Daffodil International University
Faculty of Humanities and Social Science => English => Topic started by: shibli on September 02, 2009, 01:54:53 PM
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Multiple Number Comparatives
(Half, Twice, Three times, Four times etc.)
Sub+Verb+Number multiple+ As+ Many/Much(+ Noun) + As+ Noun/Pronoun
It costs half as much as the other one
He ate three times as many fruits as Rahim
Double Comparative
The + Comparative + Sub. + Verb + The + Comparative + Sub. + Verb
The hotter I feel, the more miserable I become
The more he slept, the smatter he became
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Incorrect: Are you want me to do the work for you?
Correction: Do you want me to do the work for you?
Incorrect: Do you interested in going there with me?
Correction: Are you interested in going there with me?
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Incorrect: Please read the news in details
Correction: Please read the news in detail.
Incorrect: He speaks in English
Correction: He speaks English
Incorrect: He speaks English fluent.
Correction: He speaks English fluently
Correction: He speaks fluent English
Incorrect: He ordered his staffs to discharge their duties properly
Correction: He ordered his staff to discharge their duties properly.
Incorrect: He completed his study.
Correction: He completed his studies.
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Incorrect: Let us discuss about the matter.
Correct: Let us discuss the matter.
Incorrect: Let us discuss about the agenda
Correct: Let us discuss on the agenda
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Incorrect: I am agree with you
Correct: I agree with you
I cannot agree with you more= I cannot agree with you more than this= I totally agree with you= These three sentences are correct. We should try to understand the meaning.
The use of job tracking cannot be simpler and easier means the use of job tracking is simpler and easier than most other software
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Incorrect: He is one of the best student.
Correct: He is one of the best students.
Incorrect: DIU is one of the top-graded university
Correct: DIU is one of the top-graded universities.
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Sir, these are very very helpful for us. Thank you
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Incorrect: We must have to follow the rules
Correct: We must follow the rules.
Please don't say or write: must have to.
Say or write: must instead of that
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Clauses beginning with because, when, where, if, and similar adverbial connections are not properly used as subjects, objects, or complements of verbs
Not this: The was because he did not submit a report
But this: The reason was that he did not submit a report
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Not this: Believing that credit customers should have advance notice of the sale, special letters were mailed to them
But this: Believing that credit customers should have advance notice of the sale, we mailed special letters to them
Not this: By working hard, your goal can be reached
But this: By working hard, you can reach your goal
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Not this: To succeed at this job, long hours and hard work must not be shunned
But this: To succeed at this job, one must not shun long hours and hard work
Not this: While waiting on a customer, the watch was stolen
But this: While the salesperson was waiting on a customer, the watch was stolen (Dangling elliptical clause- a clause without a noun or verb)
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None + Of the + Non-count Noun + Singular Verb
None of the thinking is good
None + Of the + Plural count Noun + Plural Verb
None of the problems are good
No + Plural count Noun + Plural Verb
No problems are good
No + Singular count Noun + Singular Verb
No problem is good
No + Non- count Noun + Singular Verb
No milk is good
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The following words are always plural
Scissors
Eye-glasses
Sun-glasses
Spectacles
Pincers
Pliers
Tweezers
Tongs
Shorts
Pants
Jeans
Trousers
The shorts are in the drawer
These scissors are dull
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These plural words can be made singular
I need a pair of sun-glasses
I need a pair of pliers
Collective nouns of Time, Money, Measurements are singular
Twenty five dollars is not a big amount
Two miles is not a long distance
Five hours is not a long time
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A (total) number of is plural
A total number of 500 people are……
The (total) number of is singular
The total number of 500 people is……
Sub + Used to + Verb present form
He used to go
Sub + Get used to + Verb gerund form
He got used to going
Sub + Be verb + Used to + Verb gerund form
He was used to going
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Use of Agree
I agree with him
His statement does not agree with the newspaper report
I agree with letting children learn at their own pace
He agrees to pay $500
He agrees to your proposal
We all agree on that point
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That is Optional After
Say
Tell
Think
Believe
That is Obligatory After
Mention
Declare
Report
State
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Incorrect: Dr. Binoy is considered as one of the best writers at DIU.
Correct: Dr. Binoy is considered to be one of the best writers at DIU.
Correct: Dr. Binoy is considered one of the best writers at DIU.
Correct: Dr. Binoy is regarded as one of the best writers at DIU
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Good to Avoid
1. Take an educated guess on this problem
2. Your sales report put us in orbit
3. We will wind down operations in May
4. Your prediction was right on the beam
Good to Use
1. Answer this question to the best of your knowledge
2. Your sales report pleased us very much
3. We will end operations in May
4. Your prediction was correct
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Good to Avoid
We were caught flat-footed
He frequently shoots from the hip
We would be up the creek without a peddle
They couldn’t make heads or tails of the report
The sales campaign was a flop
I’ll touch base with you on this problem in May
Good to Use
We were surprised
He frequently acts before he thinks
We would be in a helpless situation
They couldn’t understand the report
The sales campaign was a failure
I’ll talk with you about this problem in May
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Good to Avoid
1. Give up
2. Speed up, Hurry up
3. Go on, Keep on
4. Put off
5. Take off
6. Come down
7. Go in, Come in, Get in
8. Go out, Com out, Get out
9. Blow up
10. Think up
11. Figure out
12. Take out, Take away
13. Go back, Get back, Be back
Suggested Substitutes
1. Surrender
2. Accelerate
3. Continue
4. Defer
5. Depart, Remove
6. Descend
7. Enter
8. Exit, Leave
9. Explode
10. Imagine
11. Solve
12. Remove
13. Return
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Don’t Use
-and etc.
