English grammar for university students. Part 1. Учебное пособие

12.… I borrow your pen?

13.Minerva … come to the party, but nobody is sure.

14.You look tired. You … have some sleep.

15.You … to study hard for the exam if you want to pass it.

16.The project … finish in two years’ time.

17.It rains in the desert sometimes, but you … not depend on it.

18.I wish I … buy a new car but I do not have any money.

19.I have no time. I … leave now. My parents are waiting for me.

20.Stop smoking! You … not smoke here.

Литература

1.Кобрина Н.А., Корнеева Е.А. и др. Грамматика английского языка. Морфология Синтаксис. СПб.: СОЮЗ, 1999.

2.Murphy R. English Grammar in Use. A reference and practice book

for intermediate students of English. Cambridge University Press, 2012.

3. Грамматика английского языка: пособие для студ. пед. институтов и ун-тов / В.Л.Каушанская, Р.Л. Ковнер и др.. - 5-е изд., испр. и доп.- Москва: Айрис-пресс, 2009.

112

MODULE 7

SENTENCE STRUCTURE. INDIRECT SPEECH. WORD ORDER.

INDIRECT STATEMENTS

Indirect statements are generally introduced by the verbs to say, to tell, to announce and in the official style by the verb to inform. With the verbs to tell and to inform the person addressed is always mentioned. With the verbs to say and to announce the person can be mentioned or not. If the person is mentioned, the preposition to is used.

She said (to us): “There are a lot of students in the room”. – She said (told us) that there were a lot of students in the room.

The girl said: “There will be a meeting tonight”. – The girl informed us that there would be a meeting that evening.

The verb to say is used to introduce both direct and indirect speech if the person addressed is not mentioned. If the person is mentioned, the verb to tell is preferable. If the verb to say is used, the preposition to is necessary.

She said: “I’ll do it”. – She said that she would do it.

He said to his wife: “I’ll send the letter”. – He told his wife that he would send the letter.

The verb to tell is used to introduce the indirect speech only, the person is mentioned.

The verb to speak never introduces indirect speech.

According to the character of the statements some other verbs are used: to declare – She declared she wouldn’t come at all.

to promise – He promised he would read the article.

to remark – She remarked the exercise was rather difficult. to remind – He reminded me that there would be a concert. to assure – She assured she would come in time.

to admit – He admitted having spoken to her. to deny – He denied having a car.

INDIRECT ORDERS AND REQUESTS

An order or a request in indirect speech is expressed by an infinitive. She said to him: “Open the window!” - She told him to open the window.

“Don't open the window.” - She told him not to open the window.

She said to him: “Please, help Ann.” - She asked him to help Ann.

The choice of the verb is determined by the character of the order (request). The verb most commonly used to introduce indirect orders is the verb to tell; indirect requests – the verb to ask. Sometimes the verbs to order and to com-

113

mand are used (to tell corresponds to the Russian сказать, чтобы ...; to order and to command correspond to приказать.

The officer commanded/ordered the soldiers to stop.

The verb to request is used in official style. Emotional requests are introduced by the verbs to beg, to implore, to entreat, to beseech (умолять.

упрашивать):

She implored the doctor lo save her child.

The verb to urge introduces a request made with great insistence (настаивать, уговаривать).

The mother said to her son: "Do help your sister!” - The mother urged her son to help his sister.

INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Word order in an indirect question is the same as in a statement.

An indirect general question is introduced by the conjunctions if/whether. I said to her: “Do you live here?” - I asked her if she lived there.

An indirect special question is introduced by the same adverb or pronoun that introduces a direct question.

I said to her: “Where do you live?”- I asked her where she lived.

If a direct question to the subject contains the link verb to be the direct order of words is not always observed:

He asked: “Who is that man?” – He asked who that man was/ who was that man.

Indirect questions are generally introduced by the verb to ask. In more official style the verb to inquire is used (if a person addressed is mentioned, the verb to inquire is used with the preposition of).

She inquired of him where Mr. Black lived.

In rendering answers the verbs to answer and to reply are generally used.

WORD ORDER

Word Order in English is of great importance. As the Russian language has a developed system of inflexions which show relations of words in sentences, word order in Russian is free. But the number of inflexions in English is rather limited and the relations of English words are shown by their place in the sentence. That is why the word order in English is fixed. It is like this:

Subject – Predicate - Object (indirect-direct-prepositional)–Adverbial mod-

114

ifier of (place-manner-time).

Father bought me a bike for a present yesterday.

We can’t change the position of different parts of the sentence at will, especially the position of the subject and object:

The tiger ate the roll. – The roll ate the tiger.

These changes are possible in Russian.

