Complete the following sentences using an appropriate word or phrase.
1It is time we ...............
Wrong!
After "It is time", we use a past form, so "left" is correct.
2I ............... them a couple of times when I was in London.
Wrong!
The finished past time "when I was in London" needs the simple past "visited".
3I ............... him before.
Wrong!
With life experience up to now, we use the present perfect "have never met".
4I ............... it if I were you.
Wrong!
In advice with "if I were you", the correct conditional form is "would buy".
5It is a long time ............... I went there.
Wrong!
We use "since" before the clause that marks when the period began.
6She is ............... today.
Wrong!
The comparative form of "good" is "better", so "much better" is correct.
7I was surprised to see that ............... James was there.
Wrong!
Before a noun phrase used as a surprising addition, use "even".
8I bought the watch ............... it was very expensive.
Wrong!
For a real contrast in the past, the correct linker is "even though".
9I will buy that watch ............... it turns out to be very expensive.
Wrong!
For a possible future situation, the correct linker is "even if".
10He ............... the phone and quickly dialed the number.
Wrong!
To move your hand toward something to take it, say "reached for".
11The first time I ............... him was last year.
Wrong!
The finished past time "last year" needs the simple past "met".
12Take the certificates with you just in case they ............... you a job.
Wrong!
After "in case" with future meaning, we normally use the present simple "offer".
Answers
- It is time we left.
- I visited them a couple of times when I was in London.
- I have never met him before.
- I would buy it if I were you.
- It is a long time since I went there.
- She is much better today.
- I was surprised to see that even James was there.
- I bought the watch even though it was very expensive.
- I will buy that watch even if it turns out to be very expensive.
- He reached for the phone and quickly dialed the number.
- The first time I met him was last year.
- Take the certificates with you just in case they offer you a job.