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²Ý·É»ñ»ÝÇ ù»ñ³Ï³ÝáõÃÛ³Ý ¹³ëÁÝÃ³ó - A COURSE OF
ENGLISH GRAMMAR: ºñ¨³ÝÇ ì.´ñÛáõëáíÇ ³Ýí³Ý
å»ï³Ï³Ý É»½í³μ³Ý³Ï³Ý Ñ³Ù³Éë³ñ³ÝÇ I ÏáõñëÇ áõë³-
ÝáÕÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ: ºñ.: ÈÇÝ·í³, 2004. – 337 ¿ç:
¶ñ³Ëáë` º.ØËÇÃ³ñÛ³Ý, åñáý»ëáñ, μ.·.Ã.
ºñ³ßË³íáñí³Í ¿ ì. ´ñÛáõëáíÇ ³Ýí³Ý å»ï³Ï³Ý É»½í³μ³Ý³-
Ï³Ý Ñ³Ù³Éë³ñ³ÝÇ ·Çï³Ï³Ý ËáñÑñ¹Ç, ûï³ñ É»½áõÝ»ñÇ ý³ÏáõÉï
»ïÇ ËáñÑñ¹Ç ¨ ³Ý·É»ñ»ÝÇ ³ÙμÇáÝÇ ÏáÕÙÇó áñå»ë Ó»éÝ³ñÏ ûï
³ñ É»½áõÝ»ñÇ ý³ÏáõÉï»ïÝ»ñÇ áõë³ÝáÕÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
ø 2004Ã. ¶Ø¸ 81.2 ²Ý·É ó7
ISBN 99930-79-25-1 © §ÈÇÝ·í³¦, 2004Ã.
A Course of English Grammar ¹³ë³·ÇñùÁ Ý³Ë³ï»ëí
³Í ¿ ûï³ñ É»½áõÝ»ñÇ ý³ÏáõÉï»ïÝ»ñÇ ³Ý·É»ñ»Ý μ³ÅÝÇ ³é³çÇÝ
ÏáõñëÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
¸³ë³·ñùáõÙ Ñ³ïáõÏ áõß³¹ñáõõÃÛáõÝ ¿ ¹³ñÓí³Í
³Ý·É»ñ»ÝÇ Ó¨³μ³ÝáõÃÛ³Ý ³ÛÝ μ³ÅÇÝÝ»ñÇ íñ³, áñáÝù
³é³ÝÓÝ³ÏÇ μ³ñ¹áõÃÛáõÝ »Ý Ý»ñÏ³Û³óÝáõÙ áõë³ÝáÕÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
¶áñÍÝ³Ï³Ý ³ßË³ï³ÝùÝ»ñÁ ÙÇïí³Í »Ý û·Ý»É áõë³ÝáÕÝ»ñÇÝ
Ñ³ÕÃ³Ñ³ñ»Éáõ ³Û¹ ¹Åí³ñáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ ¨ ½³ñ·³óÝ»Éáõ Ã» ·ñ³íáñ
¨ Ã» μ³Ý³íáñ ËáëùÁ:
¸³ë³·ÇñùÁ μ³ÕÏ³ó³Í ¿ ùë³Ýí»ó ¹³ë»ñÇó /units/:
Úáõñ³ù³ÝãÛáõñ ¹³ë Ý»ñ³éÝáõÙ ¿ ï»ë³Ï³Ý Ù³ëª ÑÇÙÝí³Í
³Ý·É»ñ»ÝÇ ù»ñ³Ï³ÝáõÃÛ³Ý áõëáõóÙ³Ý Å³Ù³Ý³Ï³ÏÇó Ù»Ãá¹Ý»ñÇ
¨ Ùáï»óáõÙÝ»ñÇ íñ³ ¨ ·áñÍÝ³Ï³Ý Ù³ë, áñÁ Ñ³Ù³Ó³ÛÝ»óí³Í ¿
ï»ë³Ï³Ý μ³ÅÝáõÙ Ý»ñÏ³Û³óí³Í ÑÇÙÝ³¹ñáõÛÃÝ»ñÇ Ñ»ï:
¶áñÍÝ³Ï³Ý ³ßË³ï³ÝùÝ»ñÇ μ³ÅÝáõÙ ÁÝ¹·ñÏí³Í
í³ñÅáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ μ³½Ù³μÝáõÛÃ »Ý, ÇëÏ û·ï³·áñÍí³Í É»½áõÝª
³ñ¹Ç³Ï³Ý, ÇÝãÝ ³é³í»É Ù³ïã»ÉÇ ¨ Ñ»ï³ùñùÇñ ¿ ¹³ñÓÝáõÙ
¶áñÍÝ³Ï³Ý ³ßË³ï³ÝùÝ»ñÇ Ûáõñ³ù³ÝãÛáõñ μ³ÅÝÇ
Ñ³çáñ¹áõÙ »Ý ³Ù÷á÷Çã ¨ ³Ùñ³åÝ¹áÕ í³ñÅáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñ:
¸³ë³·ÇñùÝ áõÝÇ ÛáÃ Ñ³í»Éí³Í, áñáÝóáõÙ ³ÕÛáõë³ÏÝ»ñÇ
Ó¨áí Ý»ñÏ³Û³óí³Í »Ý Í³í³ÉáõÝ μ³ÅÇÝÝ»ñÇ ë»ÕÙ μáí³Ý¹³ÏáõÃÛáõÝÁ,
ÇÝãå»ë Ý³¨ Éñ³óáõóÇã ï»Õ»ÏáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñ áñáß ¹³ë»ñÇ
Grammatical Structure of the English Language ……...………………
General Classification of the Parts of Speech ….…………………….. 7
Unit I The Simple Present and The Present Continuous……………… 14
Unit II Simple Past and The Past Continuous ………………………… 34
Unit III The Present Perfect and The Present perfect Continuous…….. 49
Unit IV The Past Perfect and The Past Perfect Continuous .…………. 72
Unit V The Future Time ...……………………………………………. 83
Unit VI The Passive Voice ………………...…………………………. 103
Unit VII Can/Could …………………………………………..………. 122
Unit VIII May/might ………………………………………………….. 135
Unit IX Must (Have to/Had to) ……………………………………….. 144
Unit X Have To/ and To Be To ………………………………………. 155
Unit XI Shall/Should …………………………………………………. 164
Unit XII Will/would ………………………………………………….. 176
Unit XIII Need and Dare ……………………………………………... 184
Unit XIV The Number of Nouns …………………………………...… 198
Unit XV The Case of Nouns ………………………………………….. 207
Unit XVI The Article ………………………………………………… 212
Unit XVII The Adjective ……………………………………………... 228
Unit XVIII The Adverb ………………………………………………. 238
Unit XIX Personal Pronouns, Possessive Pronouns ………………….. 252
Unit XX Reflexive, Emphatic, Reciprocal Pronouns ………………… 259
Unit XXI Demonstrative pronouns …………………………………… 265
Unit XXII Quantitative Pronouns …………………………………….. 272
Unit XXIII Distributive Pronouns…………………………………….. 284
Unit XXIV Relative Pronouns ………………………………………... 297
Unit XXV Conjunctive, Interrogative Pronouns ……………………... 305
Unit XXVI The Numeral ……………………………………………... 313
Languages may be synthetic and analytical according to their
grammatical structure.
In synthetic languages, such as Armenian, the grammatical relations
between words are expressed by means of inflections: ·ñùÇ ¿çÁ, ï³Ý
In analytical languages, such as English, the grammatical relations
between words are expressed by means of form words and word
order: e. g. the page of the book, the walls of the house;
The doctor examined the patient.
In English analytical forms are mostly proper to verbs. An analytical
verb-form consists of one or more form words, which have no lexical
meaning and only express one or more of the grammatical categories
of person, number, tense, aspect, voice, mood and one notional word,
generally an infinitive or a participle (participle I or participle II):
She will speak to him about it.
He is reading a newspaper. The letter has already
200 trees will have been planted by the end of the month.
The analytical forms are:
a) Tense and aspect verb-forms (the Continuous form: They
are talking. The Perfect form: She has been to London. the
Perfect Continuous form: He has been working since he
came home. All the other forms of the Future: I’ll be back
in no time. I’ll be seeing him tomorrow. We’ll have laid
the tables by the time the guests arrive. Also the
interrogative and the negative forms of the Present and Past
Simple: Do you play the piano? I didn’t know you were ill.
b) The Passive voice: I was told about it yesterday.
c) The analytical form of the Subjunctive Mood: If I had had
the money I would have bought that house.
In all these analytical forms the form word is an auxiliary verb.
However, the structure of a language is never purely synthetic or
purely analytical.
Accordingly we find analytical forms in the Armenian language (e. g.
Ëáë»É »Ù, Ëáë»É »ë, Ëáë»É ¾, Ëáë»É ¾Ç, Ù»Í – ³í»ÉÇ Ù»Í – ³Ù»Ý³Ù»Í) and
synthetic forms in the English language (e. g. speaks, went, trees;)
The synthetic forms in the English language are:
1. Endings:
a) –s in the third person singular in the Simple Present: he/she
it plays;
b) –s in the plural of nouns: trees;
c) –s in the genitive case: my brother’s girlfriend;
d) –ed in the Past Simple of regular verbs: We revised the rules
2. Inner flexions: tooth – teeth, write wrote;
3. The synthetic forms of the Subjunctive mood: were, be,
have; (for all the persons): It is demanded that all the
students be present at the meeting.
Owing to the scarcity of synthetic forms in the English language, the
word order acquires extreme importance. As it has been mentioned
above, it helps to express the grammatical relations between words.
Unlike Armenian, the order of words in English is fixed. Compare:
I went home.
ºë ·Ý³óÇ ïáõÝ: îáõÝ ·Ý³óÇ »ë: ¶Ý³óÇ »ë ïáõÝ:
According to their meaning, morphological characteristics and
syntactic functions, words fall under certain classes called parts of
We distinguish between notional and structural parts of speech.
The notional parts of speech perform certain functions in the
sentence: the functions of subject, predicate, attribute, object, or
adverbial modifier.
The notional parts of speech are:
1. the noun
2. the adjective
3. the pronoun
4. the numeral
5. the verb
6. the adverb
The structural parts of speech serve either to express various
relations between words and sentences (prepositions and
conjunctions) or to specify or emphasize the meanings of words
(articles and particles). The structural parts of speech have no
independent function in the sentence.
The structural parts of speech are:
1. the preposition
2. the conjunction
3. the particle
4. the article
Modal words, interjections, words of affirmation and negation are
words which are characterized by peculiar meanings of various kinds
(e. g. yes, no, certainly, unfortunately, oh, alas, etc.). They do not
perform any syntactic function in the sentence and have no
grammatical connection with the sentence in which they occur. They
are called independent elements.
The verb is a part of speech which denotes an action. The verb has
the following grammatical categories: person, number, tense,
aspect, voice and mood. These categories can be expressed by
means of affixes, inner flexion and by form words.
1. According to their morphological structure verbs are divided into:
a) simple: ask, live, write;
b) derived (having affixes): widen, simplify, demonstrate,
resell, disarm, unload, overdo, organize;
c) compound (consisting of two stems): whitewash,
daydream, browbeat;
d) composite (consisting of a verb and a postposition of
adverbial origin): run away, sit down, look up:
The postposition often changes the meaning of the verb with
which it is associated.
to give up, to bring up, to do away;
2. Verbs have:
a) Finite forms which can be used as the predicate of a
b) Non-finite forms - verbals (infinitive, participle I, participle
II and gerund) which cannot be used as the predicate of a
a) She speaks perfect English. (predicate)
b) Her dream is to become an actress. (infinitive used as a
3. According to the way of forming the past simple and the participle
II, all verbs may be divided into three groups: regular verbs,
irregular verbs and mixed verbs.
Regular verbs form the past simple and participle II by adding –ed
to the stem of the verb, or –d if the stem of the verb ends in –e.
The pronunciation of the –ed (-d) depends on the sound preceding it.
It is pronounced:
[id] after t, d: parted, handed;
[d] after voiced consonants except d and after vowels: signed,
[t] after voiceless consonants except t: booked, worked;
The following spelling rules should be observed:
a) Final y is changed into i before adding –ed if it is preceded
by a consonant:
study – studied, hurry- hurried
y remains unchanged if it is preceded by a vowel.
enjoy enjoyed, play - played
b) If a verb ends in a consonant preceded by a short stressed
vowel, the final consonant is doubled.
stop – stopped, sob – sobbed, plan - planned
c) Final r is doubled if it is preceded by a stressed vowel.
prefer – preferred,
refer – referred
occur - occurred
Final r is not doubled if it is preceded by a diphthong.
appear - appeared
fear – feared
d) Final l is doubled when preceded by a short vowel, stressed
or unstressed.
travel – travelled
quarrel – quarrelled
Irregular verbs form their past simple and participle II in different
swim – swam – swum (change of the root vowel)
take – took – taken (change their root vowel and add -en)
hold – held – held (change their root vowel and add -d)
bring – brought – brought (change their root vowel and
add -t)
lend – lent – lent (change their final -d into -t)
cut –cut – cut (have the same form)
go – went – gone (verbs whose forms come from different
be – was/were – been, do – did – done, make – made -
made (special irregular verbs)
Mixed verbs. Their Past Simple is of the regular type, and their
Participle II is of the irregular type:
sow – sowed – sown
show – showed – shown
4. Semantically all verbs can be divided into two groups –
terminative and non – terminative (durative) verbs.
Terminative verbs imply a limit beyond which the action cannot
continue: to refuse, to break, to bring, to open;
Non – terminative (durative) verbs do not imply any such limit and
the action can go on indefinitely: to live, to exist, to speak, to know;
But as most verbs in English are polysemantic they may be
terminative in one meaning and non –terminative in another. The
meaning of the verb becomes clear from the context. Compare:
I saw that film a week ago. (terminative)
I don’t believe in fairies. I never see any. (non -
5. English verbs can be divided into notional, auxiliary, and link
verbs from the semantic and the syntactic point of view.
a) Notional verbs have a lexical meaning of their own and can
have an independent syntactic function (a simple predicate)
in the sentence.
He left early this morning.
b) Auxiliary verbs are those which have lost their meaning and
are used as form words, thus having only a grammatical
function. Here belong such verbs as to do, to be, to have,
shall, should;
I have lost my way.
c) Link verbs have to a smaller or greater extent lost their
meaning and are used in compound nominal predicate. Here
belong such verbs as to be, to get, to turn, to become, to
sound, to taste, to smell, to appear;
When water freezes and becomes solid we call it ice.
In different contexts the same verb can be used as a notional verb
and an auxiliary verb or a link verb.
Her sister is in London now. (notional verb)
She is reading a telegram. (auxiliary verb)
She is a doctor. (link verb)
There is a special group of verbs which cannot be used without
additional words, though they have a meaning of their own. These
are modal verbs such as can/could may/might, must, ought to,
shall/should, will/would etc,
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
You should see a doctor.
6. English verbs fall into two groups – transitive and intransitive
Transitive verbs take a direct object (they express an action which
passes on to a person or thing directly). Examples are invite, give,
send, make, see, show, to love;
She took the letter and went out.
Intransitive verbs do not require any object. Here belong such verbs
as stand, laugh, hear, think, go, come, swim;
As we stood on the steps, we felt the smell of fallen leaves
coming from the garden.
There are verbs whose primary meaning is transitive and whose
secondary meaning is intransitive. Examples are sell, read, add, act;
This book reads well. She is reading a book.
“And don’t be late,” he added.” They added a second
bathroom to the house.
Some intransitive verbs can be used as transitive verbs when they
obtain a causative meaning (the person or thing denoted by the
object is made to perform the action.) Here belong such verbs as
work (³ßË³ï»óÝ»É), starve (ëáí³Ù³Ñ ³Ý»É), run (í³½»óÝ»É);
The stream which worked the mill came bubbling down in
a dozen rivulets.
For that man, I’ve been running people through the front
Are you running your horse in the next race? (to cause an
animal to take part)
There are verbs which in different contexts can be transitive or
intransitive. Here belong such verbs as to open, to move, to turn, to
change, to drop;
She is changing the baby. (transitive)
Will he ever change or will he always be selfish?
The door opened and he walked in. (intransitive)
The maid opened the door and showed the guest in.
7. Tense and Aspect
English verb. This category denotes the relation of the action either
future. The category of aspect shows the way in which the action
develops, whether it is in progress or completed.
Some of the English tenses denote time relations (the Indefinite form
– Simple Present, Simple Past, Simple Future) others denote both
time and aspect relations (Continuous, Perfect, Perfect Continuous).
There are four groups of tenses: Indefinite, Continuous, Perfect
and Perfect Continuous. Each of these forms includes four tenses:
Present, Past, Future and Future in the Past. Thus there are 16 tenses
in English.
For Voice, see Unit VI
Simple present
Formation and pronunciation
The simple present is formed from the infinitive without the particle
to. In the third person singular it has the suffix -s /-es.
-s is pronounced [z] after voiced consonants and vowels: bring –
brings, stay – stays
[s] after voiceless consonants: pack – packs, put – puts
-es is pronounced [Iz] after sibilants –s, -ss, -z, -ch, -sh, -x: dress –
dresses, buzz – buzzes, watch – watches, wash – washes, fix –
fixes and
[z] after –o preceded by a consonant go – goes, do - does
In the third person singular y changes to ie+s if it is preceded by a
study – studies, apply - applies
y remains unchanged if it is preceded by a vowel:
play – plays, spray - sprays
Simple present has different uses. It is not only used to express
present time situations, but also to refer to future and past events.
General time
1 The simple present is often used:
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I play do I play? I do not play
you play do you play? you do not play
he/she/it plays does he/she/it play? he/she/it doesn’t play
we play do we play? we do not (don’t) play
they play do they play? they do not play
a) To talk about things in general.
Bob’s father is a good doctor.
I don’t like milk.
Ann studies at the University.
Mountain Everest is in Nepal.
b) To describe actions or events that happen all the time or
repeatedly. This use of the simple present is often associated
with such adverbial modifiers of frequency as sometimes,
seldom, often, occasionally, always, never, ever, every
day/week/month/year, daily, once/twice a
week/month/year, on Mondays/Sundays etc.
Her mother goes to that health resort twice a year.
Bob often goes to her parties.
c) To express a general statement or a universal truth.
A mother’s love means devotion, unselfishness, sacrifice.
A bad workman quarrels with his tools. (saying)
Air consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen.
The moon goes round the earth.
Characterizing a person/thing
2. We can give a general characteristic to the person (or thing) using
the simple present tense.
Like all young men, he likes to do everything in his own
This tree gives a pleasant shade.
3. We often use the simple present when we ask for and give
directions and instructions.
-How do I get to the Opera House?
-You go straight ahead and then turn to the right
First (you) boil some water. Then warm the teapot. Then
add three teaspoons of tea. Next pour on boiling water.
4. The simple present is common in summaries of plays, stories etc.
In Act I Hamlet meets the ghost of his father. The ghost tells
This book is about a man who deserts his family and goes to
live on an island.
5. We use the simple present with the verb say when we are asking
about notices or very recently received letters or quoting from
- What does that notice say?
- It says, “No parking.”
I see you’ve received a letter from your mother. What does
she say?
Shakespeare says, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.”
Temporary situations
6. The simple present isn’t usually used to talk about temporary
situations or actions that are only going on around the present.
However, the simple present is used:
a) With verbs that cannot normally be used in continuous
“Do you see anything from here?” “No, I can neither see
nor hear the actors.”
b) In stage directions to express succession of point actions
taking place at the moment of speaking (however, the
present continuous is used for the ‘background’ - the
situations that are already happening when the story starts, or
that continue through the story).
Gwendolen (reproachfully): Mamma!
Lady Bracknell: in the carriage, Gwendolen!
(Gwendolen goes to the door. She and Jack blow kisses to
each other behind Lady Bracknell.)
When the curtain rises, Juliet is sitting at her desk. The
phone rings. She picks it up and listens quietly…
c) In commentaries (radio and TV)
Lydiard passes to Taylor, Taylor to Morrison, Morrison
back to Taylor… and Taylor shoots – and it’s a goal!
7. The simple present is preferred to the present continuous when the
happening itself is more important for the speaker than the
progress of the action. This use of the simple present is also found
in exclamatory, interrogative, and negative – interrogative
You two talk nonsense! I won’t listen to such nonsense!
Do you know who that singing girl is? Oh my God, how
beautifully she sings!
Where are your examples? Why don’t you illustrate what
you say?
Talking about the future
8. The simple present is used to refer to future events if they are part
of a timetable or a program (entertainment programs, itineraries),
fixed events (which are not simply the wishes of the speaker),
calendar references.
The train leaves at 10.30.
On day three we visit Stratford - upon- Avon.
Tom retires in three years.
Tomorrow is Friday.
Christmas is on a Tuesday next year.
9. The use of the simple present is structurally dependent in a) time
clauses b) conditional clauses c) concessive clauses and d) in
object clauses after to see (that), to take care (that) to make sure
(that)) when the action refers to the future.
a) Clauses of time referring to the future may be introduced by
the conjunctions when, while, till, until, after, before, as
soon as, once.
Don’t be late, honey. She won’t go to bed till you come.
Please phone me as soon as you get there.
b) Clauses of condition are introduced by the conjunctions if,
unless, on condition (that), provided (providing) and in
I won’t forgive him unless he apologizes.
We’ll go on a picnic if it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
c) Clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions
even if, even though, no matter how, whenever,
wherever, whatever etc.
Even if he gets angry, I’ll try not to argue with him.
She will follow him whenever he goes.
d) Object clauses after to see, to take care and make sure are
introduced by the conjunction that or joined asyndetically.
She will take care that nobody hurts the boy at that school.
I’ll make sure that nobody overhears us.
Note: In clauses other than those of time and condition, the Simple Future is
used even if these clauses are introduced by the conjunctions if and
Don’t wait here! I can’t say when he’ll be back. (object clause)
She simply wants to know if you will show that letter to them.
(object clause)
10. The use of the simple present with reference to the future is also
structurally dependent in some special questions.
Where do we go now?
When do they start?
‘Historic’ present
11. We may find the simple present in literary style to describe a
succession of actions in the past (especially to make the narration
seem more immediate, vivid and dramatic). It is often called
historic or dramatic Present.
She arrives full of life and spirit. And about a quarter of
an hour later she sits down in a chair, says she doesn’t
feel well, gasps a bit and dies.
12. The simple present is used with a perfect or past meaning in
introductory expressions like I hear, I see, I gather, I
I gather he doesn’t want to marry her.
I hear they have bought a new house.
Present continuous
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I am working am I working? I am not working
you are working are you working? you are not working
he/she/it is working is he/she/it working? he/she/it isn’t working
we are working are we working? we aren’t working
they are working are they working? they aren’t working
Formation and spelling
The present continuous is built up by means of the auxiliary verb to
be in the simple present and the participle I. The suffix –ing is
added to the stem of the verb. In writing the following spelling rules
should be observed:
A mute –e at the end of the verb is dropped before the suffix –ing:
rise – rising, give - giving
put – putting, begin - beginning
Final –r is doubled if it is preceded by a stressed vowel:
occ′ur – occ′urring, ref′er - ref′erring
Final –l is always doubled:
travel – travelling, quarrel – quarrelling (Am. Eng. –
traveling, quarreling)
The present continuous is generally used to talk about temporary
actions and situations that are going on ‘around now’(before, during
and after the moment of speaking).
‘Around now’
1. We use the present continuous to talk about temporary actions and
situations that are going on ‘around now’.
She can’t answer the telephone. She is bathing the baby at
the moment.
2. It is used for an action happening about this time but not
necessarily at the moment of speaking:
- What are you doing these days?
- I am writing an interesting book about wild animals.
3. We also use the present continuous to talk about developing and
changing situations, even if these are long-lasting.
Let's stay at home today. The weather is changing for the
The population of the world is rising.
The universe is expanding, and it has been expanding since
its beginning.
Annoying habits
4. The present continuous is used to say that something happens
more often than we think it normal or reasonable. This use of the
present continuous gives an emotional colouring to the statement.
Often such adverbials as always, constantly, continually. are
found in these sentences. Compare:
Ann says that her granny always complains though she has
nothing to complain of.
(It merely means that her granny does it regularly)
Ann says that her granny is always complaining though
she has nothing to complain of. (It means that Ann’s granny
complains more often than Ann thinks it normal or
Their new car is always breaking down. They want to sell
Note: Notice the following sentence patterns:
I wonder if all grown-up people play that childish way when nobody is
When Adeline is grinning we know she is happy.
Talking about the future
5. The Present Continuous is used mostly to talk about fixed plans,
personal arrangements in the near future, especially when the time
and place have been decided.
We are leaving for Boston in a week.
“I am sailing early next month,” John said.
6. We can also use be going + infinitive to talk about future plans.
This structure is used:
a) To emphasizes the idea of intention, of a decision that has
already been made.
We’re going to buy a new house.
Bob and Ann are going to get married.
b) To predict the future on the basis of present evidence.
Look at the sky. It’s going to rain.
Look out! We’re going to crash!
Verbs not used in progressive forms
7. Some verbs are never or hardly ever used in progressive forms.
Many of these non-progressive verbs refer to states rather than
actions. Some refer to mental states (e. g. know, believe, think);
some others refer to the use of the senses (e. g. smell, taste);
Common non- progressive verbs
Believe, belong, consist, contain, doubt, fit, have, know, like, love, hate,
matter, mean, own, owe, prefer, understand, seem, suppose, suspect,
want, wish, agree, forbid, forget, find, need, hear, see, notice, respect,
care for, refuse, remember, feel, measure, taste, smell, weigh, think,
expect, depend, impress, etc.
Progressive and non – progressive uses
8. Some verbs have a stative meaning and a different active meaning.
Typical examples are: be, feel, depend, have, measure, taste,
smell, weigh, think, see, like, hear, expect;
be used to imply that the subject is temporarily exhibiting some
(be in the meaning of behave + adjective)
You are being silly today.
see meaning meet by appointment, interview, visit:
I am seeing my parents tomorrow.
feel in the medical sense can take either form:
How does she feel today?
How is she feeling today?
expect when it means await:
I am expecting an important letter today.
weigh to measure (by means of scale) how heavy something or
somebody is.
Sue is weighing herself on the scales.
smell to use one's sense of smell:
She is smelling the fish.
hear meaning receive news of or from:
Are you hearing anything from him?
have except when it means possession (have can be used in the
continuous form when it is a part of a set phrase, as in: to have a
smoke, to have a walk, to have breakfast/lunch/dinner/supper, to
have tea/coffee, to have a good holiday, to have a bath/shower; or
when it is followed by the words problem, difficulty, trouble).
The weather is fine and we are having a wonderful time
They are having some problems with their son.
9. Sometimes some of the non – progressive verbs may also be
occasionally used in the continuous form, though on the whole, it
is not typical of them. In this case the continuous form gives them
emotional colouring.
“Dear Amy,
I’ve already forgotten all about it. I’m liking my new life
here very much ”
They are always wanting to do something they should not
10. Some durative (non-terminative) verbs may be used either in the
simple present or in the present continuous without any marked
change in the meaning. Here belong such verbs as to shine, to
hope, to wear, to look (= to seem) and some others.
We have had no news from him but we are still hoping.
She was wearing (wore) a coat and heavy shoes when I saw
Ex.1. Explain the use of the Simple Present in the following
1. “ Women always think men have secret sorrows. It’s a way of
separating them from other women”. “And men like you, Hilary,
always think women are against other women”, said Laura. 2. This
newspaper provides more foreign news than domestic news. 3.
Shakespeare says, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be”. 4. May I put
my car away in your garage in case anyone comes. 5. The pen is
mightier than the sword. 6. When the curtain rises, Juliet is sitting at
her desk. The phone rings. She picks it up and listens quietly.
Meanwhile the window opens and a masked man enters the room. 7.
“So do you want to get married?” I said. –“ All right. Yes, I do want
to get married, I think perhaps I do want to get married to Arthur”. 8.
We leave London at 10 a. m. next Tuesday and arrive in Paris at 1 o
clock. We spend 2 hours in Paris and leave again at 3.30. 9. I expect
I’ll do whatever you say”, she said. 10. Barbara held out a hand,
“And say hello to Sandy for me if you see her”. 11. In Mexico people
often take a siesta (nap) after they have lunch. 12. “I’ll resign before
I let her insult me again”, she said angrily. 13. When he went into his
study Helen said, “I’ll make sure that nobody disturbs you.” 14. “It’s
too late to go anywhere. “What do we do then?” 15. Oh my God,
how beautifully she sings! 16. Please see that the children don’t get
nervous. 17. This house is mine; I own it. 18. I hate to trouble you
but you are sitting on my hat. 19. However much you cry, I won’t
change my mind. 20. She bit with her hand on the back of the sofa
and cried to them: “You talk too much.” 21. “Why don’t you listen to
me? Am I a boring speaker?” asked Mother.22. “Why don’t you
phone me tomorrow?” he said. 23. Air consists mainly of nitrogen
and oxygen. 24. They are having some problems with their son. 25.
Do you suppose she is telling the truth? 26. … Smith passes to
Devaney, Devaney to Barns, Barns to Lucas and Harris
intercepts…Harris to Simms, nice ball and Simms shoots!
Ex. 2. Give the third person forms of the verbs in these sentences.
Show whether you would pronounce the third person form as /s/,
/z/ or /Iz/
Example: We often see them. She …. often sees them. /z/
1. They work hard. He……………………………… / /
2. I often forget things. Mother…………………… / /
3. They drink a lot of coffee. He …………………… / /
4. We pay $ 50 a week rent. She …………………… / /
5. My children cry at sad films. Granny …………… / /
6. I rush around a lot. My brother ………………… / /
7. They often lose things. Sally ……………………. / /
8. We go to the dentist every six months. He ……… / /
9. We usually catch the 6 o’clock train. …………… / /
10. I often use his car. She …………………………./ /
Ex. 3. Comment on the use of the Present Continuous and the
Simple Present in the following sentences.
“Normally you are very sensible, so why are you being so silly about
this matter?” 2. Son, I am not going to send you any more money this
month. You are spending far too much. You need to learn to be more
careful. 3. We got an invitation in the mail from Ron and Maureen.
They are having dinner party next Saturday evening. 4. You two are
always assuming people are unhappy so that you can pity them. 5.
Thanks for your invitation, but I am going to have dinner with my
sister and her husband. 6. Opinion is changing in favour of stronger
penalties for armed robbery. 7. The shops are getting ready for
Christmas already. They are beginning to put up the decorations in
Regent Street. 8. They haven’t got anywhere to live at the moment.
They are living with friends until they find somewhere. 9. The world
is changing. Things never stay the same. 10 I want to lose weight, so
this week I am not eating lunch. 11. My grandmother is never
satisfied. She is always complaining. 12. That car is useless! It’s
always breaking down. 13. I apologize for what I said about you. 14.
The new restaurant in Hill Street is very good. I recommend it.
Ex. 4. Add –ing to the verbs in these sentences.
Example: I am …… copying the text. (copy)
1. I’m ……….. …… of thirst. (die)
2. He is …………… abroad. (travel)
3. She …………… on her coat. (put)
4. Mother is ………. the beds. (make)
5. He is ……………. my bag. (carry)
6. Ann is ………… a letter. (write)
7. Sue is ……………the piano. (play)
8. He is ……………. his work tomorrow. (begin)
9. It isn’t ………… to you. (refer)
10. I think he ………very fast. (age)
Verbs which in different contexts have different meanings
Ex. 5. Make up situations to justify the use of the Simple Present
and Present Continuous in the following pairs of sentences.
1. The head teacher is expecting you.
2. All I expect of them is a little kindness.
3. I am tasting the cake.
4. It tastes good.
5. Tom is thinking of emigrating.
6. What do you think of it.
7. Why are you smelling the fish?
8. The fish smells bad.
9. He has a country house with a large garden.
10. They are having some problems with their sons.
11. The parcel weighs 10 kilos.
12. She is weighing the baby.
13. It depends what you mean.
14. I am depending on you, so don’t make any mistakes.
15. This room measures 10 meters across.
16. The doctor is measuring out a dose of medicine.
17. Are you hearing anything from Andy these days?
18. Don’t shout I hear you quite well.
Ex. 6. Complete the sentences with the Simple Present or Present
Continuous of the verbs in parentheses.
1. That man is twice my weight. He (to weigh) 98 kilos.
2. I (to weigh) myself on the scales. I think I am over weight
3. Martha is at the market. Right now she (to look) at the figs.
She wants to buy some. They (to look) fresh.
4. Sue is in the science building. The chemistry experiment she
is doing now is very dangerous, so she (to be) very careful.
She doesn’t want to spill any of the acid. She (to be) always
careful when she does a chemistry experiment.
5. “Susie! Get your fingers out of the dessert! What are you
doing?” “I am (to taste) the cake. It (to taste) good.”
6. Mrs. Edwards (to have) a cat and a dog. They are always
7. Don’t disturb your father, Bob! He (to have) an important
conversation with his boss.
8. “Will you listen to him?” “That (to depend).”
9. Don’t let him down. He (to depend) on you.
10. I (to smell) something burning. Is there anything cooking on
the stove?
11. Look! The child (to smell) the flower. He is imitating the
12. Where did you buy these sheets? They (to feel) soft.
13. Close the door, please. I (to feel) cold. I (to feel) that I am
going to get ill.
14. “I still (to think) about John.” “I (not to think) you should
worry about him.”
15. “I have an appointment with Mr. Jackson”. “Yes, I know. He
(to expect) you” said the secretary.
16. I haven’t seen Carol today. I (to expect) her to phone me this
Ex. 7. A) Supply an appropriate form of the verb to be and the
present participle of the verbs in parentheses. The usual pattern
of such sentences is:
There + be + subject + verb + prepositional phrase
Examples: a) There is a concert taking place at school tonight.
b) There isn’t much water running in the rivers now.
c) Is there anyone working in that office now?
1. There (to be) nobody (to live) on the moon.
2. There (not to be) anyone (to speak) about me behind my back..
3. (to be) there any people (to swim) in the pool?
4. There (to be) someone outside in the hall (to wait) for me.
5. There (to be) a political discussion (to take place) tonight.
6. (to be) there anyone (to live) in that house?
7. There (not to be) any roses (to grow) in my garden this
8. There (to be) something very important (to take place) in my
life right now.
B) Make up your own sentences using the pattern and the
Present Continuous Tense. Explain the difference between the
two sentences.
Example: There is a man standing at the door. (¸é³Ý Ùáï
Ï³Ý·Ý³Í Ù³ñ¹ Ï³:)
The man is standing at the door. (Ø³ñ¹Á Ï³Ý·Ý³Í ¿
¹é³Ý Ùáï.)
The student is working in the next room.
There is a student working in the next room.
Ex. 8. Use the proper tense-aspect form to express future actions
in the following sentences.
1. I am sorry, I can’t say when she (to be) home.
2. If interview (to go) well, I shall get that job.
3. Joseph, see that there (to be) plenty of lamps for the guests.
4. What time the train (to leave) for Nottingham?
5. Mary and Adam’s wedding (to be) next week.
6. Norah said: “I (to go) home tomorrow. My law term (to begin)
7. She looked at her husband. “I am nervous. What I (to tell)
8. The next plane (to leave) Salt Lake at six o’clock.
9. I wonder if the agent (to manage) to make contact with him in
10. I am sure we will have peace together when he (to be) gone.
11. Her voice was sharp and commanding: “I (not to go) home
alone. Come on.”
12. “What we (to do) now?” she asked as they reached the street.
13. Don’t ask me any more questions. I only know that he (to leave)
the country tomorrow.
14. I am Dr. Salt. And I have an appointment with your chief. Now
where I (to go) in?
15. “Do you know what time we (to arrive) at the frontier?” asked
the soldier.
Ex. 9. Rewrite each sentence, beginning as shown, so that the
meaning stays the same.
Example: I study hard, so I spend a lot of time in the library.
I study hard, and it means that I spend a lot of time in the
(or this means spending a lot of time in the library)
1. Sunrise is at 4.30 tomorrow morning.
2. The cost of the excursions is part of the price of the holiday.
3. What is the weight of that piece of meat?
4. Paul is ill. He has flue.
5. Charles and his father are exactly alike.
6. What’s your opinion of Wendy’s new painting?
7. How long is that wall?
8. Never mind about the price, just buy it!
9. Nigel keeps interrupting me.
10. Do you enjoy modern music?
Ex. 10. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ºë Ï³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ ³Ûë ·ÇñùÁ Ù»Í Ñ³çáÕáõÃÛáõÝ ÏáõÝ»Ý³:
2. æ»ÛÝÁ ³ñÓ³Ïáõñ¹áõÙ ¿, ³Û¹ å³ï×³éáí ÈÇÝ¹³Ý ¿ í³ñáõÙ
Ýñ³ ·áñÍ»ñÁ:
3. ²Ûá, ÇÝãå»¯ë ¿ Å³Ù³Ý³ÏÁ ÃéãáõÙ, - ÝÏ³ï»ó ÈÇÉÇÝ:
4. ºñÏïáÕ ·ñÇñ Ýñ³Ý ¨ Ñ»ï¨Çñ, áñ ³ÛÝ Å³Ù³Ý³ÏÇÝ
5. ØÇ ûñ Ï³é³í³ñáõÃÛáõÝÝ ÇëÏ³å»ë ÏÑ³ñóÝÇ Ù³ñ¹Ï³Ýó Ã»
ÇÝã »Ý Ýñ³Ýù áõ½áõÙ:
6. ÎÛ³ÝùÁ ã³÷³½³Ýó Ï³ñ× ¿, áñå»ë½Ç ãÝãÇÝ μ³Ý»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ
7. ¸áõ ÇÝÓ ß³ï »ë ¹áõñ ·³ÉÇë, μ³Ûó »ë ù»½ ã»Ù ëÇñáõÙ, - å³-
ï³ëË³Ý»ó È³áõñ³Ý:
8. ÐÇÙ³ Ç±Ýã »Ýù ³Ý»Éáõ, - Ñ³ñóñ»ó Í»ñ ïÇÏÇÝÁ »ñμ Ñ³ë³Ý
9. ²ÙáõëÝáõ Ó³ÛÝÁ ëáõñ ¨ ÇßËáÕ ¿ñ. - ºë Ùï³¹Çñ ã»Ù Ù»Ý³Ï
ïáõÝ ·Ý³É: ¶Ý³Ýù, ßï³åÇñ:
10. ºë ã·Çï»Ù` ÇÝã ³Ý»É: ¸áõ ÙÇßï μáÕáùáõÙ »ë ÇÙ ËáÑ³ñ³-
ñáõÃÛáõÝÇó /»÷»Éáõó/:
11. â»Ù Ñ³ëÏ³ÝáõÙ` ÇÝãáõ± ¿ Ý³ ³Û¹ù³Ý »ë³ëÇñ³μ³ñ å³ÑáõÙ
Çñ»Ý ³Ûëûñ: êáíáñ³μ³ñ Ý³ ³Û¹åÇëÇÝ ã¿:
12. Æ±Ýã »ë Ï³ñÍáõÙ, á±í ¿ ³Û¹ Ù³ñ¹Á, ¨ ÇÝãáõ± ¿ Ý³ Ù»½ ³Û¹å»ë
13. ¸áõ å»ïù ¿ ÃáõÛÉ ï³ë, áñ »°ë í×³ñ»Ù ×³ßÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ, »ë
åÝ¹áõÙ »Ù:
14. ÐÇÙ³ ³Û¹ Éë³ñ³ÝáõÙ ùÝÝáõÃÛáõÝ Ñ³ÝÓÝáÕ áñ¨¿ áõë³ÝáÕ
15. ¸³ ÇÙ Ù»ÕùÝ ¿: ºë Ý»ñáÕáõÃÛáõÝ »Ù ËÝ¹ñáõÙ, - ³ë³ó Ý³
16. â»±ë ï»ëÝáõÙ, áñ Ý³ Ñ³ñμ³Í ¿. Ýñ³ÝÇó ÏáÝÛ³ÏÇ Ñáï ¿
17. ¸»ÛíÁ Ñ³×³Ë ¿ ³Ý³ËáñÅáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñ áõÝ»ÝáõÙ áõëáõóÇãÝ»ñÇ
18. ºë ã·Çï»Ù, Ã» »ñμ ¿ å³ïíÇñ³ÏáõÃÛáõÝÁ Å³Ù³Ý»Éáõ,
ë³Ï³ÛÝ »ñμ Ýñ³Ýù ³Ûëï»Õ ÉÇÝ»Ý, Ù»Ýù Ýñ³Ýó å³ïíÇÝ
×³ßÏ»ñáõÛÃ ÏÏ³½Ù³Ï»ñå»Ýù.
19. ²Û¹ù³Ý ÇÝùÝ³Ñ³í³Ý ÙÇ »ÕÇñ, ¹³ ù»½ ãÇ ë³½áõÙ:
20. - ÆÝãá±õ »ë ³Û¹å»ë ÑÇ³ó³Í Ý³ÛáõÙ ÇÝÓ:
-¸áõ ÑÇ³Ý³ÉÇ ï»ëù áõÝ»ë ³Ûëûñ:
21. ÆÝãá±õ »ë ³åáõñÇó Ñáï ù³ßáõÙ, ê»Ù: ÆÝãá±õ ã»ë áõïáõÙ: ²ÛÝ
ß³ï Ñ³Ù»Õ ¿:
22. ¸áõù Ñ³Ý»ÉáõÏÝ»ñáí »ù ËáëáõÙ ³Ûëûñ, »ë Ó»½ ã»Ù
Ex. 11. Find and correct the errors in the following sentences. All
of the mistakes are in verb tense form and usage.
1. The bank lent us money for a downpayment; so now we are
owning the house we used to rent.
2. Look at Joan. She bites her fingernails. She must be nervous.
3. He won’t let anyone see the painting until it will be finished.
4. I am feeling that you don’t want to join us.
5. These shoes are feeling tight.
6. He is owing an apology and an explanation to us.
7. The other big island, which is lying to the west of Great
Britain, is Ireland.
8. This box is weighing a lot. It is too heavy for me to lift.
9. Juan! What’s the matter with your hand. It bleeds.
10. I think about the verbs in this grammar practice right now. I am
thinking all of my answers are correct, but I’ll use the answer
key to check them when I’ll finish, just to make sure.
Ex. 12. Use either the Simple Present or the Present Continuous
of the verbs in the list to complete the sentences. Use each verb
only one time.
to retire to go fishing to be to name
to exaggerate to expect need to prefer
to suppose to walk to get over to see to (to repair)
to fight to feel to shrink to stand
to overhear not to do to contain to prepare
to depend to burn to realize to go
1. Pete was ill, but he… his illness now.
2. People traditionally… coloured eggs at Easter.
3. “Write and tell her you won’t come on Thursday, Tell her you
… it isn't right.”
4. My two children don’t get along. It seems they always….
5. The plumber is here. He … that leak in our tank.
6. At the further end of the village… the medieval church.
7. That sweater won’t fit you if you wash it in hot water. Wool
… in hot water.
8. I… that she will phone tonight.
9. Norah see that there... enough champagne for the guests.
10. “Tell her to come and see me if she … a medical attention or a
11. Stay by the door and make sure that nobody … us.
12. My car has broken down, so I … to work these days.
13. That’s the best we can hope for, I….
14. I hear our boss … tomorrow.
15. If all … well, I shall finish it in a fortnight.
16. “If you feel so strongly”, she said, “Why … you it?”
17. “Will you come?” – “That …, will Sue be there?”
18. Come on! Tell me everything. I … with curiosity to know
what happened to you yesterday.
19. I think I’ll buy this atlas. It … forty maps.
20. In nine cases out of ten children … chocolate ice-cream.
21. If you always … people will no longer believe you.
22. “And how about you? … you still … on Saturday mornings?”
23. “Ladies and gentlemen, I … this ship HMS Victory.”
24. … you … that we have been here for six months already?
Ex. 13. Put each verb in brackets into the most suitable present
I work in a large office with about thirty other people, most of whom
I (to know) quite well. We (to spend) most of the day together, so we
have all become friends. In fact, most of my colleagues are so
interesting that I (to think) of writing a book about them!
(To take) Helen Watson, for example. Helen (to run) the accounts
department. At the moment she (to go out) with Bob Balantine, one
of the sales representatives, and they (to seem) very happy together.
But everyone except Helen apparently (to know) that Bob always (to
make) eyes at Susan Porter. But I (to happen) to know that Susan (to
dislike) Bob. “I can't’ stand people who (to apologies) all the time!”
She told me. “And besides, I know he (to deceive) poor Helen. He
(to see) Betty Wills from the overseas department.” And plenty of
other interesting things (to go on). For instance, every week money
(to disappear from the petty cash box. When you (to realize) that
someone in your office is a thief, it (to upset) you at first. But I (also
try) to catch whoever it is before the police (to be called in). I’m
going to tell you who I (suspect), well, not yet anyway.
Ex.14. Comment on the following questions.
1. What do people do that irritates you?
2. Why are you irritated by these things?
3. Do you think you have any annoying habits?
4. What do you do to overcome these habits?
Simple past
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I broke did I break? I did not break
you broke did you break? you did not break
he/she broke did he/ she/it break? he/she/it did not break
we broke did we break? we did not break
they broke did they break? they did not (didn’t) break
(For the formation, pronunciation and spelling of the simple past, see
The Verb.)
The simple past tense is generally used to talk about past events:
short finished actions and happenings, longer situations, and repeated
events. It is often used with references to finished periods and
moments of time.
Past events
1. We use the simple past to express a single accomplished action in
the past. The time of the action is usually indicated by adverbs and
adverbial phrases such as yesterday, the day before yesterday,
the previous day/week/month/year, two /three/ a few/some
days/weeks/years/ centuries ago, last week/month /year etc.
A burglar broke into our house last week.
I heard of it through a friend of mine a few days ago.
He first became a member of parliament in 1991.
Note1: The time of the action may be implied in the situation through the
mention of the place or other attending circumstances.
-Did you buy anything in Paris? (the speaker knows when she
was in Paris)
- Yes, I bought clothing and a lot of toys for my little daughter.
Note 2: Sometimes the mention of the time or the place of the action
appears unnecessary because the action is definite in the mind of
the speaker and the hearer.
“Did you speak to her?” “No, I didn’t dare. She looked so
2. We can also use the simple past in narration to express a
succession of actions in the past.
It was a hot summer evening. Brenda took a bath, dressed
and then phoned John’s parents.
He opened the drawer, took out a revolver and rushed out
of the room.
These actions may be either short finished actions or actions of some
duration occupying a whole period of time.
She stayed with them for about three months and then
decided to move to Belgium.
She looked at him for a long time and then shrugged.
He spent all his youth in Russia.
Time relation
3. We may find the simple past in complex sentences introduced by
when, as or while conjunctions when the two actions are fully
He spoke French when he was in Paris.
Frank learnt Japanese when he studied at the University.
He didn’t say a word as we drove home.
While he lived in Germany he got to know a family of
4. We use the simple past to say that one thing happened after
When Father entered the room, my sister put the receiver
She stopped playing the piano when Soames came in.
Repeated events
5. The simple past is used to express permanent states or recurrent
actions in the past. The latter is generally supported by frequency
adverbs: often, never, now and again, sometimes, etc.
He lived by the sea – in an old and deserted hut.
His father was a famous doctor.
The couple often went to discos when they were on holiday.
Regularly every summer, he opened an exhibition of his
Note 3: In English there are special means of expressing a recurrent or
permanent action in the past. They are ‘used to’ and ‘would +
‘used to’ expresses a past habit or situation that no longer exists.
When he was much younger, he didn’t use to believe in God.
Some years ago there used to be a nice oak tree here. (a
permanent state in the past)
He would get up early in the morning and go for a walk in the
A period of time now over
6. The simple past is used to express an action which occupied a
whole period of time now over. The period of time is usually
indicated by means of ‘for phrases’, during or all day, all night
and the like.
“How long did you stay in Paris?” “For about a month.”
He worked in the bank for two years and then decided to
quit it.
I was ill for a week and during that week I ate nothing.
Future actions viewed from the past
7. The simple past is used to express a future action viewed from the
past in a) time clauses, b) conditional clauses, c) concessive
clauses d) object clauses after to see (that), to take care (that), to
make sure (that). Future- in- the Past is usually used in the
principal clause. (see Unit I)
a) We visited all the museums before we left the city.
b) I asked him not to worry if I was late.
c) Even if he didn’t want to listen to me, I would try to speak
to him.
d) He promised he would take care (that) no harm came to
Past Continuous
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I was playing was I playing? I was not (wasn’t) playing
you were playing were you playing? you were not playing
he/she/it was playing was he/she/it playing? he/she/it was not playing
we were playing were we playing? we were not playing
they were playing were they playing? they were not (weren’t)
The past continuous tense is formed by the past tense of the verb to
be + participle I (For the spelling, see Unit I)
The past continuous is chiefly used for past actions which continued
for some time but whose exact limits are not known and are not
He was reading a book when I came home.
Used without a time expression it can indicate gradual development:
It was getting dark and we decided to turn back.
‘Around a particular past time’
1. The past continuous is used to say that something was in progress
(going on) around a particular past time.
When they arrived, we were still laying the table.
We entered our own flat. I picked up two letters which were
lying on the floor.
2. It is used to express an action going on at a given period of time in
the past.
This time last year they were traveling round Europe.
They were cleaning the basement from 7.00 till 9.00
What were you doing before you came here.
Note 1: Sometimes the past continuous is found in apparently parallel
Between one and two I was doing the shopping and walking the
Annoying habits
3. The Past Continuous with always, continually, constantly
expresses a frequently repeated past action which often annoys the
He was always ringing me up at a very late hour.
I didn’t like him – he was continually borrowing money.
Time relation
4. We may find the simple past and the past continuous used in
different combinations with each other.
A complex sentence with a time clause introduced by the
conjunction as:
a) The actions of the two clauses may be fully simultaneous.
The simple past is commonly found in both clauses.
As he got older he got more optimistic.
As the tree grew, its leaves turned brown.
Note 2: A continuous form is usually used for longer ‘background’ action or
situation (was walking, are having, were playing;):
It was raining as I was walking up the hill towards the station at
o’clock on a Saturday.
But as and while can be used with a simple tense, especially with a verb
like sit, stand, lie, grow etc. which refers to a continuous action or state:
As I sat reading the paper, the door burst open.
b) The actions of the principal and subordinate clauses may be
partially simultaneous. The action of the subordinate clause
serves as a ‘background’ for the action of the principal
clause which is usually a shorter accomplished action. The
simple past is found in the principal clause and the past
continuous in the subordinate clause.
As I was walking in the street, I saw Bob.
As we were leaving home, the telephone rang.
c) The actions of the two clauses may form a succession. The
simple past is found in both clauses.
As I turned back into the room a gust of wind crashed the
door shut behind me.
As the sun rose, the birds began to sing.
5. Time clauses introduced by when:
a) The two actions may be fully simultaneous. We find the
simple past in both clauses.
When he lived in that small town his friends often visited
His parents died when he was twelve.
b) The actions can be partially simultaneous (the
action/situation of the principal clause serves as a
background for the action of a when clause which is a short
accomplished action). The past continuous is found in the
principal clause and the past simple in the subordinate
It was raining when we arrived
When I saw him in the street, he was arguing with an
elderly man.
c) A when clause may serves to introduce a longer
‘background’ action or situation, which is/was going on
when something else happens/happened.
He hurt his back when he was working in the garden.
My boss doesn’t/ didn’t like to be interrupted when he
having an important talk.
The telephone always rings/rang when you are/ were
having a bath.
Note 3: (just) as; (just) when are used to say that two short actions or
events happen/happened at the same time.
Mary always arrives/arrived just as I start/started work.
I thought of it just when you opened your mouth.
6. Time clauses introduced by while:
a) The two actions may be fully simultaneous. In this case
either the simple past is found in both sentences or the past
continues is found in the subordinate clause and the simple
past is found in the principal clause. We may as well find the
past continuous in both sentences.
Martha said nothing but looked from one face to the other
while they discussed the plans.
She sat still as a statue while he was playing the sonata.
The child was drawing while her mother was ironing her
b) Partially simultaneous actions - the action of the subordinate
clause serves as a background for the action of the principal
clause which is a shorter accomplished action. The simple
past is found in the principal clause and the past continuous
in the subordinate clause.
He fell asleep while he was reading a book.
Dave broke his leg while he was playing football (or
…while playing football)
While they were playing cards, somebody broke into the
7. The past continuous or the simple past is often used after such
phrases as the whole day, all day long.
Grandfather was working in the garden all day long.
Grandfather worked in the garden all day long.
Future events
8. We use the past continuous to express an action which was
supposed to take place in the near future due to a previous
He said that Jane was leaving the country in two days.
Note 5: Notice the following sentence which is a stereotype. It is
emotionally coloured, expressing irritation.
I thought you were never coming.
9. These sentences describe events intended to take place, but which
didn’t happen.
I was going to phone you, but I forgot.
I was thinking of going to Italy this year, but I haven’t
I was about to do it, but I started doing something else.
Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Simple Past in the following
1. Alexander Graham Bell was the inventor of the telephone. 2.
Many scientists were responsible for the development of the atomic
bomb. Albert Einstein was one of them. 3. I saw Barbara and her
husband at the football game. 4. We left the country before the war
began. 5. The Egyptians were the first people to use paper. 6. “Who
gave you your name?” “My father.” 7. I worked on my book for
several years. 8. Whom did you dance with at the party? 9. I went
into the bedroom and put my tie on and looked at myself in the
mirror.10. He did his best to look after her, he took her out on long
slow strolls: he saw that she went to bed early. 11. If no contact was
made, he was to return to the library and wait. 12. In this
circumstances, whoever followed the old man would be revealed. 13.
Sometimes Catherine and I went for rides out in the country in a
carriage. 14. But time after time she would go to the school and sit
on a bench outside with Mrs. Curtis, watching her son play and learn
to sign now. 15. When our daughter was a little girl, she used to play
house. 16. When he was much younger he didn’t use to believe in
God, but now he does. 17. “But why did he think you would come
here to begin with.” 18. Everybody at the office knew that he retired
the next week. 19. Scofield wanted to get to the airport before the
agent found him. 20. He knew that the plane flew at 2.30 a. m.
Ex.2. Give the past forms of these regular verbs. Show whether
you would pronounce these past forms as /d/, /t/ or /id/
Example: The plane …landed in the field. /id/ (land)
1. The soldiers …… The sergeant’s orders. (obey)
2. We ……. first class. (travel)
3. He …… an hour yesterday. (wait)
4. They …… to talk me into coming. (try)
5. I …… his letter a week ago. (post)
6. Nobody …… at him. (laugh)
7. You …… to me! (lie)
8. She …… into the house. (hurry)
9. He …… when he saw me. (stop)
10. Bob finally …… her. (marry)
Ex.3. Complete the following sentences using the simple past.
1. She followed him wherever he ……. ………
2. When I studied at school……………………
3. …………………while I made breakfast.
4. As soon as I ………………………………….
5. If he/she phoned me…………………………
6. It was raining all day yesterday so I……………..
7. …………………… before I went to bed.
8. When I was a little girl/boy ……………………
9. Everybody kept silent When…………………..
10. ……………………after I finished school.
Ex. 4. Comment on the use of the Past Continuous or Simple Past
tenses in the following sentences.
1. Life was changing very quickly during the second half of the
ninetieth century.
2. I was listening to the radio when the sensational news suddenly
came on.
3. They weren’t sleeping at the time of the earthquake,
4. What was happening in the world when you were born?
5. Dr. Johnson was very busy at the hospital yesterday, she was
delivering babies all day long.
6. How many people were sitting in the theatre when the fire
7. It was bright sunlight in the room when I woke.
8. He turned to him and said that the office smelt like a stagedressing-
9. During the study period in class yesterday, it was hard for me
to concentrate because the student next to me was humming.
10. When Joan was a child she used to be very nervous, she was
always biting her fingernails.
11. She said that she didn’t want to stay there any longer and that
she was leaving the country in a week.
12. I looked at my watch, it read five minutes to eleven.
13. He saw that one of the students was having difficulty with the
14. Philip made no haste to move from where he sat.
15. Then he noticed Jack. He was standing in front of the fire and
was talking Italian to a man in glasses.
16. She stopped beside Tommy who was in a particularly scornful
mood. He was leaving in the morning.
17. His steps slowed down as he mounted the stairs.
18. She left the house and went along a sandy path leading to the
vegetable garden. Soon she saw that someone was moving
among the tomato plants.
Ex.5. Make up situations to justify the use of the Past continuous
and the Simple Past in the following pairs of sentences.
1. Sally cleaned her apartment.
She was cleaning her apartment.
2. I did my laundry.
I was doing my laundry.
3. He filled out his income tax form.
He was filling out his income tax form.
4. I studied English.
I was studying English.
5. Mr. and Mrs. Warren looked for an apartment.
Mr. and Mrs. Warren were looking for an apartment.
6. David and Jeff washed windows.
David and Jeff were washing windows.
7. She typed letters.
She was typing letters.
Ex. 6. Complete the sentences with the Simple Past or the Past
Continuous of the verbs in parentheses.
1. Yesterday I (to clean) my apartment from the time I (to get up)
to the time I (to go) to bed.
2. When the balloon (to burst), everyone (to be startled).
3. Emily accidentally (to stick) her finger with a needle while she
(to sew).
