toeic grammar
TRANSCRIPT
Contents
Unit Topic Page 1 conditionals 22 nouns, adjectives, adverbs, articles and comparatives 53 determiners and pronouns 154 passive and active voices 195 tenses 236 -ing and the infinitive 307 subject-verb agreement and subjunctive mood 348 prepositions and sentence structure 399 relative clauses 4610 modals 48
confusing words and differences between English 49and American
TOEIC GRAMMAR
Unit 1 Conditionals
Point 1 form and overview
Type 0General
truth
If-clause (hypothesis)
Main clause (result) Use
If + present simple Present simpleIf the temperature falls below 0 C, water turns into ice.
Type 1Real
present
If + present simple, present perfect or can
future/ imperativecan/may/might/must/should/could/have to + bare infinitive
real – likely to happen in the present 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.
Type 2Unreal present
If + past simple(were)
would/could/should +bare infinitive
imaginary situation 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)
Type 3Unreal past
If + past perfect (had +PII)
would/should/could + have + PII
imaginary situation 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 ...) 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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
(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 Main clauseType 2
If nobody paid the bill,Type 1
the electricity will be cut off.Type 2
If he had money,Type 3
he would have bought her a gift.
Type 3If he had won the lottery,
Type 2He wouldn’t be asking for money.
Point 2 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?
+) Unless this is an emphatic way of saying if ... not in the if – clause of type1 conditionals.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 advice clothing knowledge equipment furniture homework merchandise information machinery money stationery pollution recreation scenery fun traffic luggage/baggage employment leisure
Point 2 Noun + noun = compound noun
A compound noun is made up of two or more nouns. In this combination, the first noun is
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 apartment complex application form application fee assembly line attendance record baggage allowance communication skill company policy construction site consumer loan customer satisfaction dress-code regulation employee participation evaluation form expiration date face value consumer spending gender discrimination hotel reservation information desk job performance membership fee office furniture performance appraisal product schedule product recognition promissory note profit margin service desk safety precautions stationery store staff production work schedule delivery company recognition day board meeting checking account (=current account) interest rate company employee staff meeting travel agency health care customer service flight attendant product availability
B. Noun-s + noun
awards ceremony communications satellite customs official customs regulations earnings growth economics professor/ student benefits package public relations office / department overseas trip savings account sales department sports complex sales manager customs officer sales slip sales target
Point 3 Both countable and uncountable
Many nouns can be used as countable and uncountable nouns, usually with a difference in meaning:
Uncountable Countable
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
paper (material) a (news) paperbusiness all business transactions) a business (a company)space (the universe) a space (a blank)work(employment) a work ( of art)time (hours, days, etc) 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 Plural -f(e): half, life, self … child foot, tooth mouse alumnus, syllabus … analysis, crisis … criterion, phenomenon man, woman
-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 nountwenty thousand dollarsEconomists 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 a/an
+) use before an unspecific object to mean one of a number of the same objects+) used before a singular countable noun+) 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
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 the
+) used before a specific object; something that both the person 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 in an economics (not correct) in economics in an accounting (not correct) in accounting
Means of transportation
by a car (not correct) by car (but in a car) by a plane (not correct) by plane (but on the plane)
Means ofcommunication
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 a manMrs Smith a marriedMiss Smith an unmarried womanMs Smith a married or unmarried woman
These forms of address have to be followed by a family name.
Abbreviation Expression/ word in full Abbreviation Expression/ word in fullASAPRSVPAttnp.p.i.e.p.a.e.g.PTOAMPM
as soon as possiblerepondez SVPto the attention ofper proxy; per pro. (on behalf of)id est (that is)per annumexempli gratia (for example)please turn overante meridiempost meridiem
VATBrosCoCorpIncLtdPLCATMCEOIT
Value Addded TaxBrothers CompanyCorporationIncorporatedLimitedPublic Limited CompanyAutomatic Teller MachineChief Executive OfficerInformation Technology
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
# or NoPOB@misclb or lbsozGMTIdmphNB
numberpost office boxatmiscellaneouspound(s)ounce(s)Green Mean Timethe samemiles per hournota bene (take note)
MBAR&DPRHRPCCFO
Master of Business AdministrationResearch and DevelopmentPublic RelationsHuman ResourcesPersonal ComputerChief 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 the wayin a distance (not correct) in the distanceon a contrary (not correct) on the contrayon a whole (not correct) 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) for safekeepingin a haste (not correct) in hastein an error (not correct) in errorin a detail (not correct) in detailin the order to (not correct) in order tountil the further notice (not correct) until further noticetake the advantage of (not correct) take advantage oftake a care of (not correct) take care of
Example: I got out of the train in haste.
