ADVANCED GRAMMAR&VOCABULARY PRACTICE

ADVANCED GRAMMAR&VOCABULARY PRACTICE

1 Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence.

0 Whether this new pay deal will satisfy the unions remains/will remain/is remaining to be seen.

1 By the end of this month, Ill be/be being/have been in my job for twenty years.

2 I could/would/must have thought the best thing to do is just ring them and explain the problem.

3 Sorry, Im not really sure what youre getting at/over/on.

4 My friend held the spider, but I dont/didnt/couldnt bring myself to do it.

5 Ive been getting terrible headaches so far/for a while now/up to now.

6 We are on/with/under no obligation to give you a refund.

7 Holly was about to accept the strangers offer when she remembered/had remembered/was remembering her mothers advice.

8 This cant/shouldnt/wont be north, because the suns in the wrong place.

9 If you would/will/should come across any good stamps, please keep them for my collection.

10 Im sorry, but these regulations have to be obeyed/complied/kept with.

2 Complete each sentence with an appropriate word.

0 I have never seen such a mess in all my born days!

1 Its __AGES__since I went to the gym Im getting really unfit.

2 Its a useful device which ENABLES/ALLOWS you to watch what youre recording on a TV monitor.

3 I _HOPE/TRUST_ I didnt offend you the other day when I was talking about dogs being a nuisance.

4 Ill assume youre not interested _UNLESS_ I hear from you by tomorrow.

5 Id _RATHER_ not go into any details about the project at this stage.

6 I wish you wouldnt _KEEP_ doing that thing with your fingers its so irritating!

7 Janets business is doing so well shes going to _TAKE_ on an assistant to help her.

8 Actually, I havent seen Tim for the best _PART_ of a year.

9 I cant remember _IF/WHETHER_ I locked the front door Id better go back and check.

10 The match was cancelled _OWING/DUE_ to torrential rain.

3 Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in bold, and so that the meaning stays the same.

0 In my country all adults are obliged to vote.
obligatory
In my country voting is obligatory for all adults.

1 Until then Id never been abroad.
first
That was _____THE FIRST TIME ID EVER_____ been abroad.

2 I used to have more friends than I do now.
as
I dont _____HAVE AS MANY FRIENDS AS_____ I used to.

3 I havent been to a zoo since I was six years old.
last
I was six years old ____WHEN I LAST WENT____ to a zoo.

4 Apparently the Managing Director is thinking about introducing flexible working hours.
considering
The Managing Director is thought _TO BE CONSIDERING THE INTRODUCTION of flexible working hours.

5 Without the financial assistance of the government, the railway companies couldnt cope.
was
If IT WAS NOT FOR THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE they receive from the government, they couldnt cope.

6 Its impossible for Heidi to have eaten all that food by herself!
possibly
Heidi _CANT POSSIBLY HAVE_ eaten all that food by herself!

7 It is very important that you dress smartly; so please, no jeans or trainers.
must
On no ___ACCOUNT MUST JEANS OR TRAINERS BE____ worn.

8 Such was the pressure on the Prime Minister, that he had no alternative but to give in
much
The Prime Minister was ___UNDER SO MUCH PRESSURE___ that he had no alternative but to give in.

9 We no longer subscribe to Farmers Weekly magazine.
cancelled
We have ____CANCELLED OUR SUBSCRIPTION TO____ Farmers Weekly magazine.

10 Postal workers are to go on a one-day strike, according to an announcement today.
announced
Earlier today, postal workers ____ANNOUNCED (THAT) THERE WOULD_____ be a one-day strike.

11 I have been to all the museums in London except Madame Tussauds.
only
Madame Tussauds is _THE ONLY MUSEUM IN LONDON (WHICH/THAT)_ I havent been to.

12 Dont make any sudden movements or the lion cub may scratch you, the zoo keeper said to the school children.
warned
The zoo keeper __ WARNED THE CHILDREN NOT TO _ make any sudden movements near the lion cub.

13 My daughters still visit me regularly, even though theyre all grown up now.
basis
I still see my daughters __ON A REGULAR BASIS___ even though theyre all grown up now.

14 I thought you werent coming, so I havent reserved a parking place for you.
impression
Sorry, I was ____UNDER THE IMPRESSION____ that you werent coming, so I havent reserved a parking place for you.

15 As a result of the petition, the Head Teacher agreed to review the uniform policy.
in
The petition ____RESULTED IN THE HD AGREEING_____ to review the uniform policy.

