August 27th, 2010 in Improve English
Expressions with prepositions and particles
A few words which are followed by a certain preposition or adverb particle in British English is followed by a different preposition or particle in American English.
August 26th, 2010 in Improve English
The structure be + infinitive is used to talk about official plans and arrangements in a formal style.
The Prime Minister is to visit Africa next month.
We are to get a wage rise in May.
August 25th, 2010 in Improve English
Any is a determiner that suggests an indefinite amount or number. It is used when it is not important to say how much or many we were thinking about. Any is often used in questions and negatives. It is not very common in affirmative clauses.
August 23rd, 2010 in Improve English
Ago is usually preceded by an expression of time.
The train went out ten minutes ago. (= It is ten minutes since the train went out.)
He died two years ago.
She phoned a few minutes ago.
It happened a long time ago.
August 22nd, 2010 in Improve English
Back and again have similar meanings, but there are some differences.
Back with a verb
August 4th, 2010 in Improve English
Combine each pair of sentences into one simple sentence by using nouns or phrases in apposition.
1. That is my father. His name is James.