GMAT Idiom

1. - The Environmental Protection Agency frequently puts mandatory controls on toxic substances that present as little risk as one chance in a million of causing cancer.
- a risk as little as one chance in a million for causing

2.a. As small a collection as three pirated albums has occasionally drawn the attention of the recording industry.
- A collection as small as three pirated albums has occasionally drawn the attention of the recording industry. 

- as beautiful a gift as
- gifts as beautiful as
2.b. water as clean as..

- as clean water as

- as beautiful gifts as

2.c. She is as beautiful of a princess as she is a person.

As adj Noun as/ Noun as adj as
 

1. adj = many/ few/ much/ little
- As adj many/ few/ much/ little Nouns/ Noun as

- Nouns/ Noun As adj many/ few/ much/ little as

2. adj khác

a. a Noun - singular
- As adj Noun as

- Noun as adj as

b. Nouns - plural/ Noun - uncountable
-  Nouns/ uncountable Noun as adj as
- As adj Nouns/ uncountable Noun as

c. Prep phrase
- As adj Prep phrase as

1. - The Environmental Protection Agency frequently puts mandatory controls on toxic substances that present as little risk as one chance in a million of causing cancer.
- a risk as little as one chance in a million for causing

2.a. As small a collection as three pirated albums has occasionally drawn the attention of the recording industry.
- A collection as small as three pirated albums has occasionally drawn the attention of the recording industry. 

- as beautiful a gift as
- gifts as beautiful as
2.b. water as clean as..

- as clean water as

- as beautiful gifts as

2.c. She is as beautiful of a princess as she is a person.
-> So sánh 2 roles

1. Sb1 assists sb2 to verb

2. Sth assists sb to verb

3. Sth assists sb in V_ing

4. Sb assists sb in V_ing

Đúng. 

1. Sb1 assists sb2 to verb

-> Mục đích của sb1 khi giúp sb2 là để to verb

3. Sth assists sb2 in V_ing

-> Sth giúp sb2 khi sb2 V_ing

4. Sb1 assists sb2 in V_ing

-> Sb1 giúp sb2 khi sb2 V_ing

Sai. 2. Sth assists sb to verb

-> Mục đích của sth khi giúp sb2 là để to verb

-> Sai vì sth là vật vô tri vô giác không có mục đích

1.  AS _ _ the arrangement, he received severance.

2. Wool production was _ key _ _ the economy.

3. Confidence, in addition to skill, is _ _ what's necessary for success in this game
4. The arm is _____ the human body

1.3.4 part of/ a part of

2. part of/ a ...part of

* Part of X: dùng cho những thứ more abstract, sự phân chia giữa các phần trong X không rõ ràng

* A part of: sự phân chia giữa các phần là rõ ràng

1. AS  part of the arrangement, he received severance.

2.Wool production was a key part of the economy.

3. Confidence, in addition to skill, is part of what's necessary for success in this game

4. The arm is a part of the human body

Last year in the United States, over $2 trillion was invested in funds that screen companies according to a variety of criteria such as adherence to labor standards, protection of the environment, and observance of human rights.

Last year in the United States, over $2 trillion was invested in funds that screen companies in accordance with a variety of criteria such as adherence to labor standards, protection of the environment, and observance of human rights.

Last year in the United States, over $2 trillion was invested in funds that screen companies according to a variety of criteria such as adherence to labor standards, protection of the environment, and observance of human rights.

Last year in the United States, over $2 trillion was invested in funds that screen companies in accordance with a variety of criteria such as adherence to labor standards, protection of the environment, and observance of human rights.

if "according to _____" is set off by commas, then it is citing a source or authority.
if "according to _____" is NOT set off by commas, then it means "with respect to", "corresponding to", "organized in terms of", etc.
 

A. failure to do sth

B. failure of V_ing

C. failure in V_ing

A. failure to do sth

A. I VIEWED this process AS a mistake.

B. I VIEWED this process TO BE a mistake (or LIKE) a mistake.

A. I VIEWED this process AS a mistake.

A. provide support to the classification of Africa’s animal species.
B. provide support for classifying Africa’s animal species.
C. provide support to Africa

D. provide support to classify  Africa’s animal species.

B. provide support for classifying Africa’s animal species.

- provide support for doing sth: Hỗ trợ một việc gì 

C. provide support to Africa

 - provide support to Noun: Đưa cho ai đó/ tổ chức nào đó một cái gì 

D. provide support to Verb 
 

Ownership...sth

to sth
of sth

1. your personality can be determined from your handwriting
2. your personality can be determined by your handwriting
3. some people think that your personality is determined by your genes
4. some people think that your personality is determined from your genes

Right:
1. this sentence makes sense (people can look at your handwriting and deduce facts about your personality).
3.this sentence makes sense (people to think that your genetic makeup causes you to have certain personality traits)

Wrong
2. this sentence doesn't make sense (it implies that the way you write actually causes your personality to be a certain way).
4. it implies that people are looking at your genes and using them to guess what your personality is like

committed to ...
dedicated to...
opposed to ...

committed to ___ing
dedicated to ___ing
opposed to ___ing

A. A discovery SHOWS THAT an object IS strange. 
B. A discovery SHOWS an object TO BE strange.
C. A discovery SHOWS an object IS strange.
D. A discovery SHOWS an object AS strange (or AS BEING) strange.

RIGHT:
A. A discovery SHOWS THAT an object IS strange. 
B. A discovery SHOWS an object TO BE strange.

SUSPECT
C. A discovery SHOWS an object IS strange.

Wrong
D. A discovery SHOWS an object AS strange (or AS BEING) strange.

A. a promise to do sth

B. a promise of Noun

C. a promise of V_ing

D. a promise in V_ing

A. a promise to do sth

B. a promise of Noun

A. I DECLARED the election a fraud. 

B. I DECLARED the referendum invalid. 

C. The judge declared the election AS afraud.

D. The judge declared the election TOBE a fraud.

E. They DECLARED the election was afraud.

F. I DECLARED invalid the referendum that the new regime imposed.
G. They DECLARED THAT the election was a fraud.

RIGHT

A. I DECLARED the election a fraud. 

B. I DECLARED the referendum invalid. 

F. I DECLARED invalid the referendum that the new regime imposed.
G. They DECLARED THAT the election was a fraud.

SUSPECT

E. They DECLARED the election was afraud. (DECLARE THAT ispreferred.)

A discovery SHOWS an object IS strange.

A discovery SHOWS THAT an object IS strange.

A discovery SHOWS an object TO BE strange.

A discovery SHOWS an object AS strange (or AS BEING) strange.

A discovery SHOWS THAT an object IS strange.

