Question Option1 Option2 Option3 Option4

We're going to be late for the ECL. We HAVE TO hurry. must might can should

That bread _____ stale. Don't try to eat it. am are is were
Yesterday, I _____ tardy for class because my car was were will be am
wouldn't start.
He had to go to the hospital because he had an _____. original accident understa idea
nding
I need to go to the bank because…. my tooth my car I want to I need to
aches needs cash a cook
gas check. lunch.
That bird looks very UNUSUAL. Yes, it looks _____. common strange ordinary nice
The tallest student in the class _____ Lt. Jones. are were is am
We could hear the FAINT sound of a child's voice loud soft constant terrifying
calling for help.
The plane LEFT the airport at 0900. take over took on took off takes
across
For breakfast this morning, I _____ five boiled eggs. eat was eat eating ate
Right now, the children ______ baseball in the park. are play plays are playing
playing
The police _____ here to arrest you for having a low is am are was
ECL.
My mother _____ a used Ferrari last week. buy bayed buying bought

I was born _____ August. at on of in

The students WERE REQUIRED TO take another ECL had to has to have to having to
test. They ______ do it.
It _____ twenty minutes to drive from here to the airport. takes taking was take
taken
A lot of dust _____ through the open window! Close it! come is come is does
coming coming
What comes exactly 12 hours after midnight? morning noon evening sunrise
The last test was not easy. In fact, it was extremely difficult short painless cheap
_____.
He is a ROBBER. thief teacher soldier banker
This handout is not short. It is hard. It is easy. It is long. It is brief.

How did she hurt herself? She _____ down when the feel fall felt fell
bus made an abrupt stop.
When snow starts cascading down the side of a a flood an a stream an
mountain, we call it _____. avalanch earthqua
e ke
How did you get from your country to San Antonio? in plane on plane by plane of plane
The most common color for snow is _____. black red green white
What is the opposite of unhappy? miserabl sad angry happy
e
Last night, I _____ for nine hours. sleep is slept is sleep
sleeping
The police _____ coming to investigate the robbery in is were was are
just a few minutes.

Humans _____ oxygen to survive. needs needing are need need

Joe bought a new car in Houston. He paid cash for IT. Joe car cash he
The word "IT" refers to ____.
No matter where you live, you need _____ access to a quickly quick quicknes quickest
hospital. s
The teacher _____ all day yesterday preparing new work worked works working
handouts for you.
The wind is _____ very hard. running passing blowing doing
If you leave ice cream out in the sun, it will _____. melt freeze sneeze pelt
Whose book is that? It's my. It's mine It's me It's my
book. book. book.
The Empire State Building is located _____ New York in on at to
City.
If I finish my homework early,I _____ to the gym and will going might go are go should to
work out. go
The price of cars and boasts _____ very high right now. is are am were

What _____ this word mean? are is does do

I was unable to go to the movie with my friends last I will go. I didn't I won't I can't go.
night. go. go.
I am very hungry. I need _____. rest water food money
We cannot wade across the river because it is_____. deep shallow narrow ankle-
deep
What is the normal color of most grass in the summer? black green red white

It was EXTREMELY cold last night. very not a little bit not very

I made a SERIOUS ERROR on the math test. great big small minor
score mistake correctio problem
n
Why is the baby crying? Because _____. he is today is the car the food
hungry. Saturday. won't was
start. good.
It was QUITE hot yesterday. very not a little bit not very

The river is not wide. It is deep. It is It is It is

shallow. narrow. frozen.
If the water is frozen, it is _____. ice hot steam boiling

My father died _____ April 17, 1989. at on in of

I _____ late for class yesterday. am were are was
There was a chemical spill in the TAIL of the jet. The rear nose wing cockpit
spill was in the _____.
Yesterday, the news about the earthquakes in Iran and are is was be
Mexico _____ bad.
Today's class was _____ than yesterday's. funner as fun more fun funnest

The cake is TASTY. It is _____. delicious awful terrible very bad

Brazil is _____ Peru. more more big than bigger

bigger biggest than
than than
The next book quiz will be _____ Wednesday. at on in of
Several soldiers _____ being reassigned to this unit was are am were
next week.
My brother and sister _____ older than I am. are am was is
I want _____ to a movie tonight. go to go going for going

A dog usually likes to chase cats, and a cat usually trucks horses buildings mice
likes to chase _____.
What will you _____ tomorrow night? doing do done to do
What is the SUBJECT of her speech? length purpose topic source
When you are finished with your conversation, _____ hang up hung up hanging hanged
the phone. up up
Is this CD player very expensive? No, it is _____. cheap nice costly priceless
My favorite season of the year is AUTUMN. winter spring summer fall

Why is Joe looking under the hood? Because _____. he is he wants the car the food
hungry. entertain won't was
ment. start. good.

If the water is vaporized, we can call it _____. ice frozen steam cold

If I ______ you, I would be more careful with my was am have were

answers. been
The train will arrive _____ 0955. on in to at
I need to go to the dentist because my tooth my elbow I have a My shin
aches. hurts pain in is very
my ankle sore.

America ________ by Columbus in 1492. discover discover was has been

ed discover discover
ed ed

I have been AT DLI ________ six months. since during at for

What color are the DRAPES in your room? rugs walls carpets curtains

The boss is very ANGRY. She is _______. upset happy handsom intelligen
e t
If I _____ ECL-qualified, I would not have to do these was were am has been
exercises.
Dikes, dams, and levees are all intended to control speed temperat prices water
_____. ure

The policeman ordered that Joe _____ out of the car gets got get have to
with his hands up. get

The next ECL will _____ easy. being be being be to be

You are not very happy today,________? are you aren't do you don't you
you
This car is very expensive. It is not It is not It is not It is fast.
old. costly. cheap.
Neither the animals nor their keeper _____ killed in the were are have was
fire. been
We have to take another test on Friday. We ______ take might should must can
another test.
You OUGHT TO see the movie "Saving Private Ryan" as must have to will should
soon as possible. You ______ see that movie.

The homework _____ easy last night was is are am

He stabbed his victim with a _____. rope knife gun table
I see one empty desk. Who _____ absent today? be is am is being
A person who is broke does not have any _____. health time needs money
The student next to me tried to copy from my paper. He cheat cheer chime chore
was trying to _____.
American English is _____ British English. gooder more better more
than better than good
than
Joe said that we have to be at Lab 3 before 0800, hasn't we didn't he did he hasn't he
_____?
Be careful! You are _____ danger if you don't leave in of for to
now.
When will Lt. Smith be able to retire _____ the Army? of with by from

I was a little late for my appointment, but I still got there on at in with
_____ time for the doctor to see me.

I am sick _____ all the political ads on tv. by with for of

Cats like to sleep all day and prowl the neighborhoods in during at on
_____ night.
I would never run _____ political office. of to with for
We might be able to travel quickly to the moon _____ of in to on
the future.
I want you to accompany us. Come _____ with us. over above along through
He is serving as a cabinet member _____ present. in at on during
Report to the Colonel _____ once! at on in to

All of these prepositions questions were written _____ to at of by

Mr. Williams.
He blamed me _____ the accident. to of with for
Lt. Jones wants to play _____ the basketball team. in to on at

We will participate _____ the parade next week. on in at to

Musicians have to spend most of their time _____ the on in of for
road.
My leg still hurts. I can't walk anywhere _____ a cane. for to without through

There are only 9 people _____ the bus right now. along among aboard across

Turn right _____ the next intersection. on at to for

He told some jokes _____ me. at with to in
You can't go swimming in the river _____ the winter. to from of in
You must stay today _____ 3:30. until since before during
What is the job _____ a drill sergeant? to with by of
Please write the rough draft of your essay _____ pencil. with in to for
He hit me _____ his dictionary, and it was the first time with to by at
he had ever used it for anything.
Do you believe _____ ghosts? at in of to
We will have another test _____ Friday. on at in with
Scissors are used _____ cutting paper. for at to with

Don't brag _____ your accomplishments. Let other to since with about
people do that.
I am disappointed _____ you! in of to for
I will do it _____ pleasure. to since with at

The robber snuck up _____ me and held a gun to my with behind above from
back.
My wife is _____ work right now. at in to on
Who do you think you are---The Queen _____ England? to for at of

There was a fire _____ the library yesterday. of in to for

I am ashamed _____ myself. of to by for
The train travels _____ the tunnel at 90 miles per hour. with across through for

There was a body lying _____ the middle of the road. on at to in

This cake is made _____ eggs, butter, milk, chocolate of by in to

and nuts.

