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by R. S.
Karunaratne
Use of 'then'
in speech and writing
'Then' can mean at that time, after that or in that case in different
contexts. It is an adverb.
1. 'Then' is used to refer to a previously mentioned time in the past
or in the future.
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A: It’s freezing cold here.
B: Then come and sit in
front of the fire. |
We sat the GCE A/L examination in 1985.We were studying at Royal
College then.
I'm meeting the principal so I'll ask about my transfer then.
He is a millionaire today but he was a pauper then.
Life was so easy then.
I am coming to London next month. Let's decide our plans then.
2. 'Then' is used to give instructions in sequence.
First you boil some water. Then add tea.
Close the doors and windows and then switch off the television.
Drive along Galle Road, then you will come to a roundabout.
3. 'Then' is used to show that what you are saying is a consequence
of what has just been said.
A: It's freezing cold here.
B: Then come and sit in front of the fire.
A: The postman is ringing the bell but I'm feeding the baby.
B: I'll collect the letters then.
4. 'Then' is used to recount events in sequence.
I'm typing the application. Then I need some stamps to post it.
We crossed the road and then entered the church.
5.'Then' is used to talk about the logical result of a situation.
If you study hard, then you will pass the examination.
If you don't drink enough water then you will have health problems.
6.'Then' is often preceded by certain prepositions and adverbs.
We went to the park. Just then it started raining.
I met her last in 1995. Since then we haven't met.
You will be given food at 1 p.m. Wait until then.
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We went to the park. Just then
it started raining. |
Your fixed deposit will mature by next year. By then you'll have
enough money.
7. 'Then' is a useful discourse marker in speech.
Now then, who is going to occupy this house?
Ok then, we'll meet tomorrow.
Right then, let's go.
Well then, you've told me what to do.
8. Set phrases
If everything goes well, you will get the job then and there / there
and then. (immediately)
He is shouting at her. But then he is always shouting. (It is not
surprising)
A: Does it rain there?
B: Now and then. (occasionally)
From then on, they lived happily in the palace.
A rich vocabulary helps you to express your ideas precisely in speech
and writing. Here is a list of randomly selected words used in
sentences. Tick off the correct answer from (a), (b), or (c) and check
your attempts with the key.
1. Ammonia is a chemical with a penetrating odour.
(a) flavour
(b) smell
(c) sting
2. Computers are an indispensable part of an office.
(a) useful
(b) necessary
(c ) large
3. In 1971, the JVP attempted to topple the government.
(a) tried
(b) wanted
(c) failed
4. The government has decided to amend the Constitution.
(a) ratify
(b) write
(c) change
5. The government has declared a state of emergency.
(a) decided
(b) stated
(c) agreed
6. The Portuguese destroyed several Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka.
(a) ruined
(b) despised
(c) patronised
7. Terrier dogs are employed for hunting small animals.
(a) bought
(b) used
(c) hired
8. The outstanding philosopher in ancient Greece was Plato.
(a) excellent
(b) upright
(c) prominent
9. Some birds construct their own nests.
(a) build
(b) cut
(c) demolish
10. Through regular exercise we can attain a desired level of
fitness.
(a) maintain
(b) achieve
(c) occupy
*******
[Key]
1 (b), 2 (b), 3 (a), 4 (c), 5 (b), 6
(a), 7 (b),
8 (c), 9 (a), 10 (b).
*******
Starters
Adjectives of comparison
Comparative adjectives are used when two nouns are compared. When
more than two nouns are compared, use superlative adjectives.
Vijitha is smarter than Gamini. (comparative adjective)
|
This cake is the most
delicious one I have ever eaten. |
Abeysekara is the shortest among the staff members. (superlative
adjective)
'More' is used with some two-syllable, three syllable or more
syllable adjectives to form the comparative.
Ash is more beautiful than Kalpana.
For some students mathematics is more difficult than history.
A good fountain pen is more expensive than a ballpoint pen.
Shyama is more careful than Pathma.
Mother is more patient than father.
'Most' is used with some two-syllable, three syllable or more
syllable adjectives to make the superlative form.
Shehana is the most attractive girl in the class.
This is the most expensive car in our country.
Aruni is the most enthusiastic member of the debating team.
Riza is the most practical among his brothers.
This cake is the most delicious one I have ever eaten.
Do not use 'er' ending and 'more' together. Similarly, do not use 'est'
ending and 'most' together.
Activity
Underline the correct form.
1. Apartment A is more attrative / most attractive than apartment B.
2. Gnanam is most patient / more patient than me.
3. Selva is the most creative / more creative artist in our school.
4. Sanka is more taller than / taller than Vivek.
5. Evelyn is thinner / more thinner than Luxmie.
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[Key]
1. more attractive
2. more patient
3. the most creative
4. taller than
5. thinner
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Prepositions
Use the following prepositions and complete the sentences. Check your
answers with the key.
at, on, in, to, from, over,of
1. We do not go ----- school------Sundays.
2. Gandhi was born ---- October 2, 1869.
3. I must reach the station --- 6 a.m. to catch the train.
4. My sister is leaving for London --- Monday
5. Many universities are closed for two months ---- summer.
6. We moved ----- Colombo ----- Batticaloa.
7. Come ------- my house ----- 9 ---- Sunday morning.
8. Read the story ----- page 20 and answer the questions given
-----the bottom of the page.
9. Write the description ---- not more than five sentences.
10.Would you like ----- come along?
11.The monkey took the cake ---- the cat.
12.What did the baker throw ----- the cat?
13.What do you think is the moral ---- the story?
14.Learn ----- share things with others.
15.Never fight --- food.
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[Key]
1. to, on 2. on 3. at 4. on, 5. in, 6. to, from 7. to, at, on 8.
on, at, 9. in 10. to 11. from 12. to 13. of 14. to 15. over.
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