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GR – Reported Speech part 1
Alright, everyone. We’re starting a GrammarReminder series on how to report what someone said or wrote. This is called reported speech or indirect speech. Using this grammar point correctly in your writing and speaking shows that your English is at an advanced level. So let’s practice! First, make sure you have a good grasp of the verb… Read more »
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minute (adj)
1. He has to work late, but he said there was a minute possibility he might be able to leave early.2. He doesn’t buy lottery tickets because the chances of winning are so minute.3. Food labels now inform consumers if even minute amounts of nuts are found in the products since many people are allergic… Read more »
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minuscule (adj)
1. Experts say even minuscule amounts of second-hand smoke can be harmful.2. Most people think radiation emitted by cell phones are so minuscule they’re not worth worrying over.3. He doesn’t think he’ll get the job; he says his experience is minuscule compared to the other applicants.4. Studying English every single day even in minuscule amounts… Read more »
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iota (n)
1. The heiress reportedly gave not even an iota of her huge inheritance to charity.2. Teachers are often confused when students pay for a course and don’t show an iota of interest in class.3. Unfortunately, they lost everything; they don’t have an iota left of what they used to own.4. The cops don’t have an… Read more »
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GR – embedded questions part 3
This is the third and last part of our GrammarReminder series on embedded questions. If you haven’t yet, please check out part 1 to review how to embed information questions and part 2 for how to embed yes/no questions. The examples below are to provide you with more practice. 1. Where is the nearest… Read more »
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bang for your buck
1. He thinks staying at a youth hostel will give him the best bang for his buck.2. Are you sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck at that store?3. Which school do you think will give me more bang for my buck?4. You can get a lot of bang for your buck if… Read more »
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Be/run out of steam
1. The kids are sound asleep. After an exciting day at Six Flags, they are completely out of steam.2. We had to move a lot of heavy boxes and by noon, we had completely run out of steam.3. I’m having a tough week of back-to-back meetings and presentations. I have a feeling I’ll run out… Read more »
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GR – embedded questions part 2
In part 2 of this GrammarReminder series on embedded questions, let’s review how to embed yes/no questions. To see how to embed information questions, check out our post on August 22, 2011.To embed yes/no questions, we also need to switch the subject and the verb. In addition, we have to add the words “if” or… Read more »
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Slip one’s mind
1. Sorry, I wasn’t able to call you; it completely slipped my mind.2. Write it down. It might slip your mind.3. Tom didn’t make it to the party. It probably slipped his mind. That guy is so forgetful.4. Remember and don’t let it slip your mind, alright? We’re expecting you there.5. He had meant to… Read more »
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GR – embedded questions part 1
In this three-part series of GrammarReminder, we’re going to practice embedded questions. These are questions that become part of (embedded into) a larger sentence. This is one of those grammar points that really stands out if you don’t say it correctly, so let’s learn how to say it right! Ready? The rule is simply to… Read more »