Stop procrastinating – now!
It's a beautiful day. Eva doesn't feel like __________ it at the library. She goes to the park instead. She keeps __________ herself she'll work better the next day.
Todd planned __________ an appointment with the dentist, but he decided __________ another week, or maybe two.
Procrastinating – __________ until tomorrow things you need __________ today – is a universal problem. College students are famous for__________, but we all do it sometimes. What causes people __________ important tasks? Read what the experts say.
unpleasant tasks • It's not always fun __________ a lot of the things on our To Do lists. Most people prefer __________ enjoyable things.
poor time management • __________ too little time for a task is discouraging. It's hard __________ started on a project when you feel that you can't finish it.
fear • An important test can make you feel so nervous that you put off __________.
perfectionism • The belief that you must do a perfect job can prevent you from __________ or __________ a task.
As you can see, people often procrastinate because they want __________ bad feelings. But procrastinators end up __________ even worse because of their procrastination. The only solution: stop __________. Now!
Exercise 12 Complete these sentences with an appropriate preposition and verb form
1 Alice isn’t interested _____ (look) __________ for a new job.
2 Henry is excited _____ (leave) __________ for India.
3 You are capable _____ (do) __________ better work.
4 I have no excuse _____ (be) __________ late.
5 I’m accustomed _____ (have) ___________ a big breakfast.
6 The rain prevented us _____ (complete) __________ the work.
7 Fred is always complaining _____ (have) __________ a headache.
8 Instead _____ (study) __________, Margaret went to a ballgame with some of the friends.
9 Thank you _____ (help) __________ me carry my suitcases.
10 Mrs. Grant insisted _____ (know) __________ The whole truth.
11 I believe _____ (be) __________ honest at all times.
12 You should take advantage _____ (live) __________ here.
13 Fatima had a good reason _____ (go, not) __________ to class yesterday.
14. Everyone in the neighbourhood participated _____ (search) __________ for the lost child.
15 I apologized to Yoko _____ (make) __________ her wait for me.
16 The weather is terrible tonight. I don’t blame you _____ (want, not) __________ to go to the meeting.
17 Who is responsible _____ (wash) __________ and (dry) __________ the dishes after dinner?
18 In addition _____ (go) __________ to school full time, Spiro has a part-time job.
19 I stopped the child _____ (run) __________ into the street.
20 Where should we go for dinner tonight? Would you object _____ (go) __________ to an Italian restaurant?
21 The major made another public statement for the purpose _____ (clarify) __________ the new tax proposal.
22 The thief was accused _____ (steal) __________ a woman’s purse.
23 The jury found Mr. Adams guilty _____ (take) __________ money from the company he worked for and (keep) __________ it for himself.
24 Larry isn’t used _____ (wear) __________ a suit and tie every day.
25 I’m going to visit my family during the school vacation. I’m looking forward _____ (eat) __________ my mother’s cooking and (sleep) __________ in my own bed.
Exercise 13 Using the words in parentheses, complete the sentences
1 Kostas went to bed instead _______________ (finish)
2 I thanked my friend _______________ (lend)
3 I’m excited _______________ (go)
4 I’m not accustomed _______________ (live)
5 Omar didn’t feel good. He complained _______________ (have)
6 I don’t blame you _______________ (want, not)
7 I have a good reason _______________ (be)
8 It’s getting late. I’m worried _______________ (miss)
9 I’m interested _______________ (find out about)
10 I’m thinking _______________ (go)
11 I apologized to my friend _______________ (be)
12 I am/am not used _______________ (drive)
13 Nothing can stop me _______________ (go)
14 In that office, who is responsible _______________ (take care of)
15 I look forward _______________ (go)
16 The thief was guilty _______________ (steal)
17 Sonya has two jobs. In addition _______________ (work)
18 Please forgive me _______________ (write, not)
19 Sarah is an honest person. She’s not capable _______________ (tell)
20 Ill health keeps my grandfather _______________ (travel)
Exercise 14 Give answers to the question, using ing-forms as the objects of prepositions
Example: Your friend was late. Did she apologize?
