj) onion (n) online (adv & adj) • to book/buy something online (adv) • an online facility (adj) only (adj & adv) onto (prep) open (adj & v) opening hours (n pl) opera (n) operate (v) operation (n) operator (n) opinion (n) opportunity (n) opposite (adj, n, prep & adv) option (n) or (conj) orange (adj & n) orchestra (n) order (conj, n & v) • in order to (conj) • to put something in order (n) • to order a meal (v) Page 102
ordinary (adj) organisation (n) organise (v) original (adj) other (adj, pron & det) our (det) ours (pron) ourselves (pron) out (adv) out of (prep) out of date (prep phr) out of doors (prep phr) out of order (prep phr) out of stock (prep phr) out of work (prep phr) outdoor (adj) outdoors (adv) outside (adv, n, prep & adj) oven (n) over (adv & prep) • I’m going over the road. (prep) • over 40 people (more than) (adv) • to be over (finished) (adv) • Several birds were flying over the roof of the school. (prep) overnight (adj & adv) overtake (v) owe (v) own (adj & v) • my own pen (adj) • to own a car (v) owner (n)
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pack (n & v) • an information pack (n) • to pack a case (v) packet (n) page (n) pain (n) paint (n & v) pair (n) palace (n) pale (adj) pan (n) pants (n) (Am Eng) (Br Eng: trousers) paper (n) • a sheet of paper • a (news)paper parcel (n) pardon (n) (int) • Pardon? I didn’t hear what you said. parent (n) park (n & v) • a public park (n) • to park a car (v) parliament (n) part (n & v) • a part of something (n) • to part from someone (v) partly (adv) particular (adj) partner (n) part time (adv) part-time (adj) party (n) • a birthday party • a political party pass (v) Page 103
• Several cars passed. • to pass the sugar • to pass an examination passenger (n) passport (n) password (n) past (adj, n & prep) • the past few weeks. (adj) • in the past. (n) • It’s half past one. (prep) pasta (n) pastry (n) path (n) patient (adj & n) • to be patient (adj) • a hospital patient (n) pattern (n) pause (n & v) pavement (n) pay (n & v) pea (n) peace (n) peanut (n) pear (n) pedestrian (n) peel (n & v) pen (n) pence (n pl) pencil (n) pencil case (n) pen-friend (n) penknife (n) penny (n) pension (n) people (n pl) pepper (n) • to pass the pepper (spice) www.arshbook.com
• red peppers (vegetable) per (prep) per cent (n) perfect (adj) perform (v) performance (n) perfume (n) perhaps (adv) period (n) permanent (adj) permission (n) permitted (adj) person (n) personal (adj) persuade (v) pet (n) petrol (n) petrol station (n) pharmacy (n) phone (n & v) photo (n) photocopy (n) photograph (n) photography (n) physician (n) physics (n) piano (n) pick (v) pick up (phr v) • I picked up a pencil. • I’ll pick up my sister from the station. picnic (n & v) picture (n) pie (n) piece (n) • a piece of cheese Page 104
• to break into small pieces • a piece of furniture/advice pig (n) pile (n) pill (n) pillow (n) pilot (n & v) pin (n & v) pink (adj) pipe (n) pity (n) pizza (n) place (n & v) • a safe place (n) • I’ve lost my place in the book. (n) • third place in a race (n) • to place something on the table (v) • London is a big place. (n) plain (adj) • It’s plain to me. (clear) • a plain T-shirt (no design) plan (n & v) • a street plan (n) • a plan to do something (n) plane (n) planet (n) plant (n & v) plastic (adj & n) plate (n) platform (n) play (n & v) • a play at the theatre (n) • children playing (v) • to play football (v) • to play the guitar (v) www.arshbook.com
• to play a record/cassette/CD (v) • to play the part of someone (act) (v) player (n) playground (n) playing cards (n pl) pleasant (adj) please (int & v) • Come in, please. (int) • to please someone (v) pleasure (n) plenty (pron) plug (n) • a plug for the bath • an electrical plug plug in (phr v) p.m. (adv) pocket (n) pocket money (n) poem (n) poet (n) poetry (n) point (n & v) • to point at something (v) • The pencil has no point to it. (n) police (n) policeman (n) police officer (n) policewoman (n) police station (n) polite (adj) political (adj) politics (n) politician (n) pollution (n) Page 105
pool (n) • a swimming-pool poor (adj) • She is very poor. (financial) • The poor man. (sympathy) pop (adj & n) • pop song/music/star/group popular (adj) population (n) port (n) porter (n) position (n) positive (adj) possibility (n) possible (adj) post (n & v) • to post a letter (v) • to send it by post (n) post office (n) postage (n) postcard (n) poster (n) postman (n) pot (n) potato (n) pound (£) (n) pour (v) poverty (n) powder (n) power (n) practice (n) practise (v) (n = Am Eng) pray (v) prayer (n) prefer (v) preparation (n) prepare (v) www.arshbook.com
prescription (n) • medicine on a prescription present (adj & n) • to be present (adj) • at the present time (adj) • That will be all for the present. (n) • I got some lovely birthday presents. (n) presenter (n) president (n) press (v) • to press a button • to press a suit pretty (adj) prevent (v) previous (adj) price (n) priest (n) primary (adj) • primary school prime minister (n) prince (n) princess (n) principal (adj) print (n & v) • in large print (n) • print a document (v) • to print your name in capitals (v) prison (n) prisoner (n) private (adj) prize (n) probable (adj) probably (adv) problem (n) Page 106
produce (v) product (n) profession (n) professional (adj & n) professor (n) program(me) (n) • TV programme • computer program progress (n) project (n) promise (n & v) • to promise to do something (v) • to keep a promise (n) pronounce (v) • to pronounce a word correctly pronunciation (n) proper (adj) property (n) protect (v) proud (adj) prove (v) provide (v) public (adj & n) • public opinion (adj) • to make something public (adj) • to be open to the public (n) publish (v) pull (n & v) pullover (n) pump (n) • petrol/bike pump punctual (adj) punish (v) punishment (n) www.arshbook.com
pupil (n) pure (adj) purple (adj) purpose (n) • He did it on purpose. (deliberately) purse (n) push (n & v) put (v) put away (phr v) • He put the book away. put down (phr v) • She put her name down. put off (phr v) • The meeting was put off until the following week. put on (phr v) • He put on a suit. • Can you put on the light? • He didn’t want to put on weight. put out (phr v) • The fire was quickly put out. put through (phr v) • Can you put me through to the manager, please? put up (phr v) • The company was forced to put up its prices. pyjamas (n pl)
Q qualification (n) Page 107
qualify (v) quality (n) quantity (n) quarter (n) quay (n) queen (n) question (n) • to ask a question • the question being discussed (subject) questionnaire (n) queue (n & v) quick (adj) quiet (adj) quit (v) quite (adv) • Are you quite sure? • quite old quiz (n)
R rabbit (n) race (n & v) • to win a race (n) • to race against fast runners (compete) (v) • to race home quickly (run) (v) racket (n) • tennis racket radio (n) rail (n) • to go by rail railway (n) rain (n & v) raincoat (n) www.arshbook.com
rainforest (n) raise (v) • to raise your arm • to raise prices range (n) rank (n) • a taxi rank rare (adj) rarely (adv) rather (adv & prep) • rather earlier than usual (adv) • I’d prefer to drink water rather than fruit juice. (prep) raw (adj) • raw meat razor (n) reach (v) read (v) ready (adj) real (adj) realise (v) • He realised it was true. realistic (adj) really (adv) reason (n) reasonable (adj) receipt (n) receive (v) recent (adj) reception (n) recipe (n) recognise (v) recommend (v) • to recommend someone/something Page 108
record (n & v) • to keep a record (n) • to break a record (n) • to record a song (v) recording (n) recover (v) • to recover from an illness recycle (v) • I don’t recycle as much as I should. recycled (adj) recycling (n) red (adj) reduce (v) refreshments (n) refrigerator (n) refund (n & v) refuse (v) regarding (prep) region (n) register (n & v) • He took the class register. (n) • He registered with a new doctor. (v) registration (n) regret (n & v) regular (adj) relation (n) • to visit a relation relationship (n) relative (n) • a relative came to stay relax (v) relaxation (n) reliable (adj) religion (n) www.arshbook.com
remain (v) remember (v) remind (v) remove (v) rent (n & v) repair (n & v) repeat (v) replace (v) reply (n & v) report (n & v) request (n & v) require (v) rescue (n & v) research (n & v) reservation (n) reserve (n & v) • She was a reserve for the team. (n) • to reserve a seat (v) respect (n & v) responsible (adj) rest (n & v) • a rest from work (n) • the rest of them (n) • The doctor told her to rest. (v) restaurant (n) result (n) retire (v) return (n & v) • to return home (v) • a return (ticket) (n) review (n & v) revise (v) reward (n & v) rice (n) rich (adj & n) Page 109
ride (n & v) right (adj, adv & n) • the right time (correct) (adj) • the right person for the job (suitable) (adj) • my right foot (adj) • Everything will be all right. (adj) • Go right there. (directly) (adv) • Fill it right to the top. (completely) (adv) • the right to vote (n) ring (n & v) • stand in a ring (n) • a wedding ring (n) • Give me a ring tomorrow. (phone) (n) • Suddenly the bell rang. (v) ring back (phr v) ring off (phr v) ring up (phr v) ripe (adj) rise (v) • The sun rises in the East. • Prices are rising. river (n) road (n) roast (adj & v) rob (v) robbery (n) rock (n) • rock (music) (n) • a hard piece of rock (n) role (n) www.arshbook.com
roll (n & v) • a roll of film (n) • a bread roll (n) • to roll into a ball (v) roof (n) room (n) • the sitting room • There’s lots of room in here. rose (n) rough (adj) • a rough road • a rough idea • rough work round (adj, adv & prep) • a round object (adj) • the wrong way round (adv) • to sit round a table (prep) roundabout (n) route (n) row (n) • a row of seats rubber (adj & n) • rubber tyres (adj) • a rubber (eraser) (n) rubbish (n) rude (adj) rugby (n) ruin (n) rule (n & v) • the rules of grammar (n) • to rule a country (v) ruler (n) • draw a line using a ruler run (v) • to run in a race • to run a business Page 110
run out of (phr v) • He ran out of time and didn’t finish.
S sad (adj) safe (adj) • to be safe from harm safety (n) sail (n & v) salad (n) salary (n) sale (n) salesman/saleswoman (n) salt (n) same (adj, pron & adv) sand (n) sandwich (n) satisfactory (adj) satisfied (adj) saucer (n) sausage (n) save (v) • to save someone • to save money • to save time say (v) • to say something to someone • I really can’t say. (give an opinion) scene (n) scenery (n) school (n) science (n) science fiction (n) scientific (adj) www.arshbook.com
scientist (n) scissors (n) scooter (n) score (n & v) • The score was 3-0. (n) • to score a goal (v) scream (n & v) screen (n) sculpture (n) sea (n) search (n & v) seaside (n) season (n) seat (n) seat belt (n) second (adj & n) • to be second in the race (adj) • sixty seconds in a minute (n) secondary (adj) • secondary school secret (adj & n) secretary (n) security (n) see (v) • to see something (with the eyes) • to see the joke (understand) • to see someone about a problem (consult) seem (v) seldom (adv) select (v) self-service (adj) Page 111
sell (v) send (v) sensible (adj) sentence (n) • words in a sentence separate (adj & v) series (n) • a TV series serious (adj) • a serious person • a serious illness servant (n) serve (v) • to serve in a shop service (n) • a bus service • customer service session (n) • in a school, gym set (v) set free (phr v) set off (phr v) • She set off early for work. set out (phr v) • They set out on the long journey. set up (phr v) • Her mother helped her to set up in business. several (adj & det) sew (v) sex (n) • the male/female sex sh! (int) shade (n) • to sit in the shade www.arshbook.com
shadow (n) shake (n & v) shallow (adj) shame (n) shampoo (n) shape (n) share (n & v) shark (n) sharp (adj) • a sharp knife • a sharp corner • a sharp picture shave (n & v) she (pron) sheep (n) sheet (n) • sheets on a bed • a sheet of paper • information sheet shelf (n) shine (v) ship (n) shirt (n) shock (n & v) • to suffer from shock (n) • The film shocked me. (v) shoe (n) shoot (v) • to shoot at the goal shop (n & v) shop assistant (n) shopkeeper (n) shore (n) short (adj) shorts (n pl) • a pair of shorts shoulder (n) Page 112
shout (n & v) show (n & v) • a film show (n) • Show it to me. (v) • The picture shows a village. (v) • It shows that they care. (v) shower (n) • a shower of rain • to have a shower shut (adj & v) shy (adj) sick (adj) side (n) sight (n) • Her sight is better with glasses. • in sight, out of sight sightseeing (n) sign (n & v) • a road sign (n) • to sign a document (v) • no sign of life (n) • signs of winter (n) signal (n & v) signature (n) signpost (n) silence (n) silent (adj) silk (adj & n) silly (adj) silver (adj & n) similar (adj) simple (adj) since (conj & prep) sincerely (adv) • Yours sincerely www.arshbook.com
sing (v) single (n & adj) • a single (ticket) to Cambridge (n) • to be single (unmarried) (adj) • a single room (adj) sink (n & v) • a kitchen sink (n) • The ship began to sink. (v) Sir (n) sister (n) sit (v) site (n) sitting room (n) situated (adj) situation (n) size (n) skateboard (n & v) ski (n & v) skill (n) skilled (adj) skin (n) skirt (n) sky (n) sleep (n & v) sleeve (n) slice (n) slim (adj) slip (v) • to slip on the ice slope (n) • mountain/ski slope slow (adj) small (adj) smart (adj) • a smart idea (Am Eng) Page 113
• smart clothes smell (n & v) smile (n & v) smoke (n & v) smooth (adj) • a smooth surface (level) • a smooth ride in the new car (comfortable) snack (n) snake (n) snow (n & v) snowball (n) snowboard (n & v) snowman (n) snowstorm (n) so (adv & conj) so-so (adj) soap (n) social (adj) society (n) sock (n) sofa (n) soft (adj) • a soft material • a soft drink software (n) soil (n) soldier (n) solid (adj) some (adj, det & pron) somebody (pron) someone (pron) something (pron) sometimes (adv) somewhere (adv) son (n) www.arshbook.com
song (n) soon (adv) • I’ll come soon. • as soon as I can sore (adj) sorry (adj) sort (n) • the same sort sort out (phr v) • We need to sort out this problem. sound (n & v) • the sound of music (n) • It sounds like/as if…(v) soup (n) sour (adj) • a sour taste south (adj & adv, n) southeast (adj & n) southwest (adj, adv & n) souvenir (n) space (n) • a parking space • write in the spaces • not enough space • outer space spade (n) spare (adj & v) • spare cash, spare time (adj) • to spare the time (v) speak (v) special (adj) speech (n) speed (n) spell (v) spend (v) Page 114
• to spend money/time spill (v) spinach (n) spite (n) • in spite of (prep phr) spoil (v) spoon (n) sport (n) spot (n) spy (n & v) square (adj & n) • a square room (adj) • a market square (n) squash (n) stadium (n) staff (n) stage (n) • to perform on a stage stain (n & v) stairs (n pl) stall (n) • market stall stamp (n) • a postage stamp stand (v) standard (n) star (n) • stars in the sky (n) • a film star (n) start (n & v) • a good start (n) • to start a race (v) state (adj & n) • a state school (n) statement (n) station (n) • a bus/fire/radio station www.arshbook.com
statue (n) stay (n & v) • to stay to dinner (v) • to stay with friends (v) • to stay looking young (v) • a two-night stay (n) stay behind (phr v) • She stayed behind after the lesson to speak to the teacher. steak (n) steal (v) steam (n) steel (n) steep (adj) step (n) • two steps forward (n) • to climb the steps (n) stick (n & v) • a walking stick (n) • to stick two things together (v) sticky (adj) stiff (adj) still (adv) • Sit still. (adv) • She’s still here. (adv) stir (v) stomach (n) stone (n) • a large stone • a stone bridge stop (n & v) • a bus stop (n) • The car stopped. (v) • It’s stopped raining. (v)