A discovery SHOWS an object TO BE strange

1. the possibility that clause

2. the possibility to Verb

3. the possibility for V_ing

4. the possibility of NOUN

1. the possibility that clause

4. the possibility of NOUN

1. S + projects +  NOUN

2. S + projects + that X will do Y

3. S + projects X to do Y

1. S + projects +  NOUN

2. S + projects + that X will do Y

In addition Noun_X, ... Noun_Y

Beside Noun_X, ... Noun_Y
 

Beside V1_ing, S + V2

X//Y

V1 // V2

CONTEND (= claim)

(Choose the correct one)

A. They CONTEND they can decipher the code.

B. They CONTEND the code TO BE decipherable.

C, They CONTEND the ABILITY to decipher the code.

D. They CONTEND THAT they can decipher the code.

D. They CONTEND THAT they can decipher the code.

(everything else is wrong)

DEPEND

The outcome DEPENDS (...) he (...) make friends.

The outcome DEPENDS (...) his (...) make friends.

1. Depends on whether he can

2. Depends on his ability to

DANGER

We (in danger - forget) the past.

We (endanger - forget) the past. (suspect)

Correct:

We

 ARE IN DANGER OF FORGETTING

 the past.

We ARE ENDANGERED BY FORGETTING the past

Wrong:

We ARE IN DANGER TO FORGET the past.

We HAVE A DANGER OF FORGETTING (or TO FORGET) the past.

CONCEIVE

He (conceive) architecture (...) a dialogue

His (conceive - noun) architecture IS (...) a dialogue. (suspect)

CORRECT:

1. conceives of ... as

2. conception of ... as

WRONG:

He CONCEIVES OF architecture TO BE a dialogue.

DETERMINE

The winner was DETERMINED (...) a coin toss.

Correct:

The winner was DETERMINED BY a coin toss.

Wrong:

The winner was DETERMINED THROUGH (or BECAUSE of) a coin toss.

The winner was DETERMINED FROM (or AS A RESULT OF) a coin toss.

DATE

They DATED the artifact (...) three centuries old.

The artifact WAS DATED (...) three centuries old.

Correct:

They DATED the artifact AT three centuries old.

The artifact WAS DATED AT three centuries old. 
 

Wrong:

The artifact WAS DATED TO BE three centuries old.

The artifact WAS DATED AS BEING three centuries old.

DEMAND

They (demand) the store (be) closed.

Their (demand) the store (be) closed was not met.

Correct:

1. demanded that ... be close

2. demand (n) that ... be

AFFECT/EFFECT

 "The new rules will ... our performance"

A. have an effect on

B. affect

C. Cause an effect on

A. Have an effect on -> Suspect

B. Affect --> Correct

C. Cause an effect on -> Wrong

CONSIDER

1. I (consider) her (...) a friend. I (consider) her (...) intelligent.

2. I (consider) illegal the law passed last week by the new regime.

3. The law (consider) illegal.

4. The judge (consider) the law (...) illegal. (suspect)

Correct:

1. Consider (sb sth)

2. Consider

3. is considered (adj)

4. considers ... to be (suspect)

Wrong

The judge CONSIDERS the law AS illegal (or AS BEING illegal).

The judge CONSIDERS the law SHOULD BE illegal.

The judge CONSIDERS the law AS IF IT WERE illegal

DID

I did not eat the cheese, but my mother (do)

CORRECT:

DID (or DID SO).

WRONG:

I did not eat the cheese, but my mother DID IT (or DID THIS)

CREDIT

Hugo CREDITS Sally (...) good taste.

Sally IS CREDITED (...) good taste.

We had to credit much of our success (...) simple good luck

Correct:

Hugo CREDITS Sally WITH good taste.

Sally IS CREDITED WITH good taste

TO (credit + noun phrase + TO + sth)

Wrong:

Sally IS CREDITED FOR good taste (or FOR HAVING good taste).

Sally IS CREDITED AS a person with good taste (or AS HAVING good taste).

Sally IS CREDITED TO BE a person with good taste.

AGGRAVATE = make worse

 Which one is correct + meaning?

 His behavior aggravated the problem.

 His behavior was aggravating to the problem.

1. (made worse) = correct

 2. (was annoying to) = wrong

DEVELOP

The executive (develop) her idea (...) a project.

= The idea (develop) a project.

Correct:

The executive DEVELOPED her idea INTO a project = The idea DEVELOPED INTO a project

Wrong:

An idea DEVELOPED ITSELF INTO a project

AFTER/FOLLOWING

 Which one is better?

 1. After the gold rush, the mining town collapsed

 2. Following the gold rush, ...

1. After -> correct

 2. Following -> Gmat suspect

AGGRAVATE = make worse
Which one is correct + meaning?
His behavior aggravated the problem.
His behavior was aggravating to the problem.

 

1. (made worse) = correct
2. (was annoying to) = wrong
 

DESIGN

(Find the correct answer)

A. This window IS DESIGNED SO THAT IT OPENS.

B. This window IS DESIGNED TO OPEN.

C. This window IS DESIGNED SO AS TO OPEN.

B. This window IS DESIGNED TO OPEN.

CONNECTION

There is a strong CONNECTION (...) his grades (...) his effort.

Correct:

Connection BETWEEN... AND

Wrong:

Connection OF

CREATE

We WILL CREATE a team (lead) the discussion.

Correct:

TO LEAD

Wrong:

We WILL CREATE a team FOR LEADING the discussion

DOUBT

We (do not doubt) the apples are ripe.

We (have no doubt) the apples are ripe.

She DOUBTS (...) Jan will arrive on time.

Correct:

We DO NOT DOUBT THAT the apples are ripe.

We HAVE NO DOUBT THAT the apples are ripe.

She DOUBTS WHETHER Jan will arrive on time.

Suspect:

She DOUBTS THAT Jan will arrive on time. (prefer WHETHER)

Wrong:

We DO NOT DOUBT WHETHER the apples are ripe.

We HAVE NO DOUBT WHETHER the apples are ripe.

DIFFERENCE

There is a (difference X) ability (...) us.

There is a (difference Y) what you can do (...) what I can do.

There are (difference Z) what you and I can do.

CORRECT:

difference in; between

difference between; and

differences in

WRONG:

There are DIFFERENCES BETWEEN what you and I can do.

CONFIDENCE

We have (confidence) the market (recover)

We have (confidence) the market’s ABILITY TO RECOVER. (suspect)

CORRECT:

1. confidence that; will recover

2. confidence in

WRONG:

We have CONFIDENCE IN the market TO RECOVER.

CHANCE (choose the correct one)

A. I have ONE CHANCE IN A THOUSAND FOR WINNING tonight. 
B. I have ONE CHANCE IN A THOUSAND OF WINNING tonight. 
C. I have ONE IN A THOUSAND CHANCES TO WIN tonight. 
D. I have ONE CHANCE IN A THOUSAND THAT I WILL WIN tonight. 
E. I have ONE CHANCE IN A THOUSAND FOR ME TO WIN tonight.
 

Correct:

B. I have ONE CHANCE IN A THOUSAND OF WINNING tonight.

AID
She... her neighbor.
She provides... victims.
... victims is available.
Her ... (Aid, walk) the dog was appreciated.
 

