Intro:

The pie chart/ bar chart/ diagram/ trend/ table/ illustration/ flow chart
--- shows/ illustrates/ presents/ depicts
--- the number of/ the information on/ the breakdown of
comparing/ contrast:
In contrast, On contrary, However, Nevertheless, By contrast
however, nevertheless (both r same)
However it could be argued that
However, there are certainly dangers in
Britain came last in the world cup. However, they did have some success.
On the one hand, On the other hand
Arranged marriages are common in Arab. In west, on the other hand, they are unusual.
Where as, only
ex- Where as 91% females were not arrested, only 9% of them were arrested.
While
ex - While a greater percentage of A than B r found as Managers, there is a smaller
percentage of B than A who r working as CEO.
ex While in 1995 ., in 1998 .
ex - While having a laptop involves some huge investments, there are still many advantages
to keeping it.
comparing with
jodi, tobuo sentences
even
Nowadays, some people even one rickshaw puller has his own mobile phone.
even so
It is true that option A has many benefits for us, even so it has some long term negative
Although, though
ex Although/Though the Government refuses to admit it, its economic policy is in ruins.
in spite of
The train was an hour late. In spite of this, I managed to get to the meeting.
effects.
of course
Of course everybody had heard him, but a fair of them know what he really does.
nonetheless
They got a bit surprised by the hosts behavior, nonetheless, at the end of the part they were
pretty happy.
sequence sentence:
First of all, Firstly, Secondly, Lastly, Finally
Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Besides
as well as that/ on top of that
She borrowed my bike and never gave back. And as well as that/ on top of that, she broke the
garden and pretended that she hadnt.
then
the written test is completed, then the interview is conducted
generalizing
On the whole
In general
Broadly speaking
To a great extent
In most cases
similarly
Likewise, also, similarly, in the same way, Equally, in addition
The roads remain very crowded in the beginning of the semester. Similarly, there are often
serious traffic jams at the end of the semester.
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Figure sentence begins with:

As can be seen, It is very clear that, According to the statistics,
Special attention:
It must be noted that, It is noticeable that
Timing:
In 1950, In the year 1950, In the first 5 years
Over a 5 year period, Over the next 5 year period
During the 1950s/ mid 1950s
From/ since 1950 to 1970
From 1950 till the present time (use present perfect tense) (in passive has been)
for 5 year
throughout the century
increase decrease keywords:
increase
rise rose risen
grow grew grown (growth noun)
decrease
decline
fall fell fallen
drop dropped (after an initial drop)
stable
static
remain constant
intensity of graph
rapidly - rapid
dramatically dramatic (use where neither rapid (sharp) nor steady (moderate) can apply
sharply sharp
moderately moderate
steadily steady
gradually gradual
slightly slight
slowly slow
max min adjective:
maximum minimum
highest lowest
greatest smallest
biggest smallest
longest shortest
trend line upward downward fluctuations:
an upward trend
an upward trend with fluctuations
a downward trend
a downward trend with fluctuations
a curve increases upward with some fluctuations to just over roughly 25%
as curve decreases downward with some fluctuations to just over roughly 25%.
curve fluctuates with an overall upward trend/ downward trend
2 ways to mention how something change:
The number of students increased rapidly.
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There was a rapid increase in the number of students.

