Thursday Tidbits - Do you know your verb tenses?

Do you know your verb tenses?

Do you know how many verb tenses there are in English? The answer is 12 (not including 2 emphatic tenses). However, there are 4 that are the most commonly used in conversation: simple past, present progressive, past progressive, and the present perfect (arguably, the future tense can be included, but for the moment let’s focus on these 4). Understanding these 4 verb tenses well will go a long way in improving your English conversation skills. Let’s take a brief look at these 4 important tenses, their context, and their form, both in statement and question form.

Present Progressive

The present progressive is simply a form of the auxiliary verb “to be” (is, are, am) plus the “-ing” form of the principle verb. It is used when describing an on-going action in present (and also for the future). Here are some examples:

Statement form

They are working very hard on the project.

Your mother is preparing dinner for them.

Question form

Are they working very hard on the project?

Is your mother preparing dinner for them?

*Notice that for questions, you simply change the subject and the auxiliary verb to form the question.

Simple past

The simple past is basically used when describing a single moment that happened in the past. In the positive form, the verb is simply conjugated. Also, unlike the present form, there is no change in the verb for third person (he, she, it).  In the negative form, didn’t is added and the verb itself remains in the simple form. Here are some examples:

Statement form

You traveled with your family to the beach.

The doctor told him some good news.

Question form

Did you travel with your family to the beach?

Did the doctor tell him some good news?

Past Progressive

The past progressive is simply a form of the auxiliary verb “to be” (was, were) plus the “-ing” form of the principle verb. The same as the present progressive, it is used when describing an on-going action, but in the past. Here are some examples:

Statement form

They were working very hard on the project.

Your mother was preparing dinner for them.

Question form

Were they working very hard on the project?

Was your mother preparing dinner for them?

*Notice, again, that for questions, you simply change the subject and the auxiliary verb to form the question.

Present Perfect

The present perfect verb tense is formed with an auxiliary verb (has or have) plus the participle form of the principle verb. It is used for describing events in the past, but it is used in different contexts than the simple past. Here are the contexts:

1) Non-specific moment – She has traveled to Japan.

2) Multiple times – They have seen that movie many times.

3) Past to present – I have worked there for many years.

4) Never – He has never tried sushi before.

Here are some other examples of this verb form. Both statement and question form:

Statement form

They have gone bungie jumping.

His boss has explained the problem several times.

He has studied English for a long time.

Question form

Have they gone bungie jumping?

Has his boss explained the problem?

Has he studied English for a long time?

 * Once again, notice that for questions, you simply change the subject and the auxiliary verb to form the question.

Check Yourself

Change the example simple present verb tense sentence to the verb form indicated. Also notice if it is the statement or question form.

Example:  She gives him a present.

Simple past statement: __She gave him a present.__

Past progressive question: __Was she giving him a present?__

1. They buy the tickets.

Simple past question: __________________________________________________________?

Present progressive statement: __________________________________________________.

2. She listens to the song.

Present perfect statement: _____________________________________________________.

Past progressive question: ______________________________________________________?

3. They think of a solution to the problem.

Simple past question: __________________________________________________________?

Past progressive statement:______________________________________________________.

4. He flies to Chicago.

Simple past question: ___________________________________________________________?

Present perfect question:_________________________________________________________?

5. My friend runs in the park.

Present progressive statement:____________________________________________________.

Past progressive question: ________________________________________________________?

Answers to Last Week's Check Yourself

When walking home from work, Diana saw a man sitting on the side of the street. He looked tired, beaten, and like he was (1)  down on his luck  . Diana had recently had a (2)lucky streak  , because she had had a lot of good fortune. She decided that today, the man was (3)in luck   because she wanted to give him some of her money, to help him. But the man decided to (4) push his luck  and ask for food and a place to live as well. Diana told the man, "(5)Tough luck  ! You (6) lucked out  once, but don't get greedy!"

Thursday Tidbits - Idioms with Luck...

Thursday Tidbits – Idioms with Luck

Idioms are one of the hardest things to understand and learn in a non-native language, but they are also what help speakers sound more natural. Check out just a few of the English idioms that use the word luck.

Definition of luck: noun; having good fortune

Luck out: to have had good fortune come upon someone unexpectedly

Example: Lena was late for her flight and almost missed it, but she lucked out when she found out it was delayed.

