Present continuous

The present continuous is used to talk about present situations which we see as
short-term or temporary. We use the present simple to talk about present
situations which we see as long-term or permanent.
In these examples, the action is taking place at the time of speaking.

It's raining.

Who is Kate talking to on the phone?

Look, somebody is trying to steal that man's

wallet.

I'm not looking. My eyes are closed tightly.

In these examples, the action is true at the present time but we don't think it will
be true in the long term.

I'm looking for a new apartment.

He's thinking about leaving his job.

They're considering making an appeal against

the judgment.

Are you getting enough sleep?

In these examples, the action is at a definite point in the future and it has
already been arranged.

I'm meeting her at 6.30.

They aren't arriving until Tuesday.

We are having a special dinner at a top

restaurant for all the senior managers.

Isn't he coming to the dinner?

Present simple
The present simple is used to talk about actions we see as long term or
permanent. It is very common and very important.

In these examples, we are talking about regular actions or events.

I drive to work every day.

She doesn't come very often.

The games usually start at 8.00 in the evening.

What do you usually have for breakfast?

In these examples, we are talking about facts.

Water freezes at 0 C or 32 F.

I have three children.

What does this word mean?

I don't have any of my original teeth left.

In these examples, we are talking about future facts, usually found in a timetable
or a chart.

The plane leaves at 5.00 tomorrow morning.

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year.

Ramadan doesn't begin for another 2 weeks.

Does the class begin this week or next?

In these examples, we are talking about our thoughts and feelings at the time of
speaking. Notice that, although these feelings can be short-term, we use the
present simple and not the present continuous.

I think you are wrong.

She doesn't want to do it.

They don't agree with us.

Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Present simple / Present continuous

We use the Present Simple for:
regular actions or events

I watch TV most evenings.

The sun rises in the east.

The plane leaves at 5.00 in the morning.

facts

facts known about the future

thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking

I don't understand.

We use the Present Continuous for

the time of speaking ('now')

I'm watching a movie on TV.

things which are true at the moment but not always

I'm looking for a new job.

I'm taking my husband to New York for his

birthday.

I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one

this morning because there is nothing else.

I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this

morning because my car is in for repair.

I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde but I

don't think my wife will be very happy about it.

My parents live in New York but I'm just visiting.

present plans for the future

Look at these sentences :

Notice how in all these examples we use the present continuous to talk about
events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about
events which are habits/permanent.

Past simple
3

We use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as
completed in the past.
We can use it to talk about a specific point in time.

She came back last Friday.

I saw her in the street.

They didn't agree to the deal.

It can also be used to talk about a period of time.

She lived in Tokyo for seven years.

They were in London from Monday to Thursday

of last week.

When I was living in New York, I went to all the

art exhibitions I could.

You will often find the past simple used with time expressions such as these:

Yesterday

three weeks ago

last year

in 2002

from March to June

for a long time

for 6 weeks

in the 1980s

in the last century

in the past

Past continuous
We use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as
completed in the past.

We can use it to talk about a specific point in time.

We use the past continuous to talk about past events which went on for a period
of time.
We use it when we want to emphasize the continuing process of an activity or
the period of that activity. (If we just want to talk about the past event as a
simple fact, we use the past simple.)

While I was driving home, Peter was trying

desperately to contact me.

Were you expecting any visitors?

Sorry, were you sleeping?

I was just making some coffee.

I was thinking about him last night.

In the 1990s few people were using mobile

phones.

We often use it to describe a "background action" when something else

happened.

I was walking in the street when I suddenly fell

over.

She was talking to me on the phone and it

suddenly went dead.

They were still waiting for the plane when I

spoke to them.

The company was declining rapidly before he

took charge.

We were just talking about it before you arrived.

I was making a presentation in front of 500

people when the microphone stopped working.

Past simple / Past continuous

Both the past simple and the past continuous refer to completed actions in the
past.
Most of the time when we are talking about such actions, we use the past simple.
This is by far the most common way of talking about the past.

I lived there for 6 years.

I only found out a few moments ago.

I asked her but she didn't know anything.

The company made 100 people redundant last

year.

Only use the past continuous when you want to emphasize the continuity of the
action.

Everybody was talking about it all evening.

They were really trying hard but couldn't do it.

I was thinking about you the other day.

Were you expecting that to happen?

When we use these two forms in the same sentence, we use the past continuous
to talk about the "background action" and the past simple to talk about the
shorter completed action.

It was raining hard when we left the building.

I was reading the report when you rang.

He was going out to lunch when I saw him.

The company was doing well when I last visited

it.

Present perfect
(Please note that British and American English have different rules for the use of
this tense. The explanation and exercises here refer to British English. In
American English, it is often acceptable to use the past simple in some of these
examples.)
We use the present perfect when we want to look back from the present to the
past.
We can use it to look back on the recent past.

I've broken my watch so I don't know what time

it is.

They have cancelled the meeting.

She's taken my copy. I don't have one.

6

The sales team has doubled its turnover.

When we look back on the recent past, we often use the words 'just' 'already' or
the word 'yet' (in negatives and questions only).

We've already talked about that.

She hasn't arrived yet.

I've just done it.

They've already met.

They don't know yet.

Have you spoken to him yet?

Have they got back to you yet?

It can also be used to look back on the more distant past.

We've been to Singapore a lot over the last few

years.

She's done this type of project many times

before.

We've mentioned it to them on several

occasions over the last six months.

They've often talked about it in the past.

When we look back on the more distant past, we often use the words 'ever' (in
questions) and 'never'.

Have you ever been to Argentina?

Has he ever talked to you about the problem?

I've never met Jim and Sally.

We've never considered investing in Mexico.

Present perfect continuous

This tense is used to talk about an action or actions that started in the past and
continued until recently or that continue into the future:
We can use it to refer to an action that has finished but you can still see
evidence.
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Oh, the kitchen is a mess. Who has been

cooking?

You look tired. Have you been sleeping properly?

I've got a a stiff neck. I've been working too long

on computer.

It can refer to an action that has not finished.

I've been learning Spanish for 20 years and I still

don't know very much.

I've been waiting for him for 30 minutes and he

still hasn't arrived.

He's been telling me about it for days. I wish he

would stop.

It can refer to a series of actions.

She's been writing to her regularly for a couple

of years.

He's been phoning me all week for an answer.

The university has been sending students here

for over twenty years to do work experience.

The present perfect continuous is often used with 'since', 'for', 'all week', 'for
days', 'lately', 'recently', 'over the last few months'.

I've been wanting to do that for ten years.

You haven't been getting good results over the

last few months.

They haven't been working all week. They're on

strike

He hasn't been talking to me for weeks.

We've been working hard on it for ages.

I've been looking at other options recently.

He's been working here since 2001.

Present perfect simple / Present perfect continuous

Often there is very little difference between the present perfect simple and the
present perfect continuous. In many cases, both are equally acceptable.

They've been working here for a long time but

Andy has worked here for even longer.

I've lived here for 10 years and she has been

living here for 12 years.

To emphasize the action, we use the continuous form.

We've been working really hard for a couple of

months.

She's been having a hard time.

To emphasize the result of the action, we use the simple form.

I've made fifteen phone calls this morning.

He's written a very good report.

Look at the difference in these examples.

I've been reading this book for two months but

I've only read half of it. It's very difficult to read.

She's been trying to convince him for 20

minutes but she hasn't managed to yet.

They've been talking about this for month and

they still haven't found a solution.

When an action is finished and you can see the results, use the continuous form.

The phone bill is enormous. You've been calling

your boyfriend in Australia, haven't you?

You're red in the face. Have you been running?

When you use the words 'ever' or 'never', use the simple form.

I don't know them. I've never met them.

Have you ever heard anything so strange in your

life.

Present perfect / past simple

(British English and American English have different rules for the use of the
present perfect. The comments being made here and the exercises state the
correct grammar for British English. However, in American English, it is often
considered acceptable to use the past simple in some of these examples.)
We use the past simple to talk about actions in the past that have finished. It
talks about 'then' and definitely excludes 'now'.
We use the present perfect simple to look back on actions in the past from the
present. It always includes 'now'.
These sentences are in the past with no connection to the present.

I first met him 10 years ago.

I started work here in 1987.

I ate too much at lunchtime.

Now look at these same situations seen from the present.

I've known him for 10 years.

I've worked here since 1987.

My stomach hurts. I've eaten too much.

Typical time phrases that we use with the past simple are 'yesterday', 'ago', 'last
year', 'in 1999'.

I spoke to him yesterday.

She came in a few moments ago.

We made our last purchase over a year ago.

He joined the company in 1999.

Typical time phrases that we use with the present perfect are 'ever', 'never',
'since'.

I've never seen so many people.

Have you ever been more shocked?

I've done a lot since we last spoke.

Typical time phrases always used with the present perfect in British English but
often used with the past simple in American English are 'already', 'just', 'yet'.

I haven't done it yet. (UK)

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I didn't do it yet. (US)

I've just done it. (UK)

I just did it. (US)

I've already done it. (UK)

I already did it. (US)

The time phrase 'for' can be used with both forms, but with different meanings.

I went to Munich for the weekend but I came

back on Sunday evening.

I've been in Munich for the weekend and I've

brought you back some German sausages.

Past perfect
We use the past perfect simple to talk about what happened before a point in the
past. It looks back from a point in the past to further in the past.

I hadn't known the bad news when I spoke to

him.

I checked with the supplier and they still hadn't

received the contract.

She had already told him before I got a chance

to give him my version.

The company has started the year well but was

badly hit by the postal strike.

The past perfect simple is often used when we report what people had
said/thought/believed.

He told me they had already paid the bill.

He said he believed that John had moved to Italy.

I thought we had already decided on a name for

this product.

Past perfect continuous

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We use the past perfect continuous to look back at a situation in progress.

It was a good time to invest. Inflation had been

falling for several months.

Before I changed jobs, I had been working on a

plan to reduce production costs.

We had been thinking about buying a new house

but then we decided to stay here.

We use it to say what had been happening before something else happened.

It had been snowing for a while before we left.

We had been playing tennis for only a few

minutes when it started raining.

He was out of breath when he arrived because

he had been running.

We use it when reporting things said in the past.

She said she had been trying to call me all day.

They said they had been shopping.

I told you I had been looking for some new

clothes.

Past tense review

We can use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as
completed in the past.

I left school when I was sixteen.

I was very happy then.

He told me all about his childhood.

We can use the past continuous to talk about past events which went on for a
period of time.

While I was driving home, Peter was trying

desperately to contact me.

I was thinking about him last night.

12

I was walking in the street when I

suddenly fell over.

We can use the present perfect when we want to look back from the present to
the past.

I've broken my watch so I don't know

what time it is.

She hasn't arrived yet.

We've been to Singapore a lot over the

last few years.

Have you ever been to Argentina?

The Present Perfect Continuous can be used to talk about an action or

actions that started in the past and continued until recently or that continue into
the future.

You look tired. Have you been sleeping

properly?

I've been waiting for him for 30 minutes

and he still hasn't arrived.

He's been phoning me all week for an

answer.

We can use the past perfect simple to talk about what happened before a
point in the past. It looks back from a point in the past to further in the past.

I hadn't known the bad news when I spoke

to him.

I thought we had already decided on a

name for this product.

We can use the past perfect continuous to look back at a situation in progress.

We had been thinking about buying a new

house but then we decided to stay here.

It had been snowing for a while before we

left.

She said she had been trying to call me all

day.

13

Going to

There is no one 'future tense' in English. There are 4 future forms. The one which
is used most often in spoken
English is 'going to', not 'will'.
We use 'going to' when we want to talk about a plan for the future.

I'm going to see him later today.

They're going to launch it next month.

We're going to have lunch first.

She's going to see what she can do.

I'm not going to talk for very long.

Notice that this plan does not have to be for the near future.

When I retire I'm going to go back to Barbados

to live.

In ten years time, I'm going to be boss of my

own successful company.

We use 'going to' when we want to make a prediction based on evidence we can
see now.

Look out! That cup is going to fall off.

Look at those black clouds. It's going to rain

soon.

These figures are really bad. We're going to

make a loss.

You look very tired. You're going to need to stop

soon.

We can replace 'going to go' by 'going'.

I'm going out later.

She's going to the exhibition tomorrow.

14

Will future

Some people have been taught that 'will' is 'the future' in English. This is not
correct. Sometimes when we talk about the future we cannot use 'will'.
Sometimes when we use 'will' we are not talking about the future.
We can use 'will' to talk about future events we believe to be certain.

The sun will rise over there tomorrow morning.

Next year, I'll be 50.

That plane will be late. It always is.

There won't be any snow. I'm certain. It's too

warm.

Often we add 'perhaps', 'maybe', 'probably', 'possibly' to make the belief less
certain.

I'll probably come back later.

He'll possibly find out when he sees Jenny.

Maybe it will be OK.

Perhaps we'll meet again some day.

We often use 'will' with 'I think' or 'I hope'.

I think I'll go to bed now.

I think she'll do well in the job.

I hope you'll enjoy your stay.

I hope you won't make too much noise.

We use 'will' at the moment we make a new decision or plan. The thought has
just come into our head.

Bye. I'll phone you when I get there.

I'll answer that.

I'll go.

I won't tell him. I promise.

15

Going to or will

When we want to talk about future facts or things we believe to be true about
the future, we use 'will'.

The President will serve for four years.

The boss won't be very happy.

I'm sure you'll like her.

I'm certain he'll do a good job.

If we are not so certain about the future, we use 'will' with expressions such as
'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.

I hope you'll visit me in my home one day.

She'll probably be a great success.

I'll possibly come but I may not get back in time.

I think we'll get on well.

If you are making a future prediction based on evidence in the present situation,
use 'going to'.

Not a cloud in the sky. It's going to be another

warm day.

Look at the queue. We're not going to get in for

hours.

The traffic is terrible. We're going to miss our

flight.

Be careful! You're going to spill your coffee.

At the moment of making a decision, use 'will'. Once you have made the
decision, talk about it using 'going to'.

I'll call Jenny to let her know. Sarah, I need

Jenny's number. I'm going to call her about the
meeting.

I'll come and have a drink with you but I must let
Harry know. Harry, I'm going to have a drink with
Simon.

16

Present forms for the future

We use the present continuous to talk about things that we have already
arranged to do in the future.

I've got my ticket. I'm leaving on Thursday.

I'm seeing Julie at 5 and then I'm having dinner

with Simon.

He's picking me up at the airport.

The company is giving everyone a bonus for

Christmas.

In many situations when we talk about future plans we can use either the
present continuous or the 'going to' future. However, when we use the present
continuous, there is more of a suggestion that an arrangement has already been
made.

I'm going to see him./I'm seeing him.

I'm going to do it./I'm doing it.

We use the present simple to talk about events in the future which are
'timetabled'. We can also use the present continuous to talk about these.

My plane leaves at 6 in the morning.

The shop opens at 9.30.

The sun rises a minute earlier tomorrow.

My plane is leaving at 8.30.

The shop is closing at 7.00.

The sun is rising at 6.32 tomorrow.

Will - other uses

A lot of students have been confused by older textbooks which refer to 'will' as
'the future tense'.
A key factor to remember about 'will' is that when we talk about the future we
cannot always use 'will' and that when we use 'will' we are not always talking
about the future.
17

In these examples 'will' is clearly referring to the future.

o

I'll probably visit Sue when I go to Oxford.

If I see her, I'll tell her about it.

Next year she'll be 42. Or so she says.

However, in these examples 'will' is referring to events happening at the present.

o

My car won't start.

I'll answer that.

Will you have another cup of tea?

When we use 'will' referring to the present, the idea being expressed is usually
one of 'showing willingness' or 'will power'.
o

My baby won't stop crying. I've tried

everything and I'm really exhausted.

I am the boss. You will do as I say.

I need quiet to write this but he will keep

on talking to me. I wish he would leave
me alone.

Use 'will' for requests, orders, invitations and offers.

o

Will you help me?

Will you please sit down?

Will you have some cake?

I'll help you.

I'll do it at once. I'll phone him

immediately.

I'll remember this. I'll get my own back

some day.

A cat will always find a warm place to

sleep.

Use 'will' for promises and threats.

Use 'will' for habit.

18

My car won't go any faster than this.

The phone's ringing. That will be Mark.

I expect he'll want us to start without him.

Use 'will' for deduction.

Look again at all of these examples of 'will'. They are all to do with the present or
are 'timeless'

Shall

We don't use 'Shall' very frequently in modern English, particularly in American

English.
It is used to make offers and suggestions and to ask for advice.

What time shall we meet?

Shall we vote on it now?

What dress shall I wear?

Shall I open the window?

You only really need to know that about 'shall' in modern English. Read the rest
of this only if you want to know more about how some older speakers still use
'shall'.
In older grammar, 'shall' was used as an alternative to 'will' with 'I' and 'we'.
Today, 'will' is normally used. When we do use 'shall', it has an idea of a more
personal, subjective future.

I shall go to see the boss and I shall ask him to

explain this decision.

Notice that the negative of 'shall' can be 'shall not' or 'shan't' though the
second one is now very rare in American English.

I don't like these people and I shall not go to

their party.

I shan't object if you go without me.

The imperative

19

We can use the imperative to give a direct order.

1. Take that chewing gum out of your mouth.
2. Stand up straight.
3. Give me the details.
We can use the imperative to give instructions.
1. Open your book.
2. Take two tablets every evening.
3. Take a left and then a right.
We can use the imperative to make an invitation.
1. Come in and sit down. Make yourself at home.
2. Please start without me. I'll be there shortly.
3. Have a piece of this cake. It's delicious.
We can use the imperative on signs and notices.
1. Push.
2. Do not use.
3. Insert one dollar.
We can use the imperative to give friendly informal advice.
1. Speak to him. Tell him how you feel.
2. Have a quiet word with her about it.
3. Don't go. Stay at home and rest up. Get some
sleep and recover.
We can make the imperative 'more polite' by adding 'do'.

Do be quiet.

Do come.

Do sit down.

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The Passive

We use the active form to say what the subject does. For example:

I speak English every day at work.

I repaired the flat tire on the car.

We use the passive form to say what happens to people and things, to say what
is done to them. For example:

English is spoken here.

The car is being repaired.

We use the passive form when we don't know who did the action. For example:

The car was damaged while it was parked on the

street.

The shirts were made in Turkey.

We use the passive form when what was done is more important than who did it.
For example:

It was approved by Gerry last week.

I was informed by the Human Resources

Manager only two days ago.

The -ing form

The ing form can be used like a noun, like an adjective or like a verb.

Smoking is forbidden.

I have a long working day.

I don't like dancing.

When it is used like a noun it may or may not have an article before it.

Marketing is a very inexact science.

21

The marketing of the product will continue for a

few months yet.

It can also be part of a 'noun phrase'.

Speaking to an audience is always stressful.

Swimming after work is very relaxing.

In formal English, we would use a possessive with the ing form. In informal
English, many people do not.

I'm angry about his missing the meeting.

Do you mind my coming?

As an adjective, the ing form can be used before a noun.

I was met by a welcoming party at the airport.

Let's go to the meeting room.

The ing form is used after prepositions.

Before leaving, you need to speak to Sarah.

After discussing it with her, I've changed my

mind.

Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, do some

work for charity.

Notice that when 'to' is used as a preposition, it is followed by the ing form.

I don't object to working this Sunday.

I'm looking forward to seeing him again.

I'm used to working long hours.

There are many verb + -ing combinations. Here are some common ones:

I admit telling her.

I appreciate having the raise.

I avoid speaking to him.

I consider blowing your nose in public to be

wrong.

22

I delayed coming until the last possible moment.

He denied telling her.

I detest going to parties.

I enjoy dancing.

I feel like having a party.

I've finished writing the report.

I've given up going to the gym.

I can't help thinking about it.

I can't imagine ever leaving this company.

I don't mind doing that.

He put off talking to her as long as he could.

I can't stand drinking beer.

Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or ing form but with different
meanings. Here are some common ones:

I stopped smoking last month. (I no longer

smoke.)

I stopped to smoke a cigarette. (I stopped what I

was doing and had a cigarette.)

I remember telling him. (A memory of the past.)

I must remember to tell him. (Something to

remember for the future.)

I'm interested in finding out more details.

(Interested about the future.)

I was interested to read his report. (Interested in

the past.)

Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or ing form but with the
same meaning. Here are some common ones:

I love to go shopping.

I love going shopping.

23

I'm afraid to fly.

I'm afraid of flying.

I started to learn English 5 years ago.

I started learning English 5 years ago.

Can
We use 'can' to talk about 'possibility'.

Can you do that?

I can't manage to do that.

You can leave your car in that parking space.

You cannot smoke in here.

Notice that there are two negative forms: 'can't' and 'cannot'. These mean
exactly the same thing. When we are speaking, we usually say 'can't'.
We use 'can' to talk about 'ability'.

I can speak French.

I can't drive.

We use 'can' to ask for and give permission. (We also use 'may' for this but is
more formal and much less common.)

Can I speak to you or are you too busy?

You can use my phone.

You can't come in.

We use 'can' in offers, requests and instructions.