1.The usual place of the attribute is before the word it modifies, but it can be placed in post-position:

She spoke in a low voice. – A voice inside was very low.

If two or more adjectives modify the same noun the order is following: age- colour-material-nationality:

A young dark-skinned Italian woman was waiting for her.

2.The usual place of the object is after the predicate:

He gave her a book.

3. The usual place of adverbial modifiers is either before the predicate or after the direct object: She wrote the letter carefully.

An adverbial modifier of time is generally placed either at the beginning or end of the sentence: Yesterday he came here at 5.

There are some types of sentences which require the inverted word order. It is the order of words in which the subject is placed after the predicate. These sentences are:

-declarative sentences introduced by the construction there is: There is a book on the table.

-additions to remarks: I like it. – So do I.

-interrogative sentences: Does it rain here in summer?

-simple exclamatory sentences: How strange it is!

-when the sentences begin with here: Here is my card!

But: Here he is! – the word order is direct if the subject is expressed by a personal pronoun.

115

SENTENCE STRUCTURE. INDIRECT SPEECH. WORD ORDER.

EXERCISES.

Ex. 1. Change the following into indirect speech.

1. They say: “We don’t have lunch at home.” 2. He says: “She will come in the evening.” 3. Lena says: “My parents live in Moscow.” 4. She says: “Peter has taken my dictionary.” 5. Greg says: “I can show this country on the map.” 6. He says: “You must stay and eat with us this evening.” 7. The teacher (to the student): “You don’t know this lesson.” 8. She tells him: “If you don’t leave immediately. I’ll call the police.” 9. Betty says: “I left the school last year.” 10. He says: “I’m a superb cook.” 11. Mother (to her daughter): “I’ll be very busy next week, Ann.” 12. My brother says: “I shall come at five o’clock.” 13. She says: “We became friends long time ago”. 14. Tom says: “I’m leaving for France in a few days”. 15. Kate remarks: “I ‘ve never been to Brazil”.

Ex. 2. Substitute direct speech for indirect.

1. He has just said: “I want to speak to you.” 2. He will say: “I will do it at once.” 3. She says: “This exercise is very easy.” 4. He has said: “We have finished our work.” 5. I have said to her: “I met him last year.” 6. He has said to them: “She will be here in half an hour”. 7. I say to him: “I have been waiting for you since two o’clock.” 8. He says: “The price does not include the cost of packing.” 9. She says: “I have been very ill, but I am feeling much better”. 10. My aunt says: “I shall gladly go to the cinema with you because I haven’t seen this film and want to see it very much”. 11. The boy says: “I know these places very well so I can act as your guide if you want”. 12. She has announced: “We are engaged and going to be married as soon as Harris buys a house”. 13. Mother has said: “We will have to buy a lot of things for Helen when she goes to school next September”. 14. We always say: “We hope he will pass the exam successfully if nothing happens”. 15. Mary says: “I have been learning this poem for half an hour already but I don’t know it yet”.

Ex. 3. Translate into English.

Он говорит, что: 1. они изучают испанский. 2. она прекрасно знает английский. 3. у его брата новая машина. 4. она красивая девушка. 5. его родители не понимают его. 6. они ходят в театр раз в неделю. 7. Том работает в библиотеке. 8. мама готовит ужин. 9. папа читает газету. 10. он потерял ключ. 11. его сестра научилась водить машину. 12. родители вернулись из отпуска. 13. никогда не был в Америке. 14. он ждет уже час.

Она говорит, что: 1. он может прийти пораньше. 2. они не могут помочь ему. 3. он умеет говорить по-японски. 4. она должна прийти в пять.

116

5. они не смогут перевести этот текст. 6. ему приходится рано вставать. 7. мне следует бросить курить. 8. может пойти дождь. 9. они могут справиться с работой сами. 10. в дождь нельзя ездить на автомобиле с такой скоростью. 11. он умеет играть в шахматы с детства.

Он говорит, что: 1. навестит родителей в субботу. 2. они встретятся на следующей неделе. 3. его отец будeт встречать его на вокзале. 4. они будут играть в футбол после уроков во дворе. 5. родители будут смотреть этот фильм вечером. 6. на нем будет коричневый пиджак и серые брюки. 7. он не закончит работу к этому времени. 8. он починит мой телевизор к концу недели. 9. его друг вернет ему деньги к завтрашнему утру.

Он говорит, что: 1. написал им письмо на прошлой неделе. 2. они звонили ему в понедельник. 3. он потратил целый час, чтобы добраться до нас. 4. поезд пришел вовремя. 5. никто не встретил его на станции. 6. он старался изо всех сил в прошлом семестре. 7. они уже были в итальянском ресторане. 8. они знали друг друга два месяца, когда поженились.