Similar idiom: in luck (Lena was in luck when she found out her flight was delayed.)

Down on one's luck: to have a lot of bad luck in a short period of time

Example: James lost his job, crashed his car, and broke up with his girlfriend in the same week. He was definitely down on his luck!

Similar idiom: tough luck (used as an exclamation, as in: Tough luck, James!)

Lucky streak: the opposite of down on one's luck, to have a lot of good luck in a short period of time

Example: Allan was having a lucky streak: he won the lottery and met the love of his life last month.

Push one's luck: after already being lucky, trying the same thing again to see if one will be lucky again

Example: After winning the lottery, I decided to push my luck and buy another lottery ticket.

Note: Push one's luck is often used in the negative. Don't push your luck! would mean to not be greedy with what you are asking.

Check yourself

Fill in the story below using the correct forms of the idioms (luck out, in luck, down on one's luck, tough luck, lucky streak, push one's luck).

When walking home from work, Diana saw a man sitting on the side of the street. He looked tired, beaten, and like he was (1)____________. Diana had recently had a (2)______________, because she had had a lot of good fortune. She decided that today, the man was (3)____________ because she wanted to give him some of her money, to help him. But the man decided to (4) ____________ and ask for food and a place to live as well. Diana told the man, "(5)____________! You (6)_______________ once, but don't get greedy!"

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. Last night I (heard/listened to) the sirens on Paseo Colon.
2. If I can't go to a soccer game, I like to (hear/listen to) it on the radio.
3. Jane and John broke up because neither (heard/listened) when the other spoke.
4. Alvin didn't (hear/listen to) his phone ring because he had his headphones in.
5. When I go to the mountains, I shut my eyes and concentrate, just to see what noises I can (hear/listen to).

Thursday Tidbits - Hear vs. Listen...

Thursday Tidbits – Hear vs. Listen

Many English learners have trouble knowing when to use hear and when to use listen.  Check out the differences between the two verbs below.

To hear is a passive verb and is something that happens automatically. When you hear, it is an unplanned action that only happens because your ears have the physical ability to recognize sounds.

Example:  Elena can hear everything her neighbors say in the apartment next to her.

→Elena doesn't want to hear her neighbors, but does not have the choice.

To listen is a voluntary action that has a specific purpose and requires attention. The person listening is doing so actively.

Examples:  Steve was listening to the presentation and taking notes.

→Steve was actively paying attention to the presentation.

Check yourself

Choose the correct option in the following sentences.

1. Last night I (heard/listened to) the sirens on Paseo Colon.
2. If I can't go to a soccer game, I like to (hear/listen to) it on the radio.
3. Jane and John broke up because neither (heard/listened) when the other spoke.
4. Alvin didn't (hear/listen to) his phone ring because he had his headphones in.
5. When I go to the mountains, I shut my eyes and concentrate, just to see what noises I can (hear/listen to).

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. I (am/have/no verb) 13 years old.

2. I (am/have/no verb) a turtle. He (is/has/no verb) 100 years old.

3. I (am/have/no verb) so happy, that you (are/have/no verb) agree with me.

4. I (haven’t/am not/no verb) eaten in hours. I (am/verb/no verb) hungry.

5. I (have/am/no verb) a friend named Sally and she (is/has/no verb) 32 years old.

Thursday Tidbits - Common Mistakes with the Verb To Be...

Common Mistakes with the Verb To Be

In every language “to be” is one of the most common verbs. It is also one of the most difficult to use correctly. Here are some common mistakes often made with the English verb "to be."

Common Mistakes:

Using to be when another verb should be used

Incorrect: I am agree.

Correct: I agree.

Explanation: In English, to agree is a verb, so we can use it as the main verb in the sentence.

Using to have in place of to be

Incorrect: I have 45 years. She has hungry.

Correct: I am 45 years old. She is hungry.

Explanation: When discussing ages or feelings, English uses to be. Both of these examples show adjectives describing the subject, and with adjectives we use to be.

Check yourself

Choose the correct option in the following sentences.

1. I (am/have/no verb) 13 years old.
2. I (am/have/no verb) a turtle. He (is/has/no verb) 100 years old.
3. I (am/have/no verb) so happy, that you (are/have/no verb) agree with me.
4. I (haven’t/am not/no verb) eaten in hours. I (am/verb/no verb) hungry.
5. I (have/am/no verb) a friend named Sally and she (is/has/no verb) 32 years old.