4 Complete each sentence with a suitable phrase of three words containing the word in capital letters.

0 Oh well, I might as well have another drink, if no ones in a hurry to leave.

1 I have every confidence in him; Im not worried ___IN THE SLIGHTEST

2 Scarcely ___HAD I TAKEN ________ off my coat when it started to pour down. HAD

3 Never again ___WILL I TAKE_____ my family to that awful restaurant. WILL

4 Saccharin is ____AN ALTERNATIVE TO_____ sugar which you might consider. ALTERNATIVE

5 Mark, youre __IN CHARGE OF__ the drinks; make sure everyones glass

is filled up. CHARGE

6 It is __AGAINST THE LAW __ to sound your horn in residential areas at night. LAW

7 If the Curry House and the Pizza Place are fully booked, we can always _

__FALL BACK ON__ that fish and chip restaurant. FALL

8 Bob Agar has kindly agreed to _STAND IN FOR_ Chris Wettens, who

is likely to be off work for two months. STAND

9 Ive had to work __EVERY SINGLE DAY_ this month, including weekends. SINGLE

10 Well, John Bunn, I am ___AT A LOSS__ to understand how you can

break two school windows in two days. LOSS

5 Complete the letter by writing one word in each gap.

The Manager, Steins Camping Accessories

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction (0) with the service I received at your shop on Saturday 24 November when I came in with a rucksack which I had purchased (1) __FROM___ you in March.

I have had (2) _SO ___ many bad experiences with cheap rucksacks, that I decided to buy an expensive one with a guarantee. So in March, I spent 25 (3) ___ON_______a rucksack, which (4) __CAME______ with a three-year guarantee. However, the zip of the rucksack has regularly jammed; in fact, (5) ___EVERY/EACH_ time you do it up you have to take great (6) ___CARE __ not to get the surrounding material stuck in the zip. Recently it became so completely stuck that I (7) __LOST__ patience with it and tore the zip open. The rucksack is now unusable, but my point is that there is a basic design fault to it.

I pointed all (8) __THIS THAT)_ out to the sales assistant, and produced the receipt and guarantee. The assistant said that it was dirty, and that a replacement (9) _COULD/WOULD_ not be issued. I explained that it was dirty because I use it every day to cycle in to work, and that on rainy days it gets splashed. But (10) _WHETHER_ it is dirty or not has nothing to (11) _DO_ with my complaint, which was about the defective zip. Finally, the assistant said I should contact the manufacturers, and gave me their name and address. However, (12) _HAVING_ consulted my local Citizens Advice Bureau, I find this (13) _TO__ be wrong. It is the responsibility of the shop (14) __WHERE___ the purchase was made to refund money (15) _OR_ supply a replacement for faulty goods.

Yours faithfully

Brian Laws

6 Correct the error in each sentence. Rewrite the sentence on the line below.

0 The King is believed to be arrived in Rome three hours ago.

The King is believed to have arrived in Rome three hours ago.

1 The report says there were 80 people present, that is not strictly accurate.

__________ ______ ____ _____WHICH IS NOT______________

2 If it wasnt raining, we wouldnt have needed umbrellas.

____HADNT BEEN __________ ______ ____ ______________

3 I remember to see the Queen when I was a young girl.

___________SEEING__________ ______ ____ _______________

4 My son is now in army.

_____________IN THE ARMY__________ ______ ____ _______

5 Dont worry, Ill see it that you manage to get on the plane.

_____________SEE TO IT__________ ______ ____ ___________

6 He explained to be having difficulties understanding the teacher.

___EXPLAINED THAT HE WAS/CLAIMED TO BE ____________________

7 No sooner had I put the food in the oven when there was a power cut.

__________ ______ ____ __THAN_____ _______ ______ ___________

8 It was not the most convincing story, but Jill fell through it.

__________ ______ ____ _______FELL FOR IT_______________

9 Hes a very strange bloke; I cant really make him up.

__________ ______ ____ _________OUT ____________________

10 For the time, all we can do is wait and see.

_______BEING __________ ______ ____ ____________________

7 Find and correct the ten spelling mistakes in the text. A lawyer is talking to a client.

Look, Mrs Smith, I can assure you it is totaly unecessary for you to seek alternative advise from another lawyer. You will only be told the same things that I have just told you. I am very sorry if you have bought a car which turns out not to be to your satisfaction, but once you have handed over cash for a used car, thats it, especially if youve signed a receit for it. You see, second hand goods such as cars, when they are sold privately, are sold under the principal of Let the buyer beware. Broadly speaking this means that it is the prospective purchasers responsability to get the car chequed out by a qalified mechanic. In fact the seller doesnt in theory even need to tell you everything about the car, even though he must respond truthfully to your questions about it. A second hand car is sold as seen in the eyes of the law, in other words it is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sail, so if youve paid for it, you have no right to conpensation afterwards. Im sorry, but thats how it is.