1. AIDS
2. AID TO
3. AID FOR
4. AID IN WALKING
 

BORDERS

A. IN the BORDERS of a country

B. INSIDE the BORDERS of a country

C. WITHIN the BORDERS of a country

--> Choose the only correct answer

C. WITHIN THE BORDERS

BASED ON

Based on the evidence, the jury reached a verdict.
 

(The jury itself cannot based on the evidence)

1. The jury reached a verdict based on the evidence.

2. The verdict was based on the evidence

BEING

1. (infect) does not make you sick.

2. The judges saw the horses (lead) to the stables.

3. BEING an advocate of reform, I would like to make a different proposal.

1. Being infected

2. Being led

3. As an advocate of

BAN

1. They passed a ban that we cannot carry bottles

--> They passed a BAN (prohibit) us (carry) bottles

2. 

B. prohibiting them from the disclosing of its water purification methods to any company
C. prohibiting disclosure of its water purification methods to any company
D. that would prohibit them from disclosure of its water purification methods to companies
E. that would prohibit its water purification methods to be disclosed to a company

CORRECT: 

1. They passed a BAN prohibiting us from carrying bottles.

2. C. prohibiting disclosure of its water purification methods to any company (prohibit an activity - noun or gerund)
B. prohibiting them from the disclosing of its water purification methods to any company
D. that would prohibit them from disclosure of its water purification methods to companies
E. that would prohibit its water purification methods to be disclosed to a company

BEGAN

The movement (begin) a protest.  (= was born as)

The movement (begin) a protest.  (= protest was the first part)

The protest (begin) the movement. (=caused)

1. Began as

2. Began with

3. Began

WRONG: The movement was begun from a protest

ASK

I (ask) his aid. (-ed)

I (ask) her (go) to the store (-ed)

He (ask) she (go) to the store (-ed)

1. ASKED FOR

2. ASKED; TO GO

3. ASKED THAT; GO

BELIEVE

1. She (believe) THAT Gary (be) right.

2. She (believe) Gary (be) right.

3. It is (believe) Gary (be) right.

4. Gary (believe to be) right.

1. believes ... is

2. believes ... to be

3. It is believed that ... is

4. is believed to be

AIM
We adopted new procedures (aim, reduce) theft.
We adopted new procedures with the (aim, reduce) theft.

 

1. AIMED AT REDUCING
2. WITH THE AIM OF REDUCING
 

ALLOW
1. The holiday (allow) Maria (watch) the movie today.
2. Maria was (allow, watch) the movie.

3. The demolition of the old building (allow) new construction.

1. allows; to watch

2. allowed to watch

3. allows for

CLAIM

They claim being able to read minds.

1. claim that clause: Claim một việc gì đó

-  claim that they can

2. S + claim to be able to: Claim về CHÍNH subject

3. Sth is claimed to be.

Suspect:

1. claim the ability to

2. claim they can

Wrong:

1. S + claim sth to be

AVERAGE

Tech COMPANIES are as likely as the ... to fail.

A. average company

B. industry average

Correct answer:

A. Average company 
(companies cannot be compared to industry average)

BUT

1. I STUDY hard BUT (take breaks).

2. I STUDY hard, BUT (take breaks).

1. but take breaks

2. but I take breaks
 

(if BUT is after a comma, you must use full clause)

COMPARED/COMPARISON

1. (in compare) horses, zebras are vicious.

2. A zebra can be (compare) a horse in many ways.

3. (compare) a horse, however, a zebra is very hard to tame.

WRONG

WHEN (...) horses, zebras are vicious.

Zebras are MORE vicious (...) horses.

Correct:

1. In comparison with (to)

2. Compared to

3, Compared with

Suspect:

AS COMPARED WITH (or TO) horses, zebras are vicious.

WRONG

WHEN COMPARED TO horses, zebras are vicious.

Zebras are MORE vicious COMPARED TO horses.

AWARE

1. (aware) the danger, he fled.

2. (aware) danger was near, he fled.

1. AWARE OF

2. AWARE THAT

AGREE
They agree ... electron exist
--> Electrons are particles...physicists...

 

1. THAT
2. THAT; AGREE EXIST
 

ATTRIBUTE

We (attribute) the uprising (...) popular discontent.

TO

COMPARABLE

Costs are rising, but incomes have not increased (comparable)

Correct:

1. Comparably (preferred)

Suspect:

2. to a comparable extent.

EQUIPPED

They are EQUIPPED (fight) on any terrain.

Right:

EQUIPPED TO FIGHT

Wrong:

EQUIPPED FOR FIGHTING

INFLUENCE

His example (influence) me.

His example was influential (...) me.

His example was an influence (...) me.

His example INFLUENCED me

His example WAS INFLUENTIAL TO me (or AN INFLUENCE ON me).

His example WAS INFLUENTIAL ON me.

FAULT

(Find the best answer, and a suspect one)
 

A. THAT the criminals BROKE the law IS AT FAULT.

B. BREAKING the law IS THE FAULT OF the criminals.

C. IT IS THE FAULT OF the criminals WHO BROKE the law.

D. The criminals ARE AT FAULT FOR BREAKING the law.

Right:

D. The criminals are at fault for breaking the law.

Remember: AT FAULT FOR DOING STH

EXTENT

We enjoyed the film (...) some EXTENT.

“Thumbs part up” is the (extent...) we enjoyed the film.

Right:
TO some extent
extent TO WHICHWrong:
“Thumbs part up” is the EXTENT THAT we enjoyed the film.

INTERACTION

The INTERACTION (...) two nuclei (collide) releases energy.

Right:

INTERACTION OF; COLLIDING

Suspect:

The INTERACTION BETWEEN two nuclei COLLIDING releases energy

Wrong:

The INTERACTION WHERE two nuclei COLLIDE releases energy.

ESTIMATE

She ESTIMATES the cost (...) ten dollars.

The cost IS ESTIMATED (...) ten dollars.

Right:

She ESTIMATES the cost TO BE ten dollars.

The cost is estimated TO BE ten dollars.

Wrong:

She ESTIMATES the cost AT ten dollars.

She ESTIMATES the cost OF ten dollars.

ABILITY

"I value my ability ... sing"

TO

ECONOMIC/ECONOMICAL
Our new car is more (eco) than our last. 
(= efficient) 
The rise in gasoline prices has an (eco) impact on consumers.

Right: 
Economical = eficient, saving money
Economic = related to economics or economy
Wrong:The rise in gasoline prices has an ECONOMICAL impact on consumers.

ENOUGH (Choose only 1 correct answer)

A. The book was SHORT ENOUGH THAT I could read it in a night.

B. The book was SHORT ENOUGH FOR IT TO BE read in a night.

C. The book was SHORT ENOUGH TO READ in a night.

D. The book was SHORT ENOUGH SO THAT I could read it in a night.

E. The book was SHORT ENOUGH AS TO BE read in a night.

C. The book was SHORT ENOUGH (FOR ME) TO READ in a night

(everything else is wrong)

HELP
He (help) (rake) the leaves

Right: HELP + inf or HELP + to V
He HELPS RAKE the leaves.
He HELPS TO RAKE the leaves.
He HELPS me RAKE the leaves.
He HELPS me TO RAKE the leaves.
***His HELP IN RAKING the leaves has been 
welcome. (Help-noun)

Wrong: Help + sb + Ving
He HELPS me (IN) RAKING the leaves.I need him AS HELP TO RAKE the leaves.

