_C2 Key Word Transformation Made Easy
_C2 Key Word Transformation Made Easy
Written by D.Méndez.
ISBN: 9781506678987
www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
2
INTRODUCTION
The Key word transformation tests a wide range of different grammatical structures and
vocabulary. You must show your ability to paraphrase using the key word and, most
importantly, keeping the meaning the same.
The difficulty lies on the great variety of grammatical structures that you need to learn in
order to do this part of the Use of English exam successfully.
You will be required to use structures such as passive tenses, conditional clauses, reported
speech, causative verbs, inverted sentences, comparatives and superlatives, phrasal verbs,
idioms, set phrases, etc. The book that you have in front of you will help you with that.
This book will help you get a better understanding of the different and most common
grammatical structures , that you will have to face when completing the Key word
transformation part of the Use of English exam.
As they say, practice makes perfect. The more Key word transformation exercises you do, the
better you will become at doing them. What’s more, over time you will get a feel for what
kind of grammatical structure or lexical item is needed for the exercise that you are doing.
To your success.
D.Méndez
3
CONTENTS.
5. HOW TO DO KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES
7. SENTENCES REQUIRING TWO CHANGES
8. SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT
9. SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST
10. AGO to FOR / FOR to AGO / LAST
AGO to SINCE/ SINCE to AGO - SINCE to FOR / FOR to SINCE
STILL to YET / EVER to YET
FIRST TIME to HAVE NEVER
TOO to ENOUGH / ENOUGH to TOO
11. REPORTED SPEECH
12. ACTIVE VERB FORM to PASSIVE VERB FORM
13. INVERTED SENTENCES
15. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
16. INVERTED CONDITIONALS
17. DEGREES OF LIKELIHOOD
18. WISHES AND PREFERENCES
20. COMPARATIVE – SUPERLATIVE
21. COMPARATIVE STRUCTURES - ADVERBS
22. CONTRAST STRUCTURES
23. SYNONYMS
28. CAUSE AND EFFECT
29. CAUSATIVE VERBS
30. PHRASAL VERBS
31. 50 COMMON PHRASAL VERBS (C2 LEVEL)
34. C2 PROFICIENCY PHRASAL VERBS (TABLE)
35. PHRASAL PREPOSITIONAL VERBS
37. VERBS FOLLOWED BY A TO-INFINITIVE
38. VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUND (ING)
39. NEGATIVE WORDS
40. MODAL VERBS
41. PREPOSITIONAL VERBS
42. PREPOSITIONAL VERBS ( LIST)
45. VERB PATTERNS
47. INFORMAL to FORMAL / FORMAL to INFORMAL
48. LINKING WORDS
50. PARAPHRASING
54. IDIOMS
55. 50 COMMON IDIOMS (C2 LEVEL)
58. C2 PROFICIENCY IDIOMS (TABLE)
59. SET PHRASES
60. 50 MOST COMMON SET PHRASES (C2 LEVEL)
63. COMMON C2 LEVEL PHRASES (TABLE)
64. KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION - PRACTICE EXERCISES
68. ANSWERS
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HOW TO DO KEY WORD
TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES
STEP 1 : READ BOTH SENTENCES AND UNDERLINE DUPLICATE INFORMATION.
EXAMPLE : Most people these days feel lost without their mobile phones.
IDEA
Most people these days have no idea how to manage without their mobile phones.
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HOW TO DO KEY WORD
TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES
EXAMPLE :
For questions 25–30, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and
eight words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).
Example:
(0) Do you mind if I watch while you work.
OBJECTION
Do you …....................................................... you while you work.
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SENTENCES REQUIRING TWO CHANGES
At C2 level you will frequently be required to make two changes in the second sentence such as
using a set expression as well as a change from active to passive. The transformations will also
require you to think about grammar. For example, passives, inverted sentences, conditionals,
reported speech, etc.
(Passive + phrasal verb)
Management have decide to postpone the meeting.
OFF
The meeting...has been put off ...by Management.
(Inversion + phrase)
Last week, the train was late every day except for Monday.
RUN
Only... once did the train run on time / on/to schedule ... last week and that was Monday.
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SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT
KEY WORDS:
Maybe,
Perhaps,
I’m sure,
Definitely,
I’m certain,
They probably, FOLLOWED BY PRESENT TENSE
It’s possible that…
It’s impossible that…
It’s not possible that…
It’s out of the question that…
It's impossible that they are hungry. They just had a full Irish breakfast
CAN’T
They...can’t be hungry.... They just had a full Irish breakfast.
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SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST
KEY WORDS:
Maybe,
Perhaps,
I’m sure,
Definitely,
I’m certain,
They probably, FOLLOWED BY PAST TENSE / PRESENT PERFECT
It’s possible that…
It’s impossible that…
It’s not possible that…
It’s out of the question that…
Examples :
It’s possible that she has injured her arm in the accident.
HAVE
She ….may have injured …..her arm in the accident.
I’m certain he’s not gone home because his car is still parked outside.
GONE
He ..can’t have gone home... because his car is still parked outside.
Press ctrl and click on this link to download a very useful table : Speculating about the past - Table
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AGO to FOR / FOR to AGO / LAST
She hasn't gone on holidays for six years.
LAST
The..... last time she went on holidays..... was six years ago.
They thought he wasn’t tall enough to play basketball with his friends.
WAS
They thought ....he was too short to .....play basketball with his friends.
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REPORTED SPEECH ( indirect speech )
We use the reported speech to say what someone did or said.
The usual structure of reported speech is:
reporting clause + that clause + reported clause - The that clause can be omitted
Direct speech : "I am tired."
reporting clause + that clause + reported clause
He said (that) he was tired
'What do you think about my boyfriend ?' she asked me. Present Simple
ASKED
She ....asked me what I thought ... about her boyfriend? Past Simple
‘I always said I didn’t do anything wrong!’ the man said.
OUTSET
From ... the outset the man (had) denied ... doing anything wrong.
'I'll tell you tonight,' Jim promised. Future Simple (will)
WOULD
Jim promised that ....he would tell me that .... night. Would
'I’m pregnant with twins, ' she announced.
THAT
She ....announced that she was pregnant ....with twins.
"When I arrived , they had finished the exam," She said. Past simple + Past perfect
HAD
She said that when she...had arrived they had finished...the exam. Past perfect + Past perfect
"I had been watching a film when the alarm went off, " He explained. Past simple
GONE
He said that when the alarm ... had gone off , he had ....been watching a film. Past perfect
"That must be Steve on the phone” Said Alan. Must
TO
Alan..... said that had to be ..... Steve on the phone. Had to
Press ctrl and click on this link to download a very useful table : Reported Speech - Best Table ever
can/could could
may / might might
must had to
will /would would
shall /should should
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ACTIVE VERB FORM to PASSIVE VERB FORM
ACTIVE VERB FORM FORMULA
SUBJECT VERB OBJECT
Doer of the action + verb + receiver of the action
The technician is fixing the PC
PASSIVE VERB FORM FORMULA
OBJECT PASSIVE VERB SUBJECT
Receiver of the action + be + past participle + by + doer of the action
The PC is being fixed by the technician
People say that / They say that / It is said that / It has been said that , He/She/They,etc. is/are said to
be/have / People think,etc.
Recently, astronomers have been finding more and more planets outside our solar system.
INCREASING
Recently, an ... increasing number of planets have been found ... outside our solar system.
Economists believe that the collapse of private debt caused the 2008 recession.
BELIEVED
The 2008 recession …. is believed to have been caused …. by the collapse of private debt .
Using electron beams, it is possible to manufacture machines that are too small to see.
NAKED
Tiny machines that cannot ... be seen by/with the naked eye OR be discernible/visible
to the naked eye ... are manufactured by means of electron beams.
They say he killed his dog. They say he killed his dog.
HAVE BEEN
He is ....said to have killed ...his dog. It... has been said that ...he killed his dog.
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INVERTED SENTENCES
In formal and literary styles, the subject and auxiliary are inverted when negative adverbials are placed at
the beginning of the sentence for rhetorical effect.
There are different types of negative adverbials, such as “on no account”, “never”,”no sooner”,“hardly”,
“only after”, “only when” , etc. While some of them take the inversion in the first part of the sentence,
others do so in the second part.
Press ctrl and click on this link to download a very useful table : Inverted sentences - Table
Karl didn’t send us any postcards during her travels through Panama.
ONE
Not ... one postcard did Karl send us while ... she was travelling in Panama.
The engine must not be turned off at any time during the test.
NO
At ...no time must the engine ...be turned off during the test.
Last week, the train was late every day except for Monday.