8 Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence.

0 Whether this new pay deal will satisfy the unions remains/will remain/is remaining to be seen.

1 I thought the exam would be really difficult but in fact it mustnt/couldnt/shouldnt have been easier.

2 This cant/shouldnt/wont be the way weve driven past that bus stop three times now!

3 You must/could/may have worked here longer than me, but that doesnt mean you can treat me like dirt!

4 Sorry, I must/might/should have told you about the change of plan earlier.

5 You mustnt/cant/wouldnt have finished your homework already!

6 Im really happy in my new job; I couldnt/shouldnt/wouldnt have found a nicer company.

7 Could/Would/Should you hear anything, let me know.

8 Well, thanks for the offer I might/could/would just take you up on it.

9 Sam was an difficult child who couldnt/wouldnt/mightnt do anything his parents asked him to.

10 I remember when I was thirteen, I must/could/should have friends round to sleep over.

9 Complete each sentence with a suitable phrase of three words containing the word in capital letters.

0 Oh well, I might as well have another drink, if no ones in a hurry to leave. WELL

1 I have no sympathy for her, _NONE AT ALL/WHATEVER/WHATSOEVER_ . NONE

2 I did tell him, but he didnt seem concerned ___IN THE SLIGHTEST ______ . SLIGHTEST

3 In the end, ____ALL WE COULD ______ do was cross our fingers and hope. ALL

4 Ive told you _TIME AFTER TIME/TIME AND (TIME) AGAIN_ , dont kick the

football against the window! TIME

5 No, ____WHAT HAPPENED WAS____ , David told Ann that Ross wasnt coming. HAPPENED

6 _____WHAT I LIKE _________ most is a really good dance down at the disco. LIKE

7 Scarcely __HAD WE ARRIVED __ back home when the neighbours

descended on us with tea and cakes. ARRIVED

8 Was it really necessary? You ___DIDNT NEED/HAVE TO______ give them all

our personal details, you know. DIDNT

9 You really__SHOULDNT/NEEDNT HAVE GONE__ to all this trouble! GONE

10 Try __AS I MIGHT___ , I simply couldnt work out how to

assemble the bookshelf. MIGHT

10 Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in bold, and so that the meaning stays the same.

0 In my country all adults are obliged to vote.
obligatory
In my country voting is obligatory for all adults.

1 It might turn cold, so take a jumper.
case
Take a jumper ____IN CASE IT TURNS/GETS / (SHOULD TURN/GET)_____ cold.

2 Although it was a lovely morning, rain was forecast for the afternoon.
may
It ___MAY (WELL) HAVE BEEN___ a lovely morning, but rain was forecast for the afternoon.

3 Im sure that Carol will be there; she never misses a disco trip.
bound
Carol ___IS BOUND TO BE_____ there; she never misses a disco trip.

4 Perhaps he didnt call in at the restaurant, as arranged.
might
He ____MIGHT NOT HAVE CALLED_____ in at the restaurant, as arranged.

5 Its impossible for Keith to have finished the painting already.
possibly
Keith ____CANT/COULDNT POSSIBLY HAVE_____ finished the painting already.

6 Is it possible that you left it on the bus by mistake?
made
Do you think you __MAY/MIGHT HAVE MADE A MISTAKE___ and left it on the bus?

7 The pay dispute took several weeks of negotiations to resolve.
only
It was _ONLY AFTER NEGOTIATIONS_ lasting several weeks that the pay dispute was resolved.

8 It is very important that you never press this button.
must
On no __ACCOUNT MUST THIS BUTTON EVER____ be pressed.

9 The hostages were never actually harmed by the kidnappers.
ever
At no __POINT/STAGE/TIME DID THE KIDNAPPERS EVER ACTUALLY HARM__ the hostages.

10 You were two hours late, and, if thats not bad enough, you woke us all up with your noise.
but
Not only __TWO HOURS LATE, BUT___ you also woke us all up with your noise.

