Toeic Grammar

Contents Unit

Topic

1 2 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

conditionals nouns, adjectives, adverbs, articles and comparatives

Page 2

determiners and pronouns passive and active voices tenses -ing and the infinitive subject-verb agreement and subjunctive mood prepositions and sentence structure relative clauses modals

15 19 23 30

confusing words and differences between English and American

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Unit 1 Conditionals Point 1 form and overview Type 0 General truth

Type 1 Real present

Type 2 Unreal present

Type 3 Unreal past

If-clause Main clause (result) Use (hypothesis) If + present simple Present simple If the temperature falls below 0 C, water turns into ice. future/ imperative If + present can/may/might/must/sh real – likely simple, present ould/ to happen in perfect or can could/have to + bare the present infinitive or future If he doesn’t pay the fine, he will go to prison. If you need help, come and see me. If you have finished your work, we can have a break. If you’re ever in the area, you should come and visit us. imaginary If + past simple would/could/should + situation (were) bare infinitive contrary to facts in the present; also used to give advice If I had time, I would take up a sport. (but I don’t have time – untrue in the present) If I were you, I would talk to my parents about it. (giving advice) imaginary If + past perfect would/should/could + situation (had +PII) have + PII contrary to facts in the past; also used to express regrets or criticism If she had studied harder, she would have passed the test.

Note: +) Conditional clauses consist of two parts: the if-clause (hypothesis) and the main clause (result). When the if-clause comesbefore the main clause, the two clauses are seperated with a comma. When the main clause comes before the if-clause, then no comma is necessary. Example: If I see Tim, I’ll give him his book. I’ll give Tim his book if I see him. +) We do not normally use will, would or should in an if-clause. However, we can use will or would after if to make a polite request or express insistence or uncertainty (usually with expressions such as I don’t know, I doubt, I wonder, etc.). We can use should after if to talk about something which is possible, but not very likely to happen. Example: If the weather is fine tomorrow, we will go camping. (NOT if the weather will be fine ...)

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

If you will fill in this form, I’ll process your application. (Will you please fill in ... – polite request) If you will not stop shouting, you’ll have to leave. (If you insist on shouting ... – insistence) I don’t know if he will pass his exams. (uncertainty) If Tom should call, tell him I’ll be late. (We don not think that Tom is very likely to call.) +) We can use were instead of was for all persons in the if –clause of Type 2 conditionals. If he were here, we could have a party. +) We can omit if in the if-clause. When if is omitted, should (type 1), were (type 2), had (type 3) and the subject are inverted. Example: Should Peter come, tell him to wait. (= should Peter should come, ...) Were I you, I wouldn’t trust him. (= If I were you, ...) Had he known, he would have called. (= if he had known, ...) +) Mixed conditionals If - clause Type 2 If nobody paid the bill, Type 2 If he had money, Type 3 If he had won the lottery,

Point 2

Main clause Type 1 the electricity will be cut off. Type 3 he would have bought her a gift. Type 2 He wouldn’t be asking for money.

Other ways of making conditionals

+) or/ or else/ otherwise is another way of say if not You have to complete the project on schedule, or/ or else/ otherwise you will be fired. +) Even if can also be used in conditional sentences to emphasize if. Even if you begged him to take the money, he wouldn’t accept. +) If only can be used as a way of emphasizing if. In addition, the if only clause can also express a wish. If only you had told me, I could have helped you. If only we had enough money to go on vacation. (but we don’t have enough money) +) provided/ providing (that), as long as, on condition (that) these are more emphatic ways of saying if You can go to the party if you are home before 12.00. You can go to the party provided you are home before 12.00. You can go home as long as you are home before 12.00. +) supposing/ suppose/ imagine these ways of expressing conditions without if. Supposing/ suppose/ imagine you were president, how would you change the country?

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

+) Unless this is an emphatic way of saying if ... not in the if – clause of type1 conditionals. Unless you leave now, you will miss the bus. (= if you don’t leave now, ...) (NOT: unless you don’t leave now, ...) +) If (it) were / was not for / hadn’t been for ... This describes how one event depends on another If it were not for Helen, our team would be the worst in the area! (If Helen weren’t a really good player ...) If it hadn’t been for Jim, the child would have drowned. (If Jim hadn’t jumped in to recue the child ...)

Note: in some situations, we cannot use one of these mentioned above to replace “if” because it may affect the meaning of the sentence, so be careful! Example: Lateness inevitably causes errors, which in turn means that we are all held up going home at the end of the day. -------the problem continues, we will consider introducing penalties to deal with offenders. Please make sure all staff are aware of this. (p. 247, practice test 6, TARGET TOEIC second edition) A. When

B. Provided

C. If

D. Considering

In the sentence above, in terms of grammar we can use A, B, C or D. However, in terms of semantics choice C is the best answer

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Unit 2

Nouns, adjectives, adverbs, articles and comparatives

Point 1 Countable and uncountable nouns A. Countable nouns When a countable noun is singular, it is used with an indefinite article a/an; when a countable noun is plural, it ends in –(e)s. Example: To request extra credit card for other members of your household, call our automated service line. (not correct)  A countable noun must be used with an indefinite article a/an in the singular form; otherwise it should end in –(e)s in the plural form. (card  cards) The electronics company has recruited staff from several of its competitor. (not correct)  A plural noun must be used after such determiners as several, some, many, etc. (competitor  competitors) B. Uncountable nouns Uncountable nouns refer to substances, concepts etc that we cannot divide into separate elements. An indefinite article a/an cannot be used with an uncountable noun. Besides, an uncountable noun in the subject position must be used with a singular verb. +) Uncountable nouns are singular in form. Example: The equipment you ordered are scheduled to be delivered on August 26. (not correct)  Because equipment is uncountable, it is singular and is used with a singular verb. (are  is) +) Uncountable nouns cannot be used with an indefinite article a/an. Example: They helped needy people by the provision of a clothing, food, and shelter. (not correct)  Uncountable nouns cannot be used with an indefinite article a/an. (a clothing  clothing) +) Uncountable nouns that frequently occur in the TOEIC test advertising equipment information pollution traffic

advice furniture machinery recreation luggage/baggage

clothing homework money scenery employment

knowledge merchandise stationery fun leisure

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Point 2

Noun + noun = compound noun

A compound noun is made up of two or more nouns. In this combination, the first noun is used as an adjective, and therefore is almost always singular in form. However, there are a few exceptions in which a compound noun is formed with “noun-s + noun” (savings account). The plural form of a compound noun is created simply by adding –(e)s to the second noun (savings accounts). Memorize the following compound nouns as they frequently occur in the TOEIC test. A. Noun + noun advertising company application form assembly line baggage allowance company policy consumer loan dress-code regulation evaluation form face value gender discrimination information desk membership fee performance appraisal product recognition profit margin safety precautions staff production delivery company board meeting interest rate staff meeting health care flight attendant

apartment complex application fee attendance record communication skill construction site customer satisfaction employee participation expiration date consumer spending hotel reservation job performance office furniture product schedule promissory note service desk stationery store work schedule recognition day checking account (=current account) company employee travel agency customer service product availability

B. Noun-s + noun awards ceremony customs official earnings growth benefits package overseas trip sales department sales manager sales slip

Point 3

communications satellite customs regulations economics professor/ student public relations office / department savings account sports complex customs officer sales target

Both countable and uncountable

Many nouns can be used as countable and uncountable nouns, usually with a difference in

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

meaning: Uncountable paper (material) business all business transactions) space (the universe) work(employment) time (hours, days, etc)

Countable a (news) paper a business (a company) a space (a blank) a work ( of art) a time (an occasion)