Can I help?

Can you give me a hand?

When you finish that, you can take out the

garbage.

24

We use 'can' with 'see' 'hear' 'feel' 'smell' 'taste' to talk about something which is
happening now . (Where you would use the present continuous with most other
verbs.)

I can smell something burning.

Can you hear that noise?

I can't see anything.

We can use 'can't' for deduction. The opposite of 'can't' in this context is 'must'.

You can't be hungry. You've just eaten.

You must be hungry. You haven't eaten anything

all day.

He was in London one hour ago when I spoke to

him. He can't be here yet.

Could

'Could' can be used to talk about the past, the present or the future.
'Could' is a past form of 'can'

When I was living in Boston, I could walk to

work.

He phoned to say he couldn't come.

I could see him clearly but I couldn't hear him

and then the videoconference line went dead.

'Could' is used to make polite requests. We can also use 'can' for these but
'could' is more polite.

Could you help me, please?

Could you lend me some money?

Could I have a lift?

Could I bother you for a moment?

25

If we use 'could' in reply to these requests, it suggests that we do not really want
to do it. If you agree to the request, it is better to say 'can'.

Of course I can.

I could help you if it's really necessary but I'm

really busy right now.

I could lend you some money but I'd need it

back tomorrow without fail.

I could give you a lift as far as Birmingham.

'Could' is used to talk about theoretical possibility and is similar in meaning to

'might'.

It could rain later. Take an umbrella.

He could be there by now.

Could he be any happier?

It could be Sarah's.

May / might

may
We can use 'may' to ask for permission. However this is rather formal and not
used very often in modern spoken English

May I borrow your pen?

May we think about it?

May I go now?

We use 'may' to suggest something is possible

It may rain later today.

I may not have time to do it today.

Pete may come with us

might

26

We use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. Often we read that

'might' suggests a smaller possibility that 'may', there is in fact little difference
and 'might is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.

She might be at home by now but it's not sure at

all.

It might rain this afternoon.

I might not have time to go to the shops for you.

I might not go.

For the past, we use 'might have'.

He might have tried to call while I was out.

I might have dropped it in the street.

Should 1

We use 'should' for giving advice.

You should speak to him about it.

You should see a doctor.

You should ask a lawyer.

We use 'should' to give an opinion or a recommendation.

We should invest more in China.

They should do something about this terrible

train service.

He should resign.

'Should' expresses a personal opinion and is much weaker and more personal
than 'must' or 'have to'. It is often introduced by ' I think'.

I think they should replace him.

I don't think they should keep the contract.

Do you think I should tell her?

27

Should 2

We can use 'should' after 'reporting verbs' such as

demand insist propose recommend suggest

He demanded that we should pay for the repair.

She insisted that she should pay for the meal.

I have proposed that he should take charge of

the organization.

The committee recommends that Jane should be

appointed.

We have suggested that Michael should be given

a reward for his hard work.

However, it is also possible to say exactly the same thing by omitting the 'should'
and just using the infinitive form without 'to' . Some people call this the
'subjunctive' form.

He demanded that we pay for the repair.

She insisted that she pay for the meal.

I have proposed that he take charge of the

organization.

The committee recommends that Jane be

appointed.

We have suggested that Michael be given a

reward for his hard work.

We can use 'should' after various adjectives. Typical examples are: funny,
interesting, natural, odd, strange, surprised, surprising, typical

It's funny that you should say that. I was

thinking exactly the same thing.

It's interesting that they should offer him the

job. Not an obvious choice.

It's natural that you should be anxious. Nobody

likes speaking in public.

Isn't it odd that he should be going to the same

tiny hotel? What a coincidence.

28

It's strange that you should think so. Nobody

else does.

We can use 'should' in 'if clauses' when we believe that the possibility of
something happening is small.

If you should happen to see him before I do, can

you tell him that I want to speak to him
urgently?

If there should be a problem, just give me a call

and I'll sort it out.

If anyone should ask where I am, say I'm in a

meeting.

We use 'should' in various fixed expressions:

To show strong agreement
They're paying you compensation? I should
think so.

To express pleasure when you receive a gift

What a fantastic present. You really shouldn't
have.

To emphasize a visible emotion

You should have seen the look on her face when she found out that she had got
the promotion.

Must or have to

We can use 'must' to show that we are certain something is true. We are making
a logical deduction based upon some clear evidence or reason.

There's no heating on. You must be freezing.

You must be worried that she is so late coming

home.

I can't remember what I did with it. I must be

getting old.

It must be nice to live in Florida.

29

We also use 'must' to express a strong obligation. When we use 'must' this
usually means that some personal circumstance makes the obligation necessary
(and the speaker almost certainly agrees with the obligation.)

I must go to bed earlier.

They must do something about it.

You must come and see us some time.

I must say, I don't think you were very nice to

him.

We can also use 'have to' to express a strong obligation. When we use 'have to'
this usually means that some external circumstance makes the obligation
necessary.

I have to arrive at work at 9 sharp. My boss is

very strict.

We have to give him our answer today or lose

out on the contract.

You have to pass your exams or the university

will not accept you.

I have to send a report to Head Office every

week.

In British English, we often use 'have got to' to mean the same as 'have to'.

I've got to take this book back to the library or

I'll get a fine.

We've got to finish now as somebody else needs

this room.

We can also use ' will have to' to talk about strong obligations. Like 'must' this
usually means that that some personal circumstance makes the obligation
necessary. (Remember that 'will' is often used to show 'willingness'.)

I'll have to speak to him.

We'll have to have lunch and catch up on all the

gossip.

They'll have to do something about it.

I'll have to get back to you on that.

30

As you can see, the differences between the present forms are sometimes very
small and very subtle. However, there is a huge difference in the negative forms.

We use 'mustn't' to express strong obligations

NOT to do something.

We mustn't talk about it. It's confidential.

I mustn't eat chocolate. It's bad for me.

You mustn't phone me at work. We aren't

allowed personal calls.

They mustn't see us talking or they'll suspect

something.

We use 'don't have to' (or 'haven't got to' in British English) to state that there is
NO obligation or necessity.

We don't have to get there on time. The boss is

away today.

I don't have to listen to this. I'm leaving.

You don't have to come if you don't want to.

He doesn't have to sign anything if he doesn't

want to at this stage.

I haven't got to go. Only if I want to

Zero conditional

When we want to talk about things that are always or generally true, we can use:
If / When / Unless plus a present form PLUS present simple or imperative

If you press this button, you get black coffee.

When you fly budget airline, you don't expect to

get anything to eat.

Unless you need a lot of leg-room, don't pay the

extra for first class.

Notice that we are talking about something which is generally true, not a specific
event.
In the condition clause, there can be a variety of present forms. In the result
clause, there can only be the present simple or imperative.
31

If you visit Barcelona, look out for the

spectacular architecture.

If unemployment is rising, people tend to stay in

their present jobs.

If you've finished everything, go home.

When you go to Barbados, take plenty of sun

cream.

When I'm working, please be quiet.

When I've written a new article, I run it through

my spell-checker.

Notice that 'unless' means the same as 'if not'.

Unless he asks you to continue, stop all work on

the project.

Unless interest rates are rising, it's not a good

investment.

Unless you've been to Tokyo yourself, you don't

really understand how fantastic it is.

The first conditional

We use the First Conditional to talk about future events that are likely to happen.

If we take John, he'll be really pleased.

If you give me some money, I'll pay you back

tomorrow.

If they tell us they want it, we'll have to give it to

them.

If Mary comes, she'll want to drive.

The 'if' clause can be used with different present forms.

If I go to New York again, I'll buy you a souvenir

from the Empire State Building.

32

If he's feeling better, he'll come.

If she hasn't heard the bad news yet, I'll tell her.

The "future clause" can contain 'going to' or the future perfect as well as 'will'.

If I see him, I'm going to tell him exactly how

angry I am.

If we don't get the contract, we'll have wasted a

lot of time and money.

The "future clause" can also contain other modal verbs such as 'can' and 'must'.

If you go to New York, you must have the

cheesecake in Lindy's.

If he comes, you can get a lift home with him.

Second conditional

We can use the Second Conditional to talk about 'impossible' situations.

If I had one million dollars, I'd give a lot to

charity.

If there were no more hungry people in this

world, it would be a much better place.

If we were in New York today, we would be able

to go to the free Elton John concert in Central
Park.

Notice that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not
'was'. (Some people think that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other people
think 'was' is equally 'correct' .)

If I were in Tokyo, I'd have sushi every day.

If she were really happy in her job, she'd be

working much harder.

If IBM were to enter our market, we would have

big problems.

Notice the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.

If I were you, I'd change my job.

33

If I were you, I'd sign up for Pearson's fantastic

English lessons.

We can also use the Second Conditional to talk about 'unlikely' situations.

If I won the lottery, I'd buy my parents a big

house.

If I went to the moon, I'd bring back some moon

rock.

If you met him, you'd really like him.

Notice that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a
question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts. For example, consider two
people Peter Pessimist and Otto Optimist.

Otto If I win the lottery, I'll buy a big house.

Peter If I won the lottery, I'd buy a big house.

Otto If I get promoted, I'll throw a big party.

Peter If I got promoted, I'd throw a big party.

Otto If my team win the Cup, I'll buy

champagne for everybody.

Peter If my team won the Cup, I'd buy

champagne for everybody.

Notice that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.

If I was still living in Brighton, I would commute

by train.

If they were thinking of coming, they would let

us know.

If she were coming, she would be here by now.

Notice that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.

If I met him again, I wouldn't recognize him.

If we met up for lunch one day, I could take you

to that new restaurant.

If I spoke to him directly, we might be able to

reach an agreement.

34

Also notice that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

What would I do without you? ("if you stopped

working here")

Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I

went looking for one")

He wouldn't agree. ("if we asked him")

Third conditional

We can use the Third Conditional to talk about 'impossible' conditions, impossible
because they are in the past and we cannot change what has happened.

If I had worked harder at school, I would have

got better grades.

If I had had time, I would have gone to see him.

But I didn't have time.

If we had bought that house, we would have had

to rebuild the kitchen.

If we had caught the earlier train, we would have

got there on time but we were late.

Notice that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.

If I had seen him at the meeting, I would have

asked him. (But he wasn't there so I didn't.)

If I had seen him at the meeting, I could have

asked him. ( But he wasn't there so it wasn't
possible.)

If I had seen him at the meeting, I might have

asked him. (But I'm not sure. Perhaps if the
opportunity had arisen.)

If I had paid more attention in class, I would

have understood the lesson.

Also notice that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

I'd have done it. ("if you had asked me but you
didn't.")

I wouldn't have said that. ("if I'd been there.")

35

He wouldn't have let him get away with that. ("if

he had tried that with me.")

Wish

Let's start off with the easy part. ' I wish to' can mean the same as 'I want to' but
it is much, much more formal and much, much less common.

I wish to make a complaint.

I wish to see the manager.

You can also use 'wish' with a noun to 'offer good wishes'.

I wish you all the best in your new job.

We wish you a merry Christmas.

Notice that when you want to offer good wishes using a verb, you must use 'hope
' and not 'wish'.

We wish you the best of luck.

We hope you have the best of luck.

I wish you a safe and pleasant journey.

I hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.

However, the main use of 'wish' is to say that we would like things to be different
from what they are, that we have regrets about the present situation.

I wish I was rich.

He wishes he lived in Paris.

They wish they'd chosen a different leader.

I wish I hadn't told him.

Notice that the verb tense which follows 'I wish' is 'more in the past' than the
tense corresponding to its meaning.

I'm overweight. I wish I was slimmer.

I never win at tennis. I wish I won a game

occasionally.

It's raining hard. I wish it wasn't raining so hard.

36

I went to the pub last night. I wish I hadn't had

so many beers.

I didn't go to the cinema. I wish I had gone.

I've eaten too much. I wish I hadn't eaten so

much.

I'm going to see her later. I wish I wasn't.

I was wearing jeans. I wish I hadn't been wearing

jeans.

I can't go to the party. I wish I could go.

I couldn't do all the questions in the exam. I wish

I could have done them all.

In the case of 'will' , where 'will' means 'show willingness' we use 'would'.

He won't help me. I wish he would help me.

You're making too much noise. I wish you would

be quiet.

You keep interrupting me. I wish you wouldn't do

that.

Where 'will' means a future event, we cannot use 'wish' and must use 'hope'.

There's a strike tomorrow. I hope some buses

will still be running.

I hope everything will be fine in your new job.

In more formal English, we use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was' after
'wish'.

I wish I were taller.

I wish it were Saturday today.

I wish the options were a little clearer.

Had better

37

We use had better plus the infinitive without to to give advice. Although
had is the past form of have, we use had better to give advice about the
present or future.

You'd better tell her everything.

I'd better get back to work.

We'd better meet early.

The negative form is had better not.

You'd better not say anything.

I'd better not come.

We'd better not miss the start of his

presentation.

We use had better to give advice about specific situations, not general ones. If
you want to talk about general situations, you must use should.

You should brush your teeth before you go to

bed.

I shouldn't listen to negative people.

He should dress more appropriately for the

office.

When we give advice about specific situations, it is also possible to use should.

You shouldn't say anything.

I should get back to work.

We should meet early.

However, when we use had better there is a suggestion that if the advice is not
followed, that something bad will happen.

You'd better do what I say or else you will get

into trouble.

I'd better get back to work or my boss will be

angry with me.

We'd better get to the airport by five or else we

may miss the flight.

Used to

38

'Used to do' is different from 'to be used to doing' and 'to get used to doing'

Used to do
We use 'used to' for something that happened regularly in the past but no longer
happens.

I used to smoke a packet a day but I stopped

two years ago.

Ben used to travel a lot in his job but now, since

his promotion, he doesn't.

I used to drive to work but now I take the bus.

We also use it for something that was true but no longer is.

There used to be a cinema in the town but now

there isn't.

She used to have really long hair but she's had it

all cut off.

I didn't use to like him but now I do.

to be used to doing
We use 'to be used to doing' to say that something is normal, not unusual.

I'm used to living on my own. I've done it for

quite a long time.

Hans has lived in England for over a year so he

is used to driving on the left now.

They've always lived in hot countries so they

aren't used to the cold weather here.

to get used to doing

We use 'to get used to doing' to talk about the process of something becoming
normal for us.

I didn't understand the accent when I first

moved here but I quickly got used to it.

She has started working nights and is still

getting used to sleeping during the day.

39

I have always lived in the country but now I'm

beginning to get used to living in the city.

Questions 1

The basic rule for asking questions in English is straightforward: Invert the order
of the subject and the first auxiliary verb.

It is snowing. = Is it snowing?

He can speak German. = Can he speak German?

They have lived here a long time. = Have they

lived here a long time?

She will arrive at ten o'clock. = Will she arrive at

ten o'clock?

He was driving fast. = Was he driving fast?

You have been smoking. = Have you been

smoking?

If there is no auxiliary, use part of the verb 'to do'.

You speak fluent French. = Do you speak fluent

French?

She lives in Brussels. = Does she live in

Brussels?

They lived in Manchester. = Did they live in

Manchester?

He had an accident. = Did he have an accident?

Most questions with question words are made in the same way:

How often does she use it?

Why don't you come?

Where do you work?

How many did you buy?

What time did you go?

40

Which one do you like?

Whose car were you driving?

Note who, what and which can be the subject. Compare:

Who is coming to lunch? (who is the subject of

the verb)

Who do you want to invite to lunch? (you is the

subject of the verb)

What happened? (what is the subject of the

verb)

What did you do? (you is the subject of the verb)

Note the position of the prepositions in these questions:

Who did you speak to?

What are you looking at?

Where does he come from?

Questions 2

In the section Questions 1, we looked at how to ask direct questions. To make a

question, we invert the order of the subject and the first auxiliary verb.

Where is Johnny?

Has he found it yet?

If there is no auxiliary, use part of the verb 'to do'. For example:

What time did he arrive?

How often do you play tennis?

However, when we ask for information, we often say 'Do you know?' or 'Could
you tell me.?' These are indirect questions and the word order is different. For
example:

Do you know where Johnny is?

Have you any idea if he has found it?

41

Note that we dont use do, does or did. For example:

Could you tell me what time he arrived?

Would you mind telling me how often you play

tennis?

Use if or whether when there is no question word.

Has he done it? = Do you know if he has done

it?

Is it ready? = Can you tell me if it is ready?

The same changes in word order happen when we report questions. Note that in
reported questions, the verb changes to the past:

What are you doing? = He asked me what I was

doing.

What have you done about it? = He asked me

what I had done about it.

Do you work with Pamela? = He asked me if I

worked with Pamela.

Questions tags

We use tags in spoken English but not in formal written English.

They are not really questions but are a way of asking the other person to make a
comment and so keep the conversation open.
Making a tag is very mechanical. To make a tag, use the first auxiliary. If there is
no auxiliary, use do, does or did. With a positive sentence, make a negative tag
and with a negative sentence, make a positive tag.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

He has been, hasn't he?

You can, can't you?

It must be, mustn't it?

You know him, dont you?

He finished it, didn't he?

42

He will come, won't he?

It isn't very good, is it?

It hasn't rained, has it?

It can't be, can it?

Jenny doesn't know James, does she?

They didn't leave, did they?

He wont do it, will he?

There isn't an ATM here, is there?

Let's have a cup of coffee, shall we?

Notice these:

To reply, use the same auxiliary:

It's beautiful, isn't it? ~ Yes, it is. I think it's

fabulous.

It isn't very good, is it? ~ No, it isn't. In fact, it's

terrible.

Although, the rules are very simple and mechanical, in order to use them easily
in conversation, they have to be automatic. So you need to hear and practice
them very often.

Reported speech 1

We use reported speech when we are saying what other people say, think or
believe.

He says he wants it.

We think you are right.

I believe he loves her.

Yesterday you said you didn't like it but now you

do!

She told me he had asked her to marry him.

43

I told you she was ill.

We thought he was in Australia.

When we are reporting things in the present, future or present perfect we don't
change the tense.

He thinks he loves her.

I'll tell her you are coming.

He has said he'll do it.

When we tell people what someone has said in the past, we generally make the
tense 'more in the past'.

You look very nice. = I told him he looked very

nice.

He's working in Siberia now. = She told me he

was working in Siberia now.

Polly has bought a new car. = She said Polly had

bought a new car.

Jo can't come for the weekend. = She said Jo

couldn't come for the weekend.

Paul called and left a message. = He told me

Paul had called and had left me a message.

I'll give you a hand. = He said he would give me

a hand.

However, when we are reporting something that was said in the past but is still
true, it is not obligatory to make the tense 'more in the past'. The choice is up to
the speaker. For example:

"The train doesn't stop here."

He said the train doesn't stop here.

He said the train didn't stop here.

She said she likes Sarah.

She said she liked Sarah.

"I like Sarah."

44

When we are reporting what was said, we sometimes have to change other
words in the sentence.
We have to change the pronoun if we are reporting what someone else said.
Compare these two sentences. In each case the person actually said "I don't
want to go."

I said I didn't want to go.

Bill said he didn't want to go.

We have to change words referring to 'here and now' if we are reporting what
was said in a different place or time.
Compare these two sentences. In each case the person actually said "I'll be
there at ten tomorrow."

(If it is later the same day) He said he would be

there at ten tomorrow.

(If it is the next day) He said he would be there

at ten today.

Now compare these two sentences:

(If we are in a different place) He said he would

be there tomorrow at ten.

(If we are in the place he is coming to) He said

he would be here at ten tomorrow.

Reported speech 2

We also use reported speech when we are saying what other people asked or
wanted to know. We do not use do or question marks in indirect questions.

"What time is it?" = He asked me what time it

was.

"Why hasn't he come? = She wondered why he

hadn't come.

"When will you be arriving?" = He wanted to

know when we would be arriving.

"What were you doing?" = They questioned him

about what he had been doing.

We use the same structure when we report answers.

45

"147 Oak Street." = I told him what my address

was.

"I didn't have time to do it." = She explained

why she hadn't done it.

"Look at this dress and bag." = She showed me

what she had bought.

"Put the paper here and press this button." = He

demonstrated how the scanner worked.

Yes/no questions are reported with if or whether.

Do you want a ride? = Mike asked me if I wanted a ride.
Are you coming? = They wanted to know if I was coming.
Will you be here later? = She asked me whether I would be here later.

Suppose 1

We often use 'suppose' to mean 'imagine' or 'guess'

I suppose you'll be meeting Danielle when you

go to Paris?

When you weren't there, I supposed you must

have been held up.

I suppose you two know each other?

Notice that 'suppose' is not normally used in the continuous form. We do not
usually say 'I am supposing'.

Now I suppose we'll have to do something else.

We're waiting for John and I suppose he must be

stuck in traffic.

At this moment I suppose it doesn't matter.

Notice that for 'imagine not' or 'guess not' that we make 'suppose' negative, not
the other verb.

I don't suppose you know where Mary is?

I don't suppose he'll do anything.

46

I don't suppose you have a Nokia phone charger

here?

When responding to an idea with 'suppose', you can use 'so' to avoid repeating
the idea that has already been expressed.