-continue on
-different than
-have got to
-in hopes of
-in regards to
-inside of
-nowhere near
-over with
-seldom ever
-try and come
Use
-etc.
-continue
-different from
-must
-in hope of
-in regard to
-within
-not nearly
-over
-seldom
-try to come
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The person doing this work is a good man
The person who does this work is a good man
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The machine purchased by Mr. X is a good one
The machine which is purchased by Mr. X is a good one
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Work done by Mr. X is a good work
Work which is done by Mr. X is a good work
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The problem I face is a big problem
The problem that I face is big problem
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Dear Shibli Sir
Excellent observation and excellent feedback.I am sure our students will be definitely benefitted.The thing we will have to do is to encourage them on venturing the forum.
I wish you a very successful teaching career.
Shamsi
Department of English
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Incorrect: We should avail the opportunity
Correct: We should avail ourselves of the opportunity.
I myself make this mistake time and again.
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Complement of Do should be non-count noun
Do an assignment
Do business with
Do the dishes
Do one’s duty
Do one’s wok
Do someone’s a favor
Do homework
Do the laundry
Do a paper
Do a job
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Complement of Make is derived from verb
Make advances in
Make an attempt
Make a comparison
Make a contribution
Make a decision
Make a distinction
Make a forecast
Make a law
Make a point
Make an investment
Make a plan
Make prediction
Make profit
Make promise
Make an office
Make a suggestion
Make sound
Make noise
Make discovery
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Some Grammatical Applications
Practically speaking, X is good
It remains a puzzle
Valued for their fur, beavers were hunted to the edge of extinction
Standing under a tree during a lightning storm will afford no protection
Vitamin C offers more benefits than does vitamin K
Dhaka college matriculated its first students in 1930
X and Y were the two most famous generals to emerge from the US war
Thriving in the high, sheep produce some of the finest wool in the world
It is like stone structures with thick walls
There are few places as beautiful as the Kashmir valley in India
Electrons are some of the smallest particular
American crocodile has its last significant breeding ground on P. Island
World population is increasing by one million every 10 years
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What I do is a good work
What I need to do is to go there
Seeing is believing
Doing many jobs is a difficult task
I have tried to cope with the problem [not cope up with]
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Dear shibli Sir,
Thank you for contributing ceaselessly.
I plan to make a project or assignment on your "Learn Grammar" window.
Best regards,
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Thank you, Madam. More lessons are coming up, regards
Avoid Using an Infinitive or Participle with Need
He needs going
The house needs painting
The house needs to be painted
The report needs to be filed
(Present) Be Verb + to be: Expresses future intention
The project is to be completed by 2010
(Past) Be Verb + to be: Expresses intention that was not realized
The project was to be completed by 2010
Don't use to after need not
He needn't go there.
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Incorrect: I don't see the need of a supermarket.
Correct: I don't see the need for a supermarket.
Incorrect: This town is in need for a supermarket.
Correct: This town is in need of a supermarket
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Negative Imperatives (Avoid using infinitive)
Please don’t tell anyone
Would you please not tell anyone
Please don’t smoke
Would you please not smoke
Logical Conclusions (About Past)
It must have done
Logical Conclusions (About Present)
It must be done
Logical Conclusions (About future)
It must rain
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Inversion Law
Conditional words + Sub. + Verb + Be verb + Subject
Only when it is defined, can it be discussed.
Only if you have a pen, should you call me
Only if; only after; only because; only until; only when
Split infinitives (avoid placing an adverb between to and the verb)
Correct
To go quickly
To enter cautiously
To contemplate carefully
Incorrect
To quickly go
To cautiously enter
To carefully contemplate
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Inversion Law
Negative words + Be verb + Subject +-----
Not only is he a good man.
Under no circumstances, is he a good man
By no means
Under no circumstances
Seldom
Rarely
Scarcely
No sooner
No where
Never
Never again
At no time
Not all
Not one
Not only
Not once
Not until
Only+in/on/at/by/once/recently/ rarely+Expression+To be verb
Only in an emergency should you use this exit.
Only by asking question can you learn.
Only recently did she return from abroad.
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To say what you think is the correct or best thing to do, don't say 'would', say should.
Incorrect: I think all teachers would be able to speak English
Correct: I think all teachers should be able to speak English.
Don't say: speak in English.
Or you can say, talk in English
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Incorrect: I would like to congratulate you for your outstanding performance.
Correct: I would like to congratulate you on your outstanding performance.
Incorrect: Congratulation for your brilliant result.
Correct: Congratulations on your brilliant results.
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Incorrect: This would be the country’s one of the largest campus first ever for any private University in Bangladesh.
Correct:This would be the country’s one of the largest campuses ever built for any private University in Bangladesh.
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Incorrect: I have lost my cell phone yesterday.
Correct: I lost my cell phone yesterday.
Or: I have lost my cell phone recently.
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Dear Sir:
This is the best window I have found. Please go on.... good wishes r for u.
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Thank you for your inspiration, Sameen and Uk madam. Regards.
Please don't say 'find difficulty doing something', please say have difficulty doing something:
Incorrect: If you find difficulty understanding the instructions, call me.
Correct: If you have difficulty understanding the instructions, call me.
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Has gone to vs. Has been to
... has/have gone to ... refers to someone who has gone to a place but has not yet returned.
He's gone to the bank. He should be back soon.
Where has Tom gone?
... has/have been to ... refers to a place which someone has visited sometime in his life. In other words, "has been to" refers to an experience.
Examples:
He's been to London many times.
I've been to Disneyland twice.
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e.g./i.e.