Example: They have some work to do on business. If the global economy continues to flourish, people will continue buying works of art. Point 4

Note the singular and plural forms of the following nouns. Singular

-f(e): half, life, self … child foot, tooth mouse alumnus, syllabus … analysis, crisis … criterion, phenomenon man, woman

Plural -ves: halves, lives, selves … children feet, Teeth mice alumni, syllabi … analyses, crises … criteria, phenomena men, women

always singular news the United States of America, nouns in –ics: athletics, mathematics …

…

always plural belongings, clothes, contents, earnings, goods, people, customs, outskirts … one thing, two parts: pants, shorts, jeans, glasses … Same as singular means, series, species, crossroads, headquarters, fish, sheep, data, aircraft

Example: The news is disturbing. This is a means to an end. Point 5

hundred, thousand, etc

When dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion are used to convey the idea of: +) a definite number, the pattern is: number/several + hundred, thousand, million … + plural noun twenty thousand dollars Economists were alarmed by the deficit, which was several billion worse than they had expected. +) an indefinite number, the pattern is: hundreds, thousands, millions … + of + plural noun I’ve told you hundreds of times. Point 6

Indefinite article a / an vs. Definite article the

Indefinite article+) use before an unspecific object to mean one of a number of the a/an same objects +) used before a singular countable noun

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

+) a is used before a noun that begins with a consonant sound; an before a noun that begins with a vowel sound But: a unaminous decision a European country a uniform a UFO is an Unidentified Flying Object half an hour an honest man An MBA is a Master in Business Administration Definite article +) used before a specific object; something that both the person the speaking and the listener know, or something that is modified +) used as part of the superlative form (the + superlative) +) used before a cardinal number (the + cardinal number (first, Second, third ...)) +) some of / most of / all of / many of / half of / several of + the + noun Example: I opened an account with the bank today. Several of the world’s finest runners have entered the race. +) Zero article No article is used before academic subjects, means of transportation, or means of communication. Academic subjects Means of transportation Means of communication

in an economics (not correct)  in economics in an accounting (not correct)  in accounting by a car (not correct)  by car (but in a car) by a plane (not correct)  by plane (but on the plane) by a fax (not correct)  by fax by the phne (not correct)  by phone (but over the phone, on the phone)

Example: I want to major in economics at the university. Such heavy items are expensive to transport by plane. This is the woman I talked about over the phone. Point 7

forms of address and Abbreviations

Mr Smith Mrs Smith Miss Smith Ms Smith

a man a married an unmarried woman a married or unmarried woman

These forms of address have to be followed by a family name.

Abbreviation ASAP RSVP Attn p.p. i.e. p.a.

Expression/ word in full Abbreviation as soon as possible VAT repondez SVP Bros to the attention of Co per proxy; per pro. (on behalf of) Corp id est (that is) Inc per annum Ltd

Expression/ word in full Value Addded Tax Brothers Company Corporation Incorporated Limited

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

e.g. PTO AM PM # or No POB @ misc lb or lbs oz GMT Id mph NB

exempli gratia (for example) please turn over ante meridiem post meridiem number post office box at miscellaneous pound(s) ounce(s) Green Mean Time the same miles per hour nota bene (take note)

PLC ATM CEO IT MBA R&D PR HR PC CFO

Public Limited Company Automatic Teller Machine Chief Executive Officer Information Technology Master of Business Administration Research and Development Public Relations Human Resources Personal Computer Chief Financial Officer

Point 8 Pay attention to the use of articles in the following expressions. A. Expressions with the in a way of (not correct) in a distance (not correct) on a contrary (not correct) on a whole (not correct)

   

in the way in the distance on the contray on the whole (= in general)

Example: My opinion is on the whole the same as yours.

B. Expressions with zero article for the safekeeping (not correct) in a haste (not correct) in an error (not correct) in a detail (not correct) in the order to (not correct) until the further notice (not correct) take the advantage of (not correct) take a care of (not correct)

       

for safekeeping in haste in error in detail in order to until further notice take advantage of take care of

Example: I got out of the train in haste.

C. Expressions always used with articles as result of (not correct) as symbol of (not correct) as whole (not correct) at distance (not correct) come to end (not correct) all of sudden (not correct) in effort to (not correct) in attempt to (not correct)

       

as a result of as a symbol of as a whole at a distance come to an end all of a sudden in an effort to in an attempt to

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

in hurry (not correct) in middle of (not correct) in potential (not correct) reach agreement (not correct)

   

in a hurry in the middle of in the potential reach an agreement

Example: As a result of traffic accidents, many people were injured. Point 9

Adjectives and adverbs

Tip: Check that the adjective is placed before the noun Remember that adjectives are always singular Tip: Check that the adverb is often placed: - before or after a verb - before an adjective - before another adverb Remember that most adverbs are formed as follows: adjective + ly slow slowly final finally +) Adjectives or adverbs Adjectives only costly, friendly, likely, lively ... Both adjectives and adverbs daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, early, quarterly, hourly, nightly, fast, straight, well Adjectives free hard high late pretty wide

Adverbs +) free (without payment) you can come in free. +) freely (without limit) He could speak freely about it. +) hard He work hard +) hardly (= almost not) He hardly knows her. +) high Planes flies high +) highly (= very much) a highly paid job +) late He left work late +) lately (= recently) What have you been doing lately? +) prettily She danced prettily. +) pretty (= rather) Teperatures are pretty high. +) wide Open the door wide. +) widely (in many different places) He has traveled widely.

+) Verbs + adjective The following (state) verbs can only be followed by adjectives not adverbs: be, seem, become, appear, prove, stay, grow, get look, sound, taste, feel, smell (verbs of senses) It sounds good to me. Chances of survival seem hopeless. Note: The adjectives alike, alive, alone, afraid, asleep can only appear after the above verbs and never directly in front of the nouns they describe.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Example: Ads all look alike. +) Adjectives: -ed or –ing -ing adjectives describe things or people that are having effects on others. They also convey the meaning of active. Example: This news article is rather worrying. (It worries me) John is very interesting. (He interests me) -ed adjectives describe feelings, reactions or emotion of a person regarding his/her surroundings and the way he/she feels because of the effect. They aslso convey the meaning of passive. Example: Hoang is worried. (something has worried him) The enclosed document is about the possible merger of the two companies. (The document is an animate thing. it cannot perform the action “enclose” so we enclose the document) +) Hyphenated adjectives When expressions of measurement, amount and quantity are used as hyphenated adjectives, they are: - singular - formed as follows: article + cardinal number – singular noun + noun Example: It is a three-hour drive to Chicago. He had no change for a fifty-dollar bill. They will invest in a new ten-ton truck. +) The + adjectives The is used with adjectives to represent a class of persons; the meaning is plural Example: The french eat frog legs. The young are worried about the future.

Point 10 Comparative and superlative Adjective one-syllable hard two-syllable ending in –y early other two-syllable and long tiring intelligent

Comparative -er harder -er earlier more more tiring more intelligent

some two-syllable quiet clever

more or –er more quiet cleverer

Superlative -est hardest -est earliest most most tiring most intelligent most or –est quietest most clever

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

simple

simpler

most simple

Some adjectives have irregular comparatives and superlatives as shown in the following table: Adjective good bad far little much

Comparative better worse farther/further less more

Superlative best worst farthest/furthest least most

Example: The situation should get better soon. How much further is it? The new model uses less gas. +) A lot, much ... with comparatives Before the comparatives of adjectives you can use: much, a lot, a little, a bit, far, any, no, rather, slightly, and significantly If we leave any later than 5.00, we’ll get caught in rush hour. This task is much more complicated than that one. +) As ... as We use as ... as ... to say that people or things are equal in some way. Note: • as much ... as ..., as many ... as ... I didn’t get as much money as I had hoped. • twice/ three times ... as ... as ... A US worker is 10 times as expensive as a worker in Mexico. • the same ... as ... My hair is the same colour as yours.