4. Maria promised to help us. I hope she (to mean) what she said.
5. While the artist (to paint) her portrait, she (to admire) his
handsome profile.
6. I (to write) to him for a while, then I (to stop) writing.
7. There (not to be) anything (to cook) on the stove when I got
8. The team (to celebrate) it’s victory at the Olympics all night
9. I left myself in with my key and made my way upstairs. Crystal
and Arthur (to sit) at the table. They both (to rise) when I (to
10. I couldn’t understand why he (to be) selfish. He wasn’t usually
like that.
11. She was very nervous. She (to tear) her dress while she (to
12. Mother looked at her son. He (to smell) the soup. She (to see)
that the boy (not to want) to eat the soup.
13. We entered our own flat. I (to pick up) two letters which (to lie)
on the floor.
14. It was already late. As I (to stop) at the bar to have a drink I (to
see) them talking it over.
15. He asked me what work I (to do) and whether I (to intend) to go
to the University.
16. She told me last night that she (to go) for a swim if she (to
wake) early.
Ex.7. Rewrite each sentence, beginning as shown, so that the
meaning stays the same.
Example: Harry kept interrupting me.
Harry was always / continually interrupting me.
1. There was a smell of onions in the kitchen.
2. I intended to call you yesterday, but I forgot.
3. George had the irritating habit of making trouble.
4. Diana wasn’t always as rude as that.
5. What was there in that box?
6. What was his opinion of the government’s decision?
7. He said that he was sure ghosts didn’t exist.
8. We used to spend Sunday afternoons working in the garden.
9. He was doing well in his examinations.
10. The new stadium could admit 120.000 people supporters.
11. Though she was a woman she was organizing and controlling
her business perfectly.
12. I was not sure if he was telling the truth.
Ex. 8. A. Use the Simple Past or the Past Continuous in the
following sentences containing “as” clauses, “while” – clauses
and “when ”- clauses.
1. It (to be) idle chitchat as they (to drive) along. 2. While the
uniformed attendant (to usher) the last strugglers through the great
glass-paneled double doors, the manager (to sit) in his office
interviewing Raymond Hewson. 3. It (to rain) as I (to walk) up the
hill towards the station at six o clock on a Saturday. 4. The driver
was injured. A young woman (to hurry) into the station and (to
phone) for an ambulance while I (to take) care of the driver. The
poor man (to groan) quietly when the ambulance (to arrive.) at high
speed and (to rush) him away to hospital. 5. John (to take) a
photograph of me while I (not to look). 6. When she (to come) back
an hour later, Daphne still (to work). She never remembered to eat
when she (to write). 7. She (to pick up) her handbag and (to walk)
out the door as Barbara (to watch her). 8. The doorbell (to ring)
while I (to take) a bath. 9. I (to walk) along the road when I (to see)
Dave. So I (to stop) and (to have) a chat. 10. The Caliph decided to
go to the market and investigate. When he (to find) the man in black,
he (to speak) to him angrily. 11. John (to manage) to use his crib
while the teacher (not to look).12. When I first (to see) Alan, he (to
try) to find a job in London.
B. Write sentences (or short situations) with “as” clauses,
“while” – clauses and “when ”- clauses. Explain the time relation
between the two sentences.
Ex. 9. Translate the following sentences into English using the
Simple Past or Past Continuous Tenses.
1. ø³ÝÇ áñ ß³ï ¿Ç ß÷áÃí³Í ³Û¹ å³ÑÇÝ, »ë ã¿Ç Ñ³ëÏ³ÝáõÙ,
Ã» ÇÝãÇ Ù³ëÇÝ ¿ Ý³ ËáëáõÙ:
2. ²é³çÇÝ Ù³ñ¹Á, áõÙ »ë ï»ë³, »ñμ Çç³ ÇÝùÝ³ÃÇéÇó, ÇÙ
ùáõÛñÝ ¿ñ: Ð³Ûñë ëå³ëáõÙ ¿ñ ÇÝÓ Çñ Ù»ù»Ý³ÛáõÙ`
û¹³Ý³í³Ï³Û³ÝÇó ¹áõñë:
3. Î³é³í³ñÇãÝ ³ë³ó, áñ Ýáñ Ñ³Ù³Ï³ñ·ÇãÁ ãÇ ³ßË³ïáõÙ, ¨
áñ ×³ñï³ñ³·»ïÝ»ñÁ ÇÝã-áñ ËÝ¹ÇñÝ»ñ áõÝ»Ý` Ï³åí³Í
³Û¹ Ñ³Ù³Ï³ñ·ãÇ Ñ»ï:
4. ºñÇï³ë³ñ¹ Ù³ëÝ³·»ïÁ Ëáëï³ó³í, áñ Ï³í³ñïÇ ³Û¹
³ßË³ï³ÝùÁ, ÇÝãù³Ý ¿É áñ ³ÛÝ Çñ»ÝÇó Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ËÉÇ:
5. Üñ³Ýù Ï³ñÍáõÙ ¿ÇÝ, Ã» »ë Ùï³¹Çñ »Ù óáõÛó ï³É Çñ»Ýó`
ÇÝãå»ë í³ñ»É ³Û¹ ÁÝÏ»ñáõÃÛ³Ý ·áñÍ»ñÁ:
6. ºñμ æáÝÁ »ñÇï³ë³ñ¹ ¿ñ, Ý³ ëáíáñáõÃÛáõÝ áõÝ»ñ ³Ù»Ý ûñ
ë³éÁ óÝóáõÕ ÁÝ¹áõÝ»É Ý³Ëù³Ý ³ßË³ï³ÝùÇ ·Ý³ÉÁ:
7. Ü³ å³ñ½³å»ë áõ½áõÙ ¿ñ Ñ³í³ëïÇ³Ý³É, áñ áã ÙÇ íÝ³ë
ã»Ý å³ï×³éÇ Çñ »ñ»Ë³ÛÇÝ ³Û¹ ¹åñáóáõÙ:
8. ê³é³ÛÇ ³ÙáõëÇÝÁ »ñμ»ù ã¿ñ ëÇñáõÙ Ñ»é³Ëáëáí Ëáë»É: ºñμ
¿É áñ ³ÛÝ ½Ý·áõÙ ¿ñ, Ý³ ÙÇßï ·áéáõÙ ¿ñ. “ºë ³Ûëï»Õ ã»Ù:”
9. æ»ÛÝÁ óáõÛó ïí»ó Çñ íÇñ³Ï³åí³Í Ù³ïÁ: Ø»Ýù
ã½³ñÙ³ó³Ýù: Ü³ ÙÇßï ¿É Ù³ïÁ ÏïñáõÙ ¿ñ, »ñμ áñ¨¿ μ³Ý ¿ñ
10. î³ñÇÝ»ñ ³é³ç Ý»ñÏ³ÛÇë §ØáëÏí³¦ ÏÇÝáÃ³ïñáÝÇ
ï»ÕáõÙ ÙÇ »Ï»Õ»óÇ Ï³ñ` ÝíÇñí³Í êáõñμ äáÕáë ¨ ä»ïñáë
11. ´áÉáñÁ ½ñáõóáõÙ ¿ÇÝ, μ³Ûó Éé»óÇÝ, »ñμ å³ñáÝ êÙÇÃÁ ë»ÝÛ³Ï
12. ºë Ùï³ ·ñ³ë»ÝÛ³Ï ¨ ßáõñçμáÉáñë Ý³Û»óÇ: ´áÉáñÁ ½μ³Õí³Í
¿ÇÝ Çñ»Ýó ·áñÍ»ñáí:
Ex. 10. Identify any possible errors in these sentences.
1. When you lived in London were you travelling by doubledecker?
2. I am yet waiting for an answer from him.
3. Everyone was having a good time, although not many people
4. I managed to talk to Carol once she was leaving.
5. Everyone was talking but stopped at the time.
6. We bought our tickets and five minutes after the train arrived.
7. It was more than a month until I realized what had happened.
8. Ann wasn’t seeming very happy at the moment.
9. When he was a student he was often making that mistake.
10. It got dark now and the general drove more slowly than ever.
11. Who he was he didn’t have any right to speak to me like that.
12. At the end of the week she wrote that she returned.
Ex. 11. Put each verb in brackets into a suitable past tense. Only
use the past perfect where this is absolutely necessary.
some confusion. Soldiers (to wander) around carrying equipment
from one place to another, but there (not to seem) to be any purpose
to what they (to do). Harry (never to be) in an army camp before, but
it (not to take) a genius to realize that most of the officers (to take)
the first opportunity to abandon the men and head for safety. He (to
try) to phone the newspaper, but something (to happen) to the
telephone lines. He (to try) to find out exactly (to go on), when the
first plane (to fly) low over the camp. A wooden building a few
hundred yards away suddenly (to disappear) in an explosion of
flame. Before long bombs (to explode) all around him, and then
everything (to go.) quiet. The planes (to vanish) as suddenly as they
(to appear). Smoke (to rise) from burning buildings. A dead man (to
lie) next to Harry, the first dead man person he (ever to see). And
suddenly it (to begin) to rain.
Present Perfect
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I have worked have I worked? I have not worked
you have worked
have you worked?
you have not worked
he/she/it has worked
has he/she/it worked?
he/she/it has not
(hasn’t) worked
we have worked
have we worked?
we have not (haven’t
they have worked have they worked? they have not
(haven’t) worked
The present perfect is built up by means of the auxiliary verb
have/has+ participle II of the notional verb.
(For the formation of the participle II, see The Verb)
This tense may be said to be a mixture of present and past. It always
implies a strong connection with the present and is chiefly used in
conversations, newspapers, radio reports, lectures and letters.
Finished events connected with the present
1. The present perfect is used just to name a past occurrence without
mentioning any definite circumstances under which it occurred. (It
may have an obvious result in the present).
I have heard about him. They say he is a very decent
They have brought their children with them.
He can’t come to your party because he’s broken his leg.
Note 1: Although the present perfect is mainly used for fairly recent
occurrences, we may sometimes find the present perfect used for
actions which took place long ago. (It may also express recurrent
actions or states of some duration.)
“You have so often been helpful in the past.” “I have tried,” said
“You’ve all been young once, you know. We’ve all felt it, Roy.”
- I am afraid they’ll find her rather dull.
- I’ve only seen her once. It was a long time ago and then she
didn’t speak much.
2. The present perfect is the most normal tense for giving (or asking)
news of recent events.
I hear the pound has fallen against the dollar.
Do you know that the number of unemployed has reached
I have bought a new dress to wear at their wedding.
Have you seen the current production of “Romeo and
Notice that the present perfect is not used to talk about a finished
event, if we say when it happened. Compare:
There has been an explosion at the station.
There was an explosion at the station last night.
3. As it has been mentioned above, this tense is often used in
newspapers and radio reports lectures and letters to introduce an
action or an event which will then be described in the simple past
tense (when we go into details, the present perfect changes to the
simple past or past continuous. The time of the action is very often
given in the second sentence.).
There has been a plane crash near Bristol. Witnesses say
that there was an explosion as the aircraft was taking off.
Two prisoners have escaped from Dartmoor. They used a
ladder, climbed a twenty foot wall and got away in a stolen
Dear George,
Lots of things have happened since I last wrote to you. I
have bought a new car. I bought it last week. It cost me a
lot of money…
‘Time up to now’
4. We often use the present perfect for past events when we are
example when we use indefinite time adverbs that mean “at some
time / at any time up to now”: like ever, before, never, yet,
already, recently, lately, so far, just….
I am sure we have never met before.
Have you ever been to Europe?
They have just missed their train.
Note 2: In an informal style, simple past tenses are sometimes possible with
always, ever and never when they refer to ‘time up to now.
I always knew I could trust you. (or I’ve always known…)
Did you ever see anything like that before? (or have you ever
I never heard such nonsense.(Am. Eng.)
I didn’t call Bob yet. (Am. Eng.)
Note 3: Notice the use of the simple past with just now.
That rule was just now explained to us.
5. The present perfect is used with today/this morning/this week
when these periods aren’t finished.
I haven’t seen Alice this morning. (the period isn’t over yet)
I didn’t see Alice this morning. (the period is over)
Repetition and continuation to now
6. We can use the present perfect to say that something has happened
several times up to the present.
How often have you been in love in your life?
He has written five letters to her since lunchtime.
7. We often use the present perfect to talk about how long present
situation has lasted. In this case either the whole period of duration
of the action is marked or its starting point: for an hour, for a
long time, for the past/in the last few days, in years, in a long
while …, since last spring, since she was ten years old etc.
The children haven’t had any fun in a long while.
That house has been empty for six months.
He has been like that since his childhood.
They haven’t seen each other since they left school.
However, we sometimes find in both parts of the complex sentence
two parallel actions which began in the past and continue into the
present. In this case the present perfect (or the present perfect
continuous) is found in both clauses.
I have loved him since I have known him. (parallel actions
which began in the past and continue into the present).
She has been singing since she has been taking a bath.
8. Care should be taken when we use the present perfect to express
the duration of an action. If the period of duration belongs to the
past time sphere, the simple past is used and if the period of
duration comes close to the moment of speaking, or includes it, the
present perfect should be used. Compare:
How long have you been in Paris. (the person is in Paris)
How long did you stay in Paris? (the person is no longer in
The use of the present perfect with special questions
9. The simple past is used with the special questions when and how
because the attention in such sentences is drawn to the
circumstances of the action rather than to the occurrence itself. But
as for what, what…for, where and why both the present perfect
and simple past may be used, depending on the meaning to be
When did you pass your exam? (present perfect is never
used in when questions)
What books did you read when you were on holiday?
What books have you read about it?
Where were you yesterday? I came to your office but you
weren’t there.
Where have you been all this time?
Note 4. Notice that we usually prefer a simple past tense when we identify
the person, thing or circumstances responsible for a present situation
(because we are focusing on the past cause, not the present result.)
“They have met, sir” said the assistant manager.
“Who has met?” asked John St. Jacques.
Who has dropped this tten pound note?
-Some fool has let the cat in. -Look what John has given me!
(Who let that cat in?) (Who gave you that watch?)
“Why are you crying?” “Granny hit me.”
That’s a nice picture. Did you paint it yourself?
How did you get that bruise?
The Chinese invented paper.
Time clauses
11. The present perfect is found in time clauses after when, as soon
as, after, until to express a future action (to show that one thing
will be accomplished before the other thing starts.).
Can I borrow that magazine when you have finished it?
but When I phone Kate this evening, I’ll invite her to the
party. (in this example the two things happen together)
We may find the simple present in this type of clauses. The choice of
the form (simple present or present perfect) depends on the lexical
meaning of the verb. With durative verbs the present perfect is more
common. With terminative verbs the use of the both forms is
I can tell you whether the machine is good or bad when I
have tried it.
I’ll tell you when I’ve finished /finish it.
12. Note that we say “It’s the first/second third…time something has
It’s the second time I have lost my wallet.
It’s the third time she has broken a cup.
Present Perfect Continuous
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I have been playing have I been playing? I have not (haven’t) been
you have been playing have you been playing? you have not been playing
he/she/it has been playing has he/she/it been
he/she/it has not (hasn’t)
been playing
we have been playing have we been playing? we have not been playing
they have been playing have they been playing? they have not been playing
The present perfect continuous is built up by means of the auxiliary
verb to be in the present perfect and participle I of the notional verb.
have/has been + participle I
We usually use the present perfect continuous to talk about actions
which started in the past and are still going on or which have just
stopped and have present results. It is not used in narration where
reference is made to past events. Like the present perfect, the present
perfect continuous is found in present time contexts. It is used in
conversations, newspaper and radio reports, lectures and letters.
‘Up to now’ focus
1. The present perfect continuous is used to express an action, which
began before the moment of speaking and continues into it or up to
it. In this meaning it is parallel to the present perfect and may be
used with the same indications of time as have already been
described in the present perfect tense (for a long time, for the last
three days, since last spring, since my childhood etc.)
It has been raining / has rained steadily since last
He has been jogging every morning for the last month.
I have been waiting for you for three hours.
“She looks tired.” “She has been writing letters all
How long have you been learning English?
Continuous activity recently finished or coming to an end
2. The present perfect continuous is used to express an action which
was in progress quite recently and has a connection with now. The
precise time limits of the action aren’t specified (it is only
occasionally found with indications of time). In this meaning the
present perfect is not parallel to the present perfect continuous.
He began abruptly: “I’ve been thinking about what you
told me.”
“What have you been doing?”“I have been shutting the
windows. The wind is rising.”
“You are out of breath.” “I have been running all the way
to the office.”
but “You look tired.” “I was cycling non- stop until five
I’ve just been having such a delightful chat with Margaret.
(sometimes just is found with the present perfect continuous
3. This tense is common when we are talking about situations which
are just coming to an end or may change.
I have been having violin lessons every two weeks, but I
think I’ll make it every week from now on.
4. We can use the present perfect continuous to talk about repeated
actions and events, (but not if we say how many/ how many times
they have happened because this stresses the idea of completion)
I have been taking French lessons this year.
I have been playing a lot of tennis recently.
but I have played tennis three times this week.
Continuous change or development
5. We generally use present perfect continuous to talk about
continuous change or development, even if this is permanent.
Scientists believe that the universe has been expanding
steadily since the beginning of time.
Simple Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous
Basic contrasts:
1. The present perfect continuous focuses on the action / situation
necessarily finished). The simple perfect on the other hand looks
more at the ideas of completion and present result. Compare:
I have been reading your book. (focus on continuous
I have read your book. (focus on completion)
I must have a bath. I have been planting new rose bushes.
(focus on continuous activity)
My garden looks nice. I’ve planted a lot of new rose
bushes. (focus on result)
2. We can use the present perfect continuous to talk about repeated
actions and events, but not if we say how often they have happened
because this stresses the idea of completion. We also avoid using
the present perfect continuous with how many and how many
times questions. Compare:
I have been playing a lot of tennis recently.
I have played tennis three times this week. (how many
I have been ironing since morning.
I have ironed five shirts so far. (how many)
How many pages of that book have you read?
3. We often prefer the present perfect continuous to talk about more
temporary actions and situations; when we talk about longerlasting
or permanent situations we often prefer the simple present
That man has been standing on the corner all day.
For 900 years the castle has stood on the hill above the
However, both tenses are possible in cases like this, with a slight
difference of emphasis:
He has worked / has been working in the same job for
thirty years.
4. Remember that a number of verbs are not used in the continuous
form, but that some of these can be used in this form in certain
cases (see Unit I). We can therefore say:
Have you been hearing from him recently?
I have been wanting to throw at him something for a long
Note 1: The present perfect continuous is also found in negative sentences
but in this case the negation doesn’t refer to the action but to the length of
its duration or to the circumstances attending the action.
I haven’t been sleeping well recently (which means I have been
sleeping but my sleep hasn’t been sound enough)
Ex. 1. Comment on the use of the present tense aspect-forms in
the following situations.
1. “Robbed!” said Silas gaspingly. “I have been robbed. I want the
2. “Tell them about you. That’s what people always want to know.
They always ask me.” “And what do you say? That I have had a
tragic life? That’s exactly what I don’t want to tell them.”
3. “I have heard that story before. But you’ve made enough for
Andrew by now, Daff. Why don’t think of yourself for a
4. “I am thirty-four.”
“You mention it often enough.”
“You have taken years of my life.”
“Only three, dear.”
“You owe it to me.”
5. “Andrew was born deaf. He is in a school for the deaf in New
“Jesus Christ. You never told me that.”
6. “I don’t know … ” She sounded so fragile and so sad. “I … I
have lost so much in the past, Matt …”
7. “Now I have got you!” she said, “Now you can’t get away.”
8. Thirty thousand pound’s worth jewellery has been stolen from
Jonathan Wild and Company, the jewelers. The thieves broke
into the flat above some time during Sunday night and entered
the shop by cutting a hole in the floor.
9. “Hello,” she said. “Are you awake?”
“Where have you been?”
“I just went out to get a breath of air.”
10. “Don’t you ever relax?”
“No more than you do. From what I have seen in the last two
days, you are entitled to a nervous breakdown.”
11. “Well … look … I have to be honest. Family turkey dinners just
aren’t my style. I haven’t done that kind of thing since I was in
high school.”
12. “I am not going to lose her, Barb.” He felt a lump rise in his
throat. “I have been in love with her since I have known her.”
13. “I have been here all day,” said Iris. “Did you call Murdock?”
His eyes were hard as he looked at Iris.
“Not yet. But I will.”
“If you don’t, I will. I meant what I said this morning.”
14. “You’re right, he is terrific.” Said Barbara, “and he is the
smartest human being I have ever known.”
15. “Forgive him for being rude.”
“No. I won’t speak to him until he has apologized.”
16. “Has anybody come here today?”
“An absolutely stunning girl was here looking for you.”
“Did she say what she wanted?”
Ex. 2. Make up situations to justify the use of the Present Perfect
and the Simple Past in the following pairs of sentences.
1. Tom has broken that chair.
Tom broke that chair.
2. We have settled everything.
We settled everything.
3. Have you spoken to him?
Did you speak to him?
4. I taught little children.
I’ve taught little children.
5. I have seen him today.
I saw him today.
6. I left the car outside the garage.
I’ve left the car outside the garage.
7. I passed all my exams.
I’ve passed all my exams.
8. I haven’t read the paper this morning.
I didn’t read the paper this morning.
Ex. 3. Complete the sentences with the Simple Past or Present
Perfect of the verb in parentheses.
Example: I have worn my new evening dress only once since I
bought it. I wore it to my sister’s wedding (to wear).
1. Our University … 120 students to study in other countries last
year. In total, we … 864 students abroad over the last ten years
(to send).
2. The night has ended and it’s daylight now. The sun …. It … at
6:08 (to rise).
3. Alex is an artist. He … many beautiful pictures in his lifetime.
Last week, he … a beautiful mountain scene (to draw).
4. When she was in collage, Julia … home at least once each
week. Now she has a job and is living in Chicago. In the last
six months, she … only three letters to her parents (to write).
5. Jack really needs to get in touch with you. Since this morning,
he … here four times trying to reach you. He … at 9:10,
10:25, 12:15 and 1:45 (to call).
6. Mark … the violin with the London symphony since 1985.
Last year he … a Beethoven violin concert at one of the
concerts (to play).
7. The company and the union finally … on salary raises two
days ago. Since then, they … on everything, and the rest of the
negotiations have gone smoothly (to agree).
8. Karl … a trip to Asia last October. He … many trips to Asia
since he started his own import-export business (to take).
9. Masaru is a pilot for JAL. He … nearly 8 million miles during
the last 22 years. Last year, he … 380.000 miles (to fly).
Ex 4. Use the Present Perfect (I) or the Simple Past in the
following situations.
1. “Can we get dinner here?” asked John.
“Of course we can. Have you got enough money? I (to spend) my
last dollar on the taxi.”
2. “Mr. Dillon (to arrive) Kate?”
“Oh, good. You (to find) your way all right then, Mr. Dillon? I
(not to hear) you ring the bell.”
“I (cannot) find the bell; so I (to knock) instead.”
3. “Did you call Murdock?” Her eyes were hard as she looked at
“Not yet. But I will.”
“If you don’t, I will. I (to mean) what I (to say) this morning.”
4. “You (to read) “Winnie the Pooh” by A. Milne?” the guest tried
to talk to the little boy.
“Yes,” answered the boy.
“And how you (to like) it?”
“Very much indeed.”
5. Christopher opened the door for me. I entered my flat.
“I say, an absolutely stunning girl (to be) here looking for you,”
said Christopher.
“She (to say) what she (to want)?”
6. “I understand you (to have) an unpleasant experience there.
What (to happen) exactly?”
“Let’s forget it. Even now I can’t believe I (to do) it.”
7. “I (to save) some money – enough for Tony to go off for a
couple of years,” said Milly.
“You (to raise) all that money by doing your own housework?”
“No, of course not.”
“What you (to be) up to? What you (to do)?”
“I (to sell) the house.”
“What’s Tony going to say? You (to tell) Tony?”
“Why should he care? He is young.”
“Why you (not to tell) him?”
8. “Hello,” said the little girl to her mother and looked at her
“Come and say ‘How do you do’ to Mr. Ogden.”
“I (to see) him already,” answered the child.
“It’s impossible, dear. He only just (to arrive) here.”
“I (to see) him in the hall this afternoon.”
“I am sure you didn’t. You (to see) my little girl yet, Mr.
“I don’t think we (to meet) before,” said Mr. Ogden.
Ex. 5. Complete each sentence from a) to j) with an appropriate
ending from 1) to 10). Don’t use an ending more than once.
a) She hasn’t got over her cold … 1) so far …
b) I got a very good mark … 2) … yet
c) Many countries have become
independent nations …
3) …three years ago
d) I have warned you about this … 4) … on the final examination
e) I have decided to believe you … 5) … was in 1990
f) I haven’t been feeling very well … 6) … time and time again
g) The last time I saw him … 7) since the end of World
h) Mary started learning German …
8) … since I last went to a
football match
i) It’s a long time … 9) … for the past hour or two
j) … we haven’t noticed anything
10) … for the time being
Ex.6. Read the text and put each verb in the brackets into the
Simple Past or the Present Perfect.
Mr. Patterson doesn’t work now. He (to work) in a bank for 25 years.
Then he (to give) it up. He says he enjoys staying at home. Mr. And
Mrs. Patterson (to be) happily married for thirty-five years. They are
very proud of their family. Their son, Louis, is very successful. For
the past six years he (to be) the manager of the Big Value
Supermarket on Grant Street. Louis (to work) very hard to get where
he is today. First he (to be) a clerk for two years. Then he (to be) a
cashier for three years. After that, he (to be) an assistant manager for
five years. Finally, six years ago, he (to become) the manager of the
store. Everybody at the Big Value Supermarket is very proud of
Louis. He (to start) at the bottom and he (to work) his way up to the
Ex.7. Rewrite each sentence beginning as shown, so that the
meaning stays the same.
Example: It’s a long time since I last went to the seaside.
I haven’t been to the seaside for a long time.
1. Eating Chinese food is new to me.
2. Her boyfriend is different from what he used to be
3. There is a definite improvement in your English
4. I don’t know where my keys are.
5. After I arrived here, I started to feel better.
6. This is my second visit to your country.
7. They have been married for five years.
8. My boss hasn’t been to Paris before.
9. I paid this bill earlier, actually.
10. The children are at the park. It’s two hours since they started
to play ball.
11. Cuba became a socialist country in 1959. It’s still a socialist
12. Latin is a dead language now. After the decline of Rome,
people gradually stopped speaking Latin.
Ex. 8. Explain the use of the Present Perfect and the Simple Past
in the following questions.
1. “I have seen that couple lately.” “When did you see them?” “Why
hasn’t he let us know where he has gone?” 2. “What time is it?”
“Almost nine o’clock” “Damn,” he swore, “Why didn’t someone
wake me?” 3. “How did you learn to drive?” “My father taught me.”
4. As Rosemary entered her room, her mother called to her: “Where
have you been?” 5. Jane is always on holiday, “Oh, is she? Where
has she gone?” 6. “Nick has just come back from his holiday.” “Oh,
where did he go?” 7. You seem to know a lot about your neighbours.
How long have you lived here. 8. “I know that you didn’t like that
city, but how long did you stay there?” 9. You look upset. What has
happened to you? 10. “I am going to see Mr. Warren,” she said. “He
is in St Joseph’s Hospital.” Her father turned from TV. “What
happened to him?”
Ex. 9. Supply the Present Perfect or the Simple Past in the
following questions.
1. What a heavenly dress! Where you (to buy) it? 2. When Renny
came in his grandmother asked him: “Where on earth you (to be) all
day?” 3. “How many children you (teach) in that other family?” the
girl asked her new governess. “Not many, just one girl.” “How long
you (to stay) with her?” 4. How many cameras you (to assemble)
yet? 5. He turned to me and asked: “You (to hear) that noise?” 6. He
is very secretive. You ever (to hear) him speak about his past? 7.
How many times you (to win) money in the lottery? 8. When my
mother came home and saw me, she got surprised. “Why you (not to
go) yet?” she asked. 9. “My son doesn’t want to work.” “Why you
(to give) your son that kind of education then?” 10. All roads are
blocked by the heavy snowfall. How on earth you (to get) here
Ex. 10. Put in the Present Perfect or the Simple Past in questions
in the following text.
-Are you a soldier by profession?
-How long you (to be) in the army?
-Twenty-five years.
-When you (to join) the army?
-In 1932.
-Where you (to serve) during the war?
-First on the territory of the Ukraine, then in the Far East.
-You (to see) much fighting in the Ukraine?
-A good deal.
-How long you (to remain) there?
-For over a year.
-Why you (to be) sent to the Far East?
-I (to be) wounded.
-What sort of wound it (to be)?
-A bullet through the shoulder.
-How many times you (to be) wounded during the war.
-Three times.
-They (to be) serious wounds?
-When you (to be) wounded the last time?
-In 1945.
-How you (to feel) since then?
-Not very strong.
-Why you (not to leave) the army?
-I can’t imagine my life outside the army.
-Where you (to serve) lately?
-In the Caucasus mostly. The climate there suits my health.
Ex. 11. Use the Simple Present or the Present Perfect in the
following clauses of time referring to the future.
1. “Has the visitor gone?” “No, he refuses to go till he (to see) you.”
2. It’s a deserted place. You’ll find it lonely here after the sun (to
set). 3. It’s raining cats and dogs, we shall wait here till it (to stop). 4.
Don’t you hear me, John? Don’t start watching TV till we (to have)
supper. 5. I promise. When I (to be) off duty, we shall go there. 6. I
shall probably bore you to death by the time I (to finish) talking
about myself. 7. “Don’t forget to ring me as soon as you (to arrive).”
8. I don’t want to see him. I’ll come home after he (to leave). 9. That
boy has brains. I think he’ll become a great scholar when he (to
graduate) from the University. 10. After we (to do) all the packing, it
will be nice to have a light meal. 11. Don’t say anything while Ian is
here. Wait until she (to go). 12. When I (to phone) Kate this evening,
I’ll invite her to the party.
Ex. 12. Compare the use of the Simple Perfect and the Present
Perfect Continuous in the following situations.
1. “Freddie, you really have got hold of the wrong end of the stick.”
“You have been coming here for years,” said Freddie, “you’ve
been a bloody nuisance with your Thursdays. We have refused
hundreds of invitations because of you. We’ve entertained you,
we’ve fed you, we’ve stayed in to be bored by you, and it has
never occurred to you in all this time to offer us as much as a
2. “I am too tired too,” said Hilary.
“You have been doing nothing all day except trailing round the
shops buying nothing.”
“I have been writing my lecture for Monday.”
“And I have been making glove puppets.”
3. “Well, aren’t you ever going to tell me?”
“Tell you what?”
“About where you go every night while I work. And don’t tell
me that you have been going to the movies.”
4. “We have been married for thirty-five years, my dear. It’s a
very long time, isn’t it? You are a good woman in your way, but
not suitable for me. You are literary and I am not. You are
artistic and I am not.”
“But all this time I have been doing everything in my power to
interest you in art and literature, said Mrs. Forrester.”
5. “I missed you too. What have you been doing?”
“I am growing a vegetable garden,” said Andrew.
6. “You look like as if you have just seen a vision.”
“I think I have. I have been talking to Justin Wakefield.”
7. “Turn down the music, Jane. Don’t you see Dad is working?”
“It’s OK, dear. I have been listening to that music since I have
been working here.”
8. Lincoln spoke first: “We have been talking it over ever since we
got your letter last month.”
9. “This has been a rough shoot. You don’t know how much of
myself I’ve been pouring into this film, Daff … how
desperately I’ve wanted to please you,” said Justin.
Ex. 13. Make up situations using the following sentences. Justify
the use of the Present Continuous, Past Continuous and the
Present Perfect Continuous in your situations.
1. I am working on my new book.
I was working on my new book.
I have been working on my new book.
2. What is going on here?
What was going on here?
What has been going on here?
3. He is telling funny stories.
He was telling funny stories.
He has been telling funny stories.
4. I am speaking with my neighbour.
I was speaking with my neighbour.
I have been speaking with my neighbour.
5. I am washing the dishes.
I was washing the dishes.
I have been washing the dishes.
Ex. 14. Read the situations and write two sentences using words
in brackets. (You should use Simple Perfect to show completed
Example: Ann started translating a manual two hours ago. She is
still translating it and now she is on page 7.
(translate/ for two hours) Ann has been translating for
two hours.
(translate/for two hours so far) She has translated 7
pages so far.
1. Dave is an excellent swimmer. His father taught him to swim
when he was four years old. This year he is a national
champion again – for the forth time. (win/ the national
championship for times). (to swim/ since he was ten).
2. When they left college, Mark and Bob started making films
together. They still make documentary films. (make/
documentary films since they left college). (make/ five films
since they left college).
3. Frank likes fishing. He started fishing early in the morning. It’s
11 o’clock and he is still fishing. (to fish/ since 7 a. m.). (to
catch/ 12 fish so far).
4. The couple is away on a honeymoon. They are traveling round
Europe at the moment. The couple started their tour three weeks
ago. (to travel/ for three weeks). (to visit/ four countries so far).
5. Sam is a heavy smoker. He started smoking four hours ago and
the packet is empty now. (to smoke/ for four hours). (to smoke/
20 cigarettes already).
Ex. 15. Complete the sentences by using the Present Perfect or
Present Perfect Continuous of the verbs in the list. Each verb is
used only one time.
feel hear see grow
make wear do happen
fight have work wait
ride change be show up
to like know write own
1. He is a nuisance. He … nothing but trouble for years.
2. I’m surprised that George apologized for what he said. As far
as I can remember, I never … him say. “I’m sorry” before.
3. Their daughter … lipstick since she was sixteen.
4. All of the flowers in our garden are dying because there …
much rain lately.
5. Dick and Janet … with each other ever since the day they were
6. Well, hello! How are you? What you … lately?
7. Chris … her horse for several days now, and she misses her.
8. This is the happiest evening I … in a long while.
9. I am fond of Alice, but I … much of her lately.
10. I don’t think he … in thirty years I … him.
11. My brother’s daughter … nearly six inches (15cm) since I last
saw her two years ago.
12. Mr. Elliot … for his wife for more than an hour and she … yet.
13. Everyone in the world is worried about the situation in the
Middle East. A lot of things … there recently.
14. You are making mistakes because you … hard enough.
15. How you … since your operation?
16. I like your house John. By the way, how long … you your
17. Officers Jackson and Parker … parking tickets since 8 a. m. and
they are exhausted. They have to write only one more parking
ticket, and then they can go home.
18. I … country music since I moved to Nashville seven years ago.
Ex. 16. Make up situations for these statements using the Present
Perfect Continuous tense.
1. your hands are rough (hard)
2. your shoes are muddy.
3. you look upset.
4. you seem irritated.
5. your room is in a mess..
Ex. 17. Translate the following sentences into English.
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áñáíÑ»ï¨ Ýñ³ ÁÝÏ»ñÁ ¹»é ãÇ Ñ³ÛïÝí»É, ÇëÏ Ý³ ³í»ÉÇ ù³Ý »ñÏáõ
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ßñç³·³Û»É ³ßË³ñÑáí Ù»Ï: î³ëÁ ï³ñ»Ï³ÝÇó »ë »ñ³½»É »Ù ³Û¹
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í»ñçÇÝ ³Ý·³Ù ï»ë³ Ð»É»ÝÇÝ: 8. ¸áõ í»ñç»ñë áñ¨¿ Ñ»ï³ùñùÇñ
Ý³Ë³·ÍÇ íñ³ ³ßË³ï»±É »ë: 9. ²Û¹ ³ÝÍ³ÝáÃ Ù³ñ¹Á Ñ»Ýó Ýáñ
ËáëáõÙ ¿ñ ùá Ñ³ñ¨³ÝÝ»ñÇ Ñ»ï: ºÃ» ßï³å»ë, ¹áõ ¹»é ÏμéÝ»ë
Ýñ³Ý: 10. Ü³ ·ÉáõË ¿ ·áíáõÙ, ÇëÏ ³é³íáïí³ÝÇó ÁÝ¹³Ù»ÝÁ ÙÇ
å³ïáõÑ³Ý ¿ Ý»ñÏ»É: 11. Üñ³Ýù Ùáï »ñÏáõ Å³Ù Ëáë»óÇÝ, ¨ Ñ»ïá
ÜÇùÝ ³ë³ó, áñ å»ïù ¿ Ï³Û³ñ³Ý ·Ý³ ` ÙáñÁ ¹ÇÙ³íáñ»Éáõ: 12.
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14. ÐÇÝ· ï³ñÇ ¿, ÇÝã Ý³ ãÇ ³ßË³ïáõÙ ¨ ³ëáõÙ ¿, áñ
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Ù»ÏÝ»É ¿ ³ñï³ë³ÑÙ³Ý, ë³Ï³ÛÝ Ýñ³ Í»ñ ÍÝáÕÝ»ñÁ Ýñ³ÝÇó ¹»é
áã ÙÇ Éáõñ ã»Ý ëï³ó»É£
18. – àñï»±Õ ¿ æáÝÁ£
– Ü³ áëïÇÏ³ÝÇ Ñ»ï ¿ Ë áëáõÙ:
– ÆëÏ ÇÝ±ã ¿ å³ï³Ñ»É:
– Ü³ ³é³Ýó í³ñáñ¹³Ï³Ý Çñ³íáõÝùÇ ¿ í³ñ»É Ù»ù»Ý³Ý:
Ex. 18. Put each verb in brackets into the Simple Past, Present
Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous.
Ever since the day I (to decide) to move to London, I (worry)
whether the decision I (to take) was the right one. As I already (to
sell) my house and (to arrange) a new job, it is too late to change my
mind. However, since then I (to hear) a lot of negative things about
living in the capital, and lately some of them (to begin) to bother me.
I (to grow up) in a fairly small town and I (to spend) all my life there.
I always (to want) to live in a big city and so when my company (to
offer) me a job in their London office, I (to grab) at the chance. But
according to a programme I just (to hear) on the radio, more and
more people (to stop) working in London recently, and a lot of large
companies (to choose) to move away from the center. Of course, I (to
tell) my parents that I'm moving and they (to accept) my decision,
but when I (to tell) my friends they (to seem) rather shocked. Since
then I (to hope) secretly that the company would tell me that the
move was off.
Ex. 19. Comment on the following questions.
1. What did you do when you learnt that you were admitted to the
University? (Speak about your emotions.)
2. What was your first impression on the University and the
teachers? (Is it right to go by first impressions?)
3. Have you made any friends? (What do you do together?)
4. What have you been doing since you entered the University?
5. Have you had a good night’s sleep since you entered the
University? (Have you been sitting up?)
6. What subjects do you take at the University?
7. Have you had a heavy or light work load? (Have you had any
problems yet?)
8. Have you had much fun lately?
9. Do you look back on your school-days with pleasure now?
10. What were you doing at this time last year?
Past perfect
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I had worked had I worked? I had not (hadn’t) worked
you had worked had you worked? you hadn’t worked
he/she/it had worked had they worked? he/she/it hadn’t worked
we had worked had we worked? we hadn’t worked
they had worked had they worked? they hadn’t worked
The past perfect is built up by means of the auxiliary verb to have in
the simple past and the participle II of the notional verb.
had + participle II
The basic meanings of the past perfect are ‘earlier past’ and
‘completed in the past’.
A common use is to ‘go back’ when we are already talking about the
past, so as to make it clear that something had already happened at
the time we are talking about.
‘Earlier past’
1. The past perfect tense generally refers to an event in the past
which happens before another event in the past. (Sometimes there
is no time expression to make it clear.)
When he got home he realized he had left his case on the
4.40 train.
By the time I got to the station the train had left. (or The
train left five minutes before I got to the station.)
By ten o’clock the manager had already looked through
the documents and was waiting to see the representative
of the firm.
I had told her that I didn’t want to be present at her
parties (sometimes the speaker doesn’t specify the time.)
2. The past perfect is found in narrations when it becomes necessary
to refer back – to ‘step back’ to a previously accomplished action
or actions. In this case the past perfect may be used either (a) for
all actions or (b) for the first action alone.
a) Sarah was twenty then. Her parents had died three years
before and since then she had lived with her aunt. Her
mother had advised her not to get married till she was
twenty-five. Sarah intended to follow her advice.
b) It was at Blackstable that I first met Edward. I was fifteen
and had just come back from school for the summer
holidays. The morning after I got home I took a towel and
bathing draws and went down to the beach.
But if we merely give the events in the order in which they occurred
no past perfect is used. The simple past is used instead. (see Unit II.)
He came home early that day. He took a shower, changed
and was about to leave home when somebody knocked on
the door.
Situations continued up to or into that past moment
3. The past perfect can be used with since and ‘for phrases’ for an
action which began before the time of speaking in the past and
continued to that time or stopped just before it.
When I met him he was 39. He had been in the army for
twenty years. (or… since he was nineteen.)
The use of the past perfect in time clauses
4. The past perfect is used in time clauses after the conjunctions
when, before, after, till/until, as soon as when it is necessary to
emphasize that the first action was completely finished before the
second one started. Compare:
When she had sang her song she sat down.
When she sang her song se sat down. (might give the
impression that she sang seated)
After the will had been read there were angry
He refused to go till he had seen all the documents.
He went out before I had finished my sentence.
5. In complex sentences with before- clauses and when- clauses
there may be a specific time relation between the two actions,
namely, the action in one of the clauses is not fully accomplished
before the action of the other clause takes place. Sometimes there
are indications of measures (time, distance) in such sentences.
Before I had known him a week he tried to borrow money
from me. (Ø»Ï ß³μ³ñ ¿É ãÏ³ñ, ÇÝã ×³Ý³ãáõÙ ¿Ç Ýñ³Ý, »ñμ
Ý³ Ùáï»ó³í ¨ ÷áñÓ»ó ÇÝÓÝÇó å³ñïùáí ÷áÕ ËÝ¹ñ»É:)
We hadn’t gone four miles before we understood that we
were going in the wrong direction.
I hadn’t gone a hundred yards from the corner when I
noticed there was a car behind me.
6. The past perfect is used in complex sentences with a subordinate
clauses of time introduced by the correlatives scarcely … when,
hardly …when, nearly … when, and no sooner… than, the time
relation between the two actions is of a specific character – the
action of the subordinate clause takes place when the action of the
principal clause is hardly accomplished.
Such sentences are emphatic in meaning and a negative adverb or
an adverbial expression may be put at the beginning of a sentence
for emphasis. In this case negative adverbs are followed by the
inversion of subject and verb (the word order is changed).
negative adverb + auxiliary verb +subject.
I had no sooner reached the door than I realized it was
No sooner had I reached the door than I realized it was
Rarely can a minister have been faced with such a
Not only did he fail to report the accident, but also later
denied that he had been driving the car.
Little does the government appreciate what the results will
Past Perfect Continuous
The past perfect continuous is formed with had been + participle I.
It is therefore the same for all persons:
I/he/she/it we/you/they had been working
1. The past perfect continuous is used when the action began before
the time of speaking in the past, and continued up to that time, or
stopped just before it. We can often use either form here.
When I found Mary, I could see that she had been crying.
It was now six and he was tired because he had been
working / he had worked since dawn.
2. We use the past perfect continuous to say that something had been
happening for a period of time before something else happened.
Our game of tennis was interrupted. We had been playing
for about half an hour when it started to rain very heavily.
Dave gave up smoking a year ago. He had been smoking
for 20 years.
3. A repeated action in the past perfect can sometimes be expressed
as a continuous action by the past perfect continuous.
He had been trying to get her on the phone.
but He had tried five times to get her on the phone.
The past perfect continuous bears the same relation to the past
perfect that the present perfect continuous bears to the present
perfect. (see Unit III. The Present Perfect and The Present Perfect
Continuous: Basic difference)
Ex. 1. Explain the use of the past tense-aspect forms in the
following extract. (Translate the extract into Armenian.)
It had snowed all night. Now the sun was shining. I was with Kitty in
Kensington Gardens. We had met at Peter Pan and walked up to my
“Leningrad garden.” Here there were few people about. Some wellpadded
individuals were exercising their dogs, watching with absurd
pleasure the dogs’ amazement at the snow, their play, and the doggy
footprints. The stone basins were frozen and some ducks, with
comical caution, were slithering about on the ice. The fountains were
bearded with opaque white icicles. We had carried a couple of chairs
into the little stone pavilion at the end and were sitting there in a
corner. The pavilion, heaped over with snow, was enclosed and
private, our corner almost obscure. The snow had dulled the traffic
noise, muffled the world about us, arched us in. Every now and then
the dog ran up to the doorway, sniffed and ran off, wild with snowjoy,
and smiling wool-clad owner plodded by. No one else came,
straight ahead, between two stone nymphs, the lake curved away,
goldened with willows, and the cloudless glittering blue sky arched
over the snowy park.. There was not a breath of wind.
Ex.2. Join the sentences using because and the Past Perfect.
Example: Judy and Errol spent the morning shopping. They
are tired.
Judy and Errol were tired because they had spent
the morning shopping.
1. He didn’t work hard enough during the year. He failed his
2. Mike left his wallet at home. He was cross.
3. They didn’t pay their telephone bill. The telephone company
cut them off.
4. They left their passport at home. They couldn’t cross the
5. She lost her glasses. She couldn’t read the sign.
Ex. 3. Complete the following sentences using the Past Perfect
1. When I went to pay, I realized that ………………
2. When he arrived at the station, he saw that …………………
3. When they got home, they found that ………………………
4. Soon after the wedding, she knew that ………………………
5. When I asked about the mess on the floor, she said that.........
Ex. 4. Complete the text using the Past Perfect or Simple Past
I (to go) to London for the first time in 1970 when I (to be) just a
My parents (to be) already there many times so they (to know) the
city well. But they never (to be) there with a child so they saw a
different side of London with me. We (to go) out every day and (to
have) a fantastic time. My parents (to study) English for many years
so they (to have) no difficulty with the language.
It (to rain) while we (to be) there, but we (to pack) all our waterproof
clothes so it (to be) no problem. When the time (to come) to leave, I
(to feel) quite sad because I (to have) such a good time.
Ex. 5. Supply the required past tense-aspect forms in the
following sentences containing time clauses.
1. Thursday evening I (not to go) home and change as usual, but
(to sit) in the Sloane Square bar until it (to be) time to go along
to Queen’s Gate Terrace.
2. I hated eating my own food with a witness, Laura (to watch) in
silence until I (to finish). It (to take) about a minute.
3. I never (to be) to any European country before I (to go) to Paris.
4. When I (to let) myself into my own flat I (to realize) at once
that there was a woman there.
5. “How long the patient (to be) sick before she (to be) cured?”
6. “I (to come) as soon as I (to get) your message”, Lloyd said.
7. David (to disappear) as soon as we (to have) breakfast.
8. After she (to go), Willy (to lock) the door and (to go) into the
9. “I (cannot) stay in Wales after what (to happen),” he added
10. Godfrey (to rise) and (to take) his own breakfast earlier than
usual, but lingered in the parlour till his younger brothers (to
finish) their meal and (to go) out.
11. When they (to show) him round and (to feed) him on their best,
they eagerly (to demand) news.
12. The bus (to move) before we (to reach) it.
Ex. 6. Rewrite each sentence beginning as shown so that the
meaning stays the same.
(You should remember that negative adverbs never, rarely, seldom,
hardly, barely, scarcely, no sooner, and phrases containing no,/not,
not only, little and so such are followed by the inversion of subject
and verb).
Example: He had hardly reached the door of his office when he
encountered two young men.
Hardly had he reached the door of his office when he
encountered two young men.
1. As soon as I got into the bath someone knocked at the door. No
2. The judge was taken ill just after the trial proceeding began.
3. She knows little what has been going on in her presence.
4. I didn’t know where I was until I asked a passer-by. Not
5. He had only just arrived home when the police called.
6. We have never spent so much money on clothes. Never
7. The demand for tickets was so great that people queued night
and day. Such………
8. The snowfall was so heavy that all the trains had to be
cancelled. So heavy………
9. Harry broke his leg and also injured his shoulder. Not
10. The bus driver cannot be blamed for the accident in any way. In
no way……..
11. The money is not to be paid under any circumstances. Under no
12. The train had only just left the station when there was an
explosion. Hardly………
13. It had just stopped raining when the sun came out. No
14. Just after the play started there was a power failure.
Ex. 7. Complete the sentences with the Past Perfect or the Past
Perfect Continuous of the verbs in the list. Each verb is used only
to lose to win to write to eat
to play to discuss to be to know
to see to get to wait to rain
to live to swim to hear to sleep
1. We … for Nancy for the last two hours, but she hasn’t arrived
2. The students asked the famous writer how long he … books.
3. Everything in our garden was dying because we … rain for
more than five months.
4. Bob was very excited. His favourite team finally … a game.
5. We went to Disneyland when we visited Los Angeles. Prior to
that time we never … such a big amusement park.
6. How much money the company … before they finally went out
of business?
7. He told me he … from her since the day she walked out of their
8. Anne’s lack of accent was explained by the fact that she … for
twenty years in London.
9. She could see from the wet look of their costumes that they
10. When he came back we tried to pretend that we … him.
11. How many years … Jesus before he was crucified?
12. I sat in the kitchen smoking. Flora, who … the piano in the
sitting-room, came to see what I was doing.
13. The noise woke Joe who… in his pram by the garage door.
14. It was cold and dark in the small room because it … for five
15. The last member of the party was Neville, the film star, whom
David … for some time.
16. She realized that she was faint for food. She …nothing since
the picnic.
Ex. 8. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ÂíáõÙ ¿ñ, Ã» ³Û¹ ù³Õ³ù ï»Õ³÷áËí»Éáõó Ç í»ñ, áã ÙÇ
Ï³ñ¨áñ μ³Ý ã»Ù ³ñ»É:
2. ºñμ Í»ñ ïÇÏÇÝÁ ï»ë³í ³Û¹ Éáõë³ÝÏ³ñÁ, ³ñóáõÝùÝ»ñÁ
Ñáë»óÇÝ Ýñ³ ³ãù»ñÇó: ²ñ¹»Ý »ñÏáõ ï³ñÇ ¿ñ, ÇÝã Ý³
Ïáñóñ»É ¿ñ áñ¹áõÝ:
3. ¸ñëáõÙ ß³ï óáõñï ¿ñ: ì»ñçÇÝ ÙÇ ù³ÝÇ ûñ»ñÇÝ ë³éÝ³Ù³ÝÇù
¿ñ »Õ»É, μ³Ûó ÓÛáõÝ ¹»é ã¿ñ »Ï»É:
4. ø³ÙÇÝ ùß»É, Ãéóñ»É ¿ñ Ýñ³ ·ÉË³ñÏÁ, ¨ ³ÛÝ ³ÛÅÙ ·ÉáñíáõÙ ¿ñ
÷áÕáóÝ Ç í³ñ:
5. ºñμ »ë Ýñ³ ³ßË³ï³ë»ÝÛ³ÏÁ Ùï³, Ý³ ·ÉáõËÁ μ³Óñ³óñ»ó
·ñùÇó, áñÁ ÙÇÝã ³Û¹ Ï³ñ¹áõÙ ¿ñ, ¨ ½³ñÙ³ó³Í Ý³Û»ó ÇÝÓ:
6. ÂáÙÁ »ñμ»ù ã¿ñ áõ½áõÙ, áñ Ù³ÛñÝ ÇÙ³Ý³, Ã» ÇÝùÝ ÇÝã ¿ñ ³ñ»É
³Û¹ ³ÙμáÕç Å³Ù³Ý³Ï:
7. øáõÛñ»ñÇ Å³Ù³Ý»Éáõó »ñÏáõ ûñ ³Ýó Ù»Ýù áñáß»óÇÝù å³ïÙ»É
Ýñ³Ýó ³Û¹ ÙÇç³¹»åÇ Ù³ëÇÝ:
8. ØÇ Å³Ù ¿É ãÏ³ñ, áñ ù³ÛÉáõÙ ¿ÇÝù, »ñμ ÉáõëÇÝÁ »ñ¨³ó μÉñÇ
9. ÜÇùÁ óáõÛó ïí»ó Ýñ³Ýó Ý³Ù³ÏÁ ¨ ³ë³ó, áñ Çñ ùáõÛñÁ ¨ Ýñ³
³ÙáõëÇÝÝ ³ñ¹»Ý Ù»ÏÝ»É »Ý Î³Ý³¹³:
10. ºñ»Ë³ÛÇ íÇ×³ÏÁ ·Ý³Éáí í³ï³ÝáõÙ ¿ñ: Ð³½Çí ¿ñ æáñçÁ
ïáõÝ Ùï»É, »ñμ Ýñ³Ý áõÕ³ñÏ»óÇÝ μÅßÏÇ »ï¨Çó:
11. Ü³ áõÝ»ñ Ïñïë»ñ »Õμ³Ûñ° Ð³ñáÉ¹Á, áñÇÝ Ý³ »ñμ»ù ã¿ñ ëÇñ»É:
12. ºñμ μáÉáñ ÑÛáõñ»ñÝ ³ñ¹»Ý Ñ»é³ó»É ¿ÇÝ, Ð³ñÇëÁ Ùáï»ó³í
¾ÙÇÉÇÇÝ ¨ ³ë³ó, “ÐÇÙ³ Ù»Ýù Ï³ñáÕ »Ýù Ëáë»É:”
13. î³ñûñÇÝ³Ï ¿ñ, áñ ¸áñÇëÁ í»ñçÇÝ »ñ»ù ï³ñÇÝ»ñÇ
ÁÝÃ³óùáõÙ áã ÙÇ ýÇÉÙ ã¿ñ ÝÏ³ñ³Ñ³Ý»É: ¸³ Ýñ³Ý μÝáñáß ã¿ñ:
14. Ø»Ýù` μáÉáñë, μ³ñÓñ ïñ³Ù³¹ñáõÃÛ³Ý Ù»ç ¿ÇÝù: îáÙë»ñÝ
³ñ¹»Ý ·Ý»É ¿ÇÝù ¨ ³ÛÅÙ áõÕ¨áñáõÃÛ³Ý å³ïñ³ëïáõÃÛáõÝ
¿ÇÝù ï»ëÝáõÙ:
Ex. 9. Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses. Use
any appropriate past tense-aspect forms.
1. The fog was a little less dense. I (to stand) still for a while, then
began to walk along in the direction of the King’s Arms.
2. Then I heard someone say in the hall that the Joplings (to leave)
for Italy as soon as the vocation (to begin).
3. Tuesday dawned at last. I hardly (to sleep). The unusualness of
insomnia was a physical torture. The house (to seem) empty and
sad without boys.
4. This was not the first time I (to see) Gunnar. The very first time
I (to see) him was across the High Street. He (to stride) along,
wearing his gown, arm in arm with Anne.
5. I told him because he (to be going) to marry Crystal and
because he (to be) a gentle harmless being.
6. And I went into the room where I (to lie) in the afternoon and
put on my nightdress and then I (to go) to see what Joan (to do)
and she just (to lie) down on her bed and I (to tell) her to get
undressed and get into bed.
7. It was Wednesday evening. I (to spend) longer than usual at the
Liverpool Street bar and (to feel) rather drunk now.
8. Suddenly I remembered Tommy. I (to look) at my watch.
Tommy (to wait) for me for well over an hour. I (to go) into the
telephone box outside the Royal Theatre and (to ring) her
9. A light fine rain (to fall) now, the rain which (to tap-tap)
discreetly Gunar’s window through those immensely long
seconds during which I (to be) in his room.
10. Kitty, wearing a long peacock-blue woolen evening dress (to
gaze) at me. Standing behind her and holding a brush, with
which she evidently (to brush) Kitty’s hair, was her maid.
Ex. 10. Put each verb in brackets into suitable past tense.
This time last year I (to cycle) in the rain along a country road in
France with a friend of mine. We (to decide) to go on a cycling
holiday in Normandy. Neither of us (to be) to France before, but we
(to know) some French from our time of school and we (to manage)
to brush up on the basics. Now we (to wonder) if we (to make) the
right decision. We (to plan) our route carefully in advance, but we (to
forget) one important thing, the weather. It (to rain) solidly since our
arrival and that night we (to end up) sleeping in the waiting room at a
railway station. Then the next morning as we (to ride) down a steep
hill my bike (to skid) on the wet road and I (to fall off). I (to realize)
immediately that I (to break) my arm, and after a visit to the local
hospital I (to catch) the next train to Calais for the ferry home.
Unfortunately my parents (not to expect) me home for a fortnight,
and (to go) away on holiday. So I (to spend) a miserable couple of
weeks alone, reading “Teach Yourself French”.
Ex. 11. Talk about the reasons why these things happened.
1. One of the students in your group failed the exam.
2. Your teacher praised you the other day.
3. You didn’t go to his/her party.
4. You didn’t approve your girlfriend’s/boyfriend’s decision to
marry him/her.
There are different ways of expressing future actions. The meaning
of futurity is often associated with various other modal meanings,
such as intention, willingness, readiness, obligation, assurance,
expectation and the like. That explains why English is rich in means
of referring an action to the future (see Unit I)
Simple Future
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I shall/will play shall/will I play? I shan’t/won’t play
you will play will you play? you won’t play
he/she/it will play will he/she/it play? he/she/it won’t play
we’ll play shall/will we play? we shan’t/won’t play
they’ll play will they play? they won’t play
The formation: shall/will+ infinitive without to.