ENSURE

He (ensure) deadlines (...) met.

Right:

ENSURES THAT; ARE met /WILL BE met

--> With ensure, you better use a sure tone.

Wrong:

He ENSURES THAT deadlines MUST BE met (or SHOULD BE met).

EVEN

I am (even + richer) a prince. 
I earn (even + as much money) the wealthiest king.

Right: Even đứng trước more/__er, nhưng đứng sau as...as
I am EVEN RICHER THAN a price
I earn AS MUCH money AS EVEN the wealthiest king.

Wrong:
I am RICHER EVEN THAN a prince.I earn EVEN AS MUCH money AS the wealthiest king.

FACT THAT (Not  preferred in GMAT over THAT)

(All of these choices are suspected. One is definitely wrong. Find the wrong one)

A. It is important to recognize THE FACT THAT our strategy is working.

B. We have succeeded DUE TO THE FACT THAT we work hard.

C. THE FACT THAT our strategy is working is important to recognize.

B. Due to the fact that

--> This is definitely WRONG. Never use DUE TO THE FACT THAT in GMAT.

INTERACT

These groups often 

INTERACT 

(...) (another/one another/each other/themselves)

Right:

WITH ONE ANOTHER/EACH OTHER

Wrong:

These groups often 

INTERACT AMONG ONE ANOTHER.

These groups often INTERACT WITH/AMONG THEMSELVES.

GROUND(S)
Sowell argues that American conservatives have no valid ideological grounds (sympathy) with the Pretoria regime.

Right: for sympathizing
Wrong: to sympathize

FORBID

The law FORBIDS any citizen (vote) twice.

Right:

to vote

Wrong:

from voting

vote

INDICATE

(Find the suspect version  + think of the best version)

A report INDICATES unique bacteria LIVE on our skin.

A report IS INDICATIVE OF the presence of unique bacteria on our skin.

A report IS INDICATIVE THAT unique bacteria LIVE on our skin.

A report INDICATES unique bacteria AS present on our skin.

A report INDICATES unique bacteria TO LIVE on our skin.

Best:

A report INDICATES THAT unique bacteria LIVE on our skin.

Suspect:

A report IS INDICATIVE OF the presence of unique bacteria on our skin.

(everything else is WRONG)

HEAR (HEARD)

She (hear) her investment (pay) off.

RIGHT:

She HEARD THAT her investment HAD PAID off.

WRONG:

She HEARD OF her investment PAYING off.

Impose
Impose something (...)

Impose something on

GOAL

The GOAL IS (expand) the company.

Right: to expand

Suspect: expansion of

Wrong: expanding

EXPEND (spend)

We EXPEND energy (...) neighborhood development.

Correct: ON

Wrong:

We EXPEND energy FOR neighborhood development.

DUE TO (Choose 3 correct answer)
A. BECAUSE politicians SPEND money, we have a deficit. 
B. DUE TO politicians SPENDING money, we have a deficit 
C. The deficit IS DUE TO overspending.
D. Our policy will not cover damage DUE TO fire.
E. DUE TO THE FACT THAT politicians SPEND money, we have a deficit.

Correct:
A. Because sb do sth, ...
C. Sth is due to sth
D. Sth due to sth
Incorrect:
B. Due to sb doing sth
E. Due to the fact that...

LOSS
I have suffered a LOSS (...) strength. 
They have suffered a LOSS (...) the euro. 
(= decline of an investment)

RIGHT:
LOSS OF strength = decline of a quality
LOSS IN the Euro - decline of an investment
Loss of the Euro = Loss money (euro)

WRONG: 
I have suffered a LOSS IN strength.

ISOLATE
(correct the underline)The culture was IN ISOLATION FROM outside CONTACT

The culture was ISOLATED FROM outside CONTACT.

NUMBER

(Choose the correct ones)

A. A NUMBER OF dogs ARE barking
 

B. THE NUMBERS OF dogs HAVE fallen.

C. Dogs HAVE FALLEN IN NUMBER.

D. THE NUMBER OF dogs HAS FALLEN.

A. A NUMBER OF dogs ARE barking

D. THE NUMBER OF dogs HAS FALLEN.

Fall: giảm xuống -> chỉ có số lượng mới giảm

Barking: một vài con chó đang sủa chứ số lượng thì ko sủa được

Rather than/instead of (use 1 or both to fill in the blank)

1. Duke wants to know when to use the words "rather than" (...) the words "instead of."

2. Duke embraced the difficulties of grammar (...) gave up.

3. I want chocolate ice cream (...) vanilla today.

4. I walked to work (...) drove (to work).

1. instead of (or both)

2. rather than

3. instead of (or both)

4. rather than

--> Instead of can only be used with a noun, while rather than can be used to compare both noun or verb.

--> GMAT prefers RATHER THAN

LEAVE
(Choose 2 rights and 2 wrong)
A. My doctor LEAVES me SWIMMING in the ocean.
B. My doctor LEAVES me SWIM in the ocean. 
C. My doctor LETS me SWIM in the ocean. 
D. The surgery WILL LEAVE me TO SWIM in the ocean.

Right: A; C

Leave sb/sth doing sth
Let sb/sth do sth

Wrong: B; D

MEANS

Music education is A MEANS (...) improved cognition.

Right:

Music education is A MEANS TO improved cognition.

Wrong:

Music education is A MEANS OF improved cognition.

Music education is A MEANS FOR improved cognition.

MANDATE 

(Choose 1 correct ones)

A. The general MANDATED THAT a trench BE dug.
B. We HAVE A MANDATE TO CALL an election soon.

C. The general mandated A trench TO BE dug. 
D. The general MANDATES THAT a trench WILL BE dug. 
E. We HAVE A MANDATE FOR an election in the near future.w

Right

A. The general MANDATED THAT a trench BE dug. (subjunctive)

Suspect

B. We HAVE A MANDATE TO CALL an election soon. (have authority- có quyền)

(Which one is correct? A, B or both?)

A. We might ONCE have seen that band.

B. We might AT ONE TIME have seen that band.

A. We might ONCE have seen that band. = RIGHT

B. We might AT ONE TIME have seen that band.

= WRONG

NATIVE

1. The kangaroo is NATIVE (...) Australia, (said of animals, plants)

2. My friend is A NATIVE (...) Australia, (said of people)

RIGHT:

1. NATIVE TO = said of animals, plant

2. NATIVE OF = said of people

WRONG:

The kangaroo is NATIVE IN Australia.

(Choose the right one)
A. Our utilities add up to LESS THAN 10% of our income.