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• The rain stopped me from going out. (v) store (n & v) • a department store (n) • to store things in a cupboard (v) storm (n) story (n) straight (adj & adv) • to go straight on (adv) • a straight road (adj) strange (adj) stranger (n) strawberry (n) stream (n) street (n) stress (n & v) • to stress the importance of something (v) • He didn’t want the stress of a new job. (n) strict (adj) strike (n & v) • to go on strike (n) • to strike something (v) strong (adj) student (n) studio (n) • TV/artists/recording studio study (n & v) • to study physics (v) • to study the map (v) • Social Studies (n) stupid (adj) www.arshbook.com
style (n) subject (n) • the subject of a discussion • the subject of a sentence • a school subject subtract (v) subway (n) • New York subway (Am Eng) (Br Eng: underground) succeed (v) success (n) such (adj & det) sudden (adj) sugar (n) suggest (v) suit (n) • to wear a suit suitable (adj) suitcase (n) sum (n) sum up (v) sun (n) sunbathe (v) sunlight (n) sunrise (n) sunset (n) sunshine (n) supermarket (n) supply (v) support (v) • to support a weight • to support a team suppose (v) • I suppose it’s true. • You aren’t supposed to drive fast. Page 116
• It’s supposed to be a good film. sure (adj) • I’m sure you’re right. • to make sure surfing (n) surname (n) surprise (n & v) surround (v) • The cottage is surrounded by beautiful countryside. sweater (n) sweatshirt (n) sweep (v) • to sweep the floor sweet (adj & n) • sweet food (adj) • a sweet face (adj) • a sweet smell (adj) • to eat a sweet (n) swim (n & v) swimming costume (n) swing (n & v) • to play on a swing • to swing backwards and forwards switch (n & v) • light switch (n) • to switch on a machine (v) system (n)
T table (n) table-cloth (n) table-tennis (n) tablet (n) www.arshbook.com
take (v) • to take someone’s hand • to take someone’s things (steal/ borrow) • to take a photo • to take a long time • to take a holiday take away (phr v) • Take 15 away from 78. take off (phr v) • Do you want to take off your coat? • The plane takes off at 6. take part (in) (phr v) • Everybody took part in the meeting. take place (phr v) • The meeting took place at six. take up (phr v) • He decided to take up a new hobby. talent (n) talk (n & v) tall (adj) tap (n) • a cold-water tap (n) tape (adj, n & v) • a tape recorder (adj) • a cassette tape (n) • to tape a conversation (v) taste (n & v) • to have good taste (n) • to taste food (v) • It tastes good. (v) tax (n & v) Page 117
taxi (n) tea (n) teach (v) team (n) tear (n) • Tears ran down her cheeks. tear (v) • to tear a piece of paper technique (n) technology (n) teenage (n) telegram (n) telephone (n & v) television (TV) (n) tell (v) • to tell a story • to tell someone something • to tell someone to do something • you can’t always tell temperature (n) • to have a temperature • air temperature temporary (adj) tennis (n) tent (n) term (n) terminal (n) terrible (adj) test (n & v) text (n) than (conj & prep) thank (v) thank you (int) thanks (n) that (adv, conj, det & pron) www.arshbook.com
theft (n) their (det) theirs (pron) them (pron) themselves (pron) then (adv) there (adv & pron) therefore (adv) thermometer (n) these (det & pron) they (pron) thick (adj) thief (n) thin (adj) thing (n) think (v) • to think about something • I think he’s left. • What did you think of the film? • I think I’ll go. • I’m thinking of going. thirst (n) this (det & pron) those (det & pron) though (conj & adv) thought (n) • to have thoughts about something • to be deep in thought thriller (n) throat (n) through (prep) throughout (prep) throw (v) throw away (phr v) • He threw away the old TV. Page 118
thumb (n) thunder (n) thunderstorm (n) tick (n & v) ticket (n) tidy (adj & v) tidy up (phr v) • Please tidy up when you’ve finished. tie (n & v) • a shirt and tie (n) • to tie with string (v) tiger (n) tight (adj) • tight shoes tights (n pl) • a pair of tights till (conj & prep) • to wait till the end (prep) • till he comes (conj) time (n) • What time is it? • It took a long time. • the last time • Is it time yet? • Four times five is twenty. timetable (n) tin (n) • a tin of peas • made of tin tin-opener (n) tiny (adj) tip (n) • the tip of the pencil • a tip for the waitress tired (adj) title (n) www.arshbook.com
to (prep) toast (n) • toast for breakfast today (adv & n) toe (n) together (adv) toilet (n) tomato (n) tomorrow (adv & n) ton(ne) (n) tongue (n) tonight (adv & n) too (adv) • I’ve been there, too. • It’s too heavy to lift. tool (n) tooth/teeth (n) toothache (n) toothbrush (n) toothpaste (n) top (n) • top of the class • at the top of his voice topic (n) total (adj & n) touch (v) tour (n & v) tourism (n) tourist (n) toward(s) (prep) towel (n) tower (n) town (n) toy (n) track (n) • a race track track suit (n) Page 119
trade (n) traditional (adj) traffic (n) traffic jam (n) traffic light(s) (n) train (n & v) • to travel by train • to train in a skill trainers (n pl) • a pair of trainers tram (n) transfer (v) translate (v) translation (n) transport (n & v) travel (v) travel agent (n) traveller’s cheque (n) tree (n) trip (n) • a weekend trip trouble (n) trousers (n pl) truck (Am Eng) (Br Eng: lorry) true (adj) • Is it true? • a true friend trumpet (n) trust (v) • to trust someone truth (n) try (v) • to try to do something • to try (out) something try on (v) • to try on shoes www.arshbook.com
T-shirt (n) tube (n) • a tube of toothpaste tune (n) tunnel (n) turkey (n) turn (n & v) • to turn your head (v) • to turn the page (v) • It’s my turn. (n) • The wheels began to turn. (v) turn down (phr v) • Could you turn down the music? turn into (phr v) • The water had turned into ice. turn off (phr v) • She turned off the engine. turn on (phr v) • Can you turn on the TV? turn out (phr v) • He turned out the lights. turn up (phr v) • Turn up the radio - I can hardly hear it. turning (n) • the first turning on the left twice (adv) twin (n) type (n & v) • a type of person (n) • to type a letter (v) typical (adj) tyre (n)
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U ugly (adj) umbrella (n) unable (adj) uncle (n) under (prep) • under the bed • under £10.00 underground (adj & n) • underground trains (adj) • to travel by underground (n) underpants (n) understand (v) uniform (n) universe (n) university (n) unleaded (adj) unless (conj) until (prep & conj) up (adv & prep) • to walk up the hill (prep) • Are you up yet? (awake and dressed) (adv) • Lift your head up. (adv) • Speak up, please. (adv) up to (prep phr) • up to six people up to date (prep phr) update (n & v) upon (prep) upset (adj) upstairs (adv) urgent (adj) us (pron) use (n & v) www.arshbook.com
• Can you use a computer? (v) • It’s for the use of teachers only. (n) • Is this any use to you? (n) used to (v) • I used to cycle a lot when I was younger. usual (adj)
V valley (n) value (n) van (n) vanilla (n) variety (n) various (adj) vase (n) veal (n) vegetable (n & adj) vegetarian (n & adj) vehicle (n) very (adv) venue (n) victim (n) victory (n) video (n & v) video recorder (n) videotape (n) view (n) • a beautiful view village (n) violin (n) visa (n) visit (n & v) Page 121
visitor (n) vocabulary (n) voice (n) volleyball (n) vote (n & v) voyage (n)
W wage(s) (n) wait (n & v) waiter (n) waiting-room (n) waitress (n) wake (up) (v) walk (n & v) wall (n) wallet (n) want (v) war (n) ward (n) warm (adj) warn (v) wash (n & v) wash-basin (n) wash up (v) washing machine (n) washing up (n) • to do the washing up waste (adj & v) wastepaper basket (n) watch (n & v) • My watch keeps good time. (n) • I watched TV last night. (v) water (n & v) waterfall (n) wave (n & v) www.arshbook.com
• waves at sea • to wave goodbye way (n) • Is this the way? • the wrong way • a long way • to stand in the way • That’s the way to do it. • way of life • way in, way out WC (n) we (pron) weak (adj) • to feel weak • a weak excuse wear (v) • to wear a dress wear off (phr v) • Has the pain worn off yet? wear out (phr v & adj) • You’ll wear out those shoes. (v) weather (n) web (n) website (n) wedding (n) week (n) weekday (n) weekend (n) weekly (adj & adv) • a weekly magazine (adj) • to phone home twice weekly (adv) weigh (v) weight (n) welcome (n & v) • a warm welcome (n) Page 122
• Welcome to London! (v) welfare (n) well (adj, adv & int) • I’m very well, thanks. (adj) • to behave very well (adv) • Shake the bottle well. (adv) • Well, here we are. (int) Well done! (int) well known (adv) well-known (adj) well made (adv) well-made (adj) west (adj, adv & n) wet (adj) • wet clothes • wet weather whale (n) what (pron) whatever (pron & det) wheel (n & v) wheelchair (n) when (adv) whenever (adv & conj) where (adv) wherever (adv & conj) whether (conj) which (pron & det) whichever (pron & det) while, whilst (conj) white (adj) who, whom (pron) whoever (pron) whole (adj & n) whose (pron) why (adv) wide (adj & adv) • a wide road (adj) www.arshbook.com
• with his mouth wide open (adv) • to feel wide awake (adv) width (n) wife (n) wild (adj) wildlife (n) win (n & v) wind (n) • A strong wind was blowing. (n) wind (v) • Wind up the car windows. (v) window (n) windscreen (n) windsurfing (n) wing (n) • a bird’s wing • the wing of an aeroplane wire (n) • an electrical wire • a wire fence wise (adj) wish (n & v) with (prep) within (adv & prep) without (prep) witness (n & v) woman (n) wonder (v) • I wonder what he said. wonderful (adj) wood (n) • to be made of wood • in a large wood wooden (adj) Page 123
wool (n) word (n) • words in a sentence • He didn’t say a word. work (n & v) • school work (n) • to work for a living (v) • hard work (n) • to be out of work (n) working hours (n pl) world (n) worry (n & v) worse (adj & adv) worst (adj & adv) worth (adj) wound (n & v) wrap (up) (v) • to wrap (up) a parcel write (v) write out (phr v) • Please write out your name in full. wrong (adj)
youth (n)
Z zebra (n) zero (n) zone (n) zoo (n)
Y year (n) yearly (adj & adv) yellow (adj) yes (int) yesterday (adv & n) yet (adv) you (pron) you know (int) young (adj & n) your (det) yours (pron) yourself (pron) www.arshbook.com
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5 English Speaking Basics
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English Speaking Basics This section is created for English speaking beginners who need help to understand the basics of speaking English. We will use very simple phrases and expressions to help you with your English speaking. There are currently 90 lessons with over 900 audio files in the English Speaking Basics Section. Once you are familiar with the basics of English speaking, you can move to other categories such as Regular English Lessons English Speaking Basics - Section I English Speaking Basics is for English speaking beginners who need help to understand the basics of speaking English. We will use very simple phrases and expressions to help you with your English speaking. This first section contains the first 30 lessons. Go through them 1 by 1 until you are familiar with each sentence. I'm 'I'm' is an abbreviation for the word 'I AM.' It is used in combination with other words to tell someone about yourself or to describe something you are doing. Here are some examples: "I'm so tired." "I'm confused." "I'm happy." "I'm twenty three years old." "I'm hungry." "I'm nervous." "I'm excited." "I'm leaving work." www.arshbook.com
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"I'm thirsty." "I'm from Seattle." You can also add descriptive words with 'I'm' such as: "I'm extremely tired." "I'm very happy." "I'm terribly hungry." "I am super excited." "I'm very nervous." I'm in/at/on Describes an action you are doing. Most commonly, you would use the word 'in' when entering a physical location such as a room or a building. Here are some examples: "I'm in the shower." "I'm in the lobby." "I'm in a car." "I'm in a house." "I'm in a school." Using the word 'at' helps tell someone where you currently are. The difference between 'at' and 'in' is that the physical location is general. Here are some examples: "I'm at the grocery." "I'm at the mall." "I'm at the doctor's office." "I'm at the park." "I'm at the airport." However, in some cases you can use 'at' and 'in' interchangeably. www.arshbook.com
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Here are some examples: "I'm at the mall." "I'm in the mall." "I'm at the park." "I'm in the park." "I'm at the grocery." "I'm in the grocery." Using the word 'on' is referring to a non physical location such as your time being utilized by something else. Here are some examples: "I'm on the phone." "I'm on my computer." "I'm on a bus." I'm good at Again, 'I'm' is used here as 'I am.' 'Good at' informs someone what you excel at and are comfortable doing. Here are some examples: "I'm good at drawing." "I'm good at video games." "I'm good at swimming." "I'm good at driving." "I'm good at reading." "I'm good at sports." "I'm good at writing." "I'm good at math." "I'm good at dancing." "I'm good at chess." www.arshbook.com
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I'm + (verb) 'I'm' is a contraction of the words 'I am.' By adding a verb to 'I'm' this lets you express an action or occurrence about yourself. Here are some examples: "I'm eating lunch." "I'm brushing my teeth." "I'm scared." "I'm driving to work." "I'm crying." "I'm typing an email." "I'm cooking dinner." "I'm combing my hair." "I'm hanging a picture." "I am texting." "I am dancing." "I am interested in the job." "I am exercising." "I am sad." "I am learning." I'm getting When combining the words 'I am' and 'getting' you are telling someone 'you' are gaining possession, being affected by or have plans to seek out and obtain a particular thing. Here are some examples: "I'm getting better." "I'm getting ready for bed." "I'm getting a tooth ache." "I'm getting a cold." "I'm getting married." "I'm getting tired." www.arshbook.com
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"I'm getting good at reading." "I'm getting a new car." "I'm getting a job." "I'm getting a puppy." I'm trying + (verb) 'I am trying' informs someone that you are attempting to accomplish something using bodily, mental, or spiritual strength. By adding a verb to 'I'm trying' you are pointing out exactly what it is you are attempting to do. Here are some examples: "I'm trying to get a job." "I'm trying to call my family." "I'm trying to enjoy my dinner." "I'm trying to educate myself." "I'm trying to explain myself." "I'm trying new food." "I'm trying to eat healthy." "I'm trying to understand." You may also hear the word 'trying' used to express a way someone is feeling. In this manner, it expresses strain or distress. Here are some examples: "Learning new things can be trying on you." "That marathon was very trying on me." I'm gonna + (verb) The word 'gonna' is incorrect grammatically. The equivalent in proper grammar would be 'going to.' When using the word 'gonna' you are telling someone what you are planning to do at that moment or in the near future.