+) Double comparatives We can use double comparatives •

... er and ... er : Our nation gets fatter and fatter every year. • more and more + adjective : The problem gets more and more difficult to solve. To say that something is increasing all the time. +) The ... the ... We can use comparatives with the definite article the The more you say, the worse the situation will be. The more, the merrier.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

To say that two changes happen together. Point 11

Order of Adverbs

+) Adverbs in mid-position Adverbs that go in mid-position express: • frequency: never, rarely, always ... • certainty: probably, certainly, obviously ... • degree: nearly, almost, quite ... The word order for adverbs in mid-position is as follows: Tense

Subject Auxiliary Adverb verb To be in simple tenses I am usually Perfect tenses He has already Modal auxiliary verbsWe can sometimes Simple tenses She hardly Passive with two He has never auxiliary verbs

Verb

Complement

right seen this film play tennis cooks dinner been for his novels remembered

+) Only / even Only and even go just before the words they emphasize. It will only take (only) five minutes. They have even forgotten (even) his name. +) Sometimes / sometime / some time Sometimes: means occationally answers the question How often? Sometime: means at one moment in the future (it can aslo mean “one day”) Answer the question When? Let’s have dinner together sometime next week. Some time: means a period of time She’s lived in Italy for some time, so she speaks Italian quite well. +) Every day/week/month ... (daily, weekly, monthly ...) ; quarterly; once, twice a day/ month/ week, biannually ... These words above normally come at the beginning or at the end of a sentence. The staff meeting is held quarterly. Every day I love you.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Unit 3

Determiners and pronouns

Point 1 Determiners Definition : A determiner is a word that is normally used at the beginning of a noun phrase. Determiners include: • articles. There are two types of articles: - the definite article: the - the indefinite article: a/an • possessive adjectives • demonstrative adjectives Note: Never leave a singular countable noun standing alone. You must use a determiner. +) Some, any Some and any are usually followed by plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns and are used as follows: some cars any cars some money any money

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Some is used: • in affirmative sentences: He’s got some books from the library. • in offers and requests: Could I have some books, please? Why don’t you take some books home with you? Any is used: • in negatives (not any = no; hardly any; never any): There isn’t any reason to complain. • in questions: Have they got any children? • in affirmative sentences, any = “no matter which”, “no matter who”, “no matter what” You can borrow any of my books. Their compounds Their compounds, which are always singular, are:

• • • •

someone/somebody, something, somewhere. I have something to say. anyone/anybody, anything, anywhere. Does anybody have the time? You may invite anybody to dinner, I don’t mind. no one/nobody, nothing, nowhere. Homeless people have nowhere to go at night. (everyone/everybody, everything, everywhere). They can be followed by else. There’s nothing else to do.

+) Expressions of quantity The chart below shows which expressions of quantity are used with: Uncountable nouns (singular) much an/the amount of little a little less

Plural countable nouns many a/the number of few a few fewer several both a couple of

How much money do you have? Both students have passed their exams. +) Little/ a little – Few/ a few Little/ few - mean “not a lot, hardly any”: Few tourists visited the area because of the oil spill.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

- have a negative meaning: The project failed because too little money was spent on it. A little/ a few - mean “some”: I need only a little help to finish this work. - are more positive: For a few dollars more, you can walk up to the top. - can be used with only: Only a little progress has been made. +) Most Most can be followed by: • a noun: Most trainees haven’t done much work. • of + determiner + noun: Most of my friends will come to the party. + object pronoun: Most of them have work to do. +) Each/ every Each and every are similar in meaning and are both followed by a singular noun. Each

• •

Every seperates (one by one) • generalizes (all) Each child received a present. Every child in the world deserves affection. can be a pronoun • also means how often something happens Each of the children received a present. and is therefore followed by a plural noun The Olympic is held every four years.

+) All and whole All and whole are similar in meaning (whole means “complete, “every part of”) All Whole All + (determiner) + noun Determiner + whole + singular noun Julie spent all the summer at home. Julie spent the whole summer at home. All my life My whole life We usually use all, not whole, with uncountable nouns She’s drunk all the milk. (NOT ... the whole milk.) There are some exceptions: for example the whole time; the whole truth. + All and every All and every are similar in meaning (every means “all without exception”.) All All + (determiner) + noun All children need love. Please switch off all the lights. We can use all, not every, with uncountable nouns. I like all music. (NOT ... every music.)

Every Every + singular noun Every child needs love. Please switch off every light.

All day/evening ...= the whole day/evening ...= the complete day/evening ... Every day/evening/three weeks ... says how often something happens

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

All the time = always Every time = each time, on every occation The whole time = from beginning to end Point 2

Pronouns

Definition : A pronoun is a word that is used instead of a more precise noun or noun-phrase. +) Personal pronouns Personal pronoun can be classified as follows: SubjectObject I me you you he him she her it it we us they them

Reflexive Possessive Adjectives Possessive Pronouns myself my mine yourself/yourselves your yours himself his his herself her hers itself its its ourselves our ours themselves their theirs

+) Relative pronouns Relative pronouns are both: - subjects or objects of verbs - like conjunctions, joining clauses together Function subject

People Things who/ that which/ that I’m sure I know the person who/ that served the book which/ that you gave me is really us. interesting. object whom/ that/ who which/ that The woman (whom/ that/ who) you met at Have you seen his film, which was excellent by the party is an engineer. the way? Have you seen the film (that/ which) he was telling us about? possessive whose whose My friend, whose flat is being redecorated, Thisisis the book whose cover is really nice. staying at home. Note: What/ which When a relative clause: • refers to the whole sentence before it, we use which John won the gold medal, which amazed everyone. • has no antecedent and means ‘the thing(s) that’, we use what What I want to do is going to see her. +) That-clause

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

A that-clause can be the subject of a sentence: (The fact) That + subject + verb + verb ... subject That she wanted to resign didn’t come as shock to Hoang.

Unit 4 Passive and Active Voices Point 1 Form Passive voice in various tenses Tense Simple present Present perfect Simple past Past perfect Simple future Future perfect Present continuous Past continuous Modals

Subject The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars The car/cars

Verb Plural are have been were had been will be will have been is being are being

Past participle designed designed designed designed designed designed designed

was being were being can, may, must,ect be

designed designed

Singular is has been was

Point 2 Intransitive verbs mistakenly used as transitive verbs A sentence that contains a transitive verb can be used in passive voice, but a sentence that contains an intransitive verb cannot, for it does not have an object, which is needed to fill the subject position in a passive sentence. Pay attention to the following intransitive verbs, which might mistakenly be used as transitive verbs.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

appear exist occur function

arrive happen remain resemble

consist of lie rise disappear

deteriorate look prove take place

Example: The prices have been risen by 10 percent during the past year. (not correct) The prices have risen by 10 percent during the past year. (correct) The verb “rise” is intransitive, so it cannot be used in passive voice. Point 3 Causative verbs Causative verbs show that someone or something made a certain action happen. The most common causative verbs are get, make and have. Verbs like order, cause, force, and want can also be causative verbs. They are all followed by noun clauses.