The simple future is not only used for giving information about the
future, but it is also common in offers, promises, orders and similar
kinds of ‘interpersonal’ language use.
Future actions or states
1. We use the simple future when we decide to do something at the
time of speaking:.
Oh, I’ve left the door open. I’ll go and shut it.
“What would you like to drink?” “ I’ll have an orange
juice, please.”
“Did you phone Ruth?” “Oh no, I forgot. I’ll phone her
I like it. I’ll buy it.
but Well, we’ve agreed on a price, and I’m going to buy it.
We’ll be there in five days.
2. It may show a succession of actions in the future:
I’ll finish it and then we’ll go for a walk.
3. The simple future is used to give (or to ask) information about the
future, in case where there is no reason to use a present continuous
or ‘be going to’.
All the family will be at the wedding.
We shall need the money on the 15th.
It’ll be spring soon.
4. We often use the simple future in predictions of future events- to
say what we think (don’t think), guess or calculate will happen.
Who do you think will win on Saturday?
Tomorrow will be warm, with some clouds in the
You’ll never get that job.
Compare: Don’t lend him your car. He is a terrible driverhe’ll
crash it. (the speaker’s knowledge)
Look out – we are going to crash. (there is outside evidence)
Sometimes there is no much difference between the simple future
and going to:
I think the weather will be nice later.
I think the weather is going to be nice later.
5. We often use shall/will in these situations:
a) offering to do something
You can’t do that work alone. I’ll help you with it.
“The telephone is ringing.” “ I’ll get it.”
b) agreeing to do something
- Will you dine with me tomorrow?
- I will if you don’t change your mind till tomorrow.
c) asking somebody to do something
Will you open the window, please? It’s hot in here.
6. will not or won’t is used to refuse, or to talk about refusals.
I don’t care what you say, I won’t do it.
The car won’t start.
7. will / won’t can be used emphatically to tell someone of the
speaker’s intention or to forbid an action in response to a will
- I’ll take the money, anyway!
- You won’t!
- I will!
Shall …? I/shall we …? will you …?
8. shall …? I/shall we…? are used to ask somebody’s opinion
(especially in offers and suggestions)
What time shall we come and see you?
Shall we go out for a meal?
Where shall we go this evening?
Let’s go to the cinema, shall we?
will you …? is used to give instructions and orders:
Will you be quiet, please?
Make me a cup of coffee, will you?
Will you get me a newspaper when you go out?
Compare: Shall I shut the window? (do you want me to shut it?)
Will you shut the window? (I want you to shut it)
The Future Continuous
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I shall/will be working
shall/will I be
I shan’t/ won’t be
you’ll be working will you be working? you won’t be working
he/she/it will be
will he/she/it be
he/she/it won’t be
we’ll be working will we be working? we won’t be working
they’ll be working will they be working they won’t be working
The future continuous is built up by means of shall/will be +
participle I
Event which will be happening at a future point
1. The future continuous describes an event which will be happening
at a future point.
This time next week I’ll be lying on a beach or swimming
in the sea.
Events which are expected to happen
2. It is used to refer to future events which are decided, or which are
expected to happen in the normal course of events. It doesn’t
suggest the idea of personal intention.
I’ll be seeing her this evening, so I’ll tell her then.
Professor Baxter will be giving another lecture on Roman
glass-making at the same time next week.
3. This tense can be used to “predict’ the present – to say what we
think or guess is happening now.
Don’t phone them now – they’ll be having lunch. (×³ß»ÉÇë
Polite enquiries
4. The future continuous is used to make polite enquiries about
people’s plans.
Compare: Will you stay in this evening? (it shows request or order)
Will you be staying in this evening? (the speaker simply
wants to know your plans)
Are you going to stay in this evening? (pressing for a
5. Continuous form with be going to is also possible:
I’m going to be working all day tomorrow, so I won’t have
time to shop.
The Future Perfect
Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I shall/will have
will I have finished
I won’t have finished
you will have finished
will you have finished
you won’t have
he/she/it will have
will he/she/it have
he/she/it won’t have
we’ll have finished
will we have finished
we won’t have
they’ll have finished will they have finished they won’t have
The future perfect is formed by means of shall/will have +
participle II
Event completed/achieved by a certain time in the future.
1. The future perfect is used to say that something will have been
completed or achieved by a certain time in the future.
By next Christmas we’ll have been here for eight years.
The builders say they’ll have finished the roof by Tuesday.
Predicting the present
2. We can also use the future perfect tense to “predict the present”- to
say what we think or guess has probably happened.
It’s no use phoning – he’ll have left by now. (·Ý³ó³Í
The Future Perfect Continuous
The future perfect continuous is built by means of shall/will have
been + participle I
The future perfect continuous form can be used if we want to
emphasize the continuity of a future achievement. We often use the
future perfect continuous with verbs like learn, lie, live, rain, sit,
wait, work etc. which naturally suggest continuity
By the end of the month, I’ll have been working for this
firm for a year.
They will have been traveling for a month on Friday.
Future in the past
In English there are special forms to express future actions if they are
viewed from some moment in the past. (The Simple Future, the
Future Continuous in the Past, the Future perfect in the Past, the
Future Perfect Continuous in the Past). In addition to the Future in
the Past there are other means of expressing actions which are future
from the point of view of the past (see Unit II).
She said she would be ready in a few minutes.
We knew he would be playing billiards in the club that
He told them not to worry because they would have hidden
everything before the police came.
John said that by the end of the year he would have been
working for fifteen years for that company.
He didn’t knew that her plane flew at 9 p. m.
Alan and Jane were glad because they were leaving for
Paris the next week.
Everybody was excited to hear the news. They were going
to tell Dave about it when he returned home.
He was about to close the door when the phone rang.
Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Future tenses in the following
1. “I am going in to bathe”, she said. “I’ll be right out. I’ll eat with
you and then we’ll put the cot in.”
2. “There are people who want to talk with you.” “I’ll listen. But
only after the girl is free.”
3. “What name did you use?” asked Scofield. “R. M. Nixon. The
receptionist was real nice. She thanked me. ” “You’ll go for
Amos.” “I intend to.”
4. “The old fool’s wife is in her room and he’s in his chapel of
course.” “Where?” “Oh, all right. Come on, I’ll show you …
You are better looking, more polite too.”
5. “Stay the night at the Yevropeyskaya Hotel on Brodsky Street.
I’ll contact you there.” “They’ll demand identification.” “By all
means, give it to them. A colonel of the KGB will no doubt get a
better room.
6. “I’ve told you about this before, Maggie,” said Mrs. Hurstwood.
“I’m not going to tell you again.”
7. “Have you made up your mind, George, when you will take your
8. “We’ll go without you.” “You will eh?” he sneered. “Yes, we
will.” “Well, we’ll see about that. It seems to me you’re trying
to run things with a pretty high hand of late.”
9. “I’ll not live with you,” said Carrie. “I don’t want to live with
you. You’ve done nothing but brag around ever since you have
been here.”
10. “Why don’t you come and see me?” “I will,” said Carrie.
“Really, I’ve been wanting to come.”
11. “Will you let me come back if I want to?” “Of course,” he
answered, “you know I will.”
12. “There is somebody at the door.” “That will be the postman.”
13. “As you will have noticed, there is a new secretary in the front
14. The regiment will start at dawn.
15. I am going to be working all day tomorrow, so I won’t have
time to shop.
16. I’ve been going to write to you for ages, but I’ve only just
found time.
17. “By next Christmas we’ll have been here for eight years,” said
18. Professor Baxter will be giving another lecture on Roman
glass-making at this time next week.
19. She is taking that medicine whether she likes it or not.
20. OK. We’ll buy the tickets if you buy supper after the show.
21. “I’ll have been teaching for twenty years this summer,” said
Mrs. Hendersson.
Ex. 2. Complete the sentences with will or be going to.
1. - Oh dear, I’ve broken the vase.
- What your mother … say?
2. - What’s all this paint for?
- We … paint my mother’s house.
3. - Excuse me, waiter! This isn’t what I ordered. I wanted a
chicken sandwich.
- Sorry, sir. I … take this back and get your sandwich.
4. - You look pale.
- I feel terrible. I … be sick.
5. - Did you travel by train?
- No. We … travel by train, but then we decided to go by car
6. - Have you seen Carol today?
- No, I haven’t, but I expect she … phone this evening.
7. - What would you like to drink?
- I … have an orange juice, please.
8. - Did you apply for that job, George?
- I … apply, but then I changed my mind.
9. -Ann is in hospital.
- Oh really? I didn’t know. I … go and visit her.
10. -Did you phone Bob?
- Oh no, I forgot. I … phone her now.
11. - Hello. Can I speak to Jim, please?
- Just a moment. I … get him.
12. – I am afraid of your dog.
- There is no need to be afraid of the dog. It … hurt you.
13. -What time will you be home today, Bob?
- I … probably be home late this evening, Mom.
14. - I am going downtown.
- It’s raining. Don’t go out. You … get wet..
15. - There is an interesting film on television tonight.
- I’m tired. I … have an early night.
16. – Why did you buy all this sugar and chocolate?
- I … make a delicious dessert for dinner tonight.
Ex 3. Write questions using do you think … will + one verb.
1. The weather doesn’t look very good. Do you …....................
2. The meeting is still going on. When …..................................
3. Both Alan and Jack play well. Who …....................................
4. My car needs to be repaired. How much ….............................
5. Sally and David are in love. Do ….........................................
6. “I’m going out now.” “OK. What time ….............................”
7. The future situation is uncertain. What ….............................
8. Dave’s gone shopping. He wants to bye a nice present for Ann.
Ex, 4. Supply an appropriate form of the verb be in the first
blank and present participle in the second.
be going to + present participle are used to emphasize the
continuing nature (duration) of an event in the future time.
Example: a) The patient is going to be walking with a cane for a
b) We aren’t going to be using our dictionaries during
the test.
c) How long is the surgeon going to be operating on the
1. I (be) going to be … my typewriter for a couple of more years
(to use).
2. The students (be) going to be … an exam for an hour (to take).
3. The days (be) going to be … longer (to get).
4. The director (not to be) going to be … about anything special at
the next meeting (to speak).
5. According to the radio, the weather (not to be) going to be …
better until the end of the week (to get).
6. Nick (not to be) going to be … at this desk until the end of the
class (to sit).
7. How long (to be) your baby going to be … diapers (to wear).
8. How long (to be) the children going to be … in the pool (to
9. How much longer (to be) your son going to be … braces on his
teeth (to wear).
Ex. 5. Supply the Future Perfect Simple or Future Perfect
1. By this time next week, I ………….. on this book for a year.
2. She ….................... for work before the children get home from
school. (leave)
3. I hope I ……………. this translation by the end of the day.
4. By the end of this week, I ……………. five weeks for my
phone to be repaired. (wait)
5. We …………… non-stop for fourteen hours before we get to
Canada. (fly)
6. I …………….. by the year 2029. (retire)
7. They…………. will have been traveling for a month on Friday.
8. Do you realize that on August 15, we …………… in this house
for fifty years? (live) They ………………the new bridge by the
end of the year. (complete)
9. By the end of the day, it ………………. For twelve hours.
10. We ………………. This course by the end of the year. (finish)
Ex 6. Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses. Use
any appropriate tense to express a future action.
1. To be able to qualify as an interpreter, many years of intensive
language study are required for non-native speakers. By the end
of this year, Chem. (to study) English for 3 years, but he still
need more training and experience before he (to master) the
2. Right now the tide is low, but when the tide (to come) in, the
ship (to leave) the harbor.
3. We are going to be late meeting my brother’s plane. By the time
we (to get) to the airport, it (to arrive) already.
4. This is the longest flight I have ever taken. By the time we get
to New Zealand, we (to fly) for 13 hours. I am going to be
5. “How about going across the street for a cup of coffee, Ron?” “I
can't. I (to meet) Jennifer at the library at 5.00.
6. I don’t feel good. I (to stay) home from work tomorrow.
7. “Let’s go! What’s taking you so long?” “I (to be) there as soon
as I (to find) my keys.”
8. “Why did you buy so many vegetables?” “I (to make) a large
salad for the potluck dinner tonight.”
9. I’ll meet you at the airport tomorrow. After you (to clear)
customs, look for me just outside the gate. I (to stand) right by
the door.
10. It’s cold in here. I am frozen. Who (to light) fire for me?
11. The strike has been going on for two months now. The strikers
(not to return) to work until they (to get) a rise and the benefits
they are demanding.
12. Please come and visit me today when you (to have) a chance. I
(to shop) from 1.00 to 2.30, but I (to be) home after that.
13. Just relax, Antoine. As soon as your sprained ankle (to heal)
you can play soccer again. At this time next week you (to play)
soccer again.
14. “George, I need somebody to take me to the airport tomorrow
morning.” “That’s no problem. I (to take) you. What time your
plane (to fly)?”
15. Don’t ask Margaret what to do. She (not to know) what to do.
16. I’ve got some incredible news! You never (to believe). What’s
17. “At last I’ll see that they (not to do) anything outrageous to
her,” aunt said.
Ex. 7. Translate the following sentences into English using any
appropriate future tense form.
1. -Èë»É »Ù` Ýáñ ïáõÝ »ë ·Ý»É, ²ñÃá°õñ - ²Ûá°, ÙÛáõë ³ÙÇë
ï»Õ³÷áËí»Éáõ »Ù:
- ´Ý³Ï³ñ³Ý³ÙáõïÇ ËÝçáõÛù ³Ý»Éá±õ »ë: - ¸»é áã: ºë Ùï³¹Çñ »Ù
Ý³Ë ïáõÝÁ í»ñ³Ýáñá·»É, Ñ»ïá ï»Õ³÷áË í»É:
2. ºë ëïÇåí³Í ÏÉÇÝ»Ù ÙÇ ùÇã ³í»ÉÇ áõß³¹Çñ ÉÇÝ»É ÷áÕÇ ÝÏ³ïÙ
³Ùμ, »ñμ Ãáß³ÏÇ ³ÝóÝ»Ù, áñáíÑ»ï»¨ Ý»ñÏ³ÛÇë
³ßË³ï³í³ñÓÇ ÙÇ³ÛÝ Ï»ëÝ »Ù ëï³Ý³Éáõ: ´³Ûó, ÇÑ³ñÏ»,
³Ûëù³Ý ß³ï Ñ³ñÏ ã»Ù í×³ñ»Éáõ:
3. ä³åÇÏë Çñ ³ÙμáÕç ³½³ï Å³Ù³Ý³ÏÝ ³ÝóÏ³óÝáõÙ ¿ Í³é»ñ
ïÝÏ»Éáí: Ü³ ³ëáõÙ ¿, áñ ÙÇÝã¨ Ñ³çáñ¹ ï³ñí³ í»ñçÁ 200
4. -¸áõ å»ïù ¿ Ï³°Ù ïáõ·³ÝùÁ í×³ñ»ë Ï³°Ù Ù»Ï ³Ùëáí μ³Ýï
·Ý³ë: -ºë ã»Ù í×³ñÇ ïáõ·³ÝùÁ: -²Û¹ ¹»åùáõÙ ëïÇåí³Í
ÏÉÇÝ»ë μ³Ýï ·Ý³É:
5. -ºë Ïí»ñ³¹³éÝ³Ù Ñ³çáñ¹ ³Ùëí³ í»ñçÇÝ: - Ðáõëáí »Ù, áñ
ÙÇÝã ³Û¹ Ñ³ÝÓÝ³Í ÏÉÇÝ»Ù ÇÙ í³ñáñ¹³Ï³Ý ùÝÝáõÃÛáõÝÁ: ºÃ»
Ñ³ÝÓÝ³Í ÉÇÝ»Ù, »ë ù»½ Ï¹ÇÙ³íáñ»Ù Ï³Û³ñ³ÝáõÙ:
6. âÙáé³Ý³ë ³ñÃÝ³óÝ»É ÇÝÓ ³é³íáïÛ³Ý Å³ÙÁ 7-ÇÝ:
ä³ïáõÑ³Ý Éí³óáÕÁ ·³Éáõ ¿ í³ÕÁ` Å³ÙÁ 8-ÇÝ:
7. -ÆÝãá±õ »ë ³Û¹ù³Ý ß³ï Ù³ÛáÝ»½ ·ÝáõÙ: - ²Ûëûñ »ñ»ÏáÛ³Ý
ÑÛáõñ»ñ »Ù áõÝ»Ý³Éáõ. Ñ³Ù»Õ ³Õó³ÝÝ»ñ »Ù å³ïñ³ëï»Éáõ:
8. - ò³íáõÙ »Ù, áñ »ñ»Ë³Ý ï»ë³í ³Û¹ ¹Åμ³Ëï å³ï³Ñ³ñÁ:
-Ø°Ç° ³ÝÑ³Ý·ëï³Ý³: Ð³Ùá½í³Í »Ù, áñ Ý³ ß³ï ßáõïáí
ÏÙáé³Ý³ ³Û¹ ÙÇç³¹»åÇ Ñ»ï Ï³åí³Í ³Ù»Ý ÇÝã:
9. Âá°Ù, ÙÇ° ã³ñã³ñÇñ Ï³ïíÇÝ: ºÃ» ¹áõ Ýñ³ åáãÇó ÝáñÇó
ù³ß»ë, Ý³ Ï×³ÝÏéÇ ù»½:
10. - Îñ³ÏÁ Ñ³Ý·ãáõÙ ¿: - ²ÛÝ ³ñ¹»Ý Ñ³Ý·»É ¿: ºë Ï·Ý³Ù áõ
×ÛáõÕ»ñ Ïμ»ñ»Ù:
11. - ´³ñÇ° ûñ: ºë ½³Ý·áõÙ »Ù Ó»½ μÝ³Ï³ñ³ÝÇ í»ñ³μ»ñÛ³É
ïñí³Í Ó»ñ Ñ³Ûï³ñ³ñáõÃÛ³Ý Ï³å³ÏóáõÃÛ³Ùμ: - ºë ³ÛÝ ¹»é
í³ñÓáí ã»Ù ïí»É, μ³Ûó ÙÇ ³ÕçÇÏ ¿ ·³Éáõ Å³ÙÁ 7-ÇÝ`
ï»ëÝ»Éáõ ³ÛÝ:
Ex. 8. Choose the best suited tense-form to express future actions
viewed from the past.
1. His mother went out of the room and he could hear her frying
something downstairs while he (to wash), (to shave) and (to
dress) to go down into the dining-room for breakfast.
2. You said if you (not to go) back, they (to come) looking for
3. Denton said to the waitress that he (to take) the soup and a
hamburger and a cup of coffee.
4. Everybody knew that the grand wedding ball (to begin) at eight
o’clock that evening.
5. He saw to it that she (to get) everything she needed.
6. Your mother thought that you (to want) a place of your own
when you (to come) out of the army.
7. Peter (to dine) with the Duncans on Sunday. But in the morning
he called up and asked if he might be excused because his
father (to come) down and they (to have) a family party.
8. When I told my father that I (not to go) into his goddamn
business, he got angry.
9. I didn’t believe her. According to her, by the end of that
semester she (to teach) more than 50.000 students from 42
10. Sue said that she (to do) nothing more until she (to have) a good
11. Bob asked me not to come to his place in the evening as he (to
watch) and interesting football match on TV then.
12. My neighbour was sure that I (not hear) that news yet.
13. Jane asked me why I had bought so many tomatoes and I
answered that I (to make) a lot of spaghetti sauce.
14. We wondered if she (forgive) Ron if he (to apologize).
15. The washing machine (not to work) so I had to wash the clothes
myself by hand.
Ex. 9. Put the verbs in brackets into a suitable tense.
On June 20th, I will return home. I (to be) away from home for two
years by that time. My family (to meet) me at the airport with kisses
and tears. They (to miss) me as much as I have missed them. I (to be)
very happy to see them again. When I (to get) a chance, I (to take) a
long look at them. My little brother (to be no longer) so little. He (to
grow) at least a foot. He (to be) almost as tall as my father. My little
sister (to wear), probably a green dress because that’s her favourite
colour. She (to change) quite a bit, too, but she (to be) still
mischievous and inquisitive. She (to ask) me a thousand questions a
minute, or so it will seem. My father (to gain), probably some
weight, and his hair (to turn) a little grayer, but otherwise he will be
just as I remember him. My mother (to look) a little older, but not
much. The wrinkles on her face (to be) smile wrinkles.
Ex. 10. Study the model and make a dialogue on a telephone
conversation. (Act it in class)
-Hi, Jim. This is Fred. Can you talk for a minute?
-I’m sorry. I can’t talk right now. I’m typing an important
letter now. Can you call back a little later?
-Sure. How much longer will you be typing it?
-I’ll probably be typing it for another ten minutes.
-Fine. I’ll call you in twenty minutes.
-Speak to you soon.
Ex. 11. Comment on the following questions.
1. What do you think you will be doing in four or five year’s time?
2. Do you think the world will have changed for the better/worse by
then? (Why?)
3. What would you do to make the world better?
Ex. 1. Read the stories and complete the sentences with verbs in
parentheses. Use any appropriate tense – form.
A Little Gossip
-Good morning, Mrs. Smith. What beautiful weather again!
-Yes, lovely, Mrs. Jones! What a splendid summer we (to have) so
far this year.
-Yes, but some people (to complain) about the heat and (to grumble)
because we (not to have) much rain for the gardens.
- Some people are never satisfied. And I think they are a bit lazy. As
for me I (to work) in my rose garden since morning.
- By the way, you (to hear) that young Patrick Ellis (to have) another
accident in his car?
- How awful! Is he badly hurt?
- Well, they (to take) him to hospital but I (not to think) it (to be)
serious because he (to come) home again today.
- I suppose he (to drive) flat out again. Only yesterday I (to tell) Mrs.
how madly he (to drive). And all his friends are just the same.
- I know. What wild things young men are these days!
- Mm… I’ve got some news for you, too. You (to hear) that Eva
Browning (to get) married for the third time on September the tenth?
- Fancy that! She only (to get) her second divorce in the spring. What
a dreadful woman she is!
- Her first marriage only (to last) six months – and that was only in
1972, wasn’t it?
-Yes, that’s right. At this rate she (to lose) count of her husbands
before she (to be) forty.
- She may lose count, Mrs. Jones but we certainly won’t.
The Appointment
Once upon a time, there was a rich Caliph in Baghdad. He was very
famous because he was wise and kind. One morning he (to send) his
servant, Abdul to the market to buy some fruit. As Abdul (to walk)
through the market, he suddenly (to feel) very cold. He (to know)
that somebody was behind him. He (to turn) round and (to see) a tall
man, dressed in black. He couldn’t see the man’s face, only his eyes.
The man (to stare) at him, and Abdul (to begin) to shiver.
“Who are you? What you (to want)? Abdul asked.
The man in black (not to reply).
“What’s your name?” Abdul asked nervously.
“I…am…Death,” the stranger (to reply) coldly and turned away.
Abdul (to drop) his basket and (to run) all the way back to the
Caliph’s house. He (to rush) into the Caliph’s room..
“Excuse me, master. I have to leave Baghdad immediately,” Abdul
“But why? What (to happen)?” the Caliph asked.
“ I just (to meet) Death in the market,” Abdul replied.
“Are you certain?” said the Caliph.
“Yes, I’m certain. He (to be dressed) in black, and he (to stare) at me.
I (to be going) to my father’s house in Samara. If I (to go) at once, I
(to be) there before sunset.”
The Caliph could see that Abdul was terrified and (to give) him
permission to go to Samara.
The Caliph was puzzled. He was fond of Abdul and he was angry
because Abdul (to be) badly frightened by the stranger in the market.
He (to decide) to go to the market and investigate. When he (to find)
the man in black, he (to speak) to him angrily.
“Why you (to frighten) my servant?”
“Who is your servant?” the stranger replied.
“His name is Abdul,” answered the Caliph.
“I (not to want) to frighten him, I just (to be surprised) to see him in
“Why you (to be surprised)?” the Caliph asked.
“I (to be surprised) because I’ve got an appointment with
him…tonight…in Samara.
Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie (1891-1976) is one of the world’s best-known and
best-loved authors. Her famous detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss
Marple, and her brilliantly constructed plots (to catch) the
imagination of generations of readers. Although she (to live) to an
old age and (to write) many books, she (not to reveal) much about
her personal life.
In December 1926 an incident (to occur) which would have made an
enthralling detective story in itself. At the height of her success with
her first novel, she apparently (to vanish) into thin air for ten days.
At the time she (to be) extremely distressed because she (to find out)
that her husband (to have) an affair with another woman and (to
want) a divorce. She (to sleep) badly, she (not to be able) to write
and she (to eat) little.
On Friday 3 rd December, Agatha (to tell) her secretary and
companion, Carlo (Miss Charlotte Fisher), that she (to want) a day
alone. When Carlo (to return) in the evening, she (to find) that the
garage doors (to be left) open and the maids (to look) frightened.
According to them, Mrs. Christie (to come) downstairs at about
eleven in the evening, (to get) into her car and (to drive off) quickly
without saying anything to anybody.
A nation-wide hunt for the missing novelist was started. The police
(to be) suspicious. – The servants (to know) something more? –
Agatha’s husband (to hide) something?
Newspapers (to print) wild stories about her disappearance –that she
(to commit) suicide, that she (to be kidnapped), that she (to run
away) with a secret lover; some even suggested that she (to plan) the
whole thing as a publicity stunt.
The mystery ended ten days later when Agatha (to be found) alive
and well in Harrogate, a health spa in Yorkshire. Her husband
explained to the waiting reporters that she (to lose) her memory. But
to this day, nobody really (to know) what (to happen) during those
missing ten days.
Ex. 2. Find and correct errors in the following sentences.
1. Jack chose the hotel. He has never been there before, but he has
heard his mother speak of it once.
2. How many times have you been winning in the lottery.
3. By the time I return to my country, I am away from home more
than three years.
4. As soon as I will graduate, I am going to return to my
5. He wants to get married, but he doesn’t meet the right person
6. I have been seeing that movie three times, and now I am
wanting to see it again.
7. I haven’t seen my elder brother since about five years.
8. Anna had listened to loud rock music when her friends arrived,
but turned off so that all of them could study together.
9. “I can’t find the mustard.” “Okay. I am going to find it for
10. I understood everything before I didn’t stay there a week.
11. Hardly I got into bed when the telephone rang.
12. So far he doesn’t make friends with anyone. I am thinking he
won’t stay here long.
13. He said that he was smelling something burning but there
wasn’t something cooking on the stove.
14. He is my close friend. I have been knowing him for my
15. I am sure Flora will be here after a while
16. Tomorrow will be my birthday.
17. I leave now but I’ll see you two weeks later.
18. I’m sorry, dinner isn’t ready yet, but it is going to be ready in a
19. It is no use to phone Bob at the office, he will be leaving.
20. Don’t phone me after 11.00. I’ll have been asleep.
Ex. 3. Translate the following sentences into English. Use any
appropriate tense-aspect forms.
1. àëïÇÏ³ÝáõÃÛáõÝÁ í»ñç³å»ë μéÝ»ó ³ÛÝ »ñ»ù
ïÕ³Ù³ñ¹Ï³Ýó, áñáÝù ³é¨³Ý·»É ¿ÇÝ ÙÇÉÇáÝ³ïÇñáç áñ¹áõÝ:
2. ì»ñçÇÝ ÁÝïñáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÇ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ³Û¹ Ã»ÏÝ³ÍáõÇ ¹»Ù
ùí»³ñÏáÕ ù³ÝÇ± Ù³ñ¹ Ï³ñ:
3. ºÃ» ¹áõ ÇÙ ËáñÑñ¹ÇÝ ãÑ»ï¨»ë ¨ ÝáñÇó ÝáõÛÝÝ ³Ý»ë, ¹áõ
÷áñÓ³ÝùÇ Ù»ç ÏÁÝÏÝ»ë:
4. Ü³ ÙÇßï μáÕáùáõÙ ¿, áñ ÷áÕÇ Ï³ñÇù áõÝÇ,μ³Ûó μáÉáñÁ
·Çï»Ý, áñ Ýñ³ ·áñÍÁ Í³ÕÏáõÙ ¿:
5. Ü³ ÷³Ïí»É ¿ ë»ÝÛ³ÏáõÙ ¨ Ññ³Å³ñíáõÙ ¿ ¹áõñë ·³É, ÙÇÝã¨
Ýñ³Ýù μáÉáñÁ ãÑ»é³Ý³Ý:
6. èáÛÝ ³Û¹ ³ÙμáÕç Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ³ßË³ï»É ¿ñ ¨ í³ï ¿ñ ùÝ»É: Ü³
ß³ï Ñá·Ý³Í ï»ëù áõÝ»ñ:
7. Ø»Ýù »ñÏáõ ûñ ÙÝ³óÇÝù êÙÇÃÝ»ñÇ Ùáï ¨ Ñ»ïá ·Ý³óùáí
í»ñ³¹³ñÓ³Ýù ÈáÝ¹áÝ:
8. Ð³½Çí ¿Ç »ë Ýñ³Ýó Ññ³Å»ßï ïí»É, »ñμ ·Ý³óùÁ ß³ñÅí»ó:
9. ºñÏáõ ³ÙÇë ¿ñ, ÇÝã ³åñáõÙ ¿ÇÝù ·ÛáõÕáõÙ, »ñμ »Õμ³Ûñë
»Ï³í Ù»½ ³Ûó»ÉáõÃÛ³Ý:
10. æáÝÝ ³ñ¹»Ý ëïáõ·»É ¿ñ Çñ ³ß³Ï»ñïÝ»ñÇ
ß³ñ³¹ñáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ ¨ ³ÛÅÙ ÙÇ Ñ»ï³ùñùÇñ ·Çñù ¿ñ
Ï³ñ¹áõÙ, áñÁ ·Ý»É ¿ñ ³é³íáïÛ³Ý ` ¹åñáó ·Ý³Éáõ
11. ²ÝÝ³°, »Õμ³Ûñ¹ í»ñ³¹³éÝáõÙ ¿: Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ Ý³ ù»½
Ùáï ÏÙÝ³:
12. ºë Ñ³ëÏ³ó³, áñ å³ÑÁ, áñÇÝ »ñÏ³ñ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ëå³ë»É »Ù,
»Ï»É ¿:
13. Ü³ μáÉáñáíÇÝ ¿É ³Ù³ãÏáï ã¿ñ: î³ëÁ ñáå» ¿É ãÏ³ñ, ÇÝã
Ù»Ýù Í³ÝáÃ ¿ÇÝù ÙÇÙÛ³Ýó, »ñμ Ý³ ËÝ¹ñ»ó, áñ Çñ»Ý ê»ÉÇ
14. ºÕ³Ý³ÏÝ ³Û¹ ûñÁ Ùé³ÛÉ ¿ñ: ê³éÁ ù³ÙÇÝ, áñ ÷ãáõÙ ¿ñ
³é³íáïí³ÝÇó, ³ñ¹»Ý ¹³¹³ñ»É ¿ñ, μ³Ûó ¹»é ³ÝÓñ¨ ¿ñ
15. îÝûñ»ÝÝ ³ë³ó, áñ Ýñ³Ýù, áíù»ñ Ïμ³ó³Ï³Û»Ý ³é³Ýó
ÑÇÙÝ³íáñ å³ï×³éÇ, Ïå³ïÅí»Ý:
16. Üñ³ Ùáñ ëÇñïÝ áõÅ·ÇÝ μ³μ³ËáõÙ ¿ñ` ³Û¹ Ñáõ½Çã
ÝáñáõÃÛáõÝÁ Éë»ÉÇë:
17. âÝ³Û³Í Ýñ³ Ãí³óÛ³É ÁÝÏ»ñáõÃÛ³ÝÁ` Ý³ ÇÝÓ áã ÙÇ
û·ÝáõÃÛáõÝ ¿É óáõÛó ãïí»ó:
18. ºë Ýñ³Ý É³í »Ù ×³Ý³ãáõÙ: Üñ³Ý »ñ»ë ïáõñ, ³ëï³éÝ ¿É
Ñ»ïÁ Ïáõ½Ç:
19. ÂáÙÁ Ï³ñ¨áñ ùÝÝáõÃÛ³Ý ¿ñ å³ïñ³ëïíáõÙ Çñ ë»ÝÛ³ÏáõÙ:
Üñ³ Ù³ÛñÁ Ñ»ï¨áõÙ ¿ñ, áñ áã áù Ýñ³Ý ã³ÝÑ³Ý·ëï³óÝÇ:
The voice is one of the categories of the verb. It shows whether the
subject is the doer of the action or whether it is acted upon.
Accordingly, there are two voices in English- active and passive.
Active: The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.
Passive: The patient will be operated on tomorrow.
Active and passive forms:
Simple Present
active: write/writes
passive: am/is/are written/painted
Simple Past
active: wrote
passive: was/were written/painted
Present continuous
active: am/is/are writing/painting
passive: was/were being written/painted
Past Continuous
active: was/were writing/painting
passive: was/were being written/painted
Present Perfect
active: have/has written/painted
passive: have/has been written/painted
Past Perfect
active: had written/painted
passive: had been written/painted
Simple Future
active: shall/will write/paint
passive shall/will be written/painted
Future Perfect
active: shall/will have written/painted
passive: will have been written/painted
Simple Future in the Past
active: should/ would write/paint
passive: should/would be written/painted
Future Perfect in the Past
active: should/would have
passive: would have been written/painted
Modal Verbs
active: can/could/ may/might /must/ought to/ should/ would/ etc. write/paint
passive: can/could /may/might/ must,/ought to/should/would etc. be written/painted
The passive is not the reverse of the active. The two constructions
are not parallel in their use and serve different purposes.
The passive construction is generally used in the following cases:
1. Change of focus (it can change the emphasis of a sentence):
Charles won the prize. (focus on Charles)
The prize was won by Charles. (focus on the prize)
2. Unknown agent (there is no point in adding an agent: by
My wallet has been taken.
3. Obvious agent:
Joan has been arrested. (we assume by the police)
4. Unimportant agent:
I was advised to obtain a visa in advance.
5. Generalized agent (if the subject is “people in general ”or “you”
the agent is not mentioned):
Bicycles are widely used in the city instead of public
6. Impersonality (the passive is a way of avoiding the naming of a
specific person):
It has been decided to reduce all salaries by 10%.
Test papers are not to be taken outside the examination
7. In descriptions of processes, there is emphasis on the actions
performed rather than on the people who perform them.:
Then the toys are packed into boxes and sent to shops.
Note that the passive construction is impossible when the direct
object of the verb is expressed by:
a) an infinitive
I have arranged to meet him at 10. o'clock.
b) a reflexive pronoun or a noun with a possessive pronoun,
referring to the same person as the subject of the sentence
Ann hurt herself.
Ann hurt her leg yesterday.
c) a clause
I felt that they didn't want to join us.
d) by a set-phrase, the components of which cannot be
separated, such as: to take flight, to take alarm, to lose /to
take courage, to lose heart, to keep one's word etc.
e) with the verbs to resemble, to suit, to become, to have
and to possess.
Tom resembles his father. We have a lot of relatives.
The number of passive constructions in English is much greater than
in other languages. Most verbs with an object (transitive verbs) can
be made passive.
The following types of passive constructions exist in English: direct,
indirect, prepositional, adverbial and phraseological.
Direct passive construction
1. Direct passive construction is such a construction where the
subject of the passive sentence corresponds to the direct object of
the active sentence.
Alice wrote that letter.
That letter was written by Alice.
2. There are a number of verbs in English which require two direct
objects, such as: to ask, to envy, to teach etc. With these verbs
practically only one passive construction is used. The direct object
denoting a person becomes the subject of the passive construction.
The students asked the professor lot of questions.
The professor was asked a lot of questions.
3. The direct passive construction is used with the verbs: to think, to
consider, to know, to suggest, to suppose, to report, to request,
to believe, to allege, to consider, to expect;
Compare the two structures:
It is expected that the strike will end soon.
The strike is expected to end soon.
It is said that he is working on a new book now.
He is said to be working on a new book now.
Indirect passive construction
4. Indirect passive construction is such a construction where the
subject of the passive sentence corresponds to the indirect object of
the active sentence. Indirect passive construction is found with the
verbs: to tell, to give (and set phrases with give and grant) to give
a chance, to give an opportunity, to give a party, to give a post
/job, to grant leave, to grant audience;
They were given a party on the day of their arrival.
We weren’t granted audience. The secretary said he was
5. Verbs which have two objects can be made passive in two ways.
Common verbs of this type are: to bring, to give, to lend, to pass,
to pay, to promise, to show, to hand, to offer, to send, to tell;
I was handed a strange note.
A strange note was handed to me.
6. There are verbs in English which require a direct and an indirect
object in the active construction, but they admit only of one
passive construction- the direct passive, among them we find to
write, to read, to play, to telegraph, to bring, to sing, to buy, to
sell, to explain, to describe, to dictate, to repeat, to mention, to
introduce, to deliver, to present to recommend, to prove, to
point out;
The teacher explained the rule to the pupils.
The rule was explained to the pupils (by the teacher.)
The director dictated a telegram to the secretary.
A telegram was dictated to the secretary by the director.
The prepositional passive construction
7. The prepositional passive construction is the type of passive
construction in which the subject corresponds to the prepositional
object of the active construction. It may be found with the
following verbs: to speak of / about, to, to talk of /about, to
comment on, to write about, to look at / after upon, for, into, to
laugh at, to shout at, to mock at, to sneer at, to frown at, to spit
at, to whistle at, to swear at….
This artist’s pictures are always looked at with admiration.
His last film is much talked about.
His jokes are always laughed at.
Notice that the prepositional passive construction is not used with
such verbs as: to explain, to point out, to announce, to dedicate,
to devote, to say, to suggest, to propose; They take two objects,
direct and prepositional in active constructions, but they can only
have a direct passive construction.
He dedicated his book to his parents.
direct object prepositional object
The book was dedicated to his parents.
The phraseological passive construction
8. The phraseological passive construction is the type in which the
subject corresponds to the prepositional object of the active
construction, besides the predicate is expressed by a phraseological
unit, such as: to take care (of), to take no notice (of), to pay
attention (to), to take responsibility (for), to lose sight (of), to
put an end (to), to find fault (with), to make fool (of), to get in
touch (with), to make fun (of), to make use (of)…
The car was lost sight of.
The teacher’s remarks were taken no notice of.
Adverbial passive construction
9. Adverbial passive construction is a construction where the subject
of the passive construction corresponds to an adverbial modifier of
place in the active construction. The use of this construction is very
rare. It occurs with the verbs: to live, to sleep and to sit.
The house has never been lived in.
Entering the room she saw that the bed had not been slept
By and with
10. Generally the person (the agent) who performs an action in a
passive sentence is introduced by by.
His purse was found by one of the cleaners.
An object (an instrument) which causes something to happen is
introduced by with.
The tree had been decorated with coloured balls.
With is used after participles such as filled, packed, crowded,
The room was crammed with furniture.
The difference between by and with may involve the presence of a
Dave was hit by a branch. (an accident)
Dave was hit with a branch. (a person hit him with one)
Make is followed by to when used in the passive.
She made Ann wash the windows.
Ann was made to wash the windows.
Cover and verbs which involve similar ideas, such as surround,
decorate can use with or by. Cover can also be followed by in.
The old castle was surrounded by/with a high wall.
Ex.1. Transform the active verb phrases in the following
sentences to passive verb phrases. Omit the performing agents if
1. They usually deliver the mail twice a day during Christmas.
2. I don’t have to defrost the refrigerator until next week.
3. I’ll be fired if I don’t finish this work in time.
4. People use coal for making artificial materials.
5. Have they sent for a plumber?
6. They never took any major decision without his knowledge or
7. Thousands of people use this underground..
8. I expect you to return the money to me by Friday.
9. What do you call it?
10. Everybody thought that Jack was clever but lazy.
11. They are discussing the possibility of new negotiations.
12. Nobody has ever treated me with such kindness.
13. Someone found the children in the morning.
14. I have fixed my colour TV twice since I bought it.
15. They didn’t build Rome in a day.
16. One can seldom find inexpensive food in the stores now.
17. People don’t speak English in that part of the world.
18. You must develop this film before the end of the year.
19. When I got to the party, they were already serving dinner.
20. The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.
Passive voice with verbs which have two objects: Direct and
Ex 2. Rewrite these sentences in the passive.
A) Example: She sent a letter to Martin.
A letter was sent to Martin.
Martin was sent a letter.
1. They are showing an interesting film to the children this week.
2. The judge gave him a life sentence.
3. They granted us donations.
4. Tom’s parents promised him a bicycle.
5. After graduation they offered him a good job.
6. Did you send him a telegram?
7. He can't tell her the truth.
8. They paid him £ 300 for the work.
9. The authorities gave us no explanation.
B) Example: He asked them to hand in their reports at once.
They were asked to hand in their reports at once.
1. The lecture was interesting, the students asked the professor a
lot of questions.
2. They taught him several languages when he was a child.
3. The lady doesn’t allow dogs to come in here.
4. The doctor ordered me to stay in bed.
5. They instructed him to start early.
6. The boys envied him his talent.
7. He taught them how to play the game.
C) Example:
They bought a new house for their daughter last month.
A new house was bought for their daughter last month.
1. The secretary will dictate the telegram to you over the
2. They repeated the same thing to him several times.
3. Among other things, he mentioned to me the most interesting
4. Did they explain the difficulty to you?
5. The inhabitants described to us the life in this out-of-the-way
6. They sold us the house very cheap.
7. He read an extract to her from his book.
8. I’ll write to her a reply as soon as I can.
9. He introduced his girlfriend to us.
10. They repeated the announcement over the radio every 15
Passive voice with verbs which have a prepositional object
Ex. 3. Supply the suitable passive form.
Example: I must insist that you keep to the rules.
I must insist that the rules are kept to.
1. They argued about the incident for a long time.
2. He always throws away all his old note-books at the end of the
school year.
3. They will frown upon any attempts to cheat in the exam.
4. We can't speak of such important matters lightly.
5. People always look at this picture with admiration.
6. Someone had tampered with the lock of the front door.
7. You must think the matter over.
8. We are dealing with your complaint.
9. She laughed at the warning about bad weather.
10. The boy complained that people were picking on him.
11. We have not accounted for all the missing passengers.
Phraseological Passive Construction:
Ex.4. Change the following active sentences to passive.
Example: I think that we must put an end to this bloodshed.
I think this bloodshed must be put an end to.
1. When the car turned round the corner, we lost sight of it.
2. He took no notice of their remarks.
3. At the party they made fun of Jack.
4. He understood that the man had made fool of him.
5. They said that they should put an end to poverty.
6. She promised that she would take good care of the children.
7. He didn’t pay any attention to my warning.
Ex 5. Write these sentences in another way, beginning as shown:
Example: They believe that he is a very honest man.
It is believed that he is a very honest man.
He is believed to be a very honest man.
1. They said that the boy was wearing a white pullover.
2. They alleged that he had kicked the policeman.
3. They expected that the strike would end soon.
4. They think that the prisoner escaped by climbing over the wall.
5. They reported that the building had been badly damaged.
6. They believed that the thieves got in through the kitchen
7. They report that many people are homeless after the floods.
8. They suppose that he robbed a bank a long time ago.
Ex 6. Use be supposed to with its other meaning. In each example
what happens is different from what is supposed to happen. Use
be supposed to + one of these verbs:
arrive, be, block, come, park, phone, start, do, clean
Example: You’re not supposed to park here. It’s private parking
1. The train … at 11.30, but it was an hour late.
2. What are the children doing at home? They … at school.
3. We … work at 8.15, but we rarely do anything before 8.30.
4. This door is a fire exit. You … it.
5. Oh dear! I … Ann but I completely forgot.
6. They arrived very early at 2 o’clock. They … until 3.30.
7. He is much better after his illness, but he still … any heavy
8. You … the windows. Why didn’t you do it?
Ex.7. Complete the sentences with the appropriate form of the
verbs in parentheses. Some of the sentences are active and some
are passive.
1. The ticket booth (to close) until 6.00. p. m. You’ll have to go
there after six to get the tickets.
2. Jack has a right to know. He ought (to tell) the news
3. Why you (not make) a reservation? Make it for 7.00
4. Robert and Julia (vaccinate) against cholera before they went
to Mozambique.
5. Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
(grow up) in a small town on the Mississippi River.
6. My refrigerator doesn’t have to (defrost).
7. Almost every part of the world (to experience) an earthquake in
recent years.
8. Jane’s eyes burned and her shoulders ached. She (sit) at the
computer for five hours. Finally she (take) a break.
9. What (discuss) when you left the meeting?
10. The Olympic Games (begin) in 77 B. C. in Olympia, a small
town in Greece. At that time, only Greeks (allow) to compete
in them.
11. We got an invitation in the mail from Rom and Maureen. They
(to have) a dinner party next Saturday evening.
12. By the time he got to work, he (drink) three cups of coffee.
13. The dance company is having successful tour of the United
States. Their dances (perform) over 500 times before they
return to Senegal.
14. When I went to the school auditorium, the children (rehearse)
then musical play. The play is going to (present) this coming
Friday at 7.00 p. m.
15. Unfortunately, my grandfather’s teeth have got to (pull) out.
16. The batteries in the radio need (change).
17. This problem had better (to take) care of at once.
18. A person named Carl Gauss (recognized) as mathematical
genius at the age of 10.
19. Yesterday I told my teenage daughter to clean her room before
she (go) to school. After she (leave) the house, I (look) in her
20. ”Where you (buy) that beautiful necklace?” I (not buy) it. It
(give) to me for my birthday.
Causative forms and Giving Instructions
to have (to cause) smb. do smth.
to have (to cause) smth. done
to get (to persuade) smb. to do smth.
to get (to persuade) smth. done
Ex. 8. Complete the sentences with the verbs in the list. Use each
verb only once.
Examples: a) I have my apartment painted every three years
b) I must have my teacher explain this procedure to me.
c) His doctor got him to stop smoking
d) I have got to get my teeth cheeked as soon as possible.
do eat lengthen put
cut tune shorten go
retype spray deliver x-ray
marry install send examine
wash take care paint water
1. I have my gardener … the garden every afternoon.
2. You should have your eyes ….
3. The doctor says I have to have my lungs ….
4. How did you get the child … to bed so early?
5. I had to have the gas station attendant … some water.
6. I got my apartment … before I moved in.
7. The General had the best troops … to the front.
8. I always have the store … my groceries.
9. Her dress was too long, and she had her seamstress … it.
10. My pants were too short, and I had my tailor … them.
11. Why don’t you have your lawyer … of this problem?
12. I had the phone man … the extension phone in the kitchen.
13. You’d better have your gardener … the lawn with insecticide.
14. How much does it cost to get a piano ….
15. What is a good way to get a stubborn child … all of his dinner?
16. You’d better get your hair …, it’s beginning to look sloppy.
17. I must have my secretary … this letter.
18. How did the teacher get such a lazy student … his homework?
19. How much do you have to pay to get your windows …?
20. How did she finally get that stubborn man … her?
Stative passive + prepositions
Ex. 9. Complete the sentences with appropriate prepositions.
1. As soon as you are done … the dictionary, I’d like to use it.
2. I’m not acquainted … that man. Do you know him?
3. Mark Twain is known … his stories about life on the
4. A person who is addicted … drugs needs professional medical
5. This apartment comes furnished … only a stove and a
6. Jack is married … Joan.
7. Could I please have the dictionary when you are finished …
8. I’m not ready yet. I’m still dressed … my pajamas.
9. My car is equipped … air conditioning and a sun roof.
10. Victor is blessed … a good sense of humor, which has helped
him to get out of some very difficult situations.
11. Are the choices in this restaurant limited … pizza and
sandwiches? – If you are interested … other dishes, take a
look at the back page of the menu.
12. Carol is engaged … Larry. Their marriage is planned for May
13. Last month Billy was bitten by a dog. Now he’s scared …
every dog he sees.
14. The department store was filled … toys for the holiday sale.
15. I am in favour of nuclear disarmament. I am terrified … the
possibility of an accidental nuclear war. And are you opposed
… it?
16. I am annoyed … my boss.
17. Zoology is more closely related … biology than it is to
18. I am very disappointed … that movie. The whole first hour
was devoted … historical background. I was bored … it before
the plot took shape.
19. George Washington is remembered … his story leadership
during the Revolutionary War.
20. Why are you upset … the children?
21. I think you’re involved … too many activities.
22. We are finally prepared … our camping trip.
23. John’s bald head is protected … the hot sun. He’s wearing a
straw hat.
24. The store was crowded … last-minute shopper on the eve of
the holiday.
25. Are they still associated … the International Red Cross? –
Yes, they are dedicated … helping people.
Ex. 10. Use the required active and passive tense-aspect forms in
the following text.
I once (to know) a village teacher who (to be) partially blind. He (to
deprive) of one eye as the result of infection. His blind eye (to take)
out, and a glass one (to insert) in its socket in its stead.
One day the teacher (to need) to leave his class of small children
alone for half an hour or so. But he (to hold) back by one
consideration. The children of the class (to be) really unruly. He (to
know) that if they (to leave) alone for any length of time they (to
become) violent and complains (to make) by their parents..
Suddenly he (to strike) by an idea. In a moment his glass eye (to
take) out of his socket, and (to place) on the table.
“Now, children,” he said, I (to go) out for a few minutes but you (to
observe) all the time by my eye. If anything (to do) which (not to
approve) by me, it (to see) by my eye, and the child (to punish) when
I (to return).
The children (to impress) very much, and the teacher (to go) off. But
when he (to return) an hour later, it (to seem) that a hurricane (to
pass) through the classroom. The teacher (to astound).
“Evidently,” he thought, “I (to outwit)”. The desks (to overturn), the
walls (spatter) with ink from ink-bombs which (to throw) during a
battle which still (to fight) out as a manifestation of high spirits. In
fact, a good time (to have) by all.
The teacher (to wonder) why the presence of his glass eye (not to
respect). He (to look) round for it and (to see) that it (to cover) by a
Ex. 1. Complete the sentences with the appropriate form of the
verbs in parentheses. Some of the sentences are active and some
are passive.
there after six to get the tickets.
4. Robert and Julia (vaccinate) against cholera before they went.
5. Mark Twain, the author of The adventures of Tom Sawyer,
(grown up) in a small town on the Mississippi River.
6. My refrigerator doesn’t have to (defrost).
7. Almost every part of the world (experienced) an earthquake in
recent years.
9. What (discuss) when you left the meeting.
town in Greece. At that time, only Greeks (allow) to complete
in them.
(to have) a dinner party next Saturday evening.
13. The dance company is having successful tour of the United
States. Their dances (perform) over 500 times before they
return to Senegal.
Friday at 7.00 p. m.
15. Unfortunatly, my grandfather’s teeth have got to (pull) out.
16. The batteries in the radio need (change).
17. This problem had better (take) care of at once.
18. A person named Carl Gauss (recognized) as mathematical
genius at the age of 10.
(give) to me for my birthday
Ex. 2. Translate the sentences into English using the Passive
1. ²Û¹ »ñÇï³ë³ñ¹ Ù³ëÝ³·»ïÝ ³ñ¹»Ý »ñÏáõ ³Ý·³Ù å³ßïáÝÇ
μ³ñÓñ³óáõÙ ¿ ëï³ó»É, ÇÝã ëÏë»É ¿ ³ßË³ï»É ³Ûë
2. Ð³Õáñ¹í»É ¿, áñ Ñ³½³ñ³íáñ Ù³ñ¹ÇÏ ³Ý³å³ëï³Ý »Ý
¹³ñÓ»É çñÑ»Õ»ÕÇó Ñ»ïá:
3. æáÝÇ Ù³ÛñÁ ½·³ó, áñ ÇÝã- áñ μ³Ý »Ý Ã³ùóÝáõÙ Çñ»ÝÇó:
4. Æñ³íÇ×³ÏÁ ß³ï Éáõñç ¿: Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ ÇÝã- áñ μ³Ý å»ïù ¿
³ñíÇ ù³ÝÇ ¹»é ã³÷Çó ³í»ÉÇ áõß ã¿:
5. Ð³Ûï³ñ³ñí»É ¿, áñ ¹»é¨ë áã Ù»ÏÇÝ áã ÙÇ Ùñó³Ý³Ï ãÇ ïñí»É:
6. ØÇ° ³ÝÑ³Ý·ëï³Ý³, ù»½ Ï³ë»Ý, Ã» »ñμ ¿ í»ñçÇÝ ·Ý³óùÁ
7. ÀÝ¹áõÝ»ÉáõÃÛ³Ý Å³Ù³Ý³Ï åñáý»ëáñÇ íñ³ áõß³¹ñáõÃÛáõÝ
ã¹³ñÓñ»óÇÝ, μ³Ûó Ýñ³ ëÇñáõÝÇÏ ïÇÏÝáç ßáõñçÁ Çñ³ñ³ÝóáõÙ
¿ñ ³é³ç³ó»É:
8. Èáõñ»ñ »Ý ï³ñ³ÍíáõÙ, áñ ³Û¹ ù³Õ³ù³Ï³Ý ·áñÍãÇÝ
³Ñ³μ»ÏÇãÝ»ñÝ »Ý ëå³Ý»É:
9. ÂáÙÇÝ μáÉáñáíÇÝ ¹áõñ ã¿ñ ·³ÉÇë, áñ Çñ»Ý Ñ³×³Ë Çñ »Õμáñ
ï»ÕÝ »Ý ÁÝ¹áõÝáõÙ:
10. üñ»ÝÏÇÝ μ³ó³ïñ»óÇÝ, Ã» ÇÝãáõ ¿ñ Ý³ ëË³É, ¨ Ý³ ÁÝ¹áõÝ»ó
Çñ ëË³ÉÁ:
11. ä³ÛÙ³Ý³íáñí»óÇÝ, áñ æá°ñçÁ ÏáõÕ»ÏóÇ »ñ»Ë³ÛÇÝ ¨ ÏÑ»ï¨Ç,
áñ Ýñ³Ý É³í ËÝ³Ù»Ý ³ÛÝï»Õ:
12. ä³Ñ³Ýçí»ó, áñ Ù³ñ¹ÇÏ Ý³Ë ¨ ³é³ç ½»Ýù»ñÁ Ñ³ÝÓÝ»Ý:
13. ÄáÕáíÇ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï Ýßí»ó, áñ Ïáñ³Í ÷³ëÃ³ÃÕÃ»ñÇ Ù³ëÇÝ
³ÝÙÇç³å»ë ãÇ Ñ³Õáñ¹í»É Õ»Ï³í³ñáõÃÛ³ÝÁ:
14. êÛáõÇÝ »ñμ»ù ¹áõñ ã¿ñ ·³ÉÇë, »ñμ Çñ»Ý Ù³ïÝ³ÝßáõÙ ¿ÇÝ Çñ
15. -¶Çï»±ë° Ù»Í ÷á÷áËáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñ »Ý ëå³ëíáõÙ ³Û¹
-â»Ù Ï³ñÍáõÙ, Ã» áñ¨¿ μ³Ý ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ¿ ÷áË»É ³ÛÝï»Õ:
16. îáõÝÝ ³ÛÝåÇëÇ ï»ëù áõÝ»ñ` Ï³ñÍ»ë ï³ñÇÝ»ñ ß³ñáõÝ³Ï
³ÛÝï»Õ áã áù ã»ñ ³åñ»É:
17. æáÝÇ Ñáñ Ù³ëÇÝ Ù»Í Ï³ñÍÇù áõÝ»ÇÝ ·ÛáõÕáõÙ:
18. ²ëáõÙ »Ý, áñ ³Ûë Ýáñ ß»ÝùÁ Ý³Ë³ï»ëí³Í ¿
ÑÇÙÝ³ñÏáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
19. Èááõñ»ÝëÁ ½·áõÙ ¿ñ, áñ íÏ³ÛÇÝ Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ ÏëïÇå»ÇÝ
íÏ³ÛáõÃÛáõÝ ãï³É:
20. Üñ³Ý ³ßË³ï³ÝùÇó ³½³ï»óÇÝ ÍáõÛÉ ¨ ³Ý³½ÝÇí ÉÇÝ»Éáõ
Ex. 3. Find and correct errors in the following sentences.
1. Something funny was happened to her yesterday.
2. Two of the climbers were injured with falling rocks.
3. There furniture was damaged from fire.
4. Three people were hurted in the accident were took to hospital
with an ambulance.
5. The students helped by the clear explanation that the teacher
6. We still can’t believe! Our neighbour’s car has been stolen
again last night.
7. “How did that window break?” “I don’t know.”
8. The window had been smashed by a hammer.
9. The exhibition had been closed a week ago.
10. The committee hasn’t made its decision yet. The proposal is
still considering.
11. When, where, and by whom has the automobile invented?
12. The answers have been included for the book.
13. The house was built by money that David borrowed from the
14. Paper is a common material that is using throughout the world.
15. The turkey was stuffed in chestnuts, and was very tasty.
16. The exhibition had been closed a week ago.
17. His father was decorated with bravery during the war.
18. The emergency exit was concealed with red curtain.
The verbs can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must,
ought to, need and dare are called ‘modal auxiliary verbs’. A modal
auxiliary verb is used with another verb to express ability, inability,
certainty, possibility, obligation, necessity, prohibition, habitual
behaviour etc.
Most of the modal auxiliaries can, could, may, must should, would,
ought to etc. have no infinitives or participles, so when necessary we
use other words, for example forms of be able, be allowed. In past
time- contexts modal verbs are found in reported speech or thought.
I’d like to be able to stay with you.