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. I (have work/have been working/am working) for five years.
2. Susie (has go/is going/has been going) to the same gym since 1992.
3. Harry (ran/ has been running) for 2 hours! I hope he stops soon.
4. My friend (has been reading/read) the same book for five months. She reads slowly.
5. Yesterday Mary (worked/has been working) for five hours before she ate lunch.

Thursday Tidbit - Though, Although and Even Though

Thursday Tidbits – Though, Although and Even Though

Though and Although and Even Though

Though, although, and even though are used to emphasis an argument that disagrees with your argument or someone else’s argument.

Though is the most informal. In spoken English it can go at the end of a sentence.

Although is used when speaking in a more formal manner.

Even though is used to give extra emphasis.

Examples:

“This car is really slow. It gets great gas mileage, though.” (Though used at the end of a sentence)
Though you can’t come to dinner, I could still bring you something back. (Though at the beginning of a sentence)
Although you have great recommendations, you unfortunately don’t have enough experience for the job. (Formal setting)
Even though I ran for two hours per day I still didn’t lose any weight. (Even though used to add greater emphasis)


Check yourself

Choose (though although or even though)  in the following sentences.

1. (Though/Although/Even though) you were late Ms.President the meeting started on time.
2. I don’t eat meat. I eat fish (though although or even though) .
3. (Though/Although/Even though) you can be crude I can’t stay mad at my brother.
4. (Though/Although/Even though) the plane ride was almost a full day long, I enjoyed it.
5. (Though/Although/Even though) plastic can be recycled, it cannot be recycled indefinitely.

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. I want (another/other) casado. This one was so small.
2. I really enjoyed seeing (another/other) movie. I love watching movies.
3. The (another/other) book was much more expensive.
4. I bought (another/other) six chickens for my farm.
5. (Another/Other) people don’t like to read as much as I do.
6. I am really tired. I need (another/other) few hours of sleep.
7. She wanted to buy (another/other) bed, but it was too expensive.
8. The (another/other) kids can stay up late.
9. I really like (another/other) animals, but cats are evil.
10. My teacher assigned me (another/other) essay because the first one was too short.

Thursday Tidbits - Double Negatives...

Double Negatives


A mistake many English learners make  has to do with the use of negatives in a sentence. In English two negatives cancel each other and the sentence becomes positive, which is confusing and considered incorrect.

Some Examples:

I have not never done my work.

Really means: I have done my work.

Intended Meaning: I never do my work.

He doesn’t like nobody.

Really means: He likes some people.

Intended Meaning: He doesn’t like anybody.

She hasn’t been mean to no one.

Really means: She is mean to some people.

Intended Meaning: She is never mean.

Check yourself

Make the sentences correct by removing a negative.

1. She hasn’t never paid her bills late.
2. He is never nice to nobody.
3. The company hasn’t had no problems in years.
4. He isn’t happy because no one likes him.
5. The airplane has never had no wings.
6. The dogs in the street never bite nobody.

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. It is (probable / probably) that she will forget the appointment.
2. The team will (probably / likely) have a losing season.
3. He will (probable / probably) come to the party later.
4. It seems (likely, probably) that the test will be difficult.
5. The harder he tries, it is more and more (probably / probable) that he will succeed.
6. He is (likely / probably) looking for a new job.
7. I don’t think it is (probably / likely) that there will be a lot of people at the concert.
8. They can (probable / probably) fix the car before 3pm.
9. He is (likely / probable) tired from working too hard.
10. The fact that his cell phone doesn’t work is (probably / probable) due to the fact that the battery is dead.

Thursday Tidbits -Probable, probably, likely...

Probable, probably, likely… 

There are often mistakes made by English language learners when using probable and probably related to their position in a sentence. Here is a quick explanation of how each is used as well as how to use likely, which is similar to probable andprobably.


Probable


Probable is always used with a verb “be” or other linking verbs like “seem” or “look.” It’s position is after the verb “be” or a linking verb. Here are some examples:

It is probable that he will arrive late. He always does.

The chances of it raining seem probable.

Probably

Probably is used to modify verbs in a sentence. It’s position is before the verb or in between the helping verb and principle verb. It is also generally used to express something that may happen in the future and is used with “will” (but not always). Here are some examples:

He probably works more than anyone in the company.