PATTERNS TO REMEMBER +) If the direct object of the causative verbs make, have, and let performed, performs, or will perform the action, the simple (base) form of a verb is used. INCORRECT [He had the secretary signed for the package.] CORRECT He had the secretary sign for the package. +) If the direct object of other caustive verbs (such as get, want, order, cause,ect.) performed, performs, or will perform the action, to plus the simple (base) form of a verb is used. INCORRECT [He ordered everybody leave the room.] CORRECT

He ordered everybody to leave the room.

+) If the direct object of the causative verb received, receives, or will receive the action, the past participle form of verb is used. INCORRECT [We will want the computer will be delivered at once.] CORRECT We will want the computer delivered at once.

Point 4 Other forms of expressing passive a. Causative form: HAVE, GET Active: Subject + HAVE + object (person) + bare-infinitive + object (thing) Passive: Subject + HAVE + object (thing) + past pariciple (+ by + object

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

(person)) Active: Subject + GET + object (person) + to infinitive + object (thing) Passive: Subject + GET + object (thing) + past participle (+ by + object (person)) Example: They had the mechanic service their car yesterday.  They had their car serviced yesterday. We get her to make some coffee.  We get some coffee made. b. Verbs of perception: see, watch, hear, notice, overhear, feel, etc. Active: Subject + verb + object + bare infinitive/ V-ing + ... Passive: S(o) + be + past participle + to infinitive/ V-ing + ... Example: They saw him leave.  He was seen to leave. They saw the lorry running down the hill.  The lorry was seen running down the hill.

c. Verbs of opinion: say, think, believe, report, discover, etc. Active: Subject + verb + (that) + clause (S2 + V2 + O2 ...) Passive: -) It + be + verb (past participle) + (that) + clause -) S2 + be + verb (past participle) + to infinitive ... + to have + past participle Example: People say that he is a famous chef.  It is said that he is a famous chef.  He is said to be a famous chef. They thought that Marry had gone away.  It was thought that Marry had gone.  Marry was thought to have gone away. Point 5 Intransitive verb + preposition = transitive verb Basically, intransitive verbs cannot be used in passive voice; however, the following combinations of “intransitive verb + preposition” are regarded as transitive verbs and can be used in passive voice. account for deal with attend to focus on laugh at look after rely on

      

be accounted for by be dealt with by be attended to by be focused on by be laughed at by be looked after by be relied on by

Example: The sales figures for the last quarter were accounted for by the sales manager.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Point 6 Passive expressions with prepositions other than by A. Common expressions with at be be be be be be be be be

alarmed amazed amused annoyed disappointed grieved relieved shocked surprised

+ at

Example: The manager was surprised at a worker’s behavior.

B. Common expressions with in be be be be be be

absorbed involved indulged interested engaged located

+ in

Example: Peter is involved in too many activities C. Common expressions with with be be be be be be be be be be be

bored contented covered crowded exhausted fatigued gratified pleased satisfied tired worn out

+ with

Example: The department store was crowded with last-minute shoppers on the eve of the holiday. We hope you will be satisfied with the arrangements we have made, and apologized for the inconvenience caused.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Unit 5 Tenses Tip:

Always make sure that: - there is a verb in the sentence. - the verb is conjugated.

Point 1 Overview 1. Auxiliary verbs are used: • to make different tense - be + -ing: continuous tenses He is working. - be + -ed (PII): passive He was contacted. - have + -ed (PII): perfect tenses We have phoned them. - do (questions and negatives in simple tenses) He didn’t say anything. • To express meanings such as possibility, advisability, and necessity (modal auxiliary verbs) can, could will, would shall, should may, might must, ought to 2. English tenses Present simple Past simple Future simple

+

verb (base form)

They will come.

There are 12 tenses in English.

Simple tenses Continuous tenses I listen Present continuous I am listening I don’t listen You aren’t listening Does he lsiten? Is she listening? I listened Past continuous I was listening She didn’t listen She wasn’t listening Did they listen? Were you listening to me? I will listen Future continuous I will be listening They won’t listen Will you listen? Perfect tenses Perfect continuous tenses

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Present perfect Past perfect Future perfect

I have listenedPresent perfect continuous I have been listening He hasn’t listened Have you listened? I had listened Past perfect continuous I had been listening I will have listened Future perfect continuous I will have been listeing

3. State and action verbs Action verbs can be continuous. State verbs cannot usually be continuous: believe, belong, consist of, depend on, deserve, exist, know, like, mean, own, need, prefer, remember, seem, understand, want ... State verbs (simple tenses) I think he’ll come (believe) I have a dog (own) I see what you mean (understand) You look pretty Point 2

Action verbs (simple or continuous) I’m thinking about it (ponder, consider) I’m having a hot dog I’m seeing the doctor (meet) I’m looking at a picture

Explanation

1. Present simple: +) Facts that are always true: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. The sun rises in the East. +) Habitual actions (A frequency adverb is often used) I usually take the bus to work. They often get up at 7.30. +) Summary of events (The present simple is used to make a summary of the events in a narrative, for example in a film or book. It can also be used for a table of historical events.) In Chapter 1, Susan meets David, and agrees to go to the school dance with him. In 1789 the French Revolution begins. +) Describe future events which are based on a timetable, programme, calendar or fixed events which the speaker can not change. The bus to the science museum leaves at 8 a.m tomorrow.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

My train leaves at 11.30 tomorrow morning. Note: Pronunciation - vebs which end in /z/, /dz/, /s/, /sh/, /tsh/ and /ks/ make an extra syllable in the third person, pronounced /iz/. buzzes watches misses relaxes After /f/, /p/, /t/ and /k/ third person sound is /s/. hit /hits/ Other third person /s/ are pronounced as /z/. sees /si:z/

2. Present continuous: +) Actions are in progress now (these can be temporary and not yet finished.) I’m reading one of the Harry Potter books at the moment. I’m staying in a hotel until I find a flat. +) Actions can be generally in progress but not actually happening at the moment: I’m learning to drive. They’re trying to adapt to the new environment. +) We can use the present continuous with adverbs such as always, constantly, continually or forever to emphasize that something is done so often that it is characteristic of a person or group of things. In addition, we use this pattern to indicate disapproval or complaint. You’re always borrowing money from me. Kate’s forever asking me for money. A: I think I’ll stay here after all. B: You’re constantly changing your mind. +) Some verbs are not normally used in the continuous form, because they describe activities which already extend in time. These are called state verbs. • • • •

belong, consist of, contain, cost, depend on, deserve, own, possess, have like, love, hate, want, need, prefer, enjoy believe, imagine, know, realize, understand, mean, think, regret smell, taste, feel, see, seem, appear

+) We use am/ is/ are being to say how somebody is behaving. I can’t understand why he is being so selfish. He isn’t usually like that. (being selfish = behaving selfishly at the moment) He never thinks about other people. He is very selfish. (not He is being) (= He is selfish in general, not only at the moment) It is not usually possible in other sentences: It’s hot today. (not It is being hot) Sarah is very tired. (not is being tired) Note: Spelling problems

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Verbs ending –e drop the –e when they add –ing. like liking decide deciding write writing Verbs with one syllable, ending in one vowel and one consonant, double the consonant when they add –ing. sit sitting swim swimming dig digging Verbs ending –ie change –ie to –y. lie lying tie tying die dying

3. Present perfect and Present perfect continuous: Have/ Has + PII +) Describe a state which lasts up to the present. I’ve lived in this house for five years. +) Refer to events connected to the present, without a definite past time (or indefinite events that happened at an unknown time in the past) Archeologists have discovered an Anglo-Saxon Palace in London. +) Present perfect can be used with: just, already, yet, recently, lately, since, for for ages, never, so far, up to now, etc I’ve worked in this department for six months. After It’s/ This is the first/ second time we used the present perfect. This is the first time I have eaten Japanese food. Note: I’ve lived here for 10 years. (I’m still here) I lived here for 10 years. (I’m not there now) I’ve not seen him since he was 10. A lot of profits have been made since he took the office. +) Present perfect continuous: Have/ has been doing •

Emphasize the length of a continuing activity. I’ve been working on my project all morning.