She has always been able to persuade people to do what she
He might be able to help us tomorrow.
Mrs. Johnson won’t be able to see her grandchildren so
often when they leave for Boston.
He wants to be allowed to open a bank account.
Their child has always been allowed to do what he likes.
I told them that we shouldn’t take it for granted. I thought
he might be wrong.
Ability, Inability
1. We use can to say that somebody has the ability to do something.
can + simple infinitive
(could is used in past time contexts)
(affirmative, interrogative and negative forms)
She can speak five languages.
Can you translate this article without a dictionary?
I’m afraid I can’t come to your party.
I could swim when I was six.
Could your son read before he went to school?
They couldn’t answer the child’s questions.
2. When can and could are used with see, hear, taste, feel, smell,
understand, remember, guess, tell, they give a kind of
progressive meaning to these verbs. Can and could used with
these verbs are not always translated into Armenian
It was so dark that we couldn’t see anything. (²ÛÝù³Ý ÙáõÃ
¿ñ, áñ áãÇÝã ã¿ÇÝù ï»ëÝáõÙ:)
When we entered the house we could smell something
She could hardly believe her eyes.
3. We do not normally use could to say that somebody managed to
do something on one occasion. Instead, we use was/were able,
managed, (succeeded in…doing)
After six hours’ climbing, we succeeded in getting to the
top of the mountain.
I managed to find a really nice dress in the sale.
He didn’t managed/ failed to settle the difficulty.
In negative clauses, and with negative or limiting adverbs only and
hardly we may use could to refer to one occasion.
I managed to find the street, but I couldn’t find her house.
He could only get two tickets.
4. Can may be used to show a possibility due to circumstances
(circumstances permit):
can/could + simple infinitive
(affirmative, interrogative, negative forms)
You can ski on the hills (there is enough snow).
You can’t bathe here on account of the sharks (it isn’t safe
to bathe).
Can we use the indefinite article with this noun?
You can order a taxi by telephone now. (or You may order
a taxi by telephone.)
Some years ago you could obtain a dog from the Dog’s
Home at Battersea.
5. We use can/could to say that situations and events are possible in
general or theoretically.
Anybody who wants to can join the club.
I don’t think the car can be repaired.
It was a place where anything could happen.
Note 1: We often use can/could to say what is common or typical.
Scotland can be very warm in September.
It could be quite frightening if you were alone in our big old
6. Could +perfect infinitive is used to say that something was
possible, but didn’t happen.
She could have married anybody she wanted to. (but she
didn’t want to)
You could have asked me to help you. (Why did you do it
That was a bad place to go skiing – you could have broken
your leg.
Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Somebody
could have been hurt.
I was so angry I could have killed him!
7. We do not use can to talk about future possibilities or probability.
We have to use will be able or it will be possible.
One day it will be possible to travel to the stars.
When the bridge is built they’ll be able to get to the village
8. Could is used with comparative adjectives to express possibility
or impossibility:
could/couldn’t be + comparative adjective
(with reference to the present)
could/couldn’t + have been + comparative adjective
(with reference to the past)
It could be better.
The situation couldn’t be worse.
We couldn’t have been happier in those days.
Choices, Opportunities
9. Can may be used to talk about the choices that somebody has now
or in the future or to suggest opportunities)
can + simple infinitive
(affirmative form)
“What shall we do?” “We can try asking Lucy for help.”
Could is also used to talk about present and future choices and
opportunities (especially when we want to make suggestions sound
less definite).
When you are in London, you could visit our friends there.
Alex is a kind and patient person. He could make a good
teacher. (conditional use)
“What shall we do tomorrow?” “Well, we could go
“What shall we do tonight?” “We could go to the
restaurant opposite the cinema.”
Asking for and giving permission
10. Can/ could are used to ask or tell people to do something. Can’t
is used to refuse permission.
can + simple infinitive
(in affirmative, interrogative and negative sentences)
“Can I borrow you car?” “Yes, of course you can.”
“Can I have some more cake?” “No, I’m afraid you can’t.”
“Could I borrow your umbrella?” “Of course you can.”
(Not could)
Could I ask you something if you are not too busy. (could is
more polite)
You can watch TV for another half-hour.
You can go now if you want.
11. Can and could are also used to talk about permission that has
already been given or refused, and about things that are or are not
allowed by rules and laws (may is not normally used to talk about
rules and laws).
She said I could come as often as I liked.
Can you park on a double yellow line on Sundays? (not
you park…?)
You can’t drive until you are seventeen. (you are not
allowed to drive ….)
Men and women can vote at eighteen. (are allowed to vote
at eighteen)
Note 2: Could has a conditional use (= would be allowed)
He could borrow my car if he asked.
“I could have kissed her if I had wanted”, said Bob.
Requests, Offers, Orders and Suggestions:
12. Can and could are found in offers, requests, orders and
Can you put the children to bed?
Could you lend me five pounds until tomorrow?
Do you think you could help me for a few minutes?
“Can I carry your bag?” “Oh, thanks very much.”
I could mend your bicycle for you, if that would help.
When you have finished the washing up, you can clean the
kitchen. Then you could iron the clothes, if you like.
If you haven’t got anything to do you could sort out your
13. We can use could to criticize people for not doing things.
could + simple infinitive (in the present time contexts)
could have + perfect infinitive (in the past time contexts)
You could ask before you borrow my car.
You could have told me you were getting married.
Note 3: Might is also possible in this sense. See Unit VIII)
You might have told me you were getting married
Uncertainty, Doubt, Surprise
14. Can and could are used to show uncertainty/doubt or surprise:
can /could + simple infinitive (refers to the present with
stative verbs)
can/could + continuous infinitive (refers to the present with
durative verbs)
can/could + perfect infinitive (refers to the past)
(this use is found in interrogative sentences)
Can (could) she still be there? (ØÇ±Ã» Ý³ ¹»é ³ÛÝï»Õ ¾:)
Can (could) he still be talking on the phone? (could
expresses more uncertainty)
Can (could) he be telling a lie?
Can/could they have already arrived.
can/could + perfect continuous infinitive shows an action which
began in the past and continuous into the moment of speaking:
Can (could) he have been at home all this time? (stative
Can (could) he have been waiting for us all this time?
15. Can and could are also found in special questions for emotional
colouring: puzzlement irritation, impatience;
can/could + simple infinitive (with reference to the present)
can/could + continuous infinitive
can/could + perfect infinitive (with reference to the past
can/could + perfect continuous infinitive
What can (could) he be doing there?
Where can (could) he have gone to?
Whom can (could) she have been talking to all this time?
Improbability, Deduction
16. Can and could used in negative sentences show improbability or
negative deductions.
can't/couldn’t + different forms of infinitive
(could is less categorical)
(only negative forms)
It’s already10 a. m. He can’t (couldn’t) be at home now.
(âÇ Ï³ñáÕ å³ï³Ñ»É, ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ã¾/³ÝÑÝ³ñÇÝ ¾, áñ Ý³
They can’t (couldn’t) be doing their lessons now. Don’t you
hear their laughter?
He can’t (couldn’t) have lied to us. He is a very honest
She can’t (couldn’t) have been waiting for him all this
I feel terribly ill this morning. The meat I had for dinner
last night can’t have been good.
Her mother can hardly have gone to church.
Notice the following set phrases with can/could
can’t help doing something (cant’stop doing something)
couldn’t help doing something
She is a selfish woman, but somehow you can’t help liking
can’t but do something
couldn’t but do something (the meaning is the same as can’t
I can’t help but wonder what I should do next.
can’t possibly do something
couldn’t possibly do something
can’t possibly have done something
He can’t possibly do it.
He couldn’t possibly afford a car on his present salary.
He can’t possibly have done it.
We may find can in different kinds of subordinate clauses where its
use is structurally dependent.
She keeps the window open so that the bird can fly in and
out. (purpose clauses)
She kept the window open so that the bird could fly in and
I want to believe. I wish I could. (object clause)
I wanted to believe. I wished I could.
Ex 1. Explain the use of can in the following sentences.
1. “I can't sing again for hours or days. My voice is weak.” Jonny’s
voice was sad. 2. He couldn’t believe that Clemenza was guilty of
treachery. 3. She could see that he was angry with her for insisting
and expecting him to refuse. 4. He could be a first class student if he
tried. 5. “Can I call you for dinner some night?” asked Alex. 6.
“Could I make suggestion, though I realize I’m only an observer?” 7.
I can’t understand Martin. I have never been able to understand him.
8. I could feel that a sense of time had returned to us both, time as
terror, time as death. 9. Looking at Central Park from a window, you
can see the snow fall steadily, shrouding all in white. 10. “I could
have chased you, I could have conned you, but I didn’t want to do
that.” He said with contempt. 11. “We are going to keep seeing each
other. You can talk it over with your father,” said Michael. 12. “Can
there have been any misunderstanding in our first encounter?” He
wondered. 13. “Sollozo can't be put off any more. You’ll have to see
him this week,” said Sonny. 14. “Who says you can't see them every
day? Who says you can't live in the same house? Who says you can't
live your life exactly as you want to live?” The Don asked Jonny. 15.
You could have told me you were getting married. 16. When you are
in Spain, you could go and see him there. 17. I can't help but wonder
what I should do next. 18. When I was younger, I could stay up late
without getting sleepy, but now I always go to bed early. 19. I need
some help with this table. Could you lift the other end, please? 20. “I
can baby-sit for you this evening if you like.” “No, it’s all right,
thanks.” 21. “There’s the doorbell. Who can it be?” “Well it can't be
your mother. She’s in Edinburgh.” 22. He could have been Prime
Minister now if he hadn’t decided to leave politics.
Ex. 2. Complete the sentences using can/could, can’t/couldn’t, to
be able to.
1. Our baby is only nine months and he ………………………..
2. It took a long time, but in the end …………………………
3. When I was a small girl/boy …………………………………
4. I’ve been trying for hours, but ………………………………
5. Our teacher says …………………………..
6. If I had money, I…………………………………………….
7. If he had asked me earlier, we ………………………………
8. I’m practicing hard so that ………………………………...
9. She has managed to live in England for years without …....
10. I think he …………………………………………………..
Ex 3. Supply the appropriate forms of can and to be able to. Add
not if necessary for a sentence to make sense.
Example: A policeman arrived and told him he couldn’t park
1. Why did you walk all the way from the station? You … have
phoned for a lift.
2. This carpet was priced at £500, but I … get a discount because
of the little mark in the corner.
3. You and I are in charge of a great business, we … leave our
responsibility to others.
4. Roger told me that she … run his small establishment better
than any paid housekeeper.
5. We know that since his accident he … leave the house.
6. I ate the next course grimly to an end; she … have been
enjoying her meal much either.
7. The day started off misty, but by the time we had reached the
mountain the sun had appeared and we … climb it quite
8. I loved staying with my grandparents. They let me read all the
books in the house and told me I … go to bed as late as I
9. You … be hungry. You’ve just had dinner.
10. I wanted to buy some tomatoes. The first shop I went to didn’t
have any but I … get some in the next shop.
11. No one … ever tell when he is being serious and when he is
12. Tom walked straight into a wall. He … have been looking
where he was going.
13. I … have lent you the money. Why didn’t you ask me?
14. “You look exhausted.” “I … sleep very well recently.”
15. You … ski on the hills. There is plenty of snow in the
16. … you come round and mend a leak in my hot water tank?
17. I was so angry. I … have killed him!
Ex 4. Use the required form of the infinitive after can/could.
1. “He says he is still reading The Old Man and the Sea.” “He
can't (to read) it. I gave it to him two months ago and it’s quite
a short book.”
2. There could (to be) those who felt that a quiet retirement was
not for a man who held the secrets of the KGB in his head.
3. “A man answered the phone. I suppose it was her husband.”
“No, it couldn’t (to be) her husband. He has been dead for
4. Brian said he would be here before 9.30. It’s ten o’clock now
and he is never late. He can't (to come).
5. Why did I listen to you I could (to be) at home by now instead
of sitting here in the cold.
6. I have seen nothing of Roberta lately and I don’t know what she
can (to do).
7. You were lucky – that ball could (to break) the window.
8. Why did you stay at a hotel when you went to New York? You
could (to stay) with Barbara.
9. “Where is Ann?” “I don’t know. She could (to visit) her aunt
and uncle right now. She usually visits them every Friday
10. “Ken repaired his mother’s washing machine” “Ken couldn’t
(to repair) his mother’s washing machine because he doesn’t
know anything about machines.”
11. Suddenly she realized she could (to smell) something burning.
12. Can he (to wait) for me all this time? Mary thought to herself.
13. Jack is in trouble. I wonder if something can (to do) about it.
14. He couldn’t (to hear) the news at dinner because his sister
hadn’t arrived yet.
15. I don’t know who rang, but it could (to be) Jim.
16. Can he still (to speak) to the police? It’s two o’clock we are
17. Jane walked past me without speaking. She can't (to see) me.
18. “I could (to kiss) her if I had wanted.” Bill was boasting.
19. Nick could (to win) the game if he hadn’t fallen.
Ex 5. Make the following sentences more emotional by using
Example: I wonder where I left my spectacles. A minute ago they
were here.
Where can I have left my spectacles?
1. I have no idea who wrote that letter.
2. I wonder where he is now.
3. It astonishes me that you find pleasure in reading such stuff.
4. The entrance was watched all the time. When did he get out?
5. I wonder which of the children is writing these things on the
6. I can't understand what he means by saying it.
7. I wonder how it was possible for him to find us in that crowd.
8. Lunch is growing cold. Who is she talking to on the telephone?
9. I wonder what is he doing in there.
10. It isn’t my umbrella. I wonder whose umbrella I have taken.
Ex 6. Re-word the following sentences, using can/could.
Example: I am sure this isn’t the way to Garni.
This can't be the way to Garni.
1. The climb is possibly dangerous.
2. How about going to the theatre?
3. The door is locked. Is it possible that Ann has taken the key
with her?
4. Why didn’t Liz apply for the job. There was possibility of her
getting the job.
5. I don’t believe Tom stole the money. He wasn’t in the office
6. It isn’t safe to bathe here. There are sharks here.
7. It is just impossible for you to get this thing done so soon.
8. We burst out laughing when he mimicked his uncle.
9. John doesn’t attend his lessons. Is it possible that something
has happened to him?
10. It was unlikely that Father would let you stay there any longer.
Ex 7. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ²É»ùëÁ »ñÏ³ñ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ãÇ ³åñ»É ³Ûë ù³Õ³ùáõÙ:
²ÝÑÝ³ñÇÝ ¾, áñ Ý³ ß³ï Ù³ñ¹Ï³Ýó ×³Ý³ãÇ ³Ûëï»Õ:
2. ¸áõ ÑÇÙ³ Ï³ñáÕ ¿Çñ ³í»ÉÇ É³í ³ßË³ï³Ýù ·ïÝ»É, »Ã» áñ¨¿
ûï³ñ É»½áõ ÇÙ³Ý³ÛÇñ:
3. ÆÝÓ Ñ³çáÕí»ó ·ïÝ»É ÷áÕáóÁ, μ³Ûó »ë ãÏ³ñáÕ³ó³ ·ïÝ»É
Ýñ³ ïáõÝÁ:
4. Ð³Ûñ¹ ß³ï μ³ñÏ³ó³Í ¿: ²Û¹ Ç±Ýã »ë ÝáñÇó ³ñ»É:
5. - Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù` Ù»ñ ¹áõëïñÁ ÑÇÙ³ ¹³ë»ñÝ ¿ å³ïñ³ëïáõÙ Çñ
-ÐÝ³ñ³íáñ ã¿, áñ Ý³ ÑÇÙ³ ¹³ë»ñÁ å³ïñ³ëï»ÉÇë ÉÇÝÇ:
ØÇÃ» ã»ë ÉëáõÙ »ñ³ÅßïáõÃÛ³Ý Ó³ÛÝÁ: Ð³Ùá½í³Í »Ù, áñ Ý³
ÑÇÙ³ å³ñáõÙ ¿ ³Û¹ ë³ñë³÷»ÉÇ »ñ³ÅßïáõÃÛ³Ý Ý»ñùá:
6. ºë ³ÛÝù³Ý »ñ³Ëï³å³ñï »Ù Ó»½: â¿Ç Ï³ñáÕ ×Çßï áñáßáõÙ
Ï³Û³óÝ»É ³é³Ýó Ó»ñ û·ÝáõÃÛ³Ý:
7. Â»¨ û¹³ãáõÝ áñï»Õ íÝ³ëí³Íù ¿ñ ëï³ó»É, Ý³ Ï³ñáÕ³ó³í
μ³ó³ïñ»É, Ã» ÇÝã ¿ñ å³ï³Ñ»É:
8. ÆÝãáõ± Ù»ñ ÑÛáõñ»ñÁ ¹»é ã»Ý »Ï»É: Æ±Ýã Ï³ñáÕ ¿ å³ï³Ñ³Í
ÉÇÝ»É Ýñ³Ýó:
9. ºë ã»Ù Ï³ñáÕ ãÑÇ³Ý³É ÙÇ Ù³ñ¹áí, áñÝ ³ÛÝù³Ý íë»Ù
ëÏ½μáõÝùÝ»ñ áõÝÇ:
10. ²ÝóÛ³É ï³ñÇ` ³ñÓ³Ïáõñ¹Ý»ñÇÝ, Ù»Ýù Ï³ñáÕ ¿ÇÝù ºíñáå³
·Ý³É, μ³Ûó ãó³ÝÏ³ó³Ýù: öáË³ñ»ÝÁ ×³åáÝÇ³ ·Ý³óÇÝù:
11. ÐÝ³ñ³íáñ ã¿ñ‚ áñ àõÇÉÛ³ÙëÝ»ñÁ Ý»ñÏ³ »Õ³Í ÉÇÝ»ÇÝ ³Û¹
ÁÝ¹áõÝ»ÉáõÃÛ³ÝÁ: Ø»½³ÝÇó áã áù Ýñ³Ýó ãÇ ï»ë»É ³ÛÝï»Õ:
12. -Æñ³íÇ×³ÏÁ ëñ³ÝÇó ³í»ÉÇ í³ï ã¿ñ Ï³ñáÕ ÉÇÝ»É:
- ´³Ûó Ù»Ýù áãÇÝã ã»Ýù Ï³ñáÕ ³Ý»É ÝÙ³Ý
13. àã áù ã¿ñ Ï³ñáÕ ³í»ÉÇ ß³ï μ³Ý ³Ý»É ù³Ý ¹áõù:
14. â¿Ç±ù Ï³ñáÕ ÙÇ ÷áùñ áõß ·³É: Ø»Ï Å³ÙÇó »ë ÏÏ³ñáÕ³Ý³Ù
ùÝÝ³ñÏ»É ³Û¹ Ñ³ñóÁ Ó»½ Ñ»ï:
15. ´ÇÉÝ ³ëáõÙ ¿, áñ Ýñ³Ý ¹»é¨ë ãÇ Ñ³çáÕí»É Ï³å Ñ³ëï³ï»É
·áñÍ³Ï³ÉÇ Ñ»ï:
16. êáíáñ³μ³ñ ²ÉÇëÁ Éñ³·ñ»ñÝ áõ Ý³Ù³ÏÝ»ñÁ ÃáÕÝáõÙ ¿ñ
ë»Õ³ÝÇ íñ³, áñå»ë½Ç Ñ³ÛñÁ Ï³ñáÕ³Ý³ñ Ï³ñ¹³É ¹ñ³Ýù:
Ex. 8. What will you say in the following situations?
(Use can/could, can’t/couldn’t)
1. You are sure he didn’t do it on purpose.
You say: ………………………………
2. You suggest going to the restaurant this evening.
3. Everybody considers him to be a liar, but you believe him.
4. You wonder who she is talking to on the phone.
5. Your friend didn’t tell you that he was going to have a party.
6. The film was so sad that you couldn’t stop crying.
7. The scene was so terrible that it was difficult to believe one’s
own eyes.
8. Your brother was naughty when he was a boy.
Asking permission
1. May and might can both be used for asking permission
may/might + simple infinitive
(affirmative, interrogative, negative forms)
May/can I look at the picture again?
I wonder if I might have a little more cheese. (might is very
polite and formal).
Anne said that she might go to Scotland at the weekend.
(might replaces may in past indirect speech)
He asked me if he might /could look at the picture again
Giving and refusing permission
2. May is used to give permission: may not is used to refuse
permission. In an informal style can and cannot/can’t are more
“May I come in now?” “No, you may not.” “Yes, of course
you may.”
“May I put on the TV?” “No, I’m afraid you may not. ”
You may go home when you have finished.
The teacher said that we might take another chance.
“May I smoke here?”” No, you may not/ can’t..” (= you are
not allowed)
or No, you mustn’t. (= I forbid you to smoke here)
Note that we don’t usually use may and might to talk about
permission which has already been given or refused or about rules
and laws (see Unit VII)
These days children can/are allowed to do what they like.
I could read what I liked when I was a child.
We can’t cross the street here.
3. May and might are used to say that something is a possibility.
may/might + different forms of infinitive
(affirmative and negative forms)
He may be fixing his car now. (Ð³í³Ý³μ³ñ / ·áõó» /
ÙÇ·áõó» Ý³ ÑÇÙ³ Çñ Ù»ù»Ý³Ý ¾ í»ñ³Ýáñá·áõÙ.)
I may go to London next year. (perhaps a 50 % chance)
Dave might come with us. (perhaps a 30% chance)
“Where ‘s Bob?” “I’m not sure. He might be having
“I think it’s going to rain.” “You may well be right- the
sky’s really black.”
She knew that she might be forced to agree.
Bob said that I might order a taxi by telephone. (possibility
due to circumstances)
4. We use may/might + perfect infinitive to say that it is possible
that something happened or was true in the past.
“What was the noise?” “It might have been a cat.” (perhaps
it was a cat)
“Carol wasn’t at the meeting.” “She might not have known
about it.” (perhaps she didn’t know about it)
“She is late.” “She may have missed the train.”
“I wonder why she was in such a bad mood yesterday.”
“He may not have been feeling well.” (= perhaps he wasn’t
feeling well)
5. We also use may/might + perfect infinitive to refer the
possibility to the present or future (like present perfect or future
perfect tenses)
I’ll try phoning him, but he may have gone out by now.
(Perhaps he has already gone out).
By the end of this year I might have saved some money.
(Perhaps I will have saved some money by then).
Note 1: Notice that might (not may) can have a conditional meaning (=
would perhaps)
might have + past participle refers to past possibility which didn’t
Don’t play with knives. You might get hurt. (=Perhaps you would
get hurt if you did)
If I knew them better I might invite them to dinner. (the situation
is not real)
If I had known them better I might have invited them to dinner.
If she hadn’t been so bad-tempered, he might have married her.
(Perhaps he would have married her if she hadn’t been so badtempered).
He might have fallen ill if he hadn’t taken the medicine.
Luckily he wasn’t driving the car. He might have been hurt.
Disapproval / Reproach, Criticism
6. Might is used to express annoyance about something done or not
done (at someone’s failure to do something):
might + simple infinitive (for the present situations)
might have + past participle (for the past situations)
(affirmative form)
You might ask before taking my car.
You might carry the parcel for me.
You might (could) have told me you were getting married.
You might have told me she was going to stay out all night.
7. Might is often used in affirmative clauses to make requests and
might + simple infinitive
You might try asking your boss for a raise.
You might turn to your father for help.
May … but
8. May, sometimes might, can be used to say that the fact makes no
difference to the main argument. It is used to express although
It may be a comfortable car, but it uses a lot of petrol.
(Although it is a comfortable car, it uses...)
You might have plenty of money, but that doesn’t mean
you’re better than me.
I said that he might be clever, but that he hadn’t got much
common sense.
Set phrases with may and might
may as well (might as well, might just as well) + a verb = (used to
suggest that there is a good reason to do something)
There is nobody interesting to talk to. We may as well go
We’ll have to wait an hour for the next bus. We might as
well walk.
It might have been worse means: (=things are not so bad after all)
Charles came out of the examination room. “How did you
get on?” I asked.
“It might have been worse, I suppose,” he said.
might have been /might have been taken for (= looked like a …)
From afar the house might have been taken for a small
He was tall and blond. He might have been taken for a
might have known (might have known that somebody would…)
is an idiom by which the speaker expresses ironically that an action
was typical of someone else.
I might have known that he would be late.
“It was Jack who broke the vase.” “I might have known.”
If I may say so… a stereotyped phrase in which the meaning of
permission is weakened.
If I may say so, I think you have treated him very badly.
May occurs in object clauses after expressions of fear as well as in
adverbial clauses of purpose and concession. It’s use is structurally
dependent here.
I fear that he may fall ill.
He is coming here so that they may discuss it without delay.
However cold it may be, we’ll go skiing.
Ex 1. Explain the meaning of “may” in the following sentences.
1. I felt fatalistic and almost interested in what she might or might
not do. 2. It’s a good think you didn’t lend him the money. You
might never have got it back. 3. “You might have warned us that the
bull was dangerous.” Uncle Harry said. 4. “May I borrow the car,
Father?” “No, I am afraid you may not. I need it today.” 5. If you had
asked earlier we might have been able to help. Now it’s too late to do
anything. 6. “I don’t want to move to London. We might just as well
stay where we are.” Laura was insistent. 7. “Why tell Mary? She
might tell everyone else!” 8. The manager says that we may leave
our coats in the downstairs toilet. 9. I’ll try phoning him, but he may
have gone out by now. 10. She had been through a hard time. She
might have died. 11. Harry might often be seen sitting on the porch
with a pipe in his mouth. 12. “Might I look round?” he asked the
landlady. 13. “I wonder why Colin was in such a bad mood
yesterday.” “He may not have been feeling well.” 14. These men risk
their lives so that we may live more safely. 15. The sign reads
“Students may not use the staff car park.” 16. You may be older than
me, but that doesn’t mean you are cleverer. 17. “I might have known
that he would be late.” “Yes, he is always late.” 18. Mary was upset.
“You might have told me my trousers were split,” she said to Sue.
Ex.2. Give uncertain answers to these questions.
Example: When did he come home yesterday? …… He may/might
have come home late at night.
1. What’s Sue doing now? …………………………
2. Where does Ronald live? …………………………
3. When did he finish his work? ……………………
4. Has she already finished her composition? ………
5. Are they still living abroad? ……………………..
6. Will you leave tomorrow? ……………………….
7. Where will you go when summer comes? ……….
8. What was Bob doing yesterday?............................
Ex. 3. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs
in parentheses.
1. I’ve just rung the garage to check whether they’ve fixed my
car, but I can’t get an answer. I suppose they may (to have)
tea-break out in the yard.
2. In those days, a man might (to hang) for stealing a sheep.
3. We carved their names on the stone so that future generations
might (to know) what they had done.
4. Our party was not a big success. We may not (to invite) the
right kind of people.
5. Don’t turn on the light. That man may (to lurk) outside the
6. You were stupid to try climbing up there. You might (to kill)
7. “Why is John wearing sunglasses? It’s not sunny.” “He may
(to have) some problems with his eyes.”
8. You are a real cad. I can’t think why I didn’t realize it before. I
might (to expect) this.
9. “I’ll go on Monday by the slow train.” “You might just as well
(to wait) till Tuesday and go on the fast one.”
10. By the end of this year I might (to save) some money.
11. “Then why on earth all this secrecy?” asked Mark irritably.
“One never knows who may (to listen). We must use caution,
” answered his secretary.
12. “It is no easy matter to find the right man,” the doctor said to
me. It was strange but he might (to read) my thoughts.
13. “Hillary may not (to be) to a public school,” said Laura, “but
he is a gentleman.”
14. She wasn’t a Swede, but she might (to take) for one. She was
tall and blonde.
Ex. 4. Re-word the following sentences using “may” and “might”.
Example: a) “I wonder why she didn’t say hello.” “Perhaps she
didn’t see you.”
b) She might not have seen you.
1. It is possible that he doesn’t know we are here.
2. Perhaps your father asked her to say he wasn’t there.
3. It is possible that the news is being broadcast on all the
4. “I wonder why Kay didn’t answer the phone.” “Perhaps she
was asleep.”
5. “Where is Bob?” “Perhaps he is having lunch.”
6. You’d better not buy that book. It is possible that Ann has
already bought it.
7. Say it again. It is possible that granny didn’t hear what you
8. Maybe, he was too angry to measure his words.
9. Perhaps, the rain will stop later in the day.
10. You never listen when I speak to you. I don’t like it.
Ex. 5. Fill in the blanks with can/could or may/might.
1. The news about the scandal isn’t in the newspaper. The publishers
… have been afraid to publish it. 2. Jack was an excellent tennis
player. He … beat anybody. 3. She was smartly, quietly dressed, and
… have been taken for a clever business woman. 4. Aunt Mary said
she hadn’t seen him. She … have been lying. Perhaps she didn’t
want to say he was there. 5. How … Sarah have made such a foolish
error? 6. “One … not get anything done nowadays,” grumbled my
grandmother. 7. “You have acted very irresponsibly and you … find
yourself in serious trouble,” said Father. 8. … I ask then, Mr.
Morley, what you were doing there? 9. Mrs. Castel looks familiar to
me. Where … I have met her? 10. He boasted and told the most
extraordinary stories which I’m sure … not possibly have been true.
11. The experiment was a flop (failure). I … have had the wrong
formula. 12. This letter … not be from John Smith. He has been dead
for ten years. 13. “I have a little bit of hangover.” “You … have
drunk too much last night.” 14. When they told me I was cured and
… go, I … tell you I was more afraid than glad. 15. “Why is Shelley
looking under the desk?” “She … have dropped something.” 16. We
… go to that new restaurant opposite the cinema. They say it’s a
good one. 17. She … be the boss, but that is no excuse for shouting
like that. 18. “It was Jack who broke the vase.” “I … have known!”
19. Don’t worry that Card is late, she … have missed the train.
Ex. 6. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ¶áõó»¨ ¹áõ ß³ï ÷áÕ áõÝ»ë, μ³Ûó ¹³ ãÇ Ýß³Ý³ÏáõÙ, áñ ¹áõ
³í»ÉÇ É³íÝ »ë, ù³Ý »ë, - ³ë³ó üñ»¹Á` íÇñ³íáñí³Í Ýñ³
2. êÛáõÝ áõ½áõÙ ¿, áñ Çñ»Ý ÃáõÛÉ³ïñ»Ý μ³ÝÏáõÙ Ñ³ßÇí μ³ó»É:
3. -Ü³ ÇÝÓ »ñμ»ù ãÇ ÉëáõÙ: ÜáõÛÝ Ñ³çáÕáõÃÛ³Ùμ »ë Ï³ñáÕ »Ù
Ëáë»É å³ïÇ Ñ»ï, - μáÕáù»ó Ø»ñÇÝ:
4. â·ïÝ»Éáí á°ã ÑáñÁ, á°ã áñ¹áõÝ ï³ÝÁ` Ø»·ÇÝ Ùï³Í»ó, áñ
ÙÇ·áõó» Ýñ³Ýù ÓÏÝáñëáõÃÛ³Ý »Ý ·Ý³ó»É:
5. ØÇÝã¨ ³Ûë ³Ùëí³ í»ñçÁ Ù»Ýù Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ í»ñç³óñ³Í
ÏÉÇÝ»Ýù ·ñùÇ Ã³ñ·Ù³ÝáõÃÛáõÝÁ:
6. ²Ûë ³åáõñÁ ÙÇ ùÇã ³Ý³ÉÇ ¿: ¶áõó» μ³í³Ï³Ý³ã³÷ ³Õ ã»Ù
·ó»É Ù»çÁ:
7. ´áμÝ ³ë³ó, áñ ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ¾ áõñμ³Ã ÅáÕáí ãÉÇÝÇ, ù³ÝÇ áñ
ïÝûñ»ÝÁ ÑÇí³Ý¹ ¿:
8. â¿± áñ å³ïíÇñ»É ¿Ç ù»½` ·»ïáõÙ ãÉáÕ³É: øÇã ¿ñ ÙÝáõÙ
9. Ê³Õ³ÕáõÃÛ³Ý ÏáÝý»ñ³ÝëÁ Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ ³Û¹ ËÝ¹ñÇ
ÉáõÍáõÙÁ Ï·ïÝÇ:
10. -ÆÝãå»±ë ¿ æ»ÛÝÁ Ñ³ëóÝáõÙ ³Û¹ μáÉáñ Ý³Ù³ÏÝ»ñÁ
-¶áõó», Ý³ ¹ñ³Ýù ·áñÍÇó Ñ»ïá ¿ ïåáõÙ:
11. ´ÇÉÁ ÝáñÇó áõß³ó»É ¿: Ø»Ýù å»ïù ¾ ÇÙ³Ý³ÛÇÝù, áñ Ý³
12. ØÇ·áõó» ÇÝÓ Ñ³ñóÝ»Çñ, Ã» »ë ³ñ¹Ûáù áñ¨¿ ³é³ñÏáõÃÛáõÝ
áõÝ»Ù, Ã» áã:
13. -î³ëÝ»ñÏáõ ï³ñ»Ï³ÝÇó ó³Íñ »ñ»Ë³Ý»ñÇÝ ãÇ ÃáõÉ³ïñíáõÙ
³é³Ýó ÃáõÛÉïíáõÃÛ³Ý Ñ»é³Ý³É¹åñáóÇ ï³ñ³óùÇó, -
Ñ³Ûï³ñ³ñ»ó ·Çß»ñûÃÇÏ ¹åñáóÇ ïÝûñ»ÝÁ:
14. Ð»éíÇó ïáõÝÁ Ï³ñ»ÉÇ ¿ñ ÙÇ ÷áùñÇÏ å³Ý¹áÏÇ ï»Õ ¹Ý»É:
15. ºÃ» Ù»Ýù ÙÛáõë ×³Ý³å³ñÑáí ·Ý³ó³Í ÉÇÝ»ÇÝù, Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ
³í»ÉÇ ßáõï ïáõÝ Ñ³ë³Í ÏÉÇÝ»ÇÝù:
16. -îÇÏÇÝ æ»ÏëáÝÁ »ñ»Ï ³íïáíÃ³ñÇ ¿ »ÝÃ³ñÏí»É ¨ ÁÝ¹³Ù»ÝÁ
Ó»éùÝ ¿ Ïáïñ»É: - ²Û°á, Ýñ³ μ³ËïÁ μ»ñ»É ¿: Î³ñáÕ ¿ñ ³í»ÉÇ
í³ï μ³Ý å³ï³Ñ»É:
Ex.7. Turn these ‘certain’ statements into ‘possible/less than
certain’ statements.
Example: He will be at home tomorrow.
He may/might be at home tomorrow.
1. She has already left.
2. He was working yesterday.
3. She will have left by 9.
4. They have been fishing all day.
5. She is having an important conversation at the moment.
6. She will be back next week.
7. He wasn’t here last week.
8. Her mother has to go to hospital.
9. He forgot to phone me yesterday
10. They have been staying at a big hotel.
Obligation (necessity, duty, order)
1. Must and have to /have got to are used to express an obligation,
necessity or an order.
(In American English have (got) to is more common, especially in
must + simple infinitive
(affirmative, interrogative sentences)
Plants must / have to get enough light and water if they are
to grow properly.
Must you go now or can you wait a little longer? or Have
you got to go…
When must I do it? or When have I got to do it?
Did you have to pay customs duty on that?
The doctor said that I must stop smoking.
or The doctor said that I had to/would have to stop
2. However, there is a difference between must and have to and
sometimes this is important. Must expresses an obligation imposed
by the speaker and have to expresses an external obligation, one
imposed by external authority or circumstances.
You must clean your own boots. (this is my order)
You will have to clean your own boots when you join the
army. (the army will oblige you to do)
I had to cycle three miles to school when I was a child.
(‘outside’ obligation in the past)
Note 1: In the first person have to should be used for habits and must for an
important or urgent obligation.
I have to be at my office at nine every day. (habit)
We have to water this cactus twice a month. (habit)
I must be at the station at ten. It’s most important. (important,
urgent obligation)
Future obligation
3. Note that will have to is used to talk about future obligation, but
have to /have got to is preferred when arrangements for the future
have already been made.
When you leave school, you will have to find a job.
I’ve got to go for a job interview tomorrow.
Must can be used to give orders and instructions for the future.
You can borrow my car but you must bring it back before
ten. (it sounds like a direct order from the speaker)
You can borrow my car but you will have to bring it back
before ten. (will have to sounds less like direct orders from
the speaker)
4. We use mustn’t to express an order not to do something. (Can’t is
also possible, and is normal in American English).
mustn’t + simple infinitive
You mustn’t move (= I forbid you to move)
Zoo notice: Visitors must not feed these giraffes.
The government mustn’t /can’t expect people to work hard
for no money.
You mustn’t /can’t open this parcel until Christmas Day.
Note 2: Mustn’t and don’t have to are completely different in this sense.
You mustn’t do something = it is necessary that you do not do it
(so don’t do it)
You mustn’t tell our secret to anyone.
You don’t have to do something = you don’t need to do it (but
you can if you want)
I’m not working tomorrow, so I don’t have to get up early.
You needn’t do something = it is not necessary that you do it, you
don’t need to do it.
“You needn’t write more than 200 words on this subject.” The
teacher said to class.
Note 3: We use needn’t do something when the speaker gives authority for
non-performance of some action.
Mother to child: If it is very foggy tomorrow you need not go to
don’t/won’t need is used when external authorities or external
circumstances do not require the action to be performed.
When I last crossed the frontier I didn’t need to show my
Conclusion/Deduction, Certainty
5. Must is used in affirmative sentences to express the conclusion
that something is certain (have to/have got to is more usual in
American English and it is becoming common in British English)
must + different forms of infinitive
(only in affirmative sentences)
This must be the worst job in the world. (or It has to/has got
to be the worst job…)
He must know all about it as he has read a lot on the
Let’s have something to eat. You must be starving.
There is the doorbell. It must be Roger.
6. Must + perfect infinitive is used to express certainty, conclusions
about a past action.
It must have been terrible to live during the war.
The prisoner must have escaped this way, for here are his
It must have been raining all the night. There are big
puddles in the garden. (the action begun in the past and
continued into the moment of speaking)
7. When must expresses strong probability, deduction, its use is
restricted in two ways:
a) Must isn’t used with reference to the future. In this case
we find modal words in the sentence.
They will probably arrive tomorrow.
He will evidently ask you about it.
b) It isn’t used in the interrogative or negative form. With
negative meaning, in addition to modal words, the
following meanings are employed:
He must have misunderstood you.
Your father must be unaware of that fact.
No one must have told him about it.
He must have failed to get in touch with you.
He must never have loved you.
Note 4: As it has been mentioned above must is not used to express
certainty in negative sentences. In negative sentences we generally
use cannot/can’t.
It can’t be Roger. It’s only seven o’clock.
However, mustn’t is occasionally used in this sense, especially in American
I haven’t heard Molly moving about. She mustn’t be awake yet.
Her alarm clock mustn’t have gone off.
Emphatic advice:
8. Must is used to express strong advice.
Must + simple infinitive
(affirmative and negative form)
You mustn’t miss the film. It’s very good.
You must have your hair cut. It’s much too long.
You must come and see us when you are in London again.
Set phrases with must
Must needs (denotes obligation)
She must needs go there.
I must be going/I must be off (it’s time for me to go)
I must be off. I can’t keep them waiting.
I must tell you that… /I must say… (stereotyped phrases in which
the meaning of obligation is weakened in must.)
When I saw him, I must say I was more afraid than glad.
Ex 1. Explain the meanings of “must” in the following sentences.
1. Plants must get enough light and water if they are to grow
properly. 2. “It’s lovely to have you home,” said Mother. “We must
have a party to celebrate.” 3. You must not park on double yellow
lines in England. 4. She said that she must tell me about a dream she
had had the previous night. 5. You really must get your hair cut, Bill.
6. You must be Ann’s sister – you look just like her. 7. The Adams’
house is dark and quiet. Their car isn’t in the driveway. They must
not be at home. 8. It must have been terrible to live during the war. 9.
than C. 10. There is the doorbell. It must be Roger. 11. You must be
here before eight o’clock tomorrow. 12. You must be joking. She
can't be his sister. 13. “Can you help me with these letters?” “Must
we do them now? Can't they wait until the morning? ” 14. Our boss
looks very tired today. He mustn’t have slept well last night.
Ex 2. Complete these sentences with ‘must’ or ‘have (got) to’ in
the correct form.
1. This is a terrible party. We really … go home.
2. This is a lovely party, but we … go home because of the baby –
3. You … be a good player to enjoy a game of tennis.
4. Whatever you do you … touch that switch. It’s very dangerous.
5. I like Mary, but I haven’t phoned her for ages. I … phone her
6. There is a lift in the building, so we … climb the stairs.
7. In Britain many children … uniform when they go to school.
8. The car park is free – you pay to park your car there.
9. The sign says: Cars … be parked near the corner.
10. It’s essential that nobody hears us. We … make any noise.
Ex 3. Use the required form of the infinitive after “must”.
1. Building a pyramide must (to be) a long and hard job. 2. A lot of
thoughts must (to run) through Marie Antoinette’s mind as she was
waiting for her execution at the guillotine. 3. “I must (to get) old,”
my mother said, “I’m talking too much.” 4. When I first met my new
neighbour, he said he was Napoleon. He must (to be) crazy, or drunk.
5. But at last he rose realizing dully that he had work which he must
(to do). 6. “I got a strange message this morning.” “Somebody must
(to try) to frighten you away.” 7. We are lost! We must (to take) a
wrong turn at the last intersection. 8. She had already decided that
she must (to show) the letter to Alan. 9. At half-past two I heard
Hudson grunt, put down his book and switch out the light. He must
(to read) since midnight. 10. “I mustn’t (to eat) too much. I am
supposed to be on a diet,” said Ann. 11. Dave is an excellent student.
He must (to work) very hard. 12. Their little boy is very spoiled. He
must (to give) too much when he was younger. 13. “I don’t see Mrs.
Carter in the mornings any longer.” “She must (to do) her shopping
in the afternoon.” 14. When they returned from their vacation, they
looked very refreshed. They must (to have) a good time while they
were away. 15. Bob was stopped by a police officer last night. He
must (to drive) too fast when she clocked him on her radar. 16. My
sister is reading a letter and smiling. The letter must (to contain)
some good news.
Ex 4. Re-word the following sentences using ‘must’.
1. No doubt she read about it in the papers.
2. He is sure to be out at this time.
3. Of course she has changed her mind.
4. They are certain to be looking for you.
5. He looks wet and muddy. I’m sure he has been fishing.
6. Evidently his car is undergoing repairs.
7. They are sure to have taken the wrong turning.
8. I’m certain they didn’t manage to take notes of the meeting.
9. No doubt you have used up all the money I gave you.
10. He has never been to Greece. It’s evident.
Ex 5. Fill in the blanks with can/could, may/might and must. Add
not if necessary for a sentence to make sense.
1. Impossible! That student … have cheated on the final examination
because he’s too honest. 2. “Where is that cold air coming from?”
“Someone … have left the door open.” 3. It … be summer, but the
temperature is more like winter. 4. Don’t play with knives, John.
You … get hurt. 5. “Our little girl is very attached to her baby-sitter.”
“She … be fond of her.” 6. I … have bought that car, but I decided to
look at a few others. 7. “There is nobody interesting to talk to,” said
Fred, “We … as well go home.” 8. When I walked into the room, the
TV was on but the room was empty. Dad … have forgotten to turn
the TV off before he left the room. 9. Although I tried hard I … pass
my driving test. 10. Father hasn’t gone to bed yet. … he be still
working on the new project? 11. “Why didn’t Diane come to the
phone? I know she was home when I called.” “She … have been
washing her hair.”12. Peter wasn’t here then, so he … have broken
your vase. 13. Don’t take a risk like that again. We … have been lost
because of you. 14. Both the clocks say 4:30, so that … be the time.
15. It’s a pity you didn’t ask because I … have helped you. 16. “He..
have told us that he was going to stay out all night.” Dad was angry.
17. There’s Tom. He is standing at the bus stop. He … be waiting for
the 2 o’clock bus. 18. “It’s supposed to rain tomorrow.” “I know, but
the forecast … be wrong. Weather forecast are far from 100%
accurate.” 19. I smell something burning. … the cake be burning?
20. “What were you talking about?” “He told me that I … tell
Ex. 6. Choose the correct form of the verbs.
1. You must be/ can't be very proud of your son winning so
many prizes.
2. I don’t know why you wanted to stay at the party. You might
have enjoyed/can't have enjoyed talking to all those boring
3. You must be/ must have been thirsty after carrying those
heavy boxes. Shall I make some tea?
4. You’ll have to check these figures again. They’re not accurate.
You might have been concentrating/can't have been
concentrating when you added them up.
5. Why did you walk all the way from the station? You could
phone/could have phoned for a lift.
6. Jane didn’t come to the party last night. She might have/might
have had a row with her boyfriend.
7. The film has been such a big success. I guess it must be/can't
be easy to get tickets to see it.
8. “Why did Tom ignore me at the party last night?” “He might
not have seen/might not be seeing you. He wasn’t wearing his
9. You should reserve a seat on the train when you travel on bank
holidays. If you don’t, you may have to stand/can have to
stand up for the whole journey.
10. We thought our cousins would visit us when they were in town
last week, but they didn’t even phone. I suppose they must
be/must have been too busy.
11. I can't remember where I put my briefcase. It might be/might
have been in the office. I often leave it there.
12. The parcel is making a ticking noise. It must be/must have
been a bomb. Throw it out of the window!
13. We shall probably go/must probably go to Scotland for our
14. I haven’t been able to/can't see him much lately. He says he’s
very busy.
Ex.7. Explain why “must” remains unchanged in the following
1. Mother called the children and told them not to disturb their father
as he had just returned from work and he must be very tired. 2. He
said ironically that after what had happened they must be laughing at
him. 3. Amerigo Bonasera used to contradict the other Italians saying
that they must obey their countries laws. 4. Sheila told the
psychologist that she must tell him something important about her
father. 5. The lady explained that they need voices and that they must
have young voices 6. Sonny said that they must find Luca by all
means. 7. Mrs. Cromwell told us that she must have been sitting
there for a quarter of an hour waiting and thinking about it before she
saw the letter. 8. Oliver ate his share and the Jew there mixed him a
glass of hot Gin and water and told him that he must drink it off
directly, because another gentleman wanted the tumbler.
Ex. 8. Translate the following sentences into English using
can/could, may/might, and must. Use their equivalents if
1. Üñ³Ýù ³Û¹ Ý³Ù³ÏÁ »ñμ»ù ãëï³ó³Ý: Þ³ï Ñ³í³Ý³Ï³Ý ¿,
áñ »ë ³ÛÝ ëË³É Ñ³ëó»áí ¿Ç áõÕ³ñÏ»É:
2. Ð»ï³ùñùÇñ ¿` áñï»±Õ ¿ å³Ñ»É Ý³ Çñ Ïï³ÏÁ: Üñ³ áñ¹ÇÝ»ñÁ
10 ûñ ¿, ÇÝã ÷ÝñáõÙ »Ý ³Û¹ Ïï³ÏÁ, μ³Ûó Ýñ³Ýó ¹»é ãÇ
Ñ³çáÕí»É ·ïÝ»É ³ÛÝ:
3. - ÆÝãá±õ êáýÇÝ ûýÇëáõÙ ã¿: - Ð³í³Ý³μ³ñ Ý³ ï³ÝÝ ¿
³ßË³ïáõÙ ³Ûëûñ:
4. ºÃ» Ý³ Ù»½ û·ÝÇ, ÙÇ·áõó» Ï³ñáÕ³Ý³Ýù í»ñç³óÝ»É ³Ûë
Ã³ñ·Ù³ÝáõÃÛáõÝÁ Å³Ù³Ý³ÏÇÝ:
5. -Ø»Ýù ëïÇåí³Í »Ýù ³Ûë Ñ³ñóÁ ùÝÝ³ñÏ»É ÙÛáõë ß³μ³Ã: -
´³Ûó ÙÛáõë ß³μ³Ã »ë, Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ, Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ã»Ù áõÝ»Ý³:
6. Î»ñ³ÏáõñÝ ³Ñ³íáñ ¿ñ: ¸ñ³ÝÇó ³í»ÉÇ í³ïÁ ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ã¿ñ
7. ¸áõéÁ μ³ó ¿ñ: ì»ñçÇÝ Ù³ñ¹Á, áñ ¹áõñë ¿ñ »Ï»É, å»ïù ¾ áñ
Ùáé³ó³Í ÉÇÝ»ñ ¿ñ ¹áõéÁ ÏáÕå»É:
8. -ºÏ»ù ´áμÇÝ ËÝ¹ñ»Ýù, áñ Ý³ Ù»½ Çñ Ù»ù»Ý³Ûáí ï³ÝÇ: ¾ÝÝÇÝ
¨ ²É³ÝÁ å»ïù ¾ áñ ¹»é Ù»½ ëå³ë»ÉÇë ÉÇÝ»Ý:
-¸áõ ×Çßï »ë: ÐÝ³ñ³íáñ ã¿, áñ Ýñ³Ýù ³é³Ýó Ù»½ ·Ý³ó³Í
9. -ÊÝÓáñÝ»ñÁ ß³ï É³íÝ »Ý: ¸áõ å»ïù ¿ ¹ñ³Ýù μáÉáñÝ áõï»ë,
- ³ë³ó ²ÉÇëÁ:
10. -ÆÝ±ã »ë ·ñáõÙ, ´ÇÉ: - ì»å: - ²Ýßáõßï Ï³ï³ÏáõÙ »ë:
²ÝÑÝ³ñÇÝ ¿, áñ ¹áõ í»å ·ñ»ÉÇë ÉÇÝ»ë: Ð³í³Ý³μ³ñ ëÇñ³ÛÇÝ
Ý³Ù³Ï »ë ·ñáõÙ êÛáõÇÝ:
11. ²Ù»Ý ³ÙÇë ¸áõ·É³ëÁ áñáß ·áõÙ³ñ ¿ ÙÇ ÏáÕÙ ¹ÝáõÙ: ØÇÝã¨ ³Ûë
ï³ñí³ í»ñçÁ Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ Ý³ μ³í³Ï³ÝÇÝ ·áõÙ³ñ ËÝ³Û³Í
12. -ºë ³ë³óÇ æ»ÏëáÝÝ»ñÇÝ, áñ ã»Ù Ï³ñáÕ ÁÝ¹áõÝ»É Ýñ³Ýó
-ä»ïù ¿, áñ Ýñ³Ýù ÑÇÙ³ ß³ï íÇñ³íáñí³Í ½·³Ý Çñ»Ýó:
13. ºë Ùáï Ù»Ï Å³Ù ëå³ë»óÇ ø»ÛÃÇÝ ¨ ³ñ¹»Ý Ùï³ÍáõÙ ¿Ç, áñ
Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ ÇÝã-áñ μ³Ý ¿ å³ï³Ñ»É Ýñ³Ý, »ñμ ø»ÛÃÁ
Å³Ù³Ý»ó ï³ùëÇáí:
14. -Ø³ñÇ³Ý ³ëáõÙ ¿, Çñ Ñ³ÛñÁ ³·³ñ³Ï³ï»ñ ¿: - Üñ³ Ñ³ÛñÁ ãÇ
Ï³ñáÕ ³·³ñ³Ï³ï»ñ ÉÇÝ»É, ù³ÝÇ áñ Ý³ áã ÙÇ ³·³ñ³Ï ¿É
15. Ø³ñïÇÝÇÝ Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ ãÑ³çáÕí»ó Ñ³Ùá½»É Ýñ³Ýó` ·³É
Ù»½ Ñ»ï:
16. -Î³ñá±Õ »Ù ËÙáñ»Õ»Ý í»ñóÝ»É, - Ñ³ñóñ»ó ÂáÙÁ:
-à°ã, ã»ë Ï³ñáÕ, - å³ï³ëË³Ý»ó Ù³ÛñÁ, - ¹áõ å»ïù ¿ Ý³Ë ùá
ßÇÉ³Ý áõï»ë. ¨ ãÇ Ï³ñ»ÉÇ Ëáë»É, »ñμ μ»ñ³ÝÁ¹ ÉÇùÝ ¿:
17. Ð³í³Ý³μ³ñ Ý³ ß³ï ¾³ßË³ïáõÙ: ²ÝÑÝ³ñ ¾ Ýñ³Ý »ñ»ÏáÛ³Ý
ï³ÝÁ ·ïÝ»É:
Ex. 9. Make logical conclusions about the following situations.
Use must/mustn’t, can’t/couldn’t.
Example: Tom says he has solved these mathematical
problems alone, but we know he is bad at mathematics.
He can’t /couldn’t have solved these problems alone.
(or Somebody must have helped him to solve them)
1. Everyone who had the fish for dinner last night got sick.
2. Jennifer’s car radio is always set on the classical music station.
3. The Browns house is dark and quiet. Their car isn’t in the
4. The woman sitting behind us has been talking throughout the
movie. She knows what’s going to happen before it happens.
5. We had a test in class yesterday. Alice who is a lazy girl and
usually fails the tests got a 95% this time.
6. Jimmy says he was at Ann’s party yesterday, but Ann says she
didn’t see him.
7. I hear a dog barking. My neighbours’ dog usually barks when a
stranger passes by their house..
To Have To
To have to as a modal verb is not a defective verb and can have all
the necessary tense-aspect forms as well as the verbals.
You can borrow my car, but you’ll have to bring it back
before ten.
Do I have to apply for a visa?
My impression was that he was having to force himself to
Did you have to clean the house alone?
I may have to ask them about it.
She has had to wear glasses since she was ten.
1. The modal verb have to is used to express obligation (necessity)
imposed by circumstances. We use have to for facts, not for our
personal feelings. (For the difference between must and have to,
see Unit IX)
have to + infinitive
(in affirmative, interrogative sentences)
I have to get up early in the morning as I live far from the
Does Paul have to leave soon?
Last night Sue became ill suddenly. We had to call a
Did you have to take the car to a garage?
Don’t /doesn’t /didn’t have to + infinitive is used to
express absence of obligation, necessity.
I am not working tomorrow so I don’t have to get up early.
He doesn’t have to wear a tie at work.
He didn’t have to go to hospital because he was slightly
Certainty (strong possibility)
2. Have to may be used to say that something is certain.
This must be the worst job in the world.
or This has /has got to be the worst job in the world. (Am.
doesn’t have to be is used to say that something is not
necessarily true.
- A dog has been killing our chicken.
- It doesn’t have to be a dog – it could be a fox.
Had better
3. The phrase had better is used to express:
a) It is advisable to do it. If we don’t, there will be a
We had better hurry or we’ll miss the train.
Hadn’t you better take an umbrella? It’s going to rain.
b) When you warn somebody that they must do something
(it may suggest a threat)
You’d better not be late. (or I’ll be very angry)
You’d better turn that music down before your Dad gets
You’d better help me. If you don’t, there’ll be trouble.
To Be To
To be to as a modal verb is used in the present and past tenses.
We are to meet at six.
We were to meet at six.
1. To be to is used to express previously arranged plans or obligation
(especially when they are official):
to be + simple infinitive
(affirmative, interrogative form)
The president is to visit Nigeria next week.
She is to be married next month.
Who was to speak at the meeting?
2. Was/were have + past participle denotes an unfulfilled plan.
The Lord Mayor was to have laid the foundation stone but
he was taken ill last night so the Lady Mayoress is doing it
3. To be to may be found in orders and instructions:
to be to + simple infinitive
(in affirmative, negative sentences)
He is to stay here till we return.
She can go to the party but she is not to be back late.
The cover is not to be removed.
I just mention it because you said I was to give you all the
details I could.
These doors are to be kept locked.
4. We use was/were to talk about something that was destined to
was/were + simple infinitive
(in affirmative, negative sentences)
I thought we were saying goodbye for ever. But we were to
meet again later, under very strange circumstances. (´³Ûó
Ù»½ íÇ×³Ïí³Í ¾ñ Ñ³Ý¹Çå»É...)
He didn’t know at the time that he was never to see his
native place again.
5. We can use am/is/are/was/were to express possibility (usually
due to circumstances).
to be + simple infinitive passive
(in affirmative, interrogative, negative sentences)
His father was often to be seen in the bar of the hotel.
or His father can/may often be seen in the bar…
Where is he to be found?
Nothing was to be done under the circumstances.
6. The structure is common in if-clauses, when the main clause
expresses a pre-condition - something that must happen first if
something else is to happen.)
to be + simple infinitive
If we are to get there by lunchtime we had better hurry.
He knew he would have to work hard if he was to pass his
Notice the following set phrases with the modal verb to be
What am I to do?
What is to become of me?
Where am I to go?
7. Were + infinitive for all persons is found in conditional clauses
where it is structurally dependent.
If I were you I shouldn’t go there alone.
If he were to come again I should not receive him.
Ex.1. Explain the meanings and forms of “to have to” in the
following sentences.
1. I told him because he was gentle harmless being, and because I
had to tell somebody, I had to let the monstrous thing out of the
sealed sphere. 2. I didn’t have to turn around to know they were
coming down the street. 3. “What were those words? In what
language? It had to be French or Italian, she understood no other,”
she thought. 4. “Do you have to wear a tie at work?” asked Bob. 5.
“A dog has been killing our chickens.” “It doesn’t have to be a dog –
it could be a fox.” 6. Catholics have to go to church every Sundays.
