English for Everyone – English Grammar Guide

Prepositions
Prepositions are words that are used to create or show relationships between different parts
of a clause, for example time, place, or reason. They can only be followed by a noun, pronoun,
noun phrase, or gerund.

Preposition Sample sentence

about Today’s lecture is about the Cold War.
//təˈdeɪz ˈlɛkʧə z əˈbaʊt ðə kəʊld wɔː//
above The balloon flew above the city.
//ðə bəˈluːn fluː əˈbʌv ðə ˈsɪti//
after We can go to the park after lunch.
//wi kən gəʊ tə ðə pɑːk ˈɑːftə lʌnʧ//
against I’m against building new houses here.
//aɪm əˈgɛnst ˈbɪldɪŋ njuː ˈhaʊzɪz hɪə//
among The document is among these papers.
//ðə ˈdɒkjʊmənt s əˈmʌŋ ðiːz ˈpeɪpəz//
at Let’s meet at the bus stop later.
//lɛts miːt ət ðə bʌs stɒp ˈleɪtə//
because of I’m late because of the trains delays.
//aɪm leɪt bɪˈkəz əv ðə treɪnz dɪˈleɪz//
before Could you get here before lunchtime?
//kəd jʊ gɛt hɪə bɪˈfɔː ˈlʌnʧˌtaɪm//
behind The park is behind that hedge.
//ðə pɑːk s bɪˈhaɪnd ðət hɛʤ//
below He lives in the apartment below mine.
//hi lɪvz ɪn ði əˈpɑːtmənt bɪˈləʊ maɪn//
beneath Potatoes grow beneath the ground.
//pəˈteɪtəʊz grəʊ bɪˈniːθ ðə graʊnd//
between I live between Vancouver and Calgary.
//aɪ lɪv bɪˈtwiːn vænˈkuːvər ənd ˈkælgəri//
between … and They’ll arrive between 7pm and 8pm.
//ðeɪl əˈraɪv bɪˈtwiːn 7pm ænd 8pm// - /ˈsɛvn piː ɛm/ /eɪt piː ɛm/
by Please pay by the end of the month.
//pliːz peɪ baɪ ði ɛnd əv ðə mʌnθ//
despite