1. SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION

A transformation item may take one of the following forms:

1. Rewriting a sentence, using a different word:

e.g. She is too young to get married. (old) She is not old enough to get married.

My niece likes to watch television. (enjoy)My niece enjoys watching television.

We persuaded him not to go. (dissuaded)We dissuaded him from going.

He paid a visit to the pyramids while he was staying in Cairo. (during)He paid a visit to the pyramids during his stay in Cairo.

We shall go ahead with the plan even though you object to it. (despite)We shall go ahead with the plan despite your objection (to it).

2. Rewriting a sentence, beginning with another word:

e.g. Such practices are not to be allowed under any circumstances. (Begin: Under)Under no circumstances are such practices to be allowed.

We can be such of success only by working hard. (Begin: Only)Only by working hard can we be sure of success.

I didn't realize she would one day become Miss Hong Kong. (Begin: Little)Little did I realize she would one day become Miss Hong Kong.

You shouldn't let a stranger into your house on any account. (Begin: On)On no account should you let a stranger into your house.

He is not only ignorant but also arrogant. (Begin: Not only)Not only is he ignorant, but he is also arrogant.

Note: A certain word or phrase is sometimes put at the beginning of a sentence for the sake of emphasis because the front position tends to be the most important part of a sentence. Notice the inversion of subject and verb. (i.e. the verb comes before the subject) that the change involves.

1

3. Combining sentences by using a linking word:

e.g. We arrived half an hour too late. We didn't catch the train. (Combine, beginning with If)If we had arrived half an hour earlier, we would have caught the train.

He got into his bath. Then, immediately, the telephone rang. (Combine, beginning with No sooner)No sooner had he got into his bath than the telephone rang.

I had a quick lunch at McDonald's. Then I went back to my office. (Combine, beginning with After I)After I had had a quick lunch at McDonald's, I went back to my office.

I have to get home before nine. Otherwise my father will be angry with me. (Combine, using If)My father will be angry with me if I don't get home before nine.

I was waiting at the bus stop. A stranger approached me. (Combine, beginning with While waiting)While waiting at the stop, I was approached by a stranger.

4. Rewriting a sentence in reported speech:

e.g. She said to me, "Can you help me with the dishes?"She asked me if (or whether) I could help her with the dishes.

John said to me, "Don't forget what I told you."John told me not to forget what he had told me.

Miss Pritchard said to me, "I like Hong Kong."Miss Pritchard told me (that) she liked Hong Kong.

Peter asked, "Where does Mary live?"Peter asked where Mary lived.

"Never do that again," the teacher said to me. (Begin: The teacher said that)The teacher said that I should never do that again.

5. Changing a sentence from active to passive voice or vice versa:

e.g. They said Mr. Wong was a good teacher.Mr. Wong was said to be a good teacher.

People speak English all over the world.English is spoken all over the world.

They saw the robbers enter the shop.The robbers were seen to enter the shop.

He was made chairman.

2

They made him chairman.

I was very much surprised at her behaviour.Her behaviour surprised me very much.

6. Rewriting a sentence, changing a word from one part of speech to another:

e.g. (adjective noun)We are confident of his ability. (confidence)We have confidence in his ability.

She takes much pride in her son. (proud)She is very proud of her son.

(adjective verb)I can never feel sympathetic towards people who take other people's help for granted. (sympathize)I can never sympathize with people who take other people's help for

granted.

Thank you for your help. (thankful)We are thankful to you for your help.

(adjective adverb) Henry drinking has an adverse effect on one's health. (adversely) Henry drinking adversely affects one's health.

She dances well. (good) She is good at dancing.

(adverb noun) Mr. Lee is undoubtedly the best employee in our company. (no doubt) There is no doubt that Mr. Lee is the best employee in our company.

I had much difficulty in following his arguments. (hardly) I could hardly follow his arguments.

(noun verb) On his arrival in Tokyo, he found a telegram waiting for him. (arrived) When he arrived in Tokyo, he found a telegram waiting for him.

The police is investigating the incident. (investigation) The police is holding an investigation into the incident.

While making the prescribed changes in the sentence, watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require.Make only those changes that are necessary. Unnecessary changes will merely increase your chances of making mistakes.While making the prescribed and other necessary changes, try to retain the original meaning as far as possible.

