Файл: Practice with keys.pdf

GRAMMAR 20 CONSOLIDATION 4

(9)on the train. Still, why didn't the violinist go (10)

the lost property office? All the lost property on the underground system

(11)to be sent to this office, so if you lose anything you

(12)easily get it back. In this case, the violinist must have

(13)very absent minded. Perhaps he or she didn't

(14)to play the violin ever again after this journey. Or perhaps

117

Explanations

•Countable nouns

A countable noun has a singular and a plural form. We can use a singular or plural verb with it. We can use numbers with it.

Where is my shirt?

Where are my shirts?

a shirt, shirts, some shirts, four shirts

•Uncountable nouns

An uncountable noun has only one form. We can only use a singular verb with it. We cannot use numbers with it.

Here is some advice for you. advice, some advice

However, we can count an uncountable noun indirectly by using a phrase like a piece of, a bit of.

When I left home my mother gave me two useful bits of advice. I've found out several interesting pieces of information.

A few uncountable nouns end in -s, but they follow the normal rules for uncountable nouns and have a singular verb.

The news is very bad today. Billiards is an interesting game.

•Typical uncountable nouns

Substances: water, air, coffee, plastic, iron, paper Abstract ideas: life, fun, freedom, health, time, progress Activities: work, travel, sleep, football, help, research

Human feelings: happiness, anger, honesty, hope, respect, courage Groups of items: furniture, luggage

Other words are found in the Practice section. Note the words below which are uncountable in English but countable in many other languages:

accommodation, advice, behaviour, business, cash, equipment, furniture, health, homework, information, knowledge, luggage, money, permission, rubbish, scenery, traffic, travel, weather, work

•Uncountable nouns that describe a category

Some uncountable nouns can be used in a countable way when they describe a category.

Uncountable use: Would you like some fruit after your coffee?

Use as a category: There are two main fruits exported from Madeira, bananas and pineapples.

118

GRAMMAR 21 COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

•Change of meaning

Some words have different meanings in countable and uncountable forms.

•Other examples with a change of meaning:

•Plural nouns

These nouns only have a plural form and take a plural verb.

My trousers are too tight.

The stairs are very steep.

Other common examples are:

clothes, contents, feelings, goods, jeans, means, outskirts, surroundings, thanks

- Group nouns

Some nouns can be followed by either a singular or plural verb. / think the government is/are wrong.

It depends whether we think of the group as a whole (singular verb), or its individual members (plural verb). Other common examples:

army, audience, class, company, crew, crowd, data, family, group, media, press, public, staff, team

Some group nouns only take a plural verb: cattle, police, people

119

FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE

Underline the most suitable word in each sentence.

a)Different countries have different weather/weathers.

b)All areas of the skin are in fact covered in tiny hair/hairs.

c)We've looked at the menu and we'd all like chicken/chickens.

d)Jack is a millionaire and owns a lot of business/businesses.

e)Have you a copy of the complete work/works of Dante?

f)None of the passengers had insured their baggage/baggages.

g)Students must pass their paper/papers to the front.

h) I'm afraid we can't find cheap accommodation/accommodations for all of you.

2 Complete each sentence with a/an, some or by leaving the space blank.

3Underline the most suitable word in each sentence.

a)I would love to go on a long journey/travel by train.

b)What's the latest news? Can I look at your paper/journal?

c)Here's your ticket. Do you have any luggage/suitcase?

d)Don't forget to buy a sliced bread/loaf.

e) Why don't we leave the car in this car park/parking.

f)I can't come to work today. I have a bad cold/flu.

g)Excuse me sir, but do you have a licence/permission for this gun?

h)Brighton has quite a good beach/seaside.

120

GRAMMAR 21 COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

4 Put one suitable word in each space.

5 Complete each sentence with the most suitable word or phrase.

j)In order to prove Smith is guilty, we must find some

A)information B) evidence C) knowledge D) means

121

FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE

6Choose the most appropriate meaning for each sentence.

a)You mustn't lose heart.

1)Don't have an operation. 2) Don't give up hope.

b)Where's my glass?

1)I need a drink. 2) I can't see.

c)Jack has a new post.

1)The postman has delivered a letter. 2) He has a different job.

d)All goods must be paid for in advance.

1)Nothing enjoyable in life is free. 2) You have to pay for these things first.

e)I've joined a new company.

1)I have a new job. 2) I have some new friends.

f)This hotel has class.

1)You can study hotel management here. 2) It is a good quality hotel.

g)I don't have the means to help you.

1)I'm not able to help. 2) I can't understand what help you need.

h)I'd like some china.

1)I want to go abroad. 2) I need some cups and plates.

i)Do you have any cash?

1) Do you only have a cheque? 2) Isn't there a place to pay in this shop?

j)They have a business in Leeds.

1)They have to go there to do a job. 2) They own a company there.

7Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.

a)This island has a large population. people

b)Do you own these things? your

c)The weather was good on our holiday. had

d)There were a lot of cars on the road to Manchester. traffic

strength

122