B. Our utilities add up to LOWER THAN 10% of our income.

LESS
A. Our utilities add up to LESS THAN 10% of our income.

KNOW
We KNOW her (...) brilliant. She is KNOWN (...) brilliant. 
We KNOW him (...) “Reggie.” He is KNOWN (...) “Reggie.”

Right:
TO BE; TO BE
KNOW... AS; KNOWN AS = called, named + {name}

HOẶC KNOWN AS + {A REPUTATION}

Wrong:
We KNOW her AS brilliant. (KNOW AS = named)

LIE/LAYOur strength (lie/lay) numbers. (= resides in) 
Yesterday, our strength (lie/lay) numbers. (= resided in)
Tomorrow, our strength (lie/lay) numbers. (will reside in)
I lose my books whenever I (lie/lay) them down. (put down)

Our strength LIES IN numbers. (= resides in: dựa vào)
Yesterday, our strength LAY IN numbers. (= resided in)
Tomorrow, our strength WILL LIE IN numbers. (will reside in)
I lose my books whenever I LAY them down (put down)

Tomorrow, our strength will lay in numbers.

MAKE/MADE

The leader (made/possible/resist) oppression.

Windshields (made) resistant to impact

Right:

The leader MADE IT POSSIBLE TO RESIST oppression

Windshields ARE MADE resistant to impact

Suspect:

Windshields ARE MADE TO BE resistant to impact

Wrong:

The leader MADE POSSIBLE TO RESIST oppression

LACK

Old gadgets ARE LACKING (...) features.

Old gadgets (lack) features.

The LACK (...) features is upsetting.

There is A LACK (...) engineers (build) new gadgets.

Right:
ARE LACKING (adj) IN
LACK (v)
LACK (n) OF 
A LACK (n) OF - TO BUILD

Wrong:
Old gadgets LACK OF features.
It is hard to build bridges LACKING engineers.

MISTAKE

My spouse HAS MISTAKEN me (...) a wealthier person.

Right: FOR

Wrong: AS; TO

MASS

The truck (...) ten TIMES THE MASS of a small car.

Right: HAS

Wrong:

The truck IS ten TIMES THE MASS of a small car.

(A, B or both?)

A. Her performance is exceeded ONLY by theirs.

B. Her performance is ONLY exceeded by theirs.

A. exceeded only by theirs --> Correct

B. Only exceeded by theirs --> Wrong

ONLY should be placed just before the words it is meant to modify.

GMAT never put ONLY before Verb.

(choose 2 out of 8 that are correct)

A. His books are MORE impressive AS those of other writers.
B. This paper is MORE impressive INSTEAD OF that one.
C. This paper is MORE impressive RATHER THAN that one.
D. This paper is NO LESS impressive THAN that one.
E. This newspaper costs 50 cents MORE THAN that one.
F. This paper is NONE THE LESS impressive THAN that one.
G. Sales are HIGHER this year OVER last year.
H. This paper is NO LESS impressive AS that one.

THAN/LESS
Right:
D. This paper is (NO) LESS impressive THAN that one.
E. This newspaper costs 50 cents MORE THAN that one.

Everything else is wrong

Insofar as = ... (Đến cái mức mà)
e.g. His criminal connections are no more than suspicions in so far as the police are concerned.
 

to the degree that
 

INVEST
She INVESTED funds (...) research (study) cancer.

Right:She INVESTED funds IN research TO STUDY cancer.Wrong:

She INVESTED funds INTO (or FOR) research TO STUDY cancer.

She INVESTED funds IN research FOR STUDYING cancer.

NOT...BUT...

(Choose 1 correct answer)

A. She DID NOT EAT mangoes BUT other kinds of fruit.

B. She DID NOT EAT mangoes BUT ATE other kinds of fruit.
 

C. She DID NOT EAT mangoes; RATHER other kinds of fruit.

D. She DID NOT EAT mangoes, BUT INSTEAD other kinds of fruit

B. She DID NOT EAT mangoes BUT ATE other kinds of fruit.

require
a. V + THAT + V
b. V + to V
c. Either

c. Either
The program requires that you submit your GMAT score.
The program requires you to submit your GMAT score.

stipulate (= set rules)
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

A. Stipulate + That + V (bossy)

insist
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

a. X insists that Y do Z
(bossy verb)

ask
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

c. either
Jim asks me to marry him/
Jim asks that I marry him.

allow
a. V + THAT + V
b. V + to V
c. Either

b. V + to V
allow sb to do sth

dictate
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

a. X dictates that Y do Z (Bossy verb)

propose
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

a. X proposes that Y do Z
(bossy verb)

forbid
a. V + THAT + V
b. V + to V
c. Either

b. V + to V
forbid sb to do sth

prefer
a. V + THAT + V

b. V + to V

c. Either

c. Either
I prefer him to go to college
I prefer that he go to college

persuade
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

b. V + to V
persuade sb to do sth

desire
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

c. Either
I desire to marry her
I desire that she want to marry me

recommend
We (recommended) the shelter (be) opened.

RIGHT:  (Bossy verb --> V + THAT + V
We RECOMMENDED THAT the shelter BE opened.
SUSPECT:
We RECOMMENDED the shelter to be opened.
WRONG: 
We RECOMMENDED THAT the shelter SHOULD BE/TO BE opened.

intend
a. V + THAT + V
b. V + to V
c. Either

c. Either
I intend you to help me with the housework.
I intend that you help me with the housework.

beg
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

c. Either
He begs her to marry him.
He begs that she marry him

request 
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

A. V + THAT + V (bossy) 
REQUEST THAT he BE removed.
Wrong:
REQUEST him TO BE removed.

urge
a. V + THAT + V
b. V + to V
c. Either

c. Either
He urges me to buy his drug
He urges that I buy his drug

suggest
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

a. Suggest + That + V

demand
a. V + THAT + V
b. V + to V
c. Either

A. Demand THAT X do Y
(command subjunctive verb - Bossy verb)

(S1 + V1 + O1) + on condition that + (S2 + (V2) + O2)

on condition that: ra lệnh, với điều kiện là

V2_ command subjunctive
 

advise
a. V + Sb + THAT + X do Y
b. V + sb+ to V 
c. Either

c. Either (tricky one)
advise sb to do sth
advise sb that X do Y

order
a. V + THAT + V

b. V + to V

c. Either

c. Either
I order that the waitress give me the bill
I order the waitress to give me the bill

want
a. V + THAT + V 
b. V + to V 
c. Either

b. want sb to do sth

SEEM

This result (seem - demonstrate) the new theory.

IT (seem) this result (demonstrate) the new theory.

Right:

This result SEEMS TO DEMONSTRATE the new theory.

IT SEEMS THAT this result DEMONSTRATES the new theory.

IT SEEMS AS IF this result DEMONSTRATES the new theory.

Wrong:

This result SEEMS AS IF IT DEMONSTRATES the new theory.

This result SEEMS LIKE IT DEMONSTRATES the new theory

RESULT

Wealth (result) work.

Work (result) wealth.