RUN
Only... once did the train run on time / on/to schedule ... last week and that was Monday.
The demand for tickets is so high that the play has been extended by a month.
HAS
So ... high has the demand for tickets been that ... the play has been extended by a month.
KEYWORDS:
Hardly had I... when... / Never had she .../ Seldom do we ...
Rarely did /will you .../ Only then did I.../ Not only (do/have)... but (they) also...
No sooner had ....than.../ Scarcely had I ...when.../ Only later did she...
Nowhere have I .../ Little did .../ Only in this way could .../ In no way do I ...
On no account should you.../ Under no circumstances should you...
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INVERTED SENTENCES
AFTER PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES WITH NO
On no account should children be left unsupervised in this play area.
In no way can a goalless draw be seen as a good result for United.
Under no circumstances was Sally going to admit defeat.
At no time should you endanger yourself or others.
No sooner had they started their walk than it started to rain.
AFTER NOT
Not only did the team win the county cup, they also came top of their league.
AFTER LITTLE
Little did I think then that I would miss the bright lights in years to come.
Little was she expecting Sam to walk through that door.
AFTER NOT
Not before looking at it closely did I know what it was
Not until I saw John did I really believe he was safe.
Not since I was child have I had such a great time
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CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Zero Always true : Simple present + Simple present
1st A possibility and the possible result : Simple present + Simple future
2nd A hypothetical possibility and its possible result :
Simple past/ Present conditional OR Present continuous conditional
3rd An hypothetical past condition its possible result in the past :
Past perfect + Perfect conditional
Conditional Conjunctions :
As long as / so long as / provided (that) / on (the) condition that / unless / only if /
If / in the event of / in case of, etc / WOULD, WERE, IF , BECAUSE, SHOULD.
Unless the weather gets worse, the event will go ahead as planned.
DETERIORATION
As ... long as there is no deterioration.... in the weather, the event will go ahead as planned.
I’ll lend you money on condition that you pay me back next week.
IF
Only ... if you pay me back... next week will I lend you money.
Providing that you make up the time later in the week you can take Friday off.
CONDITION
You can have the day off on Friday ....on condition you (that) you.. make up the time later in the week.
You're angry because you seem to care what she thinks about you.
YOU
If ..you didn’t care ...what she thinks about you, you wouldn't be angry.
Once I read his letter , I understood why he had left the company.
ONLY
It .... was only after I had read ... his letter that I understood why he had left the company.
Key words :
WOULD, WERE, IF , BECAUSE, SHOULD, LONG, AS, ONLY, PROVIDED, CONDITION, UNLESS, EVENT, CASE.
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INVERTED CONDITIONALS
SHOULD - 1st CONDITIONAL If you + verb = should you + verb
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Should you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
WERE - 2nd CONDITIONAL If I were = Were I
If I were you, I think I would study more for your exam tomorrow.
Were I you, I think I would study more for your exam tomorrow.
HAD - 3rd CONDITIONAL If I had done = Had I done
If I had known it would be so easy, I would have done it ages ago.
Had I known it would be so easy, I would have done it ages ago.
In negative clauses with inversion, we don't use contracted forms:
Had the people not been informed, the situation would have been much worse.
ADVANCED CONDITIONALS
BUT FOR (phrase) = if it were not for/if it had not been for
Used for saying that something would have happened if something else or someone had not
prevented it.
He would have played but for a knee injury.
IF + WERE TO = WERE + Pronoun +to
In formal situations, we can use if + were to when we talk about things that might happen but which
we think are unlikely.
If he were to fail his driving test tomorrow, he would have to take it again.
Were he to fail his driving test tomorrow, he would have to take it again.
If you applied now, there's a good chance you would get the job.
APPLY
Were ......you to apply now........ , there's a good chance you would get the job.
Phrases :
It’s a foregone conclusion , The chances are that..., There is every likelihood...,
In all likelihood... , in all probability, someone is bound to ..., It is (highly) likely that ...
There is a slim/faint chance ..., There is every chance ..., There is no chance ...,
It’s doubtful that..., there is little likelihood of , The likelihood of sb/sth doing sth...
There is a (strong) possibility that ...
Unless there is a last-minute hitch, the Head’s job is his for the taking.
BOUND
He’s... bound to get the Head’s job if / providing (that) / provided (that) ... there isn’t a last-
minute hitch.
It’s possible that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the gym.
LIKELIHOOD
In... all likelihood the cause ... of the fire in the gym was an electrical fault.
It’s pretty certain that we’ll win a gold medal this year in the 100 metres.
FOREGONE
It’s... a foregone conclusion (that) a/the gold medal ... is ours for the taking in the 100
metres this year.
There’s a strong possibility the audience will ignore any mistakes she makes at the concert.
TAKE
It’s highly ... likely (that) the audience will take no notice ... of any mistakes she makes at the
Concert
Key words : chance, chances, doubtful, likelihood, possibility, probability, foregone, bound, etc.
First sentence begins with/contains : It’s possible, it’s certain, is unlikely, there is possibility, etc.
Second sentence begins with : It’s , in, it’s highly, the , he’s , etc.
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WISHES AND PREFERENCES
WISH / IF ONLY : we’d like a present situation to be different
Wish/ if only + past simple
I wish you didn't live so far away.
If only we knew what to do.
He wishes he could afford a holiday.
WOULD RATHER/ WOULD SOONER : used to talk about preferring one thing to another.
Same subject : would rather + bare infinitive without to
I’d rather/sooner spend my money on clothes than cigarettes.
Different subject : subject 1 would rather/sooner subject 2 + past simple
I’d rather you didn’t smoke here.
He would sooner I returned his laptop.
HAD BETTER - ‘D BETTER : to talk about actions we think people should in a specific situation
Had better + bare infinitive without to
You'd better phone him and tell him that you're not going.
I think you'd better not go out in this weather. You will catch a cold.
IT'S (HIGH/ABOUT) TIME : something should have been done sooner or a long time ago
It's (high/about) time + past subjunctive
It's time you went to bed. You'll have to get up early tomorrow.
It's high time I bought a new pair of jeans.
It's about time this road was completed. They've been working on it for months.
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WISHES AND PREFERENCES
I really think you should be more assertive about your rights.
UP
It’s about time ... you stood up for your rights / for yourself ... more.
It’s a shame she wasn’t aware how much I cared for her.
STRENGTH
If only ... she had been aware of the strength / she had known the strength... of my feelings for her.
If you want to go home , you should wait until the rain stops.
HAD
You...had better wait ...until the rain stops , if you want to go home.
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COMPARATIVE – SUPERLATIVE
Anything near / Nowhere near /Not in any way / in no way / by no means / not by any means
Not nearly / Not anything like / Nothing like / Not quite / Not at all / no more / every bit /
than that/those of , from that/those of, to that/those of.. / be an improvement on , as with...
By/in comparison with, compared to/with, there is no comparison between... and...
Be head and shoulder above sth.sb / be the lesser of two evils / be no match to...
I don't like either candidate but Jack Banes is not quite as bad.
LESSER
I don't like either candidate but Jack Banes is the ....lesser of two evils.
Reading a thriller is far more enjoyable if you don’t know the ending.
NOWHERE
Reading a thriller is nowhere near as much fun if you already know the ending.
Key words : a, improvement, nearly, nowhere, doubt, more, less, that, nothing, anything, etc.
First sentence begins with/contains : is much ... than..., not as... as , is far more..., is the ...est...,
not at all as... as, never seen a more...., certainly the best...
Second sentence begins with : I’ve never seen..., nobody..., nerve, he, she is …
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COMPARATIVE STRUCTURES/ ADVERBS
It hasn't snowed quite as much this year as in previous years.
SLIGHTLY
This year, it has snowed ...slightly less than it did..... in previous years.
There has been a steep fall in the number of visitors to the island.
DRAMATICALLY
The number of visitors to the island.... has fallen dramatically.
It looks like Investors have become more and more interested in healthcare stocks.
INCREASINGLY
Healthcare stocks seem... to have become increasingly interesting for ... investors
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CONSTRAST STRUCTURES
But, yet, although, though, in/by contrast, in contrast to..., unlike, whereas, while, than,
despite, conversely, compared to , on the one hand... on the other hand , on the contrary,
in/by comparison, no matter how (hard he tried) ..., however + adj (however hard he tried)
Phrases : (As) Much as I... / Much though I / adj + though it may be / Contrary to...
Although poetry readings are fun, the way in which poems are read sometimes
annoys me.
EXCEPTION
Much as I enjoy/like poetry readings, I sometimes take exception to how poems are
read
While most writers earn only modest royalties, a lucky few create a bestseller.