The children are playing _____ the backyard. at with in to

I can't eat anything fried _____ butter. in to for on
This sketch of my mother was made completely ____ from to of in
memory.
I went to Houston _____ the weekend. by to for with
The paratroopers jumped out of the plane _____ for by without under
hesitation.
When I neared home, I could see that my neighbor's in on to at
house was _____ fire.
There is no one _____ the world who can help you now. in to of with

Hurry up! We will wait _____ you here. from for of to

The test will start _____ 0745. in at on since
There were five passengers _____ the car when it got to of onto in
hit by the train.
He was born _____ New York City. of in to with
He was born ______ 1982. at since in to
Mr. Jones has been my teacher _____ Oct 24. during for at since

Please listen carefully _____ the instructions. to at on with

The river runs _____ the old bridge. in over above under
The dog jumped _____ the bed with his muddy paws. under on of with

Thanksgiving is always celebrated _____ November. at in on since

My son drew pictures _____ the wall of his bedroom. on in at to

He is staying _____ the Hilton Hotel. on to at of

I have not heard _____ from family lately. to from over with

He wants to go _____ school in London. to at with by

All of the passengers are ____ board the plane now. in at with on

The teacher divided the candy ______ all the students between with to among
of the class.
It was ____ a cool evening in late June that I first met on in at with
him.

A submarine is designed to function _____ the water for under above during between
long periods of time.
That window is so dirty that I can't see _____ it. through over to for

Lt. Tdwazjkskwxz comes _____ a small country called at around from for
Dramamania.
I always take a short nap _____ class. with after on to

I have been here at DLI _____ 8 weeks. since for with during

He was shot twice in the back _____ a Colt .45. with at in for
Water is composed _____ hydrogen and oxygen. by for in of
I think Lt. Arroyo is ______ love again. of in at from

He got ______ an argument with his neighbor. into of at on

I want another cup _____ coffee. in to from of

I have been here at DLI _____ October of last year. since for at in

I have not seen a movie ____ five or six months. since before at for

I like my coffee _____ milk and sugar. of to for with

He was born _____ New York City. at of in to
Class starts _____ 0730. in to of at

My parents live _____ 253 Oak Street. on in at to

I graduated from college _____ 1994. in on of to
This exercise was written _____ Mr. Williams. to of at by
My uncle lives _____ a farm. to for on in
I would like to live ______ the country miles from the at in to on
nearest town.
We will have another ECL ______ Tuesday. in of for on
The students are waiting _____ the classroom. on with from in
We will leave _____ noon. to at since on
Americans celebrate Memorial Day _____ May. at on to in
I am not talking _____ you! I'm talking _____ Lt. Smith. of to on through

Is your ID card _____ your wallet? at on in to

I went there _____ 1996. in at of with

Lt. Smith passed out dead drunk _____ the sidewalk in over on to
near his car.
The children are playing _____ the street again. in on up through

Class will start ______ 0730. on in to at

I always take my big vacation _____ the summer. at with to during
My car is parked ______ the red Toyota and the white under between on around
Cadillac.
He will graduate _____ July 23. in during of on
The Sears Tower is the tallest building _____ Chicago. to in by at

Don't laugh _____ other people's mistakes. at on to for

A cheetah is different _____ a lion. than from to of
I didn't understand what he said _____ me. of to at with
I am tired _____ studying prepositions. for of with to
In spite _____ the rain, we practiced for the parade. to with for of
Please don't talk ______ someone else's speech. during since with at
I will meet you in Lab 4 _____ exactly 0736. in for at about
I went ____ Egypt for a two-week vacation. at for of to
My brother is _____ debt. He owes thousands of at in of to
dollars to some loan sharks.
I don't like to sit _____ Lt. Smith. besides by to at

He stayed _____ bed all day. on in at along

I lived in California _____ 13 months. since with for by

We need to dispense _____ these exercises for now. with to of for
When will you retire _____ the military? with from at by
What you did is _____ the law. over for against along

I will not vote _____ him. to for of at

You can always rely ____ Lt. Smith to help you. on with for to
I want to ask you some questions _____ your family. of to during about
The teachers always gives too much homework _____ at with for to
us.
My neighbor was convicted _____ car theft. of by with to

I have been in the Army ______ 1993. during for since to

Don't stare _____ strangers. It's not polite. of at to about

The President lives _____ 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. on in to at

My mother likes to take long walks _____ the evening. of since in with

You should not walk alone in this neighborhood _____ at during from since
night.
That shelf is too high. You need to stand _____ a chair at under off on
to reach it.
Sign your name _____ block 21 at the bottom of this on in for to
page.
Take these pills _____ a glass of warm milk. at for to with
My father always takes a long nap _____ the afternoon. in at of with

Don't sit with your elbows _____ the table. for in on with
The Titanic is lying two-and-a-half miles _____ the above in with beneath
surface of the water.
I want to talk to you _____ a few minutes. for with during since
He blamed the accident _____ me. on to for of
We have to photocopy this contract, so write your name in of to by
_____ black ink, not blue.

We will provide him _____ a new dictionary if he has to of with for

lost his old one.
The cat is hiding _____ the bed. above with to under
What is the reason _____ his failure? for to with by
They will not qualify him because his ECL is still _____ to behind with under
80.

Some of the best stores in New York City are located at on to besides
_____ Fifth Avenue.

He is currently enrolled _____ a two-year college. in to for with

We will talk to you _____ the supervisor's office. in to for with
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated _____ John Wilkes by of to for
Booth in 1865.
Last night, I slept _____ 9 hours. at during to for
I think he has a knife _____ his pocket. in to of for
May I borrow $300 ____ you? of to by from

This umbrella will not protect you _____ heavy rain. of with to from
I ordered chicken _____ rice. of with for to

She is the supervisor _____ Unit 6. of with around across

I am very good _____ tennis. of at to for

I am not afraid _____ snakes. of to by with

I always brush my teeth _____ going to bed. at during before under
His party will be _____ Sunday. of to for on
I fell _____ the stairs. of down to for
I went _____ high school in Ponce. of to by with
Their new business will be located _____ Lincoln Street. at in on for

He stabbed me _____ a dirty kitchen knife. at for by with

Do you live _____ base in the dorms? on at in to

The policeman showed his badge _____ me. to at by in

There was nothing _____ the envelope when I opened it. inside of to about

Children should walk _____ the sidewalks. in at above on

Children should not walk _____ the streets. at during in for
Let's sit _____ the shade of that big tree over there. at with to in
They honeymooned _____ Paris. in at of for
I live _____ the third floor of the dorm, the smoking in on to of
floor.
My father disapproves _____ most of my friends. at with to of
May I ride _____ the airport with you? at in of to

I want another glass _____ milk. for to with of

Why do you always keep your coat _____? at on in over

The contractors are going to tear _____ the old road down up over off
and replace it with a modern 4-lane one.
I shudder _____ the thought of giving a speech at the to for at by
graduation dinner.
His broken nose should not have a negative influence to in on with
_____ his ability to swim in the final race.
When do you think scientists will find a cure _____ to for with of
cancer?
He is an outspoken critic _____ his country's economic at of to for
policies.
Why is he under investigation ______ the FBI? by to of in

_____ my opinion, we should not have classes on At In Of To

Fridays.
He was a bad father, so the social services agency took off away up under
_____ his children.
He has served _____ the government for twenty years. to on in at

Did you have the right to ask that question _____ him? of through by in

I did it _____ purpose. in on at to

The contractors are going to tear _____ the old off up down over
abandoned house.
The paramedics arrived at the crash site _____ time to on in by at
save dozens of victims.
If I tell you a secret, will you promise to keep it _____ at of in to
strictest confidence?
Lt. Smith got a 98 _____ his last test. on in of at
He comes to school every day _____ an old motorcycle. on by in at

He comes to school every day _____ motorcycle. on by in at

What should I do _____ a sore throat? for of by in

I found a great 3-bedroom apartment, so I'm going to away off toward aboard
move _____ base.
Who is serving _____ the CO of that unit now? like with to as
Neil Armstrong was the first earthling to walk _____ the in on to at
moon.
She gave a party _____ her class, all of whom enjoyed to of for at
themselves.
Divide these cookies ______ all twelve students in this between to around among
class.
I am feeling down _____ the dumps today. by to in with
My unit will not be _____ the parade tomorrow. on in to of
My country has been involved _____ wars for most of in to at of
this century.
The troops have been standing ______ parade rest for at in for to
20 minutes.
He comes to class every morning _____ foot. on in at with

I think I'll take a stab _____ learning French next to at on of

semester.
What I am asking _____ you is that you be quiet during by of at with
other people's speeches.
My mother is the lady seated _____ the blue sofa in the in on to of
corner.
I give up! You are _______ redemption! around across beyond over
She is not supposed to do any heavy lifting because with by of near
she is now "_____ child."
He found himself trapped BETWIXT a rock and a hard beneath behind between beyond
place.
Last night, we dined _____ lobster and shrimp. on at to in
I did it ______ the spur of the moment. at to on with
I did it _____ accident. by to at on
It is difficult ______ me to speak in front of the class. to of at for
I fell down when I was trying to run away _____ the pit at for from in
bull.
He makes a living _____ recycling old newspaper and to by for against
magazines.