•

For recent continuing activities, continuing up to the present. I’ve been waiting here for half an hour. I haven’t been taking a lot of exercise lately.

•

With how long questions. How long have you been learning English? (this is a continuing process, and isn’t finished)

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

•

The verbs wait, sit, lie, stay prefer the present perfect continuous. I’ve been waiting for ages.

Note: The following time expressions are also used with the present perfect or present perfect progressive tense:

= = = =

Over the past / last ten days during the past / last ten days for the past / last ten days in the past / last ten days since ten days ago

I have been staying at the hotel over the past five days. Where have you been during the last two hours? gone (to) and been (to) Jim is on holiday. He has gone to Italy. (= he is there now or on his way there) Jane is back home now. She has been to Italy. (= she has now come back) 4. Past simple: +) we use past simple for completed actions in the past and past states. Dickens wrote Oliver Twist. Edison invented the light bulb. +) We use past simple for two or more past actions in sequence. He knocked her down, grabbed her purse and ran off. They got out of the car, went into the shop and disappeared a few minutes later. +) Time markers are normally used: duaration + ago, yesterday (morning ...), last night/ weekend ..., at that time, formerly, previously, in those days ...

5. Past Perfect: Had + PII

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

+) refer to events in the past which happened before other events in the past. When I came to visit Jane, he had already gone on business. The train had left before I got to the station. By the time I got to the cinema, the film had already started.

6. Past continuous: +) refer to a continuing unfinished action interrupted by a sudden past action. While I was having a bath, the phone rang. We were preparing the meal when the light went out. +) refer to two continuing events happening at the same time. While Jim was painting the outside of the house, Sarah was decorating the bedroom. 7. Future time: +) Will is used to make predictions. It is often preceded by I think or by opinion words like perhaps. A time expression is also necessary. I think it’ll rain tomorrow. Perhaps she’ll be late. Will is also used to express an immediate decision. I will take this one! +) Going to is also used for predictions. It is especially common when we can see the cause of the event. Look out! There’s a bus coming! It’s going to hit us! I can see you’re going to have a baby. When is it due? +) Future perfect (will have PII) refers to a completed action in the future. It is used: • to express an action that will have happened before a specific time in the future • with a time expression using by + a point in the future time I’ll have been there for six months on June 23rd By the time we get there, the film will have started. In two years’ time I’ll have finished the book. +) Will / be going to / present continuous Going to is used to describe a present intention or plan. This is something we have already decided to do. I’m going to fix the television tomorrow. Will is used for instant decisions made at the time of speaking. I know, I’ll get him a wallet for his birthday. Present continuous is used to describe definite, fixed arrangements. (The arrangements are often social arrangements or appointments and may be written

27

TOEIC GRAMMAR

in a diary.) Sorry, I can’t help you, I’m leaving in the morning.

+) am / is / are to do is used to describe formal arrangements. All students are to turn up in the hall at 9.00. +) be about to / be on the point of / be due to Be about to and be on the point of both refer to the next moment. I think the play is about to start now. Mary is on the point of resigning. Be due to refers to scheduled time. The play is due to start in five minutes. Ann’s flight is due at 6.20. In some cases, we can use will instead of going to or vice versa in impersonal statements. Liverpool is going to / will win the cup. Sometimes it is approximate to use will rather than be going to +) Other future references: Hope: This can be followed by either present or future verb forms. I hope it doesn’t rain.

I hope it won’t rain.

Other verbs followed by will: Most verbs of thinking can be followed by will if there is future reference. These include: think, believe, expect, doubt, etc. I expect the train will be late. Tip:

I doubt whether United will win.

Always check the sequence of tenses when you have two verbs in the same sentence.

+) Sequence of tenses with time conjunctions Conjunctions of time are not usually followed by will, would or be going to; we use a present (simple or perfect) or past tense instead. As so long as By the time now that As long as until/ till

as soon as once when

before since whenever

the moment while

Example: They haven’t decided what they will do when their contracts expire. By the time we got to the headquarters, the meeting had already started.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Unit 6 -ing and the infinitive Point 1

• •

The –ing form is used:

as a noun (or subject) keeping these young people in prison is inhuman. after prepositions (verbs + preposition + the -ing form)

accuse sb of apologize (to sb) for argue about comment on congratulate on decide against feel like insist on pay sb for stop sb from talk about

adjust to approve of believe in complain about depend on forget about consist in look forward to plan on see about thank sb for

agree with confess to disapprove of adapt to blame sb for focus on concentrate on deal with devote oneself on forgive sb for object to think about/ of prevent sb from suspect sb of

He confessed to stealing the car. The bad weather prevented us from playing football. •

after special expressions

It’s no use It’s (not) worth There’s no point (in) To have fun To have a good time/ hard time To spend time/ money To waste time/ money To have difficulty (in)/ trouble/ a problem To go hiking/ jogging ... (sports) To go shopping/ sightseeing ... (recreational activities) To be/ get used to To be/ get accustomed to Prior to In addition to To be committed to To be busy They had a hard time negotiating a settlement. In addition to speaking English, he can speak Chinese. •

after certain verbs

admit (to) contemplate mind appreciate postpone avoid keep (on) can’t stand

deny imagine resent enjoy discuss risk miss can’t help

consider finish dislike mention fancy suggest involve practice

recommend allow encourage

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Point 2

The infinitive

The infinitives are: - the to – infinitive I want to meet the department head. - the bare infinitive (infinitive without to) John should submit the financial report by 5. The to – infinitive is used:

•

To express purpose the same idea can be expressed by using in order to or so as to

She went to university (in order) to obtain a degree. They have lowered prices (so as) to boost consumption. •

After certain verbs

afford deserve agree consent care refuse appear happen swear

arrange prepare plan ask beg claim demand decide promise

volunteer learn choose manage hesistate struggle expect mean hope need wait wish fail offer neglect tend threaten want

The European Union threatened to file a lawsuit against this software company.

•

In the structure : verbs + object + to-infinitive

advise encourage motivate instruct persuade convince teach...(how) tell...(how)

recommend warn caution allow entitle permit enable appoint

hire request challenge compel direct force oblige order

urge press cause forbid

remind show...how tempt request

The human resources manager encouraged them to take courses in computer.

•

Too/ enough + to – infinitive Expressions with too or enough are followed by the to – infinitive.

People are working too hard to care about their egos. Junior managers should hire secretaries competent enough to cover their blinders. They all have enough money to foot the bill.

•

In the structure: verb + (object) + question word + to – infinitive

The tourist asked us where to stay. She doesn’t know how to make that cake.

Point 3

Verbs taking the to-infinitive or the –ing form with a change in meaning

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

remember forget stop go on regret

the –ing refers to something that happened earlier, the to-infinitive to some thing that will happen

I don’t remember saying that. Please remember to tell her before you leave. Point 4 •

Verbs + object + infinitive (without to)

help (US), let and make see, watch, feel, notice, hear and overhear to say that all of an action was witnessed ( + object + - ing to say that part of an action was witnessed)

•

Let us help you change the way you work Let us help you to change the way you work. (GB) We watched the team play several times. I heard him complaining about the working conditions. Point 5 agree arrange decide demand expect hope learn plan

Verbs followed by to-infinitive or that-clause pretend promise swear threaten wish hurry

I agreed to meet again the next day. I agreed that we would meet again the next day. Point • • •

6 Participles – They are: present participles (playing, running, etc.) past participles (played, written, etc.) perfect participles (having written, etc.)