Wealth IS (result) work.

Wealth grows as (result) work.

(result) our work, our wealth grew.

The (result) our work (...) our wealth grew.

Wealth RESULTS FROM work.

Work RESULTS IN wealth.

Wealth IS A RESULT OF work.

Wealth grows AS A RESULT OF work.

AS A RESULT OF our work, our wealth grew.

The RESULT OF our work WAS THAT our wealth grew.

PAY

The employer PAYS the same (...) this JOB as (...) that one.

Right: The employer PAYS the same FOR this JOB as for that one. 

Wrong: The employer PAYS the same IN this JOB as in that one.

SO TOO/ALSO

Bellbottoms are coming back in style, and (...) vests

RIGHT: Bellbottoms ARE coming back in style, and SO TOO ARE vests. 

SUSPECT:  Bellbottoms ARE coming back in style, and ALSO vests. (not prefer)

WRONG: Bellbottoms ARE coming back in style, and SO TOO vests.

PREDICT

Scholars (predict) the processes of modernization (...) gradual/gradually (undermine) ethnicity

Correct: 

... predict/ predicted (that) ... will/ would gradually undermine ethnicity

PREDICT + (THAT) + CLAUSE

* Note that the tense of "predict/ predicted" must match with "will/ would"

Wrong: 

1. ... predicted ... to gradually undermine ethnicity

2. ....predicted .... to be a gradual undermining of ethnicity

PREDICT + TO DO/TO BE

RATE

The RATES (...) bus tickets are good for commuters.

The RATE (...) theft has fallen.

Rate FOR = price

Rate OF = frequency

SAME

The car looks (the same) me (...) you.

I drove to the store (the same time) you [did].

Right: The car looks THE SAME TO me AS TO you. 

I drove to the store AT THE SAME TIME AS you [did]. 

Wrong: The car looks THE SAME TO me AS you. (ambiguous) 

I drove to the store AT THE SAME TIME you did.

(purpose)

She gave money (...) the school could offer scholarships 

Right: SO THAT

Wrong: SO

SUBSTITUTE

We SUBSTITUTED Parmesan cheese (...) mozzarella.

RIGHT: FOR

Wrong: WITH; IN PLACE OF

PRONOUNCE (Choose 1)

A. She pronounced the book a triumph.

B. She pronounced the book to be a triumph

C. She pronounced the book as a triumph.

Pronounced X Y

Pronounced the book as a triumph. (suspect)

Pronounced the book to be a triumph.

RULE

The judge (rule) the plaintiff (...) in contempt.

Right
The judge RULED THAT the plaintiff WAS in contempt.
Phán quyết là nguyên đơn...
 

Wrong:
The judge RULED the plaintiff TO BE in contempt

.The judge RULED ON the plaintiff WHO WAS in contempt

RISE/ROSE/RAISE/RAISED/RISING

Oil prices (...) sharply last year.

A (...) oil prices has led to inflation.

(...) prices at the gas pump are hurting consumers.

The (...) the SUN always lifts my spirits.

Wrong:

The (...) of interest rates.

Oil prices ROSE/WERE RAISED sharply last year.

A RISE IN oil prices has led to inflation.

RISING prices at the gas pump are hurting consumers.

The RISING OF the SUN always lifts my spirits.

Wrong:

The raising of interest rates.

(We have no idea who raises the interest rate. NEVER USE "The raising of something" in GMAT.)

OWE

 

He OWES money (...) the government (...) back taxes.
 

TO

 

FOR/Because of
 

REDUCTION

The coalition was considering A REDUCTION (...) prices.

The coalition MADE (or CAUSED) A REDUCTION (...) prices.

Reduction IN
(Wrong: OF)

PROBABLY/MAYBE/PERHAPS *

This situation (...) as bad as it can get. (certain)

This situation (...) as bad as it can get. (less certain)

(...) this situation IS as bad as it can get. (less certain)

This situation IS PROBABLY as bad as it can get.

This situation MAY BE as bad as it can get. (less certain than PROBABLY)

PERHAPS (or MAYBE) this situation IS as bad as it can get.

IT MAY BE THAT this situation IS as bad as it can get.

This situation IS MAYBE as bad as it can get.

(Choose the WRONG one)

A. The book was SO SHORT THAT I could read it in one night.

B. The book was SHORT ENOUGH FOR me TO READ in one night.

C. The book was SHORT TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT ALLOWS me to read it.

D. The book was OF SUCH SHORTNESS THAT I could read it.

E. The book had SO MUCH SHORTNESS THAT I could read it.

F. SUCH was the SHORTNESS of the book THAT I could read it.

SO...THAT
 

C. The book was SHORT TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT ALLOWS me to read it.

The sauce WAS/HAD (...) hot/heat AS TO burn my mouth.
The sauce WAS/HAD (...) hot/heat THAT (burn) my mouth.
 

RIGHT:

The sauce was SO hot AS TO burn my mouth.

The sauce was SO hot THAT it burns my mouth

 

WRONG:
The sauce had SUCH heat AS TO burn my mouth. 
The sauce had SO MUCH heat AS TO burn my mouth.
 

PRIVILEGE

The academy gave senior cadets (privilege - dance).

RIGHT: The academy gave senior cadets DANCING PRIVILEGES.

SUSPECT: The academy gave senior cadets THE PRIVILEGE OF DANCING.

WRONG: The academy gave senior cadets THE PRIVILEGE TO DANCE.

SIMILAR

(...) company(s) have/has (similar) issues.

Right:

ALL companies HAVE SIMILAR issues, (comparison requires plural)

Wrong:

EACH company HAS SIMILAR issues.

EVERY company HAS SIMILAR issues.

SUCCEED

She SUCCEEDED (...) (reach) the summit.
 

Right:
She SUCCEEDED IN REACHING the summit

Wrong:

She SUCCEEDED TO REACH the summit.

She SUCCEEDED AT REACHING the summit.
 

PROHIBIT

The law PROHIBITS any citizen (vote) twice.

Right: FROM VOTING

Wrong:

The law PROHIBITS any citizen TO VOTE twice.

The law PROHIBITS THAT any person VOTE (or VOTES) twice.

TARGET

This intervention is TARGETED (...) a specific misbehavior

Right: AT

Wrong: TO

Theory

1. Theory (...): a belief, a hypothesis, ko nhất thiết dựa trên sự lập luận
2. Theory (...): when it is a set of widely accepted theories/facts/principles

1. THAT

e.g. Theory that apes are more intelligent than 

2. OF

e.g. Theory of Relativity, Theory of Darwin

PARTAKE
Let us partake (...) a light supper before we begin our journey.
Visitors can partake (...) golfing or claying pigeon shooting.
Partake (...) sb

Partake OF = (1) to have a portion of something, such as food or drink
Partake IN (2) to take part in or experience something
Partake with (3) tham gia cùng ai
(at, on, whatever... are wrong)

DISPOSE

After July, anyone disposing or servicing refrigerators must capture the chlor

disposing OF

= get rid of, or utilize

Always use the word "dispose" with "of"

-->...anyone disposing of or servicing refrigerators...