We have a certain lack _____ discipline in this unit. for with of at

I was raised _____ the island of Santa Catalina. in on of to

We ought not to cheat on a test, _____? ought we should do we will we
we

If you don't get a high score on the next ECL, you _____ will be will will have are
in trouble. getting gotten getting

Last week, he promised me that he _____ attend will was did would
yesterday's meeting. going
While I ______ for the bus, it started to rain. waiting wait was wait was
waiting

It is mandatory that Lt. Smith ____ in Col. Jones's office be have to must to is
at 0730. be be

The color red on the flag _____ blood. symbolizi symboliz is symboliz
ng the e symboliz es
e
While I was driving to work this morning, I ____ to my listen was was had been
new Celine Dion Cassette. listen listening listening

Nary a drop of rain fell at the airport last night, _____? didn't it did it is there was there

Those sheep _____ lost. is was has been are

Neither the boss nor the workers _____ working is has to be are have
tomorrow.

I am scheduled for another ECL next week, _____? aren't I amn't I will I won't I

He didn't actually hit me, but he _____ at me twice with swing swang swung swinged
a baseball bat.
You've lost your dictionary again, ______? haven't have you don't you won't you
you

If I were you, I ______ call home tonight. will call would would call
call have
called
By the time the firemen arrived, the flames ______ by had been are were will be
the homeowner. extinguis extinguis extinguis extinguis
hed hing h hing

This exercise ______ by Mr. Williams. is wrote writes was has been
written wrote

He can sing well, _____? doesn't can he can't he does he

he

By the time I graduate, I ______ at least 12 ECL tests. would will have am would
take taken taking have
taken
The police _____ waiting for you in the supervisor's is was are has been
office.
The man _____ by the door is my uncle. sit sitted seats sitting
You ought to go visit the Alamo. You ______ go visit should must have to would
the Alamo.
I wish today _____ Saturday. is would be were was

My brother, but not his sons, _____ coming to visit me are were has been is
next week.

Because he was driving while intoxicated, Joe _____. got was was arrested
arrested arrest arresting

If Napoleon _____ more troops, he might not have lost had have were had had had were
at Waterloo. having
______, I would not have gone to that disco last night. Had I Was I Have I to If I was
been you you be you you

If you had been here yesterday, you _______ my wife. could met will meet could
meet have met

We were just sitting down to dinner when the phone ring was rings rang
_____. ringing
______I to become a supervisor, I would probably not Were If I was If I had Was
enjoy it. been
If Joe really _____ at the meeting (and two people said were has been had been was
they talked to him), I didn't see him there.
The fire alarm STARTED RINGING right in the middle of went off went out went up went
my speech. The bell _____. down
If I had not eaten so much pizza last night, I ________ would will not am not would
so sick right now. not be be not have
been
being

The President can, it is widely believed, in no way, can't he can he is it does he

resolve this crisis soon, _______?
My mother ______ down the stairs three times this has felt has felled has fallen have fall
summer.
The price of cars ____ increasing. is are were have
been
When I was a child, I used to _____ cats. torturing tortured be torture torture

If I _____ you, I would study more. was were am have

been

It is my understanding that the subject the students in are were is am

IDS enjoy the most _____ preposition usage.
I finally got the dog _____. to stop stopped stops stop the
barking barking barking bark
We were putting up our tents when it _____. began began to begun begins
snow snow the snow snowing

I made the children ______ outside. play to play played playing

Someone might have to stay in the office until 1800 if need be need needing needs
_____.
I had the secretary ______ the letter five times before I retyping retypes retype retyped
was satisfied.
If I were the boss, I ______ you extra work. will give had would give
given have to
give
The bill ________ to you before the end of the month. will be will be is sent
sent sending sending
My children ______ too many phone calls. do has make gets

The captured soldier ______. did a committe suicided committe

suicide d the himself d suicide
suicide
A species of rare fish ____ on display at the Witte is are will be are to be
Museum. being

____________ the barking dogs, we would not have If there If it Had it not Had there
been alerted about the fire in our house. wasn't would been for no been
not be for none of

By this time tomorrow, I ______ at DLI for 72 hours. will have will be would would be
been have
been
He ________ in New York City in 1982. born is born borned was born

All of the furniture ______ by the floodwaters. is were was will have
damage damage damaged been
damage

Kudos _____ to anyone who can answer all of these go goes going are go
questions correctly.

She likes fish, doesn't she? Yes, but she dislikes beef, does she don't she won't she doesn't
_____? she

Let's _______. not start no start no yet not the

class yet the class start the class yet
yet class start
The plane _____ at 0900. take off takes off is take taking off
off

I _____ a shower when the phone rang. had was took was will be
taking taking taking
Horses _____ grass. eat eats are eat eating

I have to give a speech tomorrow. I ____ give a speech. should must ought to might

Mr friends ______ in a different dorm. lives are live living live

We _____ happy right now. are was am are been

Tomorrow, I will _____home. calling called call calls

At this moment, you _______ questions. answer are have do the

answerin answer answer
g of
I ______ my homework last night. does do did done

My left leg ______. hurts hurted were hurt is hurted

The students _____ homework. are liking like likes does like

Pvt. Jones _____ next week. graduate graduate will is

d graduate graduate
I _____ to go home now! wants wanting am want want

These books _____ heavy. was is am are

We _____ a lot of songs at last night's party. sing was sing sang were
sung
I _____ a good movie last night. see will see saw was seen

Paris _____ the capital of France. is are is being were

Lt. Smith _____ his homework last night. do has did did done

My brother _____ in a bank. work working is work works

I _____ a new car last week. buy bought buyed was buy

We ______ right now. studies are study are studying

studying
Dogs ______ to chase cats. likes are liking like liking

We _____ to my brother's house tomorrow. will go are go went have

gone
I saw the old man fatally _____ himself once through shooting shot shoot shooted
the heart.

Steve and Joe ______ students. is was are been are

The number of students Stancovia _____ decreasing. have is are were

A number of students _____ waiting to see the are is has been was
supervisor.
John _____ to the store yesterday. goed going is go went
Were I he, I ___________ more at night. will study studies would will have
study studied

It _____ too hot to play soccer right now. is am are were

There ______ a series of bad accidents on Loop 410 is was has been would
yesterday. have
been
When I was a child, I _____ watch tv eight hours per was used used to am used was used
day. to to to
I _____ English before I came to DLI. had not do not did no was not
studied study study study

Because of the rain, the Commandant _____ the cancel is cancel would will
parade. cancel cancel
When you finally get back home, please _____ me a to send send sent be sent
postcard.
Siblings _____ to quarrel with each other. likes are like like are liking

First, I ate breakfast; then, I _____ my family. call do call was call called

I went to bed because I ____ tired. would be are were was

Before I came to DLI, I _______ English for 5 months. study was studied am
study studying

If you are tired, you ______. would must to should would

rest rest rest have rest
After I graduate next week, I _____ to Alabama. am go will go going will going

The news about the storms _____ bad. is were are have
been
That car _____ better than this one. look looks is look will
looking
The mumps _____ a strange disease. were am are is

I ______ my homework later tonight. does will doing have did will do

The police _____ here to arrest you. is was are has been
I _____ right now. studying am be will should
studying study studied
If it rains tomorrow, I ______ home. will stay would must stayed
have stay staying

My friend _____ tomorrow. graduate is graduate graduatio

graduatin d n
g
I _____ that movie already. see seen seed have
seen
He likes Texas, _____? don't he doesn't do he does he
he
Right now, the baby _____. sleep is sleep is have
sleeping slept
If I had a million dollars, I _____ a new car. will buy bought would would
bought buy

Rice and beans _____ my favorite dish. is are will been am

While I was reading the paper, the children ______ play have were was play
outside. played playing
Why did Lt. Smith wear GOGGLES? to stay to protect to hold to appear
warm his eyes his pants taller
up
After the accident, he was MAIMED. killed severely dead okay
injured
An octopus is so-named because it has eight _____. tentacles eyes ribs mouths
If he broke his THUMB, where does he feel the most his foot his head his toe his hand
pain?
The gym is located BEYOND the post office. on this on the beneath too far
side of farther from
side of
My aunt is no spring chicken. She is not ______. smart young popular rich

There was a big CROWD at the restaurant last night. fire riot group of meal
people