Ex. 4. Change the following sentences into indirect questions. Begin your sentences with: I wonder/want to know/etc.

l. Are you fond of English? 2. Has he received my letter? 3. Does it often rain or snow in England? 4. Will he come here to-morrow? 5. Does she prefer tea or coffee? 6. Are you having a good time? 7. Did Mary get a letter yesterday? 8. Has John given up his job? 9. Will you be able to meet me at the station? 10. Have they ever been there? 11. Is he married or single?

Ex. 5. Change the following into indirect speech. Begin your questions with Can you tell me/I would like to know/I wonder...

l. How many students are there in your group? 2. Where do they live? 3. Why were you late yesterday? 4. How do you feel after your holiday? 5. What did she speak about at the meeting? 6. When are you going to have dinner? 7. When will you leave for Moscow? 8. What does the word mean? 9. Who teaches them English? 10. Why didn’t you answer my letter? 11. Who can answer this question? 12. How did you manage to carry that heavy box? 13. Why are they making so much noise?

Ex. 6. Make the following questions indirect. Use: I wonder/I want to know/I ask.

1. Does Jane live in Moscow? 2. Did your brother study at Oxford University? 3. Do you play tennis every day? 4. Have you ever seen the pyramids of Egypt? 5. Did they teach English literature at school? 6. Are you going to leave tomorrow? 7. Has the mail arrived yet? 8. Have you been talking on the phone all this time? 9. Will they be meeting you at the station? 10. Are there

117

any questions? 11. Do I have to hand in the paper today? 12. Will it take us long to get there? 13. What are you talking about? 14. What other countries would you like to visit? 15. What did the director tell you? 16. What colour was her hair? 17. Where can I seе you next time? 18. Why didn’t you come to the party last night? 19. How far is it to the Hawaii? 20. How many bedrooms are there in your new house? 21. How long will it take us if we go there by plane? 22. How many articles will you have translated by the end of this month? 23. Who is the author of this book? 24. When did it start raining?

Ex. 7. Use the following questions in reported speech.

1. “Was the scar caused by a fragment of shell?” I ask my acquaintance. 2. The man says to him: “Take this glass and drink the wine.” 3. The teacher asks the boy: “Do you know any poem by heart?” 4. He asks her: “Have you cooked breakfast?” 5. We ask him: “Do you watch TV on weekdays?” 6. The custom official asks her: “Do you feel all right after the flight?” 7. We ask her: “Will you go tо the cinema with us?” 8. He asks me: “Where does your sister study?”

Ex. 8. Change the following questions according to the pattern: Is it difficult to learn to drive? – Do you think it is difficult to learn to drive?

1. Is he interested in English poetry? 2. Does he care much for her? 3. Are there many more sentences to translate? 4. Have I made many mistakes? 5. Is she learning Chinese? 6. Did he divorce her? 7. Is everybody here? 8. Can we find a taxi? 9. Has he earned a lot of money? 10. Is the film worth seeing?

Ex. 9. Complete these sentences with say, tell and talk.

1. Jack ... me that he was enjoying his new job. 2. Tom ... it was a nice restaurant but I didn’t like it much. 3. The doctor ... that I would have to rest for at least week. 4. Mrs. Taylor ... us she wouldn’t be able to come to the next meeting. 5. Ann ... Tom that she was going away. 6. George couldn’t help me. He ... to ask Jack. 7. At the meeting the chairman... about the problems facing the company 8. Jill ... us all about her holiday in Australia. 9. He ... he hasn’t been invited. 10. He ... to give his name. 11. Mother ... Jim to wash up and clean the house when the guests left. 12. I can’t understand what she ... 13. In the taxi he ... to her he has quitted his job. 14. She ... she will return soon. 15. We ... that our examination will begin at eight. 16. I wonder who ... her such nonsense! 17. She ... it to me confidentially but I can’t help sharing it with you. 18. They ... they enjoyed the concert. 19. Who ... that smoking is harmful? 20. She ... her not to interfere.

118

Ex. 10. Translate into English.