Participles can also be used: • to express time when one action happens before another action, we use having (done) or after -ing for the first action: Having done her homework, she watched TV. After doing/having done her homework, she watched TV. (= After she had done her homework, she watched TV.) We also use –ing when one action happens during another action. We use –ing for the longer action: He hurt his knee playing football. (while he was playing) Did you cut yourself shaving? (while you were shaving) We can also use –ing after while or when: Jim hurt his knee while playing football. Be careful when crossing the road. (=when you are crossing)

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

•

to express reason (to explain something, or to say why somebody does something. The –ing clause usually comes at the beginning of the sentence.) Feeling tired, I went to bed early. (= because I felt tired, I went ...) Being unemployed, he hasn’t got much money. (=because he is unemployed, he hasn’t ...) Having already seen the film twice, I didn’t want to go to the cinema. (= because I had already seen it twice, I didn’t ...)

•

instead of a relative pronoun and full verb The man standing at the door is my boss. (= The man who is standing at the door is my boss.) The information presented in the article was invaluable. (=The information which was presented in the article was invaluable.)

•

to avoid repeating the past continuous in the same sentence She was climbing up a ladder carrying a bucket. (= She was climbing up a ladder and she was carrying a bucket.)

•

instead of the past simple in narratives when we describe actions happening immediately one after the other. Seeing the shadow, he screamed. (= He saw the shadow and he screamed.) Taking a key out of his pocket, he opened the door. (= He took a key out of his pocket and he opened the door.)

Unit 7 Subject-verb agreement and subjunctive mood A. Subject-verb agreement Poin 1.

Subjects (overview)

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

The subject of a sentence must be either a noun or a pronoun, as in: John is a good friend of mine. He enjoys singing. Various structures may be used for subjects: +) wh – structures: A wh-question cannot be used as a subject unless it is changed into a noun clause. This kind of question is always introduced by such interrogatives as where, what, who, why, and how, as in: When will he come? How will he do it? Such questions cannot be used as subjects. We cannot say: When will he come is not known yet. (not correct) How will he do it remains to be seen. (not correct) To make the above sentences correct, we should first change the wh-questions into noun clauses by keeping the interrogatives and changing the word order, as in: When he will come is not known yet. How he will do it remains to be seen. +) Yes/no structures: A yes or no question cannot be used as a subject unless it is changed into a noun clause. The following are called yes/no questions because they can be answered with yes or no. Is he coming today? Can he do it? These questions cannot be used as subjects, so we cannot say: Is he coming is not known yet. (not correct) Can he do it remains to be seen. (not correct) To make the above sentences correct, we should first change the yes/no-questions into noun clauses by adding whether and changing the the word order, as in: Whether he is coming today (or not) Whether he can do it (or not) The above are noun clause and can be used as subjects of the following sentences: Whether he is coming today is not known yet. Whether he can do it remains to be seen. +) “The fact that” structures (the fact is often omitted): A sentence cannot be used as a subject unless it is changed into a noun clause. We cannot say: John never studied made his father angry. (not correct)

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

This is because John never studied is a sentence. However, if we put the conjunction that before John, we form a noun clause, which functions as a noun that can be used as a subject, as in: (The fact) that John never studied made his father angry.  By now we can understand that there are three kinds of noun clauses – one introduced by that, another by whether, and the other by any of such interrogatives as where, why, when, who, what and how. +) Gerund (or gerund phrase) and to-infinitive (or to-infinitive phrase) Having overall responsibility for the course means that I have a lot of meetings. To be able to speak Arabic is very important. Note: All kinds of subjects mentioned above normally take singular verb form Point 2

Subject + singular verb

Subject every each what one of determiner (superlative) plural noun a/ the (large) amount of whoever whatever amount of money distance weight length of time sums and products of mathematical processes more than one along with as well as together with either; neither

Example Every student has to register. Each of the participants is responsible. What is needed is some good advice. One of our cars has broken down. The large amount of money is reserved for the homeless and the elderly. Whoever is responsible should be present. Three million dollars is a huge sum of money. 30 miles is not very far. 2.2 pounds is one kilo. Two weeks is enough time to finish the contract. Two and two is four. More than one trainee has tried this. A phone book along with other books was piled on his desk. The manager as well as his associates is going to prison. Neither of the two traffic lights is working. Which color do you prefer? Either is fine with me.

Point 3 The indefinite pronouns anyone, everyone, something, nothing, nobody ... are always singular and, therefore, require singular verbs. Everyone has done his or her homework. Nothing was left. Note: After words with one or body, we use he, she, him, her and his.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Somebody has left her purse. Anyone is welcome, as long as he or she behaves approximately. Point 4

Subject + plural verb

Subject and both ... and several, many, both, few Used as pronouns adjectives representing a class of people Point 5

Example The manager and his associates are going to jail. If both the father and the mother work, who will care for the kids? Several in the building have complained about the fumes. Many were unhappy with having to stand. Are both of us invited, or just you? In Nepal the disabled are deprived of their basic human rights.

Verb agrees with the noun

Verb must agree with the nearest noun when it comes to these expressions below: Subject a lot of half of, a part of, a percentage of, the majority of, the rest, most of, fraction of all, any, some, more

Example There is a lot of work. There are a lot of people. The majority of British citizens in Lebanon have dual nationality. The majority of the population is Hispanic. 50 per cent of the houses need major repairs. Two thirds of the money is mine. Some of the work has been done. Some of us are bored.

Note:

• •

A large number of = seveal / many, the verb is plural A large number of tourists get lost because of that sign. The number of refers to the group, the verb is singular The number of lost tourists has increased recently.

Point 6

Verb agrees with positive subject

If your sentence has a positive and a negative subject and one is plural, the other singular, the verb should agree with positive subject. The directors but not the president have decided not to work on Valentine’s Day. It is not the directors but the president who decides this issue.

Point 7

Verb agrees with the closer noun

When nor or or is used the subject closer to the verb determines the form of the verb. Subject either ... or ..., neither ... nor ..., not only ... but also ...

Example Either the manager or the artists have the right to terminate the agreement. Not only our own depatments but also

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

the whole organization has been affected. Point 8 Some nouns are usually plural and take plural verb. These include: belongings clothes congratulations earnings goods outskirts

particulars premises savings stairs surroundings thanks

The company’s earnings have increased considerably for the last five years. Point 9 verb.

When names and titles ending in –s refer to a single unit we use a singular Examples include countries, newspapers, titles of books, films ...

The Machine Gunners was one of Robert Westall’s most successful books. ‘Daps’ is the word used in the south west of the country for sports shoes. Point 10 The subject and the verb must always agree, even if seperated. +) Seperated by preposition Most of the ideas put forward by your department are good. The diagram on page sixteen in this training handbook is very good. +) Seperated by clause A lot of things that I really love were in that suitcase.

B. Subjunctive mood Point 1

a wish

This involves the use of the word wish as a transitive verb followed by a that-clause as its object. We use the past tense form of a verb or modal verb in the that-clause if we want to express a wish contrary to fact in the present, as in:

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

fact: subjunctive mood: fact: subjunctive mood:

I am busy now. I wish (that) I were free now. He can’t help me now. I wish (that) he could help me now.