EXERCISES

3

A. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instruction. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. She is too young to get married. (enough)__________________________________________________________________________

2. Young children should not be allowed to use the lift alone under any circumstances. (Begin: Under)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. It's kind of you to let me come! (Begin: How)__________________________________________________________________________

4. There is no way we can solve the problem. (impossible)__________________________________________________________________________

5. You can't imagine our astonishment at seeing him there. (astonished)__________________________________________________________________________

6. It is reported that five thousand people have been killed in the earthquake. (Begin: Five thousand people are reported)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Mary is good at dancing. Jane is good at it too. (Combine, using and so)__________________________________________________________________________

8. I realized my mistake only then. (Begin: Only then)__________________________________________________________________________

9. Could you lend me your bicycle? (Begin: May I)__________________________________________________________________________

10. Ten lectures make up the course. (consists)__________________________________________________________________________

11. George said to me, "Don't wait for me." (Rewrite in reported speech)__________________________________________________________________________

12. The teacher said to them, "Did you read the book?" (Rewrite in reported speech)__________________________________________________________________________

13. On the other hand, we do not think John is to blame, either. (neither)__________________________________________________________________________

14. Despite her somewhat undernourished look, she was quite a beautiful girl. (Begin: Although)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4

15. When she heard the news, she broke down and cried. (Begin: On)__________________________________________________________________________

16. I told her that I was worried. (how)__________________________________________________________________________

17. We must win the match tomorrow so as to enter the semi-finals. (so that)__________________________________________________________________________

18. They aren't likely to win the game. (Begin: It is unlikely)__________________________________________________________________________

19. I don't know what to do. (Begin: I don't know what I)__________________________________________________________________________

20. I didn't realize how serious the situation was until he told me personally. (Begin: It wasn't)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. The food in the restaurant was terrible, and the service was bad. (Begin: Not only)__________________________________________________________________________

22. We shall go ahead with the plan even though you object to it. (despite)__________________________________________________________________________

23. She got angry with me because I did not apologize to her. (Begin: If I had)__________________________________________________________________________

24. The thief saw the policeman coming, ran, and disappeared round the corner. (Begin: Seeing)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25. You can't reason with him. (Begin: It's not)__________________________________________________________________________

5

B. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. That painting was too expensive. (Begin: The price)__________________________________________________________________________

2. Only a fool would do such a thing. (Begin: Nobody)__________________________________________________________________________

3. We want to tell you how much we appreciate your help. (thankful)__________________________________________________________________________

4. Einstein was not only an eminent scientist but also an accomplished musician. (Begin: Besides)__________________________________________________________________________

5. He has no consideration for other people’s feelings. (considerate)__________________________________________________________________________

6. If you have a part-time job, you will be able to study in the evening. (enable)__________________________________________________________________________

7. I will not give my consent, whatever he may do or say. (Begin: No matter) __________________________________________________________________________

8. I will have nothing to do with that fellow. (anything)__________________________________________________________________________

9. Miss Wong is no longer our secretary. (anymore)__________________________________________________________________________

10. The man could not explain satisfactorily how he came by such a large fortune. (explanation)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. I am not familiar with this district (Begin: This district)__________________________________________________________________________

12. It was her own fault that she failed in the examination. (to blame)__________________________________________________________________________

13. I had to pay $1,500 for that refrigerator. (Begin: I was charged)__________________________________________________________________________

14. She likes Paul better than Tom. (prefers)__________________________________________________________________________

15. His death was caused by cancer. (died)

6

__________________________________________________________________________16. We are afraid to talk to the principal. (dare)

__________________________________________________________________________17. I was foolish to quarrel with the manager. (Begin: It was)

__________________________________________________________________________18. I wish you to come tomorrow. (hope)

__________________________________________________________________________19. I haven’t written to you for a long time. (since)

__________________________________________________________________________20. I am sorry for answering your last letter so late. (replying)

__________________________________________________________________________21. We did not have evidence to prove him guilty. (lacked)

__________________________________________________________________________22. It was two years ago when I last saw him. (since)

__________________________________________________________________________23. That watch was the most expensive one in the shop. (more)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

24. He was so tired that he fell asleep at once. (Begin: So)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25. “Let’s go to the cinema,” he said to his girl friend. (Rewrite in reported speech, beginning with He suggested)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7

C. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. The manager and the striking workers could not reach an agreement. (able)__________________________________________________________________________

2. I like children. (fond)__________________________________________________________________________

3. “Do you like my hat?” I asked him. (Rewrite in indirect speech.)__________________________________________________________________________