He is a TIGHTWAD. He is _______. ugly stingy argument silly

ative

Pvt. Jones has to report to the Captain PROMPTLY. right whenever eventuall as late as
away he wants y he wants
to to
Which of the following is not an organ located in the the liver the the brain the heart
torso of the human body? kidner
His parents FORBID him to smoke or drive yet. They allow him encourag prohibit let him
_____ it. to do e him to him from do
do doing

The KNEE is to the LEG as the ______ is to the ARM. wrist elbow ankle hip

My brother is very STINGY. tall smart not handsom

generous e

What is the main CROP of your country? tourist agricultur city means of
site al transport
product ation

Hot and cold air is conveyed through a _____. hook duct crank tablet

We need to get our FURNACE repaired. air- vehicle window heating

condition device
er
That kind of problem really ANNOYS me. bothers pleases interests entertain
s
Don't STARE AT him like that. talk to play with look at touch

The police found a white POWDER in his suitcase. fine dust animal thick shoe
liquid polish

The villagers had to FLEE their homes. clean repair protect escape
from
Don't GRIPE so much. eat complain drink buy
things…
spend
money
The road is STEEP. greatly much too very wide extremel
inclined narrow y bumpy

The milk tastes SOUR. unpleasa delicious sweet good

nt
I'm not DEAF. unable to young helpless ignorant
hear and
immature

We have AMPLE supplies for the next few months. more no only a an
than small insufficie
enough amount nt
amount
His jeans are FADED. They ___________. are tight have lost are are loose
some worthles and
color s baggy

This liquid is INFLAMMABLE. It _______. will not is is costly. will burn.

burn. potable.

We SPOTTED the enemy sniper at a sixteenth-floor detected drew shot sent

window.
His WAGES are not very high right now. hopes expenses salary duties

He FIBBED when he said he had done his homework. laughed stuttered cried lied

What would you use to SWEEP the floor? a faucet a brake a coil a broom
If one car bumps into another one, it will leave _____. a dent a lap a shield a tray

My brother is not very TRUSTWORTHY. wealthy happy intelligen dependa

t ble
I need to buy some new SLACKS. socks trousers shirts glasses
He had CRUMBS all over his shirt and tie. little fallen soup small
pictures hairs stains pieces of
bread
Joe CATCHES ON really fast, doesn't he? receives disagree learns forgets
the ball s with things important
you details

Your TASK is to alphabetize all of these files. desire method reason job
Don't SHOUT. run yell whisper shoot
What is the most common color of RUST? black reddish- purple pinkish-
brown white
The ECL will START at 0745. end conclude begin wind up

There was a BLIZZARD last night. light heavy raging mild

shower snowstor flood breeze
m
You must keep the AISLE clear. surface walkway sofa fence

We had to dig a TRENCH to drain off the standing water. long deep steep hill wide
ditch hole pond
We found a FLAW in the structural design. insect error tool change
If he suffered a SKULL injury, where is the heaviest the head the foot thewrist the knee
damage?
I am STARVING. hungry bored lonely angry

Congress is going to TRIM the budget. cut increase authorize approve

A General's wife always has a lot of CLOUT. power duties money time for
socializin
g
I brought you a BUNDLE of newspapers. package lane tub dent
What are the TRAITS of a good leader? requirem character backgrou potential
ents istics nds rewards
He DROWNED. He _______ died in fell off a died in was
water. mountain the dry stabbed
. desert. with a
knife.
How can you ACCOUNT FOR his low test scores? endure compete stand explain
with
The entire meal, including drinks and tip, AMOUNTED chipped came to got on took after
TO $512. in with
Where is your SHIN? near the on the near the among
mouth leg backbon the ribs
e
There was a SURGE in student enrollment. rapid quick slight steady
increase decrease change falling
He SHATTERED the mirror. sold borrowed hid broke

Don't eat the apple CORE. peel stem leaf center

I got DRENCHED last night as I was walking home from soaked lost dizzy lonely
the movies.
Where are your KNOCKLES located? in your in your in your in your
fingers ears eyes lungs

Why is Joe LAME? He________ injured poked chipped hurt his

his ankle. out his his front fingers.
eye. teeth.
The pirates buried their LOOT. dead weapons treasure food
comrade supply
s
The Captain is standing at the BOW of the ship. rear aft galley front end

The floor is covered with SPLINTERS. water dead spilled small

flowers food pieces of
wood
It's time to HOIST the flag. lower replace raise repair

It is RISKY to do that. safe wise proper dangerou

s
His behavior has been rather ERRATIC lately. polite interestin irregular frightenin
g g
He INJURED his left ankle. cured hurt repaired x-rayed
I SENT FOR Mariah Carey's new CD. loaned borrowed ordered threw out
out by mail
What is the usual color of most MUSTARD? white red blue yellow

Some children openly DEFY their parents. support resemble oppose love

That's the way the cookie CRUMBLES. falls into rises as it has a increases
pieces bakes good in price
flavor
He is old, YET he is healthy. but and so for
I cannot TAKE IN all this information at once. say understa translate transmit
nd
I cannot STRESS how important vocabulary is on the understa explain emphasiz agree
ECL test. nd e
My brother is going to RUN FOR mayor next year. campaig do loan argue
n for exercise money to about
office with
He REJECTED my offer. accepted refused repeated approved
of
I'm very PERPLEXED about tomorrow's assignments. confident certain happy confused

The movie was TERRIBLY GOOD. I disliked I loathed I thought I liked it a

the the it was lot.
movie. movie. awful.
The SCENERY in Northern California is beautiful. natural theaters sporting shopping
views arenas centers

I'm very FOND OF chocolate ice cream. I ______. don't like love it can't can't
it afford it stand it
The taxi made an ABRUPT stop. sudden, slow, calm, long,
unexpect steady easy comforta
ed ble
Which of these is not an animal? a deer a rabbit a wrench a bear

Which of these would not be a good beverage for orange milk coffee gasoline
breakfast? juice
The score was TIED at the end of regulation time. lopsided undeterm even inconseq
ined uential
What does water do a 212 degrees Fahrenheit? It thaws. It freezes. It boils. It
condens
es.
He FLUNKED the test. wrote passed corrected failed

The Green Team DEFEATED the Orange Team. won lost beat surrende
red to
He as ACNE all over his face. pimples hair freckles wrinkles
I thought the movie was HILAARIOUS. too long boring funny sad
He is leaving here FOR GOOD. to make forever and because
things people he did
better are well
happy
I hope you have the OPPORTUNITY to visit the Alamo. time chance money transport
ation
I am PLEASED with the results of the test. happy uninform unhappy angry
ed
The policeman CAUTIONED him about speeding. ticketed warned arrested handcuff
ed
I DREAD going to the dentist. I look I hate I I can't
forward going. anticipat wait to
to it. e going. go.
My uncle deals in REAL ESTATE. minerals land and stocks farm
property and animals
bonds
Which of the following can HOVER? a train a taxi a missile a
helicopte
r
I do not like RAW turnips. rare big uncooke stale
d
I RAN INTO an old friend of mine at Ingram Mall. hit with took a met by ignored
my car picture of chance complete
ly
I RARELY go to movies during the weekend. seldom usually from time often
to time

I DROPPED OFF during the history lecture. fell out of died let fell
a chair somethin asleep
g fall
If you DOUBLE THE RADIUS of a circle, you get the circumfer curve tangent diameter
_______. ence
I want you to THINK OVER that job offer before you say refuse forget accept consider
"no."
Don't EAVESDROP. shoplift listen to sleep too eat
private much harmful
talk foods
He will TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF his business to his turn turn into turn over turn on
oldest son next month. down
Let's TALK this OVER tomorrow. rewrite it veto it discuss it think
about it
My kids are always QUARRELING. playing arguing exploring studying
politely with each the yard in their
other rooms

My brother WRECKED his car. destroye sold repainted loaned

d
He was REARED in Ponce by his grandparents. looked brought called up carried
over up out
We reached the SUMMIT of the mountain after 9 hours base peak side foothills
of climbing.
The Captain REPRIMANDED Lt. Jones during the called up called off called on called
company formation. down
This sandpaper is very COARSE. smooth expensiv common rough
e
I cannot ACCEPT any additional duties at this time. take on get bring stand by
across back
What color should a RIPE STRAWBERRY be? white light red black
green
Which of these best describes TIN? tasy useless metallic gaseous
He TUMBLED down the stairs. walked ran fell hiked
He CREATED an interesting game for his students to thought tried on called for loooked
play. up up
What is the opposite of TIGHT? young cheap long loose
He was very sick; THEREFORE, he couldn't compete in yet however since thus
the race.
We always STORE our sweaters and coats during the take off put away throw out keep on
summer.
There was a TRACE of gunpowder on his finger. a huge smell a tiny a lot
amount amoount
The police found a corpse behind the Rialto Theater. killer dead military vehicle
person person
Where did you PICK UP those bad words? select raise learn at spell
random
Correct
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Explain
modals HAVE TO = MUST

current state or condition mass noun THE BREAD IS….

yesterday = past tense Yesterday I WAS….