When you mean “for example,†use e.g. It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia. When you mean “that is,†use “i.e.†It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est. Either can be used to clarify a preceding statement, the first by example, the second by restating the idea more clearly or expanding upon it. Because these uses are so similar, the two abbreviations are easily confused. If you just stick with good old English “for example†and “that is†you won’t give anyone a chance to sneer at you. If you insist on using the abbreviation, perhaps “example given†will remind you to use “e.g.,†while “in effect†suggests “I.E.â€
Since e.g. indicates a partial list, it is redundant to add “etc.†at the end of a list introduced by this abbreviation.
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AM/PM
“AM†stands for the Latin phrase Ante Meridiem —which means “before noonâ€â€”and “PM†stands for Post Meridiem : “after noon.†Although digital clocks routinely label noon “12:00 PM†you should avoid this expression not only because it is incorrect, but because many people will imagine you are talking about midnight instead. The same goes for “12:00 AM.†You can say or write “twelve noon,†“noon sharp,†or “exactly at noon†when you want designate a precise time.
It is now rare to see periods placed after these abbreviations: “A.M.â€; but in formal writing it is still preferable to capitalize them, though the lower-case “am†and “pm†are now so popular they are not likely to get you into trouble.
Occasionally computer programs encourage you to write “AM†and “PM†without a space before them, but others will misread your data if you omit the space. The nonstandard habit of omitting the space is spreading rapidly, and should be avoided in formal writing.
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SPECIALLY/ESPECIALLY
In most contexts “specially†is more common than “especially,†but when you mean “particularly†“especially†works better: “I am not especially excited about inheriting my grandmother’s cat.†“Especial†in the place of “special†is very formal and rather old-fashioned.
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WRITE ME
Many UK English speakers and some American authorities object strongly to the common American expression “write me,†insisting that the correct expression is “write to me.†But “write me†is so common in US English that I think few Americans will judge you harshly for using it. After all, we say “call meâ€â€”why not “write meâ€? But if you’re an American trying to please foreigners or particularly picky readers, you might keep the “write me†phobia in mind.
If you disagree, please don’t write me.
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I think 'Write Me' is alright but 'Write to me' sounds more formal.
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However
"We were supposed to go to the dance last night, however, it was cancelled because of lack of interest."
This is INCORRECT.
A semicolon, rather than a comma, should be used to link these two complete sentences:
* "We were supposed to go to the dance last night; however, it was cancelled because of lack of interest."
This is CORRECT.
It should be noted that there ARE situations in which you can use a comma instead of a semi-colon:
* "The match at Wimbledon, however, continued despite the bad weather."
This is CORRECT.
There is only one complete sentence in this example. It is not a compound sentence.
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USE OF ARTICLES
Incorrect I have a good news for you.
Correct I have good news for you
Incorrect The men are national beings.
Correct Men are national beings.
Incorrect The boys leave the school at four o'clock.
Correct The boys leave school at four o'clock.
Incorrect He sent a word that he would come soon.
Correct He sent word that he would come soon.
Incorrect I have read the Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Correct I have read Shakespeare's Macbeth
Incorrect You cannot set a foot in this house.
Correct You cannot set foot in this house.
Incorrect The envy is an evil passion.
Correct Envy is an evil passion.
Incorrect He has not yet gone to the bed.
Correct He has not yet gone to bed.
Incorrect He is Daniel in judgment.
Correct He is a Daniel in judgment.
Incorrect He made very wise decision.
Correct He made a very wise decision.
Incorrect Fire broke out in our village.
Correct A fire broke out in our village.
Incorrect Andamans are a group of islands.
Correct The Andamans are a group of islands.
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USE OF NOUNS
Incorrect The clock has struck five hours.
Correct The clock has struck five.
Incorrect There is no place in the hall.
Correct There is no room in the hall.
Incorrect Little thing has been done.
Correct Little has been done.
Incorrect We have an urgent business.
Correct We have an urgent piece of business.
Incorrect He came by the 4:30 o'clock train.
Correct
He came by the 4:30 train.
Incorrect He left the place with his belonging goods.
Correct
He left the place with his goods.
USE OF PRONOUNS
Incorrect He absented from the school yesterday.
Correct
He absented himself from the school yesterday.
Incorrect He availed of the opportunity.
Correct
He availed himself of the opportunity.
Incorrect Don't pride on your victory.
Correct Don't pride yourself on your victory.
Incorrect The girl wants to get herself married.
Correct The girl wants to get married.
Incorrect The climate of India is hotter than England.
Correct The climate of India is hotter than that of England.
Incorrect Everybody will get their share.
Correct Everybody will get his share.
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USE OF ADJECTIVES
Incorrect He is sick.
Correct He is ill.
Incorrect I have strong headache.
Correct I have a severe headache.
Incorrect This is more preferable than that.
Correct This is preferable to that.
Incorrect No less than fifty students were present.
Correct No fewer than fifty students were present.
Incorrect I want a little quantity of milk.
Correct I want a small quantity of milk.
Incorrect Ram only is guilty.
Correct Ram alone is guilty.
Incorrect Do not go out in the sun with your head open.
Correct Do not go out in the sun with your head bare OR uncovered.
Incorrect Give a verbal translation of the passage.
Correct Give a literal translation of the passage.
Incorrect The association has three thousands of rupees in cash.
Correct The association has only three thousand rupees.
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USE OF ADVERBS
Incorrect He does not know to swim.
Correct He does not know how to swim.
Incorrect Don't go in the sun.
Correct Don't go out in the sun.
Incorrect I know him too well.
Correct I know him very well.
Incorrect I shall of course do it.
Correct I shall certainly do it.