4. We can be sure of success only by working hard. (Begin: Only)__________________________________________________________________________

5. I have never seen such a ridiculous thing in my life. (Begin: Never)__________________________________________________________________________

6. The ICAC is holding an investigation into the matter. (investigation)__________________________________________________________________________

7. Peter and John do not like the idea. (Begin: Neither)__________________________________________________________________________

8. The teacher scolded him because he did not hand in his assignment. (for not)__________________________________________________________________________

9. He prefers listening to the radio to watching television. (Begin: He’s rather)__________________________________________________________________________

10.I lent him twenty dollars. (borrowed)__________________________________________________________________________

11.Wherever she goes, the star attracts a lot of attention. (no matter)__________________________________________________________________________

12.He said I had stolen his books. (accused)__________________________________________________________________________

13.Do you want to join us? (like)__________________________________________________________________________

14.The bus was full of people. (crowded)__________________________________________________________________________

8

15.I went with him to the airport. (accompanied)__________________________________________________________________________

16.I didn’t ask him to resign. On the contrary, I tried what I could to persuade him to stay. (Combine, Beginning with Far from)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17.Herr Schiller taught me German. (learnt)__________________________________________________________________________

18.He started to read when he was ten years old. (until)__________________________________________________________________________

19.I was on the point of leaving when he arrived. (Begin: I was just about)__________________________________________________________________________

20.My cousin sent me a telegram. (received)__________________________________________________________________________

21.Nearly everyone thinks that there should be death punishment. (most)__________________________________________________________________________

22.You needn’t come again. (no need)__________________________________________________________________________

23.Do sit down, Mr. Wong. (Begin: Won’t)__________________________________________________________________________

24.The rise in production cost will seriously affect our plan. (effect)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25.It is possible that some workers were forced to take part in the strike. (Begin: Some workers might)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. She is very proud and no one wants to make friends with her. (that)__________________________________________________________________________

9

2. Although he tries hard, he will never succeed. (Begin: However)__________________________________________________________________________

3. Is it necessary for him to stay here? (Begin: Need)__________________________________________________________________________

4. The students seem to like their new teacher. (Begin: It seems)__________________________________________________________________________

5. No sooner had he got on the train than it started to move. (Begin: As soon

as)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. The inspector told the crowed that they would be arrested unless they dispersed. (If)__________________________________________________________________________

7. He was suspected to have done away with his wife. (Begin: It was suspected)__________________________________________________________________________

8. I prefer to stay at home rather than go out in the rain. (Begin: I’d rather)__________________________________________________________________________

9. According to the schedule, the train will arrive at 9:35. (due)__________________________________________________________________________

10. She sings beautifully; she dances beautifully too. (Begin: Not only)__________________________________________________________________________

11. This is the house Shakespeare lived in. (where)__________________________________________________________________________

12. The police persuaded the crowd to disperse. (Begin: The police persuaded the crowd that)__________________________________________________________________________

13. He was able to pass the examination with satisfactory results. (succeeded)__________________________________________________________________________

14. I don’t intend to resign. (intention)__________________________________________________________________________

15. For want of anything better to do, I agreed to join them. (Begin: As I)__________________________________________________________________________

16. What the public wants is not so much free education as good education. (more)__________________________________________________________________________

10

__________________________________________________________________________17. The horrified girls saw a snake creeping out of the basket. (Begin: To

their)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. But for your help, we would not have succeeded. (Begin: If it)__________________________________________________________________________

19. I tried very hard, but I could never catch up with him. (Begin: No matter)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20. The press has drawn much attention to the large number of accidents which occurred on the new highway. (Begin: The press has drawn much attention to the fact.)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. Mr. Wong chaired the meeting during Mr. Chan’s absence. (while)__________________________________________________________________________

22. She stood on tip-toe to see better. (so that)__________________________________________________________________________

23. Most students have difficulty in expressing themselves in English. (Use find and difficult)__________________________________________________________________________

24. People believed the earth to be flat. (Begin: It)__________________________________________________________________________

25. I couldn’t go to the cinema last night. (allowed)__________________________________________________________________________

E. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. He got to the office at 9 o’clock. (reached)__________________________________________________________________________

2. He has never been assigned a more difficult task than this. (Begin: This is)__________________________________________________________________________