They will probably spend a lot of money in Las Vegas.

My friend can probably help you with your problem.

Likely

Likely is a common replacement of both probably and probable in the English language. It can be used as both an adjective as well as an adverb. The opposite is unlikely. Here are some examples:

It is likely that he will arrive late. (adjective)

It will likely rain this afternoon. (adverb)

They will likely spend a lot of money in Las Vegas. (adverb)

It is unlikely that Costa Rica will win the World Cup. (adjective)

Check yourself



Underline the correct word to properly complete the sentences. In some cases, both may be correct.
1. It is (probable / probably) that she will forget the appointment.
2. The team will (probably / likely) have a losing season.
3. He will (probable / probably) come to the party later.

4. It seems (likely, probably) that the test will be difficult.
5. The harder he tries, it is more and more (probably / probable) that he will succeed.
6. He is (likely / probably) looking for a new job.
7. I don’t think it is (probably / likely) that there will be a lot of people at the concert.
8. They can (probable / probably) fix the car before 3pm.

9. He is (likely / probable) tired from working too hard.
10. The fact that his cell phone doesn’t work is (probably / probable) due to the fact that the battery is dead.

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. He doesn’t usually watch those kind of television programs. _____those kinds of______

2. I don’t mind teaching that kind of children. _____these/those kinds of_____________
3. I’m afraid to listen to that kinds of stories. _____these/those kinds of_______
4. Most people think that kind of news is depressing. _______OK__________
5. He likes to fix these kinds of computer. ____this/that kind of_________
6. You shouldn’t throw way that kinds of food. __that kind of_________

7. The cat likes to chase those kinds of mice. _____OK_________
8. He’s looking to hire that kinds of co-workers. _______those/these kinds of_________
9. Most people have that kind of phones. ________these/those kinds of___________
10. I don’t like to talk to that kind of people. _________these/those kinds of_________

Thursday Tidbits - I like those kinds of...

I like those kinds of… 

English learners often have trouble making phrases like “that kind of / these kinds of” agree with the subject.   This is the structure in a nutshell, and a few examples:

That/this kind of…: That and this are used only with singular and non-count nouns.

Most people don’t appreciate that kind of gesture.

He isn’t interested in that kind of idea.

I’m in the market for this kind of house.

Those/these kinds of …: Those and these are used with plural nouns.

Those kinds of actions will not be tolerated.

The dentist won’t operate on those kinds of teeth.

I usually don’t get along with those kinds of people.

Check yourself

Identify if the following sentences are correct. If not, make the necessary changes in the space next to the sentence.. Do not change the form of the subject, meaning, do not change the subject from singular to plural or plural to singular. Only change the underlined part of the sentence, if necessary.

1. He doesn’t usually watch those kind of television programs. ______________________________

2. I don’t mind teaching that kind of children. _______________________________

3. I’m afraid to listen to that kinds of stories. _______________________________

4. Most people think that kind of news is depressing. _____________________________

5. He likes to fix these kinds of computer. ______________________________

6. You shouldn’t throw way that kinds of food. ____________________________

7. The cat likes to chase those kinds of mice. ______________________________

8. He’s looking to hire that kinds of co-workers. ________________________________

9. Most people have that kind of phones. ___________________________________

10. I don’t like to talk to that kind of people. _________________________________

Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

Look at the following sentences and identify if the underlined ­­–ing word is a gerund (G), Adjective (A), or a verb in the progressive form (P).

1. Winning the game is not everything. _G_

2. I really hate ironing shirts. _G__

3. When do you think he is planning to leave? __P_

4. We need to buy a few folding chairs for the patio. _A__

5. Sometimes I feel like taking long walks in the park. _G__

6. Is anyone in this room thinking of a solution? _P_

7. His main activity is watching TV in the daytime. _G_

8. Is cleaning the house your idea of a good time? _G__

9.  This class is really exciting. _A_

10. Put the meat on the cutting board. _A_

Thursday Tidbit-Less or -ful

-less or -ful  

 

There are many words in the English language that end in the suffixes –less  or –ful. The root word Less means “not sufficient or lacking in” while full , is it’s opposite meaning ”complete or a lot of.” The list below contains root words that take on either less or ful. However, be careful! Not all root words can take on both suffixes (i.e. a team can be winless, but it can’t be winful). Here is a list of words that can use both suffixes, which basically have the opposite meaning.