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Here are some examples: "I'm gonna have some coffee." "I'm gonna go to work." "I'm gonna eat some cake." "I'm gonna send out my resume." "I'm gonna run a marathon." "I'm gonna ask her out for dinner." "I'm gonna stop smoking." "I'm gonna help my friends." "I'm gonna take swim lessons." "I'm gonna read a book." I have + (noun) By using the words 'I have' you are informing someone of something you have possession of or have acquired. Here are some examples: "I have a cat." "I have a nice car." "I have a house." "I have a computer." "I have a headache." You may hear the words 'cannot' and 'won't' used with 'I have.' By adding these you can express what you will not put up with or allow. Here are some examples: "I cannot have that behavior in my house." "I cannot have you over tonight." "I won't have anything to do with that." "I won't have it any other way." I have + (past participle)
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Again, 'I have' shows possession or something acquired. By adding a past participle you are informing someone of a past or completed action done by you. Here are some examples: "I have done it." "I have heard that before." "I have driven a car." "I have forgotten the words." "I have read that book." "I have eaten at that restaurant before." "I have flown in an airplane." "I have forgiven you." "I have seen you before." "I have written a letter." I used to + (verb) 'Used to' expresses something that was done in the past, and is not usually done now. Here are some examples: "I used to develop websites." "I used to jog every day." "I used to paint." "I used to smoke." "I used to work from home." "I used to live in California." "I used to go to the beach every day." "I used to sing in a choir." "I used to like vegetables." "I used to start work at 6 o'clock." I have to + (verb) The words 'have to' describe something that needs to take place www.arshbook.com
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soon. It expresses certainty, necessity, or obligation. Here are some examples: "I have to switch schools." "I have to use the telephone." "I have to go to the bathroom." "I have to leave." "I have to unpack my bags." You can also add the word 'don't' to suggest that someone is not required to do something. "I don't have to switch schools." "I don't have to use the telephone." "I don't have to go to the bathroom." "I don't have to leave." "I don't have to unpack my bags." I wanna + (verb) The word 'wanna' is incorrect grammatically. It is equivalent to 'want to.' When combined with the word 'I' it helps communicate something you want to do. Here are some examples: "I wanna talk." "I wanna search for a job." "I wanna order some food." "I wanna marry her." "I wanna listen to that song." By adding the word 'don't' you can change the meaning of what you are saying to something you 'want' to do to something you 'do not' want to do. www.arshbook.com
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Here are some examples: "I don't wanna talk." "I don't wanna search for a job." "I don't wanna marry her." "I don't wanna listen to that song." "I don't wanna order some food." I would like to + (verb) This sentence lets someone know what you would be interested in doing. This can be a physical, mental or verbal action. Here are some examples: "I would like to answer that question." "I would like to compete in a cooking contest." "I would like to explain myself." "I would like to invite you over." "I would like to practice." "I would like to become a doctor." "I would like to see you more often." "I would like to thank you." "I would like to learn about animals." "I would like to meet the President." I plan to + (verb) 'Plan to' describes something that you would like to do in the near future. Here are some examples: "I plan to find a new apartment." "I plan to relax on vacation." "I plan to surprise my parents." "I plan to wash my car." "I plan to adopt a child." www.arshbook.com
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"I plan to impress my boss." "I plan to watch a movie." "I plan to save more money." "I plan to read a book." "I plan to learn new things." I've decided to + (verb) 'I've' is short for 'I have' and including the word 'decided' you are stating that you have made a decision or come to a conclusion. Here are some examples: "I've decided to accept the job." "I've decided to complete my degree." "I've decided to change my bad habits." "I've decided to extend my membership at the gym." "I've decided to form a chess club." "I've decided to hand over my responsibilities." "I've decided to help you move." "I've decided to interview for the job." "I've decided to increase my work load." "I've decided to manage a store." I was about to + (verb) When stating 'I was about to' you are informing someone that you are going to be doing something at that moment or in the very near future. Here are some examples: "I was about to go out." "I was about to go to dinner." "I was about to go to bed." "I was about to go to work." "I was about to say the same thing." "I was about to call you." "I was about to send you an email." www.arshbook.com
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"I was about to mow my grass." "I was about to order us some drinks." "I was about to watch television." I didn't mean to + (verb) The word 'didn't' is a contraction of the words 'did not'. When using it in a sentence with the words 'mean to' you are informing someone that you did something you regret or are sorry for. This could have been a physical, mental or verbal action. Here are some examples: "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." "I didn't mean to call you so late." "I didn't mean to lie about what happened." "I didn't mean to embarrass you." "I didn't mean to stay out so late." "I did not mean to say those things." "I did not mean to leave you out." "I did not mean to make you confused." "I did not mean to think you were involved." "I did not mean to cause trouble." I don't have time to + (verb) The word 'don't' is a contraction of the words 'do not.' When adding 'have time to' you are simply stating that you have other obligations and all other things considered must wait. Here are some examples: "I don't have time to explain." "I don't have time to eat." "I don't have time to exercise." "I don't have time to watch my favorite TV show." "I don't have time to talk." www.arshbook.com
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You can also use the phrase 'I don't' to express things you do not like, things you do not understand, or things you do not do. Here are some examples: "I don't eat meat." "I don't like the rain." "I don't understand Spanish." "I do not understand what you are saying." "I do not like scary movies." "I do not like sports." I promise not to + (verb) When using the word 'promise' you are giving your word that what you are saying is true. You might also be assuring someone a guarantee that you will follow thru on what you are saying to them. When using 'promise not to' you are stating you will not do a particular thing. Here are some examples: "I promise not to tell." "I promise not to leave without you." "I promise not to be so late." "I promise not to hurt your feelings." "I promise not to wake you up." You can also just use the word 'promise' to assure someone of your intentions. Here are some examples: "I promise I am telling the truth." www.arshbook.com
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"I promise to practice my math." "I promise to call you." "I promise I will tell you." "I promise I will come to your party." I'd rather + (verb) 'I'd' is a contraction of the words 'I had' or 'I would.' When using it with the word 'rather' you are suggesting you would like to do or prefer one thing more than another. Here are some examples: "I'd rather talk about this later." "I'd like to eat at home than go get fast food." "I'd rather ski than snowboard." "I'd rather stay late than come in early tomorrow." "I'd rather handle the problem myself." "I had rather go home than stay out too late." "I had rather listen to my parents or get in trouble." "I would rather exercise than sit on the couch all day." "I would rather complete my task early." "I would rather know the answer." I feel like + (verb-ing) Here you are expressing to someone something you would enjoy doing. Here are some examples: "I feel like going for a bike ride." "I feel like going to the beach." "I feel like having a snack." "I feel like talking." "I feel like dancing." "I feel like having friends over to my house." www.arshbook.com
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"I feel like watching TV." By adding 'don't' or 'do not' you can change what you are saying to express something you would not enjoy or express a concern about something. Here are some examples: "I don't feel like leaving yet." "I don't feel like explaining." "I don't feel like going to bed." "I do not feel comfortable talking about it." "I do not feel like we are going in the right direction." I can't help + (verb-ing) The word 'can't' is contraction for 'cannot.' Combined with 'help' you are communicating something you are unable to control or having a hard time gaining a grasp for. This can be a physical or mental action. Here are some examples: "I can't help thinking about it." "I can't help shopping so much." "I can't help working all the time." "I can't help smiling when I see her." "I can't help eating so much." "I can't help loving you." "I can not help biting my nails when I am nervous." "I can not help smoking when I have been drinking." "I cannot help feeling so sad." "I cannot help remembering the things you did." I was busy + (verb-ing) When using the word 'was', you are referring to something in a past tense, or something that happened before. Combining it with the word www.arshbook.com
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'busy' you can express something that was occupying you in a past time. Here are some examples: "I was busy thinking." "I was busy working." "I was busy cooking dinner." "I was busy talking on the phone." "I was busy cleaning the house." "I was busy studying for my test." "I was busy thinking of ideas for our website." "I was busy entertaining our neighbors." "I was busy completing my housework." "I was busy learning new things." By changing 'was' to 'am' you change your message from past tense to present tense and refer to something you are doing 'now.' Here are some examples: "I am busy working." "I am busy cooking dinner." "I am busy studying for my test." "I am busy completing housework." "I am busy talking on the phone." I'm not used to + (verb-ing) Here you are using 'not used to' to inform someone that you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with a topic at hand. Here are some examples: "I'm not used to talking English." "I'm not used to studying so much." "I'm not used to being around new people." www.arshbook.com
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"I'm not used to talking in front of groups of people." "I'm not used to having so much stress." "I'm not used to traveling so much." "I'm not used to working so early." "I'm not used to having so much responsibility." "I'm not used to drinking so much." I want you to + (verb) 'I want you to' is telling someone that you have a desire or would like for them to do something. Here are some examples: "I want you to clean the dishes." "I want you to come home right after school." "I want you to call once you get there." "I want you to explain yourself to me." "I want you to educate me." By using the word 'need' instead of 'want' you are expressing something that is required or wanted. Here are some examples: "I need you to study harder in school." "I need you to stop and listen to me." "I need you to greet our guests." "I need you to introduce me to your family." "I need to request a refund." I'm here to + (verb) You are informing someone that you are at a particular place to accomplish something. Here are some examples: www.arshbook.com
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"I'm here to apply for the job." "I'm here to take a test." "I'm here to receive my gift." "I'm here to support all your decisions." "I'm here to watch a movie." "I'm here to work on your computer." "I'm here to welcome you to the neighborhood." "I'm here to raise awareness for cancer." "I'm here to start the job." "I'm here to receive the award." I have something + (verb) When using the expression 'I have something' you are communicating that you possess something or need to do something that is unspecified or undetermined. Here are some examples: "I have something to complete." "I have something to share with you." "I have something important to tell you." "I have something to encourage you." "I have something to explain to you." "I have something special planned for your birthday." "I have something else to consider." "I have something to apologize about." "I have something to attend tonight." "I have something to ask you." "I have something fun for us to do." I'm looking foward to When telling someone that you are 'looking forward to' you are saying that you are waiting or hoping for something, especially with pleasure.
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Here are some examples: "I'm looking forward to meeting you." "I'm looking forward to talking with you." "I'm looking forward to going on vacation." "I'm looking forward to spending time with my family." "I'm looking forward to learning the English language." "I am looking forward to visiting another country." "I am looking forward to having a family." "I am looking forward to graduating from college." "I am looking forward to watching the baseball game." "I am looking forward to running in a race."
I'm calling to + (verb) When using the words 'I'm calling' you are stating that you are actually using the phone to call and relay information. Here are some examples: "I'm calling to tell you about my day." "I'm calling to accept your invitation." "I'm calling to answer your question." "I'm calling to book a reservation at your restaurant." "I'm calling to complain about something." "I'm calling to thank you." "I'm calling to support your decision." "I'm calling to remind you of our dinner plans." "I'm calling to report a lost wallet." "I'm calling to receive my prize." I'm working on + (noun) 'I'm' is a contraction for the words 'I am.' The phrase 'working on' relays a physical or mental effort towards an accomplishment. www.arshbook.com
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Here are some examples: "I'm working on a big project." "I'm working on training my dog." "I'm working on making new friends." "I'm working on educating myself." "I'm working on my homework." "I am working on painting a house." "I am working on a new idea." "I am working on my computer." "I'm working on my website." I'm sorry to + (verb) Saying you are 'sorry to' expresses a feeling of sympathy or regret. Here are some examples: "I'm sorry to be so late." "I'm sorry to hear about your sick mother." "I'm sorry to waste your time." "I'm sorry to make you feel so sad." "I'm sorry to frighten you." "I'm sorry to disagree with your decision." "I'm sorry to call so late." "I'm sorry to admit what I did." "I'm sorry to end this relationship." I'm thinking of + (verb-ing) 'Thinking' refers to a process of thought, forming an opinion or judgment. When expressing 'I am thinking of' you are letting someone know what you are personally thinking. Here are some examples: "I'm thinking of checking out the new movie." "I'm thinking of filming my vacation." www.arshbook.com
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"I'm thinking of following a healthy diet." "I'm thinking of handing out flyers describing our business." "I'm thinking of increasing my work load." "I am thinking of introducing myself to him." "I am thinking of launching a new website." "I am thinking of moving to a new city." "I am thinking of offering her the position." "I am thinking of opening up a store." I'll help you + (verb) This lets you inform someone that you are willing to provide assistance. This could refer to something physical or mental, like helping someone to 'think' or 'remember' something. Here are some examples: "I'll help you cook dinner tonight." "I'll help you raise money for your charity." "I'll help you register for your class online." "I'll help you move to your new house." "I'll help you prevent that from happening again." "I will help you park your car." "I will help you provide all the information you need." "I will help you realize your potential." "I will help you stop smoking." "I will help you shop for groceries." I'm dying to + (verb) When using the word 'dying' in this manner you are referring to wanting or desiring something greatly. Here are some examples: "I'm dying to relax on the beach." "I'm dying to pick some fresh fruit." www.arshbook.com
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"I'm dying to order some desserts." "I'm dying to find out if I got the job." "I'm dying to move to a bigger house." "I'm dying to look at all the work you've done." "I'm dying to learn more about you." "I'm dying to introduce you to my parents." "I'm dying to expand my business." "I'm dying to check my score on the test." It's my turn to + (verb) The word 'It's' is a contraction of the words 'it is.' When stating 'my turn' you are telling someone that it is time to change position or position focuses on to you. Here are some examples: "It's my turn to walk you home." "It's my turn to do laundry." "It's my turn to work late." "It's my turn to take out the trash." "It's my turn to choose where we eat." "It is my turn to pay for dinner." "It is my turn to roll the dice." "It is my turn to provide an answer." "It is my turn to try and play the game." "It is my turn to attempt solving the problem." It's hard for me to + (verb) When saying that something is 'hard for me' you are informing someone that what you are talking about is difficult or challenging for you. Here are some examples: "It's hard for me to accept what you are telling me." "It's hard for me to argue your point." www.arshbook.com
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"It's hard for me to balance my check book." "It's hard for me to concentrate on the task." "It's hard for me to consider your other options." "It's hard for me to depend on you." "It is hard for me to decide where to go tonight." "It is hard for me to explain my actions." "It is hard for me to guarantee your success." "It is hard for me to handle so much pressure." I'm having a hard time + (verb-ing) By stating you are having a hard time you are letting someone know you are having difficulty with something. This could be something physical or mental and something that could be overcome with effort. Here are some examples: "I'm having a hard time writing." "I'm having a hard time understanding you." "I'm having a hard time answering your question." "I'm having a hard time downloading songs to my iPod." "I'm having a hard time agreeing to the terms." With the addition of a verb you can express in more detail just how difficult something is for you. Here are some examples: "I'm having an extremely hard time trusting you." "I'm having an extremely hard time with my wife." "I'm having a very hard time finding a job." "I'm having a very hard time finding parts for my car." I think I should + (verb) Here you are telling someone that you feel strongly about doing a www.arshbook.com
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particular action. Here are some examples: "I think I should practice my reading." "I think I should join a study group." "I think I should handle this as soon as possible." "I think I should earn my degree." "I think I should explain myself." By adding the word 'don't' you have changed what you are conveying from something you are thinking of doing, to something you are against. Here are some examples: "I do not think I should complain so much." "I do not think I should attend that event." "I do not think I should borrow more money." "I do not think I should doubt you." "I do not think I should decide until later." I've heard that + (subject + verb) You are letting someone know that you are aware of something or that you have been informed of something that is taking place. This could be something that has already happened or something happening in the near future. 'I've' is a contraction of the words 'I have.' Here are some examples: "I've heard that you got a new job." "I've heard that you want to leave your job." "I've heard that you got a new car." "I've heard that you like to jog." "I've heard that you fix computers." "I've heard that you've never been to Canada." www.arshbook.com
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"I've heard that you like to shop." "I've heard that you and your boss don't get along." "I've heard that there is no school next week." "I've heard that your wife is a yoga instructor." It occurred to me that (subject + verb) The word 'occurred' informs someone that something has come to mind or has been found. You are letting someone know that you suddenly have thought or remembered about something. Here are some examples: "It occurred to me that I forgot your birthday." "It occurred to me that we both belong to the same gym." "It occurred to me that we enjoy a lot of the same things." "It occurred to me the price for homes are more expensive here." "It occurred to me that eating healthy makes me feel better." Using the word 'had' or 'has' can change what you are saying to represent something remembered in a past time. Here are some examples: "It had occurred to me that I forgot something at the grocery." "It had occurred to me I might need to change my email address." "It has occurred to me I forgot my mom's birthday." "It has occurred to me before." Let me + (verb) 'Let me' is suggesting that you are asking for permission or an opportunity to do something. Here are some examples: "Let me make my own decisions." www.arshbook.com
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"Let me offer to help you." "Let me open the door for you." "Let me pause and think about what we are doing." "Let me welcome you to the neighborhood." "Let me save you the trouble." "Let me make a suggestion." "Let me try and fix your car." "Let me taste the soup before you add more spices." "Let me treat you to some ice cream." Thank you for Saying 'thank you' is telling someone you appreciate what they have done. This can either be something they did for you or for someone else. Here are some examples: "Thank you for inviting me." "Thank you for helping me move." "Thank you for informing me about the job opening." "Thank you for mailing that package for me." "Thank you for working so hard." "Thank you for stopping by to visit." "Thank you for replying to my email." "Thank you for providing me with the answers." "Thank you for heating up dinner." "Thank you for hurrying to get here." Can I + (verb) When ending a sentence with a question mark (?) you are asking the person or people you are talking to a question for which you would like an answer. Here you are asking permission to do a particular action. Here are some examples:
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"Can I answer your question?" "Can I attend the event?" "Can I move to another spot?" "Can I call you tomorrow?" "Can I complete this later?" "Can I explain myself?" "Can I help you with your homework?" "Can I include you in our plans?" "Can I introduce you to my co-workers?" "Can I inform you of some bad news?" Can I get + (noun) The phrase 'Can I get' can be used in a couple different ways. You can use it to ask a question. Here are some examples: "Can I get a cup of water?" "Can I get a dog?" "Can I get lunch?" "Can I get sugar in my coffee?" "Can I get popcorn at the movie?" You can also use it when offering to help someone or do something for them. Here are some examples: "Can I get you another drink?" "Can I help you move that?" "Can I recommend a good place to eat?" "Can I take you home?" "Can I help you finish your project?" I'm not sure if (subject + verb) 'I'm not sure' expresses a feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence www.arshbook.com
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on a particular matter. Here are some examples: "I am not sure if they will offer me the job." "I'm not sure if she'll return my call." "I'm not sure if my wife will understand." "I'm not sure if we will go out tonight." "I'm not sure if I understand your question." "I am not sure if I can handle it." "I am not sure if it will happen." "I am not sure if it will matter." "I am not sure if my mom will notice." "I am not sure if they will permit us to park there." Do you mind if I + (verb) You are asking someone in present tense if they object to something you are asking. Here are some examples: "Do you mind if I excuse myself?" "Do you mind if we left early?" "Do you mind if I take a nap?" "Do you mind if I ask your mom?" "Do you mind if it snows?" You could also use the word 'would' Here are some examples: "Would you mind if we went out to eat?" "Would you mind if I opened the window?" "Would you mind telling me what you're doing?" "Would you mind being quiet for a minute?" www.arshbook.com
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"Would you mind if I changed the channel?" I don't know what to + (verb) You are letting someone know that you are not sure about what is being asked. You may also have no knowledge or opinion on a topic. Here are some examples: "I don't know what to eat for dinner." "I don't know what to buy you for your birthday." "I don't know what to say." "I don't know what to do with my spare time." "I don't know what to do for vacation." "I do not know what to do to make you happy." "I do not know what to do to help you understand." "I do not know what to think." "I do not know what to do to prevent this." "I do not know what to order." I should have + (past participle) 'Should' is the past tense of the word 'shall.' When using the words 'should have' you are talking about something in the past that you 'ought to' or 'might have' done. Here are some examples: "I should have gone with you." "I should have studied more for my test." "I should have read the directions before starting." "I should have eaten breakfast this morning." "I should have listened to your advice." "I should have married her when I had the chance." 'Shall' is something that will take place or exist in the future.
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Here are some examples: "I shall leave tomorrow." "I shall finish the job next week." "I shall see it tomorrow." "I shall go outside if it's nice out." "I shall pay for this later." I wish I could + (verb) You are expressing a desire to do something. Here are some examples: "I wish I could sing better." "I wish I could settle the argument." "I wish I could sail around the world." "I wish I could remain calm during all of this." "I wish I could remember his name." "I wish I could replace my old car with a new one." "I wish I could play outside." "I wish I could go to the game with you." "I wish I could write better." "I wish I could own my own business." You should + (verb) Here you are suggesting an obligation or duty that needs to take place either now or in the near future. Here are some examples: "You should go to bed." "You should do your homework before going outside." "You should replace you headlights on your car." "You should request a raise at work." "You should stop smoking." www.arshbook.com
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"You should smile more." "You should slow down when driving in a neighborhood." "You should talk to him about it." "You should train your dog." "You should trust what they say." You're supposed to + (verb) 'You're' is a contraction of the words 'you are.' When using 'You're' with the words 'supposed to' you are making a suggestion that something you strongly believe ought to happen. Here are some examples: "You're supposed to keep that secret." "You're supposed to let me know when you leave." "You're supposed to stop when at a red light." "You're supposed to unpack once you get there." "You're supposed to return the movies you rent on time." "You are supposed to remain calm." "You are supposed to fasten your seat belt." "You are supposed to invite all your friends." "You are supposed to encourage one another." "You are supposed to decide before next Thursday." You seem + (adjective) When stating 'you seem' you're referring to the person you are talking to and expressing that they are giving the impression of or appear to be. Here are some examples: "You seem bored." "You seem unhappy with the results." "You seem eager to begin." "You seem easy to get along with." "You seem elated to hear the good news." www.arshbook.com
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"You seem deeply in love." "You seem afraid of roller coasters." "You seem confused about the rules of the game." "You seem embarrassed about what happened." "You seem decisive about your choice." You'd better + (verb) 'You'd' is a contraction of 'you had' or 'you would.' You are making a suggestion to someone for a particular action. Here are some examples: "You'd better exercise." "You'd better help out." "You'd better invite your brother." "You'd better impress the judges." "You'd better listen to your parents." "You had better not come home late." "You had better hope for the best." "You had better change your attitude." "You would be good at teaching." "You would do well at math." Are you into + (noun) Here you are asking a question about an interest they might have or something they might enjoy doing. Here are some examples: "Are you into soccer?" "Are you into trying new things?" "Are you into wine tasting?" "Are you into working out at home or at the gym?" "Are you into scary movies?" "Are you into playing games?" www.arshbook.com
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"Are you into jogging?" "Are you into painting?" "Are you into traveling?" "Are you into fixing cars?" Are you trying to + (verb) You are asking someone if they are attempting to do something. This can be something mentally or physically. Here are some examples: "Are you trying to ignore me?" "Are you trying to manage your money?" "Are you trying to memorize that song?" "Are you trying to offer your help?" "Are you trying to program your new phone?" "Are you trying to pretend like it never happened?" "Are you trying to remain calm?" "Are you trying to remember her name?" "Are you trying to reflect on the past?" "Are you trying to switch flights?" Please + (verb) 'Please' is generally used in a polite request when asking someone to do something. Here are some examples: "Please pass me the salt." "Please order me the steak and potatoes." "Please stop bothering me." "Please wash your hands before dinner." "Please wait outside until we are ready." "Please zip up your coat before you go outside." "Please stand back."