11 Complete the article by writing one word in each gap.

(0) Little did I realise just (1) ___HOW__ hard the war and subsequent economic hardship had hit this once most prosperous of towns. Hardly had I arrived in the town centre from the airport (2) __WHEN___ I was approached by two hungry-looking young boys begging for money. I duly obliged, with what little change I had in my pocket, but (3) _WHAT_ rather alarmed me was to see the public indifference to (4) _SUCH/THEIR_ obvious plight, something that (5) _WOULD_ have been inconceivable (6) _WHEN______ I last knew this town, in better times, twenty years ago. At that time the citizens (7) _WERE__ famous for their togetherness and community spirit, and allowing two penniless boys to go hungry (8) _COULDNT possibly have happened.

At the waterfront, scene of so (9) _MANY____ great classical music concerts over the years, police were out in force. Apparently, a man had been shot in a caf, the casual victim of a gang feud. In case anyone

(10) ___SHOULD___ doubt their intent, the uniformed men patrolled menacingly, guns at the ready. Only

(11) _AFTER__ much checking of documents (12) _WAS______ I allowed into the area, one of my favourite old haunts. Over a coffee and brioche, I looked out onto the waterfront, and an uneasy calm descended on the place, as (13) _IF/THOUGH_ the shooting incident was only the prelude to something worse. I learned that violent retribution was expected from the mans gang, at (14) _WHICH_ point I beat a hasty retreat, to the relative safety of my hotel room. There I wished, prayed, for a return to the old days (15) _WHEN__ the only guns I ever saw were in the museum and the only drugs you heard of were sold in pharmacies.

12 Ten people gave their opinion on a new film. Some of the sentences contain a grammatical mistake. Write the correct version in the space provided at the end of each line, or put a tick if the sentence is already correct.

0 Ive never seen such an awful film.

00 Catherine Danvers is just a so wonderful actor. such a wonderful

1 Its not often see you a film of this rare quality. _THAT YOU SEE_

2 You would be hard pushed to find a better film ___V____________
than this.

3 I thought the film was utterly rubbish, Im afraid. ____UTTER______

4 You could wait ten years, and you wouldnt see ___V____________
a better film than this.

5 Im not at all impressed by it: all those people who ___MUST BE MAD__
say how wonderful it is should be mad.

6 I doubt whether theres been a worse film in the ____V___________
last ten years.

7 I saw the front cover of the video and I completely
had to buy it. ___I SIMPLY/JUST HAD_

8 I havent seen it myself, but my sister said that never __SHE HAD NEVER SEEN_
had she seen such a great film.

9 Well, it may have won a lot of prizes, but personally ___V____________
I thought it was over-rated.

10 I thought it was a sheer waste of time from start __A COMPLETE/AN UTTER___
to finish.

13 Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence.

0 Whether this new pay deal will satisfy the unions remains/will remain/is remaining to be seen.

1 No, I mustnt/shouldnt/couldnt possibly do that to a friend.

2 Well Im surprised it was John. I would/could/should have expected better of him.

3 Dont worry about my big brother; he will/can/could be very childish at times.

4 I really wouldnt/couldnt/mightnt eat another thing, thank you.

5 You couldnt/cant/mustnt be serious! Its far too dangerous!

6 Well personally, I could/would/must have thought the answer is D, but you may be right.

7 This little device need/could/shall be the answer to all your technical problems.

8 What youre saying must/should/may well be true.

9 It shouldnt/mightnt/couldnt have been Kevin who did it; hes such a nice, well behaved lad.

10 Just in case you would/will/should find it, Ill give you my business card so you can contact me.

14 Complete each sentence with a suitable phrase of three words containing the word in capital letters.

0 Oh well, I might as well have another drink, if no ones in a hurry to leave. WELL

1 Dont bother telling Michael; hes not _IN THE LEAST____ interested in your problems. LEAST

2 It was wonderful; I felt absolutely no pain, _NOTHING AT ALL__ . NOTHING

3 __IT WASNT UNTIL___ I left Chriss house that the truth finally dawned on me. UNTIL

4 In the end __WHAT I DID___ was put a plaster over the leak. WHAT

5 It is ____BY NO MEANS___ certain that Roger will be well enough to

play in the concert. MEANS

6 Strange as ____MAY/MIGHT SEEM________ , I used to swim at a very high level. SEEM

7 Never before ____HAVE/HAD I SEEN______ such an amazing sight. SEEN

8 ___LITTLE DID HE __________ realise how much he was going to miss her. LITTLE

9 You ___DONT HAVE TO____ push quite so hard; it should go in the slot

without much force. HAVE

10 ___UNDER NO__ may you leave the room while the exam is in progress. CIRCUMSTANCES

15 Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in bold, and so that the meaning stays the same.

