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.

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.
They made him chairman.
I was very much surprised at her behaviour.
2

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
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)
3

__________________________________________________________________________
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)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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)
__________________________________________________________________________
4

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)

__________________________________________________________________________

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 peoples 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)

__________________________________________________________________________
6

15.

His death was caused by cancer. (died)

__________________________________________________________________________

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 havent 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.

Lets go to the cinema, he said to his girl friend. (Rewrite in reported speech,
beginning with He suggested)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

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: Hes 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)
__________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________
16. I didnt 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 neednt come again. (no need)
__________________________________________________________________________
23. Do sit down, Mr. Wong. (Begin: Wont)
__________________________________________________________________________
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)
__________________________________________________________________________

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: Id 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.

13.

The police persuaded the crowd to disperse. (Begin: The police persuaded the
crowd that)
__________________________________________________________________________
He was able to pass the examination with satisfactory results. (succeeded)
__________________________________________________________________________

14.

I dont 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)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

17.

The horrified girls saw a snake creeping out of the basket. (Begin: To their)
__________________________________________________________________________
10

__________________________________________________________________________

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. Chans absence. (while)
__________________________________________________________________________

22.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

23.

24.

Most students have difficulty in expressing themselves in English. (Use find and
difficult)
__________________________________________________________________________
People believed the earth to be flat. (Begin: It)
__________________________________________________________________________

25.

I couldnt 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 oclock. (reached)

__________________________________________________________________________

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

3. Wouldnt it be better to take the train? (Begin: Dont you think)

__________________________________________________________________________

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)
__________________________________________________________________________
11

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

7. He dares not come, dare he? (Begin: He doesnt)

__________________________________________________________________________

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

9. It doesnt 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 neednt wait for me. (Begin: It is)

__________________________________________________________________________

16.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

17.

18.

The only thing to look forward to is the long summer vacation. (Begin: There is
nothing)
__________________________________________________________________________
Youre from the Lawson Company, arent 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)
__________________________________________________________________________
12

__________________________________________________________________________

21.

He did nothing about it. (anything)

__________________________________________________________________________

22.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

23.

Its 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 dont want to become a factory worker. (not interested)

__________________________________________________________________________

2. I have seen better than this. (Begin: This isnt)

__________________________________________________________________________

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 Governors House. Two of the men were carrying a
banner. (Combine, using two of them)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

6. Isnt it beautiful? (Begin: Dont 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 dont want to take the responsibility. I dont, either. (Combine, beginning
with Neither)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

17.

I dont see why we shouldnt invite our friends in 5B to our party. (Begin: I think
itd 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 hadnt)

__________________________________________________________________________

20.

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

21.

I didnt tell him the news because I didnt 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 neednt but so many reference books. (Begin: There is)

__________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________
15

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)
__________________________________________________________________________

20.

She should have known better. She shouldnt 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.
16

(Combine, using if)

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

22.

I wouldnt 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. Its too good a chance for us to miss. (Begin: Its such)

__________________________________________________________________________

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

6. Peter thought the play was terrible. (Begin:In Peters)

__________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________
17

10.

Theres no one in the hall but us. (Begin: Were the)

__________________________________________________________________________

11.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

12.

Why dont we go to the cinema tonight? (Begin: How about)

__________________________________________________________________________

13.

If you dont ring me up, Ill presume there is no change in the plan. (Begin: If I
dont hear)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

14.

There s no need for you to stay here. (Begin: You dont)

__________________________________________________________________________

15.

16.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

22.

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

23.

It looks as if its 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)

__________________________________________________________________________
18

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 teachers 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 dont know he was a Ph.D. until he told me personally. (Begin: It wasnt 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)
__________________________________________________________________________
11. He seemed to have known the truth. (Begin: It)
__________________________________________________________________________
12. I didnt realize the new teacher was going to be our form-master until he walked into
the classroom. (Begin: It wasnt until)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
13. I couldnt leave because of the rain. (prevented)
19

__________________________________________________________________________
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 dont 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)
__________________________________________________________________________
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)

__________________________________________________________________________
20

2. We arrived at the concert half an hour too late. We didnt 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 Marys is better. (soas)

__________________________________________________________________________

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

6. It seems youre made a mistake. (Begin: You seem)

__________________________________________________________________________

7. The matter doesnt 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 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 peoples opinion. (Begin: Far from)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

16. The newly-arrived immigrants were aware of the hostility that the locals had
towards them. (hostile)
21

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

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 grandfathers death made them very depressed. (Begin: The news
that)
__________________________________________________________________________

25.

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

22