USE OF CONJUNCTIONS
Incorrect Now you are tired, you may rest awhile.
Correct Now that you are tired, you may rest awhile.
Incorrect No sooner had he died, when his sons began to quarrel.
Correct No sooner had he died than his sons began to quarrel.
Incorrect He asked me that why I had not gone there.
Correct He asked me why I had not gone there.
Incorrect Until you remain idle, you cannot succeed.
Correct As long as you remain idle, you cannot succeed.
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ERRORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SENTENCES
Incorrect One of his family members is dead.
Correct A member of his family is dead.
Correct One of the members of his family is dead.
Incorrect My brother's all the books have been stolen.
Correct All my brother's books have been stolen.
Correct All the books of my brother have been stolen.
Incorrect For what you are here ?
Correct What are you here for ?
Incorrect Tell me why did you go there ?
Correct Tell me why you went there ?
Incorrect I, you and he will go together.
Correct You, he and I will go together.
Incorrect Exercise is good both for work as well as health.
Correct Exercise is good for work as well as health.
Incorrect He did not abstain to smoke but persisted to purchase valuable cigars.
Correct He did not abstain from smoking but persisted in purchasing valuable cigars.
Incorrect To him I did a request which he did not comply.
Correct To him I made a request with which he did not comply.
Incorrect I cannot bear your separation.
Correct I cannot bear separation from you.
Incorrect Open the last but one page of the book.
Correct Open the last page but one of the book.
Incorrect I solicit your favor to grant me leave.
Correct I solicit the favor of your granting me leave.
Incorrect Those who are absent, I shall punish them.
Correct I shall punish those who are absent.
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Incorrect After doing the work, his face brightened.
Correct
After he had done the work, his face brightened.
Incorrect We shall be glad to get your good news.
Correct
We shall be glad to get good news from you.
Incorrect I feel myself feverish.
Correct
I feel feverish.
Incorrect You have no excuse to be forgetful.
Correct You have no excuse for being forgetful.
Incorrect He rose equal to the occasion.
Correct He rose to the occasion.
Correct He was equal to the occasion.
Incorrect Are your work busy ?
Correct Do you have a busy job ?
Incorrect I am going to a picnic.
Correct I am going on a picnic.
Incorrect I am a bit in a hurry.
Correct I am in a bit of a hurry.
Incorrect I'll date her out this Saturday.
Correct I'll take her out on a date this Saturday.
Incorrect If one day I am good in English, I would definitely admit it.
Correct
If someday I am good at English, I will definitely admit to it.
Incorrect How do you think to learn the English ?
Correct What is your point on learning English ?
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Able
Capable
able - if someone or something is able to do something, they have skills or qualities which make it possible for them to do it.
capable - if a person or thing is capable of doing something, they have the ability, capacity, or potential to do it.
The different usage between able and capable is ' able ' has a broader meaning in one's ability but ' capable ' shows one's ability in a more specialized aspect.
*
She is an able teacher. ( She is a teacher with quality )
*
She is a capable teacher. ( She has the ability to be a teacher )
____________________
Capable also shows a sense of possibility whereas there is no such usage with able.
* The situation is capable of improvement.
In this situation, we can't replace capable with able to show the possibility for improvement.
____________________
Ability can be acquired through a series of training, but capability has nothing to do with training.
* I do not doubt his ability to do the work.
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rational
rationale
rational - sensible, logical, able to reason
*
We must work this problem out in a rational manner.
*
His behavior has no rational explanation. He must have been temporarily insane.
* He is a normal, rational man.
rationale - a logical basis, a justification, an underlying reason
* The rationale for his decision was that it was in everyone's interest.
* Their rationale for building the new motorway is that it will reduce traffic congestion.
moral
morale
moral - concerning what is right and wrong, ethical, virtuous
*
The moral lessons taught at school, guide our pupils in their life.
*
From a moral point of view it is difficult to defend his actions.
* Our moral education begins from the day we are born.
morale - state of mind, spirit, attitude
* The victory over Manchester United boosted the morale of Chelsea team.
* The morale of the invading army was very high after a number of successful battles.
*
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Incorrect
Are you investing on stock market ?
Correct Are you investing in the stock market ?
Incorrect I am difficult to learn English.
Correct
It is difficult for me to learn English.
Incorrect We have full off and half off on Sunday.
Correct We are given the option to work either full or half day on Sunday.
Incorrect In fact, Billy really owns some personality to be a VIP.
Correct In fact, Billy really has what it takes to be a VIP.
Incorrect
China is coming into rainy weather.
Correct China is in rainy season now.
Incorrect
All these three cities are similar warm as Malaysia.
Correct All three of these cities are as warm as Malaysia.
Incorrect
What time of a day now in your country ?
Correct What is the time now in your country ?
Incorrect Comes to think of it, it sounds right !
Correct Come to think of it, it does sound right !
Incorrect You can try it more ..........
Correct You can try a few times ...........
Incorrect He went to abroad to further his study.
Correct He went abroad to further his study.
Incorrect Today, I'll wash my cat.
Correct
I'll give my cat a bath today.
Incorrect How many days left for you to quit your position ?
Correct How many days are left before you quit your job?
Correct How many days are left until you quit your job?
Incorrect Did Thailand come into rain season ?
Correct Is it the rainy season in Thailand ?
Incorrect How was your sleeping yesterday ?
Correct Did you have a good sleep yesterday ?
Incorrect He is trying to look cute to make himself forgiven.
Correct He is trying to get away with it by looking cute.
Incorrect Why don't stay more time here ?
Correct Why don't you stay a little longer ?
Incorrect But you know a lot about computer, isn't it ? I know nothing at all about it !