7. “But I have been having to give a lot of thought recently to my
feelings toward you,” said Ann. 8. The doctor said that I had to stop
smoking. 9. You don’t have to carry identity papers in England. 10.
You had to have provoked her; it was not planned. 11. If your father
were a poor man you would have to work. 12. “If you cry out, or try
to raise an alarm I shall have to shoot,” said Bray. 13. Mary went up
to the hostess and said, “This is a lovely party, but we’ve got to go
home because of the baby-sitter.” 15. “You’d better turn that music
down before your Dad gets angry,” said Mother.
Ex. 2. Complete these sentences with “must” or “have to” in the
correct form. Sometimes it is possible to use either; sometimes
only have to is possible.
1. I…cycle three miles to school when I was a child.
2. She is a really nice person. You … meet her.
3. Julia wears glasses. She … wear glasses since she was very
4. You have been travelling all day. You … be tired.
5. Last night Dave became ill suddenly. We … call a doctor.
6. “I … listen to a lot of lying lately,” George said to them.
7. You … keep it a secret. You … tell anyone.
8. Mike’s mother is seriously ill. She might … go to hospital.
9. She has left her gloves here. She …come again.
10. … you wear a tie at work?
11. The doctor said that I … stop smoking.
12. “A dog has been killing our chickens.” “It … be a dog – it
could be a fox.”
13. “Edna isn’t in her office.” “She … go home. Her son is coming
14. When you come to London, you … come and see us.
15. I’m not working tomorrow, so I … get up early.
16. You really … work harder if you want to pass the examination.
Ex.3. Explain the meanings and forms of “to be” in the following
1. I felt nervous because I was soon to leave home for the first time.
2. “She can go to the party, but she is not to be late,” said her father.
3. No one is to leave this building without the permission of the
police. 4. If we are to get there by lunchtime we had better hurry. 5. I
thought we were saying goodbye for ever. But we were to meet
again, many years later, under very strange circumstances. 6. The
Lord Mayor was to have laid the foundation stone but he was taken
ill last night so the Lady Mayoress is doing it instead. 7. It was late
and he was nowhere to be found. 8. “I wish I were ten kilos lighter.”
Thought Barbara looking at herself in the mirror. 9. If I were to tell
you everything, you would be amazed. 10. He was wounded. The
wound didn’t worry him at the time but it was to be very
troublesome later.
Ex.4. Complete the sentences with the appropriate forms of “to
have to” or “to be to”.
1. They said good-bye, little knowing that they … never to meet
again. 2. He … to be at his office in time; his employer is very angry
if he is late. 3. He made all arrangements for the marriage, which …
to take place on the other day of his mother’s arrival. 4. They made
such a noise that I … to send one of the boys to put an end to it. 5. At
this boarding school the children … to go to bed at eight o’clock. 6.
That day, however, I had a pupil waiting for an English lesson and I
… to cut my visitor short. 7. “We may … to discuss this question
without him,” said the manager. 8. The instructor says that we … not
to leave the camp after six. 9. Aunt Mary’s things … to be moved out
of her room so that it can be re-let. 10. “What you … to do to earn so
much money?” Barbara asked me. 11. We didn’t know then that a
day … to come when we would be glad to have any roof over our
heads. 12. “He is out. I’m afraid you … to come another time,” said
the secretary. 13. I … a music lesson in the morning, but my teacher
called up to cancel it. 14. It’s cold today. You … better wear a coat
when you go out. 15. I went to the bank this morning. There was no
queue, so I … to wait. 16. “I … to work for this cad since I was
seventeen,” Bob said angrily. 17. The computer programmer who …
to work for this company hasn’t arrived yet.
Ex.5. Re-word the sentences using “to have to” or “to be to.”
1. The lecture is supposed to begin at eight sharp.
2. Edna isn’t in her office. It was necessary for her to go home.
3. It was planned that we should wait for them in the camp.
4. We expect you to show the place to her.
5. You don’t need to tell me about that incident.
6. It was arranged that I should phone him, but I didn’t.
7. My sister offered me a lift so it wasn’t necessary for me to call
a taxi.
8. They were destined never to meet again.
9. He doesn’t want to leave his country. The circumstances
impose him.
10. You aren’t supposed to park your car here.
Ex.6. Make up situations using the following statements.
1. I must give her a lift today.
I have to give her a lift today.
I am to give her a lift today.
2. I mustn’t do the translation.
I don’t have to do the translation.
I am not to do the translation.
Ex.7. Translate the following sentences into English using “to
have to” or “to be to”.
1. Â»ñÃáõÙ ·ñí³Í ¿, áñ í³ñã³å»ïÁ å³ßïáÝ³Ï³Ý Ñ³Ûï³ñ³-
ñáõÃÛáõÝ ¿ ³Ý»Éáõ í³ÕÁ:
2. ²Û¹ »ñ»Ïá »ë ï³ÝÇó ¹áõñë ã»Ï³, ù³ÝÇ áñ æáñçÝ
³ßË³ï³ÝùÇó Ñ»ïá å»ïù ¿ Ù»ñ ïáõÝ ·³ñ:
3. ¸Åμ³Ëï å³ï³Ñ³ñÇ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï »ñÏáõ ïÕ³Ù³ñ¹ ¿ñ
Ã»Ã¨³ÏÇ íÇñ³íáñí»É, μ³Ûó Ýñ³Ýó ÑÇí³Ý¹³Ýáó ï³Ý»Éáõ
³ÝÑñ³Å»ßïáõÃÛáõÝ ãÏ³ñ:
4. -²é³íáïÛ³Ý Å³ÙÁ ï³ëÝ ¿, μ³Ûó æ»ÛÝÁ ·ñ³ë»ÝÛ³ÏáõÙ ã¿:
- ²Ûë Å³ÙÇÝ Ýñ³Ý »ñμ»ù ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ã¿ ·ñ³ë»ÝÛ³ÏáõÙ ï»ëÝ»É:
5. ºë Ýñ³Ý å»ïù ¿ ï»ëÝ»Ç »ñ»ùß³μÃÇ, μ³Ûó Ý³ ½³Ý·³Ñ³ñ»ó
áõ ³ë³ó, áñ ÇÝã- áñ í³ï μ³Ý ¿ å³ï³Ñ»É ¨ Ñ³í³Ý³μ³ñ ãÇ
Ï³ñáÕ³Ý³ ï»ëÝ»É ÇÝÓ ÙÇÝã¨ áõñμ³Ã:
6. -¸áõ ã»ë Ñ³ëÏ³ÝáõÙ, áñ ²ÛñÇÝÝ ³Ûëù³Ý Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ëïÇåí³Í
¿ »Õ»É Ñ³Ý¹áõñÅ»É ùá í³ñù³·ÇÍÁ, áñáíÑ»ï¨ Ý³ ·Ý³Éáõ ï»Õ
ãáõÝÇ, - ³ë³ó æáõÝÁ:
7. Ø»Ýù å³ÛÙ³Ý³íáñí»É »Ýù Ñ³Ý¹Çå»É ÙáõïùÇ Ùáï. »Ã»
Ýñ³Ýù áõß³Ý³Ý, Ù»Ýù Ýñ³Ýó ã»Ýù ëå³ëÇ:
8. -ºë ³Ý»É³Ý»ÉÇ ¹ñáõÃÛ³Ý Ù»ç »Ù: Æ±Ýã »Ù ³Ý»Éáõ: à±õñ »Ù
·Ý³Éáõ, - Ñ³ñóñ»ó Í»ñ ÏÇÝÁ` É³ó»Éáí:
9. Ü³ ã·Çï»ñ ³Û¹ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï, áñ ¾ÝÇÇ Ñ»é³Ý³Éáõó Ñ»ïá Çñ»Ý
íÇ×³Ïí³Í ¿ñ ³ÙμáÕç ÏÛ³ÝùáõÙ Ù»Ý³Ï ³åñ»É:
10. -ä³ñï³¹Çñ ã¿, áñ ¹áõù »ñ³ÅÇßï ÉÇÝ»ù, áñå»ë½Ç
»ñ³ÅßïáõÃÛáõÝÇó Ñ³×áõÛù ëï³Ý³ù, - íÇñ³íáñí³Í ³ë³ó
ûå»ñ³ÛÇÝ »ñ·ÇãÁ:
11. îÝûñ»ÝÝ»ñÇ ËáñÑáõñ¹Á ÅáÕáíÁ å»ïù ¿ ³ÝóÏ³óÝ»ñ ³ÝóÛ³É
ß³μ³Ã, μ³Ûó åñÝ. ø³ñï»ñÁ ÑÇí³Ý¹³ó³í, ¨ Ýñ³Ýù
ëïÇåí³Í ¿ÇÝ Ñ»ï³Ó·»É ÅáÕáíÁ:
12. -¸áõ ï³ÝÇó ãå»ïù ¿ ¹áõñë ·³ë, ÙÇÝã¨ »ë ãí»ñ³¹³éÝ³Ù, -
³ë³ó ´ÇÉÇ Ñ³ÛñÁ: - ºë ã»Ù áõ½áõÙ, áñ ¹áõ ÝáñÇó Í»ÍÏéïáõù
³Ý»ë ³Û¹ ïÕ³Ý»ñÇ Ñ»ï:
Ex. 8. Put in can, can’t, couldn’t, to have had to, haven’t been able
to, may, must, must be or must have.
Remember Me?
There was a knock at the door. I opened it and saw a stranger.
“Hello, Fred.” He said. “… I come in?” “How do you know my
name?” I asked. “We met ten years ago on a ferry-boat and you gave
me your card.” “You … mistaken.” I said. “No. I …not” the stranger
said. He produced my card: Fred Ames. I … given it to him ten years
ago, but I … remember it! “I … remember you.” I said “We
exchanged cards years ago,” the stranger said. “You said. “You …
come and stay with us for as long as you like any time you’re in
England.” I’m sorry I … wait so many years before coming to visit
you. I’ve been so busy, I …, but here I am at last! Better late than
never! I’ve just arrived on the ferry. My wife and children are in the
car and we wonder if we … stay with you for a month,”
1. Shall I? shall we? are used in requests for advice or orders, (to
ask after the will of the person addressed) offers, suggestions:
How shall I cook it?
Which one shall I buy? or Which one should I buy?
Shall I open the window?
Where shall I put it?
Shall I help you to pack?
Shall I get you some fresh coffee?
Shall we go out for a meal?
Let’s go and see Lucy, shall we?
“What shall I do with it?” She asked the manager.
She asked the manager what she should or was to do with
it. (Shall I shall we? are replaced by was/were to or should
in indirect speech).
2. Shall is used in formal rules and regulations (in written notices, to
state an order or rule):
Members shall have one vote each.
No player shall knowingly pick up or move the ball of
another player.
by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out…
3. Shall used with the second and third persons can express a duty
(obligation), intention, promise, threat or warning:
You shall wash up, whether you want to or not!
It shall be done!
Who shall answer the telephone, major?
He shan’t come here. (I won’t let him come)
You shall have my answer tomorrow.
“You shall stay just where you are,” his father said angrily.
He shall do as I say.
Modal auxiliary should is used with reference to the present or
future and remains unchanged in reported speech. Should is less
strong than must.
I knew that I should write to him, but it seemed too
Where should appears, ought to can also be used.
1. Should is used to express duty or obligation which in different
contexts may acquire additional shades of meaning, such as
advisability and desirability.
should + simple infinitive
(in affirmative, interrogative, negative sentences)
You should (ought to) pay your debts.
You shouldn’t (oughtn’t to) say things like that to Granny.
Shouldn’t you pay this time?
In writing, should can be used to express a strong obligation politely:
Applications should be sent before December 30th.
Giving advice or asking for advice
2. We can use should to give advice or to ask for advice (or to give
an opinion with I think, I don’t think, do you think …?)
should + simple infinitive
(affirmative, interrogative, negative forms)
You should (ought to) eat more fruit.
You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the
Should we invite Mark to our party?
Do you think I should apply for the job?
I don’t think you should work so hard.
Note: Had better and should
We use had better only for a particular situations (not for things in
We can use should in different situations to give an opinion or to
give advice:
It’s raining. You’d better take an umbrella. (a particular
I think all drivers should wear seat belts. (in general)
Also, with had better, there is always a danger or a problem if you
don’t follow the advice.
It’s a good film. We should go and see it.
The film starts at 7.00 We had better go now or we’ll be late.
Criticism of an action
3. We also use should when something is not right or what we
I wonder where Sam is. He should be here by now. (= he
isn’t here yet and this is not normal)
Those boys shouldn’t be playing football at this time. They
should be at school.
4. Should (ought to) + perfect infinitive shows that a desirable
(sensible) action wasn’t carried out:
It was a great party. You should (ought to) have come.(¸áõ
å»ïù ¾ ·³Çñ /Ç½áõñ ã»Ï³ñ)
You should (ought to) have asked him about it. Why didn’t
you do?
Shouldn’t (oughtn’t to) have + past participle shows that an
undesirable action was carried out:
“I’m feeling sick.” “You shouldn’t (oughtn’t to) have eaten
so much.”
(¸áõ ãå»ïù ¾ ³Û¹ù³Ý ß³ï áõï»Çñ:)
I shouldn’t (oughtn’t to) have invited him to my party. He
spoiled everything.
5. Should may be used to express supposition implying strong
“We are spending the winter in Florida.” That should
(ought to) be nice”.
Henry should get here soon – he left home at six.
There are plenty of hotels in the town. It shouldn’t be
difficult to find somewhere to stay.
Margaret should (ought to) pass the exam, she has been
studying very hard.
The film should /ought to/ must be very good as it is
starring first-class actors. (ought to is less common in this
It’s nine o clock: They shouldn’t have left home yet- I’ll
phone them. (negative probability)
Emotional should
6. Should (not ought to) may have a peculiar function- it may be
used for emotional colouring. In this function it may be called
emotional should.
Should + simple infinitive (refers the action to the present)
Should/shouldn’t + perfect infinitive (refers the action to
the past)
The use of the emotional should is structurally dependent. It is found
in the following cases:
a) In rhetorical questions beginning with why:
Why should I do it?
Why shouldn’t you invite him?
I went into business with him as his partner. Why
shouldn’t I have done it. (refers the action to the past).
b) In object clauses beginning with why: (the speaker expresses
doubt about the reasonableness or justice of an assumption)
I don’t know why you should think that I did it.
I don’t know why he should want to see us.
He didn’t know why he should have expected them to look
different. (the action of the subordinate clause precedes that
of the main clause)
c) In attributive clauses beginning with why after the noun
There is no reason why they shouldn’t get on very well
I don’t see any reason why she shouldn’t make friends with
There were fifteen equally good reasons why she should
not have played bridge. (the action of the subordinate clause
precedes that of the main clause)
d) Idiomatically with who, where, what in dramatic
expressions of surprise (quite often the surprise is
What should I find but an enormous spider.
The door opened and who should come in but his first wife.
e) Emotional should can be used in object clauses after
expressions of regret, surprise, (sometimes pleasure or
displeasure) as well as after it is/was + certain adjectives
such as: it is strange, odd, funny typical, natural,
interesting, surprising, absurd, terrible, queer,
I am so glad that you should help our son. (emotional
We are sorry that she should have had a row with her
It was strange that he should behave like that.
It is /was strange that he should have left without saying
goodbye to anyone. (the action of the subordinate clause
precedes that of the main clause)
f) In constructions of the following kind:
How should I know?
That it should come to this!
To think that it should come to this!
To think that it should have happened to me!
Should is sometimes used in purpose clauses as alternative to would
He wore a mask so that nobody should (would/could)
recognize him.
Should may be used in if clauses to show that the possibility is
If you should see Tom this evening, can you ask him to
phone me? (ºÃ» å³ï³ÑÇ ³ÛÝå»ë, áñ / »Ã» Ñ³ÝÏ³ñÍ
ï»ëÝ»ë ÂáÙÇÝ.....)
or Should you see Ann this evening, can you ask her to
phone me?
Ex.1. Explain the meanings of “shall” in the following sentences.
1.“Shall we meet at the station? ” asked Bob.2. The hirer shall be
responsible for maintenance of the vehicle. 3. “You shall have no
cause to complain of me, dear. There shall be no difficulty about
money,” said mother. 4. Aunt Mary’s voice was stern. “You shall
wash up, whether you want to or not!” 5. “How shall I cook it? ”
asked Mary. 6.“Who shall send this letter to them, boss? ” 7. This
without the publisher’s prior consent. 8. Shall I give you an
example? 9. Members shall have one vote each. 10.“You shall stay
just where you are!” his mother cried angrily.
Ex 2. Translate the following sentences into English using
1. -ú·Ý»±Ù ù»½ Çñ»ñ¹ ¹³ë³íáñ»É: - à°ã, ³í»ÉÇ É³í ¿` ½³Ý·»ë,
ï³ùëÇ å³ïíÇñ»ë:
2. Ðñ³Ñ³Ý·áõÙ ·ñí³Í ¿, áñ Ûáõñ³ù³ÝãÛáõñ Ùñó³ÏÇó å»ïù ¿
Ñ³Ù³ñ³ÝÇß ÏñÇ:
3. -ºÃ» Ñ³Ý·Çëï Ýëï»ë, ÏáÝý»ï Ïëï³Ý³ë, - ³ë³ó ïÇÏÇÝÁ
÷áùñÇÏ ïÕ³ÛÇÝ:
4. ¸³ ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ¿ ³Ý»É, ¨ ³ÛÝ Ï³ñíÇ, »Ã» ¹áõ ÙÇ³ÛÝ
Ñ³Ù³Ó³ÛÝ»ë û·Ý»É Ù»½:
5. -ºë ¹»é ùá å³ï³ëË³ÝÇÝ »Ù ëå³ëáõÙ, æ»ÛÝ: - ¸áõ ÇÙ
å³ï³ëË³ÝÁ í³ÕÁ Ïëï³Ý³ë:
6. -Æ±Ýã ï³Ù ²ÝÝ³ÛÇÝ Çñ ÍÝÝ¹Û³Ý ïáÝÇÝ: - ºë ÇÝùë ¹»é ã·Çï»Ù,
Ã» ÇÝã ·Ý»Ù Ýñ³ Ñ³Ù³ñ: Ü³ ³ÛÝù³Ý ùÙ³Ñ³× ¿:
7. -¸áõ Ï³Ý»ë ³ÛÝå»ë, ÇÝãå»ë »°ë »Ù ù»½ ³ëáõÙ, Âá°Ù,- ³ë³ó
Ñ³ÛñÇÏÁ μ³ñÏ³ó³Í:
8. -¼³Ý·»±Ù, ë»Õ³Ý å³ïíÇñ»Ù: - à°ã, »ë ³ñ¹»Ý å³ïíÇñ»É »Ù:
Ex. 3. Explain the meanings of “ought to” and “should” in the
following sentences.
1. Beatrice is in hospital, but her son hasn’t been to see her. He ought
to go and see her. 2. You should always lock the front door when you
go out. 3. She has been studying hard for the exam, so she ought to
pass. 4. Those boys shouldn’t be playing football at this time. They
should be at school. 5. Do you think I ought to (should) apply for this
job? 6. People really shouldn’t smoke when there are children
around. 7. It was a great party last night. You ought to (should) have
come. 8. Andrew is very upset. You shouldn’t (ought not to) have
shouted angrily at him. 9. “How can you know what his feelings
are?” “I ought to know, for he is always telling me about them.” 10.
They ought to have arrived by now.
11. If that should happen again, we’ll have to send you home.
Ex 4. Use the required form of the infinitive after “ought to” and
1. You shouldn’t (call) him a fool – it upset him. 2. “We are
spending the winter in Miami.” “That ought to (be) nice.” 3. I ought
to (phone) Ed this morning but I forgot. 4. You shouldn’t (play) with
the match, Tom. Put it in its place. 5. You ought to (ask) your boss
for a raise. Why didn’t you do it? 6. He ought to (give) a medal for
living with her. She is a terrible woman. 7. You should (see)
“Daughter of the Moon” – it’s a great film. 8. The Parkers ought to
(get back) from holiday yesterday. Has anybody seen them? 9.
“Should I (use) this kind of paper in my typewriter?”-asked Sue
showing the paper. 10. “That should (be) Janet coming upstairs
now,” Ann went to open the door.
Ex 5. Read the situations and write sentences with ought to/
ought not to or should / shouldn’t. Some of the sentences are past
and some are present.
Example: You are watching TV instead of doing your lessons.
You…. should be doing your lessons instead of watching
1. Christopher has a new CD player. The children use it without his
2. We called at our friend’s house but he was out. We hadn’t
phoned him before we left home.
3. Dave is five years old. He is playing with a box of matches.
4. The apple trees have lots of ripe fruit on them but no one can be
bothered to pick it so it will be wasted.
5. I live in Edinburgh. You came to Edinburgh last week but you
didn’t visit me.
6. Ron is wearing jeans. He is expected at formal reception.
7. You are talking and laughing instead of listening to your teacher.
Ex. 6. Put in ‘had better’ or ‘should’. Sometimes either is
possible. Add not if it is necessary.
Example: I … leave now, or I’ll miss the bus.
I had better leave now, or I’ll miss the bus.
1. I don’t think people … keep pets if they don’t have time to care
for them properly.
2. They … go sailing today. The sea is rough and it might be
3. We … stop for petrol soon. The tank is almost empty.
4. These biscuits are delicious. You … try one.
5. When people are driving, they… keep their eyes on the road.
6. You … turn that music down before your Dad gets angry.
7. Can you buy me some stamps when you go out? There … be
some change in my purse if you haven’t got enough money.
8. You … take something good to read because you’ll have quite a
long wait in the departure lounge.
9. It’s cold today. You … wear a coat when you go out.
10. I don’t think they … get married. They are too young.
11. “I received my phone bill four weeks ago but I haven’t paid it
yet.” “You … pay your phone bill or you may have problems.”
12. I’m in a difficult position. What do you think I … do.
Ex. 7. Translate the sentences into English using “should” or
“ought to”.
1. -ºñμ Ù»Ýù é»ëïáñ³Ý ·Ý³óÇÝù, ³ÛÝï»Õ áã ÙÇ ³½³ï ë»Õ³Ý
ãÏ³ñ: - ¸áõù å»ïù ¿ ë»Õ³Ý å³ïíÇñ»Çù Ý³Ëù³Ý ³Û¹
é»ëïáñ³Ý ·Ý³ÉÁ: ²ÛÝ ß³ï Ñ³ÛïÝÇ ¿:
2. -ÆÙ ³ßË³ï³í³ñÓÁ ß³ï ó³Íñ ¿, - μáÕáù»ó æ»ÛÝÁ, -
Ï³ñÍáõÙ »Ù »ë å»ïù ¿ ÙÇ ³ÛÉ ³ßË³ï³Ýù ÷Ýïñ»Ù:
3. ¸áõ å»ïù ¿, áã Ã» »ñ³ÅßïáõÃÛáõÝ Éë»ë ÑÇÙ³, ³ÛÉ ¹³ë»ñ¹
ÏñÏÝ»ë: ì³ÕÁ Ã»ëï »ë ·ñ»Éáõ:
4. Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù` ¹áõ ãå»ïù ¿ Ñ³í³ï³ë ³ÛÝ μáÉáñ μ³Ùμ³ë³ÝùÝ
»ñÇÝ, áñ ÉëáõÙ »ë:
5. Ü³ ß³ï ÁÝÏ×í³Í ¿ñ, ¨ »ë Ùï³Í»óÇ, áñ å»ïù ¿ ³Ù»Ý
ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ μ³Ý ³Ý»Ù Ýñ³Ý ëÇñï ï³Éáõ, á·¨áñ»Éáõ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
6. àãÇÝã ã¿Ç ï»ëÝáõÙ ÙÃáõÃÛ³Ý Ù»ç: ºë å»ïù ¿ É³åï»ñ
í»ñóñ³Í ÉÇÝ»Ç:
7. ¸áõ ß³ï ³Ýù³Õ³ù³í³ñÇ ¿Çñ ÇÙ ÁÝÏ»ñÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ý¹»å: ¸áõ
ãå»ïù ¿ ù»½ ³Û¹å»ë å³Ñ»Çñ:
8. Æ½áõñ ã»Ï³ñ »ñ»ÏáõÛÃÇÝ. ²ÛÝ ÑáÛ³Ï³å ¿ñ: ´áÉáñ Ù»ñ
ÁÝÏ»ñÝ»ñÝ ³ÛÝï»Õ ¿ÇÝ:
9. üñ»¹Á Ë»É³óÇ ïÕ³ ¿ ¨ μ³óÇ ³Û¹` Ý³ ç³Ý³¹Çñ ¿³ßË³ï»É
³Ûë ÁÝÃ³óùáõÙ: ä»ïù ¿ áñ Ý³ É³í Ñ³ÝÓÝÇ Çñ
10. ¸áõ ãå»ïù ¿ Éë»Çñ Ù»ñ Ëáë³ÏóáõÃÛáõÝÁ. ²ÛÝ ³ÝÓÝ³Ï³Ý ¿ñ:
Ex 8. Explain in which syntactic conditions the emotional
“should” is used in the following sentences and translate these
sentences into Armenian trying to convey the emotional
colourung expressed by “should”.
1. “They are my family, signore. Why should I avoid them?” The girl
looked surprised. 2. The landlord demanded that we should pay the
rent by Friday. 3. Isn’t it typical of Roy that he should leave without
saying goodbye to anybody? 4. I was surprised that he should ask me
for advice. What advice could I give him? 5. I’m sorry that you
should have had a row with Pat about it. 6. Kate was frowning. “I
can't understand why you should do this.” 7. It’s strange that Ann
should be so worried about the exams. 8. “I don’t see any reason why
we shouldn’t go to their wedding party,” said mother. 9. It outraged
him that his wife should be so foolish. 10. They insisted that we
should have dinner with them. 11. This is too terrible! To think that
you should talk to me in this way.
Ex 9. Use the required form of the infinitive after emotional
1. Don’t be late. It’s essential that you should (be) there on time. 2.
It’s surprising that he should (say) such a thing to you yesterday. 3.
It’s only natural that parents should (worry) about their children. 4.
“Where is Phyllis?” “Ann hasn’t invited him to her party.” “I am
shocked that she shouldn’t (invite) her to her party.” 5. I’m sorry you
should (think) I did it on purpose. 6. It’s strange that you should
(ask) me such questions now. 7. “I hear Mary divorced Tim.” “Yes,
it’s monstrous that he should (treat) her like that.” 8. “Ann is always
in trouble.” “It’s absurd that such things should (happen) to a girl
like her.”
Ex 10. Translate the following sentences into English using
emotional should.
1. - ²Û¹ ÇÝãá±õ »ë å»ïù ¿ Ñ³í³ï³Ù ù»½: - ¸áõ ëïÇåí³Í »ë
ÇÝÓ Ñ³í³ï³É, áñáíÑ»ï¨ »ë ×ßÙ³ñïáõÃÛáõÝÝ »Ù ³ëáõÙ:
2. î³ñûñÇÝ³Ï ¿, áñ ¹áõù Ýñ³Ýó ãå³ïÙ»óÇù ²ÝÝ³ÛÇ
3. â»Ù Ñ³ëÏ³ÝáõÙ, Ã» ÇÝãáõ ¹áõ å»ïù ¿ ¹»Ù ÉÇÝ»ë Ýñ³Ýó
4. îÇÏÇÝ æ»ùëáÝÝ ³ÛÝù³Ý Ñáõ½í³Í ¿ñ Í³ÕÇÏÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ: -ºë
»ñç³ÝÇÏ »Ù, áñ ¹áõù ³Û¹ù³Ý μ³ñÇ »ù ÇÙ ÝÏ³ïÙ³Ùμ, -
³ë³ó Ý³:
5. -ºë Ï³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ Ù»Ýù ÙÇ³ëÇÝ å»ïù ¿ ·Ý³Ýù ³ÛÝï»Õ: -
ºë ³ÛÝï»Õ ÙÇ³ëÇÝ ·Ý³Éáõ áã ÙÇ å³ï×³é ã»Ù ï»ëÝáõÙ:
6. -àñï»±Õ ¿ ÂáÙÁ: - àõñÇß ¾É áñ±ï»Õ Ï³ñáÕ ¾ ÉÇÝ»É, »Ã» áã
7. ò³íáõÙ »Ù, áñ ¹áõ ³Û¹åÇëÇ Ëáë³ÏóáõÃÛáõÝ »ë áõÝ»ó»É ùá
ï³ÝïÇñáõÑáõ Ñ»ï:
8. ä³Ñ³ÝçíáõÙ ¿, áñ μáÉáñ áõë³ÝáÕÝ»ñÁ Ý»ñÏ³ ÉÇÝ»Ý ³Û¹
9. ¼³ñÙ³Ý³ÉÇ ¿, áñ Ý³ Ñ³Ù³Ó³ÛÝ»ó û·Ý»É ù»½: êáíáñ³μ³ñ
Ý³ áã áùÇ ãÇ û·ÝáõÙ:
10. ¸áõéÁ μ³óí»ó, ¨ Ç±Ýã »ù Ï³ñÍáõÙ` áí Ùï³í. Ñáñ³ùáõÛñ
²ÉÇëÁ` ÉÇ Çñ ÷ÝÃ÷ÝÃáóÝ»ñáí:
Ex. 11. Choose one of the following topics and write a short
paragraph on it.
1. Write about one embarrassing incident in your life. What
could, should, might you have done to avoid it?
2. What could, should, (or should not), must (or must not) be
done to improve understanding between people?
3. Choose one of the environmental problems people are
considering today. What could, should, may, might, must be
done to solve this problem?
The original meaning of will is volition (volition is a general term
which includes such meanings as willingness, readiness, consent,
intention and determination to perform an action).
Habitual action
1. Will (would in past time contexts) implies willingness, personal
interest on the part of the doer of the action or emphasizes the
characteristics of the performer rather than the action:
will/would + simple infinitive
His father will spend most evenings playing chess. (habitual
She will do nothing for months and then suddenly she’ll
phone me.
We would nearly always eat with my mother on Friday.
(regular or usual behaviour in the past)
He would often sit and watch the birds. (Ü³ Å³Ù»ñáí
ÝëïáõÙ ¾ñ ³ÛÝï»Õ`Ý³Û»Éáí ÃéãáõÝÝ»ñÇÝ)
Compare: A dog usually obeys his master. (habit in general)
A dog will usually obey his master. (emphasizes that this is
one of the characteristics of a dog)
Note 1: Won’t and wouldn’t may express a refusal (see unit V)
I don’t care what you say. I won’t do it.
“Did you ask him for help?” “Yes, but she wouldn’t help me.”
The box won’t open.
The car wouldn’t start.
2. Will and would are used to express will, intention, determination,
I will stop smoking! I really will!
“There’s the doorbell.” “ I’ll go.
We decided that we wouldn’t interfere.
Request, Invitation:
3. Will and would can be used for requests and invitations:
Will you type this letter, please?
Would you show me the way to the station? (would is a
more polite form)
Will you come to tea tomorrow? Will you come with me?
(an invitation)
Note 2: In indirect speech, will changes to would:
We knew that he would be late.
He asked if I would have some more wine.
But it is more usual to avoid the verb:
He offered me some more wine.
He invited (asked) me to tea/dinner.
4. Will and would can also be used in clauses of condition (in if
clauses) to express willingness, consent, polite request or obstinate
If you will only let me talk I’ll explain to you everything.
If you will come this way, I’ll take you to the manager’s
or If you would come this way I’ll take you…. (more polite
If he would only trust me, we could get on much better.
(conditional use)
If you will keep your watch half an hour slow it is hardly
surprising that you are late for your appointments.
5. This is a formal, impersonal type of command, similar to must or
is/are to but more peremptory (not to be disobeyed or questioned)
much used in schools or military establishments):
will + simple infinitive
“You will stay here till you are relieved,” said the officer.
All boys will attend roll-call at 9 o’clock.
The use of ‘will’ and ‘would’ is not parallel in the
following cases:
6. Will can introduce an assumption (supposition/deduction). This
meaning is found with the second and third persons:
will + simple infinitive (refers the supposition to the present
or future)
will have + past participle (refers to the past)
(affirmative and negative form)
This will be the book you wanted.
“The phone is ringing.” “That’ll be for me.”
You’ll have heard about this. (I am sure you have heard
about this)
You won’t have heard about this. (I am sure you haven’t
heard about it)
He will have reached Paris by now. (I’m sure he has
reached Paris)
7. Would can refer to an annoying habit, typical of a person:
“I don’t understand him and I don’t approve of his
decision.” “No. You wouldn’t.” (I didn’t expect you would)
“Aunt Meg has been very brave.” “Yes. She would.” (It’s
typical of her)
Jack would get lost, wouldn’t be! (It’s typical)
8. Notice the use of will in the following sentences:
Boys will be boys.
Accidents will happen.
Set phrases with will and would:
won’t have (won’t allow)
won’t have + somebody +do something,
won’t have + something + done
I won’t have you speak your father like that.
I won’t have my house turned into a hotel.
would rather (’d rather) and would sooner (’d sooner) = to
would rather/ would sooner + simple infinitive without to
(= to prefer)
I’d rather have coffee.
Would you rather stay here or go home?
He’d sooner die than let me think he was a failure.
would…mind in interrogative and negative sentences means
to object.
(in interrogative sentences it may also express a polite
Would you mind my smoking here? or Do you mind if I
smoke here?
I don’t mind your staying here.
Would you mind getting me a cup of tea?
We may find would (or would + perfect infinitive) in unreal
I wish it would stop raining.
Nobody would agree with that idea if we asked them
Nobody would have agreed with that idea if he had asked
Ex.1. Explain the meanings of “will” and “would” in the
following sentences and say in which cases they may be used in a
parallel way.
1. I wonder why we haven’t heard from him – do you think he won’t
have got our letter yet? 2. “OK. We’ll buy the tickets if you will buy
supper after the show,” said John. 3. Each time we went out together
he would show me something new, something interesting. 4. I wish
you wouldn’t keep making that stupid noise. 5. “Bob talked politics
the whole evening.” “He would.” 6. Often, after dinner, he will settle
down in an armchair to read the paper. 7. Will you do the shopping
this afternoon, please? 8.“Why didn’t you give her a lift?” “The car
wouldn’t start this morning.” 9. I don’t care what you say, I won’t do
it. 10. “How about a drink? “ “I’d rather have something to eat.”
11.“If he were to apologize, would you forgive him?” asked Barbara.
12.“Sue would sooner die than wear this dress,” said Ann.13. “I
won’t have you speak to your father like that,” said granny angrily.
14.“Who’ll light the fire for me?” “I will.” 15. “You shan’t go there
alone.” “I will go whether you want me or not.”
Ex. 2. Choose the correct word.
1. On Saturday, when I was a child we would/will all get up early
and go fishing.
2. We can’t go and see them now – they will have gone/ will go
to bed.
3. I begged David to accept some money, but he would/wouldn’t
hear of it.
4. Any letters from Italy will be/won’t be for Tina.
5. I like these trees. Without them the garden would be/wouldn’t
be the same.
6. Do you have a spare pen? My pen won’t/wouldn’t write.
7. “How’s grandfather?” “Much the same. He will/would sit
talking to himself for hours.”
8. I won’t have/wouldn’t have you speak to me like that.
9. He turned off the lamp. But sleep wouldn’t/won’t come.
10. I think I’ll go and watch TV if you will/won’t excuse me.
11. She had rather/would rather read the letter first.
12. I doubt whether Helen would/will know the answer.
13. “His mother didn’t even listen to us.” “She wouldn’t /won’t.”
14. It’s no use expecting Barry to turn up. He will have
forgotten/would have forgotten.
15. I wish she would/won’t take things seriously.
16. Tom is very impatient. He will/would interrupt when I’m
Ex. 3. Re – word the sentences using “shall/should” or
1. Do you want me to make you fresh coffee?
2. That is not typical of Helen’s behaviour.
3. It was supposed to be a secret. Why did you tell her?
4. I wonder where Liz is? We expect her to be here by now.
5. Jim keeps giving me presents.
6. It was a great party last night. Why didn’t you come?
7. I’m sorry my daughter doesn’t go to dances.
8. He refused to help me yesterday.
9. What about this meat? Do you want me to roast it or stew it?
10. Jane has been studying hard for the exam, so I expect her to
11. It isn’t a good thing to believe everything you read in the
12. I’m sure you have heard about this.
13. Would you care for some more wine?
14. “If you sit still, I’ll see that you get a sweet,” said the mother to
her little child.
15. Tom suggested my selling the house.
16. Do you mind if I shut the window? It is cold in here.
17. The car refuses to start. I wonder what is wrong with it.
18. Thanks for lending me the money. I promise to pay you back on
19. That man on the motorbike isn’t wearing a helmet. That’s
20. You are feeling sick because you ate too much. Why did you
eat so much?
Ex. 4. Make up situations justifying the use of the following
1. It might be the postman.
2. It must/ought to be the postman.
3. It will be the postman.
4. It can’t be the postman.
Ex. 5. Translate the following sentences into English using
“will/would” and set phrases with “will/would”
1. - ºë »ñμ»ù Ýñ³ÝÇó û·ÝáõÃÛáõÝ ã»Ù ËÝ¹ñÇ¦. Ø»ñÇÇ Ó³ÛÝÁ
μ³ñÏáõÃÛáõÝÇó ¹áÕáõÙ ¿ñ, - »ë Ï·»ñ³¹³ë»Ç Ù»éÝ»É, ù³Ý
û·ÝáõÃÛáõÝ Ñ³Ù³ñ Ýñ³Ý ¹ÇÙ»É:
2. ÆÝ±ã ¿ å³ï³Ñ»É ³Ûë Ï³ñÇ Ù»ù»Ý³ÛÇÝ: ²ÛÝ ãÇ Ï³ñáõÙ:
3. æáÝÁ É³í ïÕ³ ¿, μ³Ûó ëÇñáõÙ ¿ ³ÙμáÕç Å³Ù³Ý³Ï Çñ Ù³ëÇÝ
4. -ÎÙÝ³ë ï³ÝÁ ¨ Ñáñ¹ Ïû·Ý»ë, - ³ë³ó Ù³ÛñÇÏÁ: - â»Ù ³ÝÇ, -
å³ï³ëË³Ý»ó ÂáÙÁ: Ü³ ³Û¹ ûñÝ Çñ ÝÙ³Ý ã¿ñ:
5. ºë ³é³ç³ñÏ»óÇ, áñ Ù³ÛñÇÏÁ μÅßÏÇ ¹ÇÙÇ, ë³Ï³ÛÝ Ý³ ³Û¹
Ù³ëÇÝ Éë»É ³Ý·³Ù ã¿ñ áõ½áõÙ:
6. ºë Ïáõ½»Ý³ÛÇ, áñ ³Û¹ Ñ³ñóÁ ãùÝ³ñÏí»ñ Ýñ³Ýó
7. -Â»¹Á ³ÙμáÕç »ñ»Ïá Ëáë»ó Çñ Ýáñ Ù»ù»Ý³ÛÇ Ù³ëÇÝ: - ²Ûá,
¹³ Ýñ³Ý μÝáñáß ¿:
8. -ºë ¹³ ÝáñÇó áõ ÝáñÇó Ï³ë»Ù, - ³ë³ó Ñáñ»Õμ³Ûñ æáñçÁ, -
É³í ·ÇñùÁ ÙÇßï ¿É Ññ³ï³ñ³ÏÇã Ï·ïÝÇ:
9. ²ñ¹»Ý Å³ÙÁ 12–Ý ¿: ì»ñçÇÝ ³íïáμáõëÁ ³ñ¹»Ý Ù»ÏÝ³Í
ÏÉÇÝÇ: ²í»ÉÇ É³í ¿ ï³ùëÇ ·ïÝ»Ýù:
10. ¶ÉáñÇ³Ý ³ëáõÙ ¿, áñ ÇÝùÁ áõñ³Ë ÏÉÇÝÇ, »Ã» Ñ³Ù³Ó³ÛÝ»Ýù
·Ý³É áõ ÙÇ ù³ÝÇ ûñ ³ÝóÏ³óÝ»Ýù Çñ Ñ»ï:
11. Üñ³Ýù ·Çï»Ý, áñ »ë ÃáõÛÉ ã»Ù ï³, áñ ¹³ ÇÙ ·ñ³ë»ÝÛ³ÏáõÙ
12. -²í»ÉÇ É³í ¿ »ë ÁÝ¹Ñ³Ýñ³å»ë ïáõÝ »Ï³Í ãÉÇÝ»Ç: ºë ã·Çï»Ç,
áñ ÇÝÓ ÝÙ³Ý Ó¨áí »Ý í»ñ³μ»ñí»Éáõ ³Ûëï»Õ, - ³ë³ó
13. ²Ûëï»Õ áã Ñ»éáõ ÙÇ ·»Õ»óÇÏ í³Ûñ Ï³, áñÁ »ë Ïáõ½»Ç ù»½
óáõÛó ï³É:
14. ÜÙ³Ý ³ÝÓñ¨áï »Õ³Ý³ÏÇÝ »ë Ï·»ñ³¹³ë»Ç ï³ÝÁ ÙÝ³É ¨ ÙÇ
Ñ»ï³ùñùÇñ ·Çñù Ï³ñ¹³É:
15. Ø»Ýù æ»ÛÝÇÝ ÙÇßï ³ëáõÙ »Ýù, áñ Ý³ Ù³ñÏ³Ýó ãÁÝ¹Ñ³ïÇ,
»ñμ Ýñ³Ýù ËáëáõÙ »Ý, μ³Ûó Ý³ Ñ³Ù³éáñ»Ý ß³ñáõÝ³ÏáõÙ ¿
¹³ ³Ý»É:
1. When need is followed by another verb, it can have the forms
either of an ordinary verb or (in British) of a modal auxiliary. Both
forms are used to express necessity, to ask or to give permission –
usually permission not to do something. (For the difference
between needn’t and don’t /won’t need, see Unit IX)
Everybody needs to rest sometimes. (ordinary verb)
It’s OK – You needn’t pay for that phone call. (modal
2. Need as a modal auxiliary is used mainly in negative sentences.
But it is also possible in questions (as well as after if clauses). In
interrogative sentences need usually implies that there is no
necessity of performing the action.
He needn’t stay until the end.
Need I explain everything twice?
Need it have happened?
I wonder if I need fill in a form.
The teacher said that we needn’t bring our books to class.
(modal auxiliary need remains unchanged in reported
3. Need as an ordinary verb has an infinitive form and participle and
can be followed by an infinitive with to – it means to have to do
something as a necessity.
need + simple infinitive
(affirmative, interrogative and negative forms)
You need to work harder.
I agree that she needs to be told about the arrangements.
Your hair needs to be cut. or Your hair needs cutting.
You will need to start work soon if you want to pass your
exam. (it makes orders and instructions sound less direct)
You will need to fill in this form before you see the
Do you need to use the photocopier?
Will you be needing me this afternoon?
Tell her she doesn’t need to work tonight.
Won’t you need to take some food?
Note: Notice that need can’t be used after interrogatives when, where,
who, what etc. Must is used instead:
Where must I put it?
Didn’t need to refers to an unnecessary action which was not done.
I didn’t need (didn’t have to) to go to the dentist again,
4. Needn’t have+ past participle is used to express an unnecessary
action which was actually done.(It was a waste of time or effort.)
I needn’t have cooked so much food. Nobody was hungry.
(it was unnecessary - a waste of time, effort)
You needn’t have brought your umbrella. You are going by
Compare: It started raining, so I didn’t need to water flowers.
I needn’t have watered the flowers. Just after I finished,
it started raining.
Other uses of ‘need’:
If need be (= if it is necessary)
If need be I’ll ask Joe to help me.
It needn’t be (= it doesn’t have to be)
Need smb./smth.= to have a need for a person or thing
You all need plenty of exercises.
Do you need any help?
I’m here if you need me.
The boy needs a slap! (deserves)
1. Dare (dared the past form) can be used in two ways:
a) as a modal auxiliary without to
b) as an ordinary verb followed by the infinitive with to.
a) I daren’t say what I think.
b) He didn’t dare to tell what had happened.
2. Dare as a modal auxiliary and as an ordinary verb means have the
courage, impudence to do something. It is mainly found in
negatives and in questions beginning with how to express
indignant exclamation:
He daren’t lie to me, dare he?
He dared not look at me.
How dare he do that!
How dare she come here!
3. Dare as an ordinary verb has all the necessary forms. It has the
same meaning as the modal auxiliary dare (=have the courage,
impudence) to do something:
He’s a man who dares to say what he thinks..
In modern English it is more common to say He is not afraid to say
what he thinks.
Nobody dared to speak.
And now she dares (to) accuse me of theft.
She told me she had never dared to ask him about it.
He wouldn’t dare to speak to me like that.
4. Dare may express to challenge a person to do something (usually
dangerous) suggesting he or she doesn’t have the courage or
He has dared me to swim across the channel.
“Another boy dared me to throw the stone through the
window,” said the boy.
We dared him to ask her for a dance.
5. Dare is used to warn a person not to do something when one is
Don’t you dare do that again! (ãÑ³Ù³ñÓ³Ïí»ë)
You dare do that again!
Notice the set phrase I dare say (I daresay)
I daresay there’ll be a restaurant car on the train. (I
suppose) My son is not in town, but I dare say he will be
before long. (I think probably)
Ex.1. Explain the meaning of “need” in the following sentences
and translate them into Armenian.
1. You don’t need to pay for emergency calls in most countries. 2.
It’s OK – you needn’t pay for that phone call. 3. “Need it have
happened?” Father was indignant. 4. You need your eyes examined.
5. There is no need to hurry – we have got plenty of time. 6. Will you
be needing me this afternoon? 7. We’ll need to repair the roof next
year. 8. You’ll need to start work soon if you want to pass your
exams. 9. It started raining so I didn’t need to water the flowers. 10. I
needn’t have watered the flowers. Just after I finished it started
raining. 11. “The boy needs a slap”, said Aunt Mary angrily. 12.
“She looks quite ill. I’m sure it’s flu.” ”It needn’t be – maybe she is
just over-tired. 13. “There is a real need to improve our newspaper,”
said the editor-in-chief, at the meeting. 14. Tell her she doesn’t need
to work tomorrow.
Ex.2. Choose the correct word.
1. You needn’t / mustn’t tell Jennifer about it. She already knows.
2. You needn’t / mustn’t tell Margaret. I don’t want her know.
3. Need I / must I explain everything twice?
4. Need you / must you go now or can you wait a little longer?
5. This is a valuable book. You need / must look after it carefully
and mustn’t / needn’t loose it.
6. You needn’t / mustn’t light a match; I can see well enough.
7. You needn’t / mustn’t light a match; the room is full of gas.
8. If must / need be I’ll ask Ben to help me.
9. The sofa is dirty. It needs / must to be cleaned again.
10. 10.“What sort of house do you want to buy? Something big?”
“Well, it mustn’t / needn’t be big – that’s not important, but it
must have a nice garden – that’s essential.
11. You mustn’t / don’t need to eat it if you don’t want to.
12. You don’t need to pay / you mustn’t pay for emergency in
most countries.
Ex.3. Complete the second sentence using should/shouldn’t or
needn’t followed by a perfect infinitive.
Example: It was wrong of you to speak to my mother like that.
You... shouldn’t have spoken to my mother like that.
1. I was driving behind another car. Suddenly, the driver in front
stopped without warning and I drove into the back of his car.
2. When we went on holiday, we took the camera with us but we
didn’t use it in the end.
3. His advice was a great help, but she didn’t even thank him.
4. Why did you leave the child in its sister’s care. She isn’t old
5. Why did you type this? A handwritten note would have been
quite adequate.
6. I am sorry I bought these gloves. Mother gave me better ones for my
7. I am going to be in trouble. I completely forgot to post these letters
8. Mother made far more sandwiches than we needed. She didn’t know
Ann and Fred wouldn’t come.
9. I’m not feeling well. It’s probably the fish I ate for lunch.
10. I am sorry I changed before dinner. Nobody else did.
Ex. 4. Match the two halves of these sentences.
Example: We needn’t reserve seats on the train – there’ll be plenty
of room.
1. We needn’t reserve seats on the train.
2. You mustn’t make so much noise.
3. She shouldn’t stay in bed all day.
4. He doesn’t have to get up yet.
5. He didn’t need to rest.
6. You shouldn’t borrow money.
7. You have to train regularly.
8. He shouldn’t have fallen asleep.
9. She needn’t have set the alarm clock.
10. He mustn’t oversleep.
11. You don’t have to pay extra for delivery.
12. You ought not to have shouted angrily at her.
a) She is very upset now
b) There‘ll be plenty of room
c) Because there is no extra charge for delivery
d) You will be asked to leave otherwise
e) Or he’ll miss his interview
f) Unless she is ill
g) Because she woke up early anyway
h) If he is not going to work today
i) When she was supposed to be working
j) Because he wasn’t feeling tired
k) From people you hardly know
l) If you want to succeed in athletics
Ex. 5. Explain the meaning of “dare” in the following sentences
and translate them into Armenian.
1. Don’t you dare do that again! 2. He dared me to swim across the
channel. 3. They daren’t open the letter – Daren’t they? 4. How dare
you speak to me like that! 5. And she dares to accuse me of theft! 6.
He dared not even whisper. 7. I didn’t dare to ask him to call off his
trip. 8. I dare say you’re a little tired after your walk, dear. 9. I dare
you to ask her for a dance. 10. “The boys dared me to swim across
the channel,” said Tom to his father.
Ex. 6. Translate the following sentences into English using
“need” and “dare”.
1. -ä³ïÙ»±Ù ù»½, Ã» ÇÝãå»ë ¿ ³Û¹ ³Ù»ÝÁ å³ï³Ñ»É: - à°ã,
Ï³ñÇù ãÏ³. »ë ³Ù»Ý ÇÝã ·Çï»Ù£
2. ºë Ýñ³Ý ß³ï »Ù å³ñï³Ï³Ý£ Ü³ û·Ý»É ¿ ÇÝÓ ÇÙ Ý»ÕáõÃÛ³Ý
å³ÑÇÝ £
3. ÆÝãå»±ë »ë Ñ³Ù³ñÓ³Ïí»É μ³ó»É ÇÙ Ý³Ù³ÏÝ»ñÁ£
4. Æ½áõñ »ë ³Û¹ù³Ý »ñÏ³ñ ³ÏÝ³ñÏ ·ñ»É£ àõëáõóÇãÁ ËÝ¹ñ»ó, áñ
³ÛÝ 300 μ³é å³ñáõÝ³ÏÇ, ÇëÏ ¹áõ 600 μ³é »ë ·ñ»É£
5. -ÆÝãáõ± ù³ñáí å³ïáõÑ³ÝÇÝ Ë÷»óÇñ: - ÂáÙÁ ¹ñ¹»ó ÇÝÓ ¹³
6. ä»ïù ã¿ñ, áñ »ë ³Û¹ù³Ý ß³ï áõï»ÉÇù å³ïñ³ëï»Ç (Ç½áõñ
³Û¹ù³Ý ß³ï áõï»ÉÇù å³ïñ³ëï»óÇ). áã áù ù³Õó³Í ã¿ñ£
7. -Î³ñÇù Ï³±, áñ »ë í³ÕÁ ³ßË³ï³ÝùÇ ·³Ù£ - à°ã, ¹áõ Ï³ñáÕ
»ë ï³ÝÁ ÙÝ³É£ Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ í³ÕÁ ß³ï ·áñÍ ã»Ýù áõÝ»Ý³£
8. -ºÃ» ³ÙáõëÇÝë ³Ûëï»Õ ÉÇÝ»ñ, ¹áõù ã¿Çù Ñ³Ù³ñÓ³ÏíÇ ÇÝÓ
Ñ»ï ³Û¹å»ë Ëáë»É, - ³ë³ó ïÇÏÇÝ ø³ñï»ñÁ£
9. ºë »ñ»Ï Ñ³ëóñ»óÇ Ù»ù»Ý³·ñ»É ³Û¹ μáÉáñ Ý³Ù³ÏÝ»ñÁ,
áñáíÑ»ï¨ ×³ß »÷»Éáõ Ï³ñÇù ãÏ³ñ£ ºñ»Ë³Ý»ñÁ ¹ñëáõÙ ¿ÇÝ
10. Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ Ù»Ýù μáÉáñë ¿É ÙÇ ÷áùñ-ÇÝã ß÷áÃí³Í ï»ëù
áõÝ»ÇÝù, »ñμ Éë»óÇÝù ³Û¹ ÝáñáõÃÛáõÝÁ£
Ex. 7. Combine the correct forms of ‘dare’ and ‘need’ with the
verbs in brackets.
Unwelcome Fresh Air!
It was a routine flight from Hilo on Hawaii to Kahului 110
miles away. Suddenly, there was a tremendous noise and the top of
the plane was torn away! Ninety-four passengers (not move) ……
wondering what would happen next. They (not worry) …… because
Robert Schornsteimer, the pilot, was firmly in control. For 25
minutes they hardly (breathe) ……, though there was plenty of
unwelcome fresh air “I (not open)…….
my mouth,” one of the passengers said later.’ I hardly
(tell)……. you how terrified I was.’
The passengers embraced the pilot who had brought the plane
down safely. ‘I’ve heard of a plane flying off a roof,’ joked one of
them later, ‘but never of a roof flying off a plane!’
Modals and similar expressions
Ex. 1. Choose the correct completion. (Give an explanation to
your choice.)
1. Most evenings he … just sit in front of the TV and go to
A. would B. will C. could
2. “Mary’s new jacket doesn’t seem to fit her very well.” “She
… it on before she bought it.”
A. might try B. had to C. should have tried
3. Jimmy and Alex were mischievous children. They … play
tricks on their teachers.
A. ought to B. were supposed to C. used to
4. “We are going to a restaurant this evening. It’s a very
popular restaurant.” ‘You … phone to reserve a table’.
A. will B. are to C. had better
5. Small children … have difficulty in understanding abstract
A. can B. must C. would rather
6. “Mummy, can I draw a picture on the wall?” “You …!”
A. don’t have to B. dare C. should
7. I haven’t heard Molly moving about. She … awake yet.
A. must be B. ought to be C. mustn’t be
8. Mr. Green is very rich. He … work for a living.
A. used to B. has to C. doesn’t have to
9. “Why are you sure that your son didn’t commit the crime?”
“He … the crime. He was out of town on that day.”
A. couldn’t have committed B. could have committed
C. shouldn’t have committed
10. She knew everything about our plans. She … to our
A. could have listened B. must have been listening
C. might listen
11. “We … be here. That sign says ‘No Trespassing’.” “It’s too
late now. We’re already here.”
A. couldn’t B. aren’t supposed to C. needn’t
12. He took an umbrella because he thought it was going to rain.
But it didn’t rain. He … an umbrella.
A. shouldn’t have taken B. needn’t have taken
C. had better not take
13. “There was a chocolate cake on the table. What happened to
it?” “I don’t know. The children … it.”
A. might have eaten B. could eat C. would eat
14. “It would be better not to seek them.” “Why … I avoid
A. shall B should C. am
15. “It will be a strange return for me.” “I don’t think anyone …
give you a welcome-home party. ”
A. would sooner B. are going to C. will
16. I don’t think we should throw that letter away. We … need it
A. can’t but B. might C. are allowed to
17. Why did you stay at a hotel? You … with us.
A. could B. must have stayed C. could have stayed
18. “Did he tell you his secret?” “He … die than tell me his
A. would sooner B. should C. may as well
19. George came back home alone. We realized that he …
persuade Laura to come with him.
A. used to fail to B. must have failed to
C. should have failed to
20. She was afraid of him and … tell him what had happened.
A. didn’t need to B. didn’t have to C. didn’t dare to
Ex. 2. Correct any errors in these sentences.
1. Thank you for your kind help. I might not manage without
2. Fortunately I needn’t have gone to the bank in person.
3. Pay no attention to what Paul said. He shouldn’t have been
4. It is strange that he should live without saying good-bye to the
5. They could be injured when the car crashed, but they weren’t.
6. Jack is very angry with you. You should leave before he gets
7. The heating comes on automatically. You have to turn it on.
8. Sally got home at four o’clock this morning. The party could
have been really good.
9. I’m not sure about my application. May I send two copies or
10. Everyone was angry because Sam won’t turn off the
11. It wasn’t very nice of you not to invite her to your party! You
must have invited her.
12. She left for Canada for good and we weren’t to see her any
13. The camel is to go for days without water.
14. The accused man could establish an alibi by proving that he
was at a party when the money was stolen.
15. Don’t worry that John is late. He should have missed the train.
16. “I gave up my job.” “You should think twice before you gave
up your job”
Ex. 3. What will you say or ask in the following situations?. Use
modal verbs.
1. Your friend is offended by your remarks, but you didn’t mean
to hurt him.
2. The door is open and you are sitting in a draught.
3. The telephone is ringing and you are almost sure it is your
4. You had bought tickets for the concert in advance, but when
you went to the concert you saw that there were plenty of
tickets left for the concert.
5. You bought a nice dress. It cost $ 100, but you bargained and
bought it for 70.
6. You had a lovely holiday last month. It was great and all of you
enjoyed yourselves.
7. It was supposed to be a secret but your friend told everybody
about it.
8. Your younger brother/sister is watching TV instead of doing
his/her lessons.
9. The fish is spoilt because you didn’t put it in the refrigerator in
the morning.
10. Your teacher is usually very punctual, but she is late today. You
think something has happened to her.