Likewise, we use the past perfect tense form of a verb in the that-clause if we want to express a wish contrary to the fact in the past, as in: fact: Subjunctive mood: fact: Subjunctive mood: Point 2

I was busy then I wish (that) I had been free then. he left early. I wish ( that) he had left early.

a mandative statement (verbs + that + verb base)

The verbs and phrases below are followed by that + verb base • • •

Ask, demand, request, command, order, require, suggest, propose, insist, recommend, maintain, rule, desire, urge ... It + be + important/ vital/ essential/ necessary/ imperative/ advisable/ crucial/ desirable ... The nouns derived from the above verbs are also followed by the verb base: demand, request, requirement, proposal, suggestion, recommendation ...

The manager suggested that the meeting be put off until next week. It was important that the report be reviewed once again. I asked that Peter handle the work alone. Note: We can also use modal verb should, which is often omitted, in this sentence. It is necessary that he (should) finish the work before leaving. The manager suggested that the meeting (should) be put off until next week.

Unit 8 Prepositions and sentence structure A. preposition - Definition A proposition is a word like in, out, off ... normally followed by a noun or a pronoun. Point 1

Multiple word prepositions

Here is a list of the most common multiple word prepositions:

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

according to, in accordance with as regards, as to, in connection with = regarding, about ahead of as a consequence of, as a rsult of, because of, on account of, due to, owing to, thanks to apart from, except for, with the exception of by means of, by way of = using contrary to in addition to, on the top of in comparison with, compared with in contrast to/ with in favor of, to the benefit of, all for, on the side of in front of instead of, rather than in the event of, in case of, for fear of on behalf of prior to, previous to regardless of together with, along with, as well as

Point 2

Beside/besides

The difference is the following: beside besides

= =

by the side of, next to, by in addition to

The woman standing beside the lecturer is Mrs. Jones He holds numerous non-executive directorships besides his $400,000 job at Man PLC. Point 3

• • •

During / for / while

during is a preposition used to say when something happened for is a preposition used to say how long it took while is a conjunction (subject + verb) used to introduce a background situation

It rained for five days during our holiday. We didn’t get much sunshine while we were on holiday. Point 4

By / until / till

•

by (+ a time) = not later than - something happens by a time in the future We’d better hurry. We have to be home by 5 o’clock. (= at or before 5 o’clock, not later than 5 o’clock) The River Road Bridge over Interstate 495 is on schedule for completion by October. • Until / till shows an action or situation that continues up to a certain time The shop will open until 9 p.m The sale of the franchise doesn’t close until October. Point 5 In/ on / at Prepositio n

Time

Space

+ time: at 12.00 at lunchtime at night

at at at at

home work an address the office

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

AT

at at at at at at

Christmas Easter the moment present the same time breakfast

at school + a certain point: at the crossroads/ bus-stop at the top at the bottom at the end

ON

+ days and dates: on Saturday on 13 may 1984 on Friday afternoon on time = punctual, not late

on a street on a street corner on a coast on a river + a means of public transportation: on the train/ bus/ ship/ plane

IN

Point 6

+ longer periods: month, year, season ... in march in 1997 in winter in the 1990s + parts of the day: In the morning(s) + time in the future: in a week in a moment in time = soon enough

in a room in a building in a corner of a room in a car in a taxi in a boat in in in in in

a a a a a

country state province county city

despite = in spite of

Despite and in spite of have the same meaning. Breakfast cereals still contain high level of fat, salt and sugar in spite of / despite manufaturers’ claims to have improved the healthiness of their products.

Point 7

Like or as

•

Like is a preposition - used to compare things - synonymous with: similar to, the same as, for example He is a broker like most of his friends. We need more details like when, why, how, etc.

•

As is either

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

a preposition - used to talk about the jobs, roles and functions of people and things - synonymous with: in the position of, in the form of We work as an apprentice in ANZ Co. They see the soaring oil prices as a threat to the world economy. or a conjunction ( + subject + verb) - used to compare things You should have replied as I told you.

• •

Note: The preposition unlike (= not like) to show contrast Unlike tranditional newspaper, free new papers offer advertisers unlimited space. The adjective alike to show similarity but used only after state verbs We are not related despite the fact that we look alike.

Point 8

Preposition + noun

on purpose; by mistake/chance/accident in my opinion; from my point of view on holiday; on business; on a journey/trip/tour for sale; on the market ( # in the market) in advance; up to date; out of date on the whole; in general on television; on the radio/the phone/the Internet in writing; in pen/biro/felt-tip/ink/pencil in cash; by check/credit card on the way (during the journey); in the way (blocking the way) in the end (finally, after a long time); at the end (when something stops – at the end of) by car, train, air ...; on foot

Point 9 of

Prepositions space

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

B. Sentence structure: Point 1.

Word order

The word order in a sentence is uasually as follows: (time) (Last night)

subject The chairman

verb delivere d

object His speech

manner vehement ly

place At the conference hall

time last night

Tip: Parallel structures express ideas of equal importance and are used in a series. Check that in those parallel structures the same grammatical structures are used. A secretary’s duties include writing, typing, organizing and filed. (not correct)  A secretary’s duties include writing, typing, organizing and filing. Point 2

Parallel structures with correlative conjunctions

Parallel structures should be used after correlative conjunctions: both ... and ... not only ... but also ... either ... or ... but

both ... and ... as well as ... not ... but ... neither ... nor ... and

The training course consists of both theory and practical instruction. Point 3

Parallel structures with comparisons

Parallel structures should be used with comparisons: • comparative ... than • as ... as • the same ... as • similar .. to Renting those apartments costs the same as leasing them. Note: After comparative structures, that (of) and those (of) are used instead of repeating a noun. The team’s overall performance is better than that of any individual could be. Point 4

Cardinal and Ordinal numbers

+) Cardinal numbers (one, two, three ...) are used as follows: + noun + cardinal number

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Proceed to gate four. Wait for me on platform 2. Note: Ordinal numbers come before cardinal numbers as follows: the + ordinal number + cardinal number + noun He had trouble adapting for the first two weeks.

+) Ordinal numbers are formed as follows: first second third fourth fifth

sixth

eleventh seventh eighth thirteenth ninth fourteenth tenth fifteenth ...

They are used as follows: Take the third street on the left. Note: The order for dates is as follows:

twentieth twelfth twenty-second twenty-third twenty-fourth ...

thirtieth twenty-first fiftieth hundredth thousandth

fortieth

the + ordinal number + noun

the + ordinal number + of + month (GB) My birthday is the twenty-second of August. month + (the) + ordinal number Independence Day in the US is July (the) fourth.

Point 5

Inversion

Inversion is used in the following cases: Case Omission of if

Inversion auxiliary verb (were/had/should) + subject + verb were she my daughter (if she were ...), I would tell her. had I known (if I had known...), I wouldn’t have come. should you change your mind (if you change ...), let me know.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Neither, nor, so

After negative adverbial expressions, not ... or only... So / such ... that

Point 6

neither/nor/so + auxiliary verb + subject I don’t like aggressive ads – Nor/neither do . (= I don’t either) I really like jazz music. – So do I. (= I do also/too) negative adverbial expression + auxiliary verb + subject not ... / only ... Under no circumstances can we leave the room. Never had I felt like this Only after finishing my work can I get a bonus. So / such ... + auxiliary verb ... that So nice is he that I like him. Such a good job did she do that she won our praise.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are: • used to join clauses together • used to show the relationship between the ideas in the clauses • followed by a subject and a verb • Cause and Place Condition Contrast Manner effect as where even if although as because wherever if even though as if in order that in case though as though now that once whereas that provided (that) while since providing so that unless whether (or not)

He talks to me as if he were my boss. Unless the sales improves in the future, we will be forced to shut down. We have to work overtime in order that we can meet the deadline.