STRIKE
A few writers ... strike it lucky with/by creating a bestseller, although/
though/but/whereas/yet ... earning only modest royalties is the norm.
Lots of people believe that Paul intends to stand for election, but he is not.
POPULAR
Contrary ... to popular belief , Paul has no intention of .... standing for election.
I have a lot of respect for his writing style although I don’t agree with the opinions
he expresses.
MUCH
Much as I respect/ As much as I respect / Much though I respect... his writing style, I
don’t agree with his opinions.
Even though this year’s profits have not been quite as high as we had expected, they
are still satisfactory.
IF
This year’s profits , ... if a little lower than expected ... , are still satisfactory.
The biographer continued to make progress, albeit more slowly than at the beginning of the
project.
INITIALLY
Good ... as/though the biographer’s progress was / had been Initially ... , work was
now proceeding more slowly.
Although Maria was a hard worker, she was unable to get her business to succeed.
GO
Maria was unable to ... make a go of her business in spite ... of working hard.
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SYNONYMS
You will frequently be tested on your knowledge of synonyms in the C2 Proficiency Use of English paper.
These will generally consist of a group of words that form a set expression.
For example: told the press that = went on record as saying that / something annoys someone =
someone takes exception to something. Make a point of learning 'chunks' like these when you come
across them.
MEANING TO PHRASE
Sometimes in the first sentence, you will be given the meaning of the phrase that you are being
tested on. They key word will be part of the phrase.
(were told to ... or... TO were given no choice but to ... or ...)
The students were told to either keep quiet or leave the art gallery.
NO
The students ... were given / had no choice/alternative/option but to ... keep quiet or leave the art
gallery.
(someone told the press that ... TO someone went on record saying that...)
The manager told the press that his team had played very badly.
RECORD
The manager ... went on record as saying ... that his team had played very badly.
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SYNONYMS
PHRASE TO VERB - VERB TO PHRASE
Sometimes the first sentence will contain a verb that you will have to turn into a phrase or vice
versa. They key word will be part of the phrase. Verb to Phrase combinations are more common.
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SYNONYMS
PHRASE TO PHRASE
Sometimes the first sentence will contain a phrase that you will have to turn into another phrase
using the key word.
(get used to TO come to terms with)
My grandmother has finally got used to living alone.
TERMS
My grandmother.... has finally come to terms with ... living alone.
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SYNONYMS
ADJECTIVE TO NOUN / NOUN TO ADJECTIVE
Sometimes the first sentence will contain an adjective that you will have to turn into a noun or vice
versa. The key word is usually a verb (was, had, is, etc) or an adverb (high, much, very, etc.)
(strong TO strength)
They say that he was so strong that he could lift a car with his bare hands.
SUCH
They say that ... such was his strength..., that he could lift a car with his bare hands.
(ease TO easy)
She won the fight with great ease.
WAS
Winning ...the fight was very easy ...for her.
(intelligent TO intelligence)
People who are very intelligent are prone to anxiety.
HIGH
People... of high intelligence ...are prone to anxiety.
(lucky TO luck)
I've been very lucky with my career over the years.
HAD
I’ve... had a lot of luck ...with my career over the years.
(true TO truth)
It’s not true that he’s coming to the party tonight.
IS
The... truth is that ...he is not coming to the party tonight.
(beautiful TO beauty)
She was so beautiful that she could easily be a model.
WAS
Her...beauty was such ... that she could easily be a model.
(offensive TO offence)
What they said was deeply offensive to her.
TOOK
She really ...took offence at ...what they said.
(powerful TO power)
This is a very powerful car.
HAS
This car...has a lot of power.
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SYNONYMS
VERB TO NOUN / NOUN TO VERB
The first sentence may contain an verb that you will have to turn into a noun or vice versa.
In such a case, the key word is usually an adjective (thorough, gradual, sharp, etc.) or an adverb
( clearly, thoroughly, increasingly, etc.)
EXPLANATION- EXPLAIN
His essay doesn't have a clear enough explanation of the main point to be awarded top
marks.
CLEARLY
His essay doesn't ..... explain the main point clearly enough.... to be awarded top marks.
REVISED - REVISION
The guidelines for the appointment of new staff need to be thoroughly revised.
THOROUGH
There needs.... to be a thorough revision of ...the guidelines for the appointment of new
staff.
EXPECTING - EXPECTATION
I am not expecting an increase in summer sales this year.
UPTURN
I have... no expectation of/for an upturn ... in summer sales this year.
ROSE- RISE
The employment rate rose gradually as the economy began to recover.
GRADUAL
There ....was a gradual rise in .....the employment rate as the economy began to recover
OBJECT - OBJECTIONS
Local residents didn’t object to the proposed development.
TO
There were... no objections from local residents to ... the proposed development.
DECIDE - DECISION
Liam really should decide where to invest his money.
MADE
It's high time.... Liam made a decision about ....where to invest his money.
INTENDED - INTENTION
I originally intended to drive but the bad weather caused me to change my mind.
WAS
My ..original intention was to ... drive but the bad weather caused me to change me mind.
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CAUSE AND EFFECT
After, Stem from, spring from, result from, result in, sth translates into sth, cause someone to do
something, be caused by sth, lead to sth, bring something about, have the effect of, as a result of, as a
consequence of, prevent/stop someone (from) doing sth, owing to, on the grounds of, because, be to
blamed for sth, etc, the more...the more , the less... the less.
Unless you pay your bill, your water supply may be disconnected.
RESULT
Failure ..... to pay your bill will result in your ... water supply being disconnected.
The pain in my shoulder never recurred after I went to see the osteopath.
OF
There ... was no recurrence of my shoulder .... pain after I went to see the acupuncturist.
Melissa thought her daughter was reluctant to go dancing because she was shy.
DOWN
Melissa put her .... daughter’s reluctance to go dancing down ... to shyness.
The jury couldn't reach a verdict because of the complexity of the case.
PREVENTED
The complexity of the case ... prevented the jury (from) reaching ... a verdict.
The careful preparation for the event ensured it was a memorable day for everyone who attended.
WHICH
The care ...which went into preparing (for) the ... event ensured it was a memorable day for everyone.
The recent increase in self-employment has been the result of changes in regulation.
TRANSLATED
Changes in regulation ... have translated into a ... recent increase in self-employment.
Mr. Edwards was sacked partly because of his arriving late to work.
CONTRIBUTED
Mr. Edwards' constant lateness ... contributed to his dismissal/sacking .... from the company.
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CAUSATIVE VERBS
We use causative verbs when we want to indicate that someone causes , makes or asks someone
else to do something , get something done or make something happen.
ACTIVE STRUCTURE PASSIVE STRUCTURE
SUB+ CV + Agent + verb infinitive + Object SUB+CV + OBJECT+ verb past participle + (by Agent)
I will have my secretary call you I had my car fixed
I got my brother to help me paint the room. My sister had her hair done yesterday.
My mother made me do my homework. I got my house painted..
My friend helped me to fix the TV.
My brothers lets me use his car.
I should have had the house painted in the summer, rather than leaving it until the autumn.
BETTER
It ...would have been better (if I had /to have) ... had the house painted in the summer rather than
leaving it until the autumn.
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PHRASAL VERBS
A phrasal verb is a verb and a particle (adverb) used in colloquial and idiomatic expressions.
Key words
Adverbs : up , down , in , out , away , back, through , on , off , into, away, over, to, etc.
Verbs: looking, splashed, done, made, getting, etc.
Why didn’t you come to work yesterday? The manager asked John.
ACCOUNT
He was asked... to account for his absence ... from work by the manager.
Five committee members have nominated Jack for the post of president.
FORWARD
Jack has ... been put forward for ... the post of president by five committee members.
It was a real scandal , but the school suppressed all the details.
UP
Details of the scandal ....were covered up by ............ the school.
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50 COMMON PHRASAL VERBS (C2 LEVEL)
1. ACCOUNT FOR - To explain/give a reason for why something happens or happened.
The increase in carbon dioxide emissions may account for changes in the climate.
2. ACCOUNT FOR - to form, use, or produce a particular amount or part of a group of people or things.
Electronic goods account for over 30% of our exports.
4. ASSOCIATE WITH SB - to spend time with a group of people, especially people who are disapproved of
I don't want my children associating with drug addicts and alcoholics.
6. BACK DOWN - to admit that you were wrong or that you have been defeated
Eventually, Roberto backed down and apologized.
7. BUTT IN - to interrupt or join in a conversation or activity when the other people do not want you to
The interviewer kept butting in and wouldn't let me answer the question.