-less	-ful
Useless	Useful
Meaningless	Meaningful
Flavorless	Flavorful
Merciless	Merciful
Careless	Careful
Colorless	Colorful
Helpless	Helpful
Thoughtless	Thoughtful
Purposeless	Purposeful
Painless	Painful

Check Yourself

Underline the correct word to complete the sentence.
1. I’m glad my boss worked with me a lot on the project because I had no clue. He was very (helpful / helpless).
2. Some people can handle getting a tattoo, but I can’t. I think it is too (painful / painless).
3. If you speak to me in a language I don’t understand, it is (meaningful / meaningless) to me.
4. This food has no spices or anything. It is completely (flavorful / flavorless).
5. My younger brother spends all his time playing video games. When it comes to helping around the house, he is (useful / useless).
6. The visiting team beat us 63-0 in football. They were completely (merciful / merciless).
7. I need you to be (careful / careless) when picking up the baby.
8. The scenic views in Costa Rica are very (colorful / colorless).
9. He has thought of every detail for the project. He works in a very (purposeful / purposeless) manner.
10. My co-workers gave me some flowers while I was in the hospital. They were extremely (thoughtless / thoughtful).

Answers to last week’s Check  Yourself

1. I received a phone call (during / for) my lunch hour.
2. He studied at Harvard (for / during) three years.
3. I have been awake (during / for) one hour.
4. I really enjoy ice skating (during / for) the winter.
5. She has been wearing glasses (during / for) at least 5 years.
6. The police intervened (for / during) the riots.
7. Class usually lasts (during / for) 3 hours.
8. I waited in line at the bank (during / for) a long time.
9. I don’t like it when people call me (during / for) dinner time.
10. He has a hard time seeing while driving (during / for) the night.

Thursday Tidbit - For or during?

For/during 

In Spanish, the use of the word durante often causes some confusion when Spanish speakers try to use during in English. It is used differently in English than it is in Spanish. In most cases, the use of the word durante in Spanish would translate to for in English. Let’s look at a few examples of for and during:

During


In English, we use the preposition during express a period of time or event during which, another thing happens. Here are some examples:

Someone turned off the music during the party.
During my high school years, I was very active in sports.
We always go to the beach during the summer months.

For


There are many uses of for in English, however when referring to time, it is used to express a period of time in which something was happening for the entire length of the time period mentioned. Here are some examples:

I’ve lived in the same apartment for 12 years.
I traveled in Spain for 3 months.
He was exercising for 2 hours.

Check Yourself

Underline the correct preposition (for or during) to complete the sentence.

1. I received a phone call (during / for) my lunch hour.
2. He studied at Harvard (for / during) three years.
3. I have been awake (during / for) one hour.
4. I really enjoy ice skating (during / for) the winter.
5. She has been wearing glasses (during / for) at least 5 years.
6. The police intervened (for / during) the riots.
7. Class usually lasts (during / for) 3 hours.
8. I waited in line at the bank (during / for) a long time.
9. I don’t like it when people call me (during / for) dinner time.
10. He has a hard time seeing while driving (during / for) the night.

Answers to last week’s Grammar Tidbits

1. You’re not allowed to put drinks (on / onto) the table.
2. There is a lot of cat hair (in / into) my pockets.
3. Can you put some ice cubes (in / into) my drink, please?
4. They called the contestants (on / onto) the stage.
5. I entered the information (in / into) the computer.
6. He kept looking (in / into) my eyes.
7. He put too many spices (in / into) the tacos.
8. The cat jumped (onto / on) the table.
9. They sent the shuttle (in / into) space.
10. You should put your computer (into / in) your trunk when parking.

The Wierd and the Wonderful

Alaska woman punches bear in face to save her tiny dog

From: www.msnbc.msn.com

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A 22-year-old Alaska woman said on Wednesday she punched a black bear in the face to save her small dog from being carried off and possibly eaten.

Juneau resident Brooke Collins said she hit the bear Sunday night to save the life of her dachshund, Fudge. She said she discovered the bear crouched down, clutching Fudge in its paws and biting the back of the dog's neck.

"It had her kind of like when they eat salmon," Collins said Wednesday. "I was freaking out. I was screaming at it. My dog was screaming. I ran up to it ... I just punched it right in the snout and it let go."

