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by R. S. Karunaratne
Many uses of 'way'
As a countable noun, 'way' means 'a method, style or behaviour.' It
can also mean 'a route, road, direction or distance.' As an adverb,
'way' means 'by a large amount.'
1. We use 'way' to talk about how to achieve a particular result.
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Yoga is an ideal way to stay
healthy. |
He taught me the most effective way of operating my personal
computer.
A good way of cost cutting is to recruit a few employees who are
competent.
Do you know the way of commanding the respect from others?
The way they teach English is far from satisfactory.
If you know the way to compile a dictionary, do it.
2. We use 'way' to talk about the manner or style of doing something.
He performed the act in a mysterious way.
Jagath started shaving his beard in a funny way.
The way you drive makes me nervous.
Can you tell me the way of pleasing others.
Sugath does not know the way of handling people.
3. We use 'way' to talk about doing something progressively and
purposefully.
The pilgrims made their way towards the Samadhi Statue.
I elbowed my way to the front row.
4. Collocations
Certain adjectives often go with 'way.'
Oh, you've found an easy way to earn money.
Listening to classical music is a good way to spend your leisure.
Do you know the best way to pass examinations?
This is the proper way to do it.
I learnt English the hard way.
Yoga is an ideal way to stay healthy.
Microwave is a quick way of cooking.
Can you show me the right way of using this mobile phone?
This is the wrong way to reach the capital.
Try to help him in any possible way.
There is a new way of earning money?
This is a different way to do it.
He spoke to me in a funny way.
What is the quickest way to Peradeniya from Colombo?
After graduation we went our separate ways.
Jaffna is a long way from Matara.
He has his own way of doing things.
Certain verbs often go before 'way'.
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The way you drive makes me
nervous. |
I lost my way when I was in Kuala Lumpur.
The boys made their way towards the cave.
Can you show me the way to Sri Pada?
You lead the way, others will follow.
Make way! The procession is coming.
Give way to the traffic on your right.
5. Set phrases
A: Would you like to go around the world?
B: No way!
(It is impossible)
By the way, did you bring my book?
(to introduce a new topic)
My friend is in a bad way. He will have to consult a doctor.
(ill)
The dog barked all the way to the veterinary surgeon.
(during the entire journey)
Activity
Give the meaning of the following set phrases. Check your answers
with the key.
1. In a way what you say is correct.
2. Don't stand in the way when the principal comes.
3. On my way home I did some shopping.
4. Can you climb this tree? No way.
5. By the way, did you speak to Martha?
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[Key]
1. to some extent
2. cause an obstruction
3. on my journey
4. it is impossible
5. not related to what you said earlier
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Fun with proverbs
Proverbs help you to put your thought across to the other person in
the most delicate manner. Be familiar with the following proverbs and
their meanings.
1. Grin and bear it.
Sometimes we have to bear pain or discomfort without complaining
about it.
2. Half a loaf is better than none.
Having something is better than not having anything at all.
3. Don't wash your dirty linen in
public.
Do not discuss family secrets openly in the presence of strangers.
4. Don't harp on one string.
Some people keep on talking about a single subject to the annoyance
of others.
5. He that sups with the devil must
have a long spoon.
When dealing with unscrupulous people you must be very cautious.
6. He who pays the piper calls the
tunes.
If you pay for something you can do what you like with it.
7. Health is wealth.
If you are in good health, you can earn wealth.
8. A heavy purse makes a light heart.
If you have a lot of money, you will be very happy.
9. Don't hide your light under a
bushel.
Don't be shy to display your skills.
10. Hitch your wagon to a star.
Identify your goal in life and work towards achieving it.
11. Home is where the heart is.
You are most comfortable when you are at home.
12. If money be not thy servant it
will be thy master.
If you spend money wisely, you become its master. If you squander it,
you become its slave.
Starters :
Present perfect tense
Present perfect tense is used to talk about an action in the past
without stating the exact time of the action.
The children have visited the zoo before.
The dog in the kennel has run away.
She has dreamt of this moment for many years.
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Some leaves have fallen from the tree. |
We have invited several old boys for the ceremony.
They have seen so many stupas at Anuradhapura.
The present perfect tense is used to talk about an action that
started in the past and is still going on.
I have worked at this office for ten years.
Amara has taught at this school for three months.
I have contributed many articles to newspapers.
Neela has written part of the essay.
Some leaves have fallen from the tree.
The present perfect tense is formed in this way:
has/have + past participle of the verb
The engineers have built a bridge.
Dharma has saved Rs. 10,000.
Leela has taken her daughter to school.
They have washed their clothes.
Gamini has taught English for many years.
The following are some examples of the past participle of verbs.
Regular verbs end in 'ed'
Base form: ask, boil, live, play
Past tense: asked, boiled, lived, played
Past participle: asked, boiled, lived, played
Irregular verbs do not follow this rule
Category 1:
Base form: bring, leave, make, pay
Past tense: brought,left, made, paid
Past participle: brought, left, made,paid
Category 2:
Base form: choose, do, fly, write
Past tense: chose, did, flew, wrote
past participle: chosen, done, flown, written
Category 3:
Base form: cut, put, hit, read
Past tense: cut, put, hit, read (pronounced 'red')
Past participle: cut, put, hit, read (pronounced 'red')
Category 4
Base form: be
Past tense: was/were
Past participle: been
Activity state whether the following sentences are correct or
incorrect. Check your answers with the key.
1. Anoma washed her clothes yesterday.
2. Shanthi has cut the vegetables today.
3. Three coconuts have fallen from the tree.
4. I have studied Pali in 1940.
5. Someone has stolen my pen.
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[Key]
1. correct, 2. incorrect, 3. correct, 4. incorrect, 5. correct
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