3. Wouldn’t it be better to take the train? (Begin: Don’t you think)__________________________________________________________________________

11

4. She is too short to reach the book on the shelf. (tall)__________________________________________________________________________

5. Would you be kind enough to post this letter for me? (Begin: Would you be so)__________________________________________________________________________

6. I have much pleasure in informing you that your application has been accepted. (pleased)__________________________________________________________________________

7. He dares not come, dare he? (Begin: He doesn’t)__________________________________________________________________________

8. It took me quite some time to realize my mistake. (Begin: It was quite some time)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. It doesn’t matter how you go about your work as long as you get it finished before the end of this week. (Combine, beginning with No matter)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. He has been very depressed since the death of his father two weeks ago. (died)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Application forms were given to us to fill in. (Begin: We)__________________________________________________________________________

12. He worked overtime so that he could finish the job in time. (so as )__________________________________________________________________________

13. She burst into tears when she was told to leave. (Begin: On)__________________________________________________________________________

14. The plan interests me. (interested)__________________________________________________________________________

15. You needn’t wait for me. (Begin: It is)__________________________________________________________________________

16. I am sorry I offended you the other day. (Begin: I apologize)__________________________________________________________________________

17. The only thing to look forward to is the long summer vacation. (Begin: There is nothing)__________________________________________________________________________

12

18. You’re from the Lawson Company, aren’t you? (Begin: You work)__________________________________________________________________________

19. The tactful way he handled the situation pleased everyone. (Begin: Everyone)__________________________________________________________________________

20. He is confident that he will be able to cope with the situation. (Begin: He is confident of)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. He did nothing about it. (anything)__________________________________________________________________________

22. Although he is poor, he is happy. (but)__________________________________________________________________________

23. It’s nice of you to invite me! (Begin: How)__________________________________________________________________________

24. Most children find it difficult to solve abstract problems. (difficulty)__________________________________________________________________________

25. We decided not to withdraw from the committee because we trusted him. (Begin: It was because)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

F. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. I don’t want to become a factory worker. (not interested)__________________________________________________________________________

2. I have seen better than this. (Begin: This isn’t)__________________________________________________________________________

3. I wish you could come too! (Begin: If)__________________________________________________________________________

4. Two robbers held up a bank in Mongkok yesterday. One of them was carrying a pistol. (Combine, using whom)__________________________________________________________________________

13

5. Four men came to the gate of the Governor’s House. Two of the men were carrying a banner. (Combine, using two of them)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Isn’t it beautiful? (Begin: Don’t you think)__________________________________________________________________________

7. She prefers to stay at home. (rather)__________________________________________________________________________

8. He had been late for too many times even for me not to notice. (Begin: He had been late for so many times that)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. The doctor told him to give up smoking. (Begin: The doctor told him that)__________________________________________________________________________

10. It would be better for him to go home and rest for a few days. (had better)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. I have never seen such a beautiful girl. (so)__________________________________________________________________________

12. John is good at basketball. (Begin: John plays basketball)__________________________________________________________________________

13. My grandmother likes to listen to the radio. (Begin: My grandmother

enjoys)__________________________________________________________________________

14. He tried not to give me a direct answer. (avoided)__________________________________________________________________________

15. Mr. Lee was turning forty, and had been with the school for eighteen years. (Begin: Turning forty)__________________________________________________________________________

16. You don’t want to take the responsibility. I don’t, either. (Combine, beginning with Neither)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. I don’t see why we shouldn’t invite our friends in 5B to our party. (Begin: I think it’d be a good idea if)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Shut up, or I will send you out of the class. (Begin: If )

14

__________________________________________________________________________19. I went there because of you. (Begin: If it hadn’t)

__________________________________________________________________________20. It was feared that the hostage had been killed. (Begin: The hostage was

feared)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. I didn’t tell him the news because I didn’t want to upset him. (Begin: My

reason)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22. The girl from Australia swam fast enough to break the world record. (so)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. I had great difficulty in finding enough men for the work. (hardly)__________________________________________________________________________

24. My duty was to answer customers’ inquiries. (responsible)__________________________________________________________________________

25. George does not have as many girl-friends as Peter. (Begin: Peter)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

G. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. It was her wish that her son should become a doctor. (wanted)__________________________________________________________________________

2. The community leader said that the government had acted too rashly. (accused)__________________________________________________________________________

3. Would you mind posting this letter for me? (so kind)__________________________________________________________________________

4. You needn’t but so many reference books. (Begin: There is)__________________________________________________________________________

5. He seems unable to take care of himself. (incapable)

15

__________________________________________________________________________6. As he grows older, he becomes wiser. (Begin: The older)

__________________________________________________________________________7. It is almost five years since I visited Macau. (for)

__________________________________________________________________________8. Perhaps he was not informed of the change. (might)

__________________________________________________________________________9. I was going to opened the door when I heard the ringing of the telephone.