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The word 'please' can also mean to give enjoyment or satisfaction to. Here are some examples: "The smell of the flowers was very pleasing." "May it please the court to admit this into evidence?" "I was very pleased with how the children behaved in class." "You cannot please everyone all the time." "She was pleased with the dress." Don't + (verb) The word 'don't' is a contraction of the words 'do not.' It is said to convey a message of what NOT should be done. Here are some examples: "Don't try and fool me." "Don't allow this to happen." "Don't watch scary movies before you go to bed." "Don't cause any more trouble." "Don't chew gum in class." "Do not concern yourself with other people's problems." "Do not behave that way." "Do not announce your decision until you're ready." "Do not argue with me." "Do not arrive late for your meeting." Do you like With this question you are asking someone what they prefer or enjoy. Here are some examples: "Do you like traveling on a plane?" "Do you like watching baseball on TV?" "Do you like skiing or snowboarding?" "Do you like going to bed early?" www.arshbook.com
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"Do you like spending time with me?" "Do you like repeating the class?" "Do you like playing video games?" "Do you like listening to music?" "Do you like practicing playing the piano?" "Do you like jogging with me?" English Speaking Basics - Section III English Speaking Basics III is for English speaking beginners who need help to understand the basics of speaking English. We will use very simple phrases and expressions to help you with your English speaking. This third section contains the next 30 lessons. Feel continue studying until you master each lesson. How often do you When asking this question you are inquiring how often or how frequent someone does a particular thing. Here are some examples: "How often do you exercise?" "How often do you change your password?" "How often do you help out at school?" "How often do you listen to your MP3 player?" "How often do you need to go to the dentist?" "How often do you receive your magazine in the mail?" "How often do you report to your supervisor?" "How often do you stretch before working out?" "How often do you talk to your parents?" "How often do you travel?" Do you want me to + (verb) To 'want' is to feel or have a desire for. When saying 'Do you want me to' you're asking someone if there is anything you can do for them or www.arshbook.com
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assist them with. Here are some examples: "Do you want me to pick up the kids?" "Do you want me to fix your flat tire?" "Do you want me to help you read that book?" "Do you want me to remind you?" "Do you want me to remove my shoes?" The word 'want' can also be used to express something YOU would like someone else to do or that something you personally would enjoy. Here are some examples: "I want you to come over." "I want you to make a decision." "I want you to water the flowers." "I want to understand what you are trying to say." "I want to be better at swimming." "I want to be more involved at church." What do you think about (verb-ing) This question asks someone their opinion about a topic. Here are some examples: "What do you think about having a cup of tea with me?" "What do you think about working overtime next week?" "What do you think about waiting in line for tickets?" "What do you think about sailing?" "What do you think about staying here another night?" "What do you think about retiring from your job?" "What do you think about planting new trees in the backyard?" "What do you think about offering to babysit?" www.arshbook.com
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"What do you think about living in a new city?" "What do you think about filming our vacation?" Why don't we + (verb) 'Don't' is a contraction of 'do not.' When using 'why' you are asking a question that involves yourself and the person you are talking to. Here are some examples: "Why don't we go bowling tonight?" "Why don't we pick some fresh flowers?" "Why don't we play a game of chess?" "Why don't we save more money?" "Why don't we remember this place?" "Why don't we test this before using it?" "Why don't we try and do it again?" "Why don't we post our results online?" "Why don't we gather more firewood?" "Why don't we earn more money?" It's too bad that 'Too bad' means regrettable or unfortunate. When using it in a sentence you are expressing a concern or regret for what has taken place. The topic being discussed could have happened to you, the person you are talking to, or someone or something else. Here are some examples: "It's too bad that she lost her job." "It's too bad that you have to go." "It's too bad that I found out about it." "It's too bad we will not be there on time." "It's too bad that tickets are all gone to that concert." "It's too bad that it is supposed to rain." "It's too bad that she got hurt." www.arshbook.com
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"It's too bad that my work has to lay off people." "It's too bad that you do not understand." You could have + (past participle) Using 'could have' you are speaking about something that was, should be or would be. You are stating that they had other options that could have been chosen. Here are some examples: "You could have completed it sooner." "You could have blown your chance." "You could have done better on your exam." "You could have given me more time to get ready." "You could have heard that from someone else." "You could have sent that package first class." "You could have slept in a little longer." "You could have written him a letter." "You could have thought of something to do." "You could have upset her by saying that." If I were you, I would + (verb) Here you are giving an example of what decision YOU would do given the circumstances. This can be in past tense or in a conditional present. Here are some examples: "If I were you, I would enjoy my vacation." "If I were you, I would explain what happened." "If I were you, I would continue working until it is done." "If I were you, I would book my reservations now." "If I were you, I would answer the question." By adding 'have' after the word 'would' you are talking about something in the past tense. www.arshbook.com
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Here are some examples: "If I were you, I would have enjoyed my vacation." "If I were you, I would have explained what happened." "If I were you, I would have continued working until it was done." "If I were you, I would have booked my reservations now." "If I were you, I would have answered the question." It's gonna be + (adjective) You're informing someone what something is going to be like. This could be something you are going to do, see or feel. Here are some examples: "It's going to be delicious." "It's gonna be easy." "It's gonna be depressing." "It's going to be exciting." "It's going to be disgusting." You can also add 'he or she' or a person's name to describe how they might react to something. Here are some examples: "He is going to be tough to deal with." "He is going to be terrific at that." "She is going to be relieved to hear that." "She is going to be scared after watching that movie." "Sally is going to be successful." "Mike is going to be grumpy after I tell him." It looks like + (noun) You could be describing how something is similar or appears to be by the way it looks. www.arshbook.com
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Here are some examples: "It looks like a balloon." "It looks like a jellyfish." "It looks like a banana." "It looks like a fish." You can also use 'it looks like' to describe something that might be in the future. Here are some examples: "It looks like it's going to rain." "It looks like it's going to be fun." "It looks like it's going to be a long day." You can also use it to describe something in the present tense. Here are some examples: "It looks like they are leaving." "It looks like he is waving to us." "It looks like she is lost." "It looks like they are racing." That's why + (subject + verb) 'That's' is short for 'that is.' Here you are telling someone 'because of this' or 'therefore.' Here are some examples: "That's why people admire you." "That's why she appears so happy." "That's why babies crawl before they can walk." "That's why Pam cries at sad movies." "That's why you fail to understand." www.arshbook.com
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"That is why you help out people in need." "That is why you try and include everyone." "That is why you lock your doors when you leave home." "That is why she smiles when you walk by." "That is why you use it for emergencies." It's time to + (verb) You are letting someone know that something is required to be done at the present time. Here are some examples: "It's time to say goodbye." "It's time to ask for a raise." "It's time to collect our money." "It's time to cheer for our team." "It's time to change the clocks." "It is time to decide what to do." "It is time to enjoy ourselves." "It is time to fill me in on what's going on." "It is time to help out." "It is time to join a gym." The point is that + (subject + verb) By stating 'the point is' you are stating in your opinion the meaning about what is actually happening. Here are some examples: "The point is that if you study you will do well in school." "The point is that she does not understand." "The point is that we need this done today." "The point is that the world would be a better place." "The point is that we should help." "The point is that snakes can be dangerous." www.arshbook.com
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"The point is that leaving a baby alone is not a good idea." "The point is that if we do not leave now we will be late." "The point is that she needs to be more responsible." "The point is that we need to work together." How was + (noun) By using the words 'how was' you are asking someone a question about something that happened or something they did in the past. Here are some examples: "How was your meeting?" "How was your doctor's appointment?" "How was the birthday party?" "How was lunch?" "How was the airplane ride?" "How was vacation?" "How were your parents?" "How were roads when you drove home?" "How were people acting after what happened?" "How were holidays with the family?" How about + (verb-ing) You're asking someone their opinion on something or if they would like to do something. Here are some examples: "How about singing?" "How about hanging out tonight?" "How about folding the laundry for me?" "How about helping us out?" "How about describing to me what happened?" "How about exploring new ideas?" "How about comparing prices before we buy it?" "How about considering it?" www.arshbook.com
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"How about following me to their house?" "How about feeding the dogs?" What if + (subject + verb) Here you are asking a question about 'in the event of' or 'in the event that.' Usually you are looking for an answer at the time of the question that is being asked. Here are some examples: "What if I miss the bus?" "What if I were late to dinner?" "What if I called her tomorrow?" "What if I don't understand?" "What if someone sees me?" "What if no one is home?" "What if they decide to stay?" "What if it rains while we are camping?" "What if I do not finish on time?" "What if we introduce ourselves first?" How much does it cost to + (verb) You are simply asking how much you would need to pay to do something. Here are some examples: "How much does it cost to fly to Europe?" "How much does it cost to own a house?" "How much does it cost to play a round of golf?" "How much does it cost to join a gym?" "How much does it cost to repair my car?" "How much would it cost to talk long distance?" "How much would it cost to run a website?" "How much would it cost to wash my car?" "How much would it cost to rent a car?" www.arshbook.com
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"How much would it cost to go to the movies?" How come + (subject + verb) When using 'how come' you are asking why a particular thing has or had to take place. Here are some examples: "How come parents worry so much?" "How come people carpool to work?" "How come you are so upset?" "How come he will not call you?" "How come you stayed out so late?" "How come you cannot make a decision?" "How come you always question me?" "How come we never agree?" "How come your dog digs in the yard?" "How come she will not come over?" What are the chances of + (verb-ing) By asking 'what are the chances of' you are wondering how often or in what case would a particular thing happen. Here are some examples: "What are the chances of getting tickets?" "What are the chances of that happening?" "What are the chances of it raining today?" "What are the chances of winning the lottery?" When replacing the word 'the' with 'your' or 'our' you can ask what the chances 'personally' that the topic will happen. Here are some examples:
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"What are the chances of you staying home today?" "What are your chances of getting the job?" "What are your chances of improving?" "What are your chances of moving?" "What are our chances of staying together?" "What are our chances of working together?" "What are our chances of going together?" There is something wrong with + (noun) You are informing someone that there is something not right or out of the ordinary. Here are some examples: "There is something wrong with my laptop." "There is something wrong with my car." "There is something wrong with my cell phone." "There is something wrong with my head." "There is something wrong with your answering machine." "There is something wrong with your way of thinking." "There is something wrong with your attitude." "There is something wrong with your dog." "There is something wrong with our relationship." "There is something wrong with our alarm clock." Let's not + (verb) The word 'let's' is formed from the words 'let us.' Here you are requesting that something not take place at this moment or that what is happening needs to be contained or lessened. Here are some examples: "Let's not discuss this now." "Let's not stay here too long." "Let's not stop anywhere on the way." www.arshbook.com
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"Let's not remain mad at each other." "Let's not meddle in other people's business." "Let us not get too excited." "Let us not worry too much." "Let us not interrupt them when they are talking." "Let us help you." "Let us get that for you." Let's say that + (subject + verb) 'Let's' is a contraction for 'let us.' You are suggesting to someone that you should both agree on what you will communicate to someone else. Here are some examples: "Let's say that you love to fish." "Let's say we found it." "Let's say that we enjoy being with them." "Let's say that we had a good time." "Let's say that it's hard to decide." "Let's say that we have to go." "Let's say that we can host." "Let's say that I have to work." "Let's say that the movie was really good." There's no need to + (verb) The word 'there's' is a contraction of the words 'there is' or 'there has.' When expressing 'no need' you are stating that the action does not need to take place. Here are some examples: "There's no need to worry." "There's no need to be upset." "There's no need to act so strange." www.arshbook.com
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"There's no need to act so shy." "There's no need to rush off." "There's no need to talk now." "There is no need to call this late." "There is no need to bother him." "There is no need to run away." "There is no need to stop now." It takes + (time) + to + (verb) You are letting someone know how long it will take to do a particular thing. Here are some examples: "It takes one hour to get there." "It takes forty-five minutes for me to get ready." "It takes four quarters to complete a football game." "It takes 7 seconds for my car to go 60 miles per hour." "It takes all day for us to finish golfing." "It takes years to learn to play guitar." "It takes 15 minutes to get to downtown." "It takes me one hour to cook." Please make sure that + (subject + verb) You are asking someone to make sure that a particular thing happens or takes place. Here are some examples: "Please make sure that she wakes up on time." "Please make sure that she gets to school." "Please make sure that dinner is ready when we get home." "Please make sure that your assignment is done." "Please make sure that the water is not too hot." "Please make sure you cook the meat long enough." www.arshbook.com
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"Please make sure that she is getting along with her new friends." "Please make sure that we leave on time." "Please make sure you record our favorite TV show." "Please make sure that you don't stay out too late. " Here's to + (noun) 'Here's to' is used in a way of celebrating or identifying a person, place, or thing of significance. It is usually said while toasting someone at dinner, or signaling to someone or something after an event. Here are some examples: "Here's to the winner!" "Here's to your marriage!" "Here's to the New Year!" "Here's to great friends!" "Here's to starting a new job!" "Here is to the luckiest guy in the world!" "Here is to you!" "Here is to happiness!" "Here is to a wonderful day!" "Here is to great memories!" It's no use + (verb-ing) 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is.' By stating 'it's no use' you are saying that what you or someone else is doing is not recommended or uncalled for. Here are some examples: "It's no use crying." "It's no use separating them." www.arshbook.com
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"It's no use talking to her." "It's no use whining about it." "It's no use apologizing." "It's no use attempting to please him." "It's no use arguing about it." "It's no use behaving that way." "It's no use cleaning up." "It's no use checking on it yet." There's no way + (subject + verb) 'There's' is a contraction of the words 'there is.' By stating 'there's no way' you are relaying a thought of doubt about an event taking place now or in the future. Here are some examples: "There's no way you finish on time." "There's no way we complete on time." "There's no way your mother approves." "There's no way no one claims it." "There's no way they expect it." "There's no way he can fix it." "There's no way he can handle the news." "There's no way your brother injured his ankle." "There is no way that horse jumps it." "There is no way he missed it." It's very kind of you to + (verb) When saying it is 'kind of you' you are saying that what someone has done or said was very appreciated or welcomed. Here are some examples: "It's very kind of you to offer me the job." "It's very kind of you to listen to me." www.arshbook.com
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"It's very kind of you to join me." "It's very kind of you to invite us." "It's very kind of you to inform us what happened." "It is kind of you to help us." "It is kind of you to fill me in." "It is kind of you to entertain us." "It is kind of you to double my salary." "It is kind of you to decorate for the party." There's nothing + (subject) + can + (verb) 'There's' is a contraction of the words 'there is.' When using the word 'nothing' you are suggesting that something cannot happen or be done. Here are some examples: "There's nothing you can harm." "There's nothing the police can identify." "There's nothing we can agree on." "There's nothing we can join." "There's nothing she can cook." "There's nothing my dog can learn." By using the word 'can' or 'can't' you change the expression to mean that all is possible. Here are some examples: "There is nothing I cannot ask for." "There's nothing we cannot accomplish." "There's nothing our dog cannot open." "There's nothing that truck cannot move." Rumor has it that + (subject + verb) 'Rumor has it' is an expression used when suggesting you might have heard something or read about something that is taking place now or in the future. A rumor is not a fact. www.arshbook.com
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Here are some examples: "Rumor has it that that player will get traded." "Rumor has it that she cheated on him." "Rumor has it that they are going to get married." "Rumor has it that you like to paint." "Rumor has it that show is going to end." "Rumor has it that he is going to get a raise." "Rumor has it that your sister got in trouble." "Rumor has it that she goes to our gym." "Rumor has it that he will not return." "Rumor has it that it happened while texting."