9. CHIP IN (STH)- If several people chip in, they each give money to pay for something together.
We all chipped in to buy our teacher a present.
10. COVER (STH) UP OR COVER UP (STH)- to stop people from discovering the truth about something bad
She tried to cover up her mistakes.
11. CRACK DOWN ON - to start dealing with bad or illegal behaviour in a more severe way.
The library is cracking down on people who lose their books
12. DAWN ON SB - If a fact dawns on you, you become aware of it after a period of not being aware of it.
It suddenly dawned on them that Mary had been lying.
13. DIE DOWN - if something dies down, it becomes much less noisy, powerful, or active.
The wind died down during the night.
31
17. EASE OFF - if sth unpleasant or annoying eases off, it becomes less unpleasant or annoying
20. FEND STH OFF - to defend yourself successfully against an attack, criticism, or some other unwanted thing.
To fend off the problem, I threw myself into my job.
21. GEAR STH TO/TOWARDS SB/STH - design sth with a particular purpose, situation, or group of people in mind.
The headteacher geared his speech more towards the parents than the pupils.
22. HOLD OFF (DOING) STH / HOLD STH OFF- to deliberately delay doing something
He held off making a decision until he had more information.
23. HOLD SB/STH BACK - to prevent someone or something from making progress
Long-term water shortages can hold economic development back.
24. OCCUR TO SB - If a thought or idea occurs to you, it comes into your mind.
It never occurred to me that he hadn't been invited.
26. PROVIDE FOR STH- to make plans in order to deal with a possible event in the future
We must provide for depreciation when calculating the costs.
27. RECKON ON STH/DOING STH - to think that something is going to happen and make it part of your plans
We didn't reckon on it being so hot.
28. RECONCILE YOURSELF TO - to accept a situation or fact although you do not like it.
She couldn’t reconcile herself to the idea of just giving up.
29. REDUCE STH TO STH - to make sth change into a different form by damaging it or crushing it
The building was reduced to rubble by the explosion.
30. RESIGN YOURSELF TO STH - to make yourself accept sth that you do not like because you cannot easily change it
He resigned himself to living alone.
31. RESORT TO STH/ DOING STH - to do something extreme or unpleasant in order to solve a problem
I had to resort to threats to get my money back.
38. SHOOT STH DOWN - to refuse even to consider something such as an idea or a plan
The proposal was shot down by the government.
39. SLIP AWAY -if something such as power or an opportunity slips away, you stop having it
Organizers felt support for the project slowly slipping away.
40. SPLASH OUT - to spend a lot of money on something which you want but do not need
He splashed out on the best champagne for the party.
42. STAMP STH OUT - to get rid of something that is wrong or harmful
It is our duty to stamp out any abuses of political power.
46. SUBJECT SB/STH TO STH - to make someone or something experience something unpleasant
In prison, he was subjected to beatings and interrogations.
47. TEAR APART STH OR TEAR STH APART - to criticize something very strongly
His ideas were torn apart at the meeting.
48. TONE STH DOWN - to reduce the effect of sth such as a speech or piece of writing, so that people will not be offended
His advisers told him to tone down his speech.
50. WRITE SB/STH OFF - to decide that someone or something is not useful or important
They had written him off before they even met him.
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C2 PROFICIENCY - PHRASAL VERBS
account for sth crack down lean on sb sketch sth out
assign sb to sth crack up leap at sth sleep with sb
associate with sb cry out (sth) listen in slip away
attribute sth to sth cut back (sth) live through sth slip out
back off dawn on sb look ahead slip up
back out die down look sth over spin (sb) around/round
back sb up dive into sth loosen up splash out
back sth up dole sth out make of sb/sth spring from sth
be called up drift apart mount up spring up
be crying out for sth drift off muddle sth up spy on sb
be descended from drive sb/sth out narrow sth down squeeze sb/sth in or
sb/sth dry up open up squeeze in sb/sth
be flooded with sth engage in sth own up stand in
be glued to sth fall back on sb/sth patch sth up stay out of sth
be/get caught up in sth feast on sth plunge into sth step down
bounce back fend for yourself plunge sth into sth stick by sb
burst out flick through sth pose as sb stick up for sb/sth
butt in frown on/upon sth press on stir sth up
call for sth get through sth provide for sth store up sth
call sth up get to sb put sth aside stumble across/on/upon
catch on get up to sth react against sth sth/sb
catch up with sb go by reckon on sth/doing sth subject sb/sth to sth
cheer sb on go down reckon with sth take sth in
chip in (sth) go into sth reconcile yourself to sth take over
chop sth down go on reduce sb to sth/doing talk sb out of sth/doing
clean sth out go through with sth sth sth
cling (on) to sth go up reduce sth to sth talk sth through
close in go without (sth) refer sb/sth to sb/sth tear sth apart
come about grasp at sth refer to sth tear sth down
come across hail sb/sth as sth relieve sb of sth think ahead
come along hand sth down or hand resign yourself to sth think back
come between sb down sth resort to sth/ doing sth tip sb off
come by sth head off revert to sth/doing sth tire of sth/sb/doing sth
come down to sth/doing hold sth back rip sb off top sth off
sth hold down a job rule sb/sth out track down sb/sth or
come in (be involved) hold off (sth/doing sth) run around track sb/sth down
come in for sth hold onto sth/sb run through sth urge sb on
come into sth hold out hope run up against sth wipe sth out
come out (be said) hold sb/sth back saddle sb with sth work sth out
come out of sth hold sth against sb seal sth off write sb/sth off
come over jump at sth send for sb
come round keep (sth) up send sth out
come through keep at sth set sth off
come through (sth) keep sth back set out
count sb in keep sth from sb settle (sb) down
count towards sth keep sth to yourself shake sth off
count sb/sth up keep up (with sth) shake sb up
cover (sth) up kick (sth) off
crack (sb) up lead up to sth
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Phrasal Prepositional verbs
(three-word phrasal verbs)
Phrasal-prepositional verbs have three parts: a verb, a particle and a preposition.
The particle and the preposition cannot be separated. Many of these verbs are often used in
informal contexts, and their meaning is difficult to guess from their individual parts.
37
VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUND (ING)
ABHOR, ACKNOWLEDGE, ADMIT, ADVISE ,ALLOW ,ANTICIPATE, APPRECIATE, AVOID, BE WORTH, CAN’T HELP,
CELEBRATE, CONFESS, CONSIDER, DEFEND, DELAY, DENY, DETEST, DISCONTINUE, DISCUSS, DISLIKE, DISPUTE,
DREAD, ENDURE, ENJOY, EVADE, EXPLAIN, FANCY, FEAR, FEEL, LIKE, FEIGN, FINISH, FORGIVE, GIVE UP (STOP),
HELP, KEEP (CONTINUE), MENTION, MIND (OBJECT TO), MISS, NECESSITATE, OMIT, PERMIT, PICTURE,
POSTPONE, PRACTICE, PREVENT, RECALL, RECOLLECT, RECOMMEND, REGRET, REPORT,RESENT, RESIST,
RESUME,RISK, SHIRK , SHUN, STOP, SUGGEST, SUPPORT, TOLERATE, UNDERSTAND, URGE, WARRANT.
She said she was the one who had made the mistake.
ADMITTED
She ...admitted making /having made.. the mistake
Is it OK if I smoke here?
MIND
Do ...you mind me/my smoking... here?
KEYWORDS :
Deny, admit, regret, stop, prevent, cannot help, enjoy, mind, escape, finish, avoid, etc.
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NEGATIVE WORDS
No , not, neither, never, hardly, no one, nobody, none, nor, nothing, nowhere:
They’ve never tried apple pie before.
Nobody helped me to do the dishes.
None of my friends came to the party.
There was no food left in the fridge.
There are many other girls that are just as beautiful as she is.
ANY
She isn’t ....any more beautiful than ......most other girls.
KEYWORDS : as ..as , much more, almost, nearly , anybody, ever, similar, can’t expect, only just ,
isn’t nearly as, anyone , anything / Not anything : nothing/ Any : no
Anybody , anyone : no one , nobody / Not ever : never / Not any : none
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MODAL VERBS
Can , could , may , might , shall , should , will , would
MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS : have to , ought to , need , used to , dare
It is (not) a good idea : You should/ shouldn’t /ought to / ought not to
It was careless of (you) : You shouldn’t / you ought not to
It was not necessary : You needn’t have + past participle
You can’t : You mustn’t / you are not allowed
She couldn’t : She was not able to...
They were expected to : They should have...
If I were you I would/ wouldn’t : You should- shouldn’t / you ought (not) to
You are not allowed to smoke indoors at any time.