Point 7

No longer / no more

• •

No longer/not any longer are used with time No more/not any more are used with time, quantity or degree

•

The no structures are used before the verb or after the verb “to be”

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

•

The not any structures are used at the end of the sentence Mr. Jones doesn’t work here any more/longer. He no longer fitted the job. There’s no more paper in the photocopier.

Point 8

• • • • • • • •

Discourse markers

Contrasting

on the other hand, however, nevertheless, yet, nonetheless, in comparison with, compared with Contradicting on the contrary, contrary to Adding moreover, in addition, furthermore, what’s more Talking about purpose in order to, so as to, with a view to (doing) Providing reasons owing to, due to, on account of, because of, thanks to Explaining results consequently, as a result, therefore, so, then, thus, hence Generalizing on the whole, in general, broadly speaking, by and large, to some extent Summing up to sum up, in a word, in short, briefly, in conclusion, finally, lastly, all in all, to conclude

Our sales have soared in the past 3 months; however, the boss hasn’t increased our salary. Thanks to his invaluable dedication, our sales have soared. Point 9 How The word order is: • in questions: How (+ adjective/adverb) + auxiliary verb + subject + verb? How could I meet him? How far can people go in the name of reasearch? • in exclamations: How + adjective/adverb + subject + verb! I know how nice he really is. He will receive a percentage based on how well they sell.

Unit 9 Relative clauses Point 1 Form and overview (see p. 16) Point 2

Which is used to modify the whole sentence

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

Joe got the job. This surprised everybody.  Joe got the job, which surprised everybody. (which modifies “Joe got the job” not “the job”) They couldn’t meet us. This was a pity.  They couldn’t meet us, which was a pity. Point 3 all of most of none of either of both of one of each of etc

+ whom (people) + which (things)

Mary has three brothers, all of ------- are married. A. them

B. him

C. whom

D. they

In the sentence above, most learners mistakenly choose choice A in place of choice C, because they do not realize that this is a compound sentence from 2 single sentences below: Mary has three brothers. All of them are married. ( 2 sentences) When they are compounded, they need a relative pronoun to modify “three brothers” and link the two sentences. “them” must be replaced by “whom” and we must replace the stop with a comma, as in: Mary has three brothers, all of whom are married. They asked me a lot of questions. I couldn’t answer most of them. (2 sentences)  They asked me a lot of questions, most of which I couldn’t answer. (1 sentence) Point 4

reduced relative clauses

In defining and non-defining clauses we can leave out the relative pronoun and part of the verb phrase to leave a participle acting as an adjective defining the noun. Tell the people who are waiting outside to come in.  Tell the people waiting outside to come in. The person who answered the phone was polite to the caller.  The person answering the phone was polite to her caller. Peter was the only one of the group who was arrested after the match.  Peter was the only one of the group arrested after the match. Their friends, who were soaked to the skin, eventually arrived home.  Their friends, soaked to the skin, eventually arrived home. Note: We never use “that” in non-defining clauses and “that” cannot follow a preposition. Jade is proud of her new job, ------- she is enjoying. A. that

B. which

C. who

D. what

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

As we mention above, choice B is the best answer. The position for ------- they applied was very demanding. A. that

B. it

C. which

D. What

Choice C is the best answer.

Unit 10 Modals Can/could/may/might/should/would/need/must … are called modal verbs. In the TOEIC test, some modals we should pay special attention to are could, may, might, must and should (ought to). +) could • Past ability • Possibility (= may/might) could do/have done smt

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

+) may/might • possibility may/might do (in the present or future) may/might have done (in the past) +) must • obligation • certainty (logical assumptions) must do/have done +) should • advice, recommendation or expectation • criticism of an action should do/have done

Confusing words and differences between English and American A. Confusing words +) Tell/say/talk/speak Both say and tell are used with direct and indirect speech. (Say is more common than tell with direct speech.)

•

tell -somebody that - somebody to do - a lie, the truth, a story, the time

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

•

say - that - to somebody that - : “.....................” - to somebody: “.......................”

There is little difference between speak and talk. In certain situations one or the other is prefered, but they are usually both possible. • talk - informal communication - an informal lecture (a talk) Could I talk to you about the football match for a few minutes? This is Patrict Allen, who’s going to talk to us about gardening. • speak - is often used for communication in more serious or formal situations. - is prefered for more formal lectures, sermons etc. - refers to use of languages and to the physical ability to speak. - to somebody on the phone (US also speak with) I’ll have to speak to that boy – he’s getting very lazy. After she had finished reading the letter, nobody spoke. The Pope spoke to the crowd for seventy minutes about world peace. Hello. Could I speak to Karen, please? She speaks three languages fluently. +) Do and make These words are very similar, but there are some differences.

•

•

do - when we do not say exactly what activity we are talking about – for example with something, nothing, anything, everything, what. Do something! I like do nothing. - when we talk about work, and in the structure do-ing I’m not going to do any work today. I dislike doing housework. I hate doing the cooking and shopping. make - We often use make to talk about constructing, building, creating, etc. We’ve just make a cake. Let’s make a plan.

Learn these expressions: • You do: the dishes/the washing up/your homework/an assignment/some research/your work, your duty/good /bad/one’s best/(sb) a favor/business/100 mph • You make: progress/headway/an agreement/a decision/ an offer/a promise/a discovery/an attempt/an effort/an excuse/an exception/a suggestion/inquiries/a phone call/a photocopy/an annoucement/a mistake/a noise/a journey/money/a profit/a bed/a fire +) farther and further • •

Both of them are used to talk about distance. There is no difference of meaning. Edinburgh is farther/further away than York. We can use further (but not farther) to mean “extra”, “more advanced”, “additional”. For further information, see page 277.

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

College of Further Education. +) Lend / borrow Could you lend me your dictionary for a moment? Can I borrow your pencil-sharpener, please? +) Come, bring (for movement towards the speaker): They came into the room where we waiting, and brought the dog with them. +) Go, take (for movement away from the speaker): When you go home, take a present for your mother.

B. English or American: differences +) Grammar differences Bristish English He has just seen his former colleague. Have you got a problem? It fitted the mood of the moment. It’s important that he should come. Mortgages have got more costly for some homeowners.

American English He just saw his former colleague. Do you have a problem. It fit the mood of the moment. It’s important that he come. Mortagages have gotten more costly for some homeowners.

+) Spelling differences English words

American words

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

-our colour, honour, humour ... -tre centre, theatre, metre ... -ogue catalogue, analogue, dialogue ... -ise organise, nationalise ... -ence licence, defence ... anaesthesia, gynaecology ... aluminium to practise programme grey jewellery pyjamas speciality storey tyre doughnut cheque draught aeroplane

-or color, honor, humor ... -ter center, theater, meter ... -og catalog, analog, dialog ... -ize organize, nationalize ... -ense license, defense ... anesthesia, gynecology ... aluminum to practice program gray jewelry pajamas specialty story tire donut check draft airplane

+) Vocabulary English chips spirits tin ground floor flat public toilet lift cupboard rubbish cashpoint banknote engaged tone mobile phone managing director, MD rise (in salary) CV

American french fries liquor can first floor apartment rest room elevator closet garbage, trash ATM bankbill busy tone cell phone CEO raise resume

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TOEIC GRAMMAR

surname post postcode town center driving licence petrol railway pavament underground lorry taxi return single motorway autumn holiday rubber trousers handbag shop queue pharmacy, chemist shopping centre film bill (restaurant) estate agent

last name mail zip code downtown driver’s license gas railroad sidewalk subway truck cab round trip one-way highway, freeway fall vacation eraser pants purse store stand in line drugstore mall movie check realtor

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