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6 Most Frequent Words
Most Frequent Words of the Academic Word List by Sub list Sublist 1 analysis approach area assessment assume authority available benefit concept consistent constitutional context contract create data definition derived distribution economic environment established estimate evidence export factors financial formula function identified income indicate individual interpretation
Period policy principle procedure process required research response role section sector significant similar source specific structure theory variables Sublist 2 achieve acquisition administratio n affect appropriate aspects assistance categories chapter commission community complex computer conclusion
evaluation features final focus impact injury institute investment items journal maintenance normal obtained participation perceived positive potential previous primary purchase range region regulations relevant resident resources restricted security sought select site strategies survey text
considerable constant constraints contribution convention coordination core corporate corresponding criteria deduction demonstrate document dominant emphasis ensure excluded framework funds illustrated immigration implies initial instance interaction justification layer link location maximum minorities negative outcomes partnership
involved issues labour legal legislation major method occur percent sequence sex shift specified sufficient task technical techniques technology validity volume Sublist 4 access adequate annual apparent approximated attitudes attributed civil code commitment communication concentration conference contrast cycle debate www.arshbook.com
conduct consequences construction consumer credit cultural design distinction elements equation mechanism obvious occupational option output overall parallel parameters phase predicted principal prior professional project promote regime resolution retained series statistics status stress subsequent sum summary undertaken Sublist 5
traditional transfer Sublist 3 alternative circumstances comments compensation components consent equivalent evolution expansion exposure external facilitate fundamental generated generation image liberal licence logic marginal medical mental modified monitoring network notion objective orientation perspective precise Sublist 6 abstract accurate acknowledged
philosophy physical proportion published reaction registered reliance removed scheme expert explicit federal fees flexibility furthermore gender ignored incentive incidence incorporated index inhibition initiatives input instructions intelligence interval lecture migration minimum ministry motivation neutral nevertheless overseas preceding presumption Page 178
despite dimensions domestic emerged error ethnic goals granted hence hypothesis implementatio n implications imposed integration internal investigation job label classical comprehensive comprise confirmed contrary converted couple decades Definite deny differentiation disposal dynamic eliminate empirical equipment extract file www.arshbook.com
academic adjustment alter amendment aware capacity challenge clause compounds conflict consultation contact decline discretion draft enable energy enforcement entities submitted successive survive thesis topic transmission ultimately unique visible voluntary Sublist 8 abandon accompanied accumulation ambiguous appendix appreciation arbitrary
aggregate allocation assigned attached author bond brief capable cited cooperative discrimination display diversity domain edition enhanced estate exceed inspection intensity manipulation minimised nuclear offset paragraph plus practitioners predominantly prospect radical random reinforced restore revision schedule tension termination
rational recovery revealed scope subsidiary tapes trace transformation transport underlying utility Sublist 7 adaptation adults advocate aid channel Chemical device devoted diminished distorted/distortio n duration erosion ethical format founded inherent insights integral intermediate manual mature mediation medium military minimal Page 179
finite foundation global grade guarantee hierarchical identical ideology inferred innovation insert intervention isolated media mode paradigm phenomenon priority prohibited publication quotation release reverse simulation solely somewhat
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automatically bias chart Clarity conformity commodity complement contemporary contradiction crucial currency denote detected deviation displacement dramatic eventually exhibit exploitation fluctuations guidelines highlighted implicit induced inevitably infrastructure
theme thereby uniform vehicle via virtually widespread visual Sublist 9 accommodatio n analogous anticipated assurance attained behalf bulk ceases coherence coincide commenced incompatible concurrent confined controversy conversely
mutual norms overlap passive portion preliminary protocol qualitative refine relaxed restraints revolution rigid route scenario sphere subordinate supplementary suspended team temporary trigger unified violation vision
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7 Root Words
LATIN/GREEK-ENGLISH WORDS Photos-Light Graph-Write, draw Tele-Far away Metron-Measure Tropos-Turn Philia-Love Phobos-Fear Thesis-Put, Place Syn-With, Together Kinesis-Movement Phone-Sound Sonus-Sound Skopeo-See Video, Visum-See Logos-Word, Study Verbum-Word Nomen,Nominis-Name Pro-Before, for Prae-Before Ad-To, Toward Jacio,Jactum-Throw Pono,Positum-Put Cum-With, Together Figo, Fixum-Attach Jungo,Junctum-Join Digitus-Finger Caput,Capitis-Head Manus-Hand Pes, Pedis-Foot Bracchium-Arm Dens, Dentis-Tooth Corpus,Coporis-Body Unus-One Duo-Two
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Tres-Three Quattuor-Four Quinque-Five Sex-Six Septem-Seven Octo-Eight Novem-Nine Decem-Ten Centum-Hundred Mille-Thousand Pyro-Fire Ignis-Fire Vulcanus-God of Fire Hydros-Water Aqua-Water Bonus-Good Helios-Sun Sol-Sun Luna-Moon Dia-Across Trans-Across Geo-Earth Terra-Earth, Land Dormio,Dormitum-Sleep Hypnos-Sleep Annus-Year Lithos-Stone Petros-Stone, Rock Astron-Star Stella-Star Dendron-Tree Arbor,Arboris-Tree Chronos-Time Tempus,Temporis-Time
Para-Beside Inter-Between Techne-Art, Skill Ars, Artis-Art, Skill Bios-Life Vivo, Victum-Live Mikros-Small Megas-Large, Big Magnus-Large, Big Pater, Patris-Father Mater, Matris-Mother Frater, Fratris-Brother Demos-People Populus-People Polis-City Urbs, Urbis-City Pathos-Feeling Autos-Self Thermos-Heat Curro,Cursum-Run Zoon-Animal Verto,Versum-Turn Facio,Factum-Make, Do Scribo,Scriptum-Write Plico,Plicatum-Fold Dico,Dictum-Speak Biblos-Book Liber,Libri-Book Scio,Scitum-Know Discipulus-Student Sauros-Lizard Amo,Amatum-Love
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8 Vocabulary Building
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VOCABULARY Knowing the meaning of prefixes, suffixes and root words can help you determine the meaning of a word.
Roots
Meaning
Sample Words
act
do
act, actor, action, react, reaction
anthro
man
anthropomorphic, anthropology, philanthropy
arch
chief, ruler
monarchy, oligarchy, anarchy, architect
ast, aster
star
astronaut, asterisk, astronomy
auto
self
autoimmune, autograph, autonomous
bibl
book
bibliography, Bible, bibliophile
bio
life
biology, biography, biochemist
cap
head
cap, captain, caption, capital
cardi
heart
electrocardiogram, cardiology, cardiovascular
caust, caut
burn
caustic, cauldron,
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cauterize cede, ceed
go
proceed, recede, succeed
chrom
color
polychrome, chromatic, chrome, chromosome
chron
time
chronology, chronic, chronicle
crat, cracy
power, rule
aristocrat, autocrat, democracy, theocrat, technocracy
crypt
secret, hidden
cryptic, encrypted, cryptogenic
cycle
circle
cycle, bicycle, encyclopedia
dem
people
democracy, democrat, epidemic, demographic
dent
tooth
dental, dentist, denture
derm
skin
hypodermic, dermatology, epidermis, taxidermy
dox
belief, opinion
doxology, orthodox, paradox
fer
bring
transfer, confer, refer
form
shape
form, transform,
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formation gam
marriage
monogamy, polygamy, bigamy
geo
earth
geography, geology, geographic
gram
written
diagram, telegram, grammar
graph
write
telegraph, autograph, graphic, biography
grat
please
grateful, gratitude, congratulate
gyn
woman
gynecology, gynecologist
hetero
different, other
heterogeneous, heterosexual
homo
same
homophone, homicide, homogenous, homonym
hydr
water
hydrant, hydraulic, dehydrate, hydrogen, hydrophobia
ject
throw
reject, project, eject, inject
lith
stone
lithography, monolith, lithiasis, megalith
loc
place
locate, location,
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dislocate log, lex, lec
word, language
lexicography, lexicon, lecture, logistics
man
hand
manual, manipulate, manufacture
mand
order
command, demand, mandate
mech
machine
mechanic, mechanism, mechanical
mega
great, million
megalopolis, megabyte, megaphone , megalomaniac
meter, metr
measure
multimeter, perimeter, micrometer, altimeter, ammeter
min
small
minute, minor, minimum
mis
bad, badly
misinform, mispronounce, mistake
mob
move
mobile, automobile, immobile
morph
form, shape
morpheme, polymorphic, amorphous
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mot, mov
move
motion, motor, move, motive
multi
many
multiply, multiple, multitude
nym, onym
name
synonym, antonym, acronym
ology
study of
geology, biology, theology, dermatology
ortho
straight, right, correct
orthodontics, orthopedic, orthodox, unorthodox
path
feeling, disease
telepathy, pathos, sympathy, antipathy, apathy
ped, pod
foot
pedal, pedestrian, podium
petro
rock
petroleum, petrified
phil
love
philharmonic, philanthropy, philosophy
phob
fear
aquaphobia, homophobia, phobia, claustrophobia, acrophobia
phon
sound
telephone, phonics, saxophone
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photo
light
photograph, photography, telephoto
poli
city
police, politics, political, metropolis
port
carry
portable, porter, transport
pseudo
false
pseudonym
psych
mind
psychosis, psychology, psyche, psychiatry
pyr
fire
pyromania, pyrotechnics
sci
know
science, scientific, conscious
scop
see
telescope, microscope, stethoscope
sign
mark
sign, signal, signature, design
soph
wise
philosophy, sophisticated, sophomore (wise fool)
spec
see
inspect, spectator, suspect
struct
build
construct, instruct, structure
theo
god
theology, theist,
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polytheist therm
heat
thermometer, thermostat, thermos
tract
pull
tractor, attract, subtract
urb
city
urban, suburban, suburb
vac
empty
vacant, vacate, vacation
vid, vis
see
video, television, visit
zo
animal
zoo (short for zoological garden), zoology, zodiac, protozoan
Prefixes Prefix
Meaning
Sample Words
a, ab
away, from
absent, abduction, abstemious
a, an
not, without
anarchy, anonymous, apathy, anemia
ad
to, toward
additional, adhere
amphi, ambi
both
ambidextrous, amphibious
ante
before
antebellum, antecedent, anteroom, anterior
anti
against
antifreeze, antibiotic, antisocial, antibody, antiseptic
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auto
self
automobile, autograph, automatic, autobiography
be
around, make, affect by
befriend, behold, believe, belittle, because
bene
well, good
beneficial, benediction, benefit, benefactor
circum
around
circumstance, circumference, circulatory, circumcision
contra, counter
against
contradict, counteract, contrary
co, con, com, syn, sym
together, with
convene, compress, contemporary, compact, conjoin, combine
de
away from, off, down
depart, decline, depress, defect, deflate
dia
through, across
diameter, diagonal, dialogue, diagnosis
dis
opposite, away
dismiss, disallow, disperse, disproportion
dys
ill, bad
dysfunction, dyslexia
epi
upon, above
epilogue, epidermis, epicenter
ex
from, out of
expel, exempt, exert, explain, expense
hyper
over
hyperactive, hypertensive, hyperventilate, hyperkinetic
hypo
under, below
hypotension, hypoglycemic,
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hypoallergenic in, im
in, into, not
infer, invade, impeach, impose, imply
inter
between, among
international, intermission, interoffice, intermittent, internal
intra
within
intranet, intramural, intravenous
lux, luc, photo
light
photoelectric, photograph, photosensitive, photosynthesis
magn, mega
great, large
megabyte, megaton, megamillion
macro
large, long
macrobiotic, macrocosm, macroscopic
mal
bad
malformation, maladjusted, malady, malcontent
micro
small
microscopic, microgram, microvolt
mis
wrong
misinform, misinterpret, mistake
multi, poly
many
multitude, multiply, multipurpose
non
not
nonabrasive, nondescript
nov, neo
new
neoclassic, neophyte, neonate, neologism
omni, pan
all
omnipotent, omnivorous, omniscient
per
through
permit, perspire,
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perforate, persuade peri
around
periscope, perimeter, periodontal
post
after, later, behind
postgraduate, postpaid, postmark
pre, pro
before, in front of
precede, preheat, pretest, protect, propel, protest
prim, proto
first
primary, prototype, primafacie
re
back, again
repay, react, retell, return, rebel
retro
backward
retroactive, retrospect, retrogression
se
away, apart
segment, segregate
sub
under, below, divide into smaller groups
submarine, subgroup, subject
super, ultra, hyper
over, above, on top of
supervisor, superhuman, supernatural
tele
far, from a far distance television, telephone, telegraph, telemetry
trans
across, over beyond
transcontinental, transcend, transfer
un
not, lack of, opposite of
unknown, unemployed, unjust
Number Prefixes cent, hect
100
dec
10
du, bi
2
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centipede, centennial, century decimal, decade, decalogue biweekly, biannual Page 193
mille, kilo
1,000
millennium, kilobyte, kiloton
non, nov
9
nonagon, nonagenarian
oct
8
octogenarian, octopus, octagon, octave
quar, quad, tetra
4
quadrangle, quadruplets
quin, pent
5
quintuplets, pentagon, pentameter, quintet
hex, sex
6
hexagon, hexameter, sextuplets
semi, hemi, demi
½
semicircle, demitasse, hemisphere
sept, hept
7
septennial, septet
tri
3
triangle, trinity, trilogy
uni, mono
1
monotype, unity, universal, unanimous, uniform, monorail, monopoly, mononucleosis
Suffixes Suffix
Meaning
Sample Words
-able
capable of being
debatable, laughable, comfortable
-al
pertaining to
educational, musical, dental
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-er
performer of
grader, teacher, lawyer
-ist, -or
performer of
pianist, dentist, tailor, doctor, mentor
-ful
full of
playful, thankful, careful
-ly, -y
in the manner of
slowly, weekly, funny, sunny
-sion, -tion
act of
provision, revision, location
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9 Idiom and phrase
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Idiom and Phrase To get in/to get on: to enter or to board a vehicle To get in is used for cars; to get on is used for all other forms of transportation. - It's easiest to get in the car from the driver's side. The door on the other side doesn't work well. - I always get on the bus to work at 34th Street. To get out of/to get off: to leave or to descend from a vehicle To get out of is used for cars; to get off is used for all other forms of transportation. - Why don't we stop and get out of the car for a while? - Helen got off the train at the 42nd Street terminal. To put on: to place on oneself (usually said of clothes) (S) - Mary put on her coat and left the room. - Put your hat on before you leave the house. To take off: to remove (usually said of clothes) (S) - John took off his jacket as he entered the office. - Take your sweater off. The room is very warm. To call up : to telephone (also: to give someone a call) (S) To call can be used instead of to call up, as in the first example below. - I forgot to call up Mr. Jones yesterday I'd better call him now. - Call me up tomorrow, Jane. We'll arrange a time to have lunch together. - I promise to give you a call as soon as I arrive in New York. To turn on: to start or cause to function (also: to switch on) (S) - Please turn on the light; it's too dark in here. - Do you know who turned the air conditioning on? To turn off: to cause to stop functioning (also: to switch off, to shut off) (S) Turn on and turn off, as well as their related forms, is used for things that flow, such as electricity, water, gas, etc. - Please turn off the light when you leave the room. - Are you really listening to the radio, or should I turn it off? www.arshbook.com
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Right away: very soon; immediately (also: at once) - Dad says that dinner will be ready right away, so we'd better wash our hands and set the table. - Tell Will to come to my office right away. I must see him immediately. - Stop playing that loud music at once! To pick up: to lift from the floor, table, etc., with one's fingers (S) - Harry picked up the newspaper that was on the front doorstep. - Could you pick your toy up before someone falls over it? Sooner or later: eventually, after a period of time - If you study English seriously, sooner or later you'll become fluent. - I'm too tired to do my homework now; I'm sure I'll do it sooner or later. To get up: to arise, to rise from a bed For the last definition a noun phrase must separate the verb and particle. - Carlo gets up at seven o'clock every morning. - At what time should we get the children up tomorrow? At first: in the beginning, originally - At first English was difficult for him, but later he made great progress. - I thought at first that it was Sheila calling, but then I realized that it was Betty. To dress up: to wear formal clothes, to dress very nicely - We should definitely dress up to go to the theatre. - You don't have to dress up for Mike's party. At last: finally, after a long time - We waited for hours and then the train arrived at last. - Now that I am sixteen, at last I can drive my parents' car. As usual: as is the general case, as is typical - George is late for class as usual. This seems to happen every day. - As usual, Dora received first prize in the swimming contest. It's the third consecutive year that she has won. www.arshbook.com
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To find out: get information about, to determine (S) This idiom is separable only when a pronoun is used, as in the second example. - Will you please try to find out what time the airplane arrives? - I'll call right now to find it out. To look at: give one's attention to; to watch - The teacher told us to look at the blackboard and not at our books. - I like to walk along a country road at night and look at the stars. To look for: to try to find, to search for An adverb phrases such as all over can be put between the verb and preposition, as in the second example. However, the idiom cannot be separated by a noun or pronoun. - He's spent over an hour looking for the pen that he lost. - So there you are! We've looked all over for you. all right : acceptable, fine; yes, okay This idiom can also be spelled alright in informal usage. - He said that it would be all right to wait in her office until she returned. - Do you want me to turn off the TV? Alright, if you insist. all along: all the time, from the beginning (without change) - She knew all along that we'd never agree with his plan. - You're smiling! Did you know all along that I'd give you a birthday present? little by little : gradually, slowly (also: step by step ) - Karen's health seems to be improving little by little. - If you study regularly each day, step by step your vocabulary will increase. to tire out: to make very weary due to difficult conditions or hard effort (also: to wear out) (S) - The hot weather tired out the runners in the marathon. - Does studying for final exams wear you out? It makes me feel worn out! to call on : to ask for a response from; to visit (also: to drop in on) - Jose didn't know the answer when the teacher called on him. www.arshbook.com
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- Last night several friends called on us at our home. - Why don't we drop in on Sally a little later? never mind: don't be concerned about it; ignore what was just said - When he spilled his drink on my coat, I said, "Never mind. It needs to be cleaned anyway." - So you weren't listening to me again. Never mind; it wasn't important. to pick out: to choose, to select (S) - Ann picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift. - Johnny, if you want me to buy you a toy, then pick one out now. to take one's (my, his, your, etc.) time: to do without rush, not to hurry This idiom is often used in the imperative form. (See the first example.) - There's no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time. - William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in everything that he does. to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others (S) - We talked over Carlo's plan to install an air conditioner in the room, but we couldn't reach a decision. - Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my wife. to lie down: to place oneself in a flat position, to recline - If you are tired, why don't you lie down for an hour or so? - The doctor says that Grace must lie down and rest for a short time every afternoon. to stand up: to rise from a sitting or lying position (also: to get up) - When the president entered the room, everyone stood up. - Suzy, stop rolling around on the floor; get up now. to sit down: to be seated (also: to take a seat) - We sat down on the park bench and watched the children play. www.arshbook.com
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- There aren't any more chairs, but you can take a seat on the floor. all (day, week, month, year) long: the entire day, week, month, year - I've been working on my income tax forms all day long. I've hardly had time to eat. - It's been raining all week long. We haven't seen the sun since last Monday. by oneself: alone, without assistance - Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him. - Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother prefers to walk with a companion. on purpose: for a reason, deliberately This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair. - Do you think that she didn't come to the meeting on purpose? - It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose. to get along with someone (something): to associate or work well with; to succeed or manage in doing (also: to get on with someone or something ) - Terry isn't getting along with her new roommate; they argue constantly. - How are you getting on with your studies? to make a difference (to someone) : to be of importance (to), to affect This idiom is often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance. - It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve. - Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner? - No, it doesn't make any difference. - It makes no difference to Lisa either. to take out : to remove, to extract (S); to go on a date with (S) (also: to go out with) - Students, take out your books and open them to page twelve. www.arshbook.com
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- Did you take Sue out last night? - No, she couldn't go out with me. to take part in: to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on) - Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday. - I didn't want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent. at all : to any degree (also: in the least) This idiom is used with the negative to add emphasis to a statement. - Larry isn't at all shy about expressing his opinions. - When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, "Not in the least. I'm full of energy." to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. (S) - Ellen suggested that we look up Lee's telephone number in the directory. - Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from context before looking the word up in the dictionary. to wait on someone: to serve in a store or restaurant - A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop. - The restaurant waitress asked us, "Has anyone waited on you yet?" at least : a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than - I spend at least two hours every night on my studies. - Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day. so far: until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet) This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense. - So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck continues. - How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now? - As of yet, we have not had an answer from him. to take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc www.arshbook.com
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A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious, strenuous walking. - Last evening we took a walk around the park. - It's a fine day. Would you like to take a stroll along Mason Boulevard? - Let's take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon. to take a trip (to) : to go on a journey, to travel - I'm so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip. - During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe. to try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying (S) - He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one. - Why don't you try these shoes on next? to think over: to consider carefully before deciding (S) - I'd like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow? - You don't have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while. to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan - The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall. - I thought that the celebration was taking place at John's house. to put away: to remove from sight, to put in the proper place (S) - Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet. - John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
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10 Sample dialogue
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1.Situation: Ann and Mary talk while walking to their next class. Ann: Oh, it feels so cold this morning. Mary: It sure is. Early this morning my car’s windshield was covered with frost. I had to spray it with water before I could head to school. Ann: Who would have thought it could be this cold in early December, especially in California. Mary: I know. The temperature was 35 degrees Fahrenheit when I woke up this morning. I was freezing as soon as I got out of bed. The cold weather just hit me by surprise. Ann: I cannot remember when it was this cold in early December. Mary: Brace yourself for the rain this afternoon. Cold and wet, Yuck! Ann: It is going to rain this afternoon? Mary: Not only this afternoon, but also the rest of the week. Ann: Oh, it is going to be miserable. I have a full class schedule today and tomorrow. To walk from class to class, I will have to juggle my books and my umbrella trying not to get wet. Mary: You carry too many books. Why don’t you leave some of them in your locker? Ann: My locker is a long way from my English classes. This is the reason why I carry all my books with me. Is it going to rain hard or just drizzle? Mary: The news said that it would start to drizzle around noon, and then it would rain really hard by three o’clock. Ann: No hope for better weather this week? Mary: There is a slim chance of sunshine by Saturday. However, it will be foggy, windy, and rainy before the sun comes out this weekend. Ann: I am glad that it rains even though I do not like rainy weather. We have a very dry season so far this year. Mary: Yes, I can hardly remember when it rained last time. Well, as long as there is no thunder or lightning, I can bear it. Ann: We rarely have thunder or lightning in California. Mary: We are very lucky that California has one of the best weather conditions in America. When it is hot, it is not humid; when it rains, there is no thunder or lightning, and the cold weather during the www.arshbook.com
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winter season is quite mild compared to the weather of the other states. Ann: Yes, we are lucky. However, sometimes when I look at the Christmas pictures, I just wish we had some snow. It looks so pretty when everything is covered by a blanket of pure white snow. Mary: Living in southern California all my life, I have never seen snow. I would not mind playing in the snow once in a while. Ann: Yes, it would be fun to make a snowman or go skiing. Mary: We have never seen snow; we have never made a snowman, and we have never gone skiing. We better do something about this. Ann: May be we should plan a trip to Aspen, Colorado during winter break. I heard that the skiing season is fantastic up there. Mary: I don’t think we can afford a trip to Aspen. It is very expensive up there. Ann: I am just wishing. I know what I will be doing during winter break. I will be working very hard to save money for a new car. Mary: With the cars that we drive, it is better that we live in a place where there is no snow. Ann: You are right, we are better off with no snow. Ok, I have class right now; see you later in the library. Mary: See you later.