Yes, she apologized/no, she didn’t apologize for being late
1 You were late for class yesterday. Did you have a good excuse?
2 You are going to Kyiv to visit your friends this weekend. Are you looking forward to that?
3 Lena picked up your pen when you dropped it. Did you thank her?
4 You’re living in a cold/warm climate. Are you accustomed to that?
5 You’re going to the Crimea for a vacation. Are you excited?
6 You interrupted the teacher while she was speaking. Did you apologize?
7 The students in the class did pantomimes. Did all of them participate?
8 Someone broke the window. Do you know who is responsible?
9 Americans usually have their biggest meal in the evening. Are you used to doing that?
10 The weather is hot/cold. What does that prevent you from doing?
11 Your sister has to do a lot of homework. Does he complain?
12 He didn’t study grammar last night. What did he do instead?
13 You studied last night. What did you do in addition?
Exercise 15 Complete the following using by+ an ing-forms or a phrase with it to express how something is done
1 Pat turned off the tape recorder ____________________ .
2 We show people we are happy ____________________ .
3 We decided who should get the last piece of pie_______________.
4 We satisfy our hunger ____________________ .
5 We quench our thirst ____________________ .
6 I found out what “quench” means ____________________ .
7 Tony improved his listening comprehension _________________ .
8 Alex caught my attention ____________________ .
9 They got rid of the rats in the building ____________________ .
10 My dog shows me she is happy ____________________ .
11 He accidentally electrocuted himself ____________________ .
12 Sometimes teenagers get into trouble with their parents _______ .
Exercise 16 Create sentences from the given words, using any tense and subject. Remember that the perfect ing-form refers the action to the past
Example: enjoy + read the newspaper
I enjoy reading the newspaper every morning while I’m having my first cup of coffee.
1 enjoy + watch TV 11 delay + leave on vacation
2 mind + open the window 12 keep + work
3 quit + eat desserts 13 keep on + work
4 give up + eat desserts 14 consider + get a job
5 finish + eat dinner 15 think about + get a job
6 get through + eat dinner 16 discus + go to a movie
7 stop + rain 17 talk about + go to a movie
8 avoid + answer my question 18 mention + go to a concert
9 postpone + do my work 19 suggest + go on a picnic
10 put off + do my work 20 enjoy + listen to music
Exercise 17 Complete each sentence with any appropriate ing-form of the following verbs
to open to rain to run to take to do homework to organize to laugh to run into to go to do to fly to take to be to work
1 When Beth got tired, she stopped __________.
2 Would you mind __________ the door? Thanks.
3 The weather will get better soon. We can leave as soon as it stops __________ .
4 The police officer told him to stop, but the thief kept __________ .
5 I enjoy __________ a long walk every morning.
6 I have a lot of homework tonight, but I’d still like to go with you later on. I’ll call you when I get through __________ .