MUST
You ...mustn’t smoke ..indoors at any time.
I did the dishes by hand , which wasn’t necessary since there was a dishwasher.
HAVE
I ..needn’t have washed the dishes by hand since there was a dishwasher.
You should have spilled the beans about Gina before now.
LET
If only you could ... have let us know (about) Gina’s / let us in on Gina’s ... secret
before now.
It’s time the organisation told the truth about the misuse of its funds.
STRAIGHT
The organisation should set ... the record straight about how / about the fact that ...
its funds were misused.
KEYWORDS: must, may, should, ought, to, have, can , can’t, could, not, past participle
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PREPOSITIONAL VERBS
There are certain verbs that are usually followed by certain prepositions. We called them
prepositional verbs.
They are just a verb followed by a preposition. Prepositional verb = Verb + Preposition
They make a new verb with a different meaning to the normal verb without the preposition.
All prepositional verbs are transitive (they have an object). The object comes after the preposition.
I will consider your idea and come back to you with a decision next week.
OVER
I will... think over your idea... and come back to you with a decision next week.
The evidence supports the conclusion that the victim knew her killer.
INFER
We can ... infer from the evidence ... that the victim knew her killer.
Press ctrl and click on this link to download a very useful table : dependent prepositions
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PREPOSITIONAL VERBS (1/3)
ABOUT AFTER ALONG
argue about ask after sb rub along
be about to do sth clean after sb run along
boast about go after sb /sth scrape along
care about hanker after sth sing along
complain about hunger after ath string sb along
be concerned about inquire after sth sweep sb along
dream about/of look after sb/sth tag along with sb
feel about lust after sb /sth
AROUND
forget about name sb after sb/sth
grumble about pant after sth/sb
hear about run after sb/sth Hang around with sb
joke about take after sb Knock sb around (hit)
know about Knock around sth/somewhere
AGAINST
laugh about Knock around (relax)
quarrel about Knock around with sb (spend
talk about/of pit sth/sb against sth/sb time with sb)
think about/of react against Lie around
tell sb about sth run against Lounge around
remind sb about sth run up against Mess sb around
write to sb about sth square off against Mess around with sth
warn sb about sth warn against Mess around with sb
worry about compete against ( cheat on your partner – sex)
wonder about come up against sth Ask around (for sth/sb)
decide against Build sth around sth (base sth
ACROSS ALONG
Fool around
Gad around somewhere
come across sth/sb bring sth/sb along (travel)
cut across sth come along Hand something around
drape sth across sth get along with sb Hand around somewhere
get sth across go along (spend time somewhere)
put sth across go along with sth/sb
put yourself across as you go along (unplanned)
run across sth/sb jog along
stumble across (make progress slowly but at a steady
pace)
muddle along
(do sth without clear purpose or plan)
play along with sb/sth
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PREPOSITIONAL VERBS (2/3)
AT FOR IN
aim at hunger for sth believe in
arrive at long for dress in
despair at mistake for invest in
guess at pant for sth/sb interfere in
laugh at pay for involve sb in sth
look at praise sb for sth participate in
shout at pray for persist in
smile at prepare for result in
stare at provide sth for sb specialize in
BY
punish for succeed in
INTO
search for
abide by sth stand for
call by substitute for absorb into
Come by sth thank sb for sth crash into
come by sth /somewhere use for dip into
drop by vote for drill sth into sb
get by wait for grow into
go by
go by sth FORWARD jockey sb into sth
make sth into sth
pass sb by bring sth forward tap into
people sth/ somewhere by sth carry sth forward translate sth into sth
/sb come forward with sth trick sb into doing sth
put sth by (save) look forward to walk into
Roll by (time) push forward with sth
OF
run sth by sb (ask their push oneself forward
FROM
opinion)
scrape by (dis)approve of
Sit by benefit from Accuse sb of sth
Stand by for sth borrow from be on the point of doing sth
Stand by sb demand sth from sb be on the verge of doing sth
Swear by derive sth from sth Compose of
OVER
occur to sb people sth/ swh with sth /sb
react to present sb with sth
argue over refer to provide sb with sth
boil over reply to quarrel with
carry sth over respond to share sth with sb
change over from sth to sth resort to trust sb with sth
fight with sb over sth see to
lord it over speak to
paper over sth subscribe to
put sth over sb sentence sb to sth
quarrel over subject sb to sth
rear over sth talk to
run over turn to
start over write to
think sth over
throw sb over for sb
tower over sb/sth
work sb over
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VERB PATTERNS
Different verbs have different patterns, so the structure of the clause depends on the verb.
These are some of the most common patterns :
Verb + to infinitive Verb + to infinitive or that clause
I want to go to the beach. He demanded to know what was happening.
The panel demanded that the report be made public.
Verb + object + to infinitive Verb + ing
I need you to help me. I don’t mind staying at home tonight
I recommend writing your feelings down on paper.
Verb + preposition + ing Would + rather + bare infinitive (without to)
Michael is thinking about going... I’d rather stay at home tonight.
Verb + object+ preposition + ing Would + rather + object + past simple
Stop someone from doing something I’d rather you didn’t go out tonight.
Talk someone into doing something
Verb + object + past participle Verb + object + to infinitive
I had my hair cut yesterday. Cause someone to do something
Verb + object + bare infinitive (without to) Phrasal verb + object + to infinitive
I had a mechanic repair my car. Count on someone to do something
Verb + to + ing Phrasal verb + object + ing
He is used to getting up early. She insisted on us leaving the train
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VERB PATTERNS
You must remember to attend your hospital appointment.
THAT
It's important... that you attend.... your hospital appointment.
It’s not surprising that you failed your exam. You didn’t study at all.
EXPECT
I ...didn’t expect you to pass ...your exam. You didn’t study at all.
She finished her degree and later started working for herself.
ON
She finished her degree and... went on to start ...her own business.
At first I thought that running was hard, but now I think it's not.
USED
I ...am used to running ...now.
They didn’t even make the effort to call to say they'd be late.
BOTHER
They... didn't even bother calling ...to say they'd be late.
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INFORMAL TO FORMAL / FORMAL TO INFORMAL
Common C2 level formal verbs : address ,applaud, bear, caution, commence, compromise, contract, deem,
disclose, elapse, endorse enjoy, eradicate ,erode ,examine, excel ,exemplify, exercise, infer, inhabit,merit,
part, perceive, precede, prevail, refrain ,reign, relate, remove,render, replace,sadden,seek ,strive, succumb,
summon, surpass ,translate, utter, violate.
I'm not used to having to think of other people when I make plans.
ACCUSTOMED
Having to think of other people when I make plans…. is something I’m not accustomed…to.
The theft was not noticed until the owners opened the shop on Monday morning.
LIGHT
The theft only ... came to light when/after/once ... the owners opened the shop on Monday morning.
You didn’t sign a contract so you don’t have to pay them any money.
OBLIGATION
If you have not signed a contract , you are…. under no obligation ….to pay them any money.
“Because you have a good driving record , I’ve decided to overlook this offence” - said the policeman.
LIGHT
In… (the) light of your …. good driving record, I’ve decided to overlook this offence.
If you need any help with your project, just let us know.
ASSISTANCE
If we can ....be of (any) assistance …. with your project, please don't hesitate to ask.
TIP : If the first sentence is informal and the key word is a formal noun or verb - that’s a clear indication of
an informal to formal transformation.
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LINKING WORDS
Linking words help us to connect ideas and sentences. We can use linking words to give examples,
add information, summarise, sequence information, give a reason or result, or to contrast ideas.
Adding information Comparison Condition Contrasting ideas
Also As with After Although / even
And By the same token As a consequence of though
Apart from Comparable As a result of But
As well as Comparatively As long as Despite / despite the
Besides In the same way As soon as fact that
Furthermore Just as… so too Assuming Even so
In addition Likewise Because However
In addition to Similarly Before In contrast
Moreover But for In spite of / in spite
Too Even if of the fact that
What’s more If In theory… in
If only practice…
In the event that Regardless
Emphasis Giving a result Once Nevertheless
Absolutely As a result Only if Nonetheless
Admittedly As a consequence On the condition that Then again
Clearly Consequently Provided (that) Unlike
Definitely So Providing Whereas
Especially Therefore Unless While
Generally This means that Until Yet
Importantly When
In fact Whenever Purpose
In particular Wherever For
Indeed Whether For fear of
Never For fear that
Obviously Giving reasons In order that
Particularly As In order to
Undoubtedly Because So as to
Without doubt Because of So that
Due to / due to the
To
fact that
On account of
On the grounds of
On the grounds that
Owing to / owing to
the fact that
Since
Seeing that
In the light of
In view of
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LINKING WORDS
I wanted to improve the website so I made some changes to it.