Only "accident" makes sense here.

Bank should involve MONEY. CASH a CHECK for the MONEY.

unusual = strange = not ordinary = not common

simple subject = student The student is….
(adjective) faint = very soft (verb) faint = pass out = black out = lose
consciousness
two-word verb LEAVE = TAKE OFF past tense = IT TOOK OFF

past tense I ATE

right now = present progressive PLURAL THE children ARE
PLAYING.
police = PLURAL THEY ARE here.

last week = past tense ireegular verb BUY BOUGHT BOUGHT

Last week SHE BOUGHT something.
A month by itself takes IN.
were = past tense. The only choice in the past is HAD TO. They HAD TO
DO something.
third perwson singular present tense IT TAKES….

Dust is a mass noun. THE DUST IS…. Only the progressive is

possible here. The dust is DOING something.
midnight = 12:00 at night Twelve hours later is 12:00 noon.
not easy = difficult = hard

robber = thief= someone who steals = bandit

not short = long

FALL FELL FALLEN (simple past = FALL)

avalanche = snow falling rapidly down the side of a mountain

method of transportation BY plane BY ship BY car BY taxi

Snow is white. (We hope)
unhappy = not happy = sad = depressed = about to cry?

Last night = past tense. Irregular verb SLEEP SLEPT SLEPT Last
night, I SLEPT….
POLICE = plural The police are. If you want a singular, you can say:
the policeman is The policewoman is…. The police officer is…..

science or nature present tense HUMANS (THEY) need something.

pronoun reference He bought a car. He paid for IT. IT refers to
the car.
"Access" is a noun. Modify it with an adjective. What kind of access?
QUICK access.
yesterday = past tense third person singular THE TEACHER
WORKED….
The wind BLOWS.
When frozen stuff starts to warm up, it MELTS (THAWS).
possessive adjectives. It's my book. Or It's mine. (possessive
pronoun)
Something is IN a city IN a country IN a town

IF clause FUTURE might = possibility (WILL = future certainty)

The simple subject is "price." THE PRICE IS….

correct formation of questions action verb (mean) present tense

simple subject. This word means something. WHAT DOES THIS WORD
MEAN?
Last Night = past tense. Only answer B is in the past. If I was unable to
go, then I didn't go.
hungry for food thirsty for water
wade = to walk, usually with the water not higher than your knees.

grass = vegetation, usually green

extremely = very= awfully = terribly

error = mistake = wrong answer serious = big = major

Of these four answers, the only thing to explain a baby's crying would be
the HUNGER.

quite = very= extremely = really

Opposite of wide is NARROW.

Water freezes and becomes ICE. (Steam and boiling are associated with
HOT liquids.)
specific date Use ON.
yesterday = past tense I WAS….
tail = rea = aft = back part = (ship) stern

yesterday = past tense THE NEWS = singular THE NEWS WAS

BAD.
comparison more fun than

tasty = tastes good = delicious

comparison one-syllable adjective ONE THING IS -er THAN

ANOTHER.

Day by itself takes ON.

plural subject future (next week) PROGRESSIVE PASSIVE THEY
ARE BEING REASSIGNED….
plural subject THEY ARE….
"want" is followed by an infinitive. The student WANTS TO LOOK AT
page 4-19 of Book 34 for a good list of verbs followed by infinitives
versus verbs followed by gerunds.
Cats would chase mice, not the other 3 objects.

modal Put simple form after a modal. You will DO what?

subject = topic = what you are talking about
instructions or orders in the imperative (You) hang up the
phone.
Opposite of expensive = cheap costly = expensive
seasons of the year FALL = AUTUMN (Sepptember, October,
November in the U.S.)
hood = the part of the car that you lift up to look at the engine.

vapor = steam Choices A, B, and D all involve COLD. Only C involves

HEAT.
IF clause. Unreal present. Subjunctive. If I were you….

specific exact time

dentist = person who works on the TEETH.

passive voice

combined amount of time. Use "for" in these kinds of present perfect

sentences.
DRAPES = CURTAINS window coverings made of cloth (fabric)
NOTE: Rugs and carpets are basically the same, so answers A and C
cancel each other out.
ANGRY = upset, not happy, not pleased

IF clause UNREAL present If I WERE….

If you check your dictionary, you'll find that these are all engineering
structures constructed to hold back large amounts of water.

After certain VERBS of URGENCY, a "that" clause takes a subjunctive

(simple) form. The airline agent insisted that Steve CHECK IN at the
counter two hours prior to departure.
simple form of a verb after a MODAL WILL BE MIGHT BE
SHOULD BE
tag question If you have negative in the main clause, put affirmative
in the tag.
expensive = not cheap = costly
In a "neither--nor" structure, the verb agrees with the subject part closer
to it. "Keeper was"
modals HAVE TO = MUST

modals ought to = should (recommendation…advice)

past tense (last night)

You would STAB with a knife, not with the other 3 objects.
subject verb agreement One person IS absent. Who IS it?
idiom to be BROKE = no money
To copy someone else's answer is CHEATING.

comparative forms GOOD BETTER BEST One thing is better than

another.

tag question Joe said…didn't he? Affirmative in the main clause needs
negative in the tag.
fixed expression to be IN danger. Opposite: out of danger

You RETIRE FROM a job.

ON time means not late. If you are late but you still get to do something
because they waited for you, you get there IN time for something.

fixed expression to be sick OF something

in the morning in the afternoon in the evening BUT at night

fixed expression to run for an office or position

a period of time IN the past In the future

phrasal verb come along with

at present or at the present time
fixed expression AT once, meaning without delay, without hesitation

passive voice

You BLAME someone FOR doing something wrong.

We play ON a name, because our names can be written ON the team
roster, ON the paper that lists our names.
You participate IN an activity.
fixed expression Traveling ON the road by bus or car or van.

He walks WITH the aid of a cane. Opposite is WITHOUT.

ABOARD means to be on a large vehicle like a plane, bus, train, ship,

space shuttle
place TURN AT the sign TURN AT the traffic light.
You TELL something TO someone.
IN one of the four seasons
STAY UNTIL a certain time is reached.
association noun OF noun The role OF a leader
in ink in pencil If you want to use "with," you have to say "with A
pencil."
The tool or weapon is given. He shot me WITH a rifle.

fixed expression You BELIEVE IN something.

day of the week by itself
for -ing Something is used to cut Used (in order) to do something

fixed expression You BRAG ABOUT something. But you can BOAST
OF or BOAST ABOUT it.
fixed expression DISAPPOINTED IN but PROUD OF
preposition of manner You do something WITH a certain attitude
WITH GUSTO WITH RELUCTANCE WITH ENTHUSIASM

If he sneaks up and touches your back, he has to be BEHIND you.

It's a place, so you can be AT the place. AT school AT home

noun OF noun structure the King OF Fools the Governor of
Texas
inside a specific building IN the dorms IN the Amigo Inn
fixed expression. Ashamed of. Opposite is proud of.
A tunnel is like a long tube, so something travels THROUGH it.

area IN the middle of the room IN the middle of the hall

made of made from made with made out of If you want to use "made
by," it's passive: made by a person…made by using ingredients or
utensils.
It's a place with a perimeter or border.
You can cook things IN or WITH butter, oil, margarine….
FROM memory also - BY MEMORY

for a period of time…for two days…for 48 hours

We do things either with or without hesitation. The paratroopers are not
afraid, so they do it WITHOUT hesitation.
fixed expression ON fire

It's a place. IN the world INI the universe IN the solar system

You WAIT FOR someone or something.

Exact times take AT.
We are IN a car.

IN a city.
A year by itself takes IN.
When you give the starting point for measuring time, we use SINCE,
especially with PRESENT PERFECT VERBS.
We LISTEN TO something.
The water will pass UNDER the bridge under normal conditions.
You can JUMP ON a higher surface.

A month by itself takes IN.

The pictures are touching the surface of the wall, so they are ON the wall.

You stay AT a place.

You hear FROM people when you get any kind of letter, phone call, e-
mail….
You GO TO a school. BUT: You ATTEND (no preposition) a college or
university or school.
ON BOARD is a phrase meaning inside a larger vehicle like a plane, train,
bus, ship.
Remember: BETWEEN is for TWO things. AMONG is for more than TWO.

Since this is a reference to ONE SPECIFIC DAY, it requires the

preposition ON. This is a poetic-sounding way of identifying one specific
day.
"Sub" is a prefix meaning "under," so it follows that a submarine can
function UNDER the surface of the water.
From one side to the other involves THROUGH. SEE THROUGH the fog.
SEE THROUGH the dirty windshield.
You COME FROM a certain place.