Collins said her boyfriend then scared the bear away. "I think it was more startled than anything," she said.
Collins, a hairdresser who has lived in Juneau most of her life, said she is accustomed to bears and knows how to take precautions around them.

She also knew about this particular bear before Sunday's attack because it has been hanging around the neighborhood.

In this case, however, Fudge darted out the door before anyone checked the vicinity, she said.
The dog, an older female, was not seriously hurt in the attack, but Collins said she is tending to the animal's wounds and keeping her inside for now. Collins said she is also taking other precautions with her second dog.

Black bears frequently roam the downtown section of Alaska's capital city, which rests against a steep mountain slope and is surrounded by a dense rain forest.

Bear encounters are on the rise this year, despite efforts by local residents to lock away garbage and remove items that might attract the animals, said Neil Barton, a Juneau-based biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

"This year, I think, is a lot worse than last year. I would attribute that to lack of a berry crop," Barten said.
Production of berries around Juneau has been poor this summer, removing a key food source from the bears' diets.

"If they are not available, the bears look for other sources of food," he said.

Bears and dogs sometimes snarl at each other, but actual attacks on dogs are unusual, he said.

Collins said her dog Fudge has chased bears but never been attacked before.

The black bear she punched returned Tuesday, she said, because it was a trash pick-up day.

Word of the Day

Attribute
at·tri·bute: \ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt\
Noun
Origin: Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow — more at tribute
First Known Use: 14th century
1: an inherent characteristic; also : an accidental quality
2: an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power>; especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture
3: a word ascribing a quality; especially : adjective

More Vocabulary

Clutch: v. to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usually strongly, tightly, or suddenly
Crouch: v. to lower the body stance especially by bending the legs
Snarl: v. to growl with a snapping, gnashing, or display of teeth
Snout: n. the part of an animal's head projecting forward and containing the nose and jaws; muzzle
Tend: v. to apply oneself to the care of : watch over

Love those Phrasal Verbs

Hang out: (Informal)  to loiter in public places:
We have nothing to do on Saturday night but hang out.

Thursday Tidbits - Over and Beyond...

Over and beyond  

Two prepositions that are often confused are over and beyond. They are similar in meaning, however  they are not interchangeable and can sound a bit strange if one is used instead of the other. Lets’ look at how they are used.

Over

An easy way to remember when to use over is to replace it with more than. If the sentence still sounds correct, over is the correct preposition to use. Here are some examples:

You are not allowed to drive over (more than) the speed limit.

Those that are over (more than) 25 years old are not allowed to participate.

The company doesn’t permit employees to work over (more than) 40 hours a week.

Beyond

Beyond seems similar to over, however it is used when you mean to say after or past (in this case, we are not referring topast like present or future, but rather after or beyond). Here are some examples:

Most people don’t work beyond (after/past) 65 years of age.

The park doesn’t allow people to go beyond (after/past) the indicated border.

He continued to run beyond (after/past) what he was capable of.

Check yourself

Circle the appropriate word to complete the sentence. Then read the sentence again with the optional prepositions to see if it sounds right.

1. I’m pretty sure that I will have to work (beyond / over) midnight because I have so much work.

2. He received (over / beyond) 50 “get well” cards while he was in the hospital.

3. You have to go (over / beyond) expectations if you want to get a promotion.

4. Cheetahs can run (beyond / over) 50 mph.

5. His blood/alcohol level was (over /beyond) the legal limit.

6. He was surprised that (beyond / over) 100 people came to his party.

7. He couldn’t see (beyond / over) the mountain.

8. The human body has (beyond / over) 200 bones.

9. Many people wonder what will happen (beyond / over) this life when we die.

10. The ship sank because it was (over / beyond) its capacity for passengers.

Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

Underline the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence.

1. My family (has / is) as many children as your family.

2. A lion isn’t as (fast / faster) as a cheetah.

3. Palí doesn’t have as (many / much) selection as Walmart.

4. This test isn’t as (more difficult / difficult) as the last test.

5. We (don’t have / haven’t) as much time as we used to.

6. His stereo (is / has) as loud as our stereo.

7. Quepos doesn’t have as (many / much) people as San José.

8. Do you think a human (is / has) as intelligent as a computer?

9. She doesn’t have as (much / many) work as I do.

10. My manager (hasn’t / doesn’t have) as much responsibility as the other managers.