Is Susan coming to this meeting? ~ -I suppose

so.

'Supposed to be' can be used to mean 'it is said/believed'.

The new James Bond movie is supposed to be

excellent.

He is supposed to have been rude to Mark but I

don't believe it.

It is supposed to be the best restaurant in town.

'Supposed to be' can also be used to talk about what is arranged, intended or
expected. It is a bit like 'should'.

I'm supposed to get to work by 8.

John is supposed to turn off all the lights when

he leaves.

I'm supposed to pay my rent on the first of the

month.

Often there is a suggestion that the action 'supposed to' happen does not
actually happen

I'm supposed to be there before 8 but I'm often

late.

You were supposed to phone me.

I'm supposed to be getting on a plane to Tokyo

at this very minute.

'Not supposed to' often suggest that something is not allowed or prohibited.

You're not supposed to smoke in here.

I'm not supposed to tell you.

We're not supposed to use the Internet for

personal reasons at work.

47

'Suppose' can also be used as a conjunction to mean 'what if'. Notice that the
verb which follows it is sometimes, but not always, put 'more in the past'.

Suppose we take the earlier train to Munich? It

would give us more time there. ~ Suppose we
took the plane instead? That would give us even
more time.

There's nobody in reception to let our visitors in.

~ Suppose I sit there until somebody comes?

I'm going to ask him for a pay increase. ~

Suppose he said 'no'? What would you do?

Suppose 2

'Supposed to be' can be used to mean 'it is said/believed'.

The new James Bond movie is supposed to be

excellent.

He is supposed to have been rude to Mark but I

don't believe it.

It is supposed to be the best restaurant in town.

'Supposed to be' can also be used to talk about what is arranged, intended or
expected. It is a bit like 'should'.

I'm supposed to get to work by 8.

John is supposed to turn off all the lights when

he leaves.

I'm supposed to pay my rent on the first of the

month.

It's not supposed to be here.

Often there is a suggestion that the action 'supposed to' happen does not
actually happen

I'm supposed to be there before 8 but I'm often

late.

You were supposed to phone me.

48

I'm supposed to be getting on a plane to Tokyo

at this very minute.

'Not supposed to' often suggest that something is not allowed or prohibited.

You're not supposed to smoke in here.

I'm not supposed to tell you.

We're not supposed to use the Internet for

personal reasons at work.

'Suppose' can also be used as a conjunction to mean 'what if'. Notice that the
verb which follows it is sometimes, but not always, put 'more in the past'.

Suppose we take the earlier train to Munich? It

would give us more time there.

Suppose we took the plane instead? That would

give us even more time.

There's nobody in reception to let our visitors in.

Suppose I sit there until somebody comes?

I'm going to ask him for a pay increase. ~

Suppose he said 'no'? What would you do?

Have something done

If you 'have something done', you get somebody else to do something for you.

I'm going to have my hair cut.

She's having her house redecorated.

I'm having a copy of the report sent to you

In informal English, we can replace 'have' by 'get'.

We're getting a new telephone system installed.

They will be getting the system repaired as

quickly as they can.

I got the bill sent direct to the company.

49

We can also use 'have/got something done' in situations where something bad
has happened to people or their possessions. This is not something they wanted
to happen.

John had all his money stolen from his hotel

bedroom.

We had our car damaged by a falling tree.

I got my nose broken playing rugby.

Should have

We can use 'should have' to talk about past events that did not happen.

I should have let her know what was happening

but I forgot.

He should have sent everybody a reminder by

email.

They should have remembered that their guests

don't eat pork.

We can also use 'should have' to speculate about events that may or may not
have happened.

She should have got the letter this morning. I

expect she'll give us a call about it later.

He should have arrived at his office by now. Let's

try ringing him.

They should have all read that first email by this

stage. It's time to send the next one.

We can use ' should not have' to speculate negatively about what may or may
not have happened.

She shouldn't have left work yet. I'll call her

office.

He shouldn't have boarded his plane yet. We can

probably still get hold of him.

They shouldn't have sent the report off for

printing yet. There is still time to make changes.

50

We can also use 'should not have' to regret past actions.

I shouldn't have shouted at you. I apologise.

We shouldn't have left the office so late. We

should have anticipated this bad traffic.

They shouldn't have sacked him. He was the

most creative person on their team.

Can have / Could have

We can use 'could have' to talk about something somebody was capable of
doing but didn't do.

I could have gone to Oxford University but I

preferred Harvard.

She could have married him but she didn't want

to.

They could have bought a house here 20 years

ago but chose not to.

Often, there is a sense of criticism.

You could have phoned me to let me know.

They could have helped me instead of just

sitting there.

I could have done more to help you. Sorry.

We can use 'couldn't have' to talk about something we were not capable of
doing.

I couldn't have managed without you.

I couldn't have got the job. He was always going

to appoint his nephew.

I couldn't have enjoyed myself more. Thank you

for a lovely day.

We can use 'could have' to speculate about what has happened. (We can also
use 'may have' or 'might have' in these situations.)

She could have taken the earlier train.

51

Simon could have told her.

They could have overheard what we said.

We can also use 'can have' to speculate about what has happened but only in
questions and negative sentences and with words such as 'hardly', 'never' and
'only'.

Can she have forgotten about our meeting?

He can't have seen us.

They can hardly have thought that I was not

interested in the job.

We can also use 'could have' to speculate about something that didn't happen.

You could have broken your neck, jumping out

the window like that.

He could have hurt somebody, throwing a bottle

out of the window like that.

I could have done well in my exam if I'd worked

harder.

You can also use 'could have' to talk about possible present situations that have
not happened.

I could have been earning a lot as an accountant

but the work was just too boring.

He could have been Prime Minister now but he

got involved in a big financial scandal.

They could have been the market leaders now if

they had taken his advice.

Will be doing

We can use 'will be doing' to talk about something that will be in progress at a
particular moment in the future.

This time next week, I'll be sitting on the beach

in Barbados.

I'll be thinking about you all back in the office

and I'll be laughing.

52

We'll be enjoying ourselves too, boss. We won't

be doing any work while you are not here.

We can use 'will be doing' to talk about future events that are fixed or decided.

I'll be visiting your country on a regular basis. In

fact, I'm going to be coming next month.

He'll be looking after the factory until we can

appoint a new manager.

They'll be thinking about this very carefully over

the next few months.

We can use 'will be doing' to predict what is happening now.

Try phoning his hotel. He'll probably still be

having breakfast.

They'll be deciding who gets the contract at this

very moment. I'm very nervous.

She's not in her office. She'll be having lunch in

the canteen.

We can use 'will be doing' to ask extremely politely, and with no pressure, about
future plans.

Will you be eating with us this evening?

Will you be needing anything else?

Will they be joining us for dinner?

Will have done

We can use 'will have done' to talk about what will have been achieved by a
certain moment in time.

We'll have been in these offices for eight years

next month.

She'll have visited ten countries in twelve days

by the time she gets back.

I'll have finished this project by Friday.

53

If we want to emphasise the continuity of the activity, we can use the continuous
form.

I'll have been working here for 35 years by the

time I retire.

She'll have been driving for more than fifteen

hours straight by the time she gets here.

They'll have been working with us for 15 years

by the end of this year.

We can also use 'will have done' to predict what we think has already happened
at present.

He'll have already read the report by now. Too

late to change it.

She'll have boarded her plane. It's too late to

contact her.

They'll have decided by now. We should hear the

result today or tomorrow.

Present continuous
Mix and match
1 Whos she talking to?
a Hes smoking a cigarette outside.
2 Shall we go for a walk?
b No, no. Sit down.
3 Im looking for my bag.
c I think Ill go to bed.
4 What is she wearing?
d Have you seen it?
5 Is anyone sitting here?
e Oh, thats her brother.
6 Wheres Tom?
f Im just brushing my hair.
7 Ill be ready in a few minutes.
g No, its still raining.
8 Im getting tired.
h I dont know but it doesnt suit her!
Whos she talking to? Oh, thats her brother.
Shall we go for a walk? No, its still raining.
Im looking for my bag. Have you seen it?
What is she wearing? I dont know but it doesnt suit her!
Is anyone sitting here? No, no. Sit down.
Wheres Tom? Hes smoking a cigarette outside.
Ill be ready in a few minutes. Im just brushing my hair.
Im getting tired. I think Ill go to bed.

54

 Complete the sentences

1. Is Henry helping you with it? ~ No, ____________. Hes done nothing so far. he
isnt
2. Are you coming this evening? ~ Yes, ____________. Ill meet you there. I am
3. Are Carl and Bob eating with us? ~ No, ____________. Theyre having dinner
with some friends. they arent
4. Im not this anymore! ~ Yes, ____________. You cant give up now. you are
5. Are we talking a taxi? ~ Yes, ____________. Its too far to walk. we are
6. Is she studying French? ~ No, ____________. Shes doing German. she isnt
7. Are they still looking for a new house? ~ No, ____________. Theyve found one
near the park. they arent
8. Is Dave coming for the weekend? ~ Yes, ____________. Im picking him up later.
he is
9. Are they still waiting for me? ~ Yes, ____________. Hurry up! they are
10. Are you going to university next year? ~ No, ____________. Im going to take a
year out. Im not

Complete the sentences

1. I must take some vitamin C. I think ____________ a cold. Im getting
2. ____________ for a bike. He wants to cycle to work from now. Hes looking
3. ____________ the train. Its the easiest way to get there. Were taking
4. I do lots of sports. In fact, ____________ tennis tonight. Im playing
5. ____________ of leaving the company and working for herself. Shes thinking
6. ____________ to the cinema later. Do you want to come? Were going
7. ____________ their house on the market at a very high price. Theyre putting
8. How ____________ now? A bit better? are you feeling
9. I think ____________ his final exams next month. hes sitting
Theyre putting / Were taking / hes sitting / Hes looking / are you feeling / Shes
thinking / Im getting / Were going / Im playing

Present simple
Mix and match
1 The Seine flows through
2 British Airways flies to

a 550 destinations.
b meat.

55

3 It takes 10 hours to
4 Cars produce
5 Vegetarians dont eat
6 Pandas come from
7 The US president lives in
8 In Britain, we drive
9 About 20% of Canadians speak
The Seine flows through Paris.

c
d
e
f
g
h
i

French.
the White House.
a lot of pollution.
Paris.
on the left.
fly from London to Miami.
China.

British Airways flies to550 destinations.

It takes 10 hours to fly from London to Miami.
Cars produce a lot of pollution.
Vegetarians dont eat meat.
Pandas come from China.
The US president lives in the White House.
In Britain, we drive on the left.
About 20% of Canadians speak French.

Complete the sentences

1. Do you agree? ~ No, ____________. I think youre completely wrong. I dont
2. Does Kevin want to come? ~ Yes, ____________. Ill buy him a ticket. he does
3. Do Jim and Sally see each other very often? ~ No, ____________. Maybe once or
twice a month. they dont
4. Does she still live in Edinburgh? ~ No, ____________. Shes moved to London.
she doesnt
5. Do we get there before dinner? ~ Yes, ____________. We can have dinner in the
hotel. we do
6. Does she know him? ~ Yes, ____________. She met him a few times. she does
7. Do they open at 9? ~ Yes, ____________. They open at 9 every day. they do
8. Do we have to invite them? ~ Yes, ____________. They would be very upset if
we didnt. we do
9. Do I have to finish this now? ~ Yes, ____________. If you dont do it now, you
never will. you do
you do / we do / he does / she does / we do / they dont / I dont / she doesnt /
they do

Complete the sentences

56

During the week I ____________ very hard, so at the weekend, I want to relax. On
Saturday though, I ____________ the housework and ____________ shopping
because I ____________ time the rest of the week. That usually ____________ most
of the day. Saturday evening, I often ____________ or ____________ friends over for
dinner. When friends over, I ____________ cooking although Im not very good at
desserts. As I often ____________ to bed late on Saturday, I ____________ late on
Sunday morning. If the weather is good, I ____________ some time in my garden. If
not, I ____________ the Sunday newspapers. In the afternoon, I ____________ my
mother for tea. She ____________ quite close to me so I usually ____________ to her
house. On Sunday evening I ____________ TV and then go to bed early.
work / do / go / dont have / takes / go out / invite / come / enjoy / go / sleep /
spend / read / visit / lives / walk / watch

Present simple / Present continuous

Mix and match
1 Are they coming to the party?
a No, she doesnt
2 Do we have to pay for it?
b Yes, I am. Hes very late.
3 Is she coming back?
c No, they dont.
4 Does she eat meat?
d Yes, it does, at this time of year.
5 Is this still raining?
e No, we arent. We cant afford it.
6 Does it always rain so much here?
f I dont think she is.
7 Do they have everything they need?
g Yes, we do.
8 Are you waiting to see the doctor?
h Yes, it is.
9 Do you see him very often?
i No, they arent.
1 Are we going to Greece this year?
j No, I dont.
0
Are they coming to the party? No, they arent.
Do we have to pay for it? Yes, we do.
Is she coming back? I dont think she is.
Does she eat meat? No, she doesnt
Is this still raining? Yes, it is.
Does it always rain so much here? Yes, it does, at this time of year.
Do they have everything they need? No, they dont.
Are you waiting to see the doctor? Yes, I am. Hes very late.
Do you see him very often? No, I dont.
Are we going to Greece this year? No, we arent. We cant afford it.

Complete the sentences

1. He ____________ about buying a house. s thinking
2. I ____________ next week off. m taking

57

3. We always ____________ at the Sofitel when we go to Lyon. stay

4. ____________ a wireless network in your office? Do you have
5. He ____________ at the conference next week. s speaking
6. She ____________ with friends over the holidays. s staying
7. We ____________ its a good idea. dont think
8. I ____________ a vitamin supplement every day. take
9. She ____________ a baby very soon. s having
10. He ____________ French and German fluently. speaks
s staying / speaks / Do you have / s thinking / dont think / s having / m
taking / stay / s speaking / take

2. Hes not understanding what Im saying.

understand)

(doesnt

3. What do you think about?

thinking)

(are you

4. She doesnt believe what youre saying.

Grammatically correct or not?

1. I dont drink very much coffee.

5. The food is tasting fantastic. Youre such a good cook.

(tastes)

6. I see what you mean.

7. I need to see the doctor.

8. He isnt agreeing with me.

agree)

(doesnt

(know)

9. Hes looking a lot better than he did a few days ago.

10. They are knowing him well.

Past simple
Complete the sentences with the following verbs
not want / be / have / fly / stay / go / not rain / spend / walk / get
1. Last week we ____________ on holiday. went
2. We ____________ in a lovely hotel by the sea. stayed
3. The weather ____________ very good all week. was
4. It ____________ at all. didnt rain
58

5. We ____________ most days sitting on the beach. spent

6. In the evening, we ____________ dinner in the hotel restaurant. had
7. The food and the service ____________ excellent. were
8. After dinner, we ____________ along the beach in the moon light. walked
9. It ____________ very romantic. was
10. We ____________ back on Saturday. flew
11. We ____________ back very late and very tired. got
12. We ____________ to come home! didnt want

Match the questions and answers

1 What time did they arrive?
a I dont know why he did it.
2 How much did it cost?
b It was about 50 miles.
3 Where did you buy it?
c It cost about $100.
4 Why did he do it?
d He studied archeology.
5 How long did it take?
e He started work here in 2001.
6 Who told you?
f They arrive at ten oclock.
7 How far was it from London?
g I took a couple of hours to do.
8 What did he study at university?
h I bought it in New York.
8 When did he start work here?
h Pete told me.
What time did they arrive? They arrive at ten oclock.
How much did it cost? It cost about $100.
Where did you buy it? I bought it in New York.
Why did he do it? I dont know why he did it.
How long did it take? I took a couple of hours to do.
Who told you? Pete told me.
How far was it from London? It was about 50 miles.
What did he study at university? He studied archeology.
When did he start work here? He started work here in 2001.

Past continuous
Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

I was waiting for him for over

They were talking on the
It was still raining when I
I was trying to phone
Sorry, was I
She was living in Leeds in
I was working on that

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

59

went out.
shouting?
report all night.
two hours.
you all morning.
phone for thirty minutes.
we arrived.

8 He was still cooking when

h dinner when he called.
9 We were having
i in 1999.
I was waiting for him for over two hours.
They were talking on the phone for thirty minutes.
It was still raining when I went out.
I was trying to phone you all morning.
Sorry, was I shouting?
She was living in Leeds in 1999.
I was working on that report all night.
He was still cooking when we arrived.
We were having dinner when he called.

Match the questions and answers

1 What were you doing?
a Henry. He won.
2 What were you thinking about?
b More than haft an hour.
3 Were you waiting a long time?
c To the shops.
4 Where were you going?
d I was trying to fix the lamp.
5 Who were you playing tennis with?
e At ten this morning, I think.
6 What was she wearing?
f Oh, just the people in the street.
7 When were they leaving?
g Oh, I was just thinking about work.
8 What were you looking at?
h Just jeans and a T-shirt.
What were you doing? I was trying to fix the lamp.
What were you thinking about? Oh, I was just thinking about work.
Were you waiting a long time? More than haft an hour.
Where were you going? To the shops.
Who were you playing tennis with? Henry. He won.
What was she wearing? Just jeans and a T-shirt.
When were they leaving? At ten this morning, I think.
What were you looking at? Oh, just the people in the street.

Past simple / Past continuous

Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6

They arrive early while I

Paul cooked dinner while we
The doorbell rang
He wrote six novels when
She had a car accident because
We took a lot of photos while the bride and

a
b
c
d
e
f
60

she was driving too fast.

were having a glass of wine on the terrace.
were standing outside the church.
was still sleeping.
while I watch TV.
he was living in Spain.

groom
They arrive early while I was still sleeping.
Paul cooked dinner while we were having a glass of wine on the terrace.
The doorbell rang while I watch TV.
He wrote six novels when he was living in Spain.
She had a car accident because she was driving too fast.
We took a lot of photos while the bride and groom were standing outside the
church.

Complete the stories

I (see) ____________ Jerry in town this morning but he (not see) ____________ me.
In fact, he (walk) ____________ straight past me. I (go) ____________ into the bank
as he (come)____________ out. He (walk) ____________ very quickly and not looking
where he (go) ____________. He almost (bump) ____________ into me. He (talk)
____________ to someone on his phone. I think he (have) ____________ an
argument, he (sound) ____________ very angry. Like a lot of people when they
talk on their mobile, he (talk) ____________ rather loudly and everybody could
hear what he (say) ____________.
saw / didnt see / walked / was going / was coming / was walking / was going /
bumped / was talking / was having / sounded / was talking / was saying

Match the questions and answers

1 What were you doing?

a To Sara and Freddie. They are old

friends.
b I was repairing my bike.
c To the bank before it closed.
d Only ten minutes.

2 How long were you waiting?

3 What time did they arrive?
4 What was she wearing?

5 Where were you rushing off to yesterday when I

e
saw you?
6 Why did he leave so early?
f
7 Who were they speaking to when we arrived?
g
8 How long did he stay?
h
What were you doing? I was repairing my bike.

At about ten oclock.

He only stayed a few moments.
Just jean and T-shirt as usual.
He had to get up early for work.

How long were you waiting? Only ten minutes.

What time did they arrive? At about ten oclock.
What was she wearing? Just jean and T-shirt as usual.
Where were you rushing off to yesterday when I saw you? To the bank before it
closed.
Why did he leave so early? He had to get up early for work.

61

Who were they speaking to when we arrived? To Sara and Freddie. They are old
friends.
How long did he stay? He only stayed a few moments.

Complete the sentences

1. He was waiting half an hour before they (arrive) ____________. arrived
2. He (phone) ____________ me to say they were running late. phoned
3. She (talk) ____________ to Jim on the phone when I walked in. was talking
4. How many people (sit) ____________ in the waiting room when you arrived?
were sitting
5. I met them in the street while I (shop) ____________. was shopping
6. We were walking down by the river when it (start) ____________ raining. started
7. They (meet) ____________ when they were working in Paris. met
8. He broke his foot while he (play) ____________ football on Sunday. was playing
9. I cut my finger while I (chop) vegetables. was chopping
10. I (drive) ____________ at 50 in a 30 zone when I was caught by the speed
camera. was driving
11. The plane (leave) ____________ a little over an hour late. left

Complete the sentences with the verbs below

look / drive / try / sit / think
1. He (drive)____________ into London but it would have been easier to take the
train. (drove)
2. I ____________ she was coming on Friday but it seems shes coming on
Saturday. (thought)
3. She ____________ for a new coat but she bought some boots and a dress
instead! (was looking)
4. We ____________ down on a bench to watch the children playing in the park.
(sat)
5. This time last week we ____________ on the beach in Jamaica. (were sitting)
6. He ____________ to park his car there but he couldnt get into the space. (tried)
7. I saw her a few minutes ago. She ____________ to park the car. (was trying)
8. I ____________ for it but I couldnt find it. (looked)
9. It was odd. I ____________ about her when she called me. (was thinking)

62

10. I ____________ home when I heard the news on the radio. (was driving)

Present perfect
Mix and match
1 Ive lost my purse.
a
2 I dont know what time is it.
b
3 I havent got my keys.
c
4 Its his birthday.
d
5 Its working fine now.
e
6 Hes decided to get fit.
f
7 I know Paris very well.
g
8 Let me get my umbrella.
h
9 Were going to the concert.
i
1 Im sorry, shes not here.
j
0
Ive lost my purse. I cant find it anywhere.