11. You are irritated. You want to phone your friend but your sister
is still speaking on the phone. It’s two hours since she started
12. Your boss is rude to you. You think that although he is in
charge, it doesn’t give him the right to be rude.
13. Your father looks tired. You want to make him fresh coffee.
14. Your mother goes to the kitchen to get you a glass of juice. You
would like her to put ice in it.
The noun is a word expressing substance in the widest sense of word.
In the concept of substance we include not only concrete nouns (a
physical object that we can see, touch or smell), but also names of
abstract notions.
Classification of Nouns
a) Proper nouns are used for individual persons, towns, places,
objects, and always begin with a capital letter: George Henderson,
Ani, Armenia, Yerevan, English, The Nile, The Pacific, Mount
Ararat, Christmas, Easter, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Buddhism,
Saturday, April.
b) Abstract nouns describe a concept or idea, something that has no
physical appearance: justice, freedom, integrity, honesty, beauty,
c) Collective nouns describe a group of people or animals: staff,
team, crew, herd, cattle, flock;
d) Common nouns refer to any person, thing, place etc.(that is any
representative of a class): a girl, a doctor, a house, a table, a flower;
Common nouns in their turn are subdivided into countable nouns
and uncountable nouns.
Countable nouns denote objects that can be counted: student,
journal, bird Uncountable nouns (all proper nouns, abstract notions,
and nouns of material) are names of objects and notions that cannot
be counted: John, honour, courage, milk, silk, water, grass;
Nouns have the grammatical categories of number and case
(grammatical gender barely concerns nouns in English).
The Gender of Nouns
En English the gender of a noun only affects its pronoun (his, her,
him, it, its).
Men, boys and male animals are masculine.
Women, girls and female animals are feminine.
Inanimate things are neuter.
Exceptions: ships are normally considered feminine, and so are
countries when referred to by name:
The ship struck an iceberg, which tore a huge hole in her
Scotland lost many of her bravest men in two great
Most nouns have the same form for masculine and feminine:
cook, driver, singer, dancer, cousin, journalist
Some nouns form the feminine from the masculine by adding –ess.
Note that words ending in -er or -or often drop the -e or the -o:
actor – actress, conductor –conductress,
heir – heiress
prince – princess
waiter waitress
but hero heroine
Some have different forms:
uncle – aunt, lord – lady, duke – duchess, cock – hen, horse
– mare etc.
(For more details, see Appendix 4.)
Formation and Pronunciation
The plural of most nouns is made by just adding the suffix- s or - es.
It is pronounced
[z] after vowels and voiced consonants (e. g. days, bags, balls);
[s] after voiceless consonants (e. g. taps, boats) and
[Iz] after sibilants (e. g. bridges, bushes, horses).
But house- houses [hauzi:z]
bath -baths [ba: ðz] or [ba:θs]
mouth-mouths [mauθs] or [mauðz]
1. - es is added to nouns ending in s, ss, sh, tch, ch, x and z (e. g.
fox-foxes, match-matches, brush-brushes, dress-dresses, buzzbuzzes,
2. -es is also added to nouns ending in o preceded by a consonant (e.
g. hero-heroes, tomato-tomatoes…). If a noun ends in o preceded
by a vowel only -s is added (radio- radios, cuckoo-cuckoos;)
But piano- pianos, kilo-kilos, photo- photos, solo- solos, sopranosopranos,
Eskimo- Eskimos, logo- logos;
3. Nouns ending in y preceded by a consonant change the y into –ies
army – armies, story – stories, country - countries
If a nouns ends in y preceded by a vowel, only –s is added.
day – days, toy – toys, key - keys
4. Nouns ending in f or fe have the ending –ves in the plural:
wife-wives, life-lives, shelf-shelves
But roof-roofs, cliff-cliffs, gulf-gulfs, proof-proofs, safe-safes,
grief-griefs handkerchief-handkerchiefs, cuff-cuffs, belief-beliefs.
The following nouns have both forms in the plural:
scarf- scarfs/scarves, wharf-wharfs/wharves, hoof-hoofs/hooves,
dwarf-dwarfs/ dwarves.
5. A few nouns form their plural by a change of vowel. They are:
man-men, woman-women,, tooth-teeth, foot-feet, mouse-mice,
goose-geese, louse-lice.
6. Notice also the peculiar plural form in the following nouns:
ox-oxen, child- children, brother-brethren (= not blood relations,
but members of the same society).
7. Nouns which have the same form for the singular and plural:
a sheep-sheep, a swine –swine, a deer-deer, a craft-craft, a
counsel-counsel (= legal adviser, barrister).
Note 1: The nouns fruit and fish can be used as countable nouns and as
uncountable nouns. Compare:
Do you cat much fruit?
but the fruits of the earth.
He didn’t caught any fish yesterday.
There were two fishees in the basket.
8. The following nouns ending in -s in the singular remain
unchanged in the plural. Common examples:
series-series, species-species, means-means, barracks-barracks,
crossroads-crossroads, headquarters-headquarters, works (=
factory) works
Note 2: The noun penny has two plural forms: pennies (when referring to
individual coins) and pence (when the amount only is meant):
She dropped three pennies in the slot Machine.
The bus fare cost him eighty pence.
9. Some nouns which come from foreign languages have special
analysis-analyses, appendix-appendices, bacterium-bacteria,
basis- bases, cactus-cacti or cactuses, crisis-crises, criterioncriteria,
diagnosis-diagnoses, formula-formulae, fungus-fungi or
funguses, hypothesis-hypotheses, medium-media or mediums,
nucleus- nuclei or nucleuses, oasis-oases, phenomenonphenomena,
radius-radii or radiuses, stimulus-stimuli;
(For the pronunciation, see Appendix 4.)
10. In compound nouns the plural is formed in different ways:
a) As a rule a compound noun forms the plural by adding -s
to the head –word:
editor- in -chief – editors-in-chief
brother-in-law – brothers-in-law
court martial – courts-martial
b) In some compound nouns the final element takes the
plural form:
lady-bird – lady-birds
bookcase – bookcases,
writing table – writing tables,
tooth brush – tooth brushes,
handful – handfuls,
postman – postmen
policewoman – policewomen
Englishman – Englishmen
but German – Germans, Norman – Normans, Roman –
Note 3: When the first component is man or woman, the plural may be
expressed twice:
man servant – men servants, woman doctor –women doctors
c) In noun + adverb combinations, the plural is usually added
to the noun:
passer-by – passers-by
runner up – runners up
looker-on – lookers-on
d) verb+ adverb particle. The plural is formed by adding –s
to the word.
drawback – drawbacks
breakdown - breakdowns
e) If there is no noun-stem in the compound, -s is added to
the last element.
forget-me-not –forget-me-nots,
merry-go-round – merry-go-rounds
11. Nouns which are used only in singular:
a) the subjects: politics, economics, mathematics, physics
b) the activities: athletics, gymnastics
c) the games: billiards, darts, dominoes
d) the illness: measles, jaundice
e) the abstract nouns: generosity, anger, sculpture,
excitement, fun
but idea – ideas, suggestion – suggestions
f) the material nouns: copper, bread, butter, sand, oil, iron,
wine, chalk
Politics is an interesting subject.
Darts is often played in pubs.
The athletics we watched yesterday was quite exciting.
12. There are some nouns that are usually uncountable in English but
often countable in other languages. For example:
You need some luck to win at this game.
I’m here for two nights, and I’m looking for some
The television news is at ten o’clock.
Note 4: Unlike other languages hair is an uncountable noun in English.
Her hair is long.
but There is a hair in the soup.
13. There are a number of nouns in English which are used only in
the plural.
goings on
My savings are in the bank.
Carol’s earnings aren’t as much as she would like.
The contents of the case have disappeared.
14. Nouns which denote groups of persons and animals:
a) nouns which have a singular form and take a singular verb:
the proletariat, the bourgeoisie, the aristocracy, the
The bourgeoisie, historically, has played a most
revolutionary part.
b) nouns which have the form of the singular but agree with a
plural verb:
public, police, clergy, gentry, people, jury, cattle etc.
The public are requested not to litter.
The police have arrested the criminal.
The cattle are grazing.
c) nouns which may have either the singular or the plural form:
family, crew, group, committee, delegation, government,
team, board, staff, company, firm;
The staff at this company is rather large. (it is thought of as
a collective body)
The staff at this company aren’t happy with their new
working conditions. (the members of the group are thought
of individually)
The college football team has done badly this season.
The coach says that the team are now resting.
15. We think of a sum of money, a period of time, a distance, weight
as one thing. so we use a singular verb:
Fifty thousand dollars was stolen in the robbery.
Three years is a long time to be without a job.
Let’s take a taxi. Four miles is a long way to walk.
I think two kilos is enough.
Note 5: Nouns which happen to be homonyms of nouns which are used in
both forms, the singular and plural.
a colour-colours (=hues)
a force-forces (=powers)
a custom-customs (=habits)
a draught-draughts (=currents of air)
a glass-glasses (vessels for drinking from)
a manner-manners (=ways)
a moral-morals (=lessons of a story)
a minute-minutes (=spaces of time)
a quarter-quarters (=fourth parts)
colours (=regimental flags)
forces (=an army)
customs (=taxes on imported goods)
draughts (=a game)
glasses (=spectacles)
manners (=behaviour)
morals (=standards of behaviour)
minutes (=secretary’s record of proceedings)
quarters (=lodgings)
Ex. 1. Complete the sentences using one of the nouns in the list.
1. My mother’s brother and sister have never married. He’s still a
… and she’s a ….
2. I enjoy being an aunt. I have two … and three nephews.
3. We took a photo of the bride and … at the wedding.
4. These days few men become monks and few women become
5. There are only two bulls in the field, but there are dozens of ….
6. The stallion is in a separate place from the ….
7. There is a cock and five … in the coop.
8. In fairy tales the handsome …usually marries the beautiful ….
9. We went to a wildlife park and saw a lot of lions and ….
10. In mythology, Mars is the god of war: Diana is the … of
11. She is the only … of her grandfather’s fortune.
12. Why does everyone expect the hero of the story to marry the ….
13. A widow can often manage much better on her own than a …,
14. Male tigers are less aggressive than … tigers.
Ex 2. Supply the correct spellings of the plural forms of the
following nouns and transcribe them.
Example: glass – glasses [gla: sIz]
1. crisis
2. photo
3. attorney
4. fish
5. parenthesis
6. louse
7. umbrella
8. gentleman
9. soprano
10. proof
11. tax
12. deer
13. zoo
14. series
15. datum
16. ox
17. calf
18. couch
19. bath
20. stomach
21. criterion
22. stimulus
23. epoch
24. policewoman
25. man-servant
26. editor-in-chief
27. gulf
28. glass
29. self
30. monarch
31. German
32. a tooth-brush
33. a woman –doctor
34. phenomenon
35. hero
36. bridge
37. warf
38. merry-go-round
39. drawback
Ex.3. Most of these sentences are wrong. Correct them where
necessary; put “Right” if the sentence is already correct.
Example: Gymnastics is my favourite sport. Right
1. I can’t find my binoculars. Do you know where it is?
2. The bicycle is an excellent mean of transport.
3. Three years is a long time to be without a job.
4. Mary has just started a new job. She has got a two-year
5. We went for a six-miles’ walk in the country.
6. Many people has given up smoking.
7. The black jeans you bought for me doesn’t fit me.
8. This plant is a very rare specie.
9. Last Sunday we took our little son to the zoo. At the zoo we
bought some bread for him to feed the deers.
10. I didn’t have many luggages - just two small bags.
11. Where are you going to put all your furnitures?
12. It is said that Robin Hood robbed rich and gave the money to
13. French are famous for their food.
14. What is the man’s name who lent us the money?
15. It’s about a three hours’ drive to the station from my house.
16. I first met him at Bob’s and Ann’s wedding.
17. Does the police know how the accident happened?
18. I am going to buy a new pyjama. Mine is already old.
Ex 4. Chose the correct form of the verb, singular or plural.
1. The staff at the school (not to be) happy with their new working
condition. 2. His staff (to be) very small last year. 3. When he came
the baseball team (to practise) on the school field. 4. The team (to
have) baths at the moment and then (to come) back here for tea. 5.
The clergy (to be) generally dressed in black. 6. The government (to
want) to increase taxes. 7. The government (to decide) to pass the
bill. 8. There (to be) two fish in his basket. 9. “Surely I have caught
all the fish that (to swim),” he said to himself and laughed. 10. The
board (to be) going to consider your application at the next sitting.
11. The board (to be) extraordinarily kind to you. 12. That day the
committee (to be) to meet at her friend’s house. 13. I had to find out
whether the committee (to be) competent enough to consider the
project. 14. The public (to request) not to leave litter in the woods.
15. Close by, a group of men (to sit). 16. A group of students (to go)
on a tour to Poland in summer. 17. The job is unpaid, but a number
of persons (to be) willing to undertake it. 18. The number of the
unemployed (to rise) very fast. 19. Con’s family who (to be)
occupied each with their particular guest didn’t notice anything. 20.
Monty’s family (to be) of about the same social status as my own.
21. Can I borrow your scissors? Mine (not to be) sharp enough. 22. I
need more money than that. Ten pounds (not to be) enough to buy it.
23. Three days (not to be) enough for a good holiday. 24. Everybody
says that the Swiss police (to be) great at finding people. 25. Twenty
thousand pounds (to steal) in the robbery.
Ex. 5. Write a short paper on the following points.
a) Nouns which are countable in Armenian but uncountable in
b) Nouns which are used only in plural in English but can have a
singular form in Armenian.
c) Nouns which are uncountable both in Armenian and in English.
English nouns may have two case forms- the common case and the
genitive case.
The genitive case is formed by means of the suffix-’s or the
apostrophe (’)
1. We normally use –’s when the first noun refers to a person or
animal, or to a country, organization, or other group of living
That’s my grandfather’s house.
My cat’s eyes are green.
Brazil’s football team won again.
Our city’s water supplying system isn’t good.
The world’s population is rising.
The government’s decision shocked everybody. (or the
decision of the government)
Algeria’s history is interesting. (or the history of Algeria is
2. If the plural noun doesn’t end in -s we use-’s:
The men’s changing room is over there.
He is the people’s choice.
3. You can also use-’s with time expressions and measurement:
Did you watch last Sunday’s match? (we talk about
particular event)
but I don’t like to listen to evening news. (things that happen
I want two dollars’ worth of popcorn.
It’s three miles’ walk. or It’s a three- mile walk.
It’s about four hours’ drive to London from my house.
4. The –’s structure is often used for products from living animals:
cow’s milk, a bird’s egg, a hen’s egg, sheep’s wool, lamb’s
but camel hair, horse hair
5. When the animal is killed to provide something, we usually use
noun + noun
calf skin, chicken soup, fox fur, tortoise shell, chamois
leather, a lamb chop
6. The noun + noun is normally used to say what things are made of:
a silk dress, a stone roof, a gold watch, a lead pipe
7. The –’s may be found with nouns denoting inanimate things and
abstract notions:
The sun’s rays, the ocean’s tide, the ship’s crew, the
island’s outline, the play’s title, Nature’s sleep
8. In English there are a considerable number of set phrases in which
–’s is used:
in one’s mind’s eye, a pin’s head, to one’s heart’s content,
at one’s finger’s end, for goodness’ sake, at one’s wit’s
end, out of harm’s way, duty’s call, a needle’s point;
9. For things, ideas etc. we normally use of (the page of the book,
the door of the car). Sometimes we can use the structure noun +
The roof of the garage needs to be repaired. (or the garage
The temperature of the sea is 25 degree today. (or the sea
The owner of the restaurant is a very decent person. (or the
restaurant owner..)
10. With words like top, bottom, front, back, side, edge, inside,
outside, beginning, middle, end, part, we usually prefer the of
the top of the page, the back of the car, the bottom of the
glass, the end of the film.
11. The suffix –’s may be added not only to a single noun but to a
whole group of words. It is called the group genitive:
the Prime Minister of England’s residence, Brown and
Baker’s office, Jeff and Ann’s project
Ann wasn’t present at Jack and Mary’s wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. Henderson’s children are very unruly.
12. We do not always use –’s for people. For example, we would use
of… in this sentence:
What is the name of the man who brought this letter? (“the
man who lent us the money” is too long to be followed by –
13. Sometimes we find –’s and of together. This is called a double
He was an old business client of Grandfather’s.
It was a good idea of Tom’s to go swimming.
We went on holiday with some friends of ours.
Ex.1. Use -’s or –s’ only where possible.
1. the inside of the house………………
2. an absence of a year … …..…………
3. work of seven months ………………
4. the shade of the tree …………………
5. the book of the film …………………
6. a delay of an hour ……………………
7. at the door of death …………………
8. the price of success …………………
9. the company of the ship ……………
10. the surface of the earth…………….
Ex 2. Join the nouns using appropriate form of the possessive
1. the butterfly / the wings
2. walk / ten miles
3. Nature / sleep
4. crew / ship
5. the ocean / tide
6. please stop it for goodness / sake
7. call / duty
8. the husband / the woman talking to Tom
9. wedding / Dave and Cathie
10. umbrella / somebody else
11. the identity / man living next door
12. sleep / eight hours
13. the Residence / Prime Minister of England
14. the sister / the doctor who is very famous
15. the manager / the company
16. storm / last week
17. the daughter / Charles
18. water supplying system / the city
19. policy / the United States
20. the name / the man I saw you with yesterday
Ex.3. Choose a noun from the box to answer the following
fish-monger’s, silver/gold smith’s, carpenter’s, dentist’s, jeweller’s,
baker’s, florist’s, butcher’s, shoe-repairer’s, hairdresser’s/barber’s
Example: - Where can we buy medicine or medical goods?
- At the chemist’s.
1. Where can we have our teeth filled, cleaned or taken out?
2. Where do usually women/men have their hair cut or done?
3. Where can we buy bread, rolls or cakes?
4. Where do we usually buy or sell our jewels?
5. Where can we buy flowers?
6. Where do we have wooden things made or repaired?
7. Where do we usually get good meat for a barbecue?
8. Where can we have silver/gold articles made?
9. Where do we get fresh fish?
10. Where can we have our shoes repaired?
The article is a structural word specifying the noun. The absence of
the article (zero article) also specifies the noun and has significance.
Articles are used to show whether we are referring to things that are
known both to the speaker/writer and to the listener/reader (definite)
or that are not known to them both (indefinite). Articles can also
show whether we are talking about things in general or particular
things. The articles a/an and the belong to a group of words called
The Indefinite Article
The indefinite article is a or an. The form a is used before a word
beginning with a consonant, or a vowel sounded like a consonant:
a scientist, a mystery, a wonderful day…
a hotel, a historical moment… (have a consonant sound)
a university, a union of two people… (have a consonant
u) or words beginning with a mute h:
an elephant, an actress,
an hour, an honour, an heir… (have a vowel sound)
an ugly painting, an unusual antique…(have a vowel sound)
1. The indefinite article a/an is used before a singular countable noun
which is used as an example of a class (when it is mentioned for
the first time and represents no particular person, animal or thing);
An ostrich is a large bird.
A palm tree is usually very tall.
It’s an interesting article.
2. With a noun complement. This includes names of professions:
Jane’s father is a doctor.
He became a great man.
3. In expressions of price, speed, ratio etc.: (a/an may replace the
word per).
fivepence a kilo, tenpence a dozen, sixty kilometers an
hour, four times a day…
They go to Europe twice a (per) year.
His salary is two thousand dollars a (per) month.
4. a/an may have the meaning of one: (note that a/an and one are not
always interchangeable.
I have a friend whose father is a pilot.
Note 1: We use a/an to refer to an unspecified thing. It means any one.
He bought a shirt. (We are not talking about a specific blouse)
We use one when we are counting, to put emphasis on number.
He bought one shirt. (He didn't buy two or three shirts)
We can use a/an or one with no difference in meaning when
counting or measuring time, distance, weight, etc.
I need a/one kilo of tomatoes.
5. In exclamations before singular, countable nouns:
What a hot day! What a pretty girl! Such a pity!
but What big houses! What pretty girls! What nasty weather!
The indefinite article is not used:
1. Before a plural countable noun:
Men are different from women.
I have a lot of English books.
2. Before uncountable nouns: (they are often preceded by: some,
any, a little, a piece of, a lot of & c.)
Nature is an interesting subject to study.
You need some more furniture.
I’ll give you a piece of advice.
There isn’t any news.
3. Before materials, abstract nouns, names of meals:
Windows are made of glass.
but Have a glass of wine.
We write on paper.
but I have got a (news) paper.
Iron is a metal.
but I use an electric iron.
The child was pale with fear.
but Some children suffer from a fear of the dark. She has a
beauty nobody has. (they are used in a particular sense)
We have breakfast at eight.
but They gave us a good breakfast. (it is preceded by an
The Definite Article
The is pronounced [ðə] before words beginning with a consonant
and [ðɪ] before a vowel:
the gardener, the artist
[ðə] [ðɪ]
The definite article is used:
1. Before nouns which are considered as one:
the earth, the sky, the sun, the moon, the world, the weather,
The earth goes round the sun and the moon goes round the
Note that we say space (without “the”) when we mean “space in the
There are millions of stars in space.
but I tried to park my car but the space was too small.
2. Before a noun which has become definite as a result of being
mentioned a second time:
His car struck a tree; you can still see the mark on the tree.
3. Before a noun made definite by the addition of a phrase or clause:
The man (whom) she is talking to comes from Canada.
The dinner which was given to celebrate their victory cost $
4. Before superlatives and first/second &c., and only used as
adjectives or pronouns:
The Nile is the longest river in the world
She is the only person who knows about it.
February is the second month of the year.
5. Before an adjective used to represent a class of persons:
the rich, the poor the blind, the wounded, the Italians, the
The old and the young should be able to live together.
They tried to do all they could to help the wounded.
The Armenians are hospitable.
6. Before proper names if we mean the whole family:
the Smiths, the Browns;
The Smiths aren’t invited to that party.
7. Before singular nouns used to represent a class of objects:
The male lion is lazy.
The aeroplane has made the world a small place.
The violet is a lovely flower.
a/an is also used in this manner:
A shark has big jaws.
A violet is a lovely flower.
8. Before names of oceans, seas, rivers, channels, chains of
mountains, groups of islands (and countries when the name refers
to a political union):
The Amazon, the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean,
the English Channel, the Andes, The Himalayas, The
USA, the Netherlands
9. Before the points on the globe and with the names of geographical
The North Pole, The South Pole, the Equator, the East,
the West, the North, the South, the Middle East, the Far
East, the Far West, the Orient, the Occident
10. The precedes the name of an archipelago, a desert, a forest, a
gulf, or a peninsula:
the Malay Archipelago, the Sahara Desert, the Black
Forest, the Persian Gulf, the Italian Peninsula
11. These places usually have names with the:
a) hotels/restaurants/pubs The Hilton Hotel, the
National Restaurant, the Red
b) theatres/cinemas The Globe Theatre, the Odeon
c) museums/galleries The British Museum, the Tate
d) other buildings The White House, the Empire
12. Before musical instruments:
She learnt to play the piano when she was five years old.
The definite article is not used:
1. We do not usually use ‘the’ with proper nouns: before continents,
countries, towns, streets, squares, parks, proper names:
Africa, Norway, Madrid, Wall Street, Trafalgar Square,
Hide Park, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace,
London Zoo, Victoria Station, Canterbury Castle, David,
Margaret, Johnson;
but The Ukraine, the Caucasus, the Crimea, the Hague, the
Vatican, the Strand, the High Street,
2. Before lakes and bays:
Hudson Bay, Lake Baikal, Lake Sevan (or the Baikal, the
Sevan when the word ‘lake’ is omitted)
but The Bay of Biscay, The Great lakes, The Finger Lakes
3. No article with the name of a single mountain:
Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Ararat
exception: the Matterhorn
4. No article with titles (relatives):
Doctor Johnson, Major Williams, aunt, uncle, cousin…
Professor Smith lectures on English phonetics. (but He is a
Aunt Alice likes to watch TV.
5. No article with names of diseases:
Jaundice, measles, flu (but to have a headache / a
She has got influenza.
Jaundice is a nasty disease.
6. These nouns are used without ‘the’ when they are visited or used
for their primary purpose: home, chapel, church, market, college,
school, hospital, court, prison, work, sea, bed
When these places are not visited for their primary purpose the
article the is used:
The tourists went to the church to see the carvings.
After that incident Tom’s mother went to the school to
speak to the headmaster.
In contrast to the above list, the following very common nouns
always take the:
the cathedral, the cinema, the theatre, the office
We met them at the theatre.
The Use Of Articles In Some Set Expressions
1. The Indefinite Article 2. The definite Article
It’s a shame to tell the truth
It’s a pity to be on the safe side
It’s a pleasure the other day
to speak in a low/loud voice on the whole
we go to church to pray
to school to study
to college to study
to bed to sleep
to sea as sailors
to market to buy or sell
to hospital as patients
to prison as prisoners
to court as litigants
to work as workers
to speak in a whisper to keep the bed
to have a lovely/good time to play the piano/guitar
to take a fancy to smb. in the original
to fly into a rage to take the trouble to do smth
to tell a lie to be out of the question
in a hurry on the one hand… on the other hand
a bad lot (immoral, unkind person) to be at a loss (for smth. /to
do smth.)
to be paid by the hour to get to the bottom of smth.
Zero Article
be in disgrace at, after, before sunrise/sunset/dawn
from morning till night at/after/ before breakfast
from head to foot to get into trouble
from beginning to end to be asking/looking for trouble
to lose heart live in peace
to take to heart at war/ to declare war against/on
to take offence to be in debt
to give/ask/get permission to call somebody names
to eat without appetite to keep house
by chance/by mistake at first sight
by car/train/land/air/sea arm in arm
to go to sea day after day/day in day/day out
at sea day and night/night and day
Ex. 1. Write a or an in the space.
1. … honorable judge
2. … unusual story
3. … hour
4. … useful book
5. … honest person
6. … university
7. … horse
8. … used car
9. … European
10. … house
11. … uniform
12. … unused car
Ex. 2. Use the proper article.
Aesop And The Traveller
Aesop was … very clever man who lived many hundreds of years
ago in
… Greece. He wrote many fine stories. He was well known as …
man who was fond of … jokes. One day, as he was enjoying …
walk, he met … traveler, who greeted him and said: “…kind man,
can you tell me how soon I shall get to?” “Go” Aesop answered. “I
know I must go,” protested … traveler, “but I should like you to tell
me how soon I shall get to … town. ”
“Go,” Aesop said again angrily. “This man must be mad,” … traveler
thought and went on. After he had gone some distance, Aesop
shouted after him. “You will get to … town in two hours.” …
traveler turned round in … astonishment. “Why didn’t you tell me
that before?” he asked. “How could I have told you that before?”
answered Aesop. “I didn’t know how fast you could walk.”
Ex. 3. Supply a/an or o (-) where necessary.
1. My boss suffers from … high blood pressure..
2. I was awake all night with … toothache.
3. Don’t come near me. I have got … flue.
4. I’m going home. I’ve got … terrible headache.
5. my neighbour’s children are in bed with … mumps.
6. … German measles can be very unpleasant.
7. Alice should see the doctor. She has … eye-sore.
Ex. 4. Put in a/an, the or o.
1. You must be home before … midnight, George.
2. They are setting off at … dawn.
3. We got up early to admire … dawn.
4. My grandfather is often wide awake at … night.
5. I often sat up … night with him and read to him to ease his
6. The weather was very cold on … day of his arrival.
7. She didn’t look well. She said they had passed … sluggish
winter and … lazy summer.
8. … winter was very fine that year and we were very happy.
9. I feel very tired. I work from … morning till … night.
10. The situation is improving day by … day.
Ex. 5. Find and correct the errors in the following sentences.
1. They were at the lunch when I called.
2. Lunch I ordered was burnt.
3. We were asked to dinner. Dinner was excellent.
4. They were talking about it at the breakfast.
5. I think we can get good supper here.
6. It was cold and we decided to stay to a tea.
7. Walter is excited. He wants very special dinner.
Ex. 6. Choose the correct form and underline it.
1. Their son is a student at London University/the London
2. The Grand/ Grand Hotel is in Baker street.
3. Our favourite movie theatre is ‘Classic/The Classic.’
4. Did you visit The British/British Museum when you were in
5. Hyde Park/The Hyde Park is situated in central London.
6. Tom’s father usually reads The Times/Times.
7. He used to work for British Airways/British Airways.
8. We flew to Yerevan from Orly/Airport/The Orly Airport.
9. We went to The Lion Inn/Lion Inn. Sam recommended.
10. We didn’t manage to visit Houses of parliament/the Houses
of parliament.
Ex. 7. Supply a/an, the or o.
High Flyer
I travel all over … world on business and my neighbour thinks my
life is one long holiday. You know what … business travel is like: up
at … dawn to catch … plane; … breakfast in … London, … lunch in
New York. When you’re in … sky, you see only snow in … Arctic
or … Greenland. You have glimpses of … Andes or Pacific. You’re
always exhausted. Your wife or husband complains you’re never
there to take … children to … school or put them to … bed. When
you get home, your neighbour says, “Another nice holiday, eh?”
Give me Home Sweet Home any day!
Ex 8. Put in the or a/an where necessary. If no article is needed,
write 0 in the space.
1. … President is … most powerful person in … United States.
2. … President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.
3. Sheila spends most of her free time watching … television.
Sometimes it seems to me that she never turns off … television.
4. John’s mother is a regular churchgoer. She goes to … church
every Sunday. John himself doesn’t go to … church, but
yesterday he went to … church to take some photographs of the
5. Peter was injured in … accident and was kept in … hospital for
a few days. His friends went to … hospital to visit him.
6. Keith is … seaman. He spends most of his life at … sea.
7. “Do you often listen to … radio?” “No, in fact I haven’t got …
8. … Smiths had … son and … daughter. … son was in … Army
and … daughter was training to be … doctor.
9. If you live in … foreign country, you should try and learn …
10. I don’t usually have … lunch, but I always eat … good
11. “Can you pass … sugar, please?” “But … sugar isn’t very good
for you.”
12. Some people think that … bicycle is … excellent means of
13. When I studied at … University, … Professor Williams used to
say, “… young have the future in their hands.”
14. Do you know that in many places people are in … prison
because of their political opinions?
15. The other day the fire brigade were called to … prison to put
out … fire.
16. … Nile is in … Egypt. … Lake Titicaca is in … South America.
17. … Mediterranean Sea is between … Europe and … Africa.
18. … English is an international language. … English of
Shakespeare is often difficult to understand.
19. She told the boy to go down … Kingston Street and turn right
into … Mill Road.
20. … Mt Everest is … highest mountain in … world. It is in …
21. … milk is good for babies. … milk in … refrigerator is bad.
22. Travel through … space to other planets interests many people
Ex. 9. Write an article in the space provided. If no article is
needed, write 0 in the space.
1. Caroline Newman is majoring in … art at the university.
2. Everyone in the class missed … question number 23 on the test.
3. Coffee in this restaurant is only 25 cents … cup.
4. I want to enter … Greenville University. They say …
University of Greenville is a good place to study.
5. Everybody knows that … Chinese have a long history.
6. George Rawson owns a nightclub on … Santa Monica
7. The more I study this subject, … more confused I get.
8. I asked the pilot how high above … ground we were flying.
9. … Arrow Lake is one of … prettiest lakes I’ve ever seen.
10. I can’t take a summer vacation right now, but … next year I will.
11. If you look into … north on a clear night, you will see Polaris,
the North Star.
12. Most airlines can travel at 600 miles … hour.
13. Our club is going to have a picnic at … Audubon Park.
14. … arthritis is a painful disease.
15. There is one musical instrument I truly love; … violin.
16. … Art Museum is located in the James Fisher Building.
17. I wonder what happened to … old camera that my grandfather
used to have.
18. Many wonderful works of literature are written in … Spanish
19. ... Gobi Desert is located in Mongolia.
20. … Urals are a major range of mountains in Europe.
21. And then they formed a musical group called … Crickets
22. I want to buy … computer with a lot of memory.
23. I want you to clean … top of the refrigerator.
24. The doctors at Mercy Hospital give … patients excellent care.
Ex. 10. Translate the following words and expressions into
1. îÝï»ëáõÃÛáõÝÁ í³ñ»É 2. ï³ÝÁ ÙÝ³É 3. Ï³ï³Õ»É, ·³½³½»É,
ÙáÉ»·Ý»É 4. í³ï Ù³ñ¹ 5. ³Ý»É³Ý»ÉÇ ¹ñáõÃÛ³Ý Ù»ç ÉÇÝ»É 6.
Ý»ÕáõÃÛáõÝ Ïñ»É, Ý»ÕáõÃÛáõÝ Ñ³ÝÓÝ ³éÝ»É, ã³ñã³ñí»É 7. ÙÇ
ÏáÕÙÇó... ÙÛáõë ÏáÕÙÇó 8. ³å³Ñáí ÉÇÝ»Éáõ Ñ³Ù³ñ 9. ÷áñÓ³ÝùÇ
Ù»ç ÁÝÏÝ»É, ·ÉËÇÝ ÷áñÓ³Ýù μ»ñ»É 10. ³Û¹ Ù³ëÇÝ Ëáëù ãÇ Ï³ñáÕ
ÉÇÝ»É 11. íÇñ³íáñí»É, Ý»Õ³Ý³É 12. Ã¨³ÝóáõÏ 13. íÇñ³íáñ³Ï³Ý
³ÝáõÝÝ»ñ ï³É, Ñ³ÛÑáÛ»É 14. ³ãùÇó ÁÝÏ³Í ÉÇÝ»É, ßÝáñÑ³½ñÏí³Í
ÉÇÝ»É 15. ½áéáí ÷áñÓ³ÝùÇ Ù»ç ÁÝÏÝ»É 16. ëñïÇÝ Ùáï ÁÝ¹áõÝ»É 17.
íÑ³ïí»É, Ñáõë³Ñ³ïí»É 18. å³ï³ÑÙ³Ùμ 19. ëË³ÉÙ³Ùμ 20.
Ï³ï³ñ»É ·ñ³íáñ.
Ex 1. Form the plural of nouns in parentheses.
As we sailed up the River Hudson towards the (1. city) of New
York and Brooklyn, we experienced a sensation which is, I think,
common to all (2. traveler) who come to the end of their voyage.
Many (3. person) have tried to analyse this emotion, and I have read
many such (4. analysis) but none have ever really satisfied me.
The buildings stood out against the skyline like enormous (5.
box of match) struck on end. The (6. house and church) were
completely dwarfed by them. As we went up the river, we examined
it all with our (7. glass). It seemed as if each building brushed the (8.
There were a lot of (9. ship) in the river mouth. They were
bringing cargoes from all over the world – cargoes of meat and (10.
potato) and (11. mango), of (12. machine) and (13. toy) and many
other things. They carried (14. silk) from China and teas from India
as well. They flew the (15. colour) of almost every seafaring nation
on the globe.
Armies of (16. customs-official), (17. port-authorities) and
others, came on board. The passengers were paraded before the port
doctor. He was a huge fat man. The first class passengers filed before
him as solemn as (18. ox). Most of the third class passengers stood
waiting their turn as quiet as (19. mouse), though some were as noisy
as a flock of (20. goose). They carried their savings in knotted (21.
handkerchief), and the rest of their (22. belonging) in bundles.
Many seemed to have completely lost their (23. bearing) in their
new and strange (24. surrounding) and seemed as bewildered as
(25. sheep), while their (26. wife) and (27. child) stared around like
startled (28. deer).
There seemed to be varying (29. criterion) for the treatment of
passengers by the immigration authorities, according to the class in
which they traveled. Those of the third were examined for (30.
louse) and other (31. vermin), regardless of their feelings. And if a
single louse was found, the individual was taken to Ellis Island,
where were plenty of delousing (32. apparatus). Our American (33.
brother) do nothing by halves, and do not care sixpence for
anybody’s opinions of their methods.
We landed with every manifestation of high spirits and the
customs people examined our (34. effect). The (35. hanger-on)
stared at us as though we were curious (36. phenomenon).
On the day we landed, the news got around that an armistice
had been signed, and New York was beside itself with joy. Nobody
then guessed how many world (37. crisis) would follow in the years
to come; and what small consolation there would be for the men who
had performed their (38. duty) like (39. hero) in “a war to end war”.
Ex. 2. Write the following nouns in the possessive case.
Men (strength), women (liberation), car (door), students (test results),
Archimedes (law), sister-in-law (present), father-in-law (advice),
front (building), people (choice), Roy and Jack (teacher), the sun
(rays), the bottom (the glass), the world (population), Armenia
(economy), owner (the restaurant), children (book), passer-by
(remark), Brown and Baker (office), film (the beginning), hour
(drive), island (inhabitants), Brazil (football team), soup (chicken),
sheep (wool), camel (hair), temperature (water).
Ex. 3. Re-word the following sentences using set phrases with a
definite, indefinite or zero article.
Example: Jack fell in love with Clair when first saw her.
Jack fell in love with Clair at first sight.
1. Jack fell in love with Clair when first saw her.
2. Their question was unexpected and he was uncertain about what
to answer.
3. Tom said that he had read the whole book.
4. Has he allowed you to leave?
5. When Father saw what we had done, he became very angry.
6. Nancy was a kind girl and the children were fond of her.
7. We can’t go out in this weather; it is impossible.
8. We saw her a few days ago.
9. We traveled during the day and camped every night.
10. He has studied Plato in the language it was first written.
11. He didn’t have a desire to eat but he had to eat the soup.
12. I’m very grateful to you. You have done a lot to help my son
13. He has lost people’s respect and liking.
14. It gives me such pleasure to talk to a person like you
Ex 4. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ²Û¹ »ñÏñÇ ·ÉË³íáñ ×³Ý³å³ñÑÝ»ñÇ Ù»Í Ù³ëÁ Ï³éáõóí»É ¿
ÑéáÙ»³óÇÝ»ñÇ ÏáÕÙÇó:
2. ²÷ëáë, áñ »ë ãÏ³ñáÕ³ó³ å³ñ½»É ³Ûë Ý³Ù³ÏÁ μ»ñáÕ
Ù³ñ¹áõ ³ÝáõÝÁ:
3. àõëáõóÇãÁ μ³ó³ïñ»ó »ñ»Ë³Ý»ñÇÝ, áñ Ï»Ý¹³Ý³μ³Ý³Ï³Ý
³Û·áõÙ Ï»Ý¹³ÝÇÝ»ñÝ Çñ»Ýó μÝ³Ï³Ý ÙÇç³í³ÛñáõÙ ã»Ý
4. ²Ûëûñ »ñ»ÏáÛ³Ý Ã»ñÃáõÙ æáÝÇ »ñÏ³ñ Ñá¹í³ÍÁ Ï³ ³Û¹
5. Ø³Ûñë ãÇ ëÇñáõÙ ß³ï ßá· »Õ³Ý³Ï: ºñ»ëáõÝ ³ëïÇ×³ÝÝ
³ñ¹»Ý ã³÷³½³Ýó ï³ù ¿ Ýñ³ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
6. Î³ëÏ³Í ãÏ³, áñ Ù»½ ïñí³Í ï»Õ»ÏáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ ëïáõÛ· ã»Ý:
7. ºë Ï³ñÍáõÙ »Ù, áñ ³Ý³å³ëï³ÝÝ»ñÁ Ï³é³í³ñáõÃÛ³Ý
ÏáÕÙÇó ³í»ÉÇ ß³ï û·ÝáõÃÛ³Ý Ï³ñÇù áõÝ»Ý:
8. æ»ýÁ áãÇÝã ã·Çï»ñ Çñ Ñ³ñ¨³ÝáõÃÛ³Ùμ ³åñáÕ Ù³ñ¹Ï³Ýó
9. Ø³ñïÇÝÁ ÙÇ ß³μ³Ã ³ÝóÏ³óñ»ó Çñ Ñáñ ÁÝÏ»ñÝ»ñÇó Ù»ÏÇ
Ùáï, áñÝ ³Û¹ Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ³åñáõÙ ¿ñ ÈáÝ¹áÝáõÙ:
10. ØÇ ñáå» ÉéáõÃÛáõÝ ïÇñ»ó, ¨ Ñ»ïá Ý³ ³ë³ó, §îá°õñ ÇÝÓ ÇÙ
³ÏÝáóÁ. »ë áõ½áõÙ »Ù ÇÝùë Ï³ñ¹³É ³Û¹ Ý³Ù³ÏÁ¦:
11. ²Ù»Ý ÏÇë³ÙÛ³Ï ÍÝáÕÝ»ñÇÝ Ññ³íÇñáõÙ »Ý ¹åñáó`
áõëáõóÇãÝ»ñÇ Ñ»ï Ñ³Ý¹Çå»Éáõ:
12. ¶»ñ³É¹Á μ³ñÓñ³óñ»ó ÑáÝù»ñÁ. §¸áõ ß³ï ï³ñûñÇÝ³Ï
Ï³ñÍÇù áõÝ»ë Ñáñ ¹»ñÇ Ù³ëÇÝ¦,- ³ë³ó Ý³:
13. ¸»ñ³ë³ÝáõÑáõ Ñ³çáñ¹ Ñ³Ý¹ÇåáõÙÁ é»ÅÇëáñÇ Ñ»ï ï»ÕÇ
áõÝ»ó³í »ñÏáõ ß³μ³Ã ³Ýó:
14. ø»ÛÃÁ å³ñëÏ³Ï³Ý Ï³ïáõ áõÝÇ: Î³ïíÇ Ù³½»ñÁ »ñÏ³ñ áõ
ß³ï ÷³÷áõÏ »Ý:
15. àã μáÉáñ áëïÇÏ³ÝÝ»ñÇÝ ¿ ÃáõÛÉ³ïñíáõÙ ½»Ýù Ïñ»É:
16. ¾Ý¹ñáõÝ Ï³ñÍáõÙ ¿ñ, áñ ß³μ³Ã³Ï³Ý áõÃëáõÝ ýáõÝïÁ
μ³í³Ï³Ý ã¿ ³åñ»Éáõ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
Adjectives are words expressing properties of objects (e. g. big, nice,
yellow, attractive pretty, etc.) and, hence, qualifying nouns.
According to their meaning and grammatical characteristics
adjectives fall under two classes: a) qualitative adjectives, b)
relative adjectives.
a) nice, strong, blue, important (show the quality of the nouns and
have degrees of comparison).
b) woolen, wooden, silk, Italian, European, daily, monthly,
preparatory…(show the relation to materials, to place, to time, to
some action). Relative adjectives do not have degrees of comparison
Adjectives in English have only one form, which is used with
singular and plural, masculine and feminine nouns:
a clever boy – clever boys, a clever girl – clever girls
1. one- syllable adjectives (regular comparison)
We normally use the before a superlative.
Positive Comparative Superlative
(the) cheapest
+ -er, -est.
(the) largest
Adjectives ending in –e:
+ -r, -st.
(the) thinnest
One vowel + one
consonant: double
but thick thicker
thickest consonant + consonant
2. irregular comparison
3. two-syllable adjectives ending in y, er, ly, ple, ble, ow,
some add er, est:
holy - holier – (the) holiest (change the y to i (if it is
preceded by a consonant)
clever – cleverer – cleverest
simple – simpler – simplest
humble – humbler – humblest
narrow – narrower – narrowest or more narrow
most narrow
handsome – handsomer –handsomest or more handsome
most handsome
4. With many two- syllable adjectives (e. g. polite, common,), -er,/-
est and more/most are both possible. With others (including
adjectives ending in ing, ed, ous, ish, ful, less, ct, nt and st), only
more / most is possible.
annoying – more annoying – (the) most annoying
tired – more tired – most tired
famous – more famous – most famous
childish – more childish – most childish
useful – more useful – most useful
careless – more careless – most careless
exact – more exact – most exact
Positive Comparative Superlative
(the) best
recent – more recent – most recent
honest – more honest – most honest
5. Adjectives used only predicatively:
afraid – more afraid
aware – more aware
When the children heard that their father was coming, they
were more afraid than glad.
6. Before comparatives you can use: much, far (= a lot), a little,
slightly (= a little), any (= to even a little extent), no (not any, at
all), none the (not at all), even.
I think Russian is much more difficult than Spanish.
Her illness was far more serious than we thought at first.
My suitcase is slightly heavier than yours.
She looks no older than her daughter.
7. Adjectives of three or more syllables have more and most
intelligent – more intelligent –(the) most intelligent
practical – more practical – most practical
Note 1: Most when used before an adjective does not always form the
superlative degree. It may have the meaning of very, extremely.
Then it is preceded by the indefinite article.
This is a most useful book.
Constructions with comparisons.
8. use as…as in the affirmative
and not as/ not so …as in the negative:
A boy of sixteen is often as tall as his father.
Your coffee is not so/as good as the coffee my mother
You are older than I am. or …than me
9. double comparative:
…er and…er
more and more
The weather is getting colder and colder.
She is getting fatter and fatter.
It is becoming more and more difficult to find a job.
These days more and more people are learning English.
10. The…the (to say that things change or vary together or that two
variable quantities are systematically related).
The more money he makes, the more useless things he
The more I thought of the plan, The less I liked it.
The younger you are, the easier it is to learn.
The warmer the weather the better I feel.
The less luggage we have to carry the better.
11. When a group only has two members we use the comparative:
This one is the better of the two.
I like Betty and Alice, but I think Alice is the nicer of the
12. Comparison of three or more persons or things is expressed by
the superlative with the …of or the … in (of places)
Bob is the tallest of the three.
She is the cleverest of them.
Note 2: We usually use of after superlatives for a period of time:
It was the happiest day of my life.
It was the most important news of the day.
But we use in with places (towns, buildings;), organizations and groups of
people (a class,/team/company etc)
Who is the best player in your team?
I think he is the most generous man in the town.
The Nile is the longest river in the world.
13. We can use three/ four etc. times + comparative:
It was ten times more difficult than I expected.
Their house is three times bigger. or Their house is three
times as big as my house.
Note that twice isn’t possible in this construction:
Petrol is twice as expensive as it was last year.
14. as… as is used to show equality (to say that people, things are
equal in a particular way).
as wise as Solomon, as safe as the Bank of England, as
poor as Lasarus…
Her son is as stubborn as a mule.
15. Adjectives of quality used as nouns: The poor, the rich, the
young, the living, the dead, the wounded, the blind etc. They are
used to represent a class of persons.
After the battle they buried the dead.
The poor are usually more generous to each other than the
The young are generally intolerant. (is a general statement)
The young men are talking about something in the next
room. (refers to particular young people)
Notice the following set phrases which contain the comparative or
the superlative degree of an adjective:
a change for the better/worse = ÷á÷áËáõÃÛáõÝ ¹»åÇ É³íÁ
/¹»åÇ í³ïÁ
none the less = ³Ù»Ý ¹»åùáõÙ, Ñ³Ù»Ý³ÛÝ ¹»åë
so much the better/the worse (for) = ß³ï ³í»ÉÇ É³í
/³í»ÉÇ í³ï
to be the worse for = ³í»ÉÇ í³ï³óÝ»É
no (none the worse for) = ³í»ÉÇ í³ï / íÝ³ë ãÇ ÉÇÝÇ
if the worst comes to the worst = í³ï³·áõÛÝ ¹»åùáõÙ
to go from bad to worse = í³ïÃ³ñ³Ý³É, ³í»ÉÇ í³ï³Ý³É
as best = É³í³·áõÛÝë, ÑÝ³ñ³íáñÇÝë É³í
at (the) best/at worst = É³í³·áõÛÝ ¹»åùáõÙ/ í³ï³·áõÛÝ
Ex. 1. Supply even (still) + an appropriate adjective in the
comparative degree.
Example: India is a large country, but China is…. even larger.
1. He is crazy, but his wife is………………………………….
2. A horse has little intelligence, but a mule is……………….
3. Algebra is difficult, but calculus is …………………………
4. His grandfather is very wise, but his grandmother is………..
5. She is a beautiful woman, but her sister is…………………
6. Tom is tall, but Mary is…………………………………….
7. This wine is good, but the other is…………………………
8. The earth is far from the sun, but Mars is………………….
9. Iron is very strong, but steel is……………. ………………
10. Alcohol is bad for your health, but cigarettes are……………
11. Barbara’s hair is thick, but Sue’s is ………………………
12. Gerald’s house is big, but ours is …………………………
Ex. 2. Use the required form of the adjectives in the following
sentences. Put the if necessary.
1. Pollution and overpollution are two of (serious) problems in the
world today.
2. The wine at the dinner party last night was bad, but the food
was even (bad).
3. Mercury is (close) planet to the sun and Pluto is (far) planet
from the sun.
4. He is (talkative) than his sister. I think he won’t tire you so
5. At first I thought you were nice but really you are as (bad) as
everybody else.
6. You looked depressed this morning but you look a bit (happy)
7. Everybody thinks that Jack is the (clever) of the three brothers.
8. I don’t think it matters in the (little) which seat I choose.
9. “Today I am no (wise) than yesterday,” said Uncle George
10. The (near) house is three miles away.
11. The (near) item on the program is a piano sonata.
12. “Of the two evils let us choose the (little),” joked father.
13. He is a far (intelligent) person than his brother.
14. The Browns have got three daughters. The (old) is 14 years old.
15. She had to wait a very long time. The longer she waited (much)
impatient she became.
16. I am afraid the problem is much (complicated) than it seems.
17. It is a lot (easy) to learn a foreign language in the country
where it is spoken.
18. Sometimes adults are (childish) than children.
19. I was (amazed) at the news than her parents.
20. We had a great holiday. It was one of (enjoyable) holidays we
have ever had.
21. I thought she was younger than me but in fact she is slightly
22. When the thief broke into their house, Julia was (afraid) than
her husband.
23. I think money is (important) than love.
24. This bag is too small. I need something much (big).
Ex. 3. Complete the sentences with ‘the+ comparative…the
+ comparative’ construction.
Example: The bigger the house is, the more money it will cost.
1. The more you talk on the phone, the………………
2. The sooner we pass our exams, the……………….
3. The more she eats, the…………………………….
4. The less you learn, the…………………………….
5. The more one has, the………………………………
6. The warmer the weather, the ………………………
7. The longer I think of his proposal, the………………
8. The more electricity you use, the……………………
Ex. 4. Complete each sentence from a) to p) with an appropriate
ending from 1 to 6.
[əz] [əz]
Example: Their child is always as quiet as a mouse
a) Their child is always as quiet as a......................... 1. gold
b) My boss is always as busy as a........................... 2. mule/
d) He is as stubborn as a.......................................... 4. bee/ beaver
e) Their little boy is as good as................................. 5. mouse
f) One of my teachers is always as nervous as a....... 6. ice
g) For some unknown reason, I feel as weak as a..... 7. bird
h) My! Your hands are as cold as........................... 8. wolf
i) I'm in a wonderful mood today! I feel as free as
9. kitten
j) What an appetite I have! I am as hungry as a........ 10. cat
k) His father has been very sick; he's as thin as
11. beet
l) Our young son is as strong as an...................... 12. pillow
m) Her voice is as clear as a................................. 13. pea soup
n) The fog last night was as thick as…………. 14. bell
o) My new sweater is as soft as a …………… 15. ox
p) Why are you blushing? My! Your face is as red
as a …….
16. rail
Adjectives ending in –ing and –ed
Ex. 5. Complete the sentences for each situation. Use the word
given + the ending –ing or –ed.
Example: It’s …surprising that he passed his exam. We got
… surprised when we heard it. (surprise)
1. She always looks …. She says her life is …. (bore)
2. The scene was …. She was … at what she saw. (disgust)
3. The lecturer’s explanation was …. The students were ….
4. His answer was …. The examiners were … with his answer.
5. This project is …. The boss is … in it. (interest)
6. The film was …. All of us were … with it. (disappoint)
7. Her skin is … because the chemical is …. (irritate)
8. I took the eggs out of the … water. I had an egg for breakfast.
9. The match was …. The boys were … when their team scored a
goal. (excite)
10. The news was …. My parents were … when they heard the
news. (shock)
11. We are …. The newspapers are full of … news. (depress)
Ex. 6. Put in the right forms. Alternatives are possible.
The Champion
The two men were sitting at the bar. The one (near)………. to me
was the (big) ……... and (strong) …….. man I have ever seen. The
one (far) …….. from me was the (small/little) ……… and
(weak)…….. They were having the (violent) ……. Argument I had
ever heard. Suddenly the little man said, “It’s a case of the
(small)….. brain in the world fitted into the (big)……. head!” They
were his (last/latest)10……. words. The little man didn't know what
hit him as he fell to the floor. “When Shortie wakes up, tell him that
was my (better/ best)11…….. Karate chop,” the big man told the
barman as he left. The next evening, King Karate was at the bar as
usual when Shortie crept in quietly, swung his arm and the champ
fell to the floor. “When Karate wakes up, ” Shortie said, “tell him it
was my (oldest/eldest)12……. Land Rover starting handle.”
An adverb modifies a) a verb; b) an adjective; c) another adverb, d)
adverbial phrase, e) past participle
a) She dances beautifully.
b) It’s terribly cold today.
c) He speaks English very well.
d) He is madly in love with her.
e) This steak is badly cooked.
According to their meaning adverbs fall into the following groups:
1. adverbs of time: now, then, yesterday, lately, soon,
afterwards, presently
2. adverbs of frequency: often, seldom, always, hardly ever,
3. adverbs of place and direction: here, there, everywhere,
inside, backwards
4. adverbs of consequence and cause: therefore, hence,
accordingly, for this reason, as a result, consequently, for
one thing
5. adverbs of degree: very, terribly, completely, a little, quite,
enough, so
6. adverbs of manner: well, badly, deeply, quickly, clearly,
1. A considerable number of adverbs of manner are formed from
adjectives by adding-ly (e. g. sudden – suddenly)
Spelling: (-ly)
happy – happily (-y usually changes to i)
but shy – shyly, sly – slyly, coy - coyly
beautiful – beautifully (final l is doubled)
complete – completely (final e remains unchanged)
but true – truly, due – duly, whole – wholly
tragic – tragically (if the adjective ends in –ic, the adverb
ends in –ically [ikli]
but public – publicly
terrible – terribly (when adjective ends in ble, ple and dle
the le is dropped before adding -ly)
idle – idly, noble – nobly… (le changes to ly after a
2. Notice that we cannot form adverbs from adjectives ending in –ly,
such as manly, friendly, fatherly, silly, lively, likely, lovely,
elderly, ugly, deadly etc. An adverbial phrase is used in this case
instead of an adverb, e. g. in a silly way, in a friendly manner,
3. These words are both adjectives and adverbs: fast, hard, late,
straight, quick, early, daily, enough, close, low;
adjective adverb
a straight road to go straight home
a fast runner to run fast
an early bird to come early
hard work to work hard
low voice to bend low
daily duty to appear daily
a close friend to come close
4. Some other adverbs have two forms – the adjective form and the
form in -ly. In most cases the two forms differ in meaning:
late lately He came home late. We haven’t seen him lately.
hard hardly She works hard. She hardly ever works properly.
near nearly He lives near the office. He nearly missed the train.
deep deeply We had to dig deep. We are deeply (extremely)
interested in the subject.
In a few cases both forms can be used without any difference in
meaning: loud -loudly, cheap -cheaply, slow -slowly.
I got this dress cheap.
Please drive slower.
Note 1: There are a few adverbs and adjectives in English which have the
same form in –ly. They have been derived from nouns, e. g. daily,
weekly, monthly, hourly, etc.
daily duty, to appear daily
5. You should remember that after the link – verbs to feel, to smell,
to taste, to sound, to look, to appear, etc. we use an adjective as
The roses smell sweet.
The fur felt soft.
The music sounds pleasant.
She looks good. (=to look promising)
but She looks well. (= good appearance)
6. Most adverbs are invariable. But certain adverbs of manner can
change for degrees of comparison.
The degrees of comparison of adverbs are formed in the same way as
those of adjectives.
7. One – syllable adverbs and the adverb early form the comparative
and the superlative degrees by adding the suffixes –er and –est.
hard – harder– hardest
near – nearer– nearest
soon – sooner– soonest
fast – faster– fastest
late – later– latest
early – earlier– earliest
8. The degrees of comparison of all other adverbs are formed by
placing more and most before them.
quickly – more quickly – (the) most quickly
slowly – more slowly – most slowly or slow – slower -
beautifully – more beautifully – most beautifully
Alan did the work more quickly than his brother
9. A few adverbs are compared irregularly:
Positive Comparative Superlative
farther / further
the best
the worst
the farthest / furthest
the most
the least
10. Much and (a) little can be used as adjectives and as adverbs
whereas many and (a) few can only be used as adjectives:
He doesn’t like cabbage much (adverb)
Do we have much food left? (adjective)
I’m much more excited. (adverb)
Many people think so. (adjective)
A few students took the bus and the rest went by train.
With a little effort you’ll succeed. (adjective)
She slept very little last night. (adverb)
Many is not used as the object or part of the object of an affirmative
verb, being normally replaced by a lot (of)
She has a lot of toys.
Much is not very often used with affirmative verbs, (as almost
always in the accusative and in the nominative), it is replaced by a
lot (of) a great deal (of)
I saw a lot of her when I was in London last month.
They had a great deal of talking yesterday.
Much and many can be used in affirmative sentences in the
following cases:
a) when they modify the subject of the sentence, b) when much and
many are modified by adverbs of degree, too, so, as and how, c)
when much is used alone as an object:
a) Many people think so. Much of what you say is true.
b) You made too many mistakes. You can have as much
fruit as you want.
c) His words meant much to me.