7 I would like to have some friend over. I’m thinking about __________ a dinner party.
8 He told a really funny joke. We couldn’t stop __________ !
9 Jack almost had an automobile accident. He barely avoided __________ another car at the intersection of 4th and Elm.
10 Where are you considering __________ for vacation?
11 Sometimes I put off __________ my homework.
12 I wanted to go to Mexico. Sally suggested __________ to Hawaii.
13 Tony mentioned __________ the bus to school instead of walking.
14 I appreciate __________ able to study in peace and quiet.
Exercise 18 Use an ing-form or an infinitive to complete each sentence
1 We’re going out for dinner. Would you like to join us?
2 Jack avoided looking at me.
3 Fred didn’t have any money, so he decided _________ a job.
4 The teacher reminded the students __________ their assignments.
5 Do you enjoy __________ soccer?
6 I was broke, so Jenny offered __________ me a little money.
7 Mrs. Allen promised __________ tomorrow.
8 My boss expects me __________ this work as soon as possible.
9 Would you mind __________ the door for me?
10 Even though I asked the people in front of me at the movie __________ quiet, they kept __________ .
11 Joan and David were considering __________ married in June, but they finally decided __________ until August.
12 Our teacher encourages us __________ a dictionary whenever we are uncertain of the spelling of a word.
13 Before I went away to college, my mother reminded me __________ her a letter at least once a week.
14 Mrs. Jackson had warned her young son __________ the hot stove.
15 I don’t mind __________ alone.
16 The teacher seems __________ in a good mood today, don’t you think?
17 Lucy pretended __________ the answer to my question.
18 Paulo intends __________ his friend a letter.
19 Residents are not allowed _________ pets in my apartment building.
20 All applicants are required __________ an entrance examination.
21 Someone asked me __________ this package.
22 I was asked __________ this package.
23 Jack advised me __________ a new apartment.
24 I was advised __________ a new apartment.
25 Jack advised __________ a new apartment.
26 Jack suggested __________ a new apartment.
27 Ann advised her sister __________ the plane instead of driving to Oregon.
28 Ann advised __________ the plane instead of driving to Oregon.
Exercise 19 Use an infinitive phrase to create active and passive sentences using the given ideas and the verbs in parentheses. (Omit the by-phrase in passive sentences)
1 The teacher said to me, “You may leave early”. (permit)
The teacher permitted me to leave early. (active)
I was permitted to leave early. (passive)
2 The secretary said to me, “Please give this note to Sue.” (ask)
3 My advisor said to me, “You should take Biology 109.” (advise)
4 When I went to traffic court, the judge said to me, “You must pay a fine.” (order)
5 During the test, the teacher said to Greg, “Keep your eyes on your own paper.” (warn)
6 During the test, the teacher said to Greg, “Don’t look at your neighbour’s paper.” (warn)
7 At the meeting, the head of the department said to the faculty, “Don’t forget to turn in your grade reports by the 15th.” (remind)
8 Mr. Lee said to the children, “Be quiet.” (tell)
9 The hijacker said to the pilot, “You must land the plane.” (force)
10 When I was growing up, my parents said to me, “You may stay up late on Saturday night.” (allow)
11 The teacher said to the students, “Speak slowly and clearly.” (encourage)
12 The teacher always says to the students, “You are supposed to come to class on time.” (expect)
COMMON VERBS FOLLOWED BY EITHER INFINITIVES OR GERUNDS
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Group A: verb + infinitive or gerund, with no difference in meaning begin like hate start love can’t stand continue prefer* can’t bear |
The verbs in Group A may be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund with little or no difference in meaning. If the main verb is progressive, an infinitive (not a gerund) is usually used. |
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Group B: verb + infinitive or gerund, with a difference in meaning remember regret forget try |
The verbs in Group B may be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, but the meaning is different. |
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(a) Judy always remembers to lock the door. (b) Sam often forgets to lock the door. (c) I remember seeing the Alps for the first time. The sight was impressive. (d) I’ll never forget seeing the Alps for the first time. |
Remember + infinitive = remember to perform responsibility, duty, or task, as in (a) Forget + infinitive = forget to perform a responsibility, duty, or task, as in (b) Remember + gerund = remember (recall) something that happened in the past, as in (c) Forget + gerund = forget something that happened in the past, as in (d)** |
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(e) I regret to tell you that you failed the test. (f) I regret lending him some money. He never paid me back.
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Regret + infinitive = regret to say, to tell someone, to inform someone of some bad news, as in (e) Regret + gerund = regret something that happened in the past, as in (f) |
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(g) I’m trying to learn English (h) The room was hot. I tried opening the window, but that didn’t help. So I tried turning on the fan, but I was still hot. Finally, I turned on the air conditioner. |
Try + infinitive = make an effort, as in (g) Try + gerund = experiment with a new or different approach to see if it works, as in (h) |
*Notice the patterns with prefer:
prefer+gerund: I prefer staying home to going to the concert.
prefer+infinitive: I’d prefer to stay home (rather) than (to) go to the concert.
**Forget followed by a gerund usually occurs in a negative sentence or in a question: e.g., I’ll never forget, I can’t forget, Have you ever forgotten, and Can you ever are often followed by a gerund phrase.
Exercise 20 Complete the sentences with the correct form(s) of the verbs in parentheses
1 I like (go) to go/going to the zoo.
2 The play wasn’t very good. The audience started (leave) _______________ before it was over.
3 After a brief interruption, the professor continued (lecture) _______________ .
4 The children love (swim) _______________ in the ocean.
5 I hate (see) _____________ any living being suffer. I can’t bear it.
6 I’m afraid of flying. When a plane begins (move) _______________ down the runway, my heart starts (race) _______________ .Oh-oh! The plane is beginning (move) _______________, and my heart is starting (race) ______________ .