Pie Chart keywords:
Pie charts shows the proportion of/ percentage of A and B in employment in different
categories.
A greater percentage of A than B prefer
There is a greater percentage of A than B who prefer to work outside.
The percentage of A and B who r unemployed is very small.
favour, prefer, popular, common
considerably/ significantly
A is/ are considerably/ substantially/ significantly/ a lot/ much/
slightly/ somewhat/ marginally more (less) common than B and C.
more
More A than B are arrested.
Comparing to A, more B are arrested.
A is more common rather than B
more and more A is.
far (comparative)
She is far (more) older than her husband.
The consumption of fast food in third world is far below than that of in the USA.
far (superlative)
Her husband is by far the best husband.
Fish was by far the most popular food of all these foods.
most common/ second most common
The most common (popular) color is A. The second most common color is B.
The largest population is in China. The second largest is in India.
Comparative/ Superlative
His accent his worse than me./ His Accent is the worst in the class.
She is taller than her three sisters./ She is the tallest of the four girls.
He was standing between Alice and Mary.
He was standing among a crowd of children.
He divided his money between his wife, his daughter and his sister.
Among the first five was the ambassador.
less, least
less and less A is
greater than / smaller than
Country As GNP is 10 times greater than that of Country B.
something crossing the limit of the other
A with postgraduate diplomas clearly outnumbered their female counterparts.
Trend A overtakes B in 1970.
frequently/ randomly
A is more frequently shown up than B (in the pie chart).
A is more randomly chosen than B.
Mentioning percentage/ number:
in brackets (approximately 60%)
A, which is/are 60%, (or, which constitutes to 60%), (or, which makes up 60%)
(which accounts for 60%).
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where male constitutes to/ makes up/ accounts for 21% of the workforce and female just
4.5%.
The percentage of A and B working as executive is small, 2% and 0.5% respectively/
accordingly.
something increased from 10% in 1995 to 20% in 2000.
mention the change/ delta - something increased by 10%.
on average
11% of all households
mentioning number:
50 % percent
about twice, more than twice, three times, 10 times
half, one third, one fourth, quarter
Use these before numbers:
use about/ around/ approximately/ nearly/ roughly/
just under/ just over/ almost
comprise/ comprising
11% of all households comprise 2 million people.
11% of all households, comprising 2 million people.
Table/ economic indicators/ range/ statistics/ breakdown
A table can use different economic indicators / range (series) of indicators/ (GNP, GDP,
Life expectancy, Infant mortality) to tell/show some fact.
Trend (from to fluctuate constant peak)

Sales increased from 5 cars per month to 15 cars per month.

The number fluctuated at around 50 cars per month.
The production remained constant at approximately just over 50 cars per month.
Sales reached to a peak of nearly 50 cars per month.
Sales reached at its peak in 1950.
Sales fell by/ dropped by/ decrease by 70 cars (80-10) per month to 10 cars per month.
Production began at 50 units, finished at 100 units.
be careful in the usage of - increased to and increased by
except for/ apart from/ besides

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From 1991 to 1993, production fell steadily except for a slight rise in 1993.
From 1991 to 1993, production fell steadily apart from a slight rise in 1993.
Besides literatures we have to study history and philosophy.
Its too late to go out now. Besides, its starting to rain.
Besides the violin, he plays the piano and the flute.
I like all music instruments except the violin.
Apart from the violin, he plays the piano and the flute.
affect (verb) affect (noun):
Plan A greatly affected (verb) Plan B.
Plan A caused a great effect (noun) to the curve
difference:
the differences range from $50 to $500.
it causes a difference of $450, causes little difference.
The biggest difference between A and B is in the occupation of financial analyst.
In other criteria, there is not a great deal of difference between A and B.
(There are considerable differences between A and B in their occupations.)
major, prime, mostly:
HIV is the major/ prime problem of Africa.
mostly:
Caf business is mostly done by youth.
only:
It is only in the nurse position, where more females than males are interested.
must:
Bangladeshi schools must have to develop a lot before reaching the similar standards of
education as of India.
had
Bangladesh had the largest beach in the world.
being (was)
pizza being (was) the least popular food at that time.
consisting of (have/ had)
Parents consisting of only one child are more happy.
Parents who have only one child are more happy.
reverse, vice versa
and the reverse is true for A
and the vice versa is applicable for A
Conclusion:
In summary, in conclusion, to sum up, to conclude, we can say that
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singular plural:
Masud Rana and Kuasha were the most reading books in childhood.
aside, other than:
Aside from HIV, poverty is another big problem.
Other than HIV, poverty is another big problem.
continue to
the curve continued to increase or decrease
with
Mother with single child
follow by, next, after that
Average income groups like hamburgers most, followed by fish and chips.
Mrs Shilpas first child is A, followed by B and then C.
The company first invented item A, it was then followed by item B, item C and item D.

appear to/ seems to/ tends to

Low income groups appear to spend less on fast food.
Western Europe seems to be the post popular place of European.
Poor student behavior seems to be an increasingly widespread problem
They tend to lead an exclusive life style.

as .. as (negative includes)

He is as popular as (same popular) his sister.

In 1970 fish and chips were twice as popular/ common as hamburgers.
He has got as much money as to buy a Honda.
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He is not as popular as his sister (negative sense).