(prevented)__________________________________________________________________________

10. The editorial emphasized the need for an ombudsman in Hong Kong. (laid)__________________________________________________________________________

11. His ignorance of the urgent situation was incredible. (Begin: It was)__________________________________________________________________________

12. It would be a good idea if we consulted Mr. Wong first. (had better)__________________________________________________________________________

13. Mr. Cole has never eaten in a Chinese restaurant. (Begin: This is)__________________________________________________________________________

14. The manager promised to see to our complaint. (Begin: The manager

assured)__________________________________________________________________________

15. What a crazy idea it was to spend $800,000 on a cage for two monkeys! (Begin: How)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Many people consider Professor X the best authority on the heart diseases. (Begin: Professor X)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. He was so busy that he forgot to post the letter. (too)__________________________________________________________________________

18. He did not argue with his wife because he was tired. (too)

__________________________________________________________________________19. She was so anxious that she could not sleep. (Begin: Such)

__________________________________________________________________________

16

20. She should have known better. She shouldn’t have married such a rogue as John. (Combine, using than)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. I have to get home before nine. Otherwise my father will be angry with me. (Combine, using if)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to bet on horses. (discourage)__________________________________________________________________________

23. What a foolish thing it is to say that men are more intelligent than women! (Begin: How)__________________________________________________________________________

24. Surely you had a hard time preparing for your final exam. (Begin: You

must)__________________________________________________________________________

25. It is unlikely that he will be acquitted. (Begin: He stands)__________________________________________________________________________

H. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. The customer demanded to see the manager. (insisted)__________________________________________________________________________

2. The aim of the campaign is to raise $100,000 for the victims of the disaster. (Begin: The campaign aims)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. His arguments were so convincing that everyone came round to his views. (Begin: So)__________________________________________________________________________

4. It’s too good a chance for us to miss. (Begin: It’s such)__________________________________________________________________________

5. You will like him more if you know him better. (Begin: The better)__________________________________________________________________________

6. Peter thought the play was terrible. (Begin:In Peter’s)__________________________________________________________________________

7. I want you to come to my party tonight. (Begin: I’d)

17

__________________________________________________________________________8. How I regret not taking your advice! (Begin: If only)

__________________________________________________________________________9. George is more handsome than Albert. (Begin: Albert is not)

__________________________________________________________________________10. There’s no one in the hall but us. (Begin: We’re the)

__________________________________________________________________________11. Why did you take up French? (Begin: What was)

__________________________________________________________________________12. Why don’t we go to the cinema tonight? (Begin: How about)

__________________________________________________________________________13. If you don’t ring me up, I’ll presume there is no change in the plan. (Begin:

If I don’t hear)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. There ‘s no need for you to stay here. (Begin: You don’t)__________________________________________________________________________

15. One day scientists might discover the existence of life on planets other than the earth. (Begin: Perhaps)__________________________________________________________________________

16. His teacher found his progress satisfactory. (satisfied)__________________________________________________________________________

17. Our English teacher always puts much emphasis on the importance of a good dictionary. (emphasizes)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. I haven’t seen Ben for four years. (Begin: It is)__________________________________________________________________________

19. She prides herself on her musical talent. (proud)__________________________________________________________________________

20. The weather forecast says we shall have rain tomorrow. (Begin: According)__________________________________________________________________________

21. Writing good short stories is very difficult. (Begin: It’s)__________________________________________________________________________

22. The swimming gala was postponed because the weather was bad. (because of)

18

__________________________________________________________________________23. It looks as if it’s going to rain. (looks like)

__________________________________________________________________________24. You were foolish to return down the offer. (Begin: It was)

__________________________________________________________________________25. I spend two hours getting here. (Begin: It)

__________________________________________________________________________

I. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. The pupils continued to talk in spite of the teacher’s warning. (kept on)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. May I borrow your typewrite? (lend)__________________________________________________________________________