7 When I travel, I prefer (drive) _______________ to (take) _______________ a plane.
8 I prefer (drive) _______________ rather than (take) _______________ a plane.
9 I always remember (turn) _______________ off all the lights before I leave my house.
10 I can remember (be) _______________ very proud and happy when I graduated.
11 Did you remember (give) _______________ Jake my message?
12 I remember (play) _______________ with dolls when I was a child.
13 What do you remember (do) _______________ when you were a child?
14 What do you remember (do) _______________ before you leave for class every day?
15 What did you forget (do) _______________ before you left for class this morning?
16 I’ll never forget (carry) _______________ my wife over the threshold when we moved into our first home.
17 I can’t ever forget (watch) _______________ our team score the winning goal in the last seconds of the championship game.
18 Don’t forget (do) _______________ your homework tonight!
19 I regret (inform) _______________ you that your loan application has not been approved.
20 I regret (listen, not) _______________ to my father’s advice. He was right.
21 When a student asks a question, the teacher always tries (explain) _______________ the problem as clearly as possible.
22 I tried everything, but the baby still wouldn’t stop crying. I tried (hold) _______________ him, but that didn’t help. I tried (feed) _______________ him, but he refused the food and continued to cry. I tried (burp) _______________ him. I tried (change) _______________ his diapers. Nothing worked. The baby wouldn’t stop crying.
Exercise 21 Supply an appropriate form, ing-form or infinitive, of the verbs in parentheses
1 Mary reminded me (be, not) not to be late for the meeting.
2 We went for a walk after we finished (clean) _______________ up the kitchen.
3 I forgot (take) _______________ a book back to the library, so I had to pay a fine.
When do you expect (leave) _______________ on your trip?
5 The baby started (talk) _______________ when she was about eighteen months old.
6 I don’t mind (wait) _______________ for you. Go ahead and finish (do) _______________ your work.
7 I’ve decided (stay) _______________ here over vacation and (paint) _______________ my room.
8 We discussed (quit) _______________ our jobs and (open) _______________ our own business.
9 I’m getting tired. I need (take) (take) _______________ a break.
10 Sometimes students avoid (look) _______________ at the teacher if they don’t want (answer) _______________ a question.
11 The club members discussed (postpone) _______________ the next meeting until March.
12 Most children prefer (watch) _______________ television to (listen) _______________ to the radio.
13 My grandfather prefers (read) _______________ .
14 Did Carol agree (go) _______________ (camp) _______________ with you?
15 As the storm approached, the birds quit (sing) _______________ .
16 The taxi driver refused (take) _______________ a check. He wanted the passenger (pay) _______________ cash.
17 The soldiers were ordered (stand) _______________ at attention.
18 The travel agent advised us (wait, not) _______________ until August.
Exercise 22 Supply an appropriate form, ing-form or infinitive, of the verbs in parentheses
1 Keep (talk) _______________ . I’m listening to you.
2 The children promised (play) _______________ more quietly. They promised (make, not) _______________ so much noise.
3 Linda offered (look after) _______________ my cat while I was out of town.
4 You shouldn’t put off (pay) _______________ your bills.
5 Alex’s dog loves (chase) _______________ sticks.
6 Mark mentioned (go) _______________ to the market later today. I wonder if he’s still planning (go) _______________ .
7 Igor suggested (go) _______________ (ski) _______________ in the mountains this weekend. How does that sound to you?
8 The doctor ordered Mr. Gray (smoke, not) _______________ .
9 Don’t tell me his secret. I prefer (know, not) _______________ .
10 Could you please stop (whistle) _______________? I’m trying (concentrate) _______________ on my work.
11 Recently, Jo has been spending most of her time (do) _______________ research for a book on pioneer women.
12 Nadia finally decided (quit) _______________ her present job and (look for) _______________ another one.
13 Did you remember (turn off) _______________ the stove?
14 Toshi was allowed (renew) _______________ his student visa.
15 Pat told us (wait, not) _______________ for her.
16 Mr. Buck warned his daughter (play, not) _______________ with matches.
17 Would you please remind me (call) _______________ Gina tomorrow?
18 The little boy had a lot of trouble (convince) _______________ anyone he had seen a mermaid.
19 Liz encourage me (throw away) _______________ my old running shoes with holes in the toes and (buy) _______________ a new pair.