2.Situation: Mrs. Anderson is baking cakes when her daughter Debbie gets home from school. Debbie: Mom, I am home. Mrs. Anderson: How was school? How did you do on the test? Debbie: School was OK, and I did great on the test. Mom, I was so worried about that test, but now I feel great. What a relief! Mrs. Anderson: I am glad to hear that. You have been studying so hard the past few weeks. Now, you can relax and enjoy life. Debbie: What are you cooking? It smells so good. Mrs. Anderson: I am baking cakes. This is your favorite carrot cake. Debbie: It looks really yummy. And I see muffins over there too. You were busy, weren’t you? www.arshbook.com
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Mrs. Anderson: Yes. Jeff has to take something to school tomorrow. So, those muffins are for him. Don’t touch them. Debbie: Can I have a piece of carrot cake? I want to enjoy life right now. Mrs. Anderson: You don’t want to wait until after dinner? Debbie: It looks inviting, and I bet it is delicious. No, I don’t want to wait. Can I, mom? Mrs. Anderson: OK, go ahead. Debbie: Did you see the new recipe that was posted on Today Cooking’s website? I believe it was called Scrumptious Pie. Mrs. Anderson: No, I did not. But I want to try that recipe. Your dad loves pie. Debbie: So do I. Mrs. Anderson: So does Jeff. Our whole family is crazy about pie. Debbie: When do you want to try the new recipe? I want to learn too. Should we bake a cherry pie or an apple pie? Mrs. Anderson: Since this is the cherry season, let’s make a cherry pie. Tomorrow, I will get some cherries at the supermarket, and we can start baking in the afternoon when you get home from school. Debbie: I need to finish a science project, and I will not get home until 3:30. Will it be too late to start baking, mom? If it is, you can start without me. Mrs. Anderson: 3:30 PM is fine. I will prepare dinner early, and then I will have everything ready for our baking session before you get home. Debbie: Make sure that we still have enough sugar and eggs, mom. It seems like you were using a lot of sugar and eggs baking the cakes and muffins today. Mrs. Anderson: Don’t worry. We still have plenty of sugar and a lot of eggs, enough to make at least ten pies. Debbie: Ten pies, huh? Ten sounds like a good number, but let’s not overdo it. Let’s make nine and a half pies instead. Mrs. Anderson: OK, we will make nine and a half pies tomorrow. No more, no less. Debbie: It is a deal. Mrs. Anderson: Enough about baking pies. I need to start working on today’s dinner. It is three o’clock already. Your dad and Jeff will www.arshbook.com
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be home soon. I am sure they will be very hungry and will want dinner right away. Debbie: What do we have for dinner tonight? Mrs. Anderson: I will make roast beef and cream of mushroom soup. Debbie: It has been a long time since you made cream of mushroom soup. Do you need any help, mom? Mrs. Anderson: No, go do your homework and leave the cooking to me. Debbie: Thanks, mom. Call me whenever dinner is ready. I do not want to be late for roast beef, cream of mushroom soup, carrot cake and muffins. Mrs. Anderson: The muffins are for Jeff. Do not touch them! Debbie: I know, mom. Just kidding.
3.Situation: Lisa is having some problems with her exercise bike, and she is calling Sport Center to have it repaired. Nancy: Thank you for calling Sports Center. May I help you? Lisa: I bought an exercise bike from your store last year, and I am having problems with it. I need to have it repaired. Nancy: Let me connect you to the Service department. One moment please. Karen: Service department, this is Karen. How can I help you? Lisa: I bought an exercise bike from Sports Center last year and it needs to be repaired. Karen: What seems to be the problem? Lisa: I am not very sure, but I think there is a problem with the bike’s computer console because the LCD screen does not display the different features. Karen: Nothing was on when you pushed the Start button? Lisa: No, nothing. Karen: What is your bike model? Lisa: It is a 126 Upright Ford Bike. Karen: I can send a technician out to take a look at your bike. It will cost $75.00 for labor. Also, if we have to replace any parts, that will be extra. www.arshbook.com
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Lisa: That is expensive. Isn’t the repair cost covered by warranty? Karen: When exactly did you purchase your bike? Lisa: About fifteen months ago. Karen: I am sorry. The standard warranty only covers a year. Did you buy extra warranty coverage at the time of purchase? Lisa: No, I did not. Are there any other options besides paying $75.00 for repair labor? Karen: No, I am afraid not. Lisa: I guess I just have to pay for the repair. When can you send a technician? Karen: I have next Thursday November the twenty third at 2:00PM available. Otherwise, the next date has to be December the eighth at 10:00AM. Lisa: I take this coming Thursday. Will you send out a reminder? Karen: Somebody will give you a call the evening before to confirm the appointment. Lisa: Will the technician accept credit card payment? Karen: Yes, he will. By the way, you can buy the extra warranty coverage now if you want to. Lisa: How much does it cost? Karen: Fifty dollars for one-year warranty, seventy-five dollars for two-years, and a hundred dollars for three-years. Lisa: Does it cover both labor and materials? Karen: It covers everything. Do you want to sign up for it? Lisa: Oh, I do not know. Karen: It will be good for you. We will send a technician any times the bike needs services. It does not matter how many times you call us in a year. Also, if we cannot fix the problem, we will provide you with a new exercise bike. Lisa: OK, I want to sign up for the two-year warranty program. Karen: I think it is a good investment. Are you going to pay by credit card now or do you want me to send you a bill? Lisa: Send me a bill, please. Karen: One last thing before I let you go, I need your address please. Lisa: 995 Silver Lake Street in Long Beach. Karen: OK, it is all set. Is there anything else I can help you with today? www.arshbook.com
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Lisa: No. Thank you for your help. Karen: You are welcome. Have a nice day!
4.Situation: Every year, Rooster Run, a
country music band holds a concert at Silverado Park. Alex and his two friends are heading toward the park to attend the concert. Alex: Hey Jane, John, there is a musical concert in the park. You want to go see the band play? Jane: I am done with my homework; I can go. John: Me too. Let’s go. Jane: Hey, look at that sport car. Isn’t it neat? Alex: That is exactly the kind of car that I want once I get a good job. I bet it is very fast. I want mine to be red though. Jane: Keep on dreaming, Alex. That car costs a fortune. Alex: It does not hurt to set high expectations. Maybe one day I will make a lot of money, and I might surprise you. John: Talking about cars, why is the traffic so heavy today? Alex: People are probably heading toward the park for the concert. The band does play pretty good music. Jane: Yes, it does. For the last three years, I have never missed the concert. I have always arranged my schedule so that I could attend the event once the band was in town. John: How long ago did the band start playing at our park? Jane: I think it started this tradition five years ago before you moved into our neighbourhood. Every year it always arrives the first week of June to play for the whole week. Alex: You will enjoy this evening, John. There will be good Country music, a lot of stomping around, and definitely a lot of hollering. John: It sounds like fun. Jane: My favorite is Rock and Roll music; however, I have to say that country melodies can be quite enticing. I can listen to them all day long. Alex: John, what kind of music do you like? www.arshbook.com
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John: Oh, I like all kinds of music as long as it is not Hard Rock. Jane: Wow, look at the number of people who have already shown up for the concert. Good thing that we are here already. Alex: Jane, where do you want to sit? In the shade or in the sun? Jane: In the shade, please. I have been in the sun too much lately. John: There is a food stand over there. Do you two want anything? Jane: Nothing for me, thanks. I already have my bottle of water. Alex: I want a bag of chips and a soda. Are you sure you do not want any chips, Jane? Jane: I am quite sure. Besides, my mother is cooking a good steak dinner, and I want to save my appetite. Alex: Jane, you are so lucky to have such a good cook for a mother. John, you have to taste her cream cakes one of these days. You cannot find better cream cakes anywhere in this town. Jane: I know we will have cream cake for dessert this evening. I will save you a piece if you want, John. John: I always love cake, so please save me a piece. Thanks, Jane. Jane: How about you, Alex? A piece of cake for you too? Alex: You know I will say yes to a piece of your mother’s cream cake any day. Jane: OK, I will save two pieces of cream cake for both of you tonight. We can meet at the cafeteria at lunch time tomorrow and I will give them to you. John: Alex, you better get your chips and soda now if you still want them. It is almost 3:00PM, and the concert is about to start. Alex: For the last time, do you guys want anything? Jane: I am sure I do not want anything, Alex. I am doing fine. John: Me neither, Alex. Alex: OK, save me a seat. I will be right back.
5.Situation: Laurie, Christie, and Sarah are making plans for the coming weekend. Laurie: So, what are your plans for this weekend? Christie: I don’t know. Do you want to get together or something? Sarah: How about going to see a movie? Cinemax 26 on Carson Boulevard is showing Enchanted. www.arshbook.com
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Laurie: That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we should go out to eat beforehand. Sarah: It is fine with me. Where do you want to meet? Christie: Let’s meet at Summer Pizza House. I have not gone there for a long time. Laurie: Good idea again. I heard they just came up with a new pizza. It should be good because Summer Pizza House always has the best pizza in town. Sarah: When should we meet? Christie: Well, the movie is shown at 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM and 8:00PM. Laurie: Why don’t we go to the 2:00PM show? We can meet at Summer Pizza House at noon. That will give us plenty of time to enjoy our pizza. Sarah: My cousin Karen is in town. Can I bring her along? I hate to leave her home alone. Christie: Karen is in town? Yes, bring her along. Laurie, you remember Karen? We met her at Sara’s high school graduation party two years ago. Laurie: I do not quite remember her. What does she look like? Sarah: She has blond hair, she is kind of slender, and she is about your height. Laurie: She wears eyeglasses, right? Sarah: Yes, and she was playing the piano off and on during the party. Laurie: I remember her now. Yes, do bring her along Sara. She is such a nice person and funny too. Sarah: She will be happy to meet both of you again. Christie: What is she doing these days? Sarah: She graduated last June, and she will start her teaching career next week when the new school term begins. Laurie: What grade is she going to teach? Sarah: She will teach kindergarten. She loves working with kids, and she always has such a good rapport with them. Christie: Kindergarten? She must be a very patient person. I always think kindergarten is the most difficult class to teach. Most of the kids
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have never been to school, and they have never been away from mommy for long. Sarah: I think Karen will do fine. She knows how to handle young children. Laurie: I think the first few weeks will be tough. However, once the routine is set, it should not be too difficult to teach kindergarten. Christie: You are right. The kids might even look forward to going to school since they have so many friends to play with. Sarah: There are so many new things for them to do at school too. They do a lot of crafts in kindergarten. I am always amazed by the things kindergarten teachers do. Laurie: Yes, I have seen my niece come home with so many neat stuff. Christie: Maybe we can ask Karen to show us some of the things that we can do for this Halloween. Laurie: Maybe we can stop by the craft store after the movie. What do you think, Sara? Sarah: I will talk to her. I think she will like that. It will help her with school projects when Halloween comes. Christie: Michael’s is a good store for crafts. It always carries a variety of things, and you can find almost anything there. Laurie: There is a Michaels store not far away from Cinemax 26. I believe it is just around the corner, on Pioneer Avenue. We can even walk over there. Sarah: So, we plan to meet for pizza at noon, go to the movies at two, and shop at Michael’s afterward. Right? Laurie and Christie: Yes.
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11 GRE words
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GRE Test Vocabulary The following is a list of high frequency vocabulary words found on multiple exams, such as the GRE and SAT.
A Aberrant : Markedly different from an accepted norm. aberration: Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course. abet: To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense) abeyance: A state of suspension or temporary inaction. abjure: To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath. ablution: A washing or cleansing, especially of the body. abrogate: To abolish, repeal. abscond: To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest. abstemious: Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food. abstruse: Dealing with matters difficult to be understood. abut: To touch at the end or boundary line. accede: To agree. acquiesce: To comply; submit. acrid: Harshly pungent or bitter. acumen: Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination. adage: An old saying. adamant: Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability. admonition: Gentle reproof. adumbrate: To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem. affable: Easy to approach. aggrandize: To cause to appear greatly. aggravate: To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome. agile: Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally. agog: In eager desire. alacrity: Cheerful willingness. www.arshbook.com
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alcove: A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room. alleviate: To make less burdensome or less hard to bear. aloof: Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others. amalgamate: To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body. ambidextrous: Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease. ambiguous: Having a double meaning. ameliorate: To relieve, as from pain or hardship anathema: Anything forbidden, as by social usage. animadversion: The utterance of criticism or censure. animosity: Hatred. antediluvian: Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the days of Noah. antidote: Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or the like. aplomb: Confidence; coolness. apocryphal : Of doubtful authority or authenticity. apogee: The climax. apostate: False. apotheosis: Deification. apparition: Ghost. appease: To soothe by quieting anger or indignation. apposite: Appropriate. apprise: To give notice to; to inform. approbation: Sanction. arboreal: Of or pertaining to a tree or trees. ardor: Intensity of passion or affection. argot: A specialized vocabulary peculiar to a particular group. arrant: Notoriously bad. ascetic: Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion. ascribe: To assign as a quality or attribute. asperity: Harshness or roughness of temper. assiduous: Unceasing; persistent assuage: To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as excitement, appetite, pain, or disease. www.arshbook.com
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astringent: Harsh in disposition or character. astute: Keen in discernment. atonement: Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury. audacious: Fearless. augury: Omen auspicious: Favorable omen austere: Severely simple; unadorned. autocrat: Any one who claims or wields unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence. auxiliary: One who or that which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary or accessory. avarice: Passion for getting and keeping riches. aver: To avouch, justify or prove aversion: A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some particular thing. avow: To declare openly.