This turns out to be a TIME question, so it is AFTER class, as opposed to

a PLACE preposition, "I take a nap IN class."
When you have the total amount of time given, use FOR in these
PRESENT PERFECT structures.
We use WITH to indicate what method, tool, or instrument was used.
fixed expression COMPOSED OF
fixed expression to be IN LOVE opposite: to fall OUT OF LOVE
with someone
You can GET INTO certain things: into trouble into an argument
get into debt
A common pattern is NOUN + PREPOSITION + NOUN for indicating
things and the way they are measured or counted. A pack OF cigarettes
a bottle OF wine a deck OF cards a glass OF milk

Present perfect tense. When you have only the starting point for your
measurement, use SINCE.
When you give the total amount of time, you use FOR, especially in
PRESENT PERFECT sentences.
One thing combined WITH another thing or WITH other things.
Cities take the preposition "in." I went to school IN PARIS.
When you have an exact time for something, you use "AT." The movie
ended AT *:45.
If you have the NUMBER and the street name, it takes AT.
The year by itself takes IN.
Passive voice. The action is done BY someone.
ON a farm. On base. On a reservation.
IN the country In the city In a town

A day by itself gets ON.

A room takes IN.
Specific exact time. At noon. At 12:00.
A month by itself takes IN.
You talk TO a person.

It would be IN or INSIDE a wallet. In a drawer. In a closet. In a box.

A year by itself takes IN.

ON the sidewalk. IN the street.

IN the street It's a place with marked borders. An area with defined
limits.
specific time
IN a season of the year
We use "between" when we are taking about TWO specific things.

When you have a specific day indicated by NUMBER, you use ON.
In the world In space In your imagination In the universe

We laugh AT things and people.

One thing is different FROM another thing.
We say something TO a person.
We say we are TIRED OF something.
prepositional phrase IN SPITE OF
We TALK DURING an event.
Exact times need AT
You go TO a place.
IN debt opposite OUT OF debt

SIT BY someone. You can sit BESIDE someone, but the word BESIDES
(with the "s" on the end) does not mean NEXT TO. It means IN ADDITION
TO: Besides German and French, she can speak English.

You are IN BED when you have at least one of the covers OVER you (a
sheet, a blanket, a quilt). You are ON the bed when you are lying on the
surface with no covering over you.
Total amount of time is given. FOR
fixed expression You DISPOENSE WITH something.
We retire FROM a job.
fixed expression AGAINST THE LAW = illegal WITHIN THE LAW =
legal
You VOTE FOR or you VOTE AGAINST something or somebody.
two-word verb RELY ON = DEPEND ON
You can ASK ABOUT a subject.
You GIVE something TO somebody.

Fixed expression to be CONVICTED OF First, he was CHARGED

WITH the crime.
Present perfect. Only the starting point is given. USE SINCE.
Preposition of direction. You STARE AT POINT AT LOOK AT A
rhinoceros can CHARGE AT you.
The number is given along with the street name. Use AT.

Parts of the day take IN. IN the morning IN the evening IN the
afternoon BUT: AT NIGHT or DURING THE NIGHT
IN the evening but AT night

You stand ON something for added height.

The block has a perimeter, so you put your signature IN the block.

Two items together.

part of the day IN the morning IN the afternoon IN the evening

touching the surface only ON the table

BENEATH = UNDER = BELOW = UNDERNEATH

amount of time is given Use FOR

You BLAME something ON someone.
the medium, not the tool Write in pencil. Write in crayon. Don't
write in blood. BUT: write WITH a pen Sign WITH a pencil.

You PROVOIDE someone WITH something.

The only one that conveys the idea of HIDING is UNDER.

We would have a REASON FOR something.
A number can be BELOW or UNDER another number. He can't buy
alcohol; he's still UNDER 21. I wish I could keep my weight BELOW
165.
TRICK QUESTION? The name of the street is Fifth Avenue. The actual
number of an address is NOT given here. The best store is located AT
645 Fifth Avenue. The stores are on Fifth Avenue.
You enroll IN a school.
When you talk about a specific room, you use IN.
passive voice! An action IS DONE BY someone.

total amount of time

IN a pocket IN a purse IN a drawer
You BORROW FROM someone. You can LOAN TO. You can LEND to.

We PROTECT FROM
Two things linked together coffee WITH cream salad WITH
dressing ice cream WITH chocolate sauce
noun OF noun structure…for association Queen OF England
chief OF trainees leader OF Delta Company
fixed expression You are GOOD AT something or BAD AT something.

fixed expression to be AFRIAD OF something

time element BEFORE or AFTER doing something
Day of the week by itself
You FALL DOWN. You CLIMB UP something.
You GO TO school. GO TO WORK GO TO just about any place.
Name of the street by itself. No address number given.

WITH indicates the weapon used. Cut the bread WITH that clean knife,
not WITH that dirty one.
We say ON BASE versus OFF BASE. Another example would be ON a
reservation versus OFF a reservation.
You show something TO someone.
IN or INSIDE certain objects like envelopes, pockets, purses, wallets,
drawers, boxes….
ON the sidewalk
IN the street
IN the shade IN direct sunlight IN a specific area
Cities take IN. So do countries, counties, towns….
Something is ON a certain floor of a building.

fixed expression APPROVE OF DISAPPROVE OF

You GO TO a place, so you can RIDE TO a place. HITCHHIKE TO a place
WALK or RUN TO a place
Something and the item of measurement used for it. A cup OF tea
a slice OF bread a bouquet OF flowers
two-word verb KEEP (clothing) ON opposite: TAKE (clothing) OFF

The road is lying flat ON the ground, so you have to tear it UP.

fixed expression You shudder AT something.

One thing can have an influence ON another thing.

fixed expression a CURE FOR something

noun OF noun structure a champion OF human rights a

defender OF freedom a critic OF reforms
agent under suspicion BY the police under surveillance BY
the cops
fixed expression IN someone's opinion

two-word verb TAKE AWAY = remove

You serve IN an organization. Serve IN the Army serve IN the

Peace Corps
You ask something OF someone. I need to ask a favor OF you.

fixed expression You do something ON purpose. = deliberately

The building is standing UP, so you have to tear it DOWN.

IN time, not ON time. ON time suggests there was an appointment. In

time means they were not too late to do something.
fixed expression to keep IN confidence

You achieve a score or get a grade ON a test.

He is sitting ON top of it. On a horse On a bike On a camel
On a motorcycle
method of transportation BY BIKE BY HORSE but -- ON a
bike on a horse (Look for the article "A" or "AN.")
treatment You do something FOR a headache. Or ABOUT a
COLD.
You either live ON base or OFF base. So you would move OFF base.

AS means "in the capacity of."

touching the surface ON the moon ON the floor On the
ground
You can give an activity FOR someone give a party FOR me
give a baby shower FOR my sister
AMONG for more than two

idiom IN the dumps, because it's a place

You are IN a parade.
fixed expression You are INVOLVED IN something.

stand AT ease AT attention AT parade rest

means of transportation ON foot BUT BY CAR BY BICYCLE

idiom You take a stab AT doing something. = TRY to do something

You ASK something OF someone. What I'm asking OF you is that you
do your homework.
IN a chair (with arms) ON a chair (without arms) ON a sofa
(because it's wide and you might not be touching the arms of it).
fixed expression BEYOND HOPE BEYOND SALVATION
fixed expression WITH child means pregnant.

an old-fashioned word betwixt=-between

dine on = to eat formal

You do something ON IMPULSE ON the spur of the moment
You do something BY accident.
Something is DIFFICULT or EASY FOR you.
phrasal verb to RUN AWAY FROM something

preposition of manner. HOW did he do something? You can do

something BY doing something else. He survived BY drinking melted
snow for 4 days. He excelled by writing a brilliant essay.
noun OF noun structure EXCESS of STUDENTS opposite LACK
of STUDENTS
ON an island The island is IN the water.
Here "ought not" in the main clause cannot become "ought we" in the
tag. You must substitute the closest MODAL equivalent ("should").
However, if we had "ought" in the main clause, we could put "oughtn't" in
the tag. We ought to go now, oughtn't we?
FUTURE "IF" CLAUSE. The word "next" indicates this. Something WILL
happen….

REPORTED SPEECH. Main verb "promised" is in the past, so the

subsequent verb "will" must shift to past "would."
First action can be PAST PROGRESSIVE. One thing WAS HAPPENING
when another action HAPPENED (simple past) to change or alter things.

Certain adjectives of urgency require the subjunctive (simple form) in a

direct object "THAT" clause. The teacher ordered that Joe do extra
homework.
Third person singular THE COLOR (IT) symbolizes PRESENT TENSE

Two actions happening simultaneously. Both can be in the PAST

PROGRESSIVE.

