1. I can’t decide on where to go, so it’s your call.2. We told him picking a restaurant was his call since he knew the area much better than we did.3. They told me it was my call, so I decided to take the train instead of the bus.4. Whose call was it to hold… Read more »
Before you look at this lesson, make sure you’ve checked out part 1 and part 2 of this GrammarReminder series to review the rules and see the first set of examples. In this lesson, take note of how the past perfect tense doesn’t change when you report what someone said. Also notice how can becomes… Read more »
1. His visits to the hospital became sporadic once he started school, but they were still greatly appreciated by the staff. 2. In general, he was a good student, but his sporadic attendance caused him to fail the class.3. Tom’s calls home became sporadic once he started working.4. These days, he’s often tired although he… Read more »
If you haven’t yet, please check out part 1 of this GrammarReminder series for a quick introduction to reported speech. In part 2, we’re going to look at some examples of reporting someone’s speech. Take note of how the present tense becomes past tense, the past tense becomes past perfect, the present perfect becomes past… Read more »
Use the past tense after “It’s time someone …,” “It’s high time someone …” or “It’s about time someone …” These expressions mean “the time is now” or “you should do it now.” like this:1. You should come to Miami for spring break. It’s high time you came to visit us.2. He’s currently checking out… Read more »
1. The boss told them to bury the hatchet. Their constant fighting is affecting office morale.2. They’re trying to bury the hatchet, but they really can’t stand each other.3. He says he’s buried the hatchet, but she’s still really pissed at what he did.4. Burying the hatchet is not easy when the attacks have become… Read more »
1. There’s a credible terror threat against New York City and Washington, D.C. tied to the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (believable)2. They say they are stepping up security, doing things that will be noticeable to the public. (increasing)3. The threat at this moment has not been corroborated. (confirmed)4. Since May, U.S. law enforcement officials… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