Correct But you know a lot about computer, don't you ? I myself know nothing about it !
Incorrect The sales of light arms is the main cause of heavy casualty in conflicting nations.
Correct The sale of light arms to conflicting nations is the main cause of heavy casualties.
Incorrect Why you want to know more about me ? I am just a small people.
Correct Why do you want to know more about me ? I am a nobody.
Incorrect Make sure that it is a high pay job.
Correct Make sure that it is a high paying job.
Incorrect I wonder if there is a comment on the certificate by GE about how good a student perform in the course ?
Correct I wonder if there is a comment on the certificate by GE about how well a student performs in the course ?
Incorrect We have lots of rain, because we're in monsoon season.
Correct There is a lot of rain here as we are in monsoon season now.
Incorrect How much is the temperature?
Correct What is the temperature ?
Incorrect Don't feel anger with me !!! I'm just kidding.
Correct Don't be mad at me !!! I'm just kidding.
Incorrect Kitty, your honey was left just now because I told him you will coming soon.
Correct Kitty, your honey has just left as I told him you would be coming soon.
Incorrect I am a Chinese and have been abroad 10 years.
Correct I am Chinese and have been in abroad for 10 years.
Incorrect OK, tell me how does he like ?
Correct OK, tell me what he looks like ?
Incorrect I think you should go to abroad find a job make your life a little bit changed.
Correct I think you should go abroad to find a job and make your life a little bit different for a change.
Incorrect Lilian is living far away with China.
Correct Lilian is living far away from China.
Incorrect I am sure not even one man can control himself if he meet this kind of situation.
Correct I doubt that there is even one man who can control himself in this situation.
Incorrect Are you a saler, Alvin ?
Correct Are you a salesman, Alvin ?
Incorrect The team bring a lot of happy for football fan in the world but now I doubtful them.
Correct The team used to bring a lot of fun to the soccer fans in the world but I am doubtful of them now.
Incorrect Which kind of car ?
Correct What type of car ?
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Incorrect I think your express will have a little difficult, but that is a lucky thing, I can understand you.
Correct I think you have difficulty in expressing your idea. Luckily, I can understand you.
Incorrect How are you this week ?
Correct How have you been this week ?
Incorrect I know you are good in computer and English.
Correct I know you are good at computers/computing and English.
Incorrect I think your qualification will surely make you open a computer or English training center.
Correct I think you can open up a computer or English training center with your qualifications.
Incorrect I am no exceptional.
Correct I am no exception.
Incorrect My telephone conversation with you for past one and half week has made me feel you as a very firm character.
Correct Having telephoned with you for one week, I think you have a very firm/strong character.
Incorrect It is easy or not get visa?
Correct Is it easy to get visa ?
Incorrect I wonder why are you keep study after graduated high school ?
Correct I wonder why you keep studying after graduation from high school ?
Incorrect He will be great help for you.
Correct He will be of great help to you.
Incorrect Am I a simple girl and has not any brains ?
Correct Am I a naive lady who doesn't have intelligence ?
Incorrect What sport are you interest ?
Correct What sports are you interested in ?
Incorrect The discussion will begin after the dinner.
Correct The discussion will begin after dinner.
Incorrect Can the communism coexist with the capitalism ?
Correct Can communism coexist with capitalism ?
Incorrect Professor Li will speak on the latest development in the chemistry.
Correct Professor Li will speak on the latest development in chemistry.
Incorrect We make the bread with the flour.
Correct We make bread with flour.
Incorrect The experience is the best teacher.
Correct Experience is the best teacher.
Incorrect David has just been commissioned as the captain.
Correct David has just been commissioned as captain.
Incorrect When children grow up, they are sent to the school.
Correct When children grow up, they are sent to school.
Incorrect They study in the England.
Correct They study in England.
Incorrect Some of the students speak the Mandarin very well.
Correct Some of the students speak Mandarin very well.
Incorrect More and more people today die of the cancer.
Correct More and more people today die of cancer.
Incorrect I like to play the football.
Correct I like to play football.
Incorrect The blue is my favorite color.
Correct Blue is my favorite color.
Incorrect Mary went shopping on the Saturday.
Correct Mary went shopping on Saturday.
Note : When seasons, months or days are specified, they are preceded by the definite article.
In the winter of 1976 she met with an accident.
I shall be going to the States in the fall.
Incorrect The dogs are faithful animals.
Correct Dogs are faithful animals.
Incorrect She has not answered to his question.
Correct She has not answered his question.
Incorrect We had a meeting in this afternoon.
Correct We had a meeting this afternoon.
Note : With the, the preposition in is used.
I work best in the morning.
He will be back in the afternoon.
Incorrect My sister she is at school.
Correct My sister is at school.
Note : In speaking, one may sometimes repeat the subject for emphasis, but such a construction normally occurs in this type of sentence.
You people must come earlier tomorrow.
Incorrect The company, having finished the construction project, it received its pay.
Correct The company, having finished the construction project, received its pay.
Incorrect The hunter took aim and then he shot the boar.
Correct The hunter took aim and then shot the boar.
Incorrect I bought a story book to read it.
Correct I bought a story book to read.
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Incorrect John said that, "I know the answer."
Correct John said, "I know the answer."
Incorrect Although he was ill, but he went to work as usual.
Correct Although he was ill, he went to work as usual.
Incorrect You may not realize that how important time is.
Correct You may not realize how important time is.
Incorrect He is a more nicer person than you.
Correct He is a nicer person than you.
Incorrect John's work is more perfect than Tom's.
Correct John's work is better than/superior to Tom's.
Incorrect This book is the most unique of all.