20 I’m considering (drop out of) _______________ school, (hitchhike) _______________ to New York, and (try) _______________ (find) _______________ a job.
21 Don’t forget (tell) _______________ Jane (call) _______________ me about (go) _______________ (swim) _______________ tomorrow.
22 Sally reminded me (ask) _______________ you (tell) _______________ Bob (remember) _______________ (bring) _______________ his soccer ball to the picnic.
Exercise 23 Complete the paragraphs with can, can't, could, or couldn't
1 For a long time, Jim and Marie couldn’t agree on a
a
family sport. Jim loves tennis, and Marie takes lessons, but she still ___________ play- Marie ________ swim, but Jim hates
b c
the water. They recently took up dancing. Now, they ________
d
do the swing and spend time together.
2 Stefan has made a lot of progress in English. Last semester he ________ order a meal in a restaurant or talk on the telephone. His
a
friends helped him do everything. Now he ________ speak English in a lot of situations. b
3 Bill almost _______ make his class presentation last
a
semester because he was so nervous. He ___________
b
communicate well in small groups, but not in big ones. He plans to take a course in public speaking. I'm sure he ________
c
improve quickly.
4 Last year I _______ dance at all, but when I met Stan, I
a
signed up for a class right away. He ___________ really dance,
b
and I wanted to dance with him. Now I ____________ do the
c
basic steps. I __________ do the waltz yet, but we're
d
planning to waltz at our wedding next month.
Exercise 24 Complete each conversation with the correct form of be able to and the verb in parentheses. Choose between affirmative and negative. Translate the sentences
1 A:I heard your sister wanted to take lessons. Was sheable to
a (start)
start ?
B:Yes, she was. She started last month. She can do the fox-trot now, but she still ______________ the waltz.
b (do)
2 A:Why are you taking dance lessons?
B:I want to ______________ at my wedding!
a (dance)
3 A:_______ you ____ Mrs. Suraikin at the studio yesterday?
a (find)
B:Yes. She told me I ______ in the tango contest next month!
b (compete)
A:Great! I know that's really important to you.
B:Yes. __________ the tango in a contest means a lot to me.
c (do)
4 A:_______ you ______ Russian as a child, Mrs. Suraikin?
a (speak)
B:Yes, I was. We spoke it at home, so I ________ it fluently.
b (speak)
A:__________ your children __________ Russian too?
c (speak)
B:No, unfortunately my children never learned Russian. They only speak English.
5 A:I _____ the waltz last weekend because I hurt my ankle.
a (practice)
B: That's too bad.___________ you __________ next week?
b (practice)
Exercise 25 Complete the story with the given verbs and expressions. Explain their meaning
was able to do you mind if Could I have one Can may
Heather immediately liked Tara, her neat, non-smoking roommate. Their first week together was great. The second week, the cookies from Heather's mom disappeared.Tara didn't ask Heather,"__________ ?" Tara's friends always shared food without asking permission. The third week,Tara looked annoyed whenever Heather's friends stopped by to visit. Heather never askedTara, "Hey, __________ they hang out here for a while?" At home, Heather's friends were always welcome. By October, Heather andTara weren't speaking to each other.
Luckily, their dorm counselor __________ help them fix their relationship with three simple rules.
1 Always ask permission before you touch your roommate's stuff. Say: "My computer isn't working. __________ I use yours for a few hours?"
2 Set times when it's OK to have visitors. If it's not "visiting hours," ask your roommate's permission:"_____ Luis and Ming-Hwa work here tonight? We're doing a presentation in class tomorrow."
3 Try to solve problems. Say: "Your music is too loud, but you __________ borrow my headphones."
Follow these guidelines, and who knows? You __________ gain a happier roommate and a good friend.
Exercise 26 Take the quiz. Explain the meaning of modal verbs in the answers you propose