Ive left them at home.

Ive fix it.
Ive been there many times.
Hes started running twice a week.
Ive made him a cake.
My watch has stopped.
Ive bought the tickets.
Shes gone out.
Its started to rain
I cant find it anywhere.

I dont know what time is it. My watch has stopped.

I havent got my keys. Ive left them at home.
Its his birthday. Ive made him a cake.
Its working fine now. Ive fix it.
Hes decided to get fit. Hes started running twice a week.
I know Paris very well. Ive been there many times.
Let me get my umbrella. Its started to rain
Were going to the concert. Ive bought the tickets.
Im sorry, shes not here. Shes gone out.

Complete the sentences

1. He (call) ____________ you back yet? (Has he called)
2. I (already speak) ____________ to him about it. He knows. (ve already spoken)
3. I do know him. We (already meet)____________ a couple of times. (ve already
met)
4. He (not finish) ____________ it yet. Itll take another couple of hours. (hasnt
finished)
5. Shes in reception. She (just arrive) ____________. (s just arrived)
6. I dont have any cash left. I (spend) ____________ it all. (ve spent)
7. We (finally find) ____________ the house we want to buy. (have finally found)

63

8. Shes very tired because she (just have) ____________ another baby. (has just
had)
9. The garden looks great now I (cut) ____________ the grass. (ve cut)
10. They (buy) ____________ a house in Spain and will be moving there next
month. (ve bought)

Match the questions and answers

1
2
3
4

Have you read anything by John Grisham?

Has she got a new car?
Have they been in touch yet?
Has Freddy finished at university yet?

a
b
c
d

5 Have your parents given you a car?

e
6 Have we decided on a time for the meeting?
f
7 Have you been on holiday yet this year?
g
8 Have I passed?
h
Have you read anything by John Grisham?

Yes, I think we said ten oclock.

Yes, they have. Im very lucky.
Yes, you have. Congratulations.
No, we havent. Were going away next
month.
Yes, she bought a Ford.
Yes, I have. I really like his books.
No, he hasnt. Hes got another year to do.
No, they havent. Ive had no news.
Yes, I have. I really like his books.

Has she got a new car? Yes, she bought a Ford.

Have they been in touch yet? No, they havent. Ive had no news.
Has Freddy finished at university yet? No, he hasnt. Hes got another year to do.
Have your parents given you a car? Yes, they have. Im very lucky.
Have we decided on a time for the meeting? Yes, I think we said ten oclock.
Have you been on holiday yet this year? No, we havent. Were going away next
month.
Have I passed? Yes, you have. Congratulations.

Present perfect continuous

Mix and match
1
2
3

You look very tired.

The cookers hot.
Junes very red in the face.

a She hasnt been eating enough.

b I suppose hes been skiing again.
c Weve been living in a rented flat while we
looked.
d Theyve been waiting for you.
e Have you been smoking?
f Youve been working to hard.
g Ive been thinking about it all day.
h Have you been cooking?
i Has she been crying?
j Has she been running?

4 It smells of cigarettes in here.

5 Pete has broken his leg.
6 Andrea has red eyes.
7 I still cant make my mind up.
8 She has lost a lot of weight.
9 They arrive ten minutes ago.
1 Weve just bought a house.
0
You look very tired. Youve been working to hard.

64

The cookers hot. Have you been cooking?

Junes very red in the face. Has she been running?
It smells of cigarettes in here. Have you been smoking?
Pete has broken his leg. I suppose hes been skiing again.
Andrea has red eyes. Has she been crying?
I still cant make my mind up. Ive been thinking about it all day.
She has lost a lot of weight. She hasnt been eating enough.
They arrive ten minutes ago. Theyve been waiting for you.
Weve just bought a house. Weve been living in a rented flat while we looked.

Complete the sentences with the present perfect continuous

1. I (work) ____________ on it for ages but I still havent finished. (ve been
working)
2. I (train) ____________ for the marathon for six months but I still dont feel ready.
(ve been training)
3. How long they (learn) ____________ Spanish? (have they been learning)
4. He (ask) ____________ about it for says now. I dont know what to tell him. (s
been asking)
5. I (wait) ____________ to get a new phone for ages and it still hasnt come. (ve
been waiting)
6. How long you (wait) ____________ for me? (ve been waiting)
7. She (diet) ____________ for only a couple of months but has lost twenty pounds.
(s been dieting)
8. How long you (work) ____________ for them? (have you been working)
9. I (drive) ____________ for a long time but never had an accident. Touch wood.
(ve been driving)
10. How long they (think) about selling their house? (have they been thinking)

Match the questions and answers

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

How long have you been working there?

How long have you been living in Oxford?
How long has she not been talking to you?
What have you been doing? You are all
dirty.
Why have you been working so hard?
Has Pete been meeting his targets recently?
How long were you waiting for an answer?

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

65

Its my first job so since I left school.

No, he hasnt for a few months now.
Not long. They decided quite quickly.
I had a tight deadline to meet on a big
contract.
Since I bought my house there in 1998.
Since I told her she was stupid!
Ive been working in the garden.

How long have you been working there? ~ Its my first job so since I left school.
How long have you been living in Oxford? ~ Since I bought my house there in
1998.
How long has she not been talking to you? ~ Since I told her she was stupid!
What have you been doing? You are all dirty. ~ Ive been working in the garden.
Why have you been working so hard? ~ I had a tight deadline to meet on a big
contract.
Has Pete been meeting his targets recently? ~ No, he hasnt for a few months
now.
How long were you waiting for an answer? ~ Not long. They decided quite
quickly.

Present perfect / Present perfect continuous

Mix and match
1
Ive been waiting for
2
How many kilometers have you
3
Who has she been talking
4
What have you done with my
5
Ive never spoken to
6
She looks terrible because she
7
Have you ever been
8
What have you been doing since
9
Have they bought
10 Ive been thinking about
Ive been waiting for him for hours.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

there?
has been crying.
him about it.
doing it for years.
I last saw you?
driven this week?
a new dog yet?
keys. I cant find them.
him for hours.
to all this time?

How many kilometers have you driven this week?

Who has she been talking to all this time?
What have you done with my keys. I cant find them.
Ive never spoken to him about it.
She looks terrible because she has been crying.
Have you ever been there?
What have you been doing since I last saw you?
Have they bought a new dog yet?
Ive been thinking about doing it for years.

Correct or not

1. Ive been going to the gym regularly.

66

2. Shes not here. Shes gone out.

3. Have you been seeing the weather forecast?

(seen)

4. Johns daughter has been growing since I saw her.

(grown)

5. They have been playing football all morning.

6. Weve known them for a long time.

7. Ive only been reading a few pages.

8. Ive forgotten his name.

9. Shes been saving up for a new car.

10. She has been saving $5000.

(read)

(saved)

Complete the sentences

1. I (cut up) ____________ all the meat. What shall I do now? (ve cut up)
2. She (cut up) ____________ magazines for a collage all morning. (s been cutting
up)
3. He (wait) in your office since he arrived. (s been waiting)
4. Im pleased shes got his promotion. He (wait) ____________ a long time for it.
(has waited)
5. He hasnt got much hair. He (loose) ____________ it since he was only thirty. (s
been losing)
6. She (lost) ____________ her keys. She cant find them anywhere. (s lost)
7. He (smoke) ____________ since he was only ten. (s been smoking)
8. I never (smoke) ____________ a cigar. (ve never smoked)
9. They never (learn) ____________ to swim. (have never learnt)
10. They (learn) ____________ to drive for a couple of months. (have been
learning)

Present perfect / Past simple

Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5

Weve been friends for years and

We were friends for a long time but now
I worked with him for a few years, then
Ive worked with him for a few years and
still
Janes lived there all her life. She

a
b
c
d

are still very close.

I think I will.
he left to join the competition.
hated living there so he sold it.

we dont see each other much.

67

6
7
8
9

Paul lived in London when

f will never live anywhere else.
Hes bought a house in Scotland and
g he was a student.
He bought a house in Scotland but
h will be moving there next month.
I thought about starting my own company
i decided I didnt want to.
but
1 Ive thought about starting my own
j learn a lot from him.
0 company and
Weve been friends for years and are still very close.
We were friends for a long time but now we dont see each other much.
I worked with him for a few years, then he left to join the competition.
Ive worked with him for a few years and still learn a lot from him.
Janes lived there all her life. She will never live anywhere else.
Paul lived in London when he was a student.
Hes bought a house in Scotland and will be moving there next month.
He bought a house in Scotland but hated living there so he sold it.
I thought about starting my own company but decided I didnt want to.
Ive thought about starting my own company and I think I will.

Complete the sentences

1. We (see) ____________ Johnny for ages. I dont know what (happen) ____________
to him. (havent seen / has happened)
2. I (see) ____________ Tom in the office yesterday. Do you know where he (be)
____________. (didnt see / was)
3. They (know) ____________ each other since they (be) ____________ at school
together. They always (be) ____________ very good friends. (ve known / were / ve
always been)
4. I (have) ____________ this dress for ages. I (wear) ____________ it many times. I
(buy) ____________ it when I (go) ____________ to New York a few years ago. (ve
had / ve worn / bought / went)
5. I love his books. I (read) ____________ them several times. A friend (give)
____________ me his first book and since then, I (buy) ____________ them all. (ve
read / gave / ve bought)
6. I (study) ____________ Spanish in school but I (forget) ____________ most of it
because I never (have) ____________ the chance to practice it. (studied / ve
forgotten / ve never had)

Past perfect
Mix and match

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1 By the time I got to her house,

2 When I turned on the TV,
3 It was nice to see Richard again,
4 I wasnt hungry in the evening,
5 I went to see if the painters had finished
6 I met Olivers wife at the party,
7 When I got home, I realised
8 I bought him a camera
By the time I got to her house, she had

a but they hadnt even started.

b I had left the door open.
c she had already left.
d I hadnt seen him for years.
e but he had already gone.
f the program had already started.
g Id never met her before.
h Id had a huge lunch.
already left.

When I turned on the TV, the program had already started.

It was nice to see Richard again, I hadnt seen him for years.
I went to see if the painters had finished but they hadnt even started.
I met Olivers wife at the party, Id never met her before.
When I got home, I realised I had left the door open.
I bought him a camera but he had already gone.

Match the questions and answers

1 Was she still waiting for you?
2 Did you have enough money to buy the
shoes?
3 Did you buy Jims car?

a No, he had sold it to someone else.

b No, I was late so he had already gone home.

c No, he had already arranged to do something

else.
4 Did you see Tom At Sues last night?
d Shed been in London.
5 Did she go to the cinema with you?
e No, Id spent too much on the dress.
6 How long was it since you had seen them?
f I hadnt seen them for nearly ten years.
7 Did Greg go to the party with you?
g No, she had already seen the film.
8 Where had she been all day?
h No, she had already gone out.
Was she still waiting for you? No, she had already gone out.
Did you have enough money to buy the shoes? No, Id spent too much on the
dress.
Did you buy Jims car? No, he had sold it to someone else.
Did you see Tom At Sues last night? No, I was late so he had already gone
home.
Did she go to the cinema with you? No, she had already seen the film.
How long was it since you had seen them? I hadnt seen them for nearly ten
years.
Did Greg go to the party with you? No, he had already arranged to do something
else.
Where had she been all day? Shed been in London.

69

 Complete the answers

1. Ive never been here before. He said he ____________ there before. (had never
been)
2. She has just left. He said that she____________. (had just left)
3. They didnt wait for me. She said that they ____________ for her. (hadnt
waited)
4. I tried to call her this morning. I told you I ____________ to call her this
morning. (had tried)
5. Did you buy it?. I asked her if she ____________ it. (had bought)
6. Youve made a terrible mistake. I told him he ____________ a terrible mistake.
(had made)
7. Did you speak to Andy yesterday?. I asked him if he ____________ to Andy
yesterday. (had spoken)
8. Have you sold your house yet?. I asked them if they ____________ their house.
(had sold)

Mix and match

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

David couldnt come to dinner yesterday

evening.
I had already spoken to Jimmy about it
When they asked me if Id had a lot of
experience in sales,
I hadnt seen him for a long time when
I thought he had worked there for a long
time
She said she had never done it before
I hadnt met Sheila before the party.
She said they had taken the train.
I phoned Kiran about the job shed applied
for
When I saw him yesterday,

a but hed only just started.

b but she still hadnt heard if shed got it.
c That was the first time I saw her.
d I told them I had.
e he told me he had found a new job.
f
g
h
i

before I told you.

Thats why they were late.
but I think she had. She knew what to do.
I bumped into him on the street.

1
j Hes already been invited elsewhere.
0
David couldnt come to dinner yesterday evening. Hes already been invited
elsewhere.
I had already spoken to Jimmy about it before I told you.
When they asked me if Id had a lot of experience in sales, I told them I had.
I hadnt seen him for a long time when I bumped into him on the street.
I thought he had worked there for a long time but hed only just started.
She said she had never done it before but I think she had. She knew what to do.
I hadnt met Sheila before the party. That was the first time I saw her.

70

She said they had taken the train. Thats why they were late.
I phoned Kiran about the job shed applied for but she still hadnt heard if shed
got it.
When I saw him yesterday, he told me he had found a new job.

Past perfect continuous

Mix and match
1 The ground was wet.
a
2 She was carrying lots of bags.
b
3 They were dirty.
c
4 She had red eyes.
d
5 He got sacked.
e
6 The kitchen was a terrible mess.
f
7 They were very tired when they arrived.
g
8 It smelled of cigarettes.
h
9 He was happy when it was finished.
i
The ground was wet. It had been raining.

Theyd been playing football in the mud.

The children had been cooking.
She had been shopping.
She had been crying again.
He hadnt been working at all.
He had been working on it for years.
Somebody had been smoking.
They had been driving for ten hours.
It had been raining.

She was carrying lots of bags. She had been shopping.

They were dirty. Theyd been playing football in the mud.
She had red eyes. She had been crying again.
He got sacked. He hadnt been working at all.
The kitchen was a terrible mess. The children had been cooking.
They were very tired when they arrived. They had been driving for ten hours.
It smelled of cigarettes. Somebody had been smoking.
He was happy when it was finished. He had been working on it for years.

Complete the sentences

hadnt been smoking / hadnt been eating / had been working / had been running
/ hadnt been seeing / had been calling / hadnt been paying / had been looking
1. We ____________ for one for ages before we found what we wanted. (had been
looking)
2. He ____________ any attention so didnt know what to do. (hadnt been paying)
3. I had a headache because I ____________ on the computer all day. (had been
working)
4. The phone bill was huge. She ____________ her boyfriend in Australia. (had
been calling)

71

5. The kids were very hungry when they came in. They ____________ around in the
garden all afternoon. (had been running)
6. She said she ____________ but the room did smell of cigarettes. (hadnt been
smoking)
7. He told me he ____________ but I think he had. (hadnt been seeing)
8. Shes put the weight back on but I think shed lost it because she ____________.
(hadnt been eating)

Mix and match

1
2

I had been trying to call him all morning

We had been working on the project for
months
3 She had red eyes because she had been
peeling onions.
4 I hadnt been walking for very long before
5 The snow was very deep.
6 When he asked me that question, I realize
7 They hadnt been living there very long
8 She was ill because
9 They said they had only been waiting
I had been trying to call him all morning

a I hadnt been paying any attention to him.

b for a few minutes but I think it might have
been longer.
c It had been snowing all night.
d she had been working too hard.
e when it was canceled.
f when he called me.
g She hadnt been crying.
h when they decided to move again.
i someone offered me a lift.
when he called me.

We had been working on the project for months when it was canceled.
She had red eyes because she had been peeling onions. She hadnt been crying.
I hadnt been walking for very long before someone offered me a lift.
The snow was very deep. It had been snowing all night.
When he asked me that question, I realize I hadnt been paying any attention to
him.
They hadnt been living there very long when they decided to move again.
She was ill because she had been working too hard.
They said they had only been waiting for a few minutes but I think it might have
been longer.

Mix and match

1
2
3
4

Id only been sleeping for a few minutes

when
Id been training for the marathon for a few
months when
Shed been driving for nearly twenty years
before
Hed been practicing for ages before the
concert but

a he found one.
b nothing was ready when we arrived.
c a loud noise woke me up.
d she got the opportunity.

72

5
6
7
8

Hed only been looking for a job for a

couple of days before
Id been thinking about changing jobs when
Theyd been watching TV instead of
making dinner so
Shed been wanting to do it for years and at
last,
He asked me if Id been working
I told you he hadnt been working very hard

e and now hes been sacked.

f she has the first accident.
g I hurt my leg and had to stop.
h they offer me this promotion.

9
i he still made some mistakes.
1
j as a teacher very long.
0
Id only been sleeping for a few minutes when a loud noise woke me up.
Id been training for the marathon for a few months when I hurt my leg and had
to stop.
Shed been driving for nearly twenty years before she has the first accident.
Hed been practicing for ages before the concert but he still made some
mistakes.
Hed only been looking for a job for a couple of days before he found one.
Id been thinking about changing jobs when they offer me this promotion.
Theyd been watching TV instead of making dinner so nothing was ready when
we arrived.
Shed been wanting to do it for years and at last, she got the opportunity.
He asked me if Id been working as a teacher very long.
I told you he hadnt been working very hard and now hes been sacked.

Past tense review

Complete the sentences with the following verbs
laugh / be / say / not get / miss / meet / enjoy / not think / take / have / go / see
Last night I ________ out to the cinema and ________ a very good film. I really
________ it. I ________ it would be very but it ________. I ________ with a few of my
friends and we ________ all the way through the film. As, we ________ in the cafe
across the street and ________ a drink first. After the film, we ________ a pizza in
that restaurant. We ________ it was very good as the service ________ very slow.
We ________ we wouldnt go back there because it was so slow but the pizzas
________ good. Anyway I ________ home until very late as I ________ the last bus
and ________ to walk! It ________ me nearly an hour.
went / saw / enjoyed / didnt think / was / said / were / didnt get / missed / had /
took

Mix and match

1 He looks exhausted.

a and never had an accident.

73

2 He still hasnt arrived.

3 Ive been working on it all day but
4 Weve been waiting for an answer for weeks
but
5 Shes a very good driver. Shes been driving
for years
6 Whats the matter?
7 What have you been doing recently?
8 Hes been learning French for years but
9 Ive been thinking about changing jobs but
He looks exhausted. Hes been working

b we still havent heard.

c I havent found anything yet.
d hes still not very good.
e Hes been working too hard.
f Why have you been crying?
e Ive been waiting for over an hour now.
g Anything interesting?
h it still isnt finished.
too hard.

He still hasnt arrived. Ive been waiting for over an hour now.
Ive been working on it all day but it still isnt finished.
Weve been waiting for an answer for weeks but we still havent heard.
Shes a very good driver. Shes been driving for years and never had an
accident.
Whats the matter? Why have you been crying?
What have you been doing recently? Anything interesting?
Hes been learning French for years but hes still not very good.
Ive been thinking about changing jobs but I havent found anything yet.

Complete the sentences.

1. I thought I (tell) ________ you about it. (had told)
2. He said he (be) ________ very ill. (had been)
3. I (never drive) ________ a right-hand car before. (had never driven)
4. The road was very wet because it (rain) just before we left. (had rained)
5. I (not try) ________ very many different foods until I went to France. (hadnt
tried)
6. She said she (pay) ________ $50 for it. (had paid)
7. He told her he (speak) ________ to me about it. (had spoken)
8. He (not hear) ________ the news so I told it. (hadnt heard)
9. (Meet) he Larry before? (Had he met)
10. I said I (read) ________ the book but I (not have). (had read / hasnt)

Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets

1. I (clean) ________ up the sitting room when I (find) ________ your purse under
the sofa. (was cleaning / found)

74

2. When we (get) ________ to the theater a lot of people (wait) ________ to buy
tickets so we (decide) ________ to go to the cinema instead. (got / were waiting /
decided)
3. I (shop) ________ in the mall when I (meet) James. He (look for) ________ a
birthday gift for his mother. (was shopping / met / was looking for)
4. The Police (wait) ________ outside my house when I (get) ________ home. They
(laugh) with my neighbours so I (know) ________ it wasnt bad news. (were
waiting / got / were laughing / knew)
5. Sam (have) ________ a car accident the other day. He (go) ________ to work
when he (hit) ________ a truck which (reverse) ________ out of a factory.
Fortunately, he wasnt hurt. (had / was going / hit / was reversing)
6. Sandie (look) ________ very smart when she (go) ________ for her interview. She
(wear) ________ the black suit and pink shirt that she (buy) ________ in London.
(looked / went / was wearing / bought)

Mix and match.

1
2
3
4
5
6

How long have you known him?