Correct This book is unique.
Incorrect I don't have enough money to buy big house.
Correct I don't have enough money to buy a big house.
Note : If the noun is specified, the is used
I want to buy a computer. The computer must be versatile in function.
Incorrect Why do you need hundred dollars ?
Correct Why do you need a hundred dollars ?
Incorrect He has good knowledge of English grammar.
Correct He has a good knowledge of English grammar.
Incorrect Japanese are industrious and frugal.
Correct The Japanese are industrious and frugal.
Note : Once the is omitted, the meaning changes from people to language.
Not all the Bangladeshis are proficient in Bangla.
Is French a beautiful language?
Incorrect I seldom go to theatre.
Correct I seldom go to the theatre.
Incorrect Smiths invited me to a dinner.
Correct The Smiths invited me to a dinner.
Note : It is a common practice in English to use a family name to refer to a certain family and its members. Such a family name mus tbe pluralized and preceded by the definite article the.
Incorrect Uncle's advice is great significance.
Correct Uncle's advice is of great significance.
Incorrect The judge has decided the case.
Correct The judge has decided upon the case.
Incorrect Do you want to try my new car ?
Correct Do you want to try out my new car ?
Incorrect I enjoyed during the holidays.
Correct I enjoyed myself during the holidays.
Incorrect Mary felt sorry about the matter but she did not voice.
Correct Mary felt sorry about the matter but she did not voice it.
Incorrect Many people in the past died from malaria.
Correct Many people in the past died of malaria.
Incorrect We were astonished by his sudden resignation.
Correct We were astonished at his sudden resignation.
Incorrect He took his girlfriend in the hand.
Correct He took his girlfriend by the hand.
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Incorrect What is the difference of these two things ?
Correct What is the difference between these two things ?
Incorrect What is the time on your watch ?
Correct What is the time by your watch ?
Incorrect Lucy has been absent from Monday ?
Correct Lucy has been absent since Monday ?
Note : To express the idea of from a certain time to now, we normally say "from ... to/till now ?".
Every week, I work from Monday to Saturday.
Incorrect We will tolerate no interference with our internal affairs.
Correct We will tolerate no interference in our internal affairs.
Note : ( In means to meddle ; With means to hinder/obstruct. )
I don't allow any interference with my work.
Incorrect The answer of this question is quite complicated.
Correct The answer to this question is quite complicated.
Incorrect Under the help of an influential friend, he got the job.
Correct With the help of an influential friend, he got the job.
Note : To express various states or conditions, we use under.
Business improved under the new management.
Incorrect Nobody is bound to suffering.
Correct Nobody is bound to suffer.
Incorrect Some people are not used to live in a hot country.
Correct Some people are not used to living in a hot country.
Incorrect Susan is incapable to complete the task by herself.
Correct Susan is incapable of completing the task by herself.
Incorrect Nobody can avoid to make mistakes.
Correct Nobody can avoid making mistakes.
Incorrect He succeeded to get the prize.
Correct He succeeded in getting the prize.
Incorrect The students were busy to prepare their lessons.
Correct The students were busy preparing their lessons.
Incorrect Please tell him don't come now.
Correct Please tell him not to come now.
Incorrect I saw them to work.
Correct I saw them work.
Incorrect You had better to go now.
Correct You had better go now.
Incorrect The country is belonged to every citizen.
Correct The country belongs to every citizen.
Note : Verbs like belong, happen, occur etc. are not used in the passive voice.
Incorrect Water composes of hydrogen and oxygen.
Correct Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
Incorrect Shelley looks cheerfully.
Correct Shelley looks cheerful.
Incorrect I didn't see him too.
Correct I didn't see him either.
Note : In English, the adverbs also and too appear in affirmative sentences. The adverb either appears at the end of negative sentences.
Incorrect She bought a new scissors.
Correct She bought a new pair of scissors
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Incorrect His room's windows are open.
Correct The windows of his room are open.
Incorrect It is everybody's duty to defend their country.
Correct It is everybody's duty to defend his/her country.
Incorrect Either of them are to go.
Correct Either of them is to go.
Incorrect More police was sent to the scene of the crime.
Correct More police were sent to the scene of the crime.
Note : The noun police is singular in form but plural in sense.
Incorrect Mary pretended to not recognize me.
Correct Mary pretended not to recognize me.
Incorrect She neither speaks English nor Bangla.
Correct She speaks neither English nor Bangla.
Incorrect Only I and my friend were at the concert.
Correct Only my friend and I were at the concert.
Incorrect There is a dirty mark on the rug which must be removed.
Correct On the rug, there is a dirty mark which must be removed.
Incorrect Lizzie approached me and held my hand, said, "Hello !"
Correct Lizzie approached me, held my hand, and said, "Hello !"
Incorrect The climate of Japan is different from Taiwan.
Correct The climate of Japan is different from that of Taiwan.
Incorrect We realized where our weak points were and how to get rid of them.
Correct We realized where our weak points were and how we could get rid of them.
Incorrect All I know is my friend is right.
Correct All I know is that my friend is right.
Note : When the "that clause" is the object of a verb, the subordinating conjunction that may be omitted. When it is a complement of the verb be, that cannot be omitted.
Incorrect Most of us found difficult to comprehend his speech.
Correct Most of us found it difficult to comprehend his speech.
Incorrect Her heart sank and could hardly stand.
Correct Her heart sank and she could hardly stand.
Note : Not changing the subject will make "her heart" seem to have "feet" on which it stands.
Incorrect While doing the work, there are obstacles ahead.
Correct While doing the work, they met with obstacles.
Note : A certain action must be attached to the actor; otherwise the action becomes dangling.