WAY

We proposed a way (reach) the goal.

The best WAY TO REACH the goal IS (focus) one's energy

The way (...) we discussed the idea was positive

This process was developed (achieve) the target

Right: 

1. of reaching

2. to focus

3. in which

4. to achieve

Wrong:

1. a WAY FOR REACHING the goal

2. The best WAY TO REACH the goal is FOCUSING one's energy

(Right or wrong?)

1. The lawyer made history with the case of X, as with the case of Y

2. Unlike with the spiny anteater, the aardvark is docile

3. Blue-winged warblers are unlike most species of warbler in that it is very difficult to tell the male and female apart

1. Right. 

- with the case of X // with the case of Y

2. Wrong. 

- Unlike with = wrong

->  Unlike + Noun

3. Right. 

- Unlike can be used similar to an adjective in some cases.

AWARD

He was awarded (...) the gold medal

NONE

Sb is/was awarded sth.

Never use awarded with

THINKS

She thinks (...) them (...) heroes.

She (think + be-passive) secretly wealthy

1. She THINK OF them AS heroes

2. She is THOUGHT TO BE secretly wealthy

RESEARCH

1. Sb does/conducts research (...) something
2. Sb researches (...) something

1. does/conducts research on/ into/ about/ in the field of something
 

2. research something (no preposition)

The committee was WORRIED (...) increased prices

Worried about

WEIGH (correct the mistake if necessary)

My latop weighs lighter than a suitcase

My laption WEIGHS LESS THAN a suitcase

My laptop IS LIGHTER THAN a suitcase

(Find the right one)

A. Matt drives Ferraris AND THE LIKE.

B. Matt drives Ferraris AND OTHERS cars SUCH AS THESE

C. Matt trains in many ways SUCH AS BY DRIVING on racetracks.

D. Matt enjoys driving SUCH cars AS Ferraris

E. Matt enjoys intense activities, SUCH AS TO DRIVE fast cars.

Right:

D. Matt enjoys driving SUCH cars AS Ferraris.

-  such cars as/ cars such as

- "such as" is mostly used to list examples, and they usually are nouns.

Wrong:

You cannot use "such as these" "such as by doing" "such as to do" "and the like"

TRAIN

She was TRAINED (run) a division.

Right: TO RUN

Wrong: IN/FOR running

Twice/double

1. He is (twice-tall) alex [is]

2. Leaves fall (twice-quick) they grow

3. Naomi wrote TWICE (...) letters (...) Sara [did]

4. Naomi wrote ten letters, Sara wrote DOUBLE (...) THAT Sara wrote

5. Naomi's income (x2) in three years.

6. Naomi (x2) her income in three years.

1. twice as tall as

2. twice as quickly as

3. twice as many letters as

4. double the number that

5. doubled

6. doubled

Variation

There are variations (...) sunspot frequency and strength over time.

Right: VARIATION IN

Wrong: OF, AMONG

TOOL

We have a TOOL (making) progress

We have a TOOL (make) progress

We make progress (...) a TOOL

1. For making

2. To make

3. With

Conclude

1. I conclude the meeting (...) thanking you all for joining me

2. He concluded the conference (...) a humorous quote.

3. The negotiations conclude (...) the US government's satisfaction

1. BY

2. WITH

3. TO

Note: You can only say "to one's satisfaction", not "by one's satisfaction"

MORE/LESS/THAN/AS...AS

1. This newspaper cost 50 cents (...) that one.
2. (...) 250 newspapers are published here.
3. Sales are (high) this year (...) last year.

1. More than/Less than
2. More than/Fewer than
3. higher... than

Wrong use: "as much as" or "less" for countable objects.

it is imperative (...) we reach the Board of Directors' goal of 100% participation.

imperative that

USE

1. He USES the hammer (break) a board

2. He BREAKS a board (...) the hammer

3. His hammer (break) a board

4. He USES the hammer (...) a weapon

1. to break

2. with

3. breaks

4. as (function)

(Find the right ones and Wrong ones)
A. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate subjects of this kind
B. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate such subjects.
C. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate subjects like these.
D. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate these subjects.

RIGHT
B. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate such subjects.
D. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate these subjects.

WRONG: 

A. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate subjects of this kind
C. You may enjoy chemistry and physics, but I hate subjects like these.

A. claim a proof of sb to do sth

B. claim a proof that + clause

B. claim a proof that + clause

A. Sb has been given reason to believe 

B. Sb has been given reason for believing

A. reason to believe

to grow (rate)

^{to grow at a rate
the rate at which X grow}

1. X + V simultaneously ... + Y

2. V1 simultaneously and V2

3. V1 and simultaneously V2

1. X + V simultaneously WITH + Y

3. V1  and simultaneously V2

2. V1 simultaneously and V2

distinction (...) X (...) Y 

distinction between X and Y 

1. doing sth at a cost...

2. doing sth whose cost will...

1. Việc doing sth này sẽ cần 1  lượng chi phí là...

2. Làm 1 cái gì đó, mà chi phí của cái đó sẽ....

A. when at a time

B. at a time such as when

C. at a time when

D. at a time with

E.  at a time that

C. at a time when

A. Concern about sth

B. Concern that clause

C. Concern of sth

A. Concern about sth

B. Concern that clause

admit...

admit to sth

admit that clause

1. the rivalry (...) x (...) y

(n. cuộc tranh đấu)
 

2. the rivals x (...) y.

(n. những đối thủ/ v.adj. đối đầu)

1. the rivalry between x and y

2. the rivals x and y.

hypothesis/ hypothesize....

hypothesis/ hypothesize + that + clause

1. (noun) natives of

2. (adj) native to

A. (of animals and plants) existing naturally in a place

B. person from

1. (noun) natives of - B. person from

2. (adj) native to - A. (of animals and plants) existing naturally in a place

VIEW

A. I VIEWED this process AS a mistake.

B. I VIEWED this process TO BE a mistake (or LIKE a mistake.)

View sth as sth

A. Right.

B. Wrong

1. so  ... as

2. as...as

so  ... as (≈as...as): chỉ dùng dạng phủ định

-> not so much in X as in Y= không ... nhiều ở X bằng ở Y

Là hậu duệ của:

A. tobe a descendant of

B. tobe a descendant from

C. tobe descended from

A. tobe a descendant of

C. tobe descended from

Although she had signed a pledge of abstinence ________, Frances Willard was 35 years old before she chose to become a temperance activist.