Where did you meet him?
Have you seen him recently?
Has he called you since he got back?
When did he call you?
Where had he been?

a
b
c
d
e
f

7 Had he been there before?

g
8 Have you ever been to Majorca?
h
9 Oh really, did you like it?
i
How long have you known him? For a

Yes, I have. I went there last year.

At a friends house.
Yes, he has.
Yes, I did. I thought it was great.
For a few months.
On Sunday evening. He called me to say he was
back.
No, I havent. He was on holiday last week.
Majorca, on a walking holiday. He loved it.
No, he hadnt.
few months.

Where did you meet him? At a friends house.

Have you seen him recently? No, I havent. He was on holiday last week.
Has he called you since he got back? Yes, he has.
When did he call you? On Sunday evening. He called me to say he was back.
Where had he been? Majorca, on a walking holiday. He loved it.
Had he been there before? No, he hadnt.
Have you ever been to Majorca? Yes, I have. I went there last year.
Oh really, did you like it? Yes, I did. I thought it was great.

Complete the story with the verbs below

was calling / had / arrived / had been working / had left / heard / knew / was
driving / offered / left / didnt have / set off / didnt want / was going / been / had
forgotten / had gone

75

I ________ in the garden for an hour or so when I ________ the phone ring. It was
Jamie. He ________ down to London on business. I ________ out into the garden
when he ________ so he ________ only________ gone an hour. I ________ he must
have a problem. He ________ early because he ________ to a meeting with some
important clients and ________ to be late. Now he ________ to say he ________ a file
in the study. I ________ to drive into the city with it but I ________ time to get
changed so I ________ in my gardening clothes. Jamie was very embarrassed
when I ________ at his clients in my gardening shoes!
had been working / heard / was driving / had gone / left / had / been / knew / had
left / was going / didnt want / was calling / had forgotten / offered / didnt have /
set off / arrived

Mix and match.

1 I was just thinking about him when
a the fire alarm woke me up.
2 They were still sitting in the departure lounge b the doctor could see him.
when
3 Frankie was waiting for over an hour before
c she got a message canceling the meeting.
4 He was driving very fast when
d I walked into the room.
5 Im sure that they were talking about me
e the new manager took over.
when
6 She was waiting in reception when
f that the road had been closed.
7 They were having a lot of problem when
g they sent me a text.
8 We were sitting in the traffic jam when we
h he called me.
heard
9 I was sleeping when
i he skidded off the road.
I was just thinking about him when he called me.
They were still sitting in the departure lounge when they sent me a text. (tin
nhn)
Frankie was waiting for over an hour before the doctor could see him.
He was driving very fast when he skidded off the road. (trt)
Im sure that they were talking about me when I walked into the room.
She was waiting in reception when she got a message canceling the meeting.
They were having a lot of problem when the new manager took over.
We were sitting in the traffic jam when we heard that the road had been closed.
I was sleeping when the fire alarm woke me up.

Mix and match.

1
2
3
4
5

It was a meter deep

She didnt have any money left
Hed only been seeing her once a week
She was sacked because
I had been trying to get hold of him for hours

a
b
c
d
e

76

it had been snowing all night.

before I finally spoke to him.
she had been stealing money from me.
waiting a few minutes.
but he hadnt.

6 She hadnt been working there very long

f she got promoted.
when
7 He told me he had only been
g shed been on a spending spree.
8 I thought he had been attending classes
h he asked her to marry him.
regularly
9 I was very angry when I found out
i shed been smoking in the warehouse.
It was a meter deep it had been snowing all night.
She didnt have any money left shed been on a spending spree.
Hed only been seeing her once a week he asked her to marry him.
She was sacked because shed been smoking in the warehouse.
I had been trying to get hold of him for hours before I finally spoke to him.
She hadnt been working there very long when she got promoted.
He told me he had only been waiting a few minutes.
I thought he had been attending classes regularly but he hadnt.
I was very angry when I found out she had been stealing money from me.

Mix and match.

1
2

I dont have my favorite car.

I fell exhausted.

a
b

theyve been fixing the car.

Ive been reading these legal documents all
day.
Have you been waiting long?
Ive just been swimming.
Ive driven everything including a Ferrari!
Ive been driving since I was 17.
Ive just swum 100 lengths.
Ive only read half of it.
Ive waited long enough.
Theyve fixed the car.

3 My eyes are really tired.

c
4 I got my license years ago.
d
5 My hair is wet because
e
6 I paid the garage $500.
f
7 I still havent finished this book.
g
8 Their hands are dirty because
h
9 Im going home.
i
1 Im sorry Im late.
j
0
I dont have my favorite car. Ive driven everything including a Ferrari!
I fell exhausted. Ive just swum 100 lengths.

My eyes are really tired. Ive been reading these legal documents all day.
I got my license years ago. Ive been driving since I was 17.
My hair is wet because Ive just been swimming.
I paid the garage $500. Theyve fixed the car.
I still havent finished this book. Ive only read half of it.
Their hands are dirty because theyve been fixing the car.
Im going home. Ive waited long enough.
Im sorry Im late. Have you been waiting long?

77

Going to
Mix and match.
1 Ive bought a guide book.
a
2 Ive have join the gym club.
b
3 Ive bought some nicotine patches.
c
4 Hes really annoying me.
d
5 Ive just bought a bike.
e
6 Mission impossible is on TV tonight.
f
7 My car is dirty.
g
8 Im going to redecorate the sitting room.
h
9 Weve just got engaged.
i
Ive bought a guide book. Now Im going to

Are you going to watch it?

Were going to get married in June.
Im going to take it to the car wash.
Im going to get angry.
Now Im going to find a hotel.
Im going to exercise regularly.
Im going to cycle to work.
Im going to stop smoking.
Im going to paint it yellow.
find a hotel.

Ive have join the gym club. Im going to exercise regularly.

Ive bought some nicotine patches. Im going to stop smoking.
Hes really annoying me. Im going to get angry.
Ive just bought a bike. Im going to cycle to work.
Mission impossible is on TV tonight. Are you going to watch it?
My car is dirty. Im going to take it to the car wash.
Im going to redecorate the sitting room. Im going to paint it yellow.
Weve just got engaged. Were going to get married in June.

Complete the sentences

m not going to tell / m going to enroll / re going to get / re going to look / m
going to make / m going to be / are you going to do / m going to go
1. Im hungry. I ________ a sandwich. (m going to make)
2. Sue and Carl are expecting their third child so they ________ for a bigger house.
(re going to look)
3. Its a beautiful day. I ________ for a walk. (m going to go)
4. Ill just phone Raphael to say I ________ late. (m going to be)
5. Ive got the application forms. I ________ on the course. (m going to enrol)l
6. What ________ about it? (are you going to do)
7. I ________ him. He doesnt need to know. (m not going to tell)
8. Put a sweater on. You ________ cold. (re going to ge)t

Mix and match.

78

1
2
3
4

Steve has got his tennis racket.

a
Pauls in the kitchen.
b
Look at those black clouds.
c
Sophie and Felicity are going to the
d
supermarket.
5 Felicity is getting her credit card out of her
e
bag.
6 Andrew is studying medicine.
f
7 Be careful.
g
Steve has got his tennis racket. He is going

Hes going to cook dinner.

He is going to play tennis.
Shes going to pay.
Youre going to drop it.
Hes going to be a doctor.
Its going to rain.
They are going to buy something for dinner.
to play tennis.

Pauls in the kitchen. Hes going to cook dinner.

Look at those black clouds. Its going to rain.
Sophie and Felicity are going to the supermarket. They are going to buy
something for dinner.
Felicity is getting her credit card out of her bag. Shes going to pay.
Andrew is studying medicine. Hes going to be a doctor.
Be careful. Youre going to drop it.

Mix and match.

1
2

What are you going to wear?

Are you going to sell your house?

a
b

What color are you going to paint the

kitchen?
What are you going to do?
Where are you going to stay?

4
5

I dont know. What can I do?

In a hotel. I booked it on the internet
yesterday.
Today. I have to give one months notice.

d
e

Yes, we need a bigger one.

Jeans, I think. The weather isnt very warm
today.
6 When are you going to stay?
f Pale yellow. I bought the paint yesterday.
What are you going to wear? Jeans, I think. The weather isnt very warm today.
Are you going to sell your house? Yes, we need a bigger one.
What color are you going to paint the kitchen? Pale yellow. I bought the paint
yesterday.
What are you going to do? I dont know. What can I do?
Where are you going to stay? In a hotel. I booked it on the internet yesterday.
When are you going to stay? Today. I have to give one months notice.

Will future
Complete the sentence
ll wear / ll like / ll have to / ll be / ll have / ll buy / ll be able to / ll have / ll
stop / ll give

79

1. I think I ________ now. Im tired. (ll stop)

2. We think we ________ agree to it. We have no choice. (ll have to)
3. I hope I ________ enough money to pay for it. I didnt bring my credit card. (ll
have)
4. We dont think we ________ it. It is much too expensive. (ll buy)
5. I think I ________ the red dress. Its perfect for a summers evening. (ll wear)
6. They think they ________ move in the next week. The others are moving out on
Friday. (ll be able to)
7. I think I ________ him a call and ask him what he thinks. (ll give)
8. She thinks she ________ time to finish it before the weekend. (ll have)
9. I dont think he ________ that very much. He prefers things that are simple. (ll
like)
10. We dont think they ________ here until eight. Its a long drive. (ll be)

Mix and match.

1 The weather forecast isnt very good.
a Itll rain later.
2 Hes coming to the party.
b Im sure hell win the competition.
3 Ill put it in todays post but
c The plane will be full.
4 Hes the best player.
d you wont get it until Thursday.
5 I asked him to do it but
e you wont be ready when they arrive.
6 Theres lots of people at the check in.
f Im sure hell forget.
7 I told him ten oclock but
g John will be forty.
8 Thats far too much.
h Im sure he will be late.
9 Hurry up or
i Youll see him then.
1 Were having a party on Friday.
j They wont pay that price.
0
The weather forecast isnt very good. Itll rain later.
Hes coming to the party. Youll see him then.
Ill put it in todays post but you wont get it until Thursday.
Hes the best player. Im sure hell win the competition.
I asked him to do it but Im sure hell forget.
Theres lots of people at the check in. The plane will be full.
I told him ten oclock but Im sure he will be late.
Thats far too much. They wont pay that price.
Hurry up or you wont be ready when they arrive.
Were having a party on Friday. John will be forty.

80

 Mix and match.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
0
Ill

Ill give you a call when

Lets have a break.
This dress is perfect.
Ill think about it and
Bye. Have a nice evening and Ill
OK, see you this evening.
Let me help you with your bags. Ill
Im going into town.
Im going out. Ill be
Thanks for the invitation.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

Ill take it. How much is it?

let you know next week.
take the big one.
I have some news.
Ill be there at about eight.
see you tomorrow.
Ill make some coffee.
Ill give you a lift.
Ill see you on Friday.
back in half an hour.

give you a call when I have some news.

Lets have a break. Ill make some coffee.

This dress is perfect. Ill take it. How much is it?
Ill think about it and let you know next week.
Bye. Have a nice evening and Ill see you tomorrow.
OK, see you this evening. Ill be there at about eight.
Let me help you with your bags. Ill take the big one.
Im going into town. Ill give you a lift.
Im going out. Ill be back in half an hour.
Thanks for the invitation. Ill see you on Friday.

Going to or will
Mix and match.
1 Look at the blue sky.
a I think hell be good in that job.
2 He never arrives on time.
b Shes going to think about it.
3 Look at the time
c Hes going to call me back.
4 The price is too high.
d Im going to tell him.
5 Eddie has been made a supervisor.
e Its going to be a beautiful day.
6 Freddy doesnt know.
f Were going to be late.
7 Andrea is off today.
g Theyll never get that much for their house.
8 I called Jerry but he was busy.
h Ill pick you up at seven.
9 Theresa doesnt know whether to accept.
i Hell be late today as well.
1 Great. Im glad youre coming.
j Shell be back tomorrow.
0
Look at the blue sky. Its going to be a beautiful day.
He never arrives on time. Hell be late today as well.
Look at the time. Were going to be late.
The price is too high. Theyll never get that much for their house.

81

Eddie has been made a supervisor. I think hell be good in that job.
Freddy doesnt know. Im going to tell him.
Andrea is off today. Shell be back tomorrow.
I called Jerry but he was busy. Hes going to call me back.
Theresa doesnt know whether to accept. Shes going to think about it.
Great. Im glad youre coming. Ill pick you up at seven.

Mix and match.

1
2
3
4
5

Id love a cup of tea.

What is Jack studying?
What are you doing over the summer.
Can you call him back?
What do you think the weather will be like
tomorrow?
Dont forget to give me your keys.
Have you decided what to do?
How much more have you got to do?
How old is Shelagh?
Is Anne happy in her new job?

6
7
8
9
1
0
Id love a cup of tea. Ill make some.

a
b
c
d
e

Of course, Ill call him now.

The forecast is sunny.
Yes, Im not going to sell.
Ill make some.
No, Ill give you them now.

f
g
h
i
j

Were going to spend it in Spain.

No, she isnt. Shes going to resign.
Shell be forty next birthday.
Medicine. Hes going to be a doctor.
Too much. Ill never get it finished.

What is Jack studying? Medicine. Hes going to be a doctor.

What are you doing over the summer. Were going to spend it in Spain.
Can you call him back? Of course, Ill call him now.
What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow? The forecast is sunny.
Dont forget to give me your keys. No, Ill give you them now.
Have you decided what to do? Yes, Im not going to sell.
How much more have you got to do? Too much. Ill never get it finished.
How old is Shelagh? Shell be forty next birthday.
Is Anne happy in her new job? No, she isnt. Shes going to resign.

Present forms for the future

Mix and match.
1
2
3
4
5

Ive bought my plane ticket.

Weve signed the lease.
Im sorry, Im busy tonight.
I have to loose weight.
He said hed find out the price for me.

a
b
c
d
e

82

Im going to go on a diet.
Im having dinner at Gerrys.
Were moving on the 30th.
week.
Hes going to call me back with it.

6 I didnt do very well in my exams.

f Monday morning.
7 The new shop opens next
g get there?
8 I leave at ten on
h Im going to work harder in the future.
9 The course starts in
i Im flying out tomorrow.
1 What time do you
j a couple of weeks.
0
Ive bought my plane ticket. Im flying out tomorrow.
Weve signed the lease. Were moving on the 30 th.
Im sorry, Im busy tonight. Im having dinner at Gerrys.
I have to loose weight. Im going to go on a diet.
He said hed find out the price for me. Hes going to call me back with it.
I didnt do very well in my exams. Im going to work harder in the future.
The new shop opens next week.
I leave at ten on Monday morning.
The course starts in a couple of weeks.
What time do you get there?

Will - other uses

Mix and match these requests and offers
1 Will you send me a copy as
a open the window?
2 Will you have some more
b pick me up at the airport?
3 You cooked so well
c drop it off at the garage?
4 Will you call me as soon as you
d coffee?
5 If you wait a minute Ill
e soon as possible, please?
6 Its hot in here, will you
f Ill take it.
7 My plane arrives late. Will you
g give you a hand.
8 Thanks for the cash, Ill pay
h you back tomorrow.
9 The car needs a service. Will you
i have some news?
1 That bag looks heavy.
j wash up.
0
Will you send me a copy as soon as possible, please?
Will you have some more coffee?
You cooked so well wash up.
Will you call me as soon as you have some news?
If you wait a minute Ill give you a hand.
Its hot in here, will you open the window?
My plane arrives late. Will you pick me up at the airport?
Thanks for the cash, Ill pay you back tomorrow.

83

The car needs a service. Will you drop it off at the garage?
That bag looks heavy. Ill take it.

Complete the sentences

wont start / wont eat / ll pay / wont close / ll fax / ll help / ll call / wont do /
wont forget / wont stop
1. I ________ you a copy immediately if you give me your number.
2. I ________ you back as soon as I have some news. (ll fax)
3. Thank you, thats very kind of you. I ________ it. (ll call)
4. Thanks for the money. I ________ you back as soon as I can. (wont forget)
5. Im fed up. My car ________ again. (wont start)
6. That dog ________ barking! (wont stop)
7. The doors broken. It ________ properly now. (wont close)
8. No, Im sorry, I ________ it. Please dont ask me again. (wont do)
9. If you need a hand moving the furniture, I ________ you. (ll help)
10. Sara ________ green vegetables. She doesnt like them. (wont eat)

Shall
Complete the questions
have / go / get / come / call / open / pick / go / ask
1. Shall I ________ you up from airport? (pick)
2. Who shall we ________ to lead the team? (ask)
3. Shall we ________ away for the weekend? (go)
4. Shall I ________ you a ticket? (get)
5. What shall we ________ for lunch? (have)
6. Shall I ________ the doctor? (call)
7. Shall we ________ now? (go)
8. Shall I ________ the window? (open)
9. What time shall I ________? (come)

Mix and match

1

Shall we have lunch together?

a Yes, I think you should accept.

84

2 Shall I finish it?

b OK, but Ill get them.
3 Shall we meet in front of the cinema?
c Yes, where shall we go?
4 Shall I take your coat?
d No, someone else should tell him.
5 Shall I accept his offer?
e Take a taxi. Its quicker.
6 Shall I give him it back?
f Oh thank you.
7 Shall I take the bus or call a taxi?
g Yes, thats a good idea.
8 Shall we get another bottle of wine?
h Yes, you must give it back.
9 Shall we have another drink?
i Yes. At what time?
1 Shall I tell him?
j Yes, please. I wont have time.
0
Shall we have lunch together? Yes, where shall we go?
Shall I finish it? Yes, please. I wont have time.
Shall we meet in front of the cinema? Yes. At what time?
Shall I take your coat? Oh thank you.
Shall I accept his offer? Yes, I think you should accept.
Shall I give him it back? Yes, you must give it back.
Shall I take the bus or call a taxi? Take a taxi. Its quicker.
Shall we get another bottle of wine? Yes, thats a good idea.
Shall we have another drink? OK, but Ill get them.
Shall I tell him? No, someone else should tell him.

Match the questions and the answers

1 Shall I pick you up from airport?
2 Who shall we ask to lead the team?
3 Shall we go away for the weekend?
4 Shall I get you a ticket?
5 What shall we eat?
6 Shall I call the doctor?
7 Shall we go now?
8 Shall I open the window?
9 What time shall I come?
Shall I pick you up from airport? Please.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
My

Please, then I will pay you back.

What about a salad.
Yes, Im tired.
Please. My plane gets in at ten thirty.
Yes, its very hot here.
I think Larry would be a good choice.
Lovely idea. Lets go to Paris.
About seven thirty.
Yes, hes really not very well.
plane gets in at ten thirty.

Who shall we ask to lead the team? I think Larry would be a good choice.
Shall we go away for the weekend? Lovely idea. Lets go to Paris.
Shall I get you a ticket? Please, then I will pay you back.
What shall we eat? What about a salad.
Shall I call the doctor? Yes, hes really not very well.
Shall we go now? Yes, Im tired.
Shall I open the window? Yes, its very hot here.

85

What time shall I come? About seven thirty.

The imperative
Complete the sentences
take / go / turn / Go / carry on / ask
Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to Mornington Crescent?
Yes, certainly. ________ straight along this road until you reach the traffic lights. At
the traffic lights, ________ straight across. At the next set of lights, ________ left
and ________ along the High Street until you come to a roundabout. At the
roundabout, ________ the first exit and Mornington Crescent is the second road on
the left. If you have any problems, ________ again. Everybody knows Mornington
Crescent.
Thank you very much, bye. Go / go / turn / carry on / take / ask

Mix and match

1 Stand behind the
2 Tell me all
3 Shut
4 Come
5 Take your feet off
6 Turn to
7 Take one pill
8 Go to the traffic lights and
9 Come and see
1 Put that
0
Stand behind the line, please.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

Tell me all about it.

Shut up.
Come in.
Take your feet off the sofa.
Turn to page 59.
Take one pill three times a day.
Go to the traffic lights and turn left.
Come and see me next week.
Put that down.

Mix and match

86

three times a day.

in.
down.
me next week.
about it.
line, please.
page 59.
up.
the sofa.
turn left.

1 I dont want him to know.

a Please dont touch it.
2 Its very fragile.
b Dont keep it with your credit card.
3 The sun is very hot today.
c Dont stay out too long.
4 The speed limit is 30.
d Please dont tell him.
5 Theres a steep drop.
e Please dont speak to me like that.
6 Im not telling you so
f Dont worry about it.
7 Thats very rude.
g dont ask me again.
8 We can recycle it.
h Dont drive so fast.
9 Be careful with your pin number.
i Dont throw it in the bin.
1 Its not a big problem.
j Dont walk so close the edge.
0
I dont want him to know. Please dont tell him.
Its very fragile. Please dont touch it.
The sun is very hot today. Dont stay out too long.
The speed limit is 30. Dont drive so fast.
Theres a steep drop. Dont walk so close the edge.
Im not telling you so dont ask me again.
Thats very rude. Please dont speak to me like that.
We can recycle it. Dont throw it in the bin.
Be careful with your pin number. Dont keep it with your credit card.
Its not a big problem. Dont worry about it.