He hasnt got as much money as to buy a Honda.
A is twice as big as B.
Personal computers were introduced as recently as in the early eighties.
as much/ many (to talk about quantity)
as much money
as many people
on

More money was spent on hamburger.

remain/ left

Low income persons can afford fast foods far less than other income groups, though Fish and
Chips remain their most popular choice.
It is still remained their most popular choice.
Most of the electricity was came from Coal, and the remaining from other sources.
They left all of their belongings.
the rest (what is left)
We only use three rooms. The rest of the house is empty.
There were remains of the meal all over the floor.
Rent prices increased in the rest of the cities.

Certain statistics for male were not available

prove, evidence
Statistical figures proves that
Statistical figures provide evidence that
by, according to
The data is showing by two different sexes/ according to different sexes
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situation/ position/ status

They are in poor situation/ position.
receive/ achieved/ gain/ reached
place preposition
near, close, almost, just about,
located, situated
a large amount of, very much
London, for certain, is the oldest city in the world.
recommendation/ suggestion
Statistics demonstrate that cost-effectiveness of solving this situation in the early stages,
rather than delaying until more expensive and prolonged condition is necessary.
The health and safety issues need to be considered as well.
The task of making a country corruption free should be the responsibility of everyone
government, finance, tax department and others, whilst the roles within that partnership
may be different, they are nevertheless (all the same, however, in spite of) equal in
importance.
The argument is that ignorance of (the lacking of), for example, computer programming
language or multimedia animation or spreadsheet skills needs to be combated by (fulfilled
by) special worldwide publicity campaigns, as well as long term awareness education.
Comparing two options
Of course it goes without saying that option A is better than option B.
In recent years, there has been a growing body of opinion in favour of all types of activities
of Option A rather than Option B.
To sum up, there are more advantages than disadvantages in Option A.
Some of these changes have been positive while others have been negative.
Stating facts
Obviously there is a strong human argument that many students are not getting their
dream job.
It is certainly true that the position of women in society has undergone (pass through/
experience) a dramatic change in the past few years.
agree
It is quite common these days to see
We are so much dependent upon computers on today that it is difficult to imagine what
things would be on today without them.
I think Im not alone in this opinion. Many people agree that
It is often said that and I cannot disagree with that
disagreement
They have finalized the decision without consideration of others and without any
understanding of how much negative effect (not effects) the decision might posses.
However, the changes brought by xyz have not all been positive.
Overall I disagree with the opinion expressed.
But overall, I think this is less likely to happen in today.
Some people might argue that this helps young people to become independent, but I
think this is a negative effect because they will be unable to communicate effectively.
It is an unfortunate fact that many employers may prefer to use the services of children
simply to save money by paying them less than adults and it is this type of exploitation
that should be discouraged.
Restriction on how we present our thoughts is senseless.
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opinion
Yet others think that spiritual paths, rather than either the material world or personal
relationships with people, are the only way to find true happiness.
something is ok
Personally I think that the amount of money that sports person makes is more justified
than the huge earnings of movie stars.
Conflict
So far so good, but the difficulties start when we try to define who would take the sole
responsibility to solve this situation, particularly whether the major role should be played
by the Government or from the Private companies.
The issue which is mentioned is a complex and sensitive one.
The definition of A is difficult to define because it conveys different meanings to different
people.
Because people interpret happiness for themselves in so many different ways, it is difficult
to give any definition that is suit for everyone.
We are still unable to decide whether an individuals personality and development are more
influenced by genetic factors or by surrounding environment.
However, it is fairly difficult to say which option is correct Option A or B.
Cause/ Reason
the main reason was possibly due to the/ the possible reason
Poor student behavior seems to be an increasingly widespread problem and I think that
modern lifestyles are probably responsible for this.
Factors such as A, B, C and D all contribute to our happiness.
These are the two factors that may be the most important for achieving happiness.
As its raining again, well have to stay at home.
Since he had not paid his bill, his electricity was cut off.
Because I was ill for last six months, I lost my job.
Providing that she studies hard, she should pass the exam.