"Nary" is a negative word. Put affirmative in the tag.

"Sheep" can be singular or plural, but the word "those" makes this usage
PLURAL. THEY ARE….
In a "neither…nor" structure, if the two elements are singular and plural,
make the verb agree with the unit closer to it. The workers ARE

I am, aren't I? This is a strange structure, but that's the way it is. You
could also say "I am, am I not?"
irregular verb SWING SWUNG SWUNG

TAG question. YOU HAVE done something HAVEN'T YOU? If you have
a helping word in the main clause, repeat the helping word in the tag.

PRESENT UNREAL "IF" CLAUSE.

Two actions in the past. The first action (in time) can be PAST PERFECT.
The subsequent action can be simple past.

PASSIVE VOICE. The word "by" usually indicates a passive structure.

Active voice: Mr. Williams wrote this exercise."

TAG question. Affirmative "can" in the main clause takes negative

"can't" in the tag. If you have a modal or helping verb, repeat that modal
or helping verb in the tag.
FUTURE PERFECT. I have not graduated yet. But by the time I do
graduate, something else WILL HAVE already HAPPENED.

POLICE ARE It's plural. If you want singular, say POLICEMAN,

POLICEWOMAN, POLICE OFFICER
This is a reduced clause. The man (who is) sitting by the door….
"Ought to" is a modal that means "SHOULD." Advice…recommendation.

WISH clauses work like the "IF" clauses. This is a present unreal
situation. I wish something WERE another way. It is not, but I WISH IT
WERE.
The subject is "brother." Don't be confused by the presence of "sons."
That phrase is set off with commas and can be omitted. MY BROTHER
IS….
PASSIVE VOICE. Sometimes we use "GET" instead of "BE" in our
passive structures. The first clause is in the past progressive, so the
main clause should be simple past. HE GOT…. (passive) HE GOT
ARRESTED. HE GOT PROMOTED. HE GOT ROBBED.
IF clause. Past unreal. If he had had something….

Reduced "if" clause. If I had been you…. Had I been you….

"IF" clause. PAST UNREAL because of "yesterday."

A past continuous action interrupted by a simple past tense verb. One

thing was happening when something else happened.
A reduced "IF" clause. If I were to become…. Were I to become….
This is a PAST REAL. It is possible he was at the meeting. This is not an
UNREAL situation.
To "go off" means to sound, explode, ring….

This is a mixed structure "IF" clause. The time words "last night" and
"right now" control it, so that I "would not be" a certain way right now if
something HAD NOT HAPPENED last night.

The phrase "in no way" makes the main clause negative, so the tag must
be affirmative.
Irregular verb. FALL. Present perfect tense. She has fallen down….

Make the verb agree with the simple subject "price," not with the object of
the preposition "cars." THE PRICE IS INCREASING.
Here "used to" is followed by simple form.

"Would study" means this structure is the PRESENT UNREAL among the
"IF" clauses. SUBJUNCTIVE!!! Use "were" even when the subject is I,
HE, SHE, IT IF I WERE YOU…. I am not you, so this is the PRESENT
UNREAL.
"The subject" is the simple subject of this sentence. IT IS….

You GET somebody TO DO something. (infinitive)

Past progressive action interrupted by a simple past tense. If "began" is

a primary verb, the secondary form can be either an infinitive or a gerund.
IT BEGAN TO SNOW or IT BEGAN SNOWING.

You MAKE someone DO something. (simple form)

This is a fixed structure. If need be. IF the NEED should BE for
something, and we reduce it to IF NEED BE.
You have a person DO something (simple form).

IF clause present unreal I would do something. In this case,

there is an extra modal (have to) thrown in. I would have to do
something….
future tense passive voice

You MAKE a phone call. Answer four is not possible (even though you
can GET a phone call), because "gets" would re
This is a fixed expression: to commit suicide

"Species" is either singular or plural depending on context, and since the

sentence starts out "A species," that means there is only one. A species
is….
A reduced "IF" clause. If it had not been for the barking dogs…. We
drop the "If" and reverse the subject and first auxiliary verb. HAD IT NOT
BEEN FOR something….

Future perfect tense

passive voice structure. His mother bore (carried) him inside her body.
He was born (by his mother). Therefore, he WAS BORN.
"Furniture" is a mass noun. Mass nouns take singular verbs.

"KUDOS" is a mass noun (like the word "news"). Just because it ends in
"s" does not make it a plural count noun. The closest synonym would be
"praise."
Even though "dislikes" is negative in MEANING, it does not make the
entire clause negative, so the clause is still considered affirmative, so the
tag has to be negative.
Let's DO something. (simple form) This one is negative. Let's NOT DO
something.

We can use the present tense to indicate FUTURE, especially with

transportation. Third person singular. Phrasal verb "take off" means to
leave or depart. The plane TAKES OFF
Two actions in the past. One was a PAST PROGRESSIVE, interrupted by
the next one in the SIMPLE PAST.
General statement about nature. PRESENT TENSE. PLURAL SUBJECT.
HORSES (THEY) EAT….
"HAVE TO" = "MUST." Modals

Third person plural PRESENT TENSE MY FRIENDS (THEY) LIVE

"Right now" requires the PRESENT TENSE when we discuss a condition

or state of something. Irregular verb "be" WE ARE
After a MODAL, you use the SIMPLE FORM of the verb. I WILL DO
something tomorrow.
AT THIS MOMENT requires present progressive. You ARE DOING
something.

"Last night" requires the past tense. Irregular verb "do" I DID
something
Current state or condition. PRESENT TENSE. Third person singular.
MY LEG (IT) HURTS
PRESENT TENSE. Third person plural THE STUDENTS (THEY) LIKE
something
"Next week" requires FUTURE TENSE. HE WILL GRADUATE

"Now" needs the PRESENT TENSE here. First person singular. I

WANT
Plural subject. Present tense. THESE BOOKS (THEY) ARE….\
"Last night" requires the PAST TENSE. Irregular verb "to sing" WE
SANG
"Last night" requires PAST TENSE. Irregular verb "see" I SAW
something
A general truth about science, nature, or geography is stated in the
PRESENT TENSE. Third person singular of the "be" verb. PARIS IS
"Last night" requires PAST TENSE. HE DID something. Irregular verb
"do"
Third person singular present tense. HE WORKS there at this time.
Time words "last week" require PAST TENSE. IRREGULAR VERB "to
buy" I BOUGHT
Time words "right now" require PRESENT PERFECT. WE ARE DOING
something.
Present tense. Plural subject. DOGS LIKE

The time word "tomorrow" needs FUTURE TENSE.

You see and hear people "do" or "doing" something, but in this case we
can't put the verb "shoot" in the "-ing" form because it was not a
continuous act; it was instantaneous.
Present tense. Plural subject. THEY ARE
"the number" = singular The number of students from Puerto Rico IS
increasing.
"a number" = plural A number of cars ARE parked illegally near that
fire hydrant.
Past tense. Third person singular. HE WENT….
Reduced "if" clause. Present unreal. If I were he = Were I he.

"Right now" with weather and time takes simple PRESENT TENSE. IT IS

"A series" is singular. There was a series…. There were several

series….

To have done something in the past but not now, we can use the modal
"used to."
PAST PERFECT. Two actions are in the past, one clearly BEFORE the
other. The earlier action can be in the PAST PERFECT; the subsequent
action can be in the simple past. Put the ADVERB "not" after the first
helping verb. I HAD NOT DONE something bef
FUTURE. He hasn't done it yet. HE WILL DO it.

IMPERATIVE. A request. "You" is omitted from the main clause.

Plural subject. Even if you don't know what "siblings" are, you can pick
the verb "like." THEY LIKE something. Siblings are brothers and
sisters. "Joe doesn't have any siblings."
Two simple actions in the past, one after the other. Both are in the
SIMPLE PAST.
"Went" shows that it is PAST TENSE. I WAS….

Sometimes we can use PAST PROGRESSIVE to indicate a continuous

action in the past that was changed or altered in some way by a
subsequent action in the simple past.
Advice. "Should" is a common modal when giving advice. If these
questions are too easy, you SHOULD GO to a higher level.
"Next week" requires FUTURE. I WILL GO

"News" = singular, although it ends with an "s." Make the verb agree
with "news," not with "storms." THE NEWS IS….
You are talking about something in the present. Third person singular.
THAT CAR (IT) LOOKS….
Although ending in "s," the word "mumps" is treated as a singular,
especially when called "a disease."
"Later tonight" requires FUTURE TENSE. I WILL DO something

"Police" = PLURAL THEY ARE THE POLICE ARE

"Right now" requires PRESENT PERFECT. Subject "I" requires AM. I
AM DOING something
"IF" clause. FUTURE. Simple present in the "IF" clause…FUTURE in
the main clause.