How to make clafoutis

mix in / add / Pour / Cook / Add / Remove / Preheat / serve / Beat
________ your oven to 200 degrees C. (Preheat)
________ the stones from 750 grams of ripe cherries. (Remove)
________ six eggs with a pinch of salt. (Beat)
________ 90 grams of sugar and 100 grams of flour mixed with a few drops of
vanilla essence. (Add)
Gradually ________ liter of milk. (mix in)
________ the mixture into a greased flan dish and then ________ the cherries on
top. (Pour / add)
________ for 45 minutes and ________ warm. (Cook / serve)

The Passive
Mix and match
1

Has everyone been informed

a by a subcontractor.

87

2 Everything possible is being

b booked yet?
3 The project was completed
c from the car park.
4 Have all the rooms been
d on time.
5 The bottles are filled before the labels
e are put on.
6 The car was stolen
f done to find the children.
7 He was force to resign when
g of the latest change?
8 The tickets were posted to
h village near here.
9 The books are printed
i you more than a week ago.
1 It was filmed in an old
j the company made a huge loss.
0
Has everyone been informed of the latest change?
Everything possible is being done to find the children.
The project was completed on time.
Have all the rooms been booked yet?
The bottles are filled before the labels are put on.
The car was stolen from the car park.
He was force to resign when the company made a huge loss.
The tickets were posted to you more than a week ago.
The books are printed by a subcontractor.
It was filmed in an old village near here.

Mix and match

1 I didnt lose it.
2 He didnt break it.
3 He is at the police station.
4 I didnt know anything about it.
5 She doesnt have a book.
6 I dont have my car.
7 They arent coming.
8 We dont know who the winner is.
9 He had a hear attack.
1 This room is dirty.
0
I didnt lose it. It was stolen.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

It hasnt been cleaned.

It hasnt been repaired yet.
It was broken in transit.
She wasnt given one.
They werent invited.
It was stolen.
He was arrested this morning.
He was taken to the hospital yesterday.
We havent given the results.
I hadnt been told.

He didnt break it. It was broken in transit.

He is at the police station. He was arrested this morning.
I didnt know anything about it. I hadnt been told.
She doesnt have a book. She wasnt given one.
I dont have my car. It hasnt been repaired yet.
They arent coming. They werent invited.

88

We dont know who the winner is. We havent given the results.
He had a hear attack. He was taken to the hospital yesterday.
This room is dirty. It hasnt been cleaned.

The -ing form

Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5

Learning
Telling
Swimming
Giving up
Writing

a
b
c
d
e

young children is a very rewarding career.

the truth is always the best policy.
a new language is very hard work.
a marathon needs lots of training.
plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is
essential for good health.
6 Running
f smoking requires great will power.
7 Drinking
g is my favorite sport.
8 Eating
h a glass of wine is a good way to relax.
9 Teaching
i online is very easy and safe now.
1 Buying
j your ideas down is a good way to clarify
0
them.
Learning a new language is very hard work.
Telling the truth is always the best policy.
Swimming is my favorite sport.
Giving up smoking requires great will power.
Writing your ideas down is a good way to clarify them.
Running a marathon needs lots of training.
Drinking a glass of wine is a good way to relax.
Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is essential for good health.
Teaching young children is a very rewarding career.
Buying online is very easy and safe now.

Complete the sentences

training / writing / Playing / teaching / Crossing / Smoking / Waiting / lying / acting
/ spending
1. I loves the film. The ________ was very excellent. (acting)
2. Thats my favorite class. Her ________ is always interesting. (teaching)
3. Please put your cigarette out. ________ is such a bad habit. (Smoking)
4. Shes the best modern author. Her ________ is wonderful. (writing)

89

5. A lot of young people have huge debts. Their ________ is uncontrolled.

(spending)
6. ________ the road here is dangerous. (Crossing)
7. Dont believe a word he says. His ________ is dreadful. (lying)
8. To reach that level of competition, ________ has to be very intensive. (training)
9. ________ the guitar is great fun. (Playing)
10. ________ for them to arrive is very annoying. (Waiting)

Mix and match

1 Are you interested
2 She apologized
3 They succeeded
4 Thank you
5 I am very good
6 Were very excited
7 I am feed up
8 They insisted
9 He was sorry
1 I dont know his name. I am very bad
0
Are you interested in working with us?

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

on having the most expensive room.

for coming.
at remembering peoples names.
for being late.
in reaching their target.
at getting people to do what I want.
of waiting for him to call.
for forgetting my birthday.
in working with us?
about meeting the actors.

She apologized for being late.

They succeeded in reaching their target.
Thank you for coming.
I am very good at getting people to do what I want.
Were very excited about meeting the actors.
I am feed up of waiting for him to call.
They insisted on having the most expensive room.
He was sorry for forgetting my birthday.
I dont know his name. I am very bad at remembering peoples names.

Write the correct form of the verb in brackets

1. I dont want (pay) ________ that much for a car. (to pay)
2. Does anyone feel like (go) ________ for a drink? (going)
3. He suggested (pay) ________ monthly. (paying)
4. We agreed (see) ________ him on Tuesday. (to see)

90

5. I miss (spend) ________ time with my kids. (spending)

6. She promised (read) ________ the first draft of my book. (to read)
7. We put off (see) ________ them until next week. (seeing)
8. You refused (pay) ________ for the damage. (to pay)
9. Shes finished (read) ________ the papers. (reading)
10. I offered (make) ________ dinner for you. (to make)
11. She spent a lot of time (make) ________ lunch. (making)
12. I decided (go) ________ to Portugal for the summer. (to go)

Can
Mix and match
1 Can I pay by
2 I cant get there before
3 You can take the train
4 He can bring it back when
5 You can go outside for
6 We cant wait any
7 You cant wait
8 I cant get to work without
9 She cant finish it in such a
1 You can get a cup of coffee
0
Can I pay by credit card?

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

a cigarette.
short time.
credit card?
here.
he comes.
in the bar.
ten oclock.
to Oxford.
my car.
longer.

I cant get there before ten oclock.

You can take the train to Oxford.
He can bring it back when he comes.
You can go outside for a cigarette.
We cant wait any longer.
You cant wait here.
I cant get to work without my car.
She cant finish it in such a short time.
You can get a cup of coffee in the bar.

Complete the sentences

find / play / drive / swim / change / understand / walk / speak / eat / cook
1. I can ________ more than 100 lengths. (swim)

91

2. Can you ________ what she is talking about? (understand)

3. He knows nothing about cars. He cant even ________ a wheel. (change)
4. Their son cant ________ yet. Hes only seven months old. (walk)
5. Can all their children ________ the piano? (play)
6. I cant ________ dairy products. Im lactose intolerant. (eat)
7. Not many British can ________ French fluently. (speak)
8. He cant ________. He hasnt passed his test. (drive)
9. She can ________ wonderful traditional food. (cook)
10. Can you ________ your way home OK? (find)

Mix and match

1
2
3
4

Can I give you a hand?

You can go now.
Can you baby-sit tonight?
Can you get me a sandwich while youre
out, please?
5 Can you do the washing up?
6 Can you help me with my homework?
7 You can stay over the weekend if you want.
8 Can you fill out this form, please?
9 Can we stay up a bit longer?
Can I give you a hand? ~ Oh thank you.

a
b
c
d

Certainly. Can you lend me your pen?

Ill do it as soon as Ive put the washing on.
Oh thank you. Thats very kind.
Sorry, Im not very good at French.

e No, its bedtime.

f Sorry, I cant. Im going out tonight.
g Thank you. See you tomorrow.
h Thank you. Id love to stay.
i Yes. What sort would you like?
Thats very kind.

You can go now. ~ Thank you. See you tomorrow.

Can you baby-sit tonight? ~ Sorry, I cant. Im going out tonight.
Can you get me a sandwich while youre out, please? ~ Yes. What sort would you
like?
Can you do the washing up? ~ Ill do it as soon as Ive put the washing on.
Can you help me with my homework? ~ Sorry, Im not very good at French.
You can stay over the weekend if you want. ~ Thank you. Id love to stay.
Can you fill out this form, please? ~ Certainly. Can you lend me your pen?
Can we stay up a bit longer? ~ No, its bedtime.

Complete the sentences

can feel / can you hear / can see / cant taste / can tell / can hear / can see / cant
see / can smell / can hear
1. I ________ a cat meowing. Can you? (can hear)

92

2. Its dark in here. I ________ anything. (cant see)

3. I ________ something funny. Is something burning? (can smell)
4. ________ the traffic on the motorway from your house? (Can you hear)
5. On a good day, you ________ Mont Blanc from the garden. (can see)
6. I ________ anything, Ive got a very bad cold. (cant taste)
7. I ________ him looking at me. (can feel)
8. You ________ summer is coming. Everyone is wearing shorts! (can tell)
9. We ________ she is making a huge mistake but she cant. (can see)
10. I ________ someone playing the piano. (can hear)

Match up the sentences

1 You cant be serious!
a
2 That cant be the postman,
b
3 It cant cost that much.
c
4 Shes not here yet.
d
5 It cant be this house.
e
6 That cant be her husband.
f
7 You cant be hungry.
g
8 I cant have passed.
h
9 They cant still be in the office.
i
1 This cant be the right road or
j
0
You cant be serious! You must be joking.

We only had lunch an hour ago.

I paid much less before.
They said it was near the pub.
its too early.
wed be there by now.
She cant be coming.
Its nearly seven oclock.
You must be joking.
He looks much too old!
I didnt prepare the exam at all.

That cant be the postman, its too early.

It cant cost that much. I paid much less before.
Shes not here yet. She cant be coming.
It cant be this house. They said it was near the pub.
That cant be her husband. He looks much too old!
You cant be hungry. We only had lunch an hour ago.
I cant have passed. I didnt prepare the exam at all.
They cant still be in the office. Its nearly seven oclock.
This cant be the right road or wed be there by now.

Could
Mix and match

93

1 We couldnt find a parking place.

2 I could use my fathers car when
3 We couldnt go to his party because
4 I couldnt ride a bicycle until
5 I couldnt stop him.
6 They couldnt buy it.
7 Jack couldnt come.
8 Nobody could do the exam.
9 I couldnt phone you.
1 She could read before she went to school,
0
We couldnt find a parking place. It was

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

I lived with my parents.

They didnt have enough money.
He doesnt listen to me.
He had to stay and help his parents.
her mother taught her.
It was very busy in town.
I was ten!
I didnt have your number.
It was very difficult.
we were away on holiday.

very busy in town.

I could use my fathers car when I lived with my parents.

We couldnt go to his party because we were away on holiday.
I couldnt ride a bicycle until I was ten!
I couldnt stop him. He doesnt listen to me.
They couldnt buy it. They didnt have enough money.
Jack couldnt come. He had to stay and help his parents.
Nobody could do the exam. It was very difficult.
I couldnt phone you. I didnt have your number.
She could read before she went to school, her mother taught her.

Complete the stories with could or couldnt

- Sue asked if she ________ come to London with us. What ________ I say? I
________ say no because shes been very kind to me.
could / could /
couldnt
- You ________ have said it was a family day out.

could

- No, I ________ because she knew you were coming. I suppose I ________ have
said that there was no room in the car because there were already four of us.
couldnt / could
- No, you ________. She knows Ive got a big car with space for six. But you
________ have said we already had tickets for the exhibition and you ________ get
any more.
couldnt / could / couldnt
- I ________ have done that, thats very mean. I had to say yes!

Mix and match

1 Flying is very expensive.
2 What shall we do for lunch?
3 Lets go to the cinema.

a You could stay at home.

b I could lend you some money.
c You could try talking to him.

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couldnt

4
5
6
7
8
9

Im going now.
d
I dont want to go to this party.
e
What are we going to do for the holidays?
f
I dont have enough to buy it.
g
I dont know what to do about Nick.
h
I havent got any shoes to wear with this
i
dress.
Flying is very expensive. ~ Well, we could

You could borrow some of mine.

We could go to France again.
Wait. I could come with you.
We could go to the pub for a sandwich.
Yes, we could go see Superman.
Well, we could take the train.
take the train.

What shall we do for lunch? ~ We could go to the pub for a sandwich.

Lets go to the cinema. ~ Yes, we could go see Superman.
Im going now. ~ Wait. I could come with you.
I dont want to go to this party. ~ You could stay at home.
What are we going to do for the holidays? ~ We could go to France again.
I dont have enough to buy it. ~ I could lend you some money.
I dont know what to do about Nick. ~ You could try talking to him.
I havent got any shoes to wear with this dress. ~ You could borrow some of
mine.

May / might
Complete the sentences using these verbs
BE / BUY / DO / GET / GIVE / GO / GO / HAVE / LEAVE / VISIT
1. I ________ some change, if you need it. might have
2. We ________ to Jamaica next year. Our friends will be there. might go
3. I ________ Sue a call and see if she wants to come. might give
4. I ________ it if he had asked nicely but not now. might have done
5. I think he ________ to the football match tonight. might go
6. They ________ it if they can get a good price. might buy
7. I ________ the job, there were lots of good candidates. might not get
8. Sophie ________ next week if she can get a couple of days off work. might visit
9. I dont know where it is. I ________ it at home. might have left
10. I ________ home late. Ive got a lot of work to finish before I can leave. might
be

Should 1

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 Mix and match

1 Paul still hasnt repaid me the money I lent
him.
2 I bought this but its broken.
3 I need to loose some weight.
4 I want to stop smoking.
5 My eyes hurt.
6 Im still feeling very sick.

a You should try nicotine patches.

b
c
d
e
f

You should eat less bread.

You should go to the police.
You should go to Paris. Its beautiful.
You should ask him for it.
You shouldnt spend so much time on the
computer.
7 I wish I had more money.
g You should take it back to the shop.
8 My purse has been stolen.
h You shouldnt spend so much on clothes.
9 I dont know where to go on holiday.
i You should call the doctor.
Paul still hasnt repaid me the money I lent him.~ You should ask him for it.
I bought this but its broken.~ You should take it back to the shop.
I need to loose some weight.~ You should eat less bread.
I want to stop smoking.~ You should try nicotine patches.
My eyes hurt.~ You shouldnt spend so much time on the computer.
Im still feeling very sick.~ You should call the doctor.
I wish I had more money.~ You shouldnt spend so much on clothes.
My purse has been stolen.~ You should go to the police.
I dont know where to go on holiday.~ You should go to Paris. Its beautiful.

Should or shouldnt
1. Im really tired. I ________ go to bed so late. shouldnt
2. I hate my job. I ________ start looking for a new one. should
3. I think you ________ move your car. You ________ park on the double yellow
lines. should / shouldnt
4. She never has any money left. She ________ spend so much. shouldnt
5. This room is a mess! You ________ tidy it up. should
6. I think they are too young. They ________ get married so soon. shouldnt
7. What are those children doing in the street? They ________ be at school. should
8. To have clearer skin, you ________ eat more fruit and vegetables. should
9. Cycling in the city is dangerous, you ________ wear a helmet. should
10. You ________ believe everything he tells you. You cant trust him. shouldnt

Mix and match

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1
2
3
4

I think you should ask for a raise.

Do you think he should take that job?
Should I book the ticket?
You shouldnt drink so much coffee.

a
b
c
d

Yes, I could work in a bar.

I dont drink that much. Just two cups a day.
No, he shouldnt. Its very dangerous.
Well, if you dont get them now, therell be
none left.
e Youre right. Ill talk to my boss tomorrow.

5 I think I should go to the gym more

regularly.
6 I think you should get a job.
f Youre right. Twice a week is good.
7 Do you think he should do it?
g No, I dont. The salarys not good enough.
I think you should ask for a raise. ~ Youre right. Ill talk to my boss tomorrow.
Do you think he should take that job? ~ No, I dont. The salarys not good
enough.

Should I book the ticket? ~ Well, if you dont get them now, therell be none left.
You shouldnt drink so much coffee. ~ I dont drink that much. Just two cups a
day.
I think I should go to the gym more regularly. ~ Youre right. Twice a week is
good.
I think you should get a job. ~ Yes, I could work in a bar.
Do you think he should do it? ~ No, he shouldnt. Its very dangerous.

Should 2
Mix and match
1 Its funny you should say that.
2 Its interesting he should be here.
3 Its natural you should be anxious.
4 Its odd he should be nervous.
5 Its strange you should think that
6 Its funny he should take that job.
7 Its strange he should choose her.
8 Its interesting he should call now.
9 Its odd it should stop so suddenly.
Its funny you should say that. I said the

a Usually there is some warning.

b Any exam is stressful.
c I said the same thing.
d I didnt think he liked this sort of thing.
e I thought he liked to be outdoors.
f Shes not the most qualified.
g Hes used to speaking in public.
h because no one else does.
i He usually calls at the weekend.
same thing.

Its interesting he should be here. I didnt think he liked this sort of thing.
Its natural you should be anxious. Any exam is stressful.
Its odd he should be nervous. Hes used to speaking in public.
Its strange you should think that because no one else does.
Its funny he should take that job. I thought he liked to be outdoors.
Its strange he should choose her. Shes not the most qualified.
Its interesting he should call now. He usually calls at the weekend.

97

Its odd it should stop so suddenly. Usually there is some warning.

Mix and match

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
If

If you should see him,

a
If there should be a problem,
b
If anyone should ask,
c
If you should find it,
d
If he should call,
e
If he should turn up now,
f
If you should go to the shops,
g
If you should bump into her,
h
If you should need anything,
i
you should see him, tell him I was here.

tell her Im still here.

tell him Ill call him back.
can you get me some milk?
dont hesitate to call.
put it somewhere safe.
help yourself to whats there.
hell have to wait.
dont say anything.
tell him I was here.

If there should be a problem, dont hesitate to call.

If anyone should ask, dont say anything.
If you should find it, put it somewhere safe.
If he should call, tell him Ill call him back.
If he should turn up now, hell have to wait.
If you should go to the shops, can you get me some milk?
If you should bump into her, tell her Im still here.
If you should need anything, help yourself to whats there.

Mix and match

1 Hes agreed to it?
2 Thank you so much
3 You should have seen the look on her face.
4 I just came in and
5 Youll get that promotion.
6 He didnt do it.
7 You shouldnt gossip.
8 They should be shot for that!
Hes agreed to it? I should think so.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h

~ You should talk! You do it too.

It was priceless.
~ I should think not.
~ I should be so lucky!
who should be there but Greg.
but you really shouldnt have.
~ I know, its outrageous.
I should think so.

Thank you so much but you really shouldnt have.

You should have seen the look on her face. It was priceless.
I just came in and who should be there but Greg.
Youll get that promotion. ~ I should be so lucky!
He didnt do it. ~ I should think not.
You shouldnt gossip. ~ You should talk! You do it too.

98

They should be shot for that! ~ I know, its outrageous.

Must or Have to
Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6

The deadline is tonight.

a so that it can be read by the scanner.
I have to go now.
b The standard is very high.
We have to apply for a visa.
c Its a one-way system.
You have to have very good grades to get in. d so I cant come with you.
Everyone has to wear safety shoes in here.
e We cant just travel on our passports.
Every item has to have the barcode
f Health and safety regulations.
positioned correctly
7 You have to score more than 60% in every
g before they start school.
module
8 You have to turn left at the lights.
h My plane leaves in less than two hours.
9 I have to work this weekend,
i I have to finish it today.
1 Children have to have a series of
j to pass the exams.
0 vaccinations
The deadline is tonight. I have to finish it today.
I have to go now. My plane leaves in less than two hours.
We have to apply for a visa. We cant just travel on our passports.
You have to have very good grades to get in. The standard is very high.
Everyone has to wear safety shoes in here. Health and safety regulations.
Every item has to have the barcode positioned correctly so that it can be read by
the scanner.
You have to score more than 60% in every module to pass the exams.
You have to turn left at the lights. Its a one-way system.
I have to work this weekend, so I cant come with you.
Children have to have a series of vaccinations before they start school.

Rearrange the lines

Being a student at university is very
all your money on clothes and going out but you have to
of seft study so you do have to be
a uniform and you dont have to be
different from being at school. At university, you dont have to wear
hard. You have to do a lot
there all day every day. But you do have to work
able to plan your own work. As you live away from home, you also have to be
your own clothes and manage your own budget. You quickly learn that you mustnt spend
able to look after yourself! You have to wash

99

buy food and books.

Being a student at university is very different from being at school. At university,
you dont have to wear a uniform and you dont have to be there all day every
day. But you do have to work hard. You have to do a lot of seft study so you do
have to be able to plan your own work. As you live away from home, you also
have to be able to look after yourself! You have to wash your own clothes and
manage your own budget. You quickly learn that you mustnt spend all your
money on clothes and going out but you have to buy food and books.