ORDER
I made some changes.... to the website in order to .... improve it.
KEY WORDS : A noun (part of a set phrase) such as fear, condition, result, account.
Despite , even, though, if , provided, otherwise, unless, only, owing, due , to, long.
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PARAPHRASING
FIRST SENTENCE TRANSFORMED SENTENCE
... Is the only drawback of... ...has no drawbacks aside from ...
Apart from ... With the exception of...
Except for... Aside from...
As far as someone knows something will happen Someone has no reason to suppose that
something won’t happen
Someone has every reason to suppose that
something will happen
As far as someone knows... To the best of someone’s knowledge...
Bring something up Make mention of something
Can’t promise that ... There is no guarantee that...
Concluded that ... Came to the conclusion that...
Consider Take into account
Did not look like... Bore no resemblance to...
Looks very similar to ... Bears a close resemblance to....
Didn’t seem to be ... Didn’t show any sign of being ...
Do you mind if i do ...? Do you have any objection to me/my doing...?
Everyone is .... Including someone Someone is as ... As anyone else
Have never forgotten to do ... Has never failed to remember to do...
I don’t feel i can do ... I could not possibly do...
Is threatening something Something is under threat ...
It remains to be seen ... Only time will tell...
It’s impossible to say how ... There is no saying/knowing/telling how ...
It’s quite urgent that be do something Something must be done as a matter of urgency
More and more ... Are doing ... There is a growth in ... Doing ...
Not discuss something any further ... Something is no longer open to discussion
Someone did not find it difficult to do... Someone had no difficulty in doing...
Someone did their best to ... Someone made every effort to...
Someone doesn’t intend to do... Someone has no intention of doing ...
Someone intends to do... Someone has every intention of doing ...
Someone doesn’t mind ... It makes no difference to someone...
It’s all the same to someone...
Someone doesn’t think he will be able to do... There is little prospect of someone doing sth
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PARAPHRASING
FIRST SENTENCE TRANSFORMED SENTENCE
According to rumours someone is ... Someone is rumoured to be...
Available At your disposal
Doing something would affect sth badly Something will have serious repercussions for...
Doing sth was his only option Had no option but to do ...
Explain something Account for something
In my opinion To my mind
It is completely forbidden to ... Under no circumstances should you...
It never occurred to someone that ... Something never crossed someone’s mind
Persuade someone not to do something Talk someone out of doing sth
Persuade someone to do something Talk someone into doing something
Someone is unlikely to do ... The chances of someone doing something are slim
Someone doesn’t want to commit himself to... Someone wants to keep his options open...
Someone has been told that... Sth has been brought to someone’s attention
Someone is not the only one to do ... Someone is no alone in doing ...
Someone is proud of being ... Someone prides himself on being ...
Someone is quite happy to do ... Someone is not averse to doing...
Someone was made responsible for doing Someone was put in charge of doing
Someone was about to do something Someone was on the point of doing sth
Someone was on the brink of doing sth
Someone was on the verge of doing sth
Someone was surprised when... Something came as a surprise to someone
Someone was not surprised to ... It came as no surprise to someone to...
Someone was to lazy to do... Someone couldn’t be bothered to do ...
Something came as a great shock to someone ... Someone was take aback by sth...
Something is irrelevant to something … Something has nothing to do with ...
Something is much better than .... Something is an improvement on...
Something never recurred There was no recurrence of ...
Something shocked someone Someone was taken aback by something
Something was cancelled ... Something was called off...
The choice of something is left to someone It’s (left) up to someone to choose...
The increase in .... has been marked There has been a marked rise in...
There were plenty of ... There was no lack/shortage of...
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PARAPHRASING
FIRST SENTENCE TRANSFORMED SENTENCE
How likely is someone to do something? What is the likelihood of someone doing sth?
In practice To all intents an purposes
It is certain that he will do... He is bound to do...
There is no doubt that he will...
It was an absolute miracle that someone did... Doing sth was nothing short of a miracle
It was proposed that... They put forward a proposal to do...
It’s futile to do There is no point in doing / it’s no use doing
It’s no good doing
Obviously It goes without saying...
Only ... Are entitled to do ... Something is restricted to ...
Recover from something Get over something
Sb won’t allow anything to stop him from doing... Sb won’t let anything stand in his way to do
Sb will let nothing stand in his way to do
Someone did everything possible to do... Someone went to great lengths to do...
Someone didn’t approve of doing sth Someone drew the line at doing sth
Someone ignored something Someone paid no attention to something
Someone didn’t pay any attention to sth
Someone took no notice of sth
Someone pays no attention to ... when he does... Someone does sth with a complete disregard for ..
Someone saw someone for a (brief) moment Someone caught sight of someone
Someone tried as hard as he could to do... Someone did everything in his power to do...
Someone was determined to do something Someone had no intention of giving up doing...
Someone was extremely confident that... Someone had every confidence that ...
Someone was looking forward to doing sth Someone couldn’t wait to do sth
Someone was offended when he was... Someone took exception to being...
Someone was very jealous when he saw ... Someone was green with envy to see...
Something must be done at all times On no account should sth be done...
Stop something Put an end to something
There was no sign of someone Someone was nowhere to be seen
They have rearranged the... for next ... ... Has been put off until next…
Unless anyone objects Providing nobody has any objections
Unless you do ... Failure to do...
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PARAPHRASING
FIRST SENTENCE TRANSFORMED SENTENCE
... is something that must be accepted Someone must face up to the fact that...
Don’t let something deceive you Don’t let yourself be taken in by something.
Give someone the impression that... Lead someone to believe that ...
In spite of all my efforts, I couldn't do... No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t do...
It became known that... It came to light that...
It may seem strange , but Strange as though it seems ...
Strange as it may seem...
It was really unexpected when... At no time did someone expect sth to happen
Many people wrongly believe that... Contrary to popular belief ...
Sb didn’t do sth because he was scared he might... Sb didn’t do sth for fear of doing....
Sb doesn’t do sth unless there is no alternative Only when there is no alternative does sb do sth
Sb avoid doing sth unless there is no alternative
Someone did sth while he was somewhere It was while someone was somewhere that he did sth
Someone has no idea why something happened Someone is at a (complete) loss to understand/
to know/ as to why something happened
Someone has taken to doing something Someone has got into/developed/acquired
the habit of doing something
Someone is much better than somebody at doing sth Somebody is no match for someone at doing sth
Someone wanted to make sure that everything Sb didn’t want to leave anything to chance
was as it should be Sb wanted to leave nothing to chance
Someone was very pleased to be Much to someone’s delight , he was
Something caused ... Something was to blame for
Something is intended to do... Something is aimed at doing ...
Something was not clear There was a lack of clarity in something
Something was someone’s fault Someone was to blame for something
Somebody has put the blame for something on someone
Something will carry on for a long time Something is by no means over
Something is not by any means over
Something will probably happen There is every chance/likelihood/probability/
possibility that something will happen
The thing I’d like most would be ... There is nothing I’d like more than...
Without giving a reason Out of hand
You don’t have to do ... You are under no obligation to do...
Doing something is not obligatory ...
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IDIOMS
At C2 level, you need to understand and use phrases and idioms where the meaning is not
transparent. You will probably know the individual words used, but this may not help!
Idioms are phrases with meanings that cannot be taken literally—the words just won't make
sense together. Instead, we need to learn them in context in order to understand their true
meaning.
He felt extremely tired after staying up very late studying for his exams.
OIL
He felt extremely tired after ....burning the midnight oil… studying for his exams.
Jane was taken completely by surprise when she heard the news.
FEATHER
You ... could have knocked Jane I down with a feather ... when she heard the news.
KEYWORDS: Verbs (get the hang of sth, carry weight, come under fire, etc. )
Colours (out of the blue, be green with envy, a grey area)
Body parts (my hands are tied, in the face of , play it by ear, etc.)
Nouns (be in the same boat , be on the same page, be on cloud nine,etc.)
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50 COMMON IDIOMS (C2 LEVEL)
1. FALL ON DEAF EARS - if advice or a warning falls on deaf ears, everyone ignores it.
The workers' demand for a wage increase has fallen on deaf ears.
2. GET THE HANG OF STH - to learn how to do something, esp. when it is not simple or obvious.
I’ll teach you how to use the design program – you’ll get the hang of it after a while.
6. BE LOST FOR WORDS - to be so surprised, shocked etc. that you do not know what to say
Jack was lost for words when he was awarded the prize.
7. BREAK NEW GROUND - to do something completely different from what has been done before.
This recovery technique breaks new ground.