B baleful: Malignant. banal: Commonplace. bask: To make warm by genial heat. beatify: To make supremely happy. bedaub: To smear over, as with something oily or sticky. bellicose: Warlike. belligerent: Manifesting a warlike spirit. benefactor: A doer of kindly and charitable acts. benevolence: Any act of kindness or well-doing. benign: Good and kind of heart. berate: To scold severely. bewilder: To confuse the perceptions or judgment of. blandishment: Flattery intended to persuade. blatant: Noisily or offensively loud or clamorous. blithe: Joyous. boisterous: Unchecked merriment or animal spirits. bolster: To support, as something wrong. www.arshbook.com
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bombast: Inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects. boorish: Rude. breach: The violation of official duty, lawful right, or a legal obligation. brittle: Fragile. broach: To mention, for the first time. bumptious: Full of offensive and aggressive self-conceit. buoyant: Having the power or tendency to float or keep afloat. burnish: To make brilliant or shining.
C cabal: A number of persons secretly united for effecting by intrigue some private purpose. cacophony: A disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones. cajole: To impose on or dupe by flattering speech. callow: Without experience of the world. calumny: Slander. candid: Straightforward. cant: To talk in a singsong, preaching tone with affected solemnity. capacious: Roomy. capitulate: To surrender or stipulate terms. captious: Hypercritical. castigate: To punish. cataract: Opacity of the lens of the eye resulting in complete or partial blindness. caustic: Sarcastic and severe. censure: To criticize severely; also, an expression of disapproval. centurion: A captain of a company of one hundred infantry in the ancient Roman army. chagrin: Keen vexation, annoyance, or mortification, as at one's failures or errors. chary: Careful; wary; cautious. www.arshbook.com
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chicanery: The use of trickery to deceive. circumlocution: Indirect or roundabout expression. coddle: To treat as a baby or an invalid. coerce: To force. coeval: Existing during the same period of time; also, a contemporary. cogent: Appealing strongly to the reason or conscience. cogitate: Consider carefully and deeply; ponder. cognizant: Taking notice. colloquial: Pertaining or peculiar to common speech as distinguished from literary. collusion: A secret agreement for a wrongful purpose. comestible: Fit to be eaten. commemorate: To serve as a remembrance of. complaisance: Politeness. complement: To make complete. comport: To conduct or behave (oneself). compunction: Remorseful feeling. conceit: Self-flattering opinion. conciliatory: Tending to reconcile. concord: Harmony. concur: To agree. condense: To abridge. conflagration: A great fire, as of many buildings, a forest, or the like. confluence: The place where streams meet. congeal: To coagulate. conjoin: To unite. connoisseur: A critical judge of art, especially one with thorough knowledge and sound judgment of art. console: To comfort. conspicuous: Clearly visible. consternation: Panic. constrict: To bind. consummate: To bring to completion. contiguous: Touching or joining at the edge or boundary. contrite: Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin. www.arshbook.com
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contumacious: Rebellious. copious: Plenteous. cornucopia: The horn of plenty, symbolizing peace and prosperity. corporeal: Of a material nature; physical. correlate: To put in some relation of connection or correspondence. corroboration: Confirmation. counterfeit: Made to resemble something else. countervail: To offset. covert: Concealed, especially for an evil purpose. cower: To crouch down tremblingly, as through fear or shame. crass: Coarse or thick in nature or structure, as opposed to thin or fine. credulous: Easily deceived. cupidity: Avarice. cursory: Rapid and superficial. curtail: To cut off or cut short. cynosure: That to which general interest or attention is directed.
D dearth: Scarcity, as of something customary, essential ,or desirable. defer: To delay or put off to some other time. deign: To deem worthy of notice or account. deleterious: Hurtful, morally or physically. delineate: To represent by sketch or diagram. deluge: To overwhelm with a flood of water. demagogue: An unprincipled politician. denizen: Inhabitant. denouement: That part of a play or story in which the mystery is cleared up. deplete: To reduce or lessen, as by use, exhaustion, or waste. deposition: Testimony legally taken on interrogatories and reduced to writing, for use as evidence in court. deprave: To render bad, especially morally bad. www.arshbook.com
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deprecate: To express disapproval or regret for, with hope for the opposite. deride: To ridicule. derision: Ridicule. derivative: Coming or acquired from some origin. descry: To discern. desiccant: Any remedy which, when applied externally, dries up or absorbs moisture, as that of wounds. desuetude: A state of disuse or inactivity. desultory: Not connected with what precedes. deter: To frighten away. dexterity: Readiness, precision, efficiency, and ease in any physical activity or in any mechanical work. diaphanous: Transparent. diatribe: A bitter or malicious criticism. didactic: Pertaining to teaching. diffidence: Self-distrust. diffident: Affected or possessed with self-distrust. dilate: To enlarge in all directions. dilatory: Tending to cause delay. disallow: To withhold permission or sanction. discomfit: To put to confusion. disconcert: To disturb the composure of. disconsolate : Hopelessly sad; also, saddening; cheerless. discountenance: To look upon with disfavor. discredit: To injure the reputation of. discreet: Judicious. disheveled: Disordered; disorderly; untidy. dissemble: To hide by pretending something different. disseminate: To sow or scatter abroad, as seed is sown. dissent: Disagreement. dissolution: A breaking up of a union of persons. distraught: Bewildered. divulge: To tell or make known, as something previously private or secret. dogmatic: Making statements without argument or evidence. dormant: Being in a state of or resembling sleep. www.arshbook.com
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dubious: Doubtful. duplicity: Double-dealing.
E earthenware: Anything made of clay and baked in a kiln or dried in the sun. ebullient: Showing enthusiasm or exhilaration of feeling. edacious: Given to eating. edible: Suitable to be eaten. educe: To draw out. effete: Exhausted, as having performed its functions. efficacy: The power to produce an intended effect as shown in the production of it. effrontery: Unblushing impudence. effulgence: Splendor. egregious: Extreme. egress: Any place of exit. elegy: A lyric poem lamenting the dead. elicit: To educe or extract gradually or without violence. elucidate: To bring out more clearly the facts concerning. emaciate: To waste away in flesh. embellish: To make beautiful or elegant by adding attractive or ornamental features. embezzle: To misappropriate secretly. emblazon: To set forth publicly or in glowing terms. encomium: A formal or discriminating expression of praise. encumbrance: A burdensome and troublesome load. endemic: Peculiar to some specified country or people. enervate: To render ineffective or inoperative. engender: To produce. engrave: To cut or carve in or upon some surface. enigma: A riddle. enmity: Hatred. entangle: To involve in difficulties, confusion, or complications. entreat: To ask for or request earnestly.
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Epicurean: Indulging, ministering, or pertaining to daintiness of appetite. epithet: Word used adjectivally to describe some quality or attribute of is objects, as in "Father Aeneas". epitome: A simplified representation. equable: Equal and uniform; also, serene. equanimity: Evenness of mind or temper. equanimity : Calmness; composure. equilibrium: A state of balance. equivocal: Ambiguous. equivocate: To use words of double meaning. eradicate: To destroy thoroughly. errant: Roving or wandering, as in search of adventure or opportunity for gallant deeds. erratic: Irregular. erroneous: Incorrect. erudite: Very-learned. eschew: To keep clear of. espy: To keep close watch. eulogy: A spoken or written laudation of a person's life or character. euphonious: Characterized by agreeableness of sound. evanescent: Fleeting. evince: To make manifest or evident. evoke: To call or summon forth. exacerbate: To make more sharp, severe, or virulent. exculpate: To relieve of blame. exhaustive: Thorough and complete in execution. exigency: A critical period or condition. exigency : State of requiring immediate action; also, an urgent situation; also, that which is required in a exorbitant: Going beyond usual and proper limits. expatiate: To speak or write at some length. expedient: Contributing to personal advantage. expiate: To make satisfaction or amends for. explicate: To clear from involvement. expostulate: To discuss. www.arshbook.com
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expropriate: To deprive of possession; also, to transfer (another's property) to oneself. extant: Still existing and known. extempore: Without studied or special preparation. extenuate: To diminish the gravity or importance of. extinct: Being no longer in existence. extinguish: To render extinct. extirpate: To root out; to eradicate. extol: To praise in the highest terms. extort: To obtain by violence, threats, compulsion, or the subjection of another to some necessity. extraneous: Having no essential relation to a subject. exuberance: Rich supply.
F facetious: Amusing. facile: Not difficult to do. factious: Turbulent. fallacious: Illogical. fatuous: Idiotic fawn: A young deer. feint: Any sham, pretense, or deceptive movement. felon: A criminal or depraved person. ferocity: Savageness. fervid: Intense. fervor: Ardor or intensity of feeling. fidelity: Loyalty. finesse: Subtle contrivance used to gain a point. flamboyant: Characterized by extravagance and in general by want of good taste. flippant: Having a light, pert, trifling disposition. florid: Flushed with red. flout: To treat with contempt. foible: A personal weakness or failing. foment: To nurse to life or activity; to encourage.
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foppish: Characteristic of one who is unduly devoted to dress and the niceties of manners. forbearance: Patient endurance or toleration of offenses. forfeit: To lose possession of through failure to fulfill some obligation. forgery: Counterfeiting. forswear: To renounce upon oath. fragile: Easily broken. frantic: Frenzied. frugal: Economical. fugacious: Fleeting. fulminate: To cause to explode. fulsome: Offensive from excess of praise or commendation.
G gainsay: To contradict; to deny. gamut: The whole range or sequence. garrulous: Given to constant trivial talking. germane: Relevant. gesticulate: To make gestures or motions, as in speaking, or in place of speech. glimmer: A faint, wavering, unsteady light. gossamer: Flimsy. gourmand: A connoisseur in the delicacies of the table. grandiloquent: Speaking in or characterized by a pompous or bombastic style. gregarious: Sociable, outgoing grievous: Creating affliction. guile: Duplicity. gullible: Credulous.
H halcyon: Calm. harangue: A tirade.
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harbinger: One who or that which foreruns and announces the coming of any person or thing. head: Adv. Precipitately, as in diving. heinous: Odiously sinful. heresy: An opinion or doctrine subversive of settled beliefs or accepted principles. heterogeneous: Consisting of dissimilar elements or ingredients of different kinds. hirsute: Having a hairy covering. hoodwink: To deceive. hospitable: Disposed to treat strangers or guests with generous kindness. hypocrisy: Extreme insincerity.
I iconoclast: An image-breaker. idiosyncrasy: A mental quality or habit peculiar to an individual. ignoble: Low in character or purpose. ignominious: Shameful. illicit: Unlawful. imbroglio: A misunderstanding attended by ill feeling, perplexity, or strife. imbue : To dye; to instill profoundly. immaculate: Without spot or blemish. imminent: Dangerous and close at hand. immutable: Unchangeable. impair: To cause to become less or worse. impassive: Unmoved by or not exhibiting feeling. impecunious: Having no money. impede: To be an obstacle or to place obstacles in the way of. imperative: Obligatory. imperious: Insisting on obedience. imperturbable: Calm. impervious: Impenetrable. impetuous: Impulsive. impiety: Irreverence toward God. www.arshbook.com
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implacable: Incapable of being pacified. implicate: To show or prove to be involved in or concerned implicit: Implied. importunate: Urgent in character, request, or demand. importune: To harass with persistent demands or entreaties. impromptu: Anything done or said on the impulse of the moment. improvident: Lacking foresight or thrift. impugn: To assail with arguments, insinuations, or accusations. impute: To attribute. inadvertent: Accidental. inane: Silly. incessant: Unceasing. inchoate: Incipient. incipient: Initial. incite: To rouse to a particular action. incongruous: Unsuitable for the time, place, or occasion. inculcate: To teach by frequent repetitions. indelible: That can not be blotted out, effaced, destroyed, or removed. indigence: Poverty. indigenous: Native. indistinct: Vague. indolence: Laziness. indolent: Habitually inactive or idle. indomitable: Unconquerable. indulgent: Yielding to the desires or humor of oneself or those under one's care. ineffable: Unutterable. ineluctable: Impossible to avoid. inept: Not fit or suitable. inexorable: Unrelenting. infuse: To instill, introduce, or inculcate, as principles or qualities. ingenuous: Candid, frank, or open in character or quality. inimical: Adverse. innocuous: Harmless. www.arshbook.com
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inscrutable: Impenetrably mysterious or profound. insensible: Imperceptible. insinuate: To imply. insipid: Tasteless. insouciant: Nonchalant. insurrection: The state of being in active resistance to authority. interdict: Authoritative act of prohibition. interim: Time between acts or periods. intransigent: Not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course. intrepid: Fearless and bold. introspection: The act of observing and analyzing one's own thoughts and feelings. inundate: To fill with an overflowing abundance. inure: To harden or toughen by use, exercise, or exposure. invalid: One who is disabled by illness or injury. invective: An utterance intended to cast censure, or reproach. inveigh: To utter vehement censure or invective. inveterate: Habitual. invidious: Showing or feeling envy. invincible: Not to be conquered, subdued, or overcome. iota: A small or insignificant mark or part. irascible: Prone to anger. irate: Moved to anger. ire: Wrath. irksome: Wearisome. itinerant: Wandering. itinerate: To wander from place to place.
J jocular: Inclined to joke. jovial: Merry. judicious: Prudent. junta: A council or assembly that deliberates in secret upon the affairs of government.
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L lachrymose: Given to shedding tears. lackadaisical: Listless. languid: Relaxed. lascivious: Lustful. lassitude: Lack of vitality or energy. latent: Dormant. laudable: Praiseworthy. laudatory: Pertaining to, expressing, or containing praise. legacy: A bequest. levee: An embankment beside a river or stream or an arm of the sea, to prevent overflow. levity: Frivolity. lexicon: A dictionary. libel: Defamation. licentious: Wanton. lien: A legal claim or hold on property, as security for a debt or charge. listless: Inattentive. lithe: Supple. loquacious: Talkative. lugubrious: Indicating sorrow, often ridiculously. luminary: One of the heavenly bodies as a source of light. lustrous: Shining.
M malaise: A condition of uneasiness or ill-being. malcontent: One who is dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs. malevolence: Ill will. malign: To speak evil of, especially to do so falsely and severely. malleable: Pliant. massacre: The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing of human beings. maudlin: Foolishly and tearfully affectionate. www.arshbook.com
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mawkish: Sickening or insipid. mellifluous: Sweetly or smoothly flowing. mendacious: Untrue. mendicant: A beggar. meretricious: Alluring by false or gaudy show. mesmerize: To hypnotize. meticulous: Over-cautious. mettle: Courage. mettlesome: Having courage or spirit. microcosm: The world or universe on a small scale. mien: The external appearance or manner of a person. mischievous: Fond of tricks. miscreant: A villain. miser: A person given to saving and hoarding unduly. misnomer: A name wrongly or mistakenly applied. moderation: Temperance. modicum: A small or token amount. mollify: To soothe. molt: To cast off, as hair, feathers, etc. monomania: The unreasonable pursuit of one idea. morbid: Caused by or denoting a diseased or unsound condition of body or mind. mordant: Biting. moribund: On the point of dying. morose: Gloomy. multifarious: Having great diversity or variety. mundane: Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or celestial. munificent: Extraordinarily generous. myriad: A vast indefinite number.
N nadir: The lowest point. nefarious: Wicked in the extreme. negligent: Apt to omit what ought to be done. neophyte: Having the character of a beginner. noisome: Very offensive, particularly to the sense of smell. www.arshbook.com
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nostrum: Any scheme or recipe of a charlatan character. noxious: Hurtful. nugatory: Having no power or force.
O obdurate: Impassive to feelings of humanity or pity. obfuscate: To darken; to obscure. oblique: Slanting; said of lines. obsequious: Showing a servile readiness to fall in with the wishes or will of another. obstreperous: Boisterous. obtrude: To be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence. obtrusive: Tending to be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence. obviate: To clear away or provide for, as an objection or difficulty. odious: Hateful. odium: A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of dislike and disgust. officious: Intermeddling with what is not one's concern. ominous: Portentous. onerous: Burdensome or oppressive. onus: A burden or responsibility. opprobrium: The state of being scornfully reproached or accused of evil. ossify: To convert into bone. ostentation: A display dictated by vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery. ostracism: Exclusion from intercourse or favor, as in society or politics. ostracize: To exclude from public or private favor.