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Tense Past
I did it./ I did not do it. (active)
It was/were done by me. (Passive)
I was watching TV when she arrived. (active)
I felt as if I was being watched. (passive)
She had lost her purse and didnt have enough money to buy a ticket. (past perfect)
He already had finished the job (job finish first) when I arrived. (Past Perfect)
I had already seen that film twice (film saw first) and I didnt want to see that again. (past
perfect)
I knew why I had been chosen. (past perfect passive)
I was tired because I had been working for all day. (Past Progressive)
I had been waiting for long hours when he finally arrived. (Past Progressive)
Tense Present
He eats.
These shoes are made in Italy.
It is being done by him. (present progressive - passive)
She has lived there for years. (present perfect - active)
The company has been managed by him for years. (present perfect - passive)
Many informative documentaries have been made now in Bangladesh.
(present perfect - passive)
She has (hasnt) been working in this company for years. (present perfect continuous- active)
Ive (I have not) been studying for the last two hours. (present perfect continuous- active)
She has been playing tennis since she was eight.
Tense Future
I will (wont) do it on tomorrow. (active)
The work will be done on tomorrow. (passive)
We are going to get a new car soon. (future progressive)
I am going to teach Mrs. S from tomorrow. (future continuous active)
Mrs. S is going to be taught by me from tomorrow. (future continuous passive)
He will be teaching tomorrow at 6 am. (future continuous active)
Thats the college where she will be studying from Autumn. (future continuous active)
Were late. I guess the movie will already have started by the time we go to the theater.
(future perfect active)
I will have completed the course by the end of next semester. (future perfect active)
The course will have been completed by the end of next semester. (future perfect passive)
future prediction
is expected, is predicted, will probably

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when
I cant talk to you now. Ill talk (future) to you later when I have more time. (not when Ill
have)
When the rain stops, well go out. (not when the rain will stop)
Ill call you when I get back from work. (not when Ill get )

If

If I play tennis Ill win. (if + present --- will + infinitive)

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can/ could/ able to

I can speak Chinese. I cant speak Chinese.
I had some free time yesterday. I was able to help her at that time. (past)
I havent been able to sleep recently. (as can has not present perfect form we use been able
to
I will (wont) be able to meet with you on tomorrow.
could (do)
I could (couldnt) speak Chinese when I was a kid. (past ability)
John could (couldnt) be the one who stole the money. (possibility)
When you go to New York, you could stay with Lynda. (possible future action)
I dont know how she works too long. I couldnt do it. (to mean I would not be able)
He could get a better job if he spoke a foreign language. (conditional past)
the past of could (do) is could have (done)
(could have (done) means we had the ability to do but did not do that)
We could have gone to the movies, but we decided to stay home. (but didnt go to the movie)
Why did u stay in a hotel in NY? You could have stayed with Lynda.
Why didnt Tom apply for the job? He could have gotten it.
They could have helped me but rather helping me they simply sat and watched.
couldnt have (done)
The game was cancelled last week. Tom couldnt have played anyway because he was ill.
I couldnt have won, so I didnt go in for the race.

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must/ must have (done)

You mustnt worry. (negative)

I hear youve been to Khulna. That must have been interesting. (have + past participle)

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may (have)/ might (have)

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If you went to bed for an hour you might feel better. (conditional)
Anne said that she might go to IUB at the weekend or she might stay at home. (Indirect
speech might)
may, might (permission)
These days children can/ are allowed to do what they like.
I could/ was allowed to read what I liked when I was a child.
maybe/ perhaps
Maybe/ perhaps itll stop raining soon.
Jail theke BolciJulius is perhaps the best music of James.

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have to

I have to work from morning to evening.

She has to read four books for this certificate class.
She doesnt have to read four books for this certificate class.
He didnt have to go for his work in the last week.
I had to cycle three miles to school when I was a child.
You dont have to tell this to John.
When you leave school youll have to find a job.

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should

The postman should be here soon. (obligation)

People should drive more carefully. (obligation)
The meeting shouldnt take long. (deduction)
He shouldnt say things like that to Mr. A (obligation)
He should have phoned Rahman this morning, but he forgot. (talk past event which did not
happen)
They shouldnt have made negative arguments it really upset the department. (unwanted
things that happened)
It is necessary/ important/

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If Sentences (present/ future):

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If and wish sentences (Present):

not I wish I would know her number.

right I wish I knew her number.