12. COME TO TERMS WITH STH –To start to accept a situation and deal with it.
Sooner or later you will have to come to terms with the death of your wife.
14. COME/ GET TO GRIPS WITH STH - to understand and deal with a problem or situation.
So far we have failed to come to grips with the magnitude of this problem.
15. CLEAR THE AIR - to remove the bad feelings between people.
I had a massive argument with my boss, but at least it has cleared the air.
16. DRAW THE LINE AT STH - to never do something because you think it is wrong:
I don’t mind doing some gardening but I draw the line at digging.
17. FIND COMMON GROUND - sth that people can agree about, especially when they disagree about other things
It seems increasingly unlikely that the two sides will find any common ground.
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18. FOLLOW IN SB’S FOOTSTEPS- To do the same job as someone else.
He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and became a doctor.
20. GET SOMETHING OFF ONE'S CHEST- to tell someone about your worries
I really have to get this off my chest . I don’t like you.
21. GO AGAINST THE GRAIN - if sth goes against the grain, it isn’t what you’d naturally or normally do.
She is always honest and it went against the grain to tell lies.
22. GRASP THE NETTLE - to deal with an unpleasant situation firmly and without delay.
You've been putting off making that phone call for days - it's about time you grasped the nettle!
23. HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR SB/STH - to feel that you like someone very much.
He'd always had a soft spot for her younger nephew.
24. IN THE DARK - (be / keep sb) not informed about things that might be useful to know.
Our boss tends to keep us in the dark most of the time.
25. IN THE FACE OF STH - despite having to deal with a difficult situation or problem.
She left home in the face of strong opposition from her parents.
26. KEEP SOMEONE ON THEIR TOES - to make someone concentrate so that they are ready to deal
with anything that might happen
He keeps changing the rules, just to keep us on our toes.
27. LEAVE SB TO THEIR OWN DEVICES - to allow sb to make their own decisions about what to do.
He seemed to be a responsible person, so I left him to his own devices.
28. LOSE SIGHT OF STH - to not consider something, esp. because you have forgotten about it.
We cannot lose sight of the need to keep the public safe.
30. ON THE FACE OF IT - used when you are describing how a situation seems on the surface.
On the face of it, it seems like a bargain, but I bet there are hidden costs.
31. OUT OF YOUR DEPTH - to be involved in a situation or activity that is too difficult for you to
understand or deal with
I was out of my depth in the advanced class, so I moved to the intermediate class.
33. BE PART AND PARCEL OF STH - to be a feature of sth, especially a feature that cannot be avoided.
Being recognized in the street is part and parcel of being a celebrity.
36. PULL STRINGS - to secretly use the influence you have over important people in order to get
something or to help someone.
I may be able to pull a few strings if you need the document urgently.
38. PUT SOMEONE ON THE SPOT - to ask sb a question that is difficult or embarrassing to answer.
Laura put the boss on the spot by asking him when he was going to give her a pay rise.
39. PUT YOUR FINGER ON STH – To remember sth or to discover the reason of sth.
I know I had seen her before but I couldn’t put my finger on where.
40. ROCK THE BOAT - to do or say something that will upset people or cause problems.
She kept her feelings to herself, not wanting to rock the boat.
46. THE INS AND OUTS - the detailed or complicated facts of something.
I know how to use computers, but I don't really understand the ins and outs of how they work.
48. WITH BATED BREATH - in an anxious (= worried and nervous) or excited way.
I waited with bated breath as the results were read out
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C2 PROFICIENCY - IDIOMS
(be) out of line cross sb's path keep your head above sell like hot cakes
(keep sb) at arm's length disappear/vanish into thin water send shivers/a shiver down
a bone of contention air know your stuff your spine
a breath of fresh air do sth by the book learn/know the ropes set your sights on sth
a change of heart do the job leave someone to their own set/start the ball rolling
a double-edged sword do your own thing devices slip your mind
a drop in the ocean down and out leave/make your mark speak volumes
a fast track (to sth) down the drain let off steam stand your ground
a free hand down under let your guard down swallow your pride
a labour of love draw the line (at sth) let your hair down take sth to heart
a nest egg drive/send sb round the lose face take the plunge
a rough/bumpy ride bend lose heart the bottom line
a shoulder to cry on fall into place lose sight of sth the fast lane
a slap in the face fall on deaf ears lose sleep over something the ins and outs of sth
a sore point find common ground lose your cool the jury is (still) out
a stone's throw fly in the face of make a bad/good, etc. job through thick and thin
a stroll/trip/walk down follow in sb's footsteps of sth throw caution to the wind
memory lane get off/start on the wrong make sb's day throw in the towel
a tight corner foot make your blood boil throw sb in at the deep
across the board get out of hand make your blood run cold end
at any price get sth off your chest miss the boat tie the knot
at your fingertips get the hang of sth neck and neck tie the knot
be (like) water off a duck's get the picture no strings (attached) to/till/until the bitter end
back get your act together not be the end of the world touch and go
be alive and kicking/well get your own back (on sb) not be/come up to scratch turn over a new leaf
be at odds with sb/sth get/gain the upper hand not hold water turn your nose up at sth
be at/reach the end of your get/jump on the bandwagon not/never in your wildest under your nose
tether give and take dreams wear thin
be down in the dumps go against the grain off the beaten track with bated breath
be in sb's good/bad books go downhill on the face of it with your bare hands
be in the same boat go through the motions on the spot your best bet
be lost for words go through the roof on the spur of the moment your own flesh and blood
be on (your) guard go with the flow open your heart
be on cloud nine go/fall to pieces out of your depth
be on the cards go/run deep part and parcel
be on the same wavelength grasp the nettle pave the way
be poles apart grit your teeth pay the price
be streets ahead (of sb/sth) have a soft spot for sb/sth pick up the pieces
be the tip of the iceberg have sth up your sleeve play games
be/feel on top of the world have your hands full play it by ear
be/feel under the weather hit the roof play with fire
behind closed doors hit/strike/touch a (raw) poke/stick your nose into
behind the scenes nerve sth
beyond your wildest dreams hold your own pull strings
blow your mind if/when push comes to shove pull your weight
break new ground in a rut put sb in their place
bring a lump to your throat in cold blood put sb on the spot
burn the midnight oil in the blink of an eye put your feet up
by/in leaps and bounds in the dark put your finger on sth
call it a day in the face of sth put your foot down
carry weight keep a cool head put your foot in it
catch sb off guard keep a straight face read between the lines
catch sb's eye keep body and soul together recharge your batteries
clear the air keep sb on their toes ring a bell
come under fire keep your eyes open (for rock the boat
come/get to grips with sth sb/sth) run riot
keep your eyes peeled (for see eye to eye (with sb)
sb/sth) see red
keep your fingers crossed/
cross your fingers
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SET PHRASES
A set phrase is a fixed expression that has a specific meaning. It doesn’t usually have any literal
meaning in itself. For example “to change one’s mind” doesn’t mean that you are going to get a
new mind and get rid of the old want. It means that you are going to think about something and you
might form a new opinion and perhaps make a new decision.
He looks very similar to his father.
BEARS
He … bears a close resemblance … to his father
Although poetry readings are fun, the way in which poems are read sometimes annoys me.
EXCEPTION
Much as I ... enjoy/like poetry readings, I sometimes take exception to ... how poems are read.
His boss confronted him about his frequent lateness for work.
OUT
His boss ... had it out with him ... because he had frequently been late for work.
The travel agent had given me the impression that all meals were included in the price.
BELIEVE
The travel agent .... led me to believe ... that all meals were included in the price.
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50 COMMON SET PHRASES (C2 LEVEL)
1. A MEANS TO AN END - sth you do because it will help you to achieve something else,
I didn't particularly like the job - it was just a means to an end.
8. APPLY YOURSELF(to sth) - to work hard at something, especially with a lot of attention for a long time
Stephen would do well if only he applied himself.
11. AT A LOSS FOR WORDS - unable to think what to say, especially because you very surprised or shocked
He hesitated and briefly appeared at a loss for words.
13. ATTACH IMPORTANCE/VALUE, ETC. TO SB/STH - to believe that something is important, valuable, etc.
People attach too much importance to economic forecasts.
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17. BE FAR REMOVED FROM STH - to be very different from something
It's a wonderful experience but it's far removed from reality
18. BE FOREIGN TO SB - not typical of sth/sb and therefore not expected or familiar.
This kind of attitude is completely foreign to her.
20. BE IN TUNE WITH SB/STH - to understand the feelings, opinions, or needs of a group of people
He was in tune with current political issues.