C. Expressions always used with articles
as result of (not correct) as a result ofas symbol of (not correct) as a symbol ofas whole (not correct) as a wholeat distance (not correct) at a distancecome to end (not correct) come to an endall of sudden (not correct) all of a suddenin effort to (not correct) in an effort toin attempt to (not correct) in an attempt toin hurry (not correct) in a hurryin middle of (not correct) in the middle ofin potential (not correct) in the potentialreach agreement (not correct) reach an agreement
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 + lyslow slowly final finally
+) Adjectives or adverbs
Adjectives onlycostly, friendly, likely, lively ...
Both adjectives and adverbsdaily, weekly, monthly, yearly, early, quarterly, hourly,
nightly, fast, straight, well
Adjectives Adverbs free +) free (without payment) you can come in free.
+) freely (without limit) He could speak freely about it.hard +) hard He work hard
+) hardly (= almost not) He hardly knows her.high +) high Planes flies high
+) highly (= very much) a highly paid job late +) late He left work late
+) lately (= recently) What have you been doing lately?pretty +) prettily She danced prettily.
+) pretty (= rather) Teperatures are pretty high.wide +) 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, getlook, 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.
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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 Comparative Superlative one-syllable hard
-er harder
-est hardest
two-syllable ending in –y early
-er earlier
-est earliest
other two-syllable and long tiring intelligent
more more tiring more intelligent
most most tiring most intelligent
some two-syllable quiet clever simple
more or –er more quiet cleverer simpler
most or –est quietest most clever most simple
Some adjectives have irregular comparatives and superlatives as shown in the following table:
Adjective Comparative Superlative good better best
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
bad worse worst far farther/further farthest/furthest little less least much more 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.
To say that two changes happen together.
Point 11 Order of Adverbs
+) Adverbs in mid-position
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 verb
Adverb Verb Complement
To be in simple tenses I am usually rightPerfect tenses He has already seen this filmModal auxiliary verbs We can sometimes play tennisSimple tenses She hardly cooks dinnerPassive with twoauxiliary verbs
He has never been remembered
for his novels
+) 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 timeShe’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 carssome money any money
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?
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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) Plural countable nouns much an/the amount of little a little less
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.- 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
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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) Each child received a present. can be a pronoun Each of the children received a present.
generalizes (all) Every child in the world deserves affection. also means how often something happens
and is therefore followed by a plural nounThe Olympic is held every four years.
+) All and whole
All and whole are similar in meaning (whole means “complete, “every part of”)
All WholeAll + (determiner) + nounJulie spent all the summer at home.All my life
Determiner + whole + singular nounJulie spent the whole summer at home.My whole life
We usually use all, not whole, with uncountable nounsShe’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 EveryAll + (determiner) + nounAll children need love.Please switch off all the lights.
Every + singular nounEvery child needs love.Please switch off every light.
We can use all, not every, with uncountable nouns.I like all music. (NOT ... every music.)
All day/evening ...= the whole day/evening ...= the complete day/evening ...Every day/evening/three weeks ... says how often something happensAll the time = alwaysEvery time = each time, on every occationThe 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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
+) Personal pronouns
Personal pronoun can be classified as follows:
Subject Object Reflexive Possessive Adjectives Possessive Pronouns I you he she it we they
me you him her it us them
myself yourself/yourselves himself herself itself ourselves themselves
my your his her its our their
mine yours his hers its ours theirs
+) Relative pronouns
Relative pronouns are both:- subjects or objects of verbs- like conjunctions, joining clauses together
Function People Thingssubject who/ that
I’m sure I know the person who/ that served us.
which/ thatthe book which/ that you gave me is really interesting.
object whom/ that/ whoThe woman (whom/ that/ who) you met at the party is an engineer.
which/ thatHave you seen his film, which was excellent by the way?Have you seen the film (that/ which) he was tellingus about?
possessive whoseMy friend, whose flat is being redecorated, isstaying at home.
whoseThis is the book whose cover is really nice.