Match up the sentences

1 We mustnt be late.
a Remind me to get a card.
2 You mustnt wash it in hot water.
b Hell be very angry if we are.
3 You mustnt tell him.
c Its confidential for the moment.
4 You mustnt eat before the tests
d Only cold.
5 I mustnt forget his birthday.
e Its bad luck.
6 I mustnt waste anymore time on this.
f I would like an early night.
7 You mustnt say things like that.
g so you cant have breakfast.
8 We mustnt stay late.
h Its no parking.
9 We mustnt make so much noise.
i I have a lot of other things to do.
1 You mustnt leave your car there.
j Well wake up the neighbours.
0
We mustnt be late. Hell be very angry if we are.
You mustnt wash it in hot water. Only cold.
You mustnt tell him. Its confidential for the moment.
You mustnt eat before the tests so you cant have breakfast.
I mustnt forget his birthday. Remind me to get a card.
I mustnt waste anymore time on this. I have a lot of other things to do.
You mustnt say things like that. Its bad luck.
We mustnt stay late. I would like an early night.
We mustnt make so much noise. Well wake up the neighbours.
You mustnt leave your car there. Its no parking.

Zero conditional
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

If you see him,

If you get there early,
If you dont receive it tomorrow,
When you buy online,
When you fly on one of the budget airlines,
When you do exercise,
Unless you pay extra,
Unless he is going to pay you,
Unless I phone to say Ill be late.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i

100

wait for me in the hall.

expect me at eight oclock.
you get the basic service.
tell him I want to speak to him.
give me a call.
dont do it.
you save ten per cent.
drink plenty of water.
you have to buy your snack.

If you see him, tell him I want to speak to him.

If you get there early, wait for me in the hall.
If you dont receive it tomorrow, give me a call.
When you buy online, you save ten per cent.
When you fly on one of the budget airlines, you have to buy your snack.
When you do exercise, drink plenty of water.
Unless you pay extra, you get the basic service.
Unless he is going to pay you, dont do it.
Unless I phone to say Ill be late. expect me at eight oclock.

Complete the sentences

go / m speaking / are having / are going / am / have painted / have finished / are
thinking / gets / s raining
1. When you ________ to Lyon, try some of the specialities in the typical
restaurants. go
2. If you ________, pick me up. are going
3. If you ________ all your work, go home early. have finished
4. When he ________ here, dont say anything to him. I want to keep it secret.
gets
5. Dont talk about things like that when we ________ lunch. are having
6. When you ________ the kitchen, you can paint the hall. have painted
7. Ill give you a call when I ________ ready to leave. am
8. If you ________ of going to Prague, talk to John. He knows it very well. are
thinking
9. When I ________ on the phone, please dont make so much noise. m speaking
10. If it ________, take a taxi. s raining

If, When or Unless?

1. Take the train ________ they are on strike again. unless
2. ________ you see them, say hello from me. If
3. ________ you get there, call me. When
4. ________ you have finished with it, bring it back. When
5. ________ you cant find yours, use mine. If

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6. Its not woth buying ________ house prices are rising quickly. unless
7. Come with me ________ you have something better to do. unless
8. ________ he asks you again, say no. If
9. ________ you want to get there on time, the best thing is to take a train. If
10. ________ you are reading in a foreign language, dont translate. When

The first conditional

Complete the sentences
are going to get / should tell / m going to hang / could ask / mustnt mention /
will have to wait / m going to speak / ll be / must visit / will have wasted
1. If I dont get this finished today, I________behind schedule. ll be
2. If I buy that picture, I ________ it in the hall. m going to hang
3. If he doesnt pass his exams, he ________ a whole year. will have wasted
4. If we miss the train, we ________ an hour for the next. will have to wait
5. If you get the opportunity, you ________ London. must visit
6. If you see him, you ________ him today. He needs to know. should tell
7. If you dont want to do it, you ________ Sally. could ask
8. If Danny comes, I ________ to him about it. m going to speak
9. If you continue breaking the speed limit, you ________ caught. are going to get

Match up the sentences

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

If you buy it today in the sale,

If you dont pay your taxes,
If I get my license,
If you get a dog,
If you dont finish your studies,
If you want to go to university,
If Dave hasnt made dinner yet,

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

Im not going to take the job.

you must go.
youll find him at the library.
you must work hard.
Ill make some soup.
youll save twenty per cent.
youll have to put it in kennels during your
holiday.
h youll have wasted a lot of time and money.
i you will end up in court.
j my father will buy me a car.

8 If they are not paying more than that,

9 If youre looking for Andrew,
1 If you havent already been to Paris,
0
If you buy it today in the sale, youll save twenty per cent.
If you dont pay your taxes, you will end up in court.
If I get my license, my father will buy me a car.

If you get a dog, youll have to put it in kennels during your holiday.

102

If you dont finish your studies, youll have wasted a lot of time and money.
If you want to go to university, you must work hard.
If Dave hasnt made dinner yet, Ill make some soup.
If they are not paying more than that, Im not going to take the job.
If youre looking for Andrew, youll find him at the library.
If you havent already been to Paris, you must go.

FIRST CONDITIONAL
It doesnt matter if you dont finish today. You can finish tomorrow,
If he doesnt get here soon. Im going to go without him.
The economy isnt doing very well. If you wad a little white, the price will go
down.
It you want to eat there, you must book a table. They get very busy.
If he fails his exams, his fathers going to be very angry.
Ill make you a sandwich if youre hungry.
If she breaks the contract, shell end up in court.
Theyll buy the house if they can get the money from the bank.
If the weather is good, weII have a picnic.
If you want someone to work on Saturday, I can do it.
Youre going to have a lot of problems if you arent carefull.

Second conditional
Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
0
If I

If I knew his number,

She would do it
I wouldnt do that
If we lived in the country,
If there were less cars on the road,
If I had more spare time,
If the weather were good,
If we had enough money,
You would get better results
You should meet more people

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

we would travel more often.

there would be less pollution.
if you worked harder for your exams.
if you went out more often.
we would need a second car.
we could go to the beach.
I would give him a call.
if she could.
I would join the sports club.
if I were you.

knew his number, I would give him a call.

She would do it if she could.

I wouldnt do that if I were you.
If we lived in the country, we would need a second car.
If there were less cars on the road, there would be less pollution.
If I had more spare time, I would join the sports club.

103

If the weather were good, we could go to the beach.

If we had enough money, we would travel more often.
You would get better results if you worked harder for your exams.
You should meet more people if you went out more often.

SECOND CONDITIONAL
Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
0

If they were going to build a garage,

You might find the address of a shop
If I saw him again,
Ill do it for you
If she was going to do it,
If you came shopping with us,
If I was still working in London,
You could stay at my house
If you asked Stephen,
If you took the six oclock train,

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

theyd need planning permission.

if you looked on the internet.
if you wanted to.
you could look for a new dress.
I wouldnt speak to him.
If I had time
he may be able to tell you.
you could be here in plenty of time
shed tell me.
I wouldnt be as happy as I am now.

1-a / 2-b / 3-e / 4-f / 5-I / 6-d / 7-j / 8-c / 9-g / 10-h

Complete the sentences

were working / were spending / were selling / was coming / were thinking / were
buying / were going / were living / were going
1. If you ________ of going, you should buy your tickets on line. were thinking
2. If he ________, he would be here by now. was coming
3. If they ________ to do it, they would tell us. were going
4. If I ________ a new car, I would do it on the internet and save money. were
buying
5. If we ________ together, we would do a much better job. were working
6. If we ________, wed take the bus. were going
7. If she ________ her house, I would buy it. were selling
8. If I ________ that much money, I would want something better. were spending
9. If you ________ near the beach, you could go swimming every day. were living

104

 Match the questions and answers

1 If he gets here in time,
a youll use it all the time.
2 If he got here in time,
b youll like him.
3 If you see him,
c youd get out for a walk more often.
4 If you saw him,
d youll be there for lunch.
5 If you go at ten,
e youd use it all the time.
6 If you went before ten,
f we can have drink before the film.
7 If you buy it,
g we could have a drink before the film.
8 If you bought it,
h youll get out for a walk more often.
9 If you get a dog,
i youd like him.
1 If you got a dog,
j youd be there before lunch.
0
If he gets here in time, we can have drink before the film.
If he got here in time, we could have a drink before the film.
If you see him, youll like him.
If you saw him, youd like him.
If you go at ten, youll be there for lunch.
If you went before ten, youd be there before lunch.
If you buy it, youll use it all the time.
If you bought it, youd use it all the time.
If you get a dog, youll get out for a walk more often.
If you got a dog, youd get out for a walk more often.

Complete the sentences

wouldnt / could / would / might / would / could / might / could
1. If I asked him, he ________ do it for me. might
2. If I asked her, Im sure she ________ do it for me. would
3. If you came on Tuesday, we ________ go to that concert in the park. could
4. If you wanted me to do it, I ________. I know how to do. could
5. I ________ help you with it, if you paid me. would
6. If we put in a slightly higher offer, we ________ get the contract but its not
sure. might
7. Jenny ________ replace me if I took a couple of weeks holiday. She knows my
job quite well. could
8. I ________ recognize him if I saw him again. It was so long ago. wouldnt

Third conditional
105

 Would have or Had?

1. If he ________ asked me, I ________ done it. had / would have
2. He ________ come if you ________ invited him. would have / had
3. If I ________ seen him in the office, I ________ told him to call you. had / would
have
4. We ________ had a lot of problems if we ________ gone ahead with it. would
have / had
5. He ________ said yes if you ________ asked him. would have / had
6. If you ________ spent more time on the project, you ________ made fewer
mistakes. had / would have
7. If I ________ had your number, I ________ called you but Id forgotten my
address book. had / would have
8. If you ________ sent me a message to remind me, I ________ done it. had /
would have
9. She ________ come if it ________ been on Friday night but its on Thursday.
would have / had
10. They ________ accepted your ideas if you ________ explained them more
clearly. would have / had

Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets

1. I would have ordered a taxi if you (tell) ________ me you were leaving so late.
had told
2. You could have borrowed my car if you (say) ________ yours was in the garage.
had said
3. Im sorry but if I (see) ________ you, I would have said hello. had seen
4. We would have set off earlier if we (realise) ________ the traffic was going to be
so heavy. had realised
5. If you (ask) ________ John for some help, he would have given it to you. had
asked
6. She wouldnt have got home until midnight if she (take) ________ the bus. had
taken
7. If my parents (not help) ________ me, I wouldnt have been able to afford a car.
hadnt helped
8. If I (pay) ________ more attention to what she was saying, I would have known
all about it. had paid
9. If you (ask) ________, Im sure they would have given you a discount. had
asked

106

10. If I (not waste) ________ so much time, I would have finished hours ago.
hadnt wasted

Mix and match

1 We could have had steak if wed wanted
a because we dont like going to parties.
2 I might have done it if he had asked me
b but I choose Cambridge.
nicely.
3 I would have gone out tonight because I
c But he didnt so I said no.
want to see the film
4 I couldnt have done it even if I had wanted
d but we all choose the fish.
to.
5 We wouldnt have gone even if theyd
e but I have too much work to finish.
invited us
6 She might have said yes if youd asked her.
f You never know.
7 I couldnt have called him.
g It wouldnt have fit in the room.
8 I didnt buy it. It was too big.
h I didnt have time.
9 I could have gone to university in Oxford. I
i I didnt know his number.
was offerd a place
We could have had steak if wed wanted but we all choose the fish.
I might have done it if he had asked me nicely. But he didnt so I said no.
I would have gone out tonight because I want to see the film but I have too much
work to finish.
I couldnt have done it even if I had wanted to. I didnt have time.
We wouldnt have gone even if theyd invited us because we dont like going to
parties.
She might have said yes if youd asked her. You never know.
I couldnt have called him. I didnt know his number.
I didnt buy it. It was too big. It wouldnt have fit in the room.
I could have gone to university in Oxford. I was offerd a place but I choose
Cambridge.

Wish
Complete the sentences
you / to remind / you / to be / me / to see / you / to reserve / to make
1. I wish ________ a complaint. to make
2. I wish ________ a table for six. to reserve
3. We wish ________ our customers we will be closed tomorrow. to remind
4. I wish ________ all the best in your new job. you
5. We wish ________ a merry Christmas. you
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6. I dont wish ________ identified. to be

7. Wish ________ luck for my exam. me
8. I wish ________ the manager. to see
9. I wish ________ a safe journey. you

Mix and match

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
0
Im

Im overweight.
I never win at tennis.
Its raining hard.
I went to the pub last night.
I didnt go to the cinema.
Ive eaten too much.
Im going to see her later.
I was wearing jeans.
I cant go to the party.
I couldnt do all the questions in the exam.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

I wish I hadnt had so many beers.

I wish I wasnt.
I wish I had gone.
I wish I could go.
I wish I was slimmer.
I wish I hadnt eaten so much.
I wish I had been able to do them all.
I wish it wasnt raining so hard.
I wish I hadnt been wearing jeans.
I wish I won a game occasionally.

overweight. I wish I was slimmer.

I never win at tennis. I wish I won a game occasionally.

Its raining hard. I wish it wasnt raining so hard.
I went to the pub last night. I wish I hadnt had so many beers.
I didnt go to the cinema. I wish I had gone.
Ive eaten too much. I wish I hadnt eaten so much.
Im going to see her later. I wish I wasnt.
I was wearing jeans. I wish I hadnt been wearing jeans.
I cant go to the party. I wish I could go.
I couldnt do all the questions in the exam. I wish I had been able to do them all.

Complete the sentences with the verbs below

was / lived / hadnt / wasnt / did / would / could / was seeing / wasnt / had
1. Im going home tomorrow. I wish I ________. wasnt
2. I live in the city. I wish I ________ in the country. lived
3. I told him all about it. I wish I ________. hadnt
4. I cant go with you. I wish I ________. could
5. I didnt have time to see them. I wish I ________. had
6. I dont know his phone number. I wish I ________. did

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7. Im not seeing him until Thursday. I wish I ________ him tonight. was seeing
8. He is right as usual. I wish he ________. wasnt
9. She isnt here. I wish she ________. was
10. They wont help me. I wish they ________. would

Mix and match

1 I wish I hadnt done it
2 I wish Id passed my exams
3 I wish she were here
4 I wish you should go away
5 I wish you wouldnt use bad language
6 I wish Id bought it
7 I wish I didnt have to go
8 I wish I could see him more often
9 I wish he lived nearer
1 I wish I werent going
0
I wish I hadnt done it but I did.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

but I am.
but you wont.
but it was so expensive.
but he doesnt.
but I cant.
but you do.
but I do.
but I didnt.
but I did.
but she isnt.

I wish Id passed my exams but I didnt.

I wish she were here but she isnt.
I wish you should go away but you wont.
I wish you wouldnt use bad language but you do.
I wish Id bought it but it was so expensive.
I wish I didnt have to go but I do.
I wish I could see him more often but I cant.
I wish he lived nearer but he doesnt.
I wish I werent going but I am.

Had better
Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1

Wed better go now

Youd better take an umbrella.
Wed better get some cash.
Id better not spend any more money
Id better close the window.
Id better wait for him.
Wed better book the tickets now.
Youd better tidy up before
Youd better not throw that out,
Shed better get started.

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
109

The forecast is for rain.

it may come in useful.
Its getting cold now.
They dont take checks.
or I wont have any left.
There wont be any left tomorrow.
Otherwise she wont get it finished.
He wont be long.
your mother comes back.
or well be late.

0
Wed better go now or well be late.
Youd better take an umbrella. The forecast is for rain.
Wed better get some cash. They dont take checks.
Id better not spend any more money or I wont have any left.
Id better close the window. Its getting cold now.
Id better wait for him. He wont be long.
Wed better book the tickets now. There wont be any left tomorrow.
Youd better tidy up before your mother comes back.
Youd better not throw that out, it may come in useful.
Shed better get started. Otherwise she wont get it finished.

Mix and match

1 Youd better not tell him or
2 Id better get back to work or
3 Id better do it now or
4 Youd better pass your exams or
5 Youd better invite them or
6 Id better take the early train or
7 Wed better find a babysitter or
8 Youd better hand in your homework or
9 Youd better put a coat on or
Youd better not tell him or hell be very

a they will be offended.

b it will be too late.
c we cant go out.
d youll get a punishment.
e I will be late.
f youll be cold.
g I wont get finished before 5.
h you wont get into university.
i hell be very angry.
angry.

Id better get back to work or I wont get finished before 5.

Id better do it now or it will be too late.
Youd better pass your exams or you wont get into university.
Youd better invite them or they will be offended.
Id better take the early train or I will be late.
Wed better find a babysitter or we cant go out.
Youd better hand in your homework or youll get a punishment.
Youd better put a coat on or youll be cold.

Had better or Should?

1. You ________ tidy up or your mum will be very angry. d better
2. You ________ apologize to him. That would be the right thing to do. should
3. They ________ not be late. Im going to wait for them. d better

110

4. You ________ be more careful. should

5. I ________ go get ready or Ill be late. d better
6. You ________ go see that film. Its great. should
7. I ________ let it upset me. Its not that important. shouldnt
8. You ________ go out tonight. Itd do you good. should
9. He ________ work harder if he wants to keep his job. d better
10. You ________ be more careful in future then it wont happen again. d better

Used to
Mix and match
1
2
3
4

I used to eat a lot of chocolate but

Paul used to work in London but
He used to take the train to work but
When I was younger, I didnt use to eat
cheese but
When I lived in the city,
They used to go to a very traditional school
I used to really enjoy his company but
She used to play the piano but
We used to go to the beach for our holidays
He used to have a motorbike but

a
b
c
d

5
e
6
f
7
g
8
h
9
i
1
j
0
I used to eat a lot of chocolate but now Im

where they wore a uniform.

I often used to go to the theatre.
now he drives a very boring family car.
now she plays the guitar.
now Im on a diet.
now I eat a lot.
now he drives.
when we were children.
now he works in Sheffield.
now I find him a bit boring.
on a diet.

Paul used to work in London but now he works in Sheffield.

He used to take the train to work but now he drives.
When I was younger, I didnt use to eat cheese but now I eat a lot.
When I lived in the city, I often used to go to the theatre.
They used to go to a very traditional school where they wore a uniform.
I used to really enjoy his company but now I find him a bit boring.
She used to play the piano but now she plays the guitar.
We used to go to the beach for our holidays when we were children.
He used to have a motorbike but now he drives a very boring family car.

Complete the sentences

sharing / getting up / living / having / looking / driving / telling / flying / living /
driving
1. I get up at 5.30 every day so Im used to ________ early. getting up

111

2. Shes German so she isnt used to ________ on the left yet. driving
3. They are used to ________ in big houses. living
4. I come from a big family so Im used to ________ with my brothers and sisters.
sharing
5. My father is often away on business so Im used to only ________ my mother at
home. having
6. I havent lived in the country for very long so Im not used to ________ miles to
the nearest shop. driving
7. The children went to boarding school so they are used to ________ away from
home. living
8. He travels a lot for work so he is used to ________. flying
9. As the oldest child, she is used to ________ after other children. looking
10. Im new in this job so Im not used to ________ people what to do. telling

Mix and match

1
2

They used to live in Manchester but now

Its a big change so

Everyone used to grow their own fruit and

vegetables but now
Hes used to driving a big car.
I have always worked on my own so
Andy used to play a lot of football but now
Ive changed to the morning shift at work
and
She didnt use to drink coffee but now

4
5
6
7
8

a Im still getting used to it.

b I just cant get used to getting up every
morning.
c he doesnt have time.
d
e
f
g

everyone goes to the supermarket now.

Hes always had one.
nobody does.
we arent used to not having a garden.

h its difficult getting used to working in a

team.
i she drinks lots.
j theyve moved to Birmingham.

9 Weve always lived in the country so

1 There used to be lots of small shops but
0
They used to live in Manchester but now theyve moved to Birmingham.
Its a big change so Im still getting used to it.

Everyone used to grow their own fruit and vegetables but now nobody does.
Hes used to driving a big car. Hes always had one.
I have always worked on my own so its difficult getting used to working in a
team.
Andy used to play a lot of football but now he doesnt have time.
Ive changed to the morning shift at work and I just cant get used to getting up
every morning.
She didnt use to drink coffee but now she drinks lots.

112

Weve always lived in the country so we arent used to not having a garden.
There used to be lots of small shops but everyone goes to the supermarket now.

Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets

1. When I was a student, I used to (work) ________ in a bar. work
2. I will never get used to (work) ________ nights. I much prefer working days.
working
3. She isnt used to (live) ________ on her own. The house feels quite empty. living
4. When I worked in the city, I used to (get up) ________ really early to commute
to work. get up
5. Are you getting used to (live) ________ in your new house yet? living
6. Were not used to (live) ________ in a cold climate. Were used to a warm one.
living
7. I used to (be) ________ a gardener. Im not used to (sit) ________ in an office all
day. I find it very hard. be / sitting
8. Since I retired from my job, I cant get used to (have) ________ nothing to do all
day. having
9. In my last job I used to (wear) a suit and tie. Now I wear jeans. wear
10. I was just getting used to (wear) ________ glasses when I change to contact
lenses. wearing

Questions 1
Match the questions and answers
1
2
3
4

Are you married?

Do you know him?
Can you tell me the time, please?
Had he done it?