Both little and few have a negative implication – they mean not
enough, and a little/a few have a positive meaning. They mean some
though not much (many)
Compare: I have little money. (not enough to buy/lend/live
I have a little money. I can lend you some.
Few towns have such a splendid market place. (hardly
any towns have)
A few towns have such a splendid market place. (some
though not many)
Note 2: We use few/little after too, so, as, how:
The sailors had no food and too little water.
Note 3: Note that ‘only a little’ and ‘only a few’ have a negative meaning”
Unfortunately, I could stay there only a few days. I had to return.
We must hurry. We’ve only got a little time.
How little you know!
In affirmative much is usually preceded by very, but much doesn’t
need very in the negative:
I enjoyed the play very much.
I don’t like it much. or I don’t much like it.
Interrogative adverbs
These are: why, when, where and how
Why were you late? (I was late because I missed the train.)
When do you get up? (I usually get up at 8 a. m.)
Where do you work? (I work at the office)
How did you come here? (I came here by bus.)
how can also be used a) with adjectives b) with adverbs and c) with
much and many:
a) How wide is the river? How tall is your brother?
b) How often do the buses run? How fast does he drive?
c) How much did you pay for those shoes? How many
postcards do you want to buy?
Ex.1. Supply the right adverb. Some adverbs end in –ly and some
do not.
Example: He is a fast runner. He runs……fast.
1. He is a hard worker. He works …………………………..
2. My name is last I came…………………………………..
3. Sam is a bad driver. He drives ……………………………..
4. Fred is a better player. He plays ……………………………
5. Make your best effort. Do your ……………………………
6. The house was near. We went …………………………..
7. It was a deep hole. We had to dig ………………………….
8. It’s her daily duty. She does it ………………………...
9. He was brave. He acted …………………………………….
10. It’s a wide window. Open it ………………………………..
11. The boy gave a rude reply. He replied ……………………
12. I get a monthly bill. I pay …………………………………
13. The plane is very high. It’s flying ……………………….
14. She is an eager helper. She helps …………………………..
Ex. 2. Complete the sentences with the correct word (adjective or
Example: The floor looks …… (clean, cleanly).
The floor looks clean.
1. The plane landed … on the runway. (safe, safely)
2. When the wind started to blow, I grew.... (anxious, anxiously)
3. This list of names appears …. No more names need to be
added. (complete, completely)
4. The crowd yelled … when we scored a goal. (wild, wildly)
5. The merchant looked …, but he wasn’t. I discovered when I
got home that he had cheated me. (honest, honestly)
6. Jane looked at her book. … before she answered the teacher’s
question. (thoughtful, thoughtfully)
7. Most of the students did … on their tests. (good, well)
8. The contract offer sounded … to me, so I accepted the job.
(fair, fairly)
9. Jim felt … about forgetting his son’s birthday. (terrible,
10. Let’s buy these roses, they smell …. (good, well)
11. As dawn approached, the sky became …. (light, lightly)
12. Carol spoke … when she delivered her speech. (confident,
13. The actor became … throughout much of the world. (famous,
14. I don’t think this milk is spoiled. It tastes … to me. (fine,
15. She passed her exam successfully and feels …. (good, well)
16. Jack doesn’t believe anyone. He is … disappointed. (bitter,
17. A month’s rest did good to her health, now she feels …. (good,
18. Finally he is doing … after serious illness. (good, well)
Ex.3. Make appropriate adverbial forms out of the adjectives in
the following list and supply them in the blanks.
deep doubtful fast careful
quiet true serious good
fluent bad complete beautiful
early often far easy
1. Tom is a shy person. He gets embarrassed … than his sister.
2. You are standing too near the camera. Can you move a bit …?
3. You hardly ever phone me. Why don’t you phone me …?
4. Of all the students, she usually arrives the ….
5. Ann dresses … than her mother. Her mother is a woman of
great taste.
6. The operation was … successful.
7. Everybody knew that he behaved … towards her than her exhusband.
8. Do you speak English … now than you did before you entered
the University?
9. Who speaks French / Spanish … in your group.
10. He didn’t want us to know that he was … ill.
11. We all admired him. It was a … brave action.
12. You are talking very loudly. Can you speak a bit….
13. He always works … than his boss.
14. She types … of all the secretaries in the office.
15. The girl looked at him … but didn’t say anything.
16. She was indifferent to him though he loved her ….
Ex. 4. Choose the right adverb in each sentence.
1. Don’t go too ……… the edge, Tom! (near, nearly)
2. The man ……… fell off the edge of the platform. (near, nearly)
3. He can ……… expect me to lend him money again. (hard,
4. He works ………, but doesn’t earn much money. (hard, hardly)
5. The waves were ………during the storm at sea. (high, highly)
6. We enjoyed the film. It was a ……… amusing film. (high,
7. And ……… but not least I’d like to thank you all for coming.
(last, lastly)
8. ………, I’d like to thank my father. (last, lastly)
9. He is ……… interested in the subject. (deep, deeply)
10. We had to dig ……… to find water. (deep, deeply)
11. The post was brought ……… this morning. (late, lately)
12. I haven’t got any letters ………. (late, lately)
Ex. 5. Put in any suitable adverbs of degree (any, many, much,
rather, fairly, quite, etc.).
Can We Go Home Please?
It was …… late. The restaurant clock showed 1.30 a. m. The
waiters were feeling …… tired and were beginning to yawn.
There was one …… middle-aged couple left. They had clearly
had …… a good meal. Now they were looking at each other across
the table and were …… unaware of the world around them. The
waiters wanted to go home. One of them asked the couple if they
wanted …… more to eat or drink. He didn’t get an answer. It clearly
wasn’t …… use asking questions! One of the waiters had …… a
good idea. He began stacking chairs upside-down onto the tables.
The others joined in. Another waiter turned off the lights. In the end,
the restaurant was …… dim. The chairs were stacked on the tables
round the couple who just sat and sat and sat!
Ex. 1. Use the required form of the adjectives. Add an article if
it is necessary.
1. They warned him, “(Little) you say, (good) it is.”
2. The boy fell off the roof, but he feels none the (bad) for it.
3. Sue has worked for the company for ten years, she is much
(experienced) than Mike.
4. His interest in this matter is far (serious) than we at first
5. Don’t praise him. He is (little) musical than his sister.
6. I didn’t really like him when we first met. But the more I got to
know him, (much) I like him.
7. I’m surprised Catherine is only 28. I thought she was (old).
8. Their little boy is as (sly) as a monkey.
9. Both of them are clever, but Tom is (clever) of the two.
10. It’s becoming (hard and hard) to find a job.
11. Mary is (patient) person I have ever met. Besides, she is one of
(nice) person I know.
12. The patient seems a little (lively) this morning.
13. “Why didn’t you close the door?” “Bob was (late) to come.”
14. I saw him no (late) than 9 o’clock this morning.
15. You have (good) accent in English than me.
16. “I can’t let you in.” “But will you at (little) tell me if she is at
home or not?”
Ex. 2. Choose the right word and underline it.
Example: I don’t like a lot of salt on my food. I add little/a little salt
to my food.
After Peter tasted the soup, he added a little/little salt to it.
1. This town is not a very interesting place to visit, so few/a few
tourists come here.
2. Things are not going so well for her. She has a few/few
3. They have got so a lot of/ much money that they don’t know
what to do with it.
4. I use the phone much/a lot at work. My boss doesn’t like it.
5. He spoke little/a little English, so it was difficult to
communicate with him.
6. He spoke a little/little English, so we were able to
communicate with him.
7. The stadium was overcrowded. There were a great deal of/a
great number of supporters.
8. He has had to spend a good deal of/a great number of money
on medicines.
9. It’s an interesting exhibition. There are plenty of/a great deal
of things to see.
10. The conference hall was crowded. There were too lots of/
many people.
11. I’m not very busy today. I haven’t got much/a lot to do.
12. I have so many/a lot of things to do that I don’t know which to
do first.
13. Nowadays he is very busy and sees many/few of his friends.
14. You eat too much/a great deal of food, that’s why you are so
15. Virginia returned to England at the moment when many/a lot
were leaving it.
16. What much/a lot of time you take to dress!
17. I’d like to ask you a few questions. I need a little/a few more
18. The village was very small. There were only a few/few houses.
19. We must be quick We’ve only got little/a little time.
20. The professor lectured very clearly. As a result few/a few
students had questions at the end of the class period.
Ex. 3. Make appropriate adverbial forms out of the words in
The Office Visitor
A (poor - dress) man entered an office in the University of
Littletown. The man’s hair was long and stringy, and the coat that he
was wearing was old and dirty.
“Excuse me,” he said (. apologetic). “I think I am lost.”
The secretary who was sitting at the desk in the office looked up at
him (idle) and frowned. “I know you are,” she said (cold) and looked
down at the papers lying on her desk.
“I can’t find the person whom I came to see,” the man said. “He is
expecting me.”
“Well, the person expecting you is (certain) not here,” said the
secretary (impolite). “Good day, sir.”
“Will you at least tell me where the Department of Chemistry is?”
asked the man “I drove all the way from Bigcity.” He looked
“This is the Chemistry Department,” answered the secretary, “ – but
did you say Bigcity? Are you …?”
“I am Dr. James Crawford,” the man replied.
The frown on the secretary’s face disappeared and she smiled
(sweet). “Oh, what a pleasure it is to meet you, Professor Crawford.
Welcome! Welcome to Littletown,”
A few minutes later the secretary entered with a coffee and (fresh -
squeeze) orange juice. She looked at Professor Crawford (shy) and
went out.
Ex. 4. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ºñ»Ë³ÝÝ»ñÁ ëáíáñ³μ³ñ ³í»ÉÇ ³½ÝÇí »Ý ù³Ý
2. ÆÝãù³Ý ßáõï ëÏë»Ýù ³Ûë ³ßË³ï³ÝùÁ ³ÛÝù³Ý ³í»ÉÇ ßáõï
Ïí»ñç³óÝ»Ýù: ÆëÏ »Ã» ²ÝÝ³Ý Ñ³Ù³Ó³ÛÝíÇ û·Ý»É Ù»½ ³í»ÉÇ
3. ²Ûë ³Ý·³Ù ¹áõ ³í»ÉÇ ß³ï ëË³ÉÝ»ñ »ë Ï³ï³ñ»É: ºÃ» ÝáñÇó
ëË³ÉÝ»ñÇ áõÕÕáõÙ ã³Ý»ë, ß³ï ³í»ÉÇ í³ï ù»½ Ñ³Ù³ñ:
4. Þï³åû·ÝáõÃÛ³Ý Ù»ù»Ý³Ý»ñ Å³Ù³Ý»óÇÝ íÃ³ñÇ í³ÛñÁ ¨
ïáõÅ³ÍÝ»ñÇÝ ï³ñ³Ý ÑÇí³Ý¹³Ýáó:
5. Æñ»Ýó áñ¹áõ Ù»ÏÝ»Éáõó Ñ»ïá, àôÇÉÛ³ÙëÝ»ñÁ ¹³¹³ñ»óÇÝ
Ññ³íÇñ»É »ñÇï³ë³ñ¹Ý»ñÇÝ Çñ»Ýó ïáõÝ:
6. ÆÝ±ã »ë Ï³ñÍáõÙ, á±ñ ¹»Õ³ÙÇçáóÝ ¿ ³Ù»Ý³É³íÁ áõÅ»Õ
Ùñë³ÍáõÃÛ³Ý ¹»åùáõÙ:
7. ì³ïÃ³ñ³·áõÛÝ ¹»åùáõÙ ¹áõ ÙÇßï Ï³ñáÕ »ë í»ñ³¹³éÝ³É
ïáõÝ` ÍÝáÕÝ»ñÇ¹ Ùáï:
8. – ºñ»Ï ¹áõ ß³ï »ë³ëÇñ³μ³ñ å³Ñ»óÇñ ù»½:
– ºë ß³ï ó³íáõÙ »Ù ³ñ³ÍÇë Ñ³Ù³ñ:
9. Ð³ÛñÁ μ³ñÏ³ó³Í Ý³Û»ó »ñ»Ë³ÛÇÝ, »ñμ Ý³ ÁÝ¹Ñ³ï»ó Çñ»Ý:
10. ¸áõ ÙÇßï Ó³ÝÓñáõÛÃ ³ñï³Ñ³ÛïáÕ ï»ëù áõÝ»ë: øá ÏÛ³ÝùÁ
ÇëÏ³å»±ë ³Û¹ù³Ý Ó³ÝÓñ³ÉÇ ¿:
11. ²Ûë ëáõñ×Á ß³ï ÃáõÛÉ ¿: ºë ëÇñáõÙ »Ù ùÇã ³í»ÉÇ ÃáõÝ¹ ëáõñ×:
12. Ð³ÛñÇÏÁ Ùï³ÍÏáï ¿ »ñ¨áõÙ ³Ûëûñ, ¨ ³é³íáïÛ³Ý ¿É
Ñ³Ù³ñÛ³ áãÇÝã ãÏ»ñ³í:
13. Ü³ í³ï Ñ³ÝÓÝ»ó ùÝÝáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ` ³í»ÉÇ í³ï ù³Ý Ù»Ýù
ëå³ëáõÙ ¿ÇÝù:
14. ºë ã¿Ç áõ½áõÙ áã áùÇ ³ñÃÝ³óÝ»É, ³Û¹ å³ï×³éáí Ý»ñë Ùï³
áñù³Ý ÑÝ³ñ³íáñ ¿ñ ³Ý³ÕÙáõÏ:
15. ´áμÇ ³ßË³ï³í³ñÓÁ ³ÛÝù³Ý μ³ñÓñ ã¿, áñù³Ý ²ÉÇëÇÝÁ,
Ã»¨ Ýñ³ ³ßË³ï³ÝùÁ ß³ï ³í»ÉÇ íï³Ý·³íáñ ¿:
16. îÇÏÇÝ êÙÇÃÁ Ñ³Ù³ñÛ³ ÝáõÛÝ ï³ñÇùÝ áõÝÇ ÇÝã-áñ Çñ
³ÙáõëÇÝÁ, μ³Ûó Ý³ ß³ï ³í»ÉÇ »ñÇï³ë³ñ¹ ¿ »ñ¨áõÙ ù³Ý Çñ
17. ÂáÙÁ ã¿ñ áõ½áõÙ éÇëÏÇ ¹ÇÙ»É: Ö³Ý³å³ñÑÝ»ñÁ ë³éó³å³ï
¿ÇÝ ¨ Ý³ Ù»ù»Ý³Ý ß³ï ½·áõÛß ¿ñ í³ñáõÙ:
18. – ¸áõù å»ïù ¿ ³Ù»Ý³áõßÁ ÙÇÝã¨ »ñÏáõß³μÃÇ ³Ûëï»Õ ÉÇÝ»ù:
- ´³Ûó Ù»Ýù É³í³·áõÛÝ ¹»åùáõÙ ÙÇ³ÛÝ »ñ»ùß³μÃÇ ûñÁ ï»Õ
19. ºÏ»ù ³°Ûë Ù»ù»Ý³Ý í³ñÓáí í»ñóÝ»Ýù: ²ÛÝ áãÝãáí ³í»ÉÇ
í³ï ã¿ ù³Ý »ñ»Ïí³ Ù»ñ ï»ë³ÍÁ ¨ μ³óÇ ³Û¹, »ñ»ù ³Ý·³Ù
³í»ÉÇ ùÇã μ»Ý½ÇÝ ¿ Í³ËëáõÙ (û·ï³·áñÍáõÙ):
20. Üñ³Ýù ëïÇåí³Í ¿ÇÝ ËáñÁ ÷áñ»É, áñå»ë½Ç ËÙ»Éáõ çáõñ
Unlike nouns and adjectives, pronouns do not name objects or
qualities, but only point to them. In other words, they are devoid of
concrete lexical meaning. They have a generalized meaning
instead, which becomes clear only in the context.
Pronouns, like nouns, may perform different functions in the
sentence (they may be used as subject, predicative, prepositional
object, attribute, adverbial modifier of manner;).
Nobody seemed to know him well. (subject)
Isabel left the others and went over to him. (object)
She was young and liked to live by herself. (adverbial
modifier of manner)
He hadn’t changed at all. He was the same as before.
That young man promised to help us. (attribute)
Various individual pronouns may have different grammatical
categories – the categories of person, case, gender and person.
Some of them have the category of number (e. g. this – these, that –
those, I – we etc.) others have the category of case (e. g. we – us,
who – whom – whose, somebody – somebody’s, each other – each
other’s etc.), still others are unchangeable (e. g. what, such, all,
each etc.).
Pronouns may be divided into the following classes:
1. personal pronouns
2. possessive pronouns
3. reflexive pronouns
4. emphatic pronouns
5. reciprocal pronouns
6. demonstrative pronouns
7. quantitative pronouns
8. distributive pronouns
9. relative pronouns
10. conjunctive pronouns
11. interrogative pronouns
Personal pronouns
The Nominative Case The Objective Case
Singular Plural Singular Plural
The personal pronouns are used as nouns in the sentence. They have
the category of case.
The forms of the nominative case function in the sentence as
I think he’ll phone today.
The forms of the objective case function in the sentence as objects:
We saw him yesterday. (direct object)
They sent us a telegram. (indirect object)
We know everything about them. (prepositional object)
I heard her play the piano. (nominal part of the complex
When personal pronouns are used as predicative or after than, as and
but, the nominative case is considered to be very formal; the use of
the objective case is preferred in spoken English.
“Who is it?” “It’s me.”
“I need a secretary to dictate my piece to.” “I’ll be her.”
My brother and me went to the station. (instead of My
brother and I….)
He is as clever as him. (or as he is).
but It was he who told us about it. (the pronoun is followed by a
Personal pronouns have a few other special applications:
1. It is a tradition to use we instead of I in newspaper articles,
scientific prose, etc. The so – called ‘editorial’ we is believed to
sound more modest than I.
We are convinced that the Government has made a grave
mistake in imposing this tax.
2. The personal pronoun us is quite often used instead of me in very
informal British speech:
Give us a kiss, love.
3. You (or one) may be used as impersonal pronouns (= means ‘any
person, people in general’)
You (people, a person) should always try to be friendly to
your neighbours.
One should take care of his or her health.
4. She is sometimes used for inanimate objects, especially ships,
motor cars, aircraft as well as for countries and cities, especially
in rather formal and rhetoric speech.
Have you seen my car? She is wonderful.
5. Traditionally English has used he in cases where the sex of a
person is unknown, especially in formal style. However, he or she
is becoming increasingly common.
If anybody asks me, tell him I’ll be home at 7.
If a student doesn’t work, he or she will fail.
We often use they/them/their after somebody/someone/
Someone has forgotten their umbrella. (his or her umbrella)
If anybody wants to leave early, they can. (= he or she can)
6. The pronoun it is used:
a) to refer to nothing, everything and all:
Nothing was said at the meeting, was it?
Everything is cleaned, isn’t it?
I did all but it wasn’t enough.
b) as a formal subject in impersonal statements about weather,
time, distance, temperature and all kinds of measurements.
It is cold/noisy in this room
It is freezing/raining. It’s a lovely day.
It is a month since I saw her.
It is three miles to the nearest motel from here.
“How high is Mount Everest?” “ It is about 9000 metres
c) as an object of the sentence. In this case the pronoun it isn’t
translated into Armenian.
somebody thinks/finds/considers + it + adjective
I find it impossible to deal with him. (Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù /·ïÝáõÙ
»Ù, áñ ¹Åí³ñ ¿ Ýñ³ Ñ»ï ·áñÍ áõÝ»Ý³É:)
I think it strange that they took objection to what I said.
(Î³ñÍáõÙ »Ù ï³ñûñÇÝ³Ï ¿, áñ Ýñ³Ýù Ñ³Ï³×³é»óÇÝ ÇÙ
d) in various idiomatic expressions where it seems to have
very little lexical meaning of its own.: hang it, hop it, beat
Now that you’ve said everything, beat it. (= go away)
Possessive Pronouns
I form
II form
(absolute form)
my our
your your
her their
(+ noun)
mine ours
yours yours
hers theirs
(- noun)
That’s my umbrella, not yours. (a possessive adjective)
That dog is theirs, not ours. I’m afraid of theirs.
It isn’t her bag. Hers is black.
1. In English the possessive pronouns are often used instead of
articles with nouns denoting relations, parts of the body, articles of
clothing and various other things belonging to a person.
She took a pound out of her pocket.
He put on his jacket and left without a word.
She folded her arms and stared at him.
2. But we use the definite article (the) instead of a possessive
pronoun with prepositional phrases and verbs such as hit, punch,
slap, bite, touch, pat, sting, etc. (These idiomatic phrases are
mainly connected with parts of the body).
Defeat stared her in the face.
I am sure he is not right in the head (= to be behaving
He patted his wife on the shoulder.
Jack gripped him by the throat.
3. We use the word own in the following structures to emphasize the
fact that something belongs to someone.
noun + of + my/your, etc + own
my/your, etc. + own + noun
I’ve got a car of my own.
I’ve got my own car.
Note: The form yours is commonly used as a conventional ending to letters,
e. g.
Yours sincerely/truly/faithfully…
Ex 1. Use the appropriate personal pronouns in the following
1.“I am writing another article about the young. … take such big
decisions and … don’t worry about money and status and … aren’t
afraid to live in the present,” Laura said. 2. Jonny Fontane reached
down and lifted the bride up on the bandstand so that Connie stood
between … and Nino. 3. “What was that noise?” asked the lady.
“…was the wind,” the maid answered. 4. It is much easier to cycle
with the wind behind …. 5. “I think, Tom,” Uncle Harold had said, “it
was because of the wound. Your father took … very hard.... brought
out the dark side in ….” 6. What a lot of questions … ask in these
application forms. 7. If … see a giraffe once a year … remains a
spectacle; if … see … daily … becomes part of the scenery. 8. I have a
wonderful family. I love … very much and … love me. 9. Just
between you and …, I think Bob is going to lose his job. 10. “Our aim
is to keep Italy out of the war until … is strong enough to come in on
our side,” said the colonel. 11. She considers … important that I sit the
exam. 12. … say she has had the baby and … is a girl. 13. When the
waiter came up to his table he didn’t at once realize … was Paul. …
was as handsome as ever. 14. Boys came and went, especially two. I
thought of … as “students” though … studied nothing but pleasure.
Ex.2. Fill in the gaps with of where necessary, and my, your, etc.
Example: I would like to have a house… of my own.
I would like to have … my own house.
1. She doesn’t travel by bus any more because she’s got … car.
2. I don’t need to borrow your umbrella. I’ve got one ….
3. My job includes doing research in ….
4. Don’t let the dog sleep on your bed. It has got a bed ….
5. Sam is tired of using his friends computer, so he is going to buy
one ….
6. The couple moved into … house after they got married.
7. Jane doesn’t live with his parents any more. He’s got a flat ….
Ex 3. Supply either a possessive pronoun or the definite article
for the following sentences.
1. I’m sorry I can't help you. The decision is now out of … hand. 2.
He tried but gave up as … heart wasn’t in it. 3. The doctors were
unable to save his life. He was shot through … heart. 4. You can
argue until you are blue in … face but I’ll never agree. 5. Everyone
knew his mother had been to prison, but his wife continued to throw
it in … face. 6. After she refused to help me, I washed … hands of
her. 7. She got to … feet and began to brush off … dress. 8. Sue
refused to go to the theatre that evening. She had a pain in … knee.
9. The critics were very sever and the young writer was very hurt by
… criticisms. 10. Fred had a sip of whisky and put … glass back on
the table. 11. He took me by … hand and led out of the room. 12.
“He is laughing up … sleeve right this minute,” she said. “They
never found the body, did they?” 13. The Isle of Man is an island off
the coast of Britain. It is not completely independent but it has …
own parliament. 14. Learner drivers are not allowed to drive on …
own. 15. Ann invited some friends of hers to … flat. 16. She tried to
bite his hand and he grabbed her by … hair to lift … head up. 17. He
got a nasty knock on … head when he fell. 18. Jonny sat on the floor
with his face in … hands.
Ex. 4. Put in the missing personal pronoun (including who).
Too Much To Bear!
If you are on holiday in the Western Islands of Scotland and
…… see a bear, avoid ……! It might turn out to be Hercules, the
famous star …… has appeared in TV ads, films and cabaret.
Hercules disappeared when his owner, Andy Robbins, took …… for
a swim. Police and troops have joined in the search, but ……haven’t
had any success. After all, Hercules is unlikely to appear suddenly,
shouting, “it’s ……! Here ……am!”
The search party are carrying yoghurt and bananas to offer the
bear because that’s what …… likes best. “…… isn’t dangerous, but
…… is very hungry”, a searcher said. So if you see a ten-foot bear in
the Western Islands, make sure …… are carrying some bananas.
…… may be just what a hungry bear is waiting for and if …… don’t
find the bear, you can always eat ……yourself.
Reflexive Pronouns
Singular Plural
There is one more reflexive pronoun which is formed from the
indefinite pronoun one – oneself.
They are called reflexive pronouns because they show that the action
performed by the subject passes back again to the same person.
Ann blamed herself for the accident.
He bought himself a gold watch.
1. Reflexive pronouns may be used in different way – together with
the verb they may form set phrases characterized by idiomatic
meaning: to forget oneself, to find oneself, to come to oneself, to
be myself/herself etc.
You may be angry but you shouldn’t forget yourself.
When he came to himself, it was already dark.
The soldiers found themselves in the forest.
What’s the matter with you? You don’t seem yourself
2. A few other verbs are always followed by reflexive pronouns with
which they form a close sense-unit: to pride oneself on
something, (= to be pleased and satisfied about something) to
avail oneself of something.
He prides himself on his skill as a pianist.
Note 1. Notice the following sentences where personal pronouns are
preferred to reflexive pronouns:
Close the door behind you!
The exam results were bad but he has put that behind him now.
Note 2. We do not use a reflexive pronoun after
I tried to study but I just couldn’t concentrate.
We normally use wash/shave/dress without reflexive pronouns:
He got up, washed, shaved and dressed.
but He dried himself.
However reflexives can be used if it is necessary to make clear who does
the action:
She is old enough to dress herself now.
Does he shave himself or not?
Note 3. Reflexive pronouns may also be used instead of personal pronouns
in co -ordinated noun phrases:
There will be four of us at dinner: Bob, Jenny and myself.
3. Besides, there are a few prepositional phrases with reflexive
pronouns which are to be treated as set phrases because they have
idiomatic meaning:
beside oneself (=to lose all self-control because of anger joy
for yourself
by yourself/myself etc.
in itself
to leave smb. to himself/herself etc.
as for myself
among ourselves/themselves etc.
Emphatic pronouns
1. Reflexive pronouns can also be used to emphasize a noun or
pronoun. It usually emphasizes the subject. The reflexive can be
placed after the subject or after the object if there is one.
The queen herself gave him the ring.
Charles painted the house himself.
2. When it emphasizes the object it is placed immediately after it.
We spoke to the president himself.
She liked the diamond itself but not the setting.
Reciprocal pronouns
1. Reciprocal pronouns (each other, one another) show that
something is done mutually:
We promised each other that we would stay together.
They smiled at each other.
2. Both each other and one another can be used when speaking of two
persons. However, when more than two persons are meant, only one
another is normally used.
The whole team was proud of one another.
3. Each other and one another can be used in genitive case:
They have already forgotten each other’s names.
In their letters they used to inquire after one another’s
Note: Compare the difference between – selves and reciprocal pronouns
each other/one another:
The two boys hit each other on the nose.
but They hurt themselves.
Ex. 1. Put in a reflexive or a personal pronoun.
1. Whenever she comes to visit us she always brings her son
with ….
2. I give him a key to my house so that he could let... in.
3. It was a great party. We enjoyed ….
4. Let them take some money with ….
5. Don’t worry about …. They can take care of ….
6. “Can I take another biscuit?” “Of course. Help….”
7. We’ve got a problem. I hope you can help ….
Ex 2. Complete the sentences by using a word or expression from
the given list and an appropriate reflexive pronoun.
be ashamed of laugh at seem
be honest with be proud of pat
defend feel sorry for find
talk to be beside amuse
promise be angry at live by
work for kill entertain
1. I am terribly sorry. What I did was very wrong. I ….
2. If somebody attacks you, you need ….
3. Carol made several careless mistakes at work last week, and
her boss is getting impatient with her. Carol has … to do better
work in the future.
4. Humour can ease the trials and tribulations of life. Sometimes
we have to be able to ….
5. Nothing good ever comes from self-pity. You should stop …,
George, and start doing something to solve your problems.
6. Yesterday Fred’s car ran out of gas. Fred had to walk two miles
to a gas station. He is still … for forgetting to fill the tank.
7. The children played very well without adult supervision. They
… by playing school.
8. Some time later he came round and … in hospital.
9. It is not always easy … on holiday.
10. Now that children are grown, Mr. and Mrs. Grayson ….
11. It is important for all of us ….
12. People might think you’re a little crazy, but … is one way to
practice using English.
13. Bob’s father wanted to know if my father ….
14. All of you did a good job. You should be ….
15. A man down the street committed suicide. We were all
shocked by the news that he ….
16. At the party Frank came up to me and said, “You … today. Has
anything happened to you?”
17. You did a good job, Mr. Williams. You should … on the back.
18. When Ann’s parents heard the news, they … with anger at the
Ex 3. Complete the sentences with reflexive or reciprocal
pronouns only where necessary. In some sentences reflexive
pronouns are used for emphasis.
1. We had never met before, so we introduced … to ….
2. I wasn’t very well yesterday but I feel … much better today.
3. Tom wasn’t … yesterday. He was amiability ….
4. We … are responsible for our actions.
5. I need you and you need me. We need ….
6. In Britain friends often give … presents at Christmas.
7. We couldn’t get back into the house. We had locked … out.
8. She liked the diamond … but not the setting.
9. You’re always rushing around. Why don’t you sit down and
relax ….
10. I am going out with Chris this evening. We’re meeting … at
the station at 7.30.
11. There was no water, so we couldn’t wash ….
12. I am not my usual … today. I feel it.
13. We promised … that we would stay together.
14. When he entered the café he saw the people wink at ….
15. In their letters they made it a rule to inquire after … relatives.
16. You may think Stan is telling the truth but I … don’t believe
17. All the members congratulated … on the victory.
Demonstrative pronouns are: this, that, such and same.
This/these, that/those
1. They can be used as adjectives and as pronouns:
this man, that shop (determiner)
This is my house. Those are her papers. (demonstrative
2. When this and that are used as pronouns (without nouns) they
normally refer to things:
This is better than that one.
However this/that can be used as pronouns when we are identifying
Hello, this is Elizabeth. Is that Ruth?
This/that and it used in discourse
3. This, that and it can all be used in discourse to refer back to
things that have been talked or written about earlier.
So she decided to paint her house pink. It upset the
neighbours a bit.
or So she decided………. this/that really upset the
neighbours. (this/that are more emphatic than it)
4. When more than one thing has been mentioned, it generally refers
to the main subject of discussion whereas, this/that generally
select the last thing mentioned:
We keep the ice – cream machine in the spare room. It is
mainly used by the children. (the machine is used by the
We keep the ice – cream machine in the spare room. That is
mainly used by the children. (the spare room is used by the
5. Notice that only this can refer forward to something that hasn’t yet
been mentioned.
Now what do you think about this?
Will you be able to do this?
6. The pronoun that/those may be used instead of a noun already
mentioned. It is called a prop – word.
A dog’s intelligence is much greater than that of a cat.
He found it easier to believe that her actions were those of
a spoilt girl.
These poems aren’t so good as those written by you last
7. Those followed by a who – clause, participle or an ing –form
refers to persons:
Those who (= people who) want to attend the seminar, raise
your hands.
Those (= people) rescued were still in hospital.
Those present and those concerned are to be treated as the phrases
meaning: Ý»ñÏ³Ý»ñÁ, ß³Ñ³·ñ·éí³Í ³ÝÓÇÝù
8. In an informal style this and that are often used with adjectives
and adverbs in the same way as so.
We didn’t know he was that stupid.
I can’t walk that far.
It’s about that high.
Set phrases with this/that
that’s all right
like this/that (= such a…/in this/that way)
but for all that (= despite that)
more than that (=in addition to)
to know better than that (= to be cleverer)
hardly that (= not quite)
and all that
that is
leave it at that (=to do, say nothing more)
so that’s that
and that’s that (= there is nothing more to say, do)
that settles it
for that matter (= so far as that subject being mentioned is
(the) Same
1. The demonstrative pronoun (the) same can be used as an
adjective, adverb or a pronoun in the sentence.
He is the same age as me. (determiner)
He lived in the same house for 50 years. (determiner)
Waitress – I’ll have the same again, please. (pronoun)
I would do exactly the same if I were you. (pronoun)
Older people don’t feel the same about pop music. (adverb)
2. The same + that/as clause
He had the same absurd appearance that I remembered.
He would do it in the same way as I did.
1. The pronoun such can be used as an adjective and as a pronoun in
the sentence.
All such plants have long leaves. (determiner)
Such were his words. (pronoun)
2. Such may mean a) the kind of person or thing already mentioned
b) high degree (it may also be used to emphasize a feeling, opinion
such + a/an before singular countable nouns and some phrases
a) There is no such person working here.
I have never heard such nonsense before.
On such occasions we usually make a cake.
b) Jack is such an idiot. (the speaker wishes to emphasize)
He is such a pleasant person!
That’s such a good idea!
His room is such a mess. or Her room is so messy.
She has such a marvelous voice!
We had such a lovely time there!
3. Notice that such may be combined with some, any, no, every…
I’ll do no such thing.
He didn’t say any such thing.
On every such occasion dozens of people get injured.
Some such story was told to me years ago.
4. Very, great, extreme etc. are used when we are simply giving
information. Such is mainly used to refer to information which has
already been given, which is already known or is obvious.
I’ve had a very bad day. (giving information)
Why did you have such a bad day? (referring to information
which is already known)
There was great confusion (giving information)
Why was there such confusion? (referring to information
which is already known)
Note 1: Such is not generally used demonstratively to refer to things in the
present situation. To express the idea “of the kind that I’m showing you” or
“of the kind that we can see/hear now”, we prefer like this/that or this/that
kind/sort of
Look over there! Would you like to have a house like that?
Note 2: We use such before a noun with or without adjective. So is used
before an adjective or an adverb alone (without a noun).
She is such a baby! It was such a cold day!
Her mother is so patient with her.
Set phrases with such and the same
As such a) =as that kind of person, thing b) = considered
without other facts
Such as it is = used to suggest that something is of poor
It’s all the same to me = it makes no difference
All the same = in spite of that
Much the same = not apparently different
He is a doctor and as such can be trusted.
Ex. 1. Make one sentence from two. Use so or such (a/an).
Example: They are such nice people that everybody likes them.
1. The weather was nasty. Nobody wanted to listen to him.
2. They have got much money. Everybody likes them.
3. It was a fine day. I fell asleep in the armchair.
4. They are nice people She made herself ill.
5. He speaks English quickly. We decided to go on a picnic.
6. The film was boring. They don’t know what to do with it.
7. I hadn’t seen her for a long time. We preferred to stay at home.
8. She worked hard. The policeman stopped him.
9. He talked nonsense. I could hardly recognize her.
10. He drove fast. I can’t understand anything.
Ex.2. Complete the following sentences with appropriate main
clauses, using so, such and (the) same
Example:... I’m almost the same height … as my mother.
1. … that we took a long hike through the forest.
2. … that I had to go to my lawyer/doctor/priest/teacher
3. … as my living room.
4. … as the sky on a clear day.
5. … that I had to use several extra blankets on the bed.
6. … that he didn’t get a very good grade.
7. … as my left foot.
8. … as my little girl.
9. … that she bought it as soon as she saw it at the store.
10. … as dinner at home.
11. … as the length.
12. …as that of mine.
Ex 3. Use one of the demonstrative pronouns in the following
1. “I’m not coming with you and that’s …,” she said curtly. 2. “Now
… I’m home I’ll probably get it fixed. I couldn’t write you or
anything.” Michael said. “You have to understand … before
anything else.” 3. I’ll make a final explanation and … one will be
really final. 4. Hello, … is Elizabeth. Is … Ruth? 5. A dog’s
intelligence is much greater than … of a cat. 6. Thank you very
much. You have been … a help! 7. Joe and Carol went on a camping
holiday, and I think we’re going to do the …. 8. He dined there only
on Sundays, and not every Sunday at … 9. I believe you but there are
… who wouldn’t. 10. You can do it now or later; it’s all the … to
me. 11. You can visit me at any time you like. My services, … as
they are, are at your disposal.12. “What did she say?” “She gave
the… answer as before.” 13. Adeline was young and beautiful. More
than …, she was rich now. 14. Martin raised his voice, “I won’t have
you speak to me like …. I am an honest man.” 15. I remember now.
Some … story was told to me years ago. 16. “How is Christopher?”
said Laura. She took a maternal interest in my young people: “Much
the …. Harmless. Picturesque. Useless,” I said. 17. His behaviour
was… that everyone disliked him. 18.“There is no… person working
here.” Answered the secretary. 19. … three days at Robin hill had
been exciting, sad, embarrassing. 20. I want a shirt that’s the … as
the one in the window.
These are: some, any, no, none, one, much, many, little, few.
Some and any
1. Some and any usually express an ‘indefinite quantity’ (indefinite
amount or indefinite quality) and are used when it is not important
to say exactly how much/how many we’re thinking of. They can be
used as adjectives and as pronouns.
Won’t you have some cake? (determiner)
If I find some I’ll tell you. (quantitative pronoun)
Please buy any fruit that looks fresh. (determiner)
Please take any that you like. (quantitative pronoun)
2. Some is used in affirmative sentences and any is used in
interrogative and negative sentences.
Do you have any friends here?
We haven’t any more left.
3. But when the question is an invitation or a request some is used:
Won’t you have some cake?
Will you carry some of these boxes for me please?
4. Some can also be used when the answer ‘Yes’ is expected. (or
when the question or negation contained in the sentence doesn’t
concern some) Compare:
Did you see any men here?
Did he see some tall men with black beards? (I know that
they were there, so feel sure that he saw them)
What’s wrong? Have you got something in your eye? (it
seems that you have got something in your eye and I expect
you to answer ‘yes’.)
I couldn’t answer some of his questions.
I couldn’t answer any of his questions.
5. Some is often used for contrast. Then it is strongly stressed.
So'me of the work is too difficult, so'me are too easy.
6. Some with a number is used to say approximately or to suggest
that the number is a high or impressive one.
It happened some ten years ago.
We have exported some four thousand tons of apricot this
7. Any is used in affirmative clauses to mean ‘practically every’ ‘no
particular one’ and after words that have a negative or limiting
meaning: never, seldom, hardly, scarcely, barely and without
(which are almost negatives)
Any who have questions to ask are requested to do so in
You can wear any shoes with that dress.
I have to go shopping. We’ve got hardly any food.
You never give me any chance.
Hardly anybody likes his paintings.
He was trying without any hope of success.
8. Both some and any are common in if clauses (any is used when
some doubt or condition is implied):
If you want some/any help, let me know.
I don’t think that there is any milk in the house.
If any of your friends is/are interested in the project, let me
9. A noun can be dropped after any, if the meaning is clear:
“Did you get the oil?” “No, there wasn’t any left.”
10. Note the expressions any good/use…., any idea/ difference/
If it is any good, buy it.
You don’t look any different in that photograph.
Compounds with ‘some’, ‘any’
1. Compounds formed with some, any and no follow the same rules:
Someone/somebody – anyone/anybody – no one/nobody
Something – anything – nothing
2. The compounds in –one and in body can have the genitive case:
Did you take anybody’s photograph at the party?
3. If –one and –body are followed by else, -’s is added to else:
It’s not yours. It’s someone else’s.
4. The compounds in –body are never followed by an –of phrase,
while the compounds in –one sometimes are:
Does anyone of you correspond with her family?
No, none
1. No and none can be used with affirmative verbs to express a
negative. No is an adjective pronoun and is used as a determiner.
None can be used as subject or object (it’s a noun pronoun). Both
no and none are used with countable and uncountable nouns.
No Forsyte can stand it for a minute. (determiner)
None of us believed him. (subject)
The doctor said that the child had none of the true signs of
the disease. (object)
2. No may mean not any or not a:
He has no desire for wealth. (or He doesn’t have any desire
for wealth.)
No other person can do it. (or not a person can do it.)
We had no idea you were coming. (or we didn’t have any
I have no time for such nonsense.
It is no joke!
Compare the use of no in the following sentences:
It’s no use worrying about her now.
He is no hero.
He is no good as a pianist
No fear! (= I certainly will not!)
No way! (= Nothing will persuade me!)
3. None may mean not one or not any. The verb following none can
be singular or plural
None of the visitors have/has returned.
Were none of them the right size?
None but the brave would dare to say that.
“Is there any petrol left?” “No, none at all.”
Note1: The difference between none and no one (nobody) and nothing is
easily brought out with the help of questions.
No one (nobody) is used in answer to a who-question.
“Who are you talking to?” “No one” (nobody.)
Nothing is used in answer to a what-question.
“What are you doing there?” “Nothing.”
But none is used in answer to a how many or how much – questions.
“How many letters did you write?” “None.”
“How much coffee is left?” “None.”
For any, no and none + the comparative see unit The Adjective)
1. The pronoun one in all of its uses refers to persons or things that
are countable.
One may have different uses:
a) It is used to stand for people or for any person. (see Unit XIX)
One cannot always be right.
One doesn’t like one’s word doubted.
b) One may also have the meaning of a person./the person/the
He is not one to be scared.
There was a look in his eyes of one used to risking his life.
Do you want to be the one to spoil all that?
He is not the one to deal with. (He is not the person to deal
c) One helps to avoid the repetition of the same noun.
Would you like this table or that one?
I prefer red roses to white ones.
Students who get the highest marks are not always the ones
with the highest intelligence.
2. When one is preceded by an adjective, an article must be used.
It isn’t my beret. Mine is a black one.
-There are two rulers on the table. Which one do you want?
-The longer one.
Note 2: one is not used after own and after a superlative adjective preceded
by the definite article.
She won’t use your computer. She will use her own.
I’ll never forget that day. It was the loveliest day of my life
but His collection of paintings is a most valuable one. (a most is used
in the meaning of very, extremely)
Note 3: one is to be avoided in formal or scientific English.
Notice the idiomatic uses of one:
all one to me (= all the same to me)
by one and all (= by everybody)
one after the other (=in succession, not together)
one by one (= singly, one at a time, not together)
for one thing (=for one reason)
the little ones (=children)
the pretty ones (= pretty girls)
Much/ many, (a) little/(a) few
1. Much, many, (a) little, (a) few can also be used as pronouns:
I have some sweets but not many.
A few bought cakes and the rest bought sandwiches
She earns very little.
Much of what you say is true.
2. You can use much/many, little/few as well as the words in the
box with of:
all/some/any/most/much/many little/few/none/half/one/two
some of, most of (etc.) + the/this/that/these/those/my/his/Tom’s
Some of the students disagreed with the lecturer.
Any of you can use this computer.
None of them wanted to help her.
Some of Tom’s friends didn’t want to help him.
None of this money, none of his friends
Most of the tourists, most of these tourists
Note 4: Notice that we use most + noun without an article (countable nouns
are always plural after most e. g. most tourists, most people, most students)
George is easy to get on with. Most people like him
Ex 1. Supply “some”, “any” or “no” for the following sentences.
1. “After all, a young man could always use … pocket money,” said
Uncle John. 2. It was unlikely that … of the members would agree to
his suggestion. 3. I had … confidence in my ability not to love a man
as cultivated as Larry. 4. “Please buy … fruit that looks fresh,” said
mother to me “And there are … matches left. You must buy ….” 5.
Isn’t there … way you can help him? 6. We can't go … further. It’s
getting dark. 7. I don’t think I’ll get that job. … fewer than 60 people
have applied for the job. 8. “Which song shall I sing?” “… song. I
don’t mind.” 9. Can you give me … information about places of
interest in the town? 10. Tom and Bob are very good friends. They
understand each other without … words. 11. What a stupid thing to
do! … intelligent person would do such a thing. 12. He was waiting
outside with two counselors and … of the other children when
Daphne and John arrived. 13. Go and ask for … more paper, Nick. I
haven’t … in my desk. 14 There was hardly … place in the house
where we could talk alone. 15. He wants... more pudding. You can
take it away. 16. You can cash these traveller’s cheques at … bank.
17. … of the cities I would like to visit are Rome and Venice. 18. “If
you have … objections to this, speak now and I’ll inform Don
Corleone”, said Hagen. 19. “I have … intention of placing my fate in
their hands,” said Michael. 20. You know … women can’t see the
telephone without taking the receiver off.
Ex. 2. Choose the right word and underline it.
Example: I don’t know nothing / anything about economics.
1. Alice is so choosy. Anything/nothing ever pleases her.
2. “Do you live somewhere/anywhere near Jim?” “No, he lives in
another part of town.”
3. Sue is very secretive. She never tells something/anything to
4. I can't find Bob. He is somewhere/nowhere around.
5. It’s hot in here. Does anybody/somebody mind if I open the
6. Sally was upset about anything/something and refused to talk to
7. Sometimes he would sit silent and abstracted, taking no notice of
8. We were somehow/somewhat disappointed when we heard the
9. This medicine is very easy to use. Nobody/anybody can learn to
use it in a very short time.
10. The landlady doesn’t want to wait. We must find money for the
rent anyhow/somehow.
11. Nobody/somebody at the office could tell me
something/anything about the incident.
12. “What’s wrong with Jeff?” “I hear he has broken an arm or
13. “If anything/something happens to her, I’ll blame you,” said
Nick to me.
14. It was winter and in winter he lived without doing
15. “What’s wrong? Have you got something/anything in your
16. When we got there it was already too late to do
17. “You have hurt your arm, Ann.” “Don’t worry. It’s
18. I think nobody/somebody has any right to interfere in this
Ex 3. Supply not, no, no one, none for the following sentences.
1. When he returned for his wallet, he discovered that it wasn’t there.
He had … money with him. 2. He had the power of a leader and … a
few people wanted to make friends with him. 3. We had … to give us
accurate information, let alone advice. 4. We have had … news from
him but we are still hoping. 5. Don’t blame yourself, Jeff. … of us is
perfect; we all make mistakes. 6. He is … good as a painter. Hardly
anybody likes his paintings. 7. During that time he saw … who could
tell him what had gone wrong. 8. It was a public holiday, so there
were … any shops open. 9. We decided not to discuss that matter as
… of us were sure of the facts. 10. Let him do it himself. He is …
more ill than I am! 11. “Can you meet me later?” “I am afraid ….”
12. I wanted some more coffee but there was …. 13. She … only
looks beautiful but she dresses well. 14. I hope she is … the worse
for the accident. 15. Since … had an answer to his question, silence
fell in the room. 16. “How many tickets did you get?” “…. All the
seats were sold out.” 17. I am sure you heard it from Mary. … else
could tell you that. 18. Though he is growing old, he is … wiser than
he was yesterday. 19. When we were on holiday we took a few
photographs but … of them were very good. 20. “Don’t speak to me
about Frank. He is … friend of mine.” 21. He likes to live in other
people’s worlds and has … of his own.
Ex 4. Complete the sentences with the appropriate form of the
pronoun one. If necessary with the required article.
1. Many teachers think that students who get the highest marks are
not always the … with the highest intelligence. 2. The girls school
was on … side of the road, the boys on the other. 3. … should always
try to be friendly to … neighbours. 4. His parents never appeared in
the parish church except on special occasions. Mr. Evans’ funeral
was such …. 5. I liked my old bike but I find this other …
uncomfortable. 6. “What is your opinion of the plan?” “The plan
seems a good ….” 7. It is the most natural thing to start talking to
someone who knows nothing whatever about … and who is never
likely to cross … way again. 8. “I don’t like it.” “But such … as you
want is very rarely seen.” 9. They are six in the family. … you saw
are David and Tommy. 10. He was rather pale, and the expression on
his face was … I had never seen before. 11. People can't be their best
if … is tired all the time. 12. “This mixer is much better than … we
saw yesterday.” “Yes, and it’s cheaper. Let’s buy it.”
Ex. 5 Supply of where necessary.
1. Would you like any …cake?
2. Would you like any … this cake?
3. How much milk is there in the jug? – None ….
4. How much … the milk have you used? – None … it.
5. Shall I buy six or seven eggs? - Six will be plenty ….
6. There is plenty … food for everybody.
7. There have been a lot … changes to our plans.
8. How’s Dad today? He’s feeling a lot … better today.
9. Some … students have complained about the canteen.
10. Some … my students have complained about the canteen.
Ex. 6. Complete the sentences with the appropriate quantitative
1. I heard a knock; is there … at the door?
2. Virginia returned to England at the moment when … were
leaving it.
3. Reserve a table, and try to get … near the door.
4. Will you carry … of these packets for me, please?
5. There is not much hope. … would agree with you and still …
would vote for you.
6. “How many letters are there to type?” “…. I have already typed
them all.”
7. … who wants to do the exam must give me their names today.
8. All the pairs were either a size larger or a size smaller. … of
them were the right size.
9. “Which bus do I have to catch?” “… bus. They all go to the
10. “Don’t drink all the water.,” advised the captain, let’s keep a
little for tomorrow.”
11. . I couldn’t make an omlette because there were … eggs.
12. “Did they find their luggage?” “No. … could find their luggage.”
13. “Nobody respect him here.” “He is a … here but he is a … in his
14. I have some money but not ….
Ex. 7. Agree or disagree with the following statements
1. None of the students cheat in the exams.
2. There are no lazy students in your group.
3. Most of the students are deeply interested in the subjects they
take at the University.
4. Any student can use the internet to get necessary
information/material for his/her lessons.
5. Students with good knowledge will have much chance of finding
a good job.
These are all, every (everybody/everyone/everything), each, both,
either, neither, other and another
1. The distributive pronoun all refers to three or more items.
I’ll take all three scarves.
I’ll take both scarves.
2. All can be used to emphasize some adjectives, adverbs,
prepositions and conjunctions.
They are all cold. She was all alone. (adjective)
We looked all round, but didn’t see anything. (adverb)
What is it all about? (preposition)
It’s all because of you. (conjunction
3. When pronoun all means everything, the whole of a thing, it is
singular and when it means everybody, the total number of
persons, animals and things, it is plural.
All is lost. All is well that ends well.
All are here. All of them want to stay there over the
4. All can modify a noun or a pronoun:
All (of) the demonstrators were shouting. (with a noun)
I haven’t looked through all of it. (with a pronoun)
All used as a determiner may be singular or plural depending on the
noun modified by all.
All the work was done in time. All hope is lost.
All the students were having a test on grammar.
5. Before a noun with a determiner (for example the/ my/ this;), all
and all of are both possible. American English usually has all of.
all + determiner (the, my/his, this) + noun
All (of) my friends like hiking.
Not all of the students work hard.
Not all birds can fly. (we usually use not all + noun +
affirmative form)
The use of all with personal pronouns
6. all of + personal pronoun
All of us can swim or We can all swim.
She has invited all of you. or She invited you all.
7. Pronoun + all
Alice sent her love to them all.
She invited you all
Mother has made us all something to eat.
This doesn’t happen with predicative pronouns or in short answers:
Is that all of them?
“Who did you invite to your party?” “ All of them.” (not
them all)
The use of all with verbs
8. All is used with verbs
auxiliary verb + all
am/is/ are/ was/were+ all
We don’t all speak Spanish.
They were all doing the same work.
The guests have all arrived.
The women were all singing.
They are all here.
All that… structure
9. All that… structure often has a rather negative meaning,
expressing ideas like ‘nothing more’ or ‘the only thing’
This is all I’ve got.
All I want is a place to sit down.
All that happened was that he left banging the door behind
All and whole
10. All (of) and whole can both be used with singular nouns to mean
‘complete’, every part of:
all (of) the week/ the whole week, all (of) my life/ my whole life
but He can eat a whole chicken. (all is not generally used
before indefinite articles)
11. We do not normally use whole with uncountable nouns.
I spent all the money you gave me.
She has eaten a whole loaf.
Note1: Before proper nouns (names) and pronouns we always use the
whole of, not whole. All (of) is also possible.
I have just read the whole of/all of ‘Gone with the Wind’
The whole of /All of Venice was under water.
Note 2: With plural nouns all and whole have different meanings. All is like
every: whole means entire, complete. Compare:
All Indian tribes suffered from white settlement in America.
(=Every Indian tribe suffered…)
Whole Indian tribes were killed off. (=Complete tribes were
Notice the following idiomatic uses of all
He is all in. (= He is completely exhausted.)
It was all my fault. (= entirely)
The money is all gone. (= completely)
The child was all covered with mud. (= wholly)
I warn you, once and for all, that it must be stopped. (=
for the last and only time)
All in all it has been a successful conference. (=considering
all the facts)
Each, every
1. Each can be used as an adjective pronoun and as a pronoun
whereas every is used only as an adjective pronoun. Compare:
Each team has a place to practice. Each one of you is to
You will each receive an invitation.
I sent a postcard to each of my friends.
Jane and Ann each bought a new coat.
Each is an excellent example.
I have read every book she has written. Every word he said
is true.
Note 3: Each/every imply a number of persons/things considered
individually, all implies a number of persons/things as a group:
Every light was out. All lights were out
Note 4: But we can use all with place names and some singular countable
nouns to mean ‘every part of’, ‘the whole of’
All London was talking about her affairs. (every part of London)
We have been round all the village looking for the cow.
2. Each and every are followed by a singular verb. The only
important differences between them are: each can be used for two
or more persons/things while every is not normally used for very
small numbers:
Two men entered. Each (man) was carrying a heavy
Every (or each) man carried a torch.
3. We say each+ of/ each one +of
Each of you has a chance of winning.
Each one of you is to blame.
but I have read every book she’s written or every one of her
4. Everyone, everybody and everything (pronouns) mean ‘all
people’ or ‘all the people’ and ‘all things.’ They take singular
The expressions ‘all people’ and ‘all things’ are seldom heard: ‘all
the people’/’all the things’ + a qualifying phrase or clause is
possible: but everyone/everybody or everything is more usual.
Everyone respects him = All the people who know him
respect him.
Everybody stood up = All the people who were there stood
Everything is yours = All (that) I have is yours.
She lost everything = She lost all (that) she owned.
Notice the idiomatic uses of very in the following sentences
Every other car was damaged in the accident. (= every
second, fourth, sixth, etc car)
They visit us every three days (= every third day)
We had to stop every few miles. (= We had to stop every
time we had walked, ridden a few miles) Every
reason/faith, pleasure, opportunity… (= all possible,
He has every faith in you.
Both / neither / either
1. We use both / neither / either for two persons or things. The
pronoun neither is the opposite to the both and neither
- There are two hotels in this town.
- Both hotels are very bad.
- Is/ neither of them good?.
- As for me we can go to either hotel. I don’t mind.
2. After neither of/either of…a singular verb is usually used but
they are often used with a plural verb in informal questions and
(negative) statements.
Are / Is either of your hands injured.
3. We use both/neither/either
Both of the lungs are infected. or Both lungs are infected.
Both of my parents are from Yerevan. or Both my parents
Are/Is either of your parents at home?
Are /Is neither of your feet feeling better?
4. You can use both of/neither of with personal pronouns in
objective case:
both of/neither of/ either of + us/you/them
Both of us have been to Paris or We have both been to Paris.
I was invited to two weddings but I didn’t go to either of them.
I tried two bookshops for the book but neither of them was
5. both…and, either…or, neither…nor constructions. We can say
both + adjective + and + adjective
both + noun +and + noun
She is both pretty and clever. (adjective)
I saw both the father and the son. (nouns)
She both dances and sings (sometimes verbs are possible)
Other and another
1. The distributive pronoun other has two numbers: singular – other:
plural – others. It has two cases: the common case and the genitive
case (other’s, others’).
In the sentence it is used as subject, object, and attribute.
Others will offer better prices but is the quality as good?
She left the others and went over to him.
I didn’t manage to visit other museums.
2. The other + a singular noun means the second of the two.
You take this chair and I’ll take the other one.
3. The other + plural noun or the others without a noun mean the
rest, the remaining.
Some of the guests went off to bathe, the other guests
preferred to stay inside.
Those are yours and the others are mine.
You are not fair to the others.
Both the children and their parents
were present at the parents’ meeting.
George neither smokes nor drinks.
We can leave either today or tomorrow.
4. Other +a plural noun or others without a noun mean additional,
different, remaining.
Learn from other people’s mistakes
My parents and six others went to the meeting.
Will you have any others?
What other advice can I give you?
Notice the use of other with some, any, no in the following
Some other facts are necessary.
Any other man could do this job.
No other person behaves like you.
5. Another + a singular noun means an additional one, a different
one, any other.
Have another cup of tea.
I won’t say another word about it. (an additional)
I’ll come another day. (a different)
I would never steal another girl’s boyfriend.
You have this ticket and I’ll buy another.
She didn’t like it so she took another one.
Notice the idiomatic uses of other and another
the other day/night etc.(= one day/night recently)
to be other than (= be different)
somehow or other (= in some way that cannot be accounted
some idiot or other (= an unknown idiot)
every other somebody/something (= each alternative
one after another/the other (= one person thing then
another ten minutes/five kilometers/ twenty drams (= ten
minutes/….. more)
He left after another few/six days.