P palate: The roof of the mouth. www.arshbook.com
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palatial: Magnificent. palliate: To cause to appear less guilty. palpable: Perceptible by feeling or touch. panacea: A remedy or medicine proposed for or professing to cure all diseases. panegyric: A formal and elaborate eulogy, written or spoken, of a person or of an act. panoply: A full set of armor. paragon: A model of excellence. Pariah: A member of a degraded class; a social outcast. paroxysm: A sudden outburst of any kind of activity. parsimonious: Unduly sparing in the use or expenditure of money. partisan: Characterized by or exhibiting undue or unreasoning devotion to a party. pathos: The quality in any form of representation that rouses emotion or sympathy. paucity: Fewness. peccadillo: A small breach of propriety or principle. pedestrian: One who journeys on foot. pellucid: Translucent. penchant: A bias in favor of something. penurious: Excessively sparing in the use of money. penury: Indigence. peregrination: A wandering. peremptory: Precluding question or appeal. perfidy: Treachery. perfunctory: Half-hearted. peripatetic: Walking about. perjury: A solemn assertion of a falsity. permeate: To pervade. pernicious: Tending to kill or hurt. persiflage: Banter. perspicacity: Acuteness or discernment. perturbation: Mental excitement or confusion. petrify: To convert into a substance of stony hardness and character. www.arshbook.com
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petulant: Displaying impatience. phlegmatic: Not easily roused to feeling or action. physiognomy: The external appearance merely. pious: Religious. pique: To excite a slight degree of anger in. placate: To bring from a state of angry or hostile feeling to one of patience or friendliness. platitude: A written or spoken statement that is flat, dull, or commonplace. plea: An argument to obtain some desired action. plenary: Entire. plethora: Excess; superabundance. plumb: A weight suspended by a line to test the verticality of something. plummet: A piece of lead for making soundings, adjusting walls to the vertical. poignant: Severely painful or acute to the spirit. polyglot: Speaking several tongues. ponderous: Unusually weighty or forcible. portend: To indicate as being about to happen, especially by previous signs. portent: Anything that indicates what is to happen. precarious: Perilous. preclude: To prevent. precocious: Having the mental faculties prematurely developed. predominate: To be chief in importance, quantity, or degree. premature: Coming too soon. presage: To foretell. prescience: Knowledge of events before they take place. presumption: That which may be logically assumed to be true until disproved. preternatural: Extraordinary. prevalent: Of wide extent or frequent occurrence. prevaricate: To use ambiguous or evasive language for the purpose of deceiving or diverting attention. prim: Stiffly proper. www.arshbook.com
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pristine: Primitive. probity: Virtue or integrity tested and confirmed. proclivity: A natural inclination. procrastination: Delay. prodigal: One wasteful or extravagant, especially in the use of money or property. prodigious: Immense. profligacy: Shameless viciousness. profligate: Recklessly wasteful profuse: Produced or displayed in overabundance. prolix: Verbose. propinquity: Nearness. propitious: Kindly disposed. prosaic: Unimaginative. proscribe: To reject, as a teaching or a practice, with condemnation or denunciation. protuberant: Bulging. provident: Anticipating and making ready for future wants or emergencies. prudence: Caution. puerile: Childish. pugnacious: Quarrelsome. punctilious: Strictly observant of the rules or forms prescribed by law or custom. pungency: The quality of affecting the sense of smell. pusillanimous: Without spirit or bravery. pyre: A heap of combustibles arranged for burning a dead body.
Q qualm: A fit of nausea. quandary: A puzzling predicament. quibble: An utterly trivial distinction or objection. quiescence: Being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive quiescent: Being in a state of repose or inaction.
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Quixotic: Chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree. quotidian: Of an everyday character; ordinary.
R raconteur: A person skilled in telling stories. ramify: To divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions. rapacious: Sieze by force, avaricious raucous: Harsh. reactionary: Pertaining to, of the nature of, causing, or favoring reaction. rebuff: A peremptory or unexpected rejection of advances or approaches. recalcitrant: Marked by stubborn resistance. recant: To withdraw formally one's belief (in something previously believed or maintained). reciprocity: Equal mutual rights and benefits granted and enjoyed. recluse: One who lives in retirement or seclusion. recondite: Incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding. recrudescent: Becoming raw or sore again. recuperate: To recover. redoubtable: Formidable. redress: To set right, as a wrong by compensation or the punishment of the wrong-doer. refractory: Not amenable to control. regale: To give unusual pleasure. regicide: The killing of a king or sovereign. reiterate: To say or do again and again. relapse: To suffer a return of a disease after partial recovery. remonstrate: To present a verbal or written protest to those who have power to right or prevent a wrong. renovate: To restore after deterioration, as a building. repast: A meal; figuratively, any refreshment. repel: To force or keep back in a manner, physically or mentally. www.arshbook.com
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repine: To indulge in fretfulness and faultfinding. reprobate: One abandoned to depravity and sin. repudiate: To refuse to have anything to do with. repulsive: Grossly offensive. requisite: Necessary. requite: To repay either good or evil to, as to a person. rescind: To make void, as an act, by the enacting authority or a superior authority. resilience: The power of springing back to a former position resonance: Able to reinforce sound by sympathetic vibrations. respite: Interval of rest. restive: Resisting control. retinue: The group of people who accompany an important person during travels. revere: To regard with worshipful veneration. reverent: Humble. ribald: Indulging in or manifesting coarse indecency or obscenity. risible: Capable of exciting laughter. rotund: Round from fullness or plumpness. ruffian: A lawless or recklessly brutal fellow. ruminate: To chew over again, as food previously swallowed and regurgitated.
S sagacious: Able to discern and distinguish with wise perception. salacious: Having strong sexual desires. salient: Standing out prominently. salubrious: Healthful; promoting health. salutary: Beneficial. sanction: To approve authoritatively. sanguine: Cheerfully confident; optimistic. sardonic: Scornfully or bitterly sarcastic. satiate: To satisfy fully the appetite or desire of. satyr: A very lascivious person. savor: To perceive by taste or smell. www.arshbook.com
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scabbard: The sheath of a sword or similar bladed weapon. scintilla: The faintest ray. scribble: Hasty, careless writing. sedulous: Persevering in effort or endeavor. sequence: The order in which a number or persons, things, or events follow one another in space or time. severance: Separation. shrewd: Characterized by skill at understanding and profiting by circumstances. sinecure: Any position having emoluments with few or no duties. sinuous: Curving in and out. skiff: Usually, a small light boat propelled by oars. sluggard: A person habitually lazy or idle. solace: Comfort in grief, trouble, or calamity. solvent: Having sufficient funds to pay all debts. somniferous: Tending to produce sleep. somnolent: Sleepy. sonorous: Resonant. sophistry: Reasoning sound in appearance only, especially when designedly deceptive soporific: Causing sleep; also, something that causes sleep. sordid: Filthy, morally degraded specious: Plausible. spurious: Not genuine. squalid: Having a dirty, mean, poverty-stricken appearance. stanch: To stop the flowing of; to check. stigma: A mark of infamy or token of disgrace attaching to a person as the result of evildoing. stingy: Cheap, unwilling to spend money. stolid: Expressing no power of feeling or perceiving. submerge: To place or plunge under water. subterfuge: Evasion. succinct: Concise. sumptuous: Rich and costly. supercilious: Exhibiting haughty and careless contempt. superfluous: Being more than is needed. www.arshbook.com
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supernumerary: Superfluous. supersede: To displace. supine: Lying on the back. supplicate: To beg. suppress: To prevent from being disclosed or punished. surcharge: An additional amount charged. surfeit: To feed to fullness or to satiety. susceptibility: A specific capability of feeling or emotion. sybarite: A luxurious person. sycophant: A servile flatterer, especially of those in authority or influence. synopsis: A syllabus or summary.
T taciturn: Disinclined to conversation. taut: Stretched tight. temerity: Foolhardy disregard of danger; recklessness. terse: Pithy. timorous: Lacking courage. torpid: Dull; sluggish; inactive. torrid: Excessively hot. tortuous: Abounding in irregular bends or turns. tractable: Easily led or controlled. transgress: To break a law. transient: One who or that which is only of temporary existence. transitory: Existing for a short time only. travail: Hard or agonizing labor. travesty: A grotesque imitation. trenchant: Cutting deeply and quickly. trepidation: Nervous uncertainty of feeling. trite: Made commonplace by frequent repetition. truculence: Ferocity. truculent: Having the character or the spirit of a savage. turbid: In a state of turmoil; muddled turgid: Swollen. turpitude: Depravity. www.arshbook.com
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tutelage: The act of training or the state of being under instruction. tyro: One slightly skilled in or acquainted with any trade or profession.
U ubiquitous: Being present everywhere. ulterior: Not so pertinent as something else to the matter spoken of. umbrage: A sense of injury. unctuous: Oily. undermine: To subvert in an underhand way. undulate: To move like a wave or in waves. untoward: Causing annoyance or hindrance. upbraid: To reproach as deserving blame.
V vagary: A sudden desire or action vainglory: Excessive, pretentious, and demonstrative vanity. valorous: Courageous. vapid: Having lost sparkling quality and flavor. variegated: Having marks or patches of different colors; also, varied. vehement: Very eager or urgent. venal: Mercenary, corrupt. veneer: Outside show or elegance. venial: That may be pardoned or forgiven, a forgivable sin. veracious: Habitually disposed to speak the truth. veracity: Truthfulness. verbiage: Use of many words without necessity. verbose: Wordy. verdant: Green with vegetation. veritable: Real; true; genuine. vestige: A visible trace, mark, or impression, of something absent, lost, or gone. www.arshbook.com
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vicissitude: A change, especially a complete change, of condition or circumstances, as of fortune. vigilance: Alert and intent mental watchfulness in guarding against danger. vigilant: Being on the alert to discover and ward off danger or insure safety. virago: Loud talkative women, strong statured women virtu: Rare, curious, or beautiful quality. visage: The face, countenance, or look of a person. vitiate: To contaminate. vituperate: To overwhelm with wordy abuse. vivify: To endue with life. vociferous: Making a loud outcry. volatile: Changeable. voluble: Having great fluency in speaking.
W wean: To transfer (the young) from dependence on mother's milk to another form of nourishment. whimsical: Capricious. winsome: Attractive.
Z Zeitgeist: The intellectual and moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch.
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12 Interview tips
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10 Rules of Interviewing Before stepping into an interview, be sure to practice, practice, practice. A job seeker going to a job without preparing is like an actor performing on opening night without rehearsing. To help with the interview process, keep the following ten rules in mind: 1. Keep your answers brief and concise Unless asked to give more detail, limit your answers to two to three minutes per question. Tape yourself and see how long it takes you to answer a question. 2. Include concrete, quantifiable data Interviewees tend to talk in generalities. Unfortunately generalities often fail to convince interviewers that the applicant has assets. Include measurable information and provide details about specific accomplishments when discussing strengths. 3. Repeat your key strengths It’s essential that you comfortably and confidently articulate your strengths. Explain how the strengths relate to the company’s or department’s goals and how they might benefit from your strengths. This will make them memorable – if supported with quantifiable accomplishments – they will more likely be believed. 4. Prepare five or more success stories In preparing for interviews, make a list of your skills and key assets. Then reflect on past jobs and pick out one or two instances when you used your skills successfully. 5. Put yourself on their team Ally yourself with the prospective employer by using the employer’s name and products or services. For example: “As a member of ___ I would carefully analyse the ______ and ______.” Show that you are thinking like a member of a team and will fit in with the existing environment. Be careful though not to say anything that would offend or be taken negatively. Your research will help you in this area. 6. Image is often as important as content What you look like and how you say something are just as important as what you say. Studies have shown that 65% of the conveyed www.arshbook.com
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message is non-verbal: gesture, physical appearance and attire are highly influential during job interviews. 7. Ask Questions The types of questions you ask and the way you ask them can make a tremendous impression on the interviewer. Good questions require advance preparation. Just as you plan how you would answer an interviewer’s questions, write out specific questions you want to ask. Then look for opportunities to ask them during the interview. Don’t ask about benefits or salary. The interview process is a two way street whereby you and the interviewer assess each other to determine if there is an appropriate match. 8. Maintain a conversational flow By consciously maintaining a conversational flow – a dialogue instead of monologue – you will be perceived more positively. Use feedback questions at the end of your answers and use body language and voice intonation to create a conversational interchange between you and the interviewer. 9. Research the company, product lines and competitors Research will provide information to help you decide whether you’re interested in the company and important data to refer to during the interview. 10. Keep an interview journal As soon as possible, write a brief summary of what happened. Note any follow-up action you should take and put it in your diary. Review your presentation. Keep a journal of your attitude and the way you answered the questions. Did you ask questions to get the information you needed? Prepare and send a brief, concise thank you letter. Restate your skills and what you can do for the company. Written by Roseanne Lidle. From Workscope (2001), Issue 9, July
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS There are several types of interviews, and you should be prepared to handle them all. The following describes the most common. I. Screening interview This interview is often conducted by a human resources professional, not the hiring supervisor. The goal of the screening interview is to www.arshbook.com
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reduce the number of applicants and to determine if there might be a match. Because you have focused your career search, you should be fairly clear about the responsibilities required for the position, and you should be able to communicate satisfactorily to the interviewer that you can perform those duties. Keep in mind that the interviewer is looking for reasons why you might not be a good fit. Medley (1992) maintains that the human resources person is: ...an expert at discovering reasons not to send you on to the next stage, the selection interview. The screener may not have the power to hire you, but does have the power to reject you, and will do so if you appear unqualified in any way. Therefore, in the screening interview, the key is to follow the interviewer’s lead. Do not try to exert any control over the interview. Answer any questions asked in a simple, straightforward manner and leave it at that. Since you have nothing to gain, don’t put yourself in a position from which you can only maintain the status quo or lose (p. 36). During this meeting, the interviewer will inquire about your employment status, gather information about your qualifications and ask other “closed-ended” questions such as: Where have you worked? What educational level have you achieved? What software programs have you used? As in all interviews, but particularly in screening interviews, be sure to ask what the “next steps” will be. Find out when you can expect to be contacted, with whom you will be meeting, and what the projected time line is for the completion of the hiring. Screening interviews are often conducted over the telephone or in person at job fairs. If you receive a call from a potential employer, consider it an interview. Be sure to have a copy of your resume handy and find a place to talk that is free of distractions. Just the same, consider a discussion about positions at a job fair an interview as well. Be prepared, be yourself, and be confident. II. Selection interview If you were successful in the first interview, you most likely will be called a second time for a selection interview. Selection interviews are www.arshbook.com
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usually conducted by the hiring supervisor. During this session, the interviewer is looking for reasons to keep you in the running. You can expect to be asked many specific job content questions as well as broad, open-ended questions. The interviewer will be trying to answer the following questions: Does this person have the necessary skills for success in this position? Why does he/she want to leave her current job? Is he/she a team player? Will he/she complement the rest of my staff? The interviewer will be evaluating your enthusiasm for the position, level of confidence, knowledge of yourself, familiarity with the company and general demeanor. Be sure to use this situation as an opportunity to sell yourself by highlighting your education, experience, and relevant skills for the position. According to Medley (1992): Despite all the pressures that are placed on selection interviewers to make a good decision, the way they arrive at their judgement is not scientific. You must recognize that no matter what they say they are looking for, they are going to reach their conclusions based upon the feeling they have after the interview about the interviewee. The way you think, the way you express yourself, what you say, how you say it, your manner and style, all are more important to the selection interview than the bare facts on your resume. It is a very personal assessment. Each selection interviewer is different; each makes decisions based upon his prejudices. It is always advisable in any endeavour to approach it as if you are going to be faced with a conscientious, knowledgeable, and wellresearched person. If you take this approach, you will never be unpleasantly surprised. If you enter expecting less than the best and you happen to get the best, you’ll be at a disadvantage. On the other hand, if you enter expecting the best and get less than the best, you’ll have the advantage (p. 38). III. Series interview Series interviews are a variation of the screening and selection interviews. In this arrangement, you will meet with several staff www.arshbook.com
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members individually. It is very important to treat each successive interview as if it were your first and as a selection interview. Indeed, for the person you are meeting, it is his/her first chance to meet you. Be sure to spread your enthusiasm, interests, and attention equally among the interviewers. Listen attentively and answer as fully and carefully with each interviewer as you did with the first. (Series interviews are not as common for entry-level nursing positions, however, you can expect these as you apply for more senior nursing or management opportunities.) IV. Panel interview Although you can most often expect to meet with one individual, you should also prepare for the possibility of a panel interview. These consist of a session with a number of individuals from differing departments in the organization with varying levels of responsibility. Panel interviews can be stressful because you are in a reactive position. Questions can be quickly paced as interviewers prepare questions while you answer another. The advantages of participating in panel interviews include seeing the staff working together. Further, multiple interviewers may be more objective and you may better overcome individual biases. When in a panel interview, be sure to maintain eye contact and involve the entire group in your presentation regardless of who asks the most questions.
Interview Questions Prior to the interview, you should decide what you want to communicate so that the employer understands your capabilities, experience, achievements, and skills. For help in this area, contact the Career Resource Center. During your appointment, you can practice your interview skills, and obtain honest feedback about the quality of your responses. Overall, most interview questions come from an employer’s concern with three basic questions: What can you do for us? Why do you want to work with us? What are you like once we’ve gotten to know you? www.arshbook.com
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Specifically, you should be prepared to answer these typical interview questions: o Tell me about yourself. o Why did you select a nursing career? o Why are you interested in our organization? o What contribution will you make in our organization? o Why do you want this job? o What are your strengths? Weaknesses? o Why should I hire you? o Why do you want to leave your present job? o What are your most significant accomplishments? o What are your short-term and long-term career goals? o How does this position meet those goals? o What kind of compensation are you looking for? o How have your educational and work experience prepared you for this position? o What challenges are you looking for in a position? o How would you describe yourself? o How would a supervisor describe you? o Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment. o In your current or last position, what features did you like most? Least? o What is the most important thing you’re looking for in an employer? o Describe what you believe to be an ideal supervisor. o What work experience has been the most valuable to you and why? o What has been your greatest challenge? o What frustrates you the most? o What else should I know about you?
Thank you
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