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Page 20 of 24

If and wish sentences (past)

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would

Tomorrow will be fine (direct speech)

The forecast said the next day would be fine (indirect speech)
Would you like some help (direct)
She asked me if I would like some help (indirect)
Last April, my father decided that he would visit to this breathtaking country in June. (past
form of will)
I knew that I would be home soon. (past form of will)

When she was old, she would sit in the corner talking to herself for hours. (past habits)
Sometimes he would bring me little presents without saying why. (past habits)
When I was a child we would all get up early and go fishing. (past habits)
When I was a kid, I would always go to the beach (repetition in the past)

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Others collected from SWAN:

Mr. A dont like Mr. B. Mr. B dont like Mr. A either.
I cant speak either Hindi or Urdu.
I neither smoke nor drink.
She didnt phone that day, nor the next day. (not..nor)
while
While they were playing cards, somebody broke into the house.
While you were reading the paper, I was working. (simultaneous actions)
Joan cooked supper while I watched TV. (simultaneous action simple tense)
As I was walking down the street, I saw Maruf driving his car.
It looks as if/ as though its going to rain.
I felt as if/ as though I was dying.
She was acting as though she was the supervisor.
Ill remember that day as long as I live.
You can take my car as long as you drive carefully.
You can use my car as long as you drive it carefully.
Ill take the job unless the pay is too low. (unless = if not)
Ill dig the garden today, unless it rains.
Ill wait till/ until I hear from you.
Whether we go by bus or train, it will take at least six hours.
Whether you like it or not
She was supposed to clean up all the tables.
She was supposed to be here by the morning.
Ill call you after Ive seen Jake. (after perfect tense)
After I had finished school, I went to America. (after perfect tense)
If I knew her number, I would call her. (the meaning is present, past form knew is used)
I wish I knew her number. (using past for a present situation after wish)
I wish it didnt rain too much in this city. (using past for a present situation after wish)
Its crowded here. I wish if there werent so many people. (using past for a present situation
after wish)
The directors have not decided whether they will recommend a dividend or invest the profits.
He is not only a rich person but also an honest person.
They have planned to go either Malaysia or Thailand for their honeymoon trip.
neither nor

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General Training:
If the situation is left as it is, many new problems will arise in the new future.
There are many international hotels and condominiums as well as large shopping malls, 24/7
departmental stores and value added super chain shops.
Providing that all the computers are working correctly, nothing can go wrong; but if a
small problem occurs that would be a disaster.
I dont think this sort of complains are altogether true.
People also say that certain acts, like suicide, can be dangerous.
In most cases, the cost/ expenses is justified.
As per my concern ABC is the most important technological development.
Before TV was widely available, people spent more time together talking and playing
games.
Some students get spoiled at teenage watching pornography movies which do not have any
positive influence.
TV sometimes deliberately misinform people, when it is used as a propaganda tool by
government.
On/ Upon arrival at the zoo, we didnt find you.
As the problem is increasing everywhere, I think to find result oriented solution.
I am writing to confirm the lost of my
I telephoned your office yesterday.
I have had this credit card since 1994.
By accident, I left my purse in the shopping mall.
When I realized I had lost my card, I telephoned the shop, but the assistance replied they
did not find any.
I can be contacted at the above address.
In my opinion, this is wrong and I feel changes should be made to ensure that this sort of
uninterrupted things do not happen in the next time.
It is hard to believe in what way the corrupt people are earning money.
Madonnas behavior could even encourage people to experiment with sex and drugs and
develops a material attitude.
There are some professions in our country which not only requires years of education and
training but also help other people in genera.
However, even if we accept this idea, the problem of how we should overcome this scenario
remains unclear.
How could the money be taken from rich people and distribute among the poor?
Perhaps the only solution is to impose higher taxes.
Id really be grateful if you can give me this information.
Could you please tell what I should bring with me, for example books, clothes or anything I
cannot get in India.
Id appreciate any advice you can give me.
The figures given for British children watching is rather disturbing.
A persons lack of exercise could lead to health problems for example problems in eyes or
brains.
Besides that, there are not many tv programs that may attract people.
I think the solution has to come mainly from the governments.
If parents themselves exercise with the children, it would seem a natural part of life.
In addition,
Parents could insist their child to take a walk every day.
Parents could buy a bicycle for their children or encourage them.
School can also help to ensure that children get enough exercise.
In conclusion, children should be told about the importance of having exercise and both
parents and schools should motivate them to become active in all sort of positive
activities from the early age.

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