You will have to wait another fifteen minutes.
Ex.1. Choose the right word.
Example: I spent the whole / all the money you gave me.
1. Please return the whole /all the six copies. I need them badly.
2. When the fire alarm rang, everybody / all left the building
3. She didn’t say where she was going. All / everything she said
was that she was going away.
4. Our holiday was a disaster. Everything / all went wrong.
5. I have lived here whole my life / all my life.
6. On the all / whole I agree with you.
7. They did well in the examination. Everybody of/ all of them
8. Everyone in the team played well. In fact, the whole / all the
team played well.
9. He shouted at all / everybody of us although most of us had
done nothing.
10. I have wasted two hours because the whole / all the information
they gave was wrong.
11. Why are you so lazy? Why do you expect me to do everything /
all for you.
12. I waited for her a whole / the whole hour, but she didn’t turn up.
13. The whole / all London was talking about her affairs.
14. Julie felt bad. She spent the whole / all week at home.
15. He is a greedy person. Money means all / everything to him.
16. All / everything I have eaten today is a sandwich.
17. “What happened to her father? ” “He lost all / everything he
18. Don’t take it to heart. All / all of children can be difficult.
Ex.2. Choose between “all”, “every”, and “each” to use it in the
following sentences.
1. Stop arguing! You are … right in a different way. 2. It’s a good
idea to have check up with the dentist … six months. 3. I tried to
phone her two or three times, but … time there was no reply. 4. “I
can't understand her. … time I ask her out she refuses,” Tommy had
complained. 5. It was a great occasion and … the family were
present. 6. He shouted her name twice, … time banging his fist on
the table. 7. “That’s the sort of job … boys like doing,” said aunt
Maria smiling. 8. I like Danielle Steel. I have read … book she has
written. 9. They … listened carefully to what the other said. 10.
When I was on holiday, … my luggage was stolen. 11. Car seat belts
save lives. … driver should wear one. 12. He had been brought up by
a mother who had taught him that … pleasure must be paid for. 13.
… trunks must be labeled before being deposited in the left-luggage
office. 14. They are a nice couple and I want them … to be happy.
15. He always takes full advantage of … opportunity to see the child.
16. We had a great weekend. I enjoyed … minute of it. 17. It was an
exciting match. … the people were cheering loudly. 18. … one of the
students is required to take the final test.
Ex.3. Supply each other, other or another in the following
sentences. Use article if it is necessary.
Example: The students in the class come from many countries.
One of the students is from Mexico. Another student
is from Iraq. Another is from Japan. Other students
are from Brazil. Others are from Algeria.
1. That country has two basic problems. One is inflation, and … is
instability of their country. 2. It’s a long trip. I’m getting tired of
riding in the car, but we still have … two hundred miles to go. 3.
Louis and I have been friends for a long time. We’ve known … since
we were children. 4. Thank you for inviting me to go on the picnic.
I’d like to go with you, but I’ve already made … plans. 5. Some TV
programs are excellent, but … are terrible. 6. Mr. and Mrs. Jay are
happily married couple. They love …. 7. I am almost finished. I just
need … five minutes. 8. Two countries border on the United States.
One is Canada. … is Mexico. 9. His father reads the New York
Times every day. He doesn’t read any … newspapers. 10. He is a
frequent guest. He comes here every … day. 11. They have three
children. One has graduated from college and has a job. … is in
school at the University of Arkansas. … is still living at home. 12.
Prices continually rise. Next year a new car will cost … three or four
hundred dollars. 13. Then I read the novels of George Meredith one
after …. 14. I think the first thing to do is to have … talk with your
sister. 15. “Where did you see them?” “Well, we met them in the
club … night.” 16. He was furious. Without … word he started up
the car. 17. The doctor said you are getting better but you should see
him every … week. 18. Well, that’s that. …day’s work finished.
Let’s go home.
Ex.4. Complete the sentences, using an appropriate form of other
(the other, others, another…)
1. Some people prefer classical music, but ….
2. There are three colours that I especially like. One is ….
3. I have two candy bars. I want only one of them. Would you like
4. I am still thirsty. I’d like….
5. There are three places in particular that I would like to visit. One
is ….
6. Only two of the students failed the quiz. All of ….
7. The committee hasn’t finished the work yet. They need ….
8. Many people like jazz while … people prefer rock and roll.
9. I like this country. I’ll be here for ….
10. I would like to read more on this subject. Do you have any ….
11. Some of these letters are more important than ….
12. After the examination, most of the students congratulated one ….
13. That’s one way to do, but there is ….
14. I think after what happened they won’t do ….
15. One man’s meat is ….
16. The first fire truck arrived in one minute. … trucks arrived later.
17. There are ten books here. Eight are mine. … two aren’t.
18. Mary’s computer broke, so she bought ….
Ex.5. Paraphrase the following sentences using both, both … and,
either … or / neither … nor.
Example: The leopard faces extinction. The tiger faces extinction.
Both the leopard and the tiger face extinction.
1. We can fix dinner for them here, or we can take them to a
2. Fred’s father buys and sells used car.
3. I haven’t got time to go on holiday. And I haven’t got the money.
4. Mary is 14 years old, but she cooks well and entertains well.
5. Her roommate doesn’t know where she is. Her mother doesn’t
know either.
6. It was a very boring film. It was very long too.
7. George doesn’t smoke and he doesn’t drink.
8. We can leave today or we can leave tomorrow.
9. Jim is on holiday and so is Carol.
10. She hasn’t written or phoned me since last autumn.
Ex.6. Use “both,” “either” or “neither” in the following sentences.
1. And without another word John scribbled a name on a piece of
paper, wrote her a check for a thousand dollars, and handed them …
to her. 2. The match ended in a draw. … side scored a goal. 3.“What
have you written, a short story or an essay?” “I’m afraid it doesn’t
come within … description.” 4. “Can I speak to Mr. or Mrs. Fields?”
“I’m afraid … of them is here. They are away on holiday.” 5. “Are/is
… of your parents at home?” asked the postman when the little boy
opened the door. 6. Nick and Tom are … my friends. But … is in the
town now. They are … in the Navy. 7. “I want to make an
appointment for my son to see his doctor.” “Which day is suitable for
you, Monday or Tuesday?” “… of the days is convenient.” 8. We
drove along a wide road with ditches and trees on … side. 9. I saw an
accident this morning. One car drove into the back of another.
Fortunately … driver was injured but … cars were quite badly
damaged. 10. “Where did you go for your holidays – Scotland or
Ireland?” “We went to …. A week in Scotland and a week in
Ireland.” 11. “What are you going to have, brandy or whiskey?” “….
I don’t have any desire for drink tonight.” 12. “Tell … your mother
and father that I’m expecting them tonight.” “I’m afraid I won’t see
… of them today.”
Ex. 7. Put in each, every, everyone, everything, anything, all,
whole, each other, another.
Jim Meets James
I’ve just heard the ………story of the Lewis twins from Ohio, who
were adopted by different families at birth and who met ……… for
the first time at the age of 39. ……… wanted to know if they had
……… in common. They had! They had ………married a woman
called Linda. ……… of them had been divorced and married ………
woman called Betty. The couples who adopted them had …………
called them ‘Jim’. Many similar things happened to them ……… in
their lives. The ………
list is endless. Almost ………experience they had had was the same:
there were exact parallels for ………… they had ever done. As Jim
said when he first met James, “ It wasn’t like meeting a stranger.”
(Relative adverbs, Connective relatives)
Relative pronouns who, whose, whom, which and that introduce
relative (attributive) clauses. Relative clause tells us which person or
thing (or what kind of person or thing) the speaker means. The word
they refer to is called their antecedent. It may be a noun or a
Relative clauses are of two kinds: 1. Defining 2. Non – defining.
Defining relative clause
Defining clauses describe the preceding noun in such a way as to
distinguish it from other nouns of the same class.
The woman who serves in the shop is the owner’s wife.
What have you done with the papers that I gave you?
1. We use who, whom, whose and that for persons.
Surgeons are people who perform medical operations.
Is that the man whose house was burnt down last week?
The boy who (that) won the first prize is my classmate.
The girl whom (who) we saw yesterday is a ballet dancer.
2. We use which, that, whose when we are talking about things:
A dictionary is a book that/which gives you the meaning of
What happened to the documents which/ that were on the
That’s the house whose roof collapsed in the storm.
3. Notice that that is more usual:
a) after superlatives
Mozart was one of the greatest composers that ever lived.
This is the most expensive hotel (that) I know.
b) after quantitative and distributive pronouns: all, much, little,
everything, anybody, somebody, something, none, one, no,
nothing, nobody;
She had always had everything that she wanted.
All apples that fall are eaten by the goats.
Those are the ones that I was describing.
There is not much that can be done.
A mystery is something that can’t be explained.
Note: After all, nobody no one, somebody, someone, anybody, we can
use either who or that:
She was all that he ever wished for.
All who/that heard him were delighted with him.
Anybody else who needs tickets must tell me.
c) for groups of people and animals or things:
the people and animals that live on the farm
the staff and equipment that will be needed
d) after a noun modified by same:
Put it back in the same place that you took it from.
4. You must use who/that/which when it is the subject of the
relative clause and you can leave them out if they are the object of
the relative clause:
The people who live next door are very friendly. (the
The people who (whom) we met at the party were very
friendly. (the object)
The jacket that/which was bought yesterday doesn’t fit him
at all. (the subject)
The jacket that/which he bought doesn’t fit him at all. (the
Preposition + whom /which
5. It is more usual to move the preposition to the end of the clause,
using which or whom or omitting the relative pronoun altogether.
(Unlike which and whom, that cannot be preceded by a
The lecture to which we listened yesterday was very
The lecture which/that we listened to yesterday was very
or The lecture we listened to yesterday was very interesting.
This is Mrs. Green, about whom I was telling you.
This is Mrs. Green, who (whom) I was telling you about.
or This is Mrs. Green I was telling you about.
6. We can use a quantitative or a distributive pronoun + whom
(people), which (things).
all/none /some
of + whom/which.
Remember to use commas before all/none/some…+ whom/which):
Tom has two sisters, neither of whom is married.
Five people applied for that job, none of whom were
Ann’s flat consists of five rooms, two of which they hardly
ever use.
Non – defining relative Clauses
Non – defining relative clauses are placed after nouns which are
definite already. They give us extra information about the person or
thing. Unlike defining clauses, they are not essential in the sentence
and can be omitted without causing confusion. Also unlike defining
relatives, they are separated from their noun by commas.
1. We use who (whom), whose (people), which (things) in nondefining
Fireman, whose work is often dangerous, are usually paid less
than the police.
Alice, whose father is a pilot, wants to become a stewardess.
This morning we met Dave, whom we hadn’t seen since last
We stayed at The Hilton hotel, which Ann recommended to us.
2. Preposition + which
The preposition can be placed before the relative pronoun which, or
at the end of the clause:
The computer, for which she paid $ 500, can do many things.
The computer, which I paid $ 500 for, can do many things.
Connective relatives
1. Connective relatives are who and which
I saw Kate in the office. She gave me this invitation. could
be combined as
I saw Kate in the office and she gave me this invitation.
or I saw Kate, who gave me this invitation.
I bought this dictionary. It helped me a lot.
I bought this dictionary, which helped me a lot.
2. Which can refer to a whole clause:
He said that he had no money. This was perfectly true. =
He said that he had no money, which was perfectly true.
We had to sleep in our wet clothes, which was most
Notice that commas are used with connective relatives.
3. What cannot be used as a connective relative and neither can that.
What is parallel to the thing /the things that:
The things that we saw astonished us.=What we saw
astonished us.
Everything that he said was true=What he said was true
Relative adverbs
1. We can use relative adverbs where, when and why to replace a
preposition + which:
when replaces in/on/which, used for time
where replaces in which/at which, used for place
why replaces for which, used for reasons
the day on which she arrived = the day when she arrived
he house in which he lived = the house where he lives
the reason for which he came = the reason why he came
Ann is going to spend a few weeks in Russia, where her
sister lives.
The city where/in which we live is beautiful.
The city which/that we live in is beautiful.
The city we live in is beautiful.
I’ll never forget the day when/on which we first met.
I’ll never forget the day that we first met
I’ll never forget the day we first met
The reason (why/ that) I am phoning you is to invite you to
my party
Notice that you cannot leave out relative pronouns in non – defining
relative clauses.
Ex.1. Make one sentence from the sentences given, using a
relative clause. Sometimes the clause goes in the middle of the
sentence, sometimes at the end. (You will need to use who, that,
which, whose, whom, where and when.)
Example: The student writes well. I read her composition.
The student whose composition I read writes well.
1. The taxi driver was very friendly. He took me to the airport.
2. The woman called the police. Her wallet was stolen.
3. I come from a small country. Its history goes back thousands of
4. We stayed at the Grand Hotel. Ann recommended it to us.
5. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. My brother lives there.
6. John is one of my closest friends. I have known him for a very
long time.
7. I was looking for a book this morning. I have found it now.
8. London was once the largest city in the world, but its population
is now falling.
9. Margaret has a son. She showed me a photograph of him. He’s a
10. There was a strike at the car factory. It lasted ten days. It is now
11. A job was advertised. A lot of people applied for it. Few of them
had the necessary qualifications.
12. Sheila is away from home now. Her job involves a lot of
13. Firemen are paid less than the police. Their work is often
14. I’ll never forget the day. I first met you then.
15. Fortunately we had a map. We would have got lost without a
16. The woman stepped on my toe. I was dancing with her.
17. The computer can do many things. She paid $500 for it.
18. The picture was beautiful. She was looking at it with admiration.
Ex.2. Decide whether it is possible to leave out the word
underlined in each sentence.
Example: a) I thanked the woman who helped me. (impossible)
b) The building where he lives in is very old. (possible)
(The building he lives in is very old.)
1. The scientist that we met yesterday is well known for his
2. The letter that arrived this morning contained bad news I’m
3. In the whole book there was only one chapter which interested
4. There is only one Greek island which he hasn’t visited.
5. Do you like the person who sits next to you in class?
6. She is the lady who (m) I told you about.
7. Mr. Catt has a painting whose value is inestimable.
8. I recently went back to the town where I was born.
9. This school is only for children whose first language is not
10. Mrs. Bond is going to spend a few weeks in France, where her
son lives.
11. Do you still remember the day when we first met?
12. The manager will visit the factory in April, when (during which
time) she’ll talk to all the staff.
Ex. 3. Complete the following sentences using an expression of
quantity with of (some of, many of, most of, none of, two of, half
number of, etc). Use commas before the expressions of quantity.
Example: They asked me a lot of questions, most of....
They asked me a lot of questions, most of which I
couldn’t answer.
1. I have sent her two letters, neither of ….
2. That company currently has five employees, all of....
3. The teachers discussed Jim, one of....
4. Jeff introduced me to his roommates, two of....
5. Norman won $ 50.000, half of....
6. After the riot, over one hundred people were taken to hospital,
many of... 7. Ten people applied for the job, none of ….
7. We are given a lot of information, most of....
8. Julia has two sisters, both of....
9. Kate has got two cars, one of....
10. There were a lot of people at the party, only a few of....
11. The company hired ten new employees, some of....
Ex. 4. Choose the correct word. In some of these sentences both
are possible in others only which is possible.
1. The sun which/that is one of millions of stars in the universe
provide us with hear and light.
2. There are some words which / that are very difficult to translate.
3. She told me her address which / that I wrote down on a piece of
4. The office which / that I’m using at the moment is very small.
5. My office which / that is on the second floor of the building is
very small.
6. Colin told me about his new job, which / that he’s enjoying very
7. Jane works for accompany which / that makes shoes.
Conjunctive pronouns
The conjunctive pronouns are: who(m), what, whose, which, how
much, how many.
1. Who (m), what, whose, which are not only used in relative
clauses but also have conjunctive power, introducing different
kinds of clauses (subject clauses, object clauses, predicative
clauses.), except adverbial clauses and appositive clauses, which
are introduced only by conjunctions.
What is done cannot be undone. (subject clause)
Life in my country isn’t what it used to be. (predicative
He surprised us by what he did. (prepositional object)
We didn’t know what Gloria had told Mr. Barton. (object
I can’t tell you who brought that letter. (object clause)
2. Conjunctive pronouns can perform different functions in the
clauses they introduce.
We didn’t know to whom he had given the letter.
(prepositional object)
She didn’t know who was in the boat. (subject)
3. That is not a conjunctive pronoun when it introduces subject,
predicative and an object clauses. It is a mere conjunction because
it has no syntactic function in the sentence.
That they are going to get married is no longer a secret to
anyone. (subject clause)
My guess is that he is in love. (predicative clause)
We know that she is smart. (object clause)
Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are used in inquiry, to form special questions.
They are: who, whose, what, which, how many, how much
1. The objective case of who is whom which is used as an object in
the sentence. It may be used as a) a direct object or b) a
prepositional object:
a) Who (m) did you meet there? (direct object)
b) By whom was is written? (prepositional object)
Note: Notice the following idiomatic uses of who
It was so dark that I couldn’t tell who’s who. (= couldn’t tell one
person from the other.)
You can find his name in Who’s Who. (= a reference book on
contemporary outstanding people.)
2. When what is used as a determiner (attribute to nouns) it can
denote both persons and things.
What artists are going to be exhibited this spring?
What films do you like to see?
3. The use of which is more restricted than that of what because
which is selective – it selects one or more out of a definite number
of persons or things.
Which will you have juice or mineral water?
Which of your friends will you invite to your wedding?
Compare the use of what and which in the following sentences:
What cassettes do you have at home? Which of them is
your favourite one?
What examination are you going to take this term? Which
of them do you find most difficult?
Note: The interrogative pronouns who, what, which may be made
emphatic by adding ever. Ever here has a meaning like on earth, in
the world. Depending on the situation, questions introduced by the
emphatic forms in – ever express different emotions (surprise, anger,
despair, indignation, etc). The use of the form in –ever is (whichever,
whoever, etc) distinctly colloquial.
Whichever of them will take the prize?
Whoever can be calling at this time of the night?
Ex. 1. Put in a suitable conjunctive pronouns.
1. It’s for you to decide … is to speak to the chief.
2. He examined the official records to find out in … name the house
and plot were registered
3. Tell me … daughter you’re going to take along with you and … is
staying behind.
4.. I was sure … he said about the girl was true.
5.. If you ask for “the German”, every one will know … you mean
6.. They are a family that would quarrel about … way a doorknob
7... They asked a young woman … the street was called
Ex. 2. Change these What + noun questions into How + adjective
Example: What is the depth of this pool? How deep is this pool?
1. What’s the age of this building? How ….
2. What distance is Ashtarak from here? How….
3. What size is your briefcase? How ….
4. What length is this room? How ….
5. What height is this wall? How ….
6. What’s the width of this street? How ….
Ex. 3. Make questions from the following sentences.
Example: I like my coffee black.
How do you like your coffee?
1. Jack is about medium height and has red hair and freckles.
2. Sue is very serious and hardworking.
3. My sister takes her coffee with sugar.
4. It’s a building meant for offices.
5. My friend is nearly two metres high.
6. The girls called their step-mother “Cruella.”
7. I’m sixty kilos in weight.
8. The street I live in is called Aram Khachaturian.
9. This road is twelve metres wide.
10. It’s twenty kilometers to Echmiadzin from here.
Ex. 4. Match the questions and the answers.
1. How do you do?
2. How are you?
3. How have been?
4. How’s life?
5. How’s the garden?
6.How about going to the
7. How was the concert?
8. How would you like to have
lunch with us?
a) I’d love to. That’s very kind of you.
b) It was very enjoyable.
c) Not bad, but I had a cold last week.
d) How do you do?
e) Yes, that’s a nice idea. Let’s.
f) Coming along nicely. The tulips are
coming out.
g) Very well, thank you. And you?
h) Fine! How’s life with you?
Ex.5. Complete the sentences with appropriate relative,
conjunctive and interrogative pronouns.
1. “… do you want to speak to?” “I want to speak to Mr. Smith”
“…of them do you want? We have two here.” 2. The man … opinion
I respect most is my father. 3. All … Enid said was: Uncle Thomas,
you look funny this morning. 4. They had brought few books with
them … she hadn’t read. 5. …do you call the sea between England
and France?. 6 “… did you come here?” “I came in my car.” 7. You
are one of the few people … I would like to know better. 8.. “… tall
is your brother?” “He is almost two metres.” 9.. Now … you see all
the family together tell me … you think of us. 10. … quality do you
admire in a man? 11. There is whisky, gin and sherry: … will you
have? 12. … I saw was a solid-looking brick house.. 13. “… does she
look like?” “Oh, I think she looks like a scarecrow.” 14. That’s the
worst news … we’ve ever had from you. 20. “I have never been
given any of Granny’s things.” “… about her watch?” 15. A few
days ago I met someone … brother I went to school with. 16. The
reason … I’m phoning you is to invite you to a party. 17. “… high is
Mount Everest?” “It is over eight thousand metres high.” 18. Our
little boy will never forget the time … we got stuck in a lift. 19. …
sort of factory do they intend to put up in this area?. 20.. I told him
everything … was relevant. 21. We climbed to the top of the tower,
from … we had a beautiful view.. 22. Later that afternoon Phil went
to San Fernando, … he soon found the house in … their father was
said to live.
Ex.1. Complete the sentences with the appropriate pronouns.
1. Mr. Smith didn’t catch the sense of our offer. We need to have
… talk with him.
2. … of us know how much he suffered. He doesn’t like to speak
about it.
3. I don’t believe that … of your friends is coming today.
4. Before leaving he gave … student a task.
5. Do you see … trees over there?
6. “There are … matches left.” “ I’ll buy … on my way home.
7. We have O’Henry and Byron. Which of the books you’d like to
have? Oh, …will do.
8. Jacky and Suzie are … my friends. But … is with me now. They
are … abroad.
9. She is … busy or ill. … shall we do in … case?
10. I met him in the club the … day.
11. … who were absent will write the test today.
12. She saw him coming out of the station with a kit-bag in … hand.
13. Fleur was smiling, a little defiantly. It was … who uttered the
first words.
14. We asked them … company they represented and … sort of
goods they offer.
15. … I saw was a miracle.
16. I think after what John did yesterday he ought to be ashamed of
17. … … they want to tell is about Mary.
18. “I think... in … it has been a successful conference,” said the
19. When we get there it might be too late to do ….
20. He plays football perfectly. He can hit the ball by … leg.
21. … the money was spent. … is left there.
22. He invited us …, but we knew he wouldn’t like … of us at the
23. You’re one of the people, … I’d like to know better.
24. On … occasions we usually make a cake
Ex. 2. Put in a, the, some, one or a possessive pronoun. If no
article is needed, write 0 in the space.
1. Johnny’s mother took him by... hand and walked him across the
2. If anyone needs a pen, just ask; I have... few extras.
3. I have four dictionaries. Two are Japanese and... others are
4. ... dog that growls will very often bite as well.
5. I bought more coffee because we have only... little left.
6. When the dog brought the duck, the hunter patted the dog on...
7. I don’t have enough credits to graduate now, so I have to wait
until... next year.
8. The Custom Officer said to the lady, “ Could you open up...
suitcase for me please?”
9. It was Sunday.... shop was open, but all... others were closed.
10. After lunch we spent... time in... National Museum.
11. The climber broke... leg, not his both legs as we thought at first.
12. ... birds cannot fly.
13. ... most people don’t like snakes.
14. Almost all... cars have seat belts today.
15. “I perceive,” said Jolyon, “that you are trying to kill two birds
with … stone.”
Ex.3. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. ²Ýû·áõï ¿ Ñáõë³É, Ã» Ý³ Ï÷áËíÇ: ²Û¹ Ù³ñ¹Á í³Õáõó ¿
Ïáñóñ»É Çñ í³ñÏÁ:
2. Ø³ñ¹ å»ïù ¿ Ñá· ï³ÝÇ Çñ ³éáÕçáõÃÛ³Ý Ñ³Ù³ñ. úñÇÝ³Ïª
ãå»ïù ¿ ÍËÇ: ÌË»ÉÁ ï³ñμ»ñ ÑÇí³Ý¹áõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÇ å³ï×³é ¿
3. èáõ¹áÉýÁ ³ñÑ³Ù³ñÑáõÙ ¿ñ Çñ»Ý ³Û¹ ÃáõÉáõÃÛ³Ý Ñ³Ù³ñ, μ³Ûó
ÙÇ³Å³Ù³Ý³Ï ½·áõÙ ¿ñ, áñ å³ñ½³å»ë ãÇ Ï³ñáÕ ãÙï³Í»É
æáõÉÇ³ÛÇ Ù³ëÇÝ:
4. Ø»Ýù ã»Ýù Ï³ñáÕ û·Ý»É ù»½, ²ñÃá°õñ: ¸áõ ëïÇåí³Í »ë Ù»Ý³Ï
ÉáõÍ»É ³Û¹ ËÝ¹ÇñÁ: ºí ÑÇßÇñ` Ù»Ýù ÇÝùÝÝ»ñë »Ýù
å³ï³ëË³Ý³ïáõ Ù»ñ ·áñÍáÕáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³ñ, - ³ë³ó
5. - ÂáÙÝ Çñ ÝÙ³Ý ã¿ñ »ñ»Ï: Æ±Ýã ¿ñ å³ï³Ñ»É Ýñ³Ý: -
²ßË³ï³ÝùÁ Ù»Ï áõñÇßÇÝ ¿ÇÝ ïí»É, ¨ Ý³ μ³ñÏáõÃÛáõÝÇó Çñ»Ý
Ïáñóñ»É ¿ñ:
6. ÎáÝëï»μÉÝ ³ë³ó, áñ Ýñ³Ýù, áíù»ñ ï»ë»É »Ý ¹Åμ³Ëï
å³ï³Ñ³ñÁ, å»ïù ¿ ï»Õ»Ï³óÝ»Ý áëïÇÏ³ÝáõÃÛ³ÝÁ:
7. ¸³ ³Û¹ù³Ý Ñ»ßï ã¿, ²ÉÇ°ë: ÆÝÓ ÃíáõÙ ¿, áñ ¹áõ ã³÷Çó ³í»ÉÇ
Ñ³ë³ñ³Ï³óÝáõÙ »ë ³Û¹ ËÝ¹ÇñÁ:
8. ´áÉáñ ÁÝÏ»ñáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ å»ïù ¿ Ù»Ï³Ï³Ý Ý»ñÏ³Û³óáõóÇã
áõÕ³ñÏ»ÇÝ ³Û¹ ÏáÝý»ñ³ÝëÇÝ: ²Û¹åÇëÇÝ ¿ñ
9. àãÇÝã ãÇ ÷áËí»É ³Ûë ù³Õ³ùáõÙ. ³Ù»Ý ÇÝã ³é³çí³ å»ë
ÝáõÛÝÝ ¿,- ³ë³ó ²¹»ÉÇÝÁ` Ñá·áó Ñ³Ý»Éáí:
10. ÆÝãáõ± »ë ¹áõ ÙÇßï ÷áÕÇ Ù³ëÇÝ Ùï³ÍáõÙ: öáÕÁ` áñå»ë
³Û¹åÇëÇÝ, »ñç³ÝÏáõÃÛáõÝ ãÇ μ»ñáõÙ:
11. îÝûñ»ÝÝ áõß³¹Çñ Éë»ó ³Û¹ »ñÏáõ ³é³ç³ñÏÝ»ñÁ ¨ Ñ»ïá
³ë³ó, áñ ¹ñ³ÝóÇó ¨ áã Ù»ÏÁ ÁÝ¹áõÝ»ÉÇ ã¿:
12. ÆÝÓ ï»Õ»Ï³óñ»É »Ý, áñ áñáß áõë³ÝáÕÝ»ñ ÙÇßï áõß³ÝáõÙ »Ý
¹³ë»ñÇó, -μ³ñÏ³ó³Í ³ë³ó ¹»Ï³ÝÁ ¨ Ñ»ïá ³í»É³óñ»ó, -»ë
³Ù»Ý ÑÇÙù áõÝ»Ù Ñ³í³ï³Éáõ ¹ñ³Ý:
13. ºÏ»ù Ñ»é³Ý³Ýù ³Ûëï»ÕÇó: ÆÝã–áñ Ù»ÏÁ ·³ÉÇë ¿, ÇëÏ »ë ã»Ù
áõ½áõÙ, áñ áñ¨¿ Ù»ÏÁ Ù»½ ï»ëÝÇ ³Ûëï»Õ:
14. ÐÇÉ¹³Ý ÙÇßï μáÕáùáõÙ ¿, áñ Çñ ³ßË³ï³ÝùÁ ß³ï ¹Åí³ñ ¿,
μ³Ûó »ë ·Çï»Ù, áñ ³ÛÝ ß³ï Ñ»ßï ¿, ¨ áõ½³Í¹ Ù³ñ¹Á Ï³ñáÕ ¿
³Ý»É ³ÛÝ:
15. ºñμ Ý³ ³é³çÇÝ ³Ý·³Ù ³Ûë ù³Õ³ù »Ï³í, ëïÇåí³Í ¿ñ
Ï³Û³ñ³ÝáõÙ ùÝ»É, ù³ÝÇ áñ á°ã ÷áÕ áõÝ»ñ, á°ã ¿É ÙÝ³Éáõ ï»Õ:
16. ¸»ýÝÇÝ »ñÏ³ñ ½μáëÝáõÙ ¿ñ ¹³ßï»ñáõÙª Ùï³Í»Éáí ¾Ý¹ñÛáõÇ
Ù³ëÇÝ ¨ Ý³Û»Éáí ÓÛáõÝ³Í³ÍÏ É»éÝ»ñÇÝ: ê³ ÙÇ μáÉáñáíÇÝ
áõñÇß, ï³ñμ»ñ ³ßË³ñÑ ¿ñ ÜÛáõ ÚáñùÇó:
17. ºñÏñÝ»ñÇó Ù»ÏÁ, áñ »ë Ïáõ½»Ý³ÛÇ ³Ûó»É»É, Þí»¹Ç³Ý ¿, ÙÛáõëÁª
Ö³åáÝÇ³Ý: ÆÑ³ñÏ», ³Ûë »ñÏáõ »ñÏñÝ»ñÇó μ³óÇ Ï³Ý ß³ï
³ÛÉ »ñÏñÝ»ñ, áñ »ë Ïáõ½»Ý³ÛÇ ï»ëÝ»É:
18. Ü³ ·áé³ó μáÉáñÇë íñ³, Ã»¨ Ù»½³ÝÇó ¨ áã áù áã ÙÇ ëË³É μ³Ý
ã¿ñ ³ñ»É:
19. ¸ñëáõÙ ÙÇ ù³ÝÇ ïÕ³Ù³ñ¹ μ³ñÓñ³Ó³ÛÝ ùÝÝ³ñÏáõÙ ¿ÇÝ
·³ÉÇù ÁÝïñáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÁ: Üñ³ÝóÇó Ûáõñ³ù³ÝãÛáõñÁ
å³ßïå³ÝáõÙ ¿ñ Çñ Ã»ÏÝ³ÍáõÇÝ:
20. Ì»ñ å³ñáÝ êÙÇÃÁ Ù»Ý³Ï ¿ñ ³åñáõÙ© Ý³ »ñ»ù áñ¹Ç áõÝ»ñ,
áñáÝóÇó ¨ áã Ù»ÏÁ ã¿ñ áõ½áõÙ ³åñ»É Çñ Í»ñ áõ ÷ÝÃ÷ÝÃ³Ý Ñáñ
21. Ð³ñë³ÝÇùÁ, áñÇÝ Ññ³íÇñí³Í ¿ÇÝ ÙÇ³ÛÝ ÁÝï³ÝÇùÇ
³Ý¹³ÙÝ»ñÁ, ï»ÕÇ áõÝ»ó³í ³ÝóÛ³É áõñμ³Ã:
22. ä³ñáÝ ø³ñï»ñÁ, áõÙ Ñ»ï ³ÝóÛ³É »ñ»Ïá ËáëáõÙ ¿ÇÝù
Ñ»é³Ëáëáí, ³ë³ó, áñ ß³ï ¿ Ñ»ï³ùñùñíáõÙ Ù»ñ Ý³Ë³·Íáí:
23. ´áμÁ ëÇñáõÙ ¿ñ Ùáñ Ù³ëÇÝ Ëáë»ÉÇë Ï³ï³Ï»É. -²ÛÝï»Õ,
áñï»Õ É³í áõï»ÉÇù ·ïÝ»ù, ³ÛÝï»Õ Ï·ïÝ»ù ÇÙ ÙáñÁ:
24. Ø»ñ ÃéÇãùÁ Ñ»ï³Ó·í»ó, ÇÝãÁ Ýß³Ý³ÏáõÙ ¿ñ, áñ Ù»Ýù
ëïÇåí³Í ¿ÇÝù ¨ë »ñ»ù Å³Ù ëå³ë»É û¹³Ý³í³Ï³Û³ÝáõÙ:
25. ²ÛÝ, ÇÝã ¹áõù ³ëáõÙ »ù, áã ÙÇ Ï³å ãáõÝÇ ÇÙ
³é³ç³ñÏáõÃÛáõÝÝ»ñÇó ¨ áã Ù»ÏÇ Ñ»ï:
of persons and things in a series. Accordingly numerals are divided
into cardinal numerals and ordinal numerals.
Cardinal numerals indicate number: one, two, fourteen, twentytwo,
three hundred etc.
Ordinal numerals indicate order: first, second, sixth, fortieth
fifteenth, thirty-third, thousandth etc. (For more details, see
Appendix VII)
1. The numerals dozen, hundred, thousand and million are always
preceded by the indefinite article a or the numeral one. The latter
(one) is generally used when these numerals are followed by some
other numerals.
a hundred but one hundred and seventeen (117)
a thousand but one thousand six hundred and thirty (1630)
2. A dozen, a hundred, a thousand, a million and billion have no
final –s when the exact amount is meant. This also happens after
several and a few.
three hundred copies, five thousand citizens,
three dozen of eggs
a few million years ago, several thousand mile
3. When we say dozens (of), hundreds (of), thousands (of),
millions (of), billions (of), we do not mean any exact number but
only a great multitude of persons or things.
hundreds of dollars, thousands of demonstrators, millions of
years ago
I have been there dozens of times.
Singular forms are used as modifiers before nouns in plural
measuring expressions:
a five – pound note, a six – mile walk, a two – hour lesson, a three
– month – old baby, a five – foot tall woman, a four – foot deep
hole, a two – week holiday
Dates and Years
4. Dates are usually spoken or read aloud as ordinal numbers, and
years are expressed in groups of ten.
a) June 1, 1977 – (US) June first, nineteen seventy-seven
b) 1 June 1977 (GB) the first of June nineteen seventy-seven
What day is it?
It is the twenty-sixth of February (GB).
It’s February twenty-sixth (US) – 2/26/1978
Callas packed up and wrote a letter to her godfather dated
March 7, 1975.
This verdict was announced on October 31, 1968.
Simple Mathematical Terms
5. Common ways of saying calculation in English are:
a) How much is (are) 8 and 2? 8+ 2 =10
8 and 2 is (are) 10.
b) How much is 12 from 20? 20 – 12 = 8
12 from 20 is 8. (or leaves 8)
c) How much is 5 times 5? 5 x 5= 25
5 times 5 is 25.
d) How much is 7 multiplied by 3? 7 x3 = 21
7 multiplied by 3 is 21.
e) How much is 5 into 20? 20 ÷5 =4
5 into 20 is 4. (or goes 4)
f) How much is 100 divided by 2? 100 ÷2=50
100 divided by 2 is 50.
1. 5+5=10 (five plus five is (equals) ten).
2. 8-2=6 (8 minus 2 is six).
3. 8÷2=4 (8 divided by 2 is four).
4. 10x10=100 (10 multiplied by 10 is (are) a hundred).
5. 3x3=9 (three times three is (are) nine).
6. Common fractions are read in the following way:
3 = one third 8 = three eighths 12 = five twelfths
Decimal fractions are read as:
2, 5 = two point five
0, 64 = naught point sixty - four
7, 09 = seven point naught nine
7. We say, for example, that a room is twelve feet by fifteen feet, or
that a garden is thirty metres by forty-eight metres
A room twelve feet by twelve feet can be called twelve feet square:
the total area is 144 square feet.
The dining room was forty square metres.
Ex.1. Read and write down the following dates and fractions.
a) 2/IV 1478, 14/VII 1990, 27/I 2001, 30/II 2003, 31/I 2004
b) 1, 1, 3, 2, 5, 8, 7, 10, 100, 260, 56
2 4 7 9 8 25 28 260 278 380 98
c) 5,07 0,8 6,56 4, 55 0,75 3,09 46,5
d) 7, 08% 12, 07% 0, 56% 12, 06%
Ex.2. Do (and read aloud) these calculations.
9 – 3 = 4 × 6 = 9: 3 =
10 – 6 = 7 × 9 = 6: 2 =
12 + 8 = 3 × 17 = 20: 4 =
26 + 7 = 14× 12 = 100: 5 =
Ex.3. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. Êáõ½³ñÏáõÝ å³ñ½»ó, áñ Ý³Ù³ÏÁ ·ñí»É ¿ñ 2000 Ã-Ç ÑáõÝí³ñÇ
17-ÇÝ` Ýñ³ Ù³Ñí³ÝÇó Ù»Ï ûñ ³é³ç:
2. Ð³ÛïÝÇ ¿, áñ »ñÏñ³·Ý¹Ç 2/3-Á Í³ÍÏí³Í ¿ çñáí:
3. ²ñ³·³ÍÁ Ð³Û³ëï³ÝÇ ³Ù»Ý³μ³ñÓñ É»éÝ ¿: Üñ³
μ³ñÓñáõÃÛáõÝÁ Ùáï 4090 Ù»ïñ ¿:
4. Ü»ñÏ³Ý»ñÇ 5,7%-Á ¹»Ù ¿ñ ³Û¹ áñáßÙ³ÝÁ:
5. Ø»½ ¹áõñ ã»Ï³í μÝ³Ï³ñ³ÝÁ. ³ÛÝ ß³ï ÷áùñ ¿ñ:
Ö³ß³ë»ÝÛ³ÏÁ 30 ù³é³ÏáõëÇ Ù»ïñ ¿ñ:
6. - ºë ¹³ Ï³ñáÕ »Ù ³Ý»É: - Ð³Ùá½í³Í ã»Ù: Ð³½³ñÇó Ù»ÏÁ
Ï³ñáÕ ¿ ³Û¹åÇëÇ μ³Ý ³Ý»É:
7. Ð³ñÛáõñ³íáñ Ù³ñ¹ÇÏ å³Ñ³ÝçáõÙ ¿ÇÝ Ýñ³ Ññ³Å³ñ³Ï³ÝÁ:
8. ¶ñùÇ Ã³ñ·Ù³ÝáõÃÛ³Ý Ñ³Ù³ñ Ù»½ í×³ñ»óÇÝ 225 ¹áÉ³ñ:
9. ²Û¹ ïÕ³Ý ³ÛÝù³Ý ³Ý·ñ³·»ï ¿` ÝáõÛÝÇëÏ ã·ÇïÇ, áñ 2 × 2
Ñ³í³ë³ñ ¿ ãáñëÇ:
10. àã áù ã·Çï»ñ, áñ ÙÇÉÇáÝÝ»ñ ¿ÇÝ Í³Ëë»É ³Û¹ Ý³Ë³·ÍÇ íñ³:
11. - ÆÝãá±í Ï³ñáÕ »Ù û·Ý»É Ó»½:
- ºë ó³ÝÏ³ÝáõÙ »Ù ·Ý»É í³ñ³·áõÛñ 4 × 5 ã³÷ë»ñáí:
12. Ð³½³ñ ³Ý·³Ù ½·áõß³óñ»É »Ù ³Û¹ ÏÝáçÁ, áñ ãáõß³Ý³: ºë
å³ñï³íáñ ã»Ù ³Ù»Ý ûñ ëå³ë»É Ýñ³Ý:
13. ²Ûë ç³ÑÁ Ñ³½³ñ ³Ý·³Ù ³í»ÉÇ ·»Õ»óÇÏ ¿ ù³Ý »ñ»Ïí³ Ù»ñ
ï»ë³ÍÁ. ¨ ß³ï ³í»ÉÇ ¿Å³Ý ¿:
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150 ÏÙ/Å ³ñ³·áõÃÛ³Ùμ:
Simple past
Past continuous
Simple past is used to talk about
past events. It is often used with
reference to finished periods and
moments of time.
I last saw him in 1998.
We often went to the library when
we were students.
Past continuous is used to express
an action which was going on at a
given moment (or period) in the
When he came in she was still
speaking on the phone. So that
fellow Jolyon was in Paris – what
was he doing there?
Present perfect
Past perfect
Present perfect I is used when the
speaker merely states that an action
took place in the past without
mentioning any definite
Past perfect I is used to express an
action accomplished before a given
past moment.
By the time I got to the airport the
Simple present
Present continuous
Simple present is used for
a) habitual activities and states:
Every Sunday Mrs. Brown goes to
church. I don’t like milk.
b) facts that are always true: Water
contains no nitrogen.
c) for future time (in timetables,
itineraries, entertainment programs,
fixed events and clauses of time,
condition and concession): The ship
sails at dawn. The match begins at 6
o’clock. Tomorrow is my birthday.
When summer comes, we’ll go to
the seaside. I’ll forgive him if he
She will follow him whenever he
Present continuous is used for
a) an event occurring at this
moment (now). It’s raining. Let’s
stay at home.
b) for future time: He is leaving for
Paris in two days.
Be going to + a base form is also
used for a coming event: We’re
going to learn a lot of new things
in this course.
Be going to + be + a present
participle is used to emphasize the
duration of a future event: The
earth is going to be revolving
around the sun for millions of
more years.
They have finished their work.
Present perfect II is used to express
an action which began before the
moment of speaking and continues
into it or up to it.
The United States has been
independent since 1776.
Present perfect III is found in time
It shows that the action of the
subordinate will be accomplished
before the action of
the principal clause starts.
I'll give the magazine to you when I
have read it.
plane had already taken off.
Past perfect II serves to express an
action which began before a given
past moment and continues into it or
up to it.
He began to do things that he
wanted to do for years.
Past perfect III is used in time
clauses to express a future action
viewed from the past.
We had to talk to him before he
had made a final decision.
Present perfect continuous
Past perfect continuous
Present perfect continuous I is used
to express an action which began
before the moment of speaking and
continuous into it or up to it: I’m so
happy to hear your voice. I’ve been
thinking about you all this time.
Present perfect continuous II serves
to express an action which was in
progress quite recently (it is
connected with the present moment
with its result): None of us want
him to be present at the party. He
has been getting on our nerves
Past perfect continuous I is used to
express an action which began
before a given past moment and
continued into it or up to it: She
suddenly realized that she had been
walking in the wrong direction all
that time.
Past perfect continuous II is used to
express an action which was in
progress just before a given past
moment: The door opened and
George walked in. He was wet
through. He said he had been
walking in the rain.
Future time Future actions viewed from the
Simple future
Shall/will structure is used to say
a) that we decide to do something at
the time of speaking:
I’ll visit him tomorrow.
b) to express promise: I’ll always
love you.
c) determination: If necessary, we
will defend our country.
d) inevitability: The world will
eventually come to an end.
e) prediction: It will rain tomorrow.
Future continuous is used to
a) an event which will be happening
at a future point: I’ll be doing my
laundry in the evening.
b) an action which the speaker
expects to take place in the future in
the natural course of events: Ann
won’t be coming. She has taken ill.
Future perfect is used to express an
action accomplished before a given
moment in the future: The builders
say they will have reconstructed the
bridge by the end of this year.
The use of the Future in the past is
structurally dependent as it is
mainly found in object clauses after
one of the past tense-aspect forms in
the principal clause:
I said that I should/would visit him
the following day.
I asked her not to come to my place
in the evening as I would be doing
my laundry.
The builders said that they would
have reconstructed the bridge by
the end of the year.
Tom said he would have been
working for five years for that firm
next year.
We didn’t know her plane flew at 9
p. m.
He said he was leaving for Berlin
in a few days.
Alan said he was going to buy a
new house.
He was about to tell Ann about it
but something prevented him from
doing it.
He was very excited because his
book was to be published next
Active Passive
Simple Infinitive to write to be written/painted
Continuous Infinitive to be writing --------------------------
Perfect Infinitive to have written to have been written
Perfect Continuous
Participle I Active Passive
Simple Participle writing being written
Perfect Participle having written having been written
Gerund Active Passive
Simple Gerund writing being written
Perfect Gerund having written having been written
(1) ability /
I can run fast. I could run fast
when I was a
child, but now I
(2) informal
You can use my
car tomorrow.
(3) informal
polite request
Can I borrow
your pen?
(4) impossibility
(negative only)
That can’t be
That can’t have
been true!
(1) past ability I could run fast
when I was a
(2) polite
Could I borrow
your pen?
Could you help
(3) suggestion - I need help in
You could talk
to your teacher.
You could have
talked to your
(4) less than
50% certainly
- Where’s John?
He could be at
He could have
been at home.
(5) impossibility
(negative only)
That couldn’t be
That couldn’t
have been true!
be able to (1) ability I am able to
help you.
I was able to help
I will be able to
help you.
(1) polite
May I borrow
your pen?
(2) formal
You may leave
the room.
(3) less than
50% certainty
- Where’s John?
He may be at the
He may have
been at the
(1) less than
50% certainty
- Where’s John?
He might be at
the library.
He might have
been at the
(2) polite
request (rare)
Might I borrow
your pen?
(1) strong
I must go to
class today
I had to go to
class yesterday.
(2) prohibition
You must not
open that door.
(3) 95%
Marry isn’t in
class. She must
be sick (present
Mary must have
been sick
have to (1) necessity I have to go to
class today.
I had to go to
class yesterday.
(2) lack of
I don’t have to
go to class today.
I didn’t have to
go to class
have got to (1) necessity I have got to go
to class today.
I had to go to
class yesterday.
(1) strong
You are to be
here at 9:00.
You were to be
here at 9:00
be supposed
(1) expectation Class is
supposed to
begin at 10.
Class was
supposed to
begin at 10.
(1) polite
questions to
make a
Shall I open the
(2) future with
“I” or “we” as
I shall arrive at
(will = more
(1) advisability I should study
I should have
studied last night.
(2) 90%
She should do
well on the test.
(future only, not
She should have
done well on the
(1) advisability I ought to study
I ought to have
studied last night.
ought to
(2) 90%
She ought to do
well on the test.
(future only, not
She ought to have
done well on the
had better (1) advisability
with threat of
bad result
You had better
be on time, or we
will leave
without you.
(past form
(1) 100%
He will be here
at 6:00.
(future only)
(2) willingness - The phone’s
I’ll get it.
(3) polite
Will you please
pass the salt?
(1) polite
Would you
please pass the
salt? Would you
mind if I left
(2) preference I would rather
go to the park
than stay home.
I would rather
have gone to the
(3) repeated
action in the
When I was a
child, I would
visit my
every weekend.
used to (1) repeated
I used to visit my
every weekend.
Nouns keeping foreign plural.
Singular Foreign Plural
Scientific Use
English Plural
General Use
is [ɪs]
es [ɪ: z]
parenthesis- synopsis
parentheses synopses
On/um [ən / əm] a [ə]
mediums (has a
different meaning – a
person who claims to be
able to communicate
with the spirits of dead
us [əs] i [aɪ]
genii (fabulous spirits
guarding a place)
geniuses (men of talent)
us [əs] ora/era [ərə/ərə]
a [ə]
ae [i:]
ex/ix [eks / ɪks]
ices [ɪsi: z]
indexes (list of contents
of books)
o [oʊ]
i [ɪ]
eau [əʊ]
eaux [əʊz]
Words ending in im in the plural (from Hebrew origin).
Male Female Common word
bull, bullock, ox, steer cow cattle
boar sow pig, hog
buck, stag doe deer
hart (a red deer) hind deer
cock, rooster, capon hen chicken
dog bitch dog
drake duck duck
gander goose Goose
ram ewe sheep
stallion, gelding mare horse
colt (a young horse
filly horse up to the age
of 4 or 5)
Word Order
opinion fact noun
a pretty young woman
a beautiful large table
a nice golden watch
how old? what
where from?
what is it
made of?
Adjectives of size and length (big/small/long/short/tall etc.) usually go
before adjectives of shape and width (round/fat/thin/slim/wide/narrow etc.)
a tall fat girl, a long wide street, a large square table
quality/opinion + size age shape colour from? past participle
a valuable small medieval Armenian handmade candlesticks
Personal pronouns (nominative case) I/you he/she/it/we/they
(objective case) us/you/him/her/them
Possessive pronouns (I form) my/your/his/her/its/our/their
(II form) mine/yours/his/hers/ ours/theirs
Reflexive pronouns
Emphatic pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns each other, one another
Demonstrative pronouns this/these, that/those, such, same
Quantitative pronouns some, any, no, (compounds with
some/any/no) none, one, much, many, little/
a little, few/a few
Distributive pronouns all, every, (everybody, everyone,
everything), each, both, either/neither,
other, another
Relative pronouns who/whom, whose, which, that
Conjunctive pronouns who/whom, what, whose, which, how
much/how many
Interrogative pronouns who (m), whose, what, which, how
many/how much
WHEN (a) When did they arrive?
When will you come?
Two days ago.
Next week..
When is used to ask
questions about time.
WHERE (b) Where is mom?
Where can I find a pen?
In the kitchen.
In that drawer.
Where is used to ask
questions about place.
WHY (c) Why did you come late?
Why aren’t you coming
with us?
Because my car
broke down.
I don’t’ feel
Why is used to ask
questions about reason.
HOW (d) How did you come to
How does he drive?
By bus.
How generally asks
about manner.
(e) How much money does
it cost?
How many people
Twenty dollars.
How is used with
much and many.
(f) How old are you?
How cold is it?
How soon can you get
How fast were you
(g) How long have you
been here?
How often do you
phone home?
How far is it to
Echmiadzin from here?
Five below zero.
In fifteen
60 miles an
Three years.
Every week.
20 kilometers.
How is also used with
adjectives and adverbs.
How long asks about
length of time.
How often asks about
How far asks about
WHO (h) Who can answer that
Who came to visit you?
I can.
My friends.
Who is used as the
subject of a question. It
refers to people.
(i) Who is coming to
dinner tonight?
Who wants to come
with me?
Armen and Ani.
We do.
who is usually
followed by a singular
verb even if the speaker
is asking about more
than one person.
WHOM (j) Who (m) did you see?
Who (m) are you
(k) Who (m) should I talk
To whom should I
talk? (formal)
I saw Anahit.
My relatives.
The secretary.
Whom is used as the
object of a verb. In
spoken English, whom
is rarely used; who is
used instead. Whom, is
used only in formal
Note: Whom, not who,
if preceded by a
WHOSE (1) Whose hair-dryer did
you borrow?
Whose key is this?
(Whose is this)?
It’s mine.
Whose asks
questions about
(m) What made you
What went wrong?
His rudeness.
What is used as the
subject of a question.
It refers to “things”
(n) What do you need?
What did Jane buy?
(o) What did he talk
About what did he
talk? (formal)
I need a good
A dish-washer.
(About) his
What is also used as
an object.
(p) What kind of soup is
What kind of shoes did
he buy?
It’s chicken noodle
What kind of asks
about the particular
variety or type of
(q) What did you do last
What is Mary doing?
I studied.
Listening to music.
What + a form of do
is used to ask
questions about
(r) What countries did
you visit?
What time did she
What colour is his
Italy and Greece.
Seven o’clock.
Dark brown.
What may
accompany a noun.
(s) What is your boyfriend
(t) What is the weather
He’s kind and
Hot and humid
What + be like asks
for a general
description of
(u) What does your
boyfriend look like?
(v) What does her house
look like?
He’s tall and has
dark hair.
It’s a two-story
tufa house.
What + look like
asks for a physical
(w) I have two scarves.
Which scarf do you
Which one do you
Which do you want?
(x) Which book should I
The blue one
That one
Which is used
instead of what when
a question concerns
choosing from a
definite, known
quantity or group.
(y) Which countries did
he visit?
What countries did he
(z) Which group are you
What group are you
France and Spain.
This group.
In some cases, there
is little difference in
meaning between
which and what
when they
accompany a noun,
as in (y) and (z).
(numbers, dates and arithmetic)
Cardinal Ordinal
1 one 1st- first
2 two 2nd – second
3 three 3rd – third
4 four 4th – fourth
5 five 5th – fifth
6 six 6th – sixth
7 seven 7th – seventh
8 eight 8th – eighth
9 nine 9th – ninth
10 ten 10th – tenth
11 eleven 11th – eleventh
12 twelve 12th – twelfth
13 thirteen 13th – thirteenth
14 fourteen 14th – fourteenth
15 fifteen 15th – fifteenth
16 sixteen 16th – sixteenth
17 seventeen 17th – seventeenth
18 eighteen 18th – eighteenth
19 nineteen 19th – nineteenth
20 twenty 20th – twentieth
21 twenty-one 21st – twenty-first
22 twenty-two 22nd – twenty-second
23 twenty-three 23rd – twenty-third
30 thirty 30th – thirtieth
40 forty 40th – fortieth
50 fifty 50th – fiftieth
60 sixty 60th – sixtieth
70 seventy 70th – seventieth
80 eighty 80th – eightieth
90 ninety 90th – ninetieth
100 a (one) hundred 100th – a (one) hundredth
1000 a (one) thousand 1000th – a (one) thousandth
1.000.000 a (one) million 1.000.000 – a (one) millionth a (one) billion – a (one) billionth
vulgar fraction decimal fraction
¼ one-fourth 0,125 =(naught) point one two five
½ one-half 0,33 = (naught) point two five
⅓ one-third 2,12 = two point twelve
⅔ two- thirds 5, 16 = five point sixteen
Common vulgar fraction – Ñ³ë³ñ³Ï Ïáïáñ³Ï
Decimal fraction – ï³ëÝáñ¹³Ï³Ý Ïáïáñ³Ï
Proper fraction – Ï³ÝáÝ³íáñ Ïáïáñ³Ï
Improper fraction – ³ÝÏ³ÝáÝ Ïáïáñ³Ï
– GB – 23(rd) January 1993
23 Jan 1993
– US – January 23(rd) 1993
Jan 23, 1993
– International
Simple Mathematical Terms
+ plus
- minus
÷ divided by
multiplied by
= equals
1. Swan M. Practical English Usage. Second Edition. Oxford University
Press. 1995.
2. Thomson A. J. and Martinet A. V. A Practical English Grammar. Second
Edition. Oxford University Press. 1976.
3. Vince M. Advanced Language Practice. Macmillan. Heinemann. 1998.
4. Alexander L. G. Longman English Grammar Practice, England, Longman
5. Hornby A. C. Ruse C. Oxford Student’s Dictionary, Oxford University
Press, 1989.
6. Dart A. K. Grammar Workbook. High-Intermediate. New Jersey, 1978.
7. Schrampfer Azar B. Understanding and Using English Grammar. Second
Edition. New Jersey. 1989.
8. Gordon E. M., Krylova I. P. A Grammar of Present-Day English.
Moscow. Higher School Publishing House. 1974.
9. Kayshanskaya V. L. Ленинград, Èçäàòåëüñòâî ‘Ïðîñâåùåíèå’
10. Krylova I. P. An English grammar practice book, Moscow, ‘Higher
School’1978. 238p.
10. B. Ilyish The Structure of modern English, Ленинград, Èçäàòåëüñòâî
‘Ïðîñâåùåíèå’ 1971.
11. English Teaching Forum, Washington DC. Number 2 April 1994,
Number3 July 1994, Number 1 January 2003, Number 4 October 2003,
12. Blueprint Upper Intermediate, UK, Longman House, Harlow, England,
13. Hashemi L. Murphy R. English Grammar in Use (Supplementary
Exercises) Great Britain, Oxford University Press, 1995
14. Murphy R. English Grammar in Use. Second Edition. Cambridge
University Press. 1985.
15. Quirk R. Greenbaum S. A Concise Grammar of Contemporary English,
Great Britain, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.1975
List of Books the Exercises Are Based on.
1. Murdock Iris. ‘A Word Child’, Great Britain, Panther Books, 1975.
2. Wild Oscar, ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’, Moscow Progress
Publishers, 1979.
3. Galsworthy John, ‘To Let’, Moscow, Foreign Language Publishing
House, 1954.
4. English Story (Àíãëèéñêèå ðàññêàçû XX âåêà), Ìîñêâà
èçäàòåëüñòâî ‘Ìåíåäæåð’ 1993.
5. Eliot George, ‘Silas Miner’ Great Britain, Penguin Books, 1971.
6. Puzo Mario, ‘The Godfather’ New York, Fawcett World Library, 1969.
7. Ludlum Robert, ‘ The Matarese Circle’ Glasgo,; Grafton Books’ 1990.
8. Hemingway Earnest, ‘Selected Stories’ Moscow, ‘Progress Publishers’,
9. Steel Danielle, ‘Once In A Lifetime’, New York, Dell Publishing Co. Inc.
10. Sheldon Sydney, ‘A Stranger in the Mirror’ The USA.
11. Show Irwin. Rich Man, Poor Man, Great Britain, 1984.
12. Gage Nicholas, Greek Fire (The Story of Maria Callas and Aristotle
Onassis), Great Britain, Pan Books, 2001.
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