Incorrect Mandy is easy to suffer from cold.
Correct Mandy suffers from cold easily.
Incorrect How much is the price of this pen ?
Correct How much is this pen ? Or How much does this pen cost ? Or What is the price of this pen ?
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I will complete all of the lesson one by one Inshallah...Sir carry on this post.....Educative post....Thank you......
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Incorrect: I look forward to meet you
Correct: I look forward to meeting you
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Incorrect: We are committed to ensure quality education
Correct: We are committed to ensuring quality education
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Incorrect: I would like to thanks my course teacher
Correct: I would like to thank my course teacher
Correct: I would like to offer thanks to my course teacher
Correct: Thanks to my course teacher
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Incorrect: Thank you so much for inform us.
Correct: Thank you so much for informing us.
Correct: Thank you so much for having informed us.
General rule is : Preposition + Verb+ ing
Incorrect: I don't believe in overload my stomach
Correct: I don't believe in overloading my stomach
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thank you so much for this topic.it is so helpful for us.
Regards
Nushrat Nahida Afroz
Lecturer
Business & Economics
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Incorrect: I don't know who are you?
Correct: I don't know who you are.
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Incorrect: I saw a police man
Correct: I saw a police officer.
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Incorrect: We want a camera man.
Correct: We want a camera operator.
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Incorrect: If a customer comes, please attend him.
Correct: If a customer comes, please attend him or her.
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This wing is the best one in the Forum, i think.... Shibli sir should be awarded for this venture. I have learnt many grammatical things from this wing.
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Thank you, sir .We should learn English grammar appropriately.So will be able to reading , writing , speaking etc accurately.Student in DIU should give more emphasis on learning of English grammar.
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Sometimes we face many grammatical problems. Thank you dear Shibli sir for gives us some tips. I will try to complete your process.
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Incorrect: We should try to talk English as much as possible.
Correct: We should try to talk in English as much as possible.
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1. He takes trouble ( or, pains ) over his work. ( Not, takes troubles to do his work )
2. Our house is built of stone. ( Not, stones )
3. She gave me some advice. ( Not, advices )
4. Have you received any information ? ( Not, informations )
5. I do not like this poetry ( or, these poems ). ( Not, these poetries )
6. Have you learnt the new poem ? ( Not, the new poetry )
7. I like the mountain scenery. ( Not, sceneries )
8. This news is good. ( Not, These news are good )
9. Those cattle are ours. ( Not, that cattle is ours )
10. I know those people. ( Not, that people )
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1. Mr. Nandy came with his family. ( or, members of his family ) ( Not, family members )
2. There is no room for him here. ( Not, place )
3. We had a good game of badminton. ( Not, play )
4. He is always making trouble for his friends. ( Not, troubles )
5. I do not like this kind of apples. ( or apples of this kind ) ( Not, these kind )
6. That sort of people is nice to talk with. ( Not, Those )
7. These kinds of apples are sweet. ( Not, These ..... is )
8. He is the better of the two brothers. ( Not, the best )
9. This house is newer than that. ( Not, more newer )
10. John is the best boy in his class. ( Not, a best )
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1. He is the strongest man ( or, He is a very strong man ) ( Not, He is strongest man )
2. There is some water in the jug. ( Not, any )
3. We did not eat any food. ( Not, some )
4. He is junior to me. ( Not, than )
5. He is senior in service to me. ( Not, than )
6. This watch is inferior to that. ( Not, than )
7. Your essay is superior to that one. ( Not, than )
8. He is cleverer than any other boy ( Not, any boy )
9. You are older than Tom. ( Not, elder )
10. Tom is my elder brother. ( Not, older )
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1. Has anyone seen my comb ? ( Not, Have )
2. He and I are not on very good terms. ( Not, He and me )
3. He is older than I. ( Not, me; me is spoken English )
4. I am not as rich as he. ( Not, him )
5. You are taller than she. ( Not, her )
6. They asked Paul and me to tea. ( Not, I )
7. They were all there but me. ( Not, I )
8. Let you and me play the game. ( Not, I )
9. " Who is at the door ? " " I ". ( Not, me )
10. " Who broke the glass ? " Not I ". ( Not, me; me is used in spoken English )
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1. Who is more beautiful than she ? ( Not, her )
2. If I were he I wouldn't do it. ( Not, him )
3. He invited Henry and me to his house. ( Not, I )
4. You have lived here longer than I. ( Not, me )
5. He is not as poor as I. ( Not, me )
6. Neither of us went. ( Not, Both of us did not go )
7. We did not all go ( Or, None of us went ) ( Not, We all did not go )
8. Have you a pen ? No, I have not got one. ( Not, I have not got )
9. He and I are great friends. ( Not, I and he )
10. " Who did this " " I ". ( Not, me or myself )
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1. I saw him steal the money. ( Not, to steal )
2. I saw him go. ( Not, to go )
3. We watched him climb the tree. ( Not, to climb )
4. What is the use of your talking like that. ( Not, you )
5. He lay in bed all day with a cold. ( Not, laid )
6. Did you hear of his being killed ? ( Not, of him being killed )
7. He dare not do it. ( Not, to do )
8. He went not only to Europe but also to Latin America. ( Not, not only went )
9. Every boy in the school should do his utmost. ( Not, their )
10. What sort of man is he ? ( Not, a man )
11. One of you has to do it. ( Not, have )
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:) :)
Very much helpful in our daily activities sir, Thank you so much..................It is more than what we learned before...........
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Informative post. Thanks sir.