Note: What/ whichWhen a relative clause:
refers to the whole sentence before it, we use whichJohn won the gold medal, which amazed everyone.
has no antecedent and means ‘the thing(s) that’, we use whatWhat I want to do is going to see her.
+) That-clause
A that-clause can be the subject of a sentence:(The fact) That + subject + verb + verb ... subjectThat she wanted to resign didn’t come as shock to Hoang.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
Unit 4 Passive and Active Voices
Point 1 Form
Passive voice in various tenses
Tense Subject Verb Past participleSingular Plural
Simple present The car/cars is are designedPresent perfect The car/cars has been have been designedSimple past The car/cars was were designedPast perfect The car/cars had been designedSimple future The car/cars will be designedFuture perfect The car/cars will have been designedPresent continuous
The car/cars is being are being designed
Past continuous
The car/cars was being were being designed
Modals The car/cars can, may, must,ect be designed
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.
appear arrive consist of deteriorateexist happen lie lookoccur remain rise provefunction resemble disappear 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)
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 (person))
Active: Subject + GET + object (person) + to infinitive + object (thing)Passive: Subject + GET + object (thing) + past participle (+ by + object (person))
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 be accounted for bydeal with be dealt with byattend to be attended to byfocus on be focused on bylaugh at be laughed at bylook after be looked after byrely on be relied on by
Example: The sales figures for the last quarter were accounted for by the sales manager.
Point 6 Passive expressions with prepositions other than by
A. Common expressions with at
be alarmed
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
be amazedbe amusedbe annoyedbe disappointed + atbe grievedbe relievedbe shockedbe surprised
Example: The manager was surprised at a worker’s behavior.
B. Common expressions with in
be absorbedbe involvedbe indulgedbe interested + inbe engagedbe located
Example: Peter is involved in too many activities
C. Common expressions with with
be bored be contentedbe coveredbe crowdedbe exhaustedbe fatigued + withbe gratifiedbe pleasedbe satisfiedbe tiredbe worn out
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.
P oint 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, couldwill, wouldshall, should + verb (base form) They will come.may, mightmust, ought to
2. English tenses There are 12 tenses in English.
Simple tenses Continuous tensesPresent simple I listen I don’t listen Does he lsiten?
Present continuous I am listening You aren’t listening Is she listening?
Past simple I listened She didn’t listen Did they listen?
Past continuous I was listening She wasn’t listening Were you listening to me?
Future simple I will listen They won’t listen Will you listen?
Future continuous I will be listening
Perfect tensesPerfect continuous tensesPresent perfect I have listened He hasn’t listened Have you listened?
Present perfect continuous I have been listening
Past perfect I had listenedPast perfect continuous I had been listeningFuture perfect I will have listenedFuture perfect continuous I will have been listeing
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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) Action verbs (simple or continuous)I think he’ll come (believe) I’m thinking about it (ponder, consider)I have a dog (own) I’m having a hot dog I see what you mean (understand) I’m seeing the doctor (meet)You look pretty I’m looking at a picture
Point 2 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. My train leaves at 11.30 tomorrow morning.
N ote :
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
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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)
N ote : Spelling problems
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
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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.
N ote : 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)
The verbs wait, sit, lie, stay prefer the present perfect continuous.
I’ve been waiting for ages.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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
+) 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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 in a diary.)
Sorry, I can’t help you, I’m leaving in the morning.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
+) 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. I doubt whether United will win.
Tip: 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 as soon as before the momentBy the time now that once since whileAs long as until/ till when whenever
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.
Unit 6 -ing and the infinitive
Point 1 The –ing form is used:
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
as a noun (or subject) keeping these young people in prison is inhuman. after prepositions (verbs + preposition + the -ing form)
accuse sb of adjust to agree with confess toapologize (to sb) for approve of disapprove of adapt toargue about believe in blame sb for focus oncomment on complain about concentrate oncongratulate on depend on deal withdecide against forget about devote oneself onfeel like consist in forgive sb forinsist on look forward to object topay sb for plan on think about/ ofstop sb from see about prevent sb fromtalk about thank sb for 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 timeTo spend time/ money To waste time/ moneyTo have difficulty (in)/ trouble/ a problemTo go hiking/ jogging ... (sports)To go shopping/ sightseeing ... (recreational activities)To be/ get used to To be/ get accustomed toPrior toIn addition toTo be committed toTo be busy
They had a hard time negotiating a settlement.In addition to speaking English, he can speak Chinese.
after certain verbs
admit (to) deny consider recommendcontemplate imagine finish allowmind resent dislike encourageappreciate enjoy mentionpostpone discuss fancyavoid risk suggestkeep (on) miss involvecan’t stand can’t help practice
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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 arrange volunteer learndeserve prepare choose manageagree plan hesistate struggleconsent ask expect meancare beg hope needrefuse claim wait wishappear demand fail offerhappen decide neglect tendswear promise threaten want
The European Union threatened to file a lawsuit against this software company.