5 Have they been sitting there all morning?

6 Did he arrive on time?
7 Have you seen him today?
8 Does she work with Jim?
9 Is Jack coming to dinner tonight?
1 Will she be back soon?
0
Are you married? Yes, I am.

a
b
c
d

Yes, he is. Hell be here soon.

Yes, I am.
No, she doesnt. She works at the hospital.
No, I dont think she will be back till
tomorrow.
e Sure, its ten to ten.
f No, I havent. I dont know where he is.
g No, he didnt. Ten minutes late as usual.
h No, he hadnt.
i No, I dont. Ive never met him.
j Yes, since nine oclock.

Do you know him? No, I dont. Ive never met him.

Can you tell me the time, please? Sure, its ten to ten.
Had he done it? No, he hadnt.
113

Have they been sitting there all morning? Yes, since nine oclock.
Did he arrive on time? No, he didnt. Ten minutes late as usual.
Have you seen him today? No, I havent. I dont know where he is.
Does she work with Jim? No, she doesnt. She works at the hospital.
Is Jack coming to dinner tonight? Yes, he is. Hell be here soon.
Will she be back soon? No, I dont think she will be back till tomorrow.

Complete the sentences

How / How many / Who / How much / Whose / What time / Where / How old /
Which / How often
1. ________ bag is it? ~ Im not sure. Patricias? Whose
2. ________ times have you been here? ~ Twice. How many
3. ________ did you see at the party? ~ Sally and Alan. Who
4. ________ do you know about it? ~ Nothing at all. How much
5. ________ house is yours? ~ The one at the end of the street with blue shutters.
Which
6. ________ do you visit your parents? ~ Once a week. How often
7. ________ do you live now? ~ In Liverpool. Where
8. ________ is Jackie? ~ 19. How old
9. ________ does the film start? ~ At 7.30. What time
10. ________ do you change the channel? ~ Use the red button. How

Match the questions and answers

1 What did you buy?
a The black one.
2 Whose house are you going to?
b Twenty.
3 How many people were there?
c Originally from Spain.
4 When did he die?
d Nicks.
5 How much did you pay for it?
e A coat and a pair of boots.
6 Where do they come from?
f Because he thought it was a good idea.
7 Which one did you get?
g Darren and Lily.
8 How often do they come for dinner?
h Just over $250.
9 Who did you see in the caf?
i In 1997.
1 Why did he do it?
j Once a week, usually on Wednesday.
0
What did you buy? ~ A coat and a pair of boots.
Whose house are you going to? ~ Nicks.

114

How many people were there? ~ Twenty.

When did he die? ~ In 1997.
How much did you pay for it? ~ Just over $250.
Where do they come from? ~ Originally from Spain.
Which one did you get? ~ The black one.
How often do they come for dinner? ~ Once a week, usually on Wednesday.
Who did you see in the caf? ~ Darren and Lily.
Why did he do it? ~ Because he thought it was a good idea.

Complete the questions

1. ________ did you arrive yesterday? ~ Just after ten. What time
2. ________ did you buy? ~ I bought ten. Five for you and five for me. How many
3. ________ dress did you get? ~ The long red one, the most expensive! Which
4. ________ do you play tennis? ~ Every day. Usually with Brian. How often
5. ________ did it cost? ~ A lot. Just over $500. How much
6. ________ are your children now? ~ Sixteen and fourteen. They grow up too
quickly! How old
7. ________ shoes are these? ~ I think they belong to Tim. Whose
8. ________ do you make tomato soup? ~ I dont know but I have a recipe book.
How
9. ________ did you ask? ~ Everyone but no one knew the answer. Who
10. ________ are you staying? ~ At a friends. Where

Make questions with Who or What

1. Somebody spoke to me. ~ ________? Who spoke to you?
2. I spoke to someone. ~ ________? Who did you speak to?
3. Somebody gave me it. ~ ________? Who gave you it?
4. I gave it to someone. ~ ________? Who did you give it to?
5. Something strange happened? ~ ________? What happened?
6. Somebody told me. ~ ________? Who told you?
7. I told someone. ~ ________? Who did you tell?
8. Diana told me something interesting. ~ ________? What did she tell you?
9. I dropped something. ~ ________? What did you break?
115

10. Somebody broke it. ~ ________? Who broke it?

11. I met someone last night. ~ ________? Who did you meet?

Question 2
Complete the questions
if / if / if / where / how much / how often / what time / why / how long / who
1. Do you know ________ the station is? where
2. Can you explain ________ he is so angry? why
3. Would you mind telling me ________ you have been waiting? how long
4. Do you know ________ it is on time? if
5. Could you tell me ________ the film starts? what time
6. Could you tell me ________ he is coming? if
7. Can you tell me ________ is in change? who
8. Could you tell me ________ the dress is? how much
9. Do you know ________ the train runs to London? how often
10. Can you tell me ________ he will be here? if

Rewrite the questions

1. Who is that man? Can you tell me ________? who that man is
2. Is he coming? Do you know ________? if he is coming
3. What does it mean? Do you know ________? what it means
4. Did they get my message? Do you know ________ my message? if they got
5. What time did they leave? Could you tell me ________? what time they left
6. What do you want to do? Would you mind telling me ________ to do? what
you want
7. Is there an ATM near here? Could you tell me ________ an ATM near here? if
there is
8. Where does he come from? Do you know ________ from? where he comes
9. What does he do? Can you tell me ________? what he does
10. Has he called? Could you tell me ________? if he has called

116

 Mix and match

1 He asked me where I was going.
a
2 He asked me if I was going.
b
3 She asked me when I was going.
c
4 She asked me why he was going.
d
5 She asked me if he was going.
e
6 He asked me if I go.
f
7 He asked me if I went.
g
8 She asked me if he went.
h
9 He asked me if I would go.
i
He asked me where I was going. Where

When are you going?

Why is he going?
Will you go?
Where are you going?
Do you go?
Is he going?
Did he go?
Did you go?
Are you going?
are you going?

He asked me if I was going. Are you going?

She asked me when I was going. When are you going?
She asked me why he was going. Why is he going?
She asked me if he was going. Is he going?
He asked me if I go. Do you go?
He asked me if I went. Did you go?
She asked me if he went. Did he go?
He asked me if I would go. Will you go?

Rewrite the questions

1. How old are you? He asked me ________. how old I was.
2. Where are you from? He asked me ________. where I was from.
3. What do you do? He asked me ________. what I did.
4. How long have you been here? He asked me ________. how long I had been
here / there.
5. Can you speak Italian? He asked me ________. if I could speak Italian.
6. Why did you come here? He asked me ________. why I came here / there.
7. Where are you going now? He asked me ________. where I was going now /
then.
8. Are you ready to go? He asked me ________. if I was ready to go.
9. Will you come back? He asked me ________. if I would come back.

Mix and match

1 Are you free
2 What time
3 Are you staying

a with friends?
b Spanish?
c do it?

117

4 Can you finish

5 Do you speak
6 Will you
7 Have you
8 How are you
9 What did
Are you free on Saturday?

d
e
f
g
h
i

is it?
getting there?
you buy?
on Saturday?
it today?
done it yet?

What time is it?

Are you staying with friends?
Can you finish it today?
Do you speak Spanish?
Will you do it?
Have you done it yet?
How are you getting there?
What did you buy?

Rewrite the questions

Are you free on Saturday? He asked me ________ free on Saturday. if I was
What time is it? He asked me ________. what time it was
Are you staying with friends? He asked me ________ with friends. if I was
staying
Can you finish it today? He asked me ________ it today. if I could finish
Do you speak Spanish? He asked me ________ Spanish. if I spoke
Will you do it? He asked me ________ it. if I would do
Have you done it yet? He asked me ________ it yet. if I had done
How are you getting there? He asked me ________ there. how I was getting
What did you buy? He asked me ________. what I had bought

Questions tags
Match the sentences and tags
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

She isnt very old,

Shes very graceful,
He isnt very happy about it,
Hes very tall,
Its easy,
It isnt very difficult,
Theres a lot to do,

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

118

wasnt he?
isnt there?
is she?
isnt she?
is there?
isnt he?
is he?

8 There isnt enough time,

9 He was angry,
1 They were late,
0
She isnt very old, is she?

h is it?
i isnt it?
j werent they?

Shes very graceful, isnt she?

He isnt very happy about it, is he?
Hes very tall, isnt he?
Its easy, isnt it?
It isnt very difficult, is it?
Theres a lot to do, isnt there?
There isnt enough time, is there?
He was angry, wasnt he?
They were late, werent they?

Add the tags

1. There isnt an answer, ________? is there
2. Hes really good-looking, ________? isnt he
3. It isnt any good, ________? is it
4. Theres a pub on the corner, ________? isnt there
5. They werent enjoying it, ________? were they
6. She isnt here yet, ________? is she
7. Its the last one, ________? isnt it
8. Shes leaving tomorrow, ________? isnt she
9. It isnt what we wanted, ________? is it
10. He isnt very happy with it, ________? is he
11. He isnt going to do it, ________? is he

Match the sentences and tags

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

You havent got one,

Its cant be them,
We should do it now,
He has told you,
They cant have finished yet,
She shouldnt have said anything,
He must have seen it,

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

119

cant he?
shall we?
hasnt he?
should she?
mustnt he?
can it?
shouldnt we?

8 Lets do that,
9 It must be him,
1 He can do it,
0
You havent got one, have you?

h mustnt it?
i can they?
j have you?

Its cant be them, can it?

We should do it now, shouldnt we?
He has told you, hasnt he?
They cant have finished yet, can they?
She shouldnt have said anything,
He must have seen it, should she?
Lets do that, shall we?
It must be him, mustnt it?
He can do it, cant he?

Add the tags

1. You enjoyed that, ________? didnt you
2. He doesnt write very well, ________? does he
3. We love it, ________? dont we
4. It doesnt work, ________? does it
5. They dont live in Liverpool, ________? do they
6. She works in sales, ________? doesnt she
7. It looks perfect there, ________? doesnt it
8. We went there last year, ________? didnt we
9. I dont know him, ________? do I
10. He didnt say that, ________? did he
11. James and Olivia work together, ________? dont they

Match up the answers

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

You enjoyed that, didnt you?

He doesnt write very well, does he?
We love it, dont we.
It doesnt work, does it?
They dont live in Liverpool, do they?
She works in sales, doesnt she?
It looks perfect there, doesnt it?

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

120

Yes, we do. Its great.

Im afraid he did.
No, he doesnt. I dont like his books.
Yes, it does. It looks great.
No, you dont. Hes new to the job.
No, it doesnt. It never did.
Yes, they do. Theyve been there for years.

8
9

We went there last year, didnt we?

I dont know him, do I?

h Yes, I did. Very much.

i Actually she doesnt. Shes in accounts
now.
j No, we didnt. It was the year before.

1 He didnt say that, did he?

0
You enjoyed that, didnt you? Yes, I did. Very much.

He doesnt write very well, does he? No, he doesnt. I dont like his books.
We love it, dont we. Yes, we do. Its great.
It doesnt work, does it? No, it doesnt. It never did.
They dont live in Liverpool, do they? Yes, they do. Theyve been there for years.
She works in sales, doesnt she? Actually she doesnt. Shes in accounts now.
It looks perfect there, doesnt it? Yes, it does. It looks great.
We went there last year, didnt we? No, we didnt. It was the year before.
I dont know him, do I? No, you dont. Hes new to the job.
He didnt say that, did he? Im afraid he did.

Complete the questions and answers

Yes, we could / Yes, they did / didnt they? / does she? / / No, he wont / wouldnt
you? / No, I havent / / No, she doesnt / hasnt he? / will he? / cant she? / Yes, he
has / No, I shouldnt / should you? / couldnt we? / have you?
1. Fiona can cook really well, ________ ~ ________. I love going to dinner at her
house! cant she?/Yes, she can
2. Youd like to see the play, ________ ~ ________. Ive heard its very good.
wouldnt you?/ Yes, I would
3. We could try it, ________ ~ ________. I think it would work. couldnt we?/ Yes, we
could
4. You havent been back to the office, ________ ~ ________. Why? have you?/ No, I
havent
5. He wont do it, ________ ~ ________ but perhaps Sylvie will. will he?/ No, he
wont
6. They finished on time, ________ ~ ________. Just! didnt they?/ Yes, they did
7. Ricks also applied for the job, ________ ~ ________ but I dont think hell get it.
hasnt he?/ Yes, he has
8. You shouldnt do that, ________ ~ ________ but I want to! should you?/ No, I
shouldnt
9. She doesnt have a car, ________ ~ ________ but I think she is getting one. does
she?/ No, she doesnt

121

Reported speech 1
Match the questions and answers
1
2
3
4
5
6

Hes very nice.

I love her.
Ill do it when I can.
Im coming tomorrow.
Where does she work?
Yellow is the best color.

a
b
c
d
e
f

Ill tell her you think so.

He says hes coming tomorrow.
He believes yellow is the best color.
He has said hell do it when he can.
He thinks Im a very good driver.
She has told me she will give it to me next
week.
7 Youre a very good driver.
g He says he loves her.
8 Ill give it to you next week.
h She thinks hes very nice.
9 I think it is a good idea.
i I wonder where she works.
Hes very nice. She thinks hes very nice.
I love her. He says he loves her.
Ill do it when I can. He has said hell do it when he can.
Im coming tomorrow. He says hes coming tomorrow.
Where does she work? I wonder where she works.
Yellow is the best color. He believes yellow is the best color.
Youre a very good driver. He thinks Im a very good driver.
Ill give it to you next week. She has told me she will give it to me next week.
I think it is a good idea. Ill tell her you think so.

Complete the sentences

1. He is nice. She said he ________ nice. was
2. He isnt nice. She said he ________ nice. wasnt
3. He was nice. She said he ________ nice. had been
4. He wasnt nice. She said he ________ nice. hadnt been
5. He is being nice. She said he ________ nice. was being
6. He isnt going to be nice. She said he ________ nice. wasnt going to be
7. He will be nice. She said he ________ nice. would be
8. He wont be nice. She said he ________ nice. wouldnt be
9. He can be nice. She said he ________ nice. could be
10. He cant be nice. She said he ________ nice. couldnt be

Complete the sentences

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1. I can do it. She said she ________ do it. could

2. Harry will be here in a minute. She said Harry ________ there in aminute.
would be
3. They are very kind people. She said they ________ very kind people. were
4. He is leaving now. She said he ________ now. was leaving
5. He isnt here at the moment. She said ________ there at the moment. wasnt
6. He wont be here on time. She said he ________ there on time. wouldnt be
7. She wasnt very helpful. She said she ________ very helpful. hadnt been
8. We didnt leave until ten. They said they ________ until ten. hadnt left
9. They are going to buy it. She said they ________ to buy it. were going
10. They spent a lot of money on it. She said they ________ a lot of money on it.
had spent

Reported speech 2
Mix and match
1 Where are you?
a She asked me if I lived here.
2 Where were you?
b She asked me where I would be staying.
3 Where do you live?
c She asked me where I had lived.
4 Where is he?
d She wanted to know where I would live.
5 Where will you live?
e She asked me where I lived.
6 Where did you live?
f She wanted to know where I was going.
7 Do you live here?
g She wondered where he was.
8 Where are you going?
h She wanted to know where I was.
9 Where will you be staying?
i She asked me where I had been.
Where are you? ~ She asked me if I lived here.
Where were you? ~ She asked me where I had been.
Where do you live? ~ She asked me where I lived.
Where is he? ~ She wondered where he was.
Where will you live? ~ She wanted to know where I would live.
Where did you live? ~ She asked me where I had lived.
Do you live here? ~ She asked me if I lived here.
Where are you going? ~ She wanted to know where I was going.
Where will you be staying? ~ She asked me where I would be staying.

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 Match up the sentences

1

I told him where

a
.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j

2 He explained why
3 She told me how much
4 She explained how
5 She explained who
6 They told me what
7 He told me how many
8 I told them when
9 She told me what time
1 He told me what size
0
I told him where I lived.

shoes he took.
everyone was.
he was late.
she had spent.
I lived.
it was.
the process worked.
I would get there.
they had done.
people were coming.

He explained why he was late.

She told me how much she had spent.
She explained how the process worked.
She explained who everyone was.
They told me what they had done.
He told me how many people were coming.
I told them when I would get there.
She told me what time it was.
He told me what size shoes he took.

Complete the sentences

1. Do you want to come? He asked me ________. if I wanted to come
2. Is Isabel coming? She wanted to know ________. if Isabel was coming
3. Can you do it? He asked me ________. if I could do
4. Did you get there on time? Sue asked me ________. if I had got there on time
5. Have you done it yet? He wanted to know ________. if I had done it yet
6. Will you do it? Paul asked me________. if I would do it
7. Do I have to go? Jamie asked me ________. if he had to go
8. Were you sleeping? He wanted to know ________. if I had been sleeping

Suppose 1
Match the questions and answers

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7

I suppose hes coming.

I suppose you know her.
I suppose Ill have to do it.
Its late. I dont think hes coming now.
I suppose it doesnt matter.
I dont suppose shes here.
What do you suppose theyll do?

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

Out with his friends, I guess.

No, I dont suppose so.
Oh yes. Ive known her for years.
I dont know. Start again, maybe?
No, she isnt.
If you could, because I wont have time.
Oh, I suppose so. Hed have called
otherwise.
8 Where do you suppose he is?
h No, it doesnt.
I suppose hes coming. ~ Oh, I suppose so. Hed have called otherwise.
I suppose you know her. ~ Oh yes. Ive known her for years.
I suppose Ill have to do it. ~ If you could, because I wont have time.
Its late. I dont think hes coming now. ~ No, I dont suppose so.
I suppose it doesnt matter. ~ No, it doesnt.
I dont suppose shes here. ~ No, she isnt.
What do you suppose theyll do? ~ I dont know. Start again, maybe?
Where do you suppose he is? ~ Out with his friends, I guess.

Match the questions and answers

1

Are you going to the Sales conference?

I dont think hes here yet, is he?

He doesnt know her, doesnt he?

There arent any tickets left, are there?

With all the rain, I imagine the river is

flooded.
It must have cost a fortune!
Are they engaged?
He didnt pay for it, did he?

6
7
8

a I dont suppose so. They sell out very

quickly.
b I suppose so. They have both worked here a
long time.
c I suppose so or we would have hear
something.
d I suppose so. Theyve been going out long
enough.
e I suppose so. I usually go.
f Yes, I suppose so. Its been raining hard.
g I suppose so but they got planty of money.
h No, I dont suppose so with their financial
problems.
i No, I dont suppose so. Hes always late.
j I dont suppose so. Hes very mean.

9 They arent recruiting, are they?

1 Did we get that contract?
0
Are you going to the Sales conference? ~ I suppose so. I usually go.

I dont think hes here yet, is he? ~ No, I dont suppose so. Hes always late.
He doesnt know her, doesnt he? ~ I suppose so. They have both worked here a
long time.
There arent any tickets left, are there? ~ I dont suppose so. They sell out very
quickly.

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With all the rain, I imagine the river is flooded. ~ Yes, I suppose so. Its been
raining hard.
It must have cost a fortune! ~ I suppose so but they got planty of money.
Are they engaged? ~ I suppose so. Theyve been going out long enough.
He didnt pay for it, did he? ~ I dont suppose so. Hes very mean.
They arent recruiting, are they? ~ No, I dont suppose so with their financial
problems.
Did we get that contract? ~ I suppose so or we would have hear something.

Suppose 2
Mix and match
1
2
3
4
5
6

Its supposed to be good

a
Hes supposed to be the best actor
b
His new movie is supposed to be excellent
c
Shes supposed to have said that
d
They are supposed to be easy to install
e
London is supposed to be the most
f
expensive city
7 Its supposed to be cheap
g
8 He is supposed to have been rude to Mark
h
9 Whats he supposed to have done?
i
1 It is supposed to be the best restaurant in
j
0 town
Its supposed to be good but I dont think it

but The Tour Rose is better.

but I think she was misquoted.
but I think its quite expensive.
but they arent really.
but I dont think hes very good.
but I dont think it is.
A bungy jump? Never!
but I preferred the one before.
but I dont believe it.
but I think New York is.
is.

Hes supposed to be the best actor but I dont think hes very good.
His new movie is supposed to be excellent but I preferred the one before.
Shes supposed to have said that but I think she was misquoted.
They are supposed to be easy to install but they arent really.
London is supposed to be the most expensive city but I think New York is.
Its supposed to be cheap but I think its quite expensive.
He is supposed to have been rude to Mark but I dont believe it.
Whats he supposed to have done? A bungy jump? Never!
It is supposed to be the best restaurant in town but The Tour Rose is better.

Complete the sentences

tell / wait / do / fly / be / be going / have / bring / call / be
1. You were supposed to ________ here at nine. be

126

2. He was supposed to ________ me back. call

3. Im supposed to ________ sailing this weekend. be going
4. You werent supposed to ________ anyone. tell
5. Im supposed to ________ my operation last week. have
6. I was supposed to ________ to Miami today. fly
7. They are supposed to ________ for us. wait
8. It was supposed to ________ red. be
9. She was supposed to ________ us coffee at ten. bring
10. They arent supposed to ________ that. do

127