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I think it would b so helpful for our students to make correction in writting and speaking. If anybody memorise it properly he must become not so fluent but be well understand about english. He/she may remove their weekness in english.
thank you sir for giving us such kind of opportuinity ........... we really thankful to you...........
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we need more grammar & its uses for our future convenience.......................
So it's my request to the honorable faculty members........please provide us with your grammatical experience......................we will always be greatful to you.............
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Its a great opportunity for learn english from this post. Its very much informative post and very helpful post for learn English.
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Thanks sir, it will be good for us.
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Is there any way to learn any language without giving much emphasis or being focused on grammar. As we know kids start learning languages not even knowing abc of grammar.
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By using any language extensively, we can acquire the proficiency of that language upto the level we expect..the more we practise, the better we will be..
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ya.......thats the key, extensive use of any language boosts up the level of expertise of the learners. I personaly feel that students should be encouraged to use english in their every academic affairs and foster a congenial atmosphere for all of us.
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Very informative post sir.
It will be highly appreciated to develop ones proficiency in English.
Thanks and best regards.
Bimal Das
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we must appreciate the efforts of our Faculty Members from English Department who are trying their best for improving our English through their writing. Hats off to them!
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Thank a lot, Sir. For your creative activities is on the learning grammar.This creativity can easily influence or inspire one to learn English as playing.
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Incorrect: I am agree with you
Correction: I agree with you.
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I am agree/agreed to my mother .
I am agree/agreed with the idea of selling books on high prices/costly.
In standard formal written English, these sentences are incorrect.
Correction:
I agree with my mother (or, I am in agreement with my mother)
I agree with the idea of selling books at high prices
Agree with (or be agreeable to)
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Prepositions (in, on, at, to)
Rules for Prepositions IN, ON, AT, TO
Basic Rules
A. AT a time
B. ON a day
C. IN a month (season, year, decade, century)
D. AT an address
E. ON a street
F. IN an area (neighborhood, town, borough, state, country, continent, ocean,
the world, the solar system, the universe)
20 Special Rules for Prepositions IN, ON, AT, TO
1. look AT and listen TO
2. TO with verbs of desire, necessity, expectation
love TO, like TO, hate TO, want TO, need TO, have TO, hope TO, expect TO
3. AT night
IN the morning, IN the afternoon, IN the evening
4. ON transportation
ON the bus, ON the train, ON the subway, ON a plane, ON a jet, ON a ship,
ON a bicycle, ON a motorcycle, ON a surfboard, ON a skateboard
BUT
IN a car, IN a taxi, IN a small boat, IN an elevator, IN a helicopter
5. AT an intersection (where two streets cross)
AT Broadway and 42nd Street, AT Fifth Avenue and 34th Street
6. ON an island, ON a farm, ON a college campus, ON earth, ON a planet
7. expressions that mean sometimes use different prepositions:
from time TO time, ON occasion, once IN a while
8. IN a park, IN a yard, AT a playground
9. ON anything flat
ON a plate, ON the wall, ON the floor, ON a shelf, ON the blackboard,
ON a table, ON a desk, ON the stove, ON your face, a hat ON your head
10. IN a room or anything smaller
IN the closet, IN a drawer, IN a cup, IN a bowl, IN a glass, IN your
mouth, ideas IN your head, a look IN your eye, a ribbon IN your hair
11. TO when moving from point A TO point B
go TO school, drive TO work, take a trip TO Boston, take your kids TO
school, fly TO London, walk TO the library, bring your dog TO the vet
12. ON a/an [adjective] morning, afternoon, evening, night, day
ON a cold afternoon, ON a sunny morning, ON a rainy evening,
ON a Saturday night, ON a spring day, ON a special night
13. ON vacation, ON the weekend, ON a trip, ON a picnic, ON your break,
ON a leave of absence, ON your lunch hour
14. IN the water swimming (or drowning), ON the water boating
15. AT the beach (the whole place), lie ON the beach (=ON the sand), play IN the sand
16. ON anything like a line
ON the coast, stand ON line, ON the border, ON the side, ON a team/committee
17. ON forms of communication
ON TV, ON the radio, ON the phone, ON the fax machine, ON the computer, ON
a disk, ON a CD, ON a hard drive, ON a channel, ON a screen
18. a report or news article ON the economy (ABOUT the economy)
19. ON time for an event or activity: Come to the meeting ON time. Be in class ON time.
20. IN time (or too late) TO do something: Get to the station IN time TO catch a train.
ESLprof.com/handouts/Info/preprule.com
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to come in handy - to be useful;
I'll put these bottles in the cupboard - they might come in handy some day.
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mark something up / down - to reduce or raise the price of something;
This coat has been marked down from $10 to $8.
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in short order - immediately;
When the burglar saw the police car he left the shop in short order.
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a slap on the wrist - to get a light punishment (for doing something wrong);
He got a slap on the wrist for not coming to work, but nobody was really angry.
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tooth and nail - with every available resource; with unrelenting effort;
They fought for a new shirt tooth and nail.
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pull out all the stops - to do everything you can to make something successful;
He pulled out all the stops to catch the criminal.
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in cold storage - intentionally and without emotion;
The killer walked up and shot the woman in cold storage.
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you grammar site has helped me. i m so great full to you. thank you sir. :)
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Read more and more and practise them
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thank you sir !! i have learned very useful things and able to find out grammatical mistake
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Nice job. It is helpful for all of the student to increase their grammar skill. Thanks Sir for your valuable post.
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For making our writing and reading ability in English Grammar is play an important rule and without the Grammar it is not possible. So we try to level best that Learn correct Grammar.
Thank you sir for your valuable post.
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Good initiative!!!!! Go ahead.
Antara Basak
Lecturer
Dept. of English