We can express the FUTURE TENSE with the PRESENT PROGRESSIVE.

Something IS HAPPENING tomorrow.

Here, the "already" requires PRESENT PERFECT. I HAVE DONE

something already.
Tag question. Affirmative in the main clause requires negative in the tag.

"Right now" requires PRESENT PROGRESSIVE. The baby IS DOING

something.
"IF" clause. Present unreal. I do not have the money, but IF I HAD IT….
A modal like "would" requires SIMPLE FORM after it. I WOULD BUY
something.
Sometimes a compound subject is treated as a SINGULAR subject.
BREAD AND WATER HAM AND EGGS Notice "my favorite
meal" is singular. My favorite meal is rice and beans. Rice and beans
is my favorite meal. Chicken and rice is wha
Two simultaneous actions in the past. They are occurring at the same
time. PAST PROGRESSIVE for both.
GOGGLES = protective eye coverings, used when swimming, working
with certain machinery, part of a safety uniform in dangerous jobs

MAIMED = seriously wounded, perhaps the loss of an arm or leg, perhaps

with severe disfigurement (damage to the face)
The eight "arms" of the octopus are called TENTACLES.
THUMB = one of the five fingers on the hand. One of the "digits" on your
hand.
BEYOND = past, on the far side of

SPRING CHICKEN = young (as young as a chicken born during the most
recent spring) Always in the negative. NO spring chicken = NOT
young
CROWD = large group of people,

TIGHTWAD = stingy, miserly, doesn't want to spend his money. (Wants to

keep all of his paper money rolled in a tight wad, without ever having to
spend any of it.)
PROMPTLY = right away, immediately, no delay, as soon as possible

The torso is the trunk of your body, the main part excluding the legs,
arms, neck and head. The brain is in the head; the other three are in the
trunk or torso of the body.
PROHIBIT = forbid, not allow, refuse to give permission to do something

The knee is the joint in the middle of the leg, just as the ELBOW is the
joint in the middle of the arm.
STINGY = miserly = not generous = doesn't want to help others

CROP = something grown for harvesting

DUCT = a tube, channel, or pipe for the passage of liquids or air. What
did the ancient Romans use an AQUEDUCT for?
FURNACE = a large device designed to heat a building.

ANNOY = bother = irritate = vex = make unhappy

STARE = to look at something or someone for a long period of time

POWDER = fine dust It can be legal medicine (headache powders, foot

powder, talcum powder, baby powder)…makeup (face powder) or
DRUGS (cocaine, heroin)
FLEE = run away from = escape from FLEE FLED FLED

GRIPE = complain = say negative things = kvetch

STEEP = greatly inclined…far from level

sour = bad = not good = gone bad (for milk) SOUR (for lemon or lime)
means TART, TANGY, "attacks" the tongue
DEAF = cannot hear

ample = quite sufficient = a lot = enough = abundant

FADE = losing the color, colorsa are not bright like they used to be

INFLAMMABLE = will burn. IN- is not a negative prefix here. It means the
liquid is capable of going up IN FLAMES. The negative is
NONFLAMMABLE.
TO SPOT = to see, to detect, to discern at a distance
WAGES = salary = the money you earn from working

FIB = to tell a lie, not tell the truth, a "little lie," not a serious untruth

BROOM = a device used when you SWEEP an area

DENT = slight damage, especially to metal, when it is hit by something

TRUSTWORTHY = deserves to be trusted, dependable, reliable, you can

TRUST him.
SLACKS = TROUSERS, good pants
CRUMBS = small loose pieces of dry food like bread, cookies, pizza crust,
crackers….

two-word verb TO CATCH ON = to learn, to understand, to comprehend

TASK = job, chore, duty, assignment

SHOUT = yell…in a very loud voice
rust = the reddish-brown (almost orange) oxidation that can form on
metal when it's exposed to moisture.
start = begin = commence

blizzard = a lot of snow driven by strong winds

An AISLE is a long narrow space between chairs, usually in a theater, in a

church, in an auditorium….
A TRENCH is a long narrow ditch

A FLAW is a mistake, error, something wrong.

The SKULL is the round protective BONE area covering and protecting
your BRAIN.
STARVING means very hungry, to the point of weakness and collapse.

TRIM is CUT. (The barber TRIMMED my hair.)

CLOUT = power, influence

BUNDLE = package, stack (usually tied neatly with a rope or string)

TRAITS = distinguishing characteristics

DROWN = to die by suffocation in liquid

to account for = explain = give reasons for why something is the way it is

AMOUNT TO =COME TO numerical totals

The SHIN is part of the leg, the front part between the knee and the foot.
Do not confuse it with CHIN, which is part of your face.
surge = a sudden, strong increase

to shatter is to break something, especially glass

The CORE is the centerof something. The core of the earth is very hot.

DRENCHED means very very wet…saturated.

The KNUCKLES are joints in your fingers. Have you ever been socked in
the jaw by someone who was wearing BRASS KNUCKLES?

LAME means walking with difficulty because of problems with a leg, a

foot, an ankle, the toes.

LOOT is something valuable--money, treasure, jewels, gold, etc.

The bow is the front end of a ship. Rear and aft refer to the back part of a
ship. The galley is the kitchen of a ship.
SPINTERS are very small pieces of wood, created when you are whittling,
sawing, chopping….

HOIST is to raise something up in the air. You HOIST a flag. A crane can
HOIST cargo.
risky = dangerous = hazardous = unsafe

ERRATIC = not consistent, changing wildly and quickly

INJURE = to hurt
SEND FOR = to order something through the mail system

MUSTARD = a yellow "sauce" that we sometimes put on our hamburgers

and hot dogs
DEFY = oppose, refuse to obey, go against the orders of

CRUMBLE = to fall into little pieces

YET = but, however, still, on the other hand

TAKE IN = understand, absorb in the brain, comprehend

STRESS = emphasize, highlight

RUN FOR = to try to win a political office or position

REJECT = REFUSE, turn down, say "no" to

PERPLEXED = confused, not understanding, baffled, needing an

explanation
TERRIBLY = AWFULLY, extremely, quite, very (The key word here is
"good," not "terrible.")
SCENERY = scenes of natural, expecially the mountains and trees, hills
and vast skies, rocks, all the colors grouped like a picture.

FOND OF = love something like it a lot

ABRUPT =very quick, fast, unexpected, discomforting

A WRENCH is a tool for tightening and loosening.

GASOLINE is fuel. Beverages are liquids you drink.

TIED = to be even, to be the same. The score was TIED at 2-2. His home
run in the eleventh inning finally broke the 3-3 tie.
Water boils at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C.).

FLUNK = fail…not pass

DEFEAT = BEAT. The Green Team WON the game. They DEFEATED the
other team.
ACNE = pimple, a skin condition, zits
HILARIOUS = funny, amusing, makes you laugh out loud
FOR GOOD = forever, for always

OPPORTUNITY = chance, occasion

PLEASED = happy, not angry, very satisfied

CAUTION = WARN, verbal admonition

DREAD = mixture of fear and hatred, strong reluctance based on fear

REAL ESTATE = land and property, buildings

HOVER = to stay in the air in one stationary place (for a while)

RAW = uncooked, not cooked at all rare = cooked a little bit

TO RUN INTO = MEET BY CHANCE

RARELY = SELDOM, not very often, only once in a blue moon

DROP OFF = to fall asleep (while sitting up in a chair)

RADIUS = half of the diameter

THINK OVER = consider, think about it seriously, don't refuse it yet

EAVESDROP = secretly listening in on someone else's supposedly-

private conversation

TRANSFER OWNSERSHIP = turn over, pass the legal ownership to, pass
the responsibility to someone else
TALK something OVER = discuss it

QUARREL = argue, verbal fighting, disagreeing loudly

WRECK = destroy, ruin completely, can't be used any more

REAR = raise a child, bring a child up, help a child develop

SUMMIT = peak, highest point, the top point, apex

REPRIMAND = call down, scold, chew out, say very negative things to

COARSE = rough, not smooth, very grainy to the touch

TAKE ON = accept, agree to perform extra work

RIPE = mature, ready to be picked and eaten STRAWBERRY = a red

berry
TIN = a light METAL
TUMBLE = to fall, sometimes rolling head over heels
THINK UP = create, invent, make up

TIGHT = not loose, too restricting, hard to move

THEREFORE = THUS, so, as a result, because of this, consequently

STORE = put away, put in storage, put out-of-sight, maybe in the closet or
in a trunk
TRACE = a very small amount of somethikng

CORPSE = dead person, body (dead body)

PICK UP = learn randomly, acquire, gain by being exposed to