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by R. S. Karunaratne
Many uses of 'some'
'Some' is both a determiner and a pronoun. Let us learn how to use it
in different contexts.
1. 'Some' is used to refer to a
certain amount of some thing or things.
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There is some paint on your
shirt. |
There are some books on the top shelf.
Father has brought some dolls for his daughter.
We find it difficult to learn some languages.
There is some paint on your shirt.
2. 'Some' is used to make polite
offers, suggestions expecting a positive answer.
Would you like some ice-cream?
Shall I order some sandwiches?
3. 'Some' is used to refer to a
certain amount of a group of things, or part of something.
Some of the houses have been sold.
I can teach some of you how to swim.
Some pages of this book are missing.
4. 'Some' is used to refer to a thing
or person without saying which or who exactly.
Some man is waiting for you.
I read it in some magazine.
5. 'Some' is followed by certain
common abstract uncountable nouns.
I need some information about this man.
I've done some research into drug abuse.
I can give you some advice on how to do it.
We are looking for some accommodation for a few days.
There is some evidence that there is life in other planets.
You need some experience to be an editor of a newspaper.
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Drink some water after
meals.
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I need some help to push this cupboard towards the wall.
Some knowledge of a foreign language will help you to get a job.
There is some news that a UFO has been seen in Nuwara Eliya.
There is some progress in your education.
He is looking for some work.
6. 'Some' is followed by certain
concrete uncountable nouns.
I need some money to complete the house.
We are going to buy some furniture for the new house.
There is always some traffic on this road.
You'll find some meat in the refrigerator.
Shall I serve you some chicken?
Spread some cheese on this slice of bread.
I ate some rice but I am hungry now.
I had some bread for breakfast.
Drink some water after meals.
Would you like to have some coffee?
Add some sugar and stir it well.
Do you like to have some milk?
7. Set phrases
He works in some kind of health resort.
He is going to marry some actress.
This jelly is delicious. Would you like some more.
I'll be away for some time (a fairly long time).
Electric words
Increase your word stock by doing the following quiz. Tick off (a),
(b), (c) or (d) which gives the best answer to the words in bold type.
Check your answers with the key.
1. The causes of the Mexican - American war were varied and complex.
(a) complicated
(b) interesting
(c) obscure
(d) misunderstood
2. She was confined to her home by the military ruler.
(a) tied
(b) drawn
(c) attracted
(d) restricted
3. More than men, women have a better dress sense.
(a) attitude
(b) activities
(c) attire
(d) rights
4. He has filed a fundamental rights application in the supreme
court.
(a) accepted
(b) practical
(c) basic
(d) ideal
5. The Government funds many development projects.
(a) approves of
(b) thinks about
(c) pays for
(d) relies on
(6) Garbage heaps are a disgrace to civic pride.
(a) service
(b) discouragement
(c) contribution
(d) discredit
7. Supermarkets have a specific policy concerning the exchange of
merchandise.
(a) preference
(b) business
(c) regulation
(d) purpose
8. Your philosophy of life is often found in your books.
(a) lifestyle
(b) beliefs
(c) publications
(d) relationships
9. Some weightlifters have incredible strength.
(a) ordinary
(b) amazing
(c) encouraging
(d) admirable
10. A journalist should be knowledgeable about current events.
(a) well-informed
b) upset
(c) ignorant
(d) excited
Key: 1. (a), 2. (d), 3. (c), 4. (c),
5. (c), 6. (d), 7. (c), 8. (b), 9. (b), 10. (a)
Starters :
Use of 'the'
with proper nouns
A proper noun is the special name given to one particular person,
animal, plant, place or thing. Remember the following rules when you use
'the' before proper nouns.
1. Use 'the' before the names of
oceans, rivers, seas and straits.
We crossed the Indian Ocean in a luxury liner.
The Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka.
Can you locate the Caribbean Sea in the map?
The ship sailed passing the Strait of Gibraltar.
2. Use 'the' before the names of most
buildings, landmarks, monuments and natural wonders.
We are visiting the National Museum in Colombo.
Let's go to the Savoy Cinema to see a film.
The Great Barrier Reef is in Australia.
The Alhambra is the most exquisite monument of Arab civilization in
Europe.
Did you visit the Eiffel Tower when you were in France?
Holiday makers love to view the Maspalomas Dunes, a natural wonder.
3. Use 'the' before the names of
places containing 'of' and people's titles containing 'of'.
He is the General Manager of People's Bank, Queensland is one of the
states of Australia.
4. Use 'the' before the names of
places ending in plural 's'.
They are living in the Marshall Islands
I;d like to live in the United States.
Activity
Fill in the blanks with 'the' where necessary.
1. -- Republic of Singapore lies south of Malaysia.
2. -- Mississippi is a river in America.
3. -- Republic of Pakistan became an Independent nation in 1947.
4. -- Mahinda Rajapaksa is -- President of Sri Lanka.
5. -- Main Street is parallel to Galle Road.
6. -- Canary Islands are part of Spain.
7. -- Tower Hall is in Colombo.
8. -- Millions of people live in -- Asia.
9. I will visit -- France in December.
10. -- Bay of Bengal lies between India and Myanmar.
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Key: 1. The, 2. The, 3. The, 4.-,the
5. - 6.The ,7. The 8. - -, 9. - , 10. The
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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.
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Key
1. J
2. Jp
3. Jar
4. Jack
5. Jaunt
6. Jesuit
7. Jubilee
8. Juncture
9. Judicious
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