0 In my country all adults are obliged to vote.
obligatory
In my country voting is obligatory for all adults.

1 Im sure were not doing it the right way.
be
This ___CANT BE THE__________ way youre supposed to do it.

2 I think you should try applying again in a few months time.
were
If ____I WERE YOU I WOULD_____ try applying again in a few months time.

3 Although I tried hard, I couldnt get the hang of using a computer.
might
Try ____AS/THOUGH I MIGHT_______ I couldnt get the hang of using a computer.

4 It seems that Hermann wasnt to be trusted, after all.
appears
Hermann ___APPEARS NOT TO HAVE BEEN___ trustworthy after all.

5 Clearly the previous owners left it when they moved to their new house.
must
It _____MUST HAVE BEEN LEFT BY_____ the previous owners when they moved to their new house.

6 It seems quite likely that there was a sudden surge of power.
happened
I think what may ____HAVE HAPPENED IS/WAS THAT_____ there was a sudden surge of power.

7 Such was the speed of the ball that the goalkeeper never saw it pass him.
fast
The ball was ____GOING/MOVING/TRAVELLING SO FAST__ that the goalkeeper never saw it pass him.

8 Mark speaks with such clarity that its a pleasure to listen to him.
clear
Marks voice ___IS SO CLEAR THAT LISTENING______ to him is a pleasurable experience.

9 You must not, I repeat not, open this box until Christmas Day.
to
Under no ___CIRCUMSTANCES IS THIS BOX TO BE___ opened until Christmas Day.

10 My name was the last one they called out.
to
Mine ___WAS THE LAST NAME TO BE___ called out.

16 Complete the following letters by writing one word in each gap.

Dear Uncle Will

Youve probably (0) heard by now about the failure of our attempt to climb Mount Everest. I (1) __

SHOULD___ have listened to you about not attempting it in October. Obviously, Im very disappointed, as (2) _ARE__ all my colleagues on the team, not (3) __LEAST___ Jonty who says itll probably be his last climb. Were all physically shattered, and Ive lost almost 20 kilos (4) _DESPITE_ eating like a horse. Everything was (5) _GOING_ so well until that notorious ridge you warned me about. No (6) __SOONER__ had we reached Hunters Ridge than the weather changed for the worse. The winds got up from the south, and then the snow drifts started. It was intensely frustrating, just lying in shelter (7) _UNABLE__ to move, just 600 metres (8) _OR_ so from the summit. Only (9) __AFTER__ several days of blizzard conditions (10) __DID__ we abandon the climb and return to base camp. Oh well, drop me a line when you have time.

Yours

Ben

Dear Ben

Thanks for your letter yes, I read all about it in the local paper. Dont worry, you (11) _COULDNT___ possibly have done any more. I cant (12) ___PRETEND/SAY__ Im surprised theres nothing you can (13) __DO_ if the elements are against you: its no reflection on you. You did the sensible thing. That last bit of climb is fraught with danger, and better, more experienced climbers than yourselves have
(14) __HAD___ to turn back. So let me know if youre going to have another go I should have (15) ___THOUGHT__ May or June was a much better time for an ascent, anyway.

Best wishes

Will

17 Ten people were asked for their opinion on a new cinema. Some of the sentences contain a grammatical mistake. Write the correct version in the space provided at the end of each line, or put a tick if the sentence is already correct.

0 Its bound to be difficult for them in the first few
weeks, but I think theyve done well so far.

00 Whatsoever do they think theyre doing? Theyve Whatever do
got all the most popular films in the smallest rooms.

1 I arrived half an hour before The Detective was ____V___________
showing, and I couldnt get a seat, so theyre
obviously going to be popular.

2 I think the snack area may turn out to be too small, ____V___________
but apart from that, Im impressed.

3 A new cinema should have been discussed and debated ___MUST HAVE__
for seven or eight years before it finally happened, so
its great to actually be here and see it.

4 I would have known Id be working on the opening ____SHOULD HAVE__
night! Id have loved to see all the celebrities!

5 No sooner had we arrived when the computer in the ___THAN ________
box office broke down, so I hope thats not going
to be typical.

6 I think the disabled facilities could be better, and they ____V___________
shouldnt allow smoking in the corridors.

7 Very often are there problems in the first few days with ____THERE ARE__
a new cinema, but Ive seen nothing yet.

8 All theyre doing is putting the existing cinema in ___V____________
the town centre out of business it all seems fairly
pointless to me.

9 Little understand people just how difficult it must be ___DO PEOPLE __
to run a ten-screen cinema successfully.

10 I really do hope they succeed, because Ive seen some ___V____________
great films here already.