In the structure : verbs + object + to-infinitive
advise recommend hire urgeencourage warn request pressmotivate caution challenge causeinstruct allow compel forbidpersuade entitle direct remindconvince permit force show...howteach...(how) enable oblige tempttell...(how) appoint order 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
rememberforgetstop the –ing refers to something that happened earlier, the to-infinitive to some go on thing that will happenregret
I don’t remember saying that.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 Verbs followed by to-infinitive or that-clause
agree pretendarrange promisedecide sweardemand threatenexpect wishhope hurrylearnplan
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)
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 ...)
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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) 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:
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
+) 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)
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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 Exampleeveryeach
Every student has to register.Each of the participants is responsible.
what What is needed is some good advice.one of determiner (superlative) plural noun
One of our cars has broken down.
a/ the (large) amount of The large amount of money is reserved for the homeless and the elderly.
whoeverwhatever
Whoever is responsible should be present.
amount of moneydistanceweightlength of timesums and products of mathematical processes
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 More than one trainee has tried this.along withas well astogether with
A phone book along with other books was piled on his desk.The manager as well as his associates is going to prison.
either; neither 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.
Somebody has left her purse.Anyone is welcome, as long as he or she behaves approximately.
Point 4 Subject + plural verb
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
Subject Exampleandboth ... and
The manager and his associates are going to jail.If both the father and the mother work, who will care for the kids?
several, many, both, fewUsed as pronouns
Several in the building have complained about the fumes.Many were unhappy with having to stand.Are both of us invited, or just you?
adjectivesrepresenting a class of people
In Nepal the disabled are deprived of their basic human rights.
Point 5 Verb agrees with the noun
Verb must agree with the nearest noun when it comes to these expressions below:
Subject Examplea lot of There is a lot of work.
There are a lot of people.half of, a part of, a percentage of, the majority of, the rest, most of, fraction of
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.
all, any, some, more
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 Exampleeither ... or ...,neither ... nor ...,
Either the manager or the artists have the right to terminate the agreement.
not only ... but also ... Not only our own depatments but also the whole organization has been affected.
Point 8 Some nouns are usually plural and take plural verb. These include:
belongings particulars
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
clothes premisescongratulations savingsearnings stairsgoods surroundingsoutskirts thanks
The company’s earnings have increased considerably for the last five years.
Point 9 When names and titles ending in –s refer to a single unit we use a singular verb. 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 asits 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:
fact: I am busy now.subjunctive mood: I wish (that) I were free now. fact: He can’t help me now.subjunctive mood: I wish (that) he could help me now.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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: I was busy thenSubjunctive mood: I wish (that) I had been free then. fact: he left early.Subjunctive mood: I wish ( that) he had left early.
Point 2 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:
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
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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 = by the side of, next to, bybesides = in addition to
The woman standing beside the lecturer is Mrs. JonesHe 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 futureWe’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 timeThe shop will open until 9 p.mThe sale of the franchise doesn’t close until October.
Point 5 In/ on / at
Preposition
Time Space
AT
+ time:at 12.00at lunchtimeat nightat Christmasat Easterat the momentat presentat the same timeat breakfast
at homeat workat an addressat the officeat school
+ a certain point:at the crossroads/ bus-stop
at the topat the bottom
at the end
+ days and dates:on Saturday
on a streeton a street corner
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
ON on 13 may 1984on Friday afternoonon time = punctual, not late
on a coaston a river
+ a means of public transportation:on the train/ bus/ ship/ plane
IN
+ longer periods: month, year, season ...in marchin 1997in winterin the 1990s+ parts of the day:In the morning(s)+ time in the future:in a weekin a momentin time = soon enough
in a roomin a building
in a corner of a room
in a carin a taxiin a boat
in a countryin a statein a provincein a countyin a city
Point 6 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 exampleHe is a broker like most of his friends.We need more details like when, why, how, etc.
