|
by R. S. Karunaratne
Many uses of the verb 'seem'
'Seem' is a regular verb meaning 'appear'
1. We use 'seem' to say how somebody
or something appears to be.
She seems confused.
|
You seem to have lost something! |
Father seems unable to decide.
He is 60, but he seems younger.
The school children seemed tired.
You seem to know a lot about him.
2. 'Seem' is used to say what your
impression is about somebody or something. For this we use the word
'like.'
Champa seems like a refined person.
Agra seems like an interesting place to visit.
Adela seems like somebody you can trust.
They seemed like thugs in uniform!
The principal seemed like a martinet.
3. 'Seem' is used to say what appears
to be the case, or to say what is the case.
The train seems to be late.
Your dog seems to be very ferocious.
You seem to have lost something!
Kavindu seems to be a bright student.
Nithin seems to have studied the subject.
4. 'Seems' is used to say what you
think is true from the evidence available.
It seems as if all of us have been invited to her wedding.
It seemed as though a bomb had exploded in the city.
It doesn't seem like the judge will be lenient in your case.
It seems you do not have experience in teaching.
5. 'Seem' is used to state an
opinion.
It seems a pity that Binu does not get a promotion.
|
You seem surprised to see me here! |
It seems unfair to keep dogs in chains.
It seems highly likely that there will be rain tomorrow.
6. Some adjectives go with seem
regularly.
It seems odd to think he was once a powerful man.
You seem surprised to see me here!
Everybody seems pleased with your teaching.
It seems possible for you to climb Mount Everest.
It seems impossible for me to pass this examination.
It seems certain that John will win the election.
It seems likely that Peter will not contest.
It seems unlikely that independent candidates will stand a chance in
the election.
It seems clear that your stand is correct.
It seems unreasonable to impose a tax on dogs.
7. It seems ages since I saw a good
film.
A: I hear Bhanu is leaving.
B: So it seems.
Try to learn at least a few words
everyday because they will help you to become a good writer or a
speaker. Here’s an interesting quiz to enrich your word power. Simply
tick off the meaning you think is nearest to the keyword. Then check
your answers with the key.
1. A journalist should be knowledgeable about current events.
(a) well-informed
(b) upset
(c) ignorant
(d) excited
2. Every vehicle must have a tank for storing fuel.
(a) building
(b) house
(c) container
(d) method
3. In some stores there was a shortage of food after the tsunami
disaster.
(a) surplus
(b) lack
(c) supply
(d) box
4. The donor created a fund to provide for perpetual maintenance of
the hospital ward.
(a) eventual
(b) sporadic
(c) necessary
(d) continual
5. Do not mix your personal problems with your office work.
(a) private
(b) essential
(c) indispensable
(d) insurance
6. The speaker could not maintain his composure because of the
constant heckling from the audience.
(a) disturbance
(b) position
(c) calmness
(d) attitude
7. A person who despises learning should not become a teacher.
(a) likes
(b) minds
(c) resents
(d) detests
8. The butcher is a heartless person.
(a) cruel
(b) headstrong
(c) refined
(d) submissive
9. I am looking forward to a serene old age.
(a) tranquil
(b) boring
(c) anxious
(d) tortuous
10. The shrill tone of train whistles is often disturbing to old
people.
(a) movement
(b) passing
(c) use
(d) sound
********
Key: 1. (a), 2. (c), 3. (b), 4. (d),
5. (a), 6. (c), 7. (d), 8. (a), 9. (a), 10. (d).
********
Starters
How to show
ownership or relationship
In English we can show ownership or relationship by the use of
apostrophe (') or 'of '.
1. We usually add 's to a person or an animal to show ownership or
relationship.
|
Kamal cleans the dog’s kennel everyday. |
The girl's books were in the cupboard. (ownership)
My father's boss is a tough person. (relationship)
Kamal cleans the dog's kennel everyday. (ownership)
The elephant's trainer is a fearless man.
2. We usually add ' to plural nouns ending in 's' and s' to plural
nouns not ending in 's' to show ownership or relationship.
The ladies' shoes were made of leather.
The girls' school is just in front of the church.
The children's plays were staged at the auditorium.
The men's leader could not be found.
Exceptions
Sometimes, it is possible to use 's with inanimate subjects.
This is the company's logo.
We have to face life's problems.
Don't expose yourself to the sun's rays.
We are waiting for the ministry's approval.
The bank's interest rate has gone down.
The city's water supply is not regular.
3. 'Of' is used to indicate ownership or relationship. It is usually
used with inanimate subjects.
Three of his poems were included in the anthology. (ownership)
Several of my fingers were still painful. (ownership)
The younger of the two women is my aunt. (relationship)
A member of Silva's family was appointed. to the board of directors.
(relationship)
He fixed a flag at the top of the hill.
Let's make a word triangle
Here's an interesting word game for starters. Follow the clues and
fill the grid accordingly. Check your answers with the key.
[Clues]
1. The 10th letter of the English alphabet
2. Justice of the Peace (Abbreviation)
3. A container used for storing food
4. A device for raising heavy weight off the ground
5. A short journey made for pleasure
6. A member of the society of Jesus
7. A special anniversary of an event
8. Important stage in a series of events
9. Showing or having good sense.
*******
[Key]
1. J
2. JP
3. Jar
4. Jack
5. Jaunt
6. Jesuit
7. Jubilee
8. Juncture
9. Judicious
******* |