Term

A. while in adolescence

B. as an adolescent

B. as an adolescent

(as: vai trò, giai đoạn)

effort to/ of/ for ?
 

effort to do sth

Find ones that are suspect or wrong

A. We EXPECT the price TO FALL.

B. The price IS EXPECTED TO FALL.

C. We EXPECT THAT the price WILL FALL.

D. IT IS EXPECTED THAT the price WILL FALL.

E. Inflation rose more than we EXPECTED.

F. There IS an EXPECTATION THAT the price will fall.
 

G. There is an EXPECTATION OF the price FALLING.

H. IT IS EXPECTED THAT the price SHOULD FALL.

I. We EXPECT the REDUCTION IN the price.

Suspect:

G. There is an EXPECTATION OF the price FALLING.

WRONG:

H. IT IS EXPECTED THAT the price SHOULD FALL.

I. We EXPECT the REDUCTION IN the price.

Right: Others
 

Note: 

Right: S+ expect + Sb/sth+ to do sth

Wrong: S + expect sth

1. Reduce the time required to V... from {hours} to {hours}

2. Reduce the time BEING required to V...,  from {hours} DOWN to {hours}

1. CORRECT

2. WORDY, the comma is unnecessary.

X, namely + ...

namely: cụ thể là

X, namely sth

X, namely that clause

Skill

A. a skill in doing sth

B. a skill to do sth

A. a skill in doing sth

A. tobe introduced for V_ing

B. tobe introduced to V

B. tobe introduced to V

A. without X NOR Y

B. without X OR Y

B. without X OR Y

A. X can be said to do sth
B. X can be said that CLAUSE
C. It can be said to do sth
D. It can be said that CLAUSE

A. no X can be said to do sth
D. It can be said that CLAUSE

clues to/ for/ about/ in 

Right: 

1. CLUES FOR DOING STH

 Scientists claim that the discovery of the first authenticated mammal bones in amber could provide important clues for determining how and when mammals colonized the islands of the West Indies

2. CLUES TO STH
Unlike historical evidence of weather patterns in other regions of the world, which scientists find abundantly represented in tree rings, ancient glacial ice, or layers of sediment from seasonal plankton, clues to the past climates of the North Pole are almost nonexistent

Wrong: Clues about/ in

Except/Excepting/Exception: (prep) Ngoại trừ?

Except: (conj) Trừ khi?

I. 1.Right: Except for/ in/ of/ ( ) + Noun: meaning là for Noun, in Noun hay chỉ ( ) Noun. Nên cần biết Noun đi kèm prep nào để dùng Except + (Prep + Noun)

- Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years, but except in the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.

-> Cần but để kết nối 2 clauses

2. Right: Excepting thường xuất hiện trong cấu trúc phủ định

3. Right: Except that clause = Unless
 

II. B. Suspect: Besides/ With the exception of

III. C. Wrong: Excepting for

Owed restitution (..) x (....) y

Owed restitution to x for y: Nợ tiền bồi thường vì đã....

better served by x (...) by y 

Right: 

better served by x than by y

Wrong:

better served by x rather than by y

better served by x instead of by y

domain (...) sth

domain of sth

ie. domain of “theory of mind,

A. tobe likely to be at a disadvantage

B. tobe likely disadvantaged

C. tobe likely to be disadvantaged

Right

A. tobe likely to be at a disadvantage: Bị đặt vào

 tình huống kém lợi thế

Suspect:

C. tobe likely to be disadvantaged: LUÔN BỊ  yếu thế, cản trở do phẩm chất

Wrong:

B. tobe likely disadvantaged: Thiếu infinitive sau likely

A. Imperfections APPEAR AS tiny cracks.

B. He APPEARS CONFUSED.

C. The dinosaurs APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN relatively smart. 

D. IT APPEARS THAT the dinosaurs WERE smart.

E. He APPEARED AS confused. 

F. The dinosaurs APPEARED AS smart.

Hiện tại:

A. Imperfections APPEAR AS tiny cracks. (= show up as)= thể hiện như là

B. He APPEARS CONFUSED. (= seems) => mô tả ở thì hiện tại

Mô tả trong quá khứ

- Right:

*C. The dinosaurs APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN relatively smart: To have V_ed là quá khứ của to V

*D. IT APPEARS THAT the dinosaurs WERE smart.

- Wrong: Hành động appear ở hiện tại

E. He APPEARED AS confused.

F. The dinosaurs APPEARED AS smart.

A. Attempt + to do sth

B. Attempt + sth

C. Attempt + V_ing

Right:

A. Attempt + to do sth

Suspect

B. Attempt + sth

C. Attempt + V_ing

A. What did...was adj, Action noun + V_ed

B. The thing that did... was adj,  Action noun + V_ed

C. Doing...was adj, Action noun + V_ed

D. What has done...was adj, Action noun + V_ed
 

A. What refer đúng nhất đến action noun

vd: The price increase was what brought...

did// was

B. Wordy

C. Doing - ongoing condition # V_ed

D. has done - còn tiếp tục đến hiện tại # was

do sth1 IN RETURN FOR sth2

Làm cái này để đáp lại cái kia

Took

1. SUBJECT takes/took TIME PERIOD + TO + VERB

2. IT + takes/took + TIME PERIOD + FOR + person/thing + TO + VERB

3. IT + takes/took + person/thing + TIME PERIOD + TO + VERB

4. IT + takes/took  + TIME PERIOD + TO + VERB,  and then....

5. IT + takes/took + TIME PERIOD when....

1. SUBJECT takes/took TIME PERIOD + TO + VERB

2. IT + takes/took + TIME PERIOD + FOR + person/thing + TO + VERB

3. IT + takes/took + person/thing + TIME PERIOD + TO + VERB

A. ....several tennis students, MOST all of whom play as well as their instructors
B. ....several tennis students, ALMOST all of whom play as well as their instructors

B. ....several tennis students, almost all of whom play as well as their instructors

Most of Nouns
Almost Nouns

Clause 1, the more so because Clause 2

(idiom) used to say why something (such as an attribute or quality) applies to a greater degree or extent

Clause 2 giải thích tại sao clause 1 lại xảy ra.

so = re-introduce  clause 1

A. have an impact on people

B. impacting the most on people

C. impacting people

Đúng:

A. have an impact on people

C. impacting people
 

Sai:

B. impacting the most on people

DISTINGUISH /DISTINCTION

A. The investor DISTINGUISHED BETWEEN trends AND fads.

B. The investor DISTINGUISHED trends FROM fads.

C. Trends HAVE a DISTINCTION FROM fads.

D. There is a DISTINCTION BETWEEN trends AND fads.

Right

A. The investor DISTINGUISHED BETWEEN trends AND fads.

D. There is a DISTINCTION BETWEEN trends AND fads.

Suspect

B. The investor DISTINGUISHED trends FROM fads.

A. Sth of X can be EXPLAINED AS Y

B. THAT X is sth IS EXPLAINABLE AS Y

C. ONE EXPLANATION for sth of X is THAT CLAUSE

Right

C. One explanation is that...:

Suspect:

A.B. tobe explained as/ explainable as:  connect or equate two things. 

<=> A chính là cái B: thường chỉ dùng để giải thích, định nghĩa KHÁI NIỆM

A. predict Subject will be

B. predict that Subject will be

C. predict Subject to be

A. predict Subject will be

B. predict that Subject will be