3. I was offered the job on his recommendation. (Begin: He recommended me)__________________________________________________________________________

4. I did not do my homework. Instead, I spent the whole evening watching television. (Combine, beginning with Instead)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. I don’t know he was a Ph.D. until he told me personally. (Begin: It wasn’t until)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. My book is more useful than yours. (not as)__________________________________________________________________________

7. I did not mean to annoy you. (intention)__________________________________________________________________________

8. The teacher found his essay very satisfactory, and he gave it an “A”. (Begin: The teacher was so)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. I have never seen such a beautiful car. (Begin: This is)__________________________________________________________________________

10. The teacher told the class to stop talking. (Begin: The teacher said to)

19

__________________________________________________________________________11. He seemed to have known the truth. (Begin: It)

__________________________________________________________________________12. I didn’t realize the new teacher was going to be our form-master until he

walked into the classroom. (Begin: It wasn’t until)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. I couldn’t leave because of the rain. (prevented)__________________________________________________________________________

14. His guilt was undeniable. (Begin: It was undeniable)__________________________________________________________________________

15. He was very worried because he had lost the documents. (loss)__________________________________________________________________________

16. Teachers work very hard, but they still don’t earn very much. (Begin: No matter)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. The lesson bored me, and I dozed off. (Use so and boring)__________________________________________________________________________

18. The life-guards tried in vain to save the drowning man. (unsuccessful)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. I arrived ten minutes too late to see the opening ceremony. (Begin: If)__________________________________________________________________________

20. What makes you think most old people in Hong Kong are not happy? (Begin: Why)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. He advised me to give up smoking. (Begin: He suggested that)__________________________________________________________________________

22. The head waiter politely insisted that the customer wore a tie. (Begin: The head waiter politely insisted on)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. Thank you for your advice. (Begin: I am thankful)__________________________________________________________________________

24. The striking workers made a demand for higher wages. (demanded)__________________________________________________________________________

20

25. He always reminds me that he is my boss. (Begin: He never)__________________________________________________________________________

J. Rewrite the following sentences, using the word(s) given in brackets or following the instructions. Keep the original meaning as far as possible, and watch out for any additional changes that the new sentence structure may require. Make only those changes that are necessary.

1. He started to read when he was ten years old. (until)__________________________________________________________________________

2. We arrived at the concert half an hour too late. We didn’t see his performance. (Begin: If)__________________________________________________________________________

3. He might go down on his knees, but I would never forgive him. (Begin: Even

if)__________________________________________________________________________

4. Your handwriting is good but Mary’s is better. (so……as)__________________________________________________________________________

5. She likes going shopping better than staying at home. (Begin: She would

rather)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. It seems you’re made a mistake. (Begin: You seem)__________________________________________________________________________

7. The matter doesn’t concern me. (Begin: I)__________________________________________________________________________

8. She is afraid of snakes. (fears)__________________________________________________________________________

9. The dealer sold the air-conditioner to my friend. (bought)__________________________________________________________________________

10. He does not have enough money to buy the car. (Begin: He lacks)__________________________________________________________________________

11. The goalkeeper was too slow to catch the ball. (enough)__________________________________________________________________________

12. After taking the School Certificate Exam, she took up a job as a typist. (Begin: After she)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. A large firm offered him a well-paid job shortly after he had graduated

21

from college. (Begin: Shortly after graduating)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. He is likely to be back before the end of this month. (probably)__________________________________________________________________________

15. He did not resent unfavourable criticism. On the contrary, he always kept an open mind and was willing to listen to other people’s opinion. (Begin: Far from)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. The newly-arrived immigrants were aware of the hostility that the locals had towards them. (hostile)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. The President is trying to convince his countrymen of his determination to beat inflation. (determined)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. She is not only a professional artist, but also a first-rate teacher. (Begin: Besides)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. We managed to get the work done two days before deadline. (succeeded)__________________________________________________________________________

20. Whose watch is this? (Begin: Who does)__________________________________________________________________________

21. He said I had stolen his wallet. (Begin: He accused)__________________________________________________________________________

22. The suitcase was very heavy. She could not lift it. (Combine, using too

heavy)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. His grandfather died ten years ago. (dead)__________________________________________________________________________

24. The news of their grandfather’s death made them very depressed. (Begin: The news that)

__________________________________________________________________________25. The news of his sudden departure puzzled us all. (Begin: The news that)

22

__________________________________________________________________________

23