23. BE ON THE BRINK OF STH - to be almost in a very new, dangerous or exciting situation.
Scientists are on the brink of making a major new discovery.
24. BE PRONE TO STH/DOING STH - likely to suffer from sth or show a particular negative characteristic.
She's prone to exaggerate, that's for sure.
26. BEAR A/LITTLE/NO, ETC. RESEMBLANCE TO STH/SB - the fact of being or looking similar to sb/sth
The movie bears little resemblance to the original novel.
28. CAST DOUBT ON SB/STH - to make something seem less certain, good, or real.
The recent downturn in sales casts doubt on the company’s future.
33. COME TO TERMS WITH STH - to accept an unpleasant/sad situation and no longer feel upset or angry about it
The couple had to come to terms with the fact that they would never have children.
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34. GIVE RISE TO STH - to be the reason why something happens, especially something bad or unpleasant.
The CEO’s absence has given rise to speculation about his health.
35. GIVE WAY TO STH - to be replaced by something, especially something newer or better
Over the next few years, the city’s buses will give way to a new light rail system.
40. IN ITS INFANCY - something that is in its infancy has only just started to develop
Tourism on the island is still very much in its infancy.
46. STEER CLEAR OF SB/STH - to avoid sb/sth that seems unpleasant, dangerous, or likely to cause problems.
His speech steered clear of controversial issues.
48. TAKE ITS TOLL (ON STH) - to harm or damage someone or something, especially in a gradual way.
The stress was beginning to take its toll on their marriage.
50. TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES - for all practical purposes; virtually
For all intents and purposes, the project is completed.
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COMMON C2-LEVEL PHRASES
a call for sth by law in common with sb/sth present a danger/difficulty/problem, etc.
a fine/thin line by means of in demand prior to sth
a history of sth by no means; not by any means in moderation put a stop to sth
a host of sth by way of sth in no time put sb in a difficult position
a matter of course come easily/easy/naturally in no way/not in any way put something into practice
a reflection of sth come first in sb's favour put your mind to sth
a rule of thumb come to mind in short put/keep sb in the picture
about/high time comparatively cheap/easy/little, etc. in store put/set sb's mind at ease/at rest
accustomed to sth/doing sth contrary to sth in the event of sth put/set the record straight
after all course of action in the form of sth regardless of
all at once dependent on/upon sth in the hope of/that room for improvement
all hours divide sth (up) among/between sb in the light of sth safe to say
all things considered do everything in your power to do sth in the region of sth satisfy conditions/needs/requirements, etc.
all/just the same do your utmost in the same way save sb (from) doing sth
alternate days/weeks/years, etc. during/in/over the course of sth in turn sb's strong point
anywhere near sth easier said than done in vain set foot in/on sth
as a consequence endeavour to do sth in your heart so as not to do sth
as it happens establish sb/sth as sth incapable of sth/doing sth step by step
as many as even so it would appear (that) stop at nothing
as yet every now and then it's just as well strike a balance
at face value exceed sb's expectations it's only a matter of time strike someone as something
at once fall flat keep a low profile subject to sth
at random far from sth keep an eye out for sb/sth suppose/supposing (that)
at short notice feel compelled to do sth keep pace with sb/sth take care of sth/doing sth
at the expense of sth for good keep sb posted take effect
at the very least for life keep track take issue (with sb/sth)
at times for long keep your cool take note (of sth)
be a far cry from sth for the most part keep your word take sth on board
be a question of for the time being know sth inside out take sth personally
be a rarity from scratch let alone take the initiative
be all very well from start to finish look on the bright side take the liberty of doing sth
be authorized to do sth fulfil a duty/promise/responsibility, etc. tell the difference
make a point of doing sth
be close to sth gain/lose ground the bulk of sth
make an exception
gather speed/strength/support, etc. the dawn of sth
be concerned with sth make ends meet
get a grip (on yourself) the focus of sth
be due for sth make time
get on sb's nerves the object of sth
be in a position to do sth make yourself understood
get rid of sb the root of sth
be in sb's hands may/might as well do sth
get sth straight there's no harm in doing sth
be in sb's interest(s) needless to say
get/have your (own) way to cap it all
be in two minds no ... whatsoever
give sth a miss to say the least
be inclined to do no doubt
go from strength to strength to spare
be in the habit of doing sth no sooner ... than
go hand in hand to the contrary
be intended for not much of a sth
good/bad press turn a blind eye (to sth)
be key to sth not nearly (as/so)
grab the opportunity/chance up to speed
be known to do sth not think twice
happen to do sth urge sb to do sth
be lacking in sth nowhere near
have a high/low opinion of sb/sth
be lost without sb/sth of little/no consequence when it comes to sth/doing sth
have a/no right to do sth
be meant for sb/sth off the record with a view/an eye to doing sth
have an ear for sth
be opposed to sth omit to do sth with flying colours
have little/no effect
be satisfied that on hold with the aid of sth
have no hesitation in doing sth
be suited to/for sth on loan
have no option (but to do sth)
be sure to do sth on show
have sth against sb/sth
be to blame on the basis of sth
have the chance of doing
be unique to sb/sth on the grounds of/that
hold an opinion/belief/view
be/come close to doing sth on the horizon
I/he, etc. couldn't care less
be/have something to do with sth/sb on the increase
In/with respect of sth
beat about/around the bush on track
in a nutshell
before you know it open to discussion/suggestions, etc.
in a sense
behind the times other than
in accordance with sth
break even other than that
in aid of sb/sth
bring sth to an end out of the blue
in any event
by all accounts pose a danger/problem/threat, etc.
in association with
by and large
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KEY WORD
TRANSFORMATION
For questions 1-20, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three
and eight words, including the word given.
1. Cameron has hinted that she doesn’t want to continue working with us any longer.
hint
Cameron has ………………………………………………………………….wants to work with us.
3. Many young people think that the Monarchy is irrelevant in today’s society and that it
should be abolished.
outdated
According to many young people, the monarchy is ………………………………..…………….with
4. It was really unexpected when Ryan scored a goal at the very last minute of the match.
time
At …………………………………………Ryan to score a goal at the very last minute of the match.
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6. It eventually became known that he was having an affair with his secretary.
light
His affair ………………………………………………….................... eventually.
10.With some planning, we can not only prevent problems but also save a lot of money.
ahead
If we think ……, …………………………………………………...................., ….. bargain, save a lot of
money
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11.It was surprising how fast the project had come together , but we still had a long way
to go.
by
We were ......................................................................... shape , but we still had a long
way to go.
12.There are loads of get-rick-quick books on the internet, but that’s not necessarily a
good thing.
plethora
There ............................. get-rick-quick books on the internet, but that’s not
necessarily a good thing.
13.The coach didn’t beat around the bush and gave concise and relevant answers to the
questions.
to
The coach’s answers to the questions were concise ............................................ point.
14.After his gap year working in conservation projects, he went on to study Natural
Sciences at Cambridge University.
proceeded
After his gap year working in conservation projects, .................................. Natural
Sciences at Cambridge University.
15.There is fear that the latest tax increase on sales will result in a sharp downturn in
spending over coming months.
raised
The latest tax increase on sales ....................................a sharp downturn in spending
over coming months.
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16. Surprisingly, Susan was not offended at all when Sarah insulted her.
enough
Oddly .............., ............................................. Sarah’s insults.
17.In all probability, the merger between Peugeot PSA and Fiat Chrysler will lead to job
losses.
likelihood
There ............................................. the merger between Peugeot PSA and Fiat Chrysler
will lead to job losses.
18.“I was in the middle of washing my hair when you called me”. She said.
process
She said .................................................................... washing her hair when I called her.
19.I didn’t known that you were ill , otherwise I would have substituted for you.
had
I would have filled ............... , ............................................. that you were ill.
20.They accused him of deceiving people into giving him their money.
deception
He was accused of .........................................................................................
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ANSWERS
1. dropped/given a hint that she no longer
2. to IT skills John is no match
3. outdated and should be done away
4. no time did I expect
5. … (as) Much as I like / Much though I like
6. with his secretary came to light
7. boxer’s career was cut short by
8. part in a conversation class as opposed to
9. minutes of running leaves me
10. ahead, we can prevent problems and, into the
11. surprised by how fast the project had taken
12. ‘s/is a plethora of
13. and to the
14. he proceeded to study
15. has raised fears of
16. enough, Susan was not offended by / did no take any offence at
/ took no offence at
17. is (a strong/a high/ every) likelihood that
18. that she had been in the process of
19. in for you, had I known/ if I had known
20. Obtaining/getting/taking/ stealing money from people by
deception
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EXERCISES 69