As is either 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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
The adjective alike to show similarity but used only after state verbsWe are not related despite the fact that we look alike.
Point 8 Preposition + noun
on purpose; by mistake/chance/accidentin my opinion; from my point of viewon holiday; on business; on a journey/trip/tourfor sale; on the market ( # in the market)in advance; up to date; out of dateon the whole; in generalon television; on the radio/the phone/the Internetin writing; in pen/biro/felt-tip/ink/pencilin cash; by check/credit cardon 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 Prepositions of 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) subject verb object manner place time(Last night)
The chairman
delivered
His speech
vehemently
At the conference hall
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 ... both ... and ... as well as ...not only ... but also ... not ... but ...either ... or ... neither ... nor ...but 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 numberProceed to gate four. Wait for me on platform 2.Note:Ordinal numbers come before cardinal numbers as follows:
the + ordinal number + cardinal number + nounHe had trouble adapting for the first two weeks.
+) Ordinal numbers are formed as follows:
first sixth eleventh twentieth thirtiethsecond seventh twelfth twenty-first fortieththird eighth thirteenth twenty-second fiftieth
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
fourth ninth fourteenth twenty-third hundredthfifth tenth fifteenth ... twenty-fourth ... thousandth
They are used as follows: the + ordinal number + nounTake the third street on the left.Note:The order for dates is as follows:
the + ordinal number + of + month (GB)My birthday is the twenty-second of August.
month + (the) + ordinal numberIndependence Day in the US is July (the) fourth.
Point 5 Inversion
Inversion is used in the following cases:
Case InversionOmission of if 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.
Neither, nor, so neither/nor/so + auxiliary verb + subjectI don’t like aggressive ads – Nor/neither do . (= I don’t either)I really like jazz music. – So do I. (= I do also/too)
After negative adverbial expressions, not ... or only...
negative adverbial expression + auxiliary verb + subjectnot ... / only ...Under no circumstances can we leave the room.Never had I felt like thisOnly after finishing my work can I get a bonus.
So / such ... that So / such ... + auxiliary verb ... thatSo nice is he that I like him.Such a good job did she do that she won our praise.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
Point 6 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 verbCause and
effectPlace Condition Contrast Manner
asbecausein order thatnow thatthatsinceso that
wherewherever
even if ifin caseonceprovided (that)providingunlesswhether (or not)
althougheven thoughthoughwhereaswhile
asas ifas though
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” 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)
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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
HowThe 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
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 ofmost ofnone ofeither of + whom (people)both of + which (things)one ofeach ofetc
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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
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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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
+) 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
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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
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)
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
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.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.
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
B. English or American: differences
+) Grammar differences
Bristish English American EnglishHe 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.
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-ourcolour, honour, humour ...-trecentre, theatre, metre ...-oguecatalogue, analogue, dialogue ...-iseorganise, nationalise ...-encelicence, defence ...anaesthesia, gynaecology ...aluminiumto practiseprogrammegreyjewellerypyjamasspecialitystorey
-orcolor, honor, humor ...-tercenter, theater, meter ...-ogcatalog, analog, dialog ...-izeorganize, nationalize ...-enselicense, defense ...anesthesia, gynecology ...aluminumto practiceprogramgrayjewelrypajamasspecialtystory
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
tyredoughnutchequedraughtaeroplane
tiredonutcheckdraftairplane
+) Vocabulary
English Americanchips french friesspirits liquortin canground floor first floorflat apartmentpublic toilet rest roomlift elevatorcupboard closetrubbish garbage, trashcashpoint ATMbanknote bankbillengaged tone busy tonemobile phone cell phonemanaging director, MD CEOrise (in salary) raiseCV resumesurname last namepost mailpostcode zip codetown center downtowndriving licence driver’s licensepetrol gasrailway railroadpavament sidewalkunderground subwaylorry trucktaxi cabreturn round tripsingle one-waymotorway highway, freewayautumn fallholiday vacationrubber erasertrousers pants
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TOEIC GRAMMAR
handbag purseshop storequeue stand in linepharmacy, chemist drugstoreshopping centre mallfilm moviebill (restaurant) checkestate agent realtor
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