Grammar 3
Grammar 3
There and it
Note that, as in some examples below, we can puy a modal verb ( or seems, appears, happens) before
be.
There + (adjective) + noun ( all tenses) introduces something, or says that it ‘exists’ :
There’s a good film on TV tonight. It’s a good film on TV … A good film is on TV…
We often use it with words like some(thing), any, nothing, much, more, many, enough, a lot of:
Note that we often begin a sentence with There and use it afterwards:
There’s a play I’d like to see. It’s about a doctor, and it’s set in Poland.
All(of) the sandwiches in the shop were made ….. and most of the food is home-cooked – but some …..
the cakes contain nuts.
as a mid-position adverb:
in expression: all afternoon, all right/alright, above all, after all, at all:
Grammar in action
1 We use There + be to introduce information, or to ……. That something exists. We might talk about our
town.
It’s lovely in Scotland at this time of year,but it’s …… a long way to drive.
3 We use all,most, some, and no/none to talk about the things in a particular place or group. We
might…. about a language school:
Some of our staff are part-time, but all of them are experienced teachers.
Words beginning with some- an any- are used in the same way as some and any:
any = negative sentences,’open questions’ and the idea ‘ it doesn’t matter which’:
*Note in these examples how we can use an adjective after these word. Note also below how
they take a singular verb – but normally a plural pronoun afterwards:
Everyone is ready, aren’t they?
No one likes being criticized,do they?
If anybody rings, tell them I’m out!
Each/Every time I hear that song, I think about our holiday in Greece.
but each (= two or more) emphasizes individual things, where every (= three or more) makes us think of
the group:
Every café in the street was busy, and each one sold a different type of local food.
We use each of; each on its own; each as a mid-position adverb, and for prices:
She gave each every of us a small gift.
Look at those houses! Each Every is a different colour.
The children have each got their own bedroom
The teddy bears cost f20 each.
We also use every + one of; and in expressions(often with time):
There’s only one prize but every one of you is a…..
I visit them every two weeks.(= every fortnight)
It’s rained every single day here!
6 We use both(… and), either(… or) and neither(… nor) to link two ideas, either as ‘pairs’:
Both Chris and Barry play rugby every week.
We can either stay in, or go out for a walk.
Neither Joy nor Sally enjoy(s) shopping.
Or, more often, on their own:
Both of us like jazz.
Both ( of the) films were awful.
We both prefer quieter holidays.
Coffee or tea?- neither, thanks.
I don’t like either of these (paintings).
Do/Does either of you want to come to the shop?
GRAMMAR IN ACTION
4 We use something, anybody, nowhere,etc. all the time in everday conversation.
Here we’re talking about a family celebration:
Have you forgotten to invite anyone?-
Relax. Everything is ready for the big day.
5 We use each to emphasize individual things, and every to talk about groups and regular
events. We might talk about a concert:
Every time she sings, she turns each song into a different story!
6 We use both…and, either…or, and neither…nor compare people and experiences. Here we’re
talking about work:
We both enjoy living in the country, but neither of ….. likes commuting every day.