Complete the following sentences.
1. Everybody was there …………………………… Samuel.
But can mean except after all, every, none, any or no.
2. ………………………….. the storm, we would have been home before evening.
But for can mean if something had not existed or happened. Except for is not used with this meaning.
3. Nobody but …………………………… would act so foolishly.
We normally use object pronouns after but; subject pronouns are possible in a more formal style.
4. We got it out ………………………….. a screwdriver.
We use with when we talk about the tool or object we use to get a result.
5. It takes me only about 5 minutes to …………………………. ready.
We do not use become to talk about deliberate actions.
6. I couldn’t help …………………………. what they said.
We use an ing form after cannot help / could not help.
7. I can’t help but ………………………………. where she has disappeared.
After can’t help but we use an infinitive without to.
8. They got married in January, and got divorced six months …………………………
Later means at a time in the future or after the time you have mentioned.
9. I will make all your dreams ………………………………… true.
The infinitive is used without to after make.
10. Everything came …………………………… in the end.
Come is used in some fixed expressions. Common examples are come true and come right.
11. When did you ………………………….. to live in this town?
We use come to talk about movements to the place where the speaker or the hearer is.
12. I want to ……………………….. and live somewhere else.
We use go for movements to other places.
Answers
1. Everybody was there except / but Samuel.
2. But for the storm, we would have been home before evening.
3. Nobody but he / him would act so foolishly.
4. We got it out with a screwdriver.
5. It takes me only about 5 minutes to get ready.
6. I couldn’t help overhearing what they said.
7. I can’t help but wonder where she has disappeared.
8. They got married in January, and got divorced six months later.
9. I will make all your dreams come true.
10. Everything came right in the end.
11. When did you come to live in this town?
12. I want to go and live somewhere else.