1. Он спрашивает, поедем ли мы на море в этом году. 2. Она интересуется, буду ли я сдавать экзамен по английскому языку в конце года. 3. Продавщица спрашивает Катю, будет ли она примерять это платье. 4. Мама спрашивает Ника, будет ли он принимать участие в концерте. 5. Дети спрашивают отца, поможет ли он сделать им модель самолета. 6. Соседка спрашивает меня, буду ли я выращивать цветы на даче. 7. Она спрашивает, будет ли у меня завтра время сходить с детьми в кино. 8. Он спрашивает, устроит ли их эта цена. 9. Друзья спрашивают меня, приду ли я на вокзал проводить их. 10. Он спрашивает, будет ли Джон петь на концерте. 11. Она спрашивает его, придет ли он завтра. 12. Студенты интересуются, будут ли они читать этот роман в оригинале. 13. Мама хочет знать, где я был вчера. 14. Она спрашивает, что он купит ей на день рождения. 15. Туристы спрашивают гида, когда они поедут в Павловск. 16. Он любопытствует, сколько времени продлится это путешествие. 17. Дети интересуются, когда начнутся каникулы и сколько они продлятся. 18. Она спрашивает, кто будет присматривать за домом зимой. 19. Она спрашивает меня, где мы остановимся в Москве. 20. Она интересуется, когда отправится последняя электричка в Сосново. 21. Он любопытствует, где они будут обедать сегодня вечером. 22. Мама спрашивает, кого я приглашу на вечеринку. 23. Он спрашивает, когда покажут вторую часть этого фильма. 24. Она спрашивает, кто сможет ей убрать квартиру. 25. Он интересуется, где мы будем ждать его.

Ex. 11. Change the following into indirect speech.

1. Mother (to her daughter): “Buy some bread and milk, Helen.” 2. Teacher (to the class): “Don’t speak Russian at the English lesson.” 3. Jack (to me): “Please, give me your dictionary.” 4. Doctor (to the boy): “Don’t have cold drinks.” 5. The teacher (to the student): “Repeat this story from beginning to end.” 6. Ann (to her girlfriend): “Will you help me with this exercise?” 7. Jack (to the police man): “Tell me the time, please”. 8. Mother (to her child): “Don’t speak so loudly.” 9. The teacher (to the student): “Clean the blackboard, please.” 10. Steven: “Andrew, pass me some bread, please.”

Ex. 12. Use the following requests and commands in the Reported Speech. Begin your sentences with “he tells me,” “he orders,” “he demands,” “he asks”

1. Put out the lights when you leave the house. 2. Return these books to the library, please. 3. Leave me alone. 4. Drive the car carefully, please. 5. Put down your name and address here. 6. Don’t forget to call me when you get home. 7. Don’t go out in such bad weather. 8. Don’t be angry with her. 9. Don’t be late for the meeting. 10. Will you help me carry this box? 11. Will

119

you give Mr. Smith his message? 12. Can you show me the way out? 13. May I use your dictionary? 14. Could you do me a favour? 15. Leave the room immediately. 16. Stop talking. 17. Mind your own business! 18. Don’t play with fire.

Ex. 13. Report what someone says/does by using one of these verbs: allow, order, warn, encourage, permit, offer, expect, remind, forbid, re-

quire, promise.

Don’t touch the cat! – Mother warns her son not to touch the cat.

1.Be careful. The road is slippery. 2. You must fill in this application form.

3.I may leave earlier today. 4. We hope they will receive our telegram tonight.

5.Raise your hands and don’t move. 6. Do you remember that we have a meeting on Wednesday? 7. Never touch my papers on the desk. 8. Be sure to come on time. 9. Come, come! You’ll be all right. 10. Shall I help you? 11. I could give you some money if you need. 12. Don’t worry, I’ll be on time.

Ex. 14. Put the verbs in brackets into the right form. Translate into Russian.

1. They promise that they (to bring) us all the necessary books. 2. He says that the cars (to be) there soon. 3. He says that he (can) no do it without my help. 4. It is decided that we (to start) our work at four o’clock. 5. I have told you that I (to leave) town on the following day. 6. I do not know that you already (to receive) the letter. 7. The boy does not know that water (to boil) at 100 degrees. 8. He wants to know what (to become) of the books.

Ex. 15. Translate into English.

1. Он говорит, что любит кататься на коньках. 2. Интересно, встретились ли они на станции. 3. Интересно, сколько раз ему пришлось сдавать экзамен. 4. Она интересуется, знает ли он, который час. 5. Она говорит, что твой племянник приезжает через неделю. 6. Она спрашивает, навестишь ли ты бабушку через неделю. 7. Интересно, хлеб, который ты купил, свежий или нет? 8. Интересно, когда она вернулась. 9. Интересно, вернется ли твоя племянница на следующей неделе. 10. Интересно, хорошо ли она их знает. 11. Интересно, приезжает ли он на следующей неделе. 12. Он не знает, уезжает ли она в Москву на следующей неделе. 13. Интересно, где он купил словарь. 14. Она спрашивает, о чем они разговаривают. 15. Он говорит, что дети играют в саду. 16. Он говорит ей не запирать двери. 17. Он говорит, что уезжает в Москву на следующей неделе. 18. Она просит меня не скрывать от нее ничего. 19. Директор всегда просит секретаря не опаздывать в офис. 20. Мне интересно знать на каком языке он не умеет говорить.

120