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Grammar Tips and Vocabulary Features
Grammar Insights
Grammar Practice

Mixed Conditionals
  1. если бы что-то было правдой в прошлом, то результат был бы другим в настоящем If I had studied harder (past), I would have a better job now (present).
  2. если бы что-то было правдой в настоящем, то результат был бы другим в прошлом If I were taller (present), I would have played basketball in high school (past).

  • Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
  1. If she ______ (study) harder last year, she ______ (pass) the exam now.
  2. If I ______ (not eat) so much at lunch, I ______ (not feel) sick now.
  3. If they ______ (arrive) on time yesterday, we ______ (can leave) earlier today.
  4. If he ______ (be) a better speaker, he ______ (persuade) them last week.
  5. If you ______ (not lose) your passport, we ______ (be) in Italy now.

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
  1. If she ______ (listen) to my advice, she ______ (be) in this mess now.
  2. If they ______ (book) the tickets earlier, they ______ (be) enjoying the concert now.
  3. If he ______ (not eat) so much junk food, he ______ (feel) better yesterday.
  4. If I ______ (speak) fluent French, I ______ (have) a better job last year.
  5. If we ______ (leave) earlier, we ______ (not miss) the train now.


Conditionals + Inversion

Had I known about the meeting, I would have attended.
Were he to arrive late, we would start without him.
Should you need any assistance, please contact us.

  • Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences using inversion.
  1. If you had told me earlier, I could have helped.
  2. If he should change his mind, please let me know.
  3. If she were to become president, what would she do?
  4. If they had known the truth, they wouldn't have acted like that.
  5. If he were here, he would agree with you.

Exercise 4:
  1. If you should need any help, call me.
  2. If he had known the truth, he would have acted differently.
  3. If she were to arrive late, we would start without her.
  4. If they had invited me, I would have come.
  5. If you should change your mind, let me know.



Degrees of Certainty with Modal Verbs

She must have left already. Her car is gone. (абсолютная уверенность)
He should be here soon. (высокая вероятность)
They should have arrived by now. (высокая вероятность)
She might not come to the party. (низкая вероятность, неуверенность)
They might not have received the message. (низкая вероятность, неуверенность)
You don't have to come if you don't want to. (отсутствие необходимости)
I didn't need to work yesterday. (отсутствие необходимости)
He can't have said that! (невозможность)

  • Exercise 3: Complete the sentences with the appropriate modal verbs (must, might, could, can't, should) and the verbs in brackets.
  1. He ______ (arrive) late. His train was delayed. (must have/might have)
  2. She ______ (be) at home. I saw her car outside. (should/might)
  3. They ______ (finish) the project by now. They worked all night. (must have/might have)
  4. It ______ (rain) later. The sky is very cloudy. (will/might)
  5. You ______ (worry). Everything will be fine. (don't have to/can't)
Grammar Insights
Grammar Practice

Inversion
Only then did I ___
Never have I seen ___
Rarely / Seldom had I eaten ___
Had you told me, I would have ___
Hardly had I ___ when ___
No sooner had I ___ than ___
Under no circumstances are you ___
Here comes ___
Not only did I ___, but I also ___
Never again will I ___

Conjunctions and Linking Words
notwithstanding = despite; in spite of
albeit = although
whereas = in contrast; while
lest = in order to prevent; for fear that

All in all, and notwithstanding the police view, Strike considered the precise location of both Bestiguis at the moment Lula Landry fell off her balcony to be far from proven.
He has opened his first resort, albeit one in the chilly climes of Oxfordshire.
I like to go swimming whereas my sister likes to sail.

lest + pronoun + subjunctive mood
I was afraid to open the door lest he should follow me.
He hurried to finish his work, lest his boss become angry.
They decided to leave early, lest they get caught in traffic.
He always carries an umbrella, lest it should rain.

Cleft Sentences
It was on Sunday that ___
What I wanted to do was ___
It is this ___ that I want to ___

Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using the word given, without changing the meaning.

It is essential that you submit your application by Friday. (CRUCIAL)
It is _________ your application by Friday.

He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately. (HARDLY)
_________ he fell asleep immediately.

They believe that the painting is authentic. (BELIEVED)
The painting _________ authentic.

If you hadn't helped me, I wouldn't have succeeded. (BUT)
_________ your help, I wouldn't have succeeded.

Despite his efforts, he failed to win the competition. (HOWEVER)
_________ he tried, he failed to win the competition.

It is possible that he has forgotten the appointment. (MIGHT)
He _________ the appointment.

The company's success is attributed to its innovative products. (DUE)
The company's success is _________ its innovative products.

He expressed his disappointment in a very subtle way. (UTTERANCE)
There was a subtle _________ of his disappointment.

She is extremely good at languages. (APTITUDE)
She has a strong _________ languages.

It was a mistake for him to trust them. (SHOULDN'T)
He _________ them.

Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
  1. Despite of the fact that he was tired, he continued working.
  2. Had I known the truth, I would have acted differently.
  3. It is important that everyone to be aware of the safety procedures.
  4. The reason why he was late is because he missed the train.
  5. He insisted that I am telling the truth.
  6. She is used to living in a big city.
  7. The more you practice, the better you will become.
  8. He suggested us to go for a walk.
  9. Neither of them were interested in the proposal.
  10. It is high time we are doing something about this problem.

Complex Sentence Construction
Combine the following sentences into one complex sentence using appropriate linking words or phrases.
  1. The weather was terrible. We decided to stay indoors.
  2. He studied hard. He still failed the exam.
  3. She wanted to travel. She didn't have enough money.
  4. The company launched a new product. It was a huge success.
  5. He left the house. He forgot to lock the door.


Grammar Insights
Grammar Practice

Inversion
Only then did I understand.
Never have I seen such beauty.
Rarely / Seldom had they seen such a sight.
Had you told me, I would have helped.
Hardly had I entered the room when the phone rang.
No sooner had she hung up than the phone rang again.
Under no circumstances are you to leave.
Here comes the bride.
Not only did he sing well, but he also played the piano.
Never again will I trust him.

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using inversion.
  1. They had rarely seen such a beautiful sunset.
  2. The train had no sooner left than the storm began.
  3. The manager had only just entered the office when the phone rang.
  4. They found the missing documents in the drawer.
  5. The old house stood on the hill overlooking the valley.

Conjunctions and Linking Words
notwithstanding = despite; in spite of
albeit = although
whereas = in contrast; while
lest = in order to prevent; for fear that

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction/adverb ("notwithstanding," "albeit," "lest," "whereas").
  1. ________ the difficulties, they continued the research.
  2. He accepted the offer, ________ with some reservations.
  3. She spoke softly, ________ she be overheard. (fear)
  4. The city center is bustling, ________ the suburbs are relatively quiet. (contrast)

Cleft Sentences
It was in the park that she lost her wallet.
What he wants to buy is a new car.
It is this movie that I want to watch.

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using cleft sentences (both "it" clefts and "wh-" clefts).
  1. The rain caused the cancellation of the picnic.
  2. She wanted to buy the red dress.
  3. The old library contained the rare manuscript.
  4. He only finished the project yesterday.
  5. The loud music disturbed the neighbors.

Instructions: Guess cleft sentences, conjunctions/adverbs, and inversion in the following scenarios.

  1. Notwithstanding the challenges, it was the scientist who made a breakthrough.
  2. Albeit with reluctance, he agreed, lest he should be seen as uncooperative, had he known the full consequence.
  3. Whereas the old building was in disrepair, it was the charm that it retained.
  4. Scarcely had they begun the journey when it was the car that broke down.
  5. Notwithstanding its controversial nature, it was to clarify his position that the politician gave a speech.
Grammar Insights
Grammar Practice

Inversion
Only then did I understand.
Never have I seen such beauty.
Rarely / Seldom had they seen such a sight.
Had you told me, I would have helped.
Hardly had I entered the room when the phone rang.
No sooner had she hung up than the phone rang again.
Under no circumstances are you to leave.
Here comes the bride.
Not only did he sing well, but he also played the piano.
Never again will I trust him.

Match the parts of the inversion:
  1. Rarely do we encounter
  2. Not only did he cook,
  3. No sooner had I fed Theo
  4. Here comes
  5. Hardly had I entered the room
  6. Seldom have they witnessed
  7. Under no circumstances

a. should you open that door.
b. when my classmate called.
c. such kindness.
d. but he also bought the ingredients.
e. the bus.
f. such a performance.
g. than my dog barked again to play.

Conjunctions and Linking Words
notwithstanding = despite; in spite of
Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the outdoor concert proceeded as planned.

albeit = although
The presentation was informative, albeit a little long.

whereas = in contrast; while
Whereas some people prefer summer, others find winter more appealing.

lest = in order to prevent; for fear that
They hurried to the station, lest they miss the train.

Fill in the gaps with lest, albeit, whereas, notwithstanding:
  1. ___ the complexity of the problem, they managed to find a solution.
  2. The journey was enjoyable, ___ tiring.
  3. ___ some prefer to work independently, others thrive in a collaborative environment. (contrast)
  4. ___ the company's financial difficulties, they continued to invest in research and development.
  5. ___ the first half of the movie was slow, the second half was action-packed. (contrast)
  6. The teacher spoke slowly and clearly, ___ the students misunderstand the instructions. (fear)
  7. ___ the short notice, she prepared a remarkable presentation.
  8. He completed the task, ___ with some assistance.
  9. She whispered her secret, ___ anyone overhear. (fear)
  10. The software update was successful, ___ it took longer than expected.
  11. ___ the older generation relies on traditional methods, the younger generation embraces technology. (contrast)
  12. He double-checked the calculations, ___ he make a costly error. (fear)

Cleft Sentences

It was in the park that she lost her wallet.
What he wants to buy is a new car.
It is this movie that I want to watch.

Create cleft sentences from the following:
I went to the store yesterday.
It ___
I want this book.
It is ___
I need is a vacation.
What ___
He broke the vase.
What he did ___

Grammar
Grammar Practice

1. Conditional Sentences (Mixed Conditionals):
Rewrite the following sentences using mixed conditionals:
"He didn't study hard in university, so he doesn't have a good job now."
"She didn't take the earlier train, so she's missing the meeting now."
"If I had known you were coming, I would have baked a cake." (Change the time frames around)

2. Inversion:
Rewrite the following sentences using inversion:
"He had rarely seen such a beautiful sunset."
"They only realised the danger when it was too late."
"They did not know that under any circumstances were they to leave the building."

3. Relative Clauses (Reduced):
Combine the following sentences using reduced relative clauses:
"The book was written by a famous author. The book is on the table."
"The man was wearing a blue jacket. The man spoke to me."
"The documents are needing to be signed. They are on the desk."

4. Modal Verbs (Speculation and Deduction):
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb (must have, might have, could have, can't have):
"He ___ left already; his car isn't here."
"She ___ known about the surprise; she seemed genuinely shocked."
"They ___ taken the wrong turn; they're very late."

5. Passive Voice (Advanced):
Rewrite the following sentences in the passive voice, using appropriate reporting verbs:
"People believe that the economy will recover soon."
"They reported that the suspect had been arrested."
"It is thought that the painting is a forgery."

6. Reported Speech (Advanced):
Change the following sentences into reported speech:
"I will finish the project by tomorrow," she said.
"Have you seen my keys?" he asked.
"Don't forget to lock the door," they told us.

7. Conjunctions and Linking Words (Advanced):
Complete the sentences with appropriate conjunctions or linking words (e.g., notwithstanding, albeit, whereas, lest):
"___ the rain, they decided to go for a walk."
"She accepted the job, ___ with some reservations."
"He studied diligently, ___ he fail the exam."

8. Cleft Sentences
Key things to remember about cleft sentences:

They highlight a specific piece of information.
"It is/was" is followed by the emphasized element.
"That" or "who" often follows the emphasized element.
"What" can also be used to create the sentence.

It was in the park that she lost her wallet.
What he wants to buy is a new car.

Create cleft sentences from the following:
She lost her keys in the subway.
He wants to buy a new gadget.
The dog ate the birthday cake.
He loves hiking because it doesn't feel like exercise.

Grammar
Exercise 1: Relative Clauses - Choose the correct relative pronoun (who, which, that, whose, where, when).
  1. The book ______ I read last week was excellent.
  2. The restaurant ______ we ate at is very expensive.
  3. The woman ______ car was stolen called the police.
  4. I remember the day ______ we first met.
  5. He's the man ______ helped me with my luggage.
  6. The film ______ I'm talking about is a comedy.

Exercise 2: Reported Speech - Rewrite the sentences in reported speech.
  1. "I'm going to the cinema tonight," she said.
  2. "Did you see the game?" he asked.
  3. "Don't forget to call me," she told him.
  4. "I haven't been to Italy before," he said.
  5. "Where are you going?" she asked.

Exercise 3: Conditional Sentences - Complete the sentences using the correct conditional form (0, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, mixed).
  1. If I ______ (have) more time, I ______ (travel) more.
  2. If she ______ (study) harder, she ______ (pass) the exam.
  3. If they ______ (not go) to the party, they ______ (not meet) him.
  4. If I ______ (win) the lottery, I ______ (buy) a new house.
  5. If he ______ (be) taller, he ______ (play) basketball.

Exercise 4: Passive Voice - Rewrite the sentences in the passive voice.
  1. Someone stole my bike.
  2. They are building a new school in the town.
  3. People speak English all over the world.
  4. The cat chased the mouse.
  5. My mother cooks dinner every night.

Exercise 5: Gerunds and Infinitives - Choose the correct form (gerund or infinitive).
  1. I enjoy ______ (read) books.
  2. He wants ______ (go) to university.
  3. She's good at ______ (sing) songs.
  4. They decided ______ (travel) to Europe.
  5. I'm looking forward to ______ (see) you soon.

Exercise 6: Articles - Fill in the gaps with a/an/the or no article.
  1. I saw ______ cat in ______ street.
  2. ______ sun is shining brightly.
  3. She's ______ teacher at ______ local school.
  4. He wants ______ apple.
  5. They went to ______ cinema last night.

Exercise 7: Prepositions - Choose the correct preposition.
  1. I live ______ London.
  2. The book is ______ the table.
  3. She's interested ______ learning Spanish.
  4. He arrived ______ the airport at 10 o'clock.
  5. I'm going ______ Italy next summer.

Exercise 8: Modal Verbs - Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb (can, could, should, must, might, may).
  1. You ______ (not) smoke here.
  2. I ______ (be) able to help you later.
  3. She ______ (go) to the doctor if she's not feeling well.
  4. They ______ (arrive) late. The train was delayed.
  5. He ______ (speak) French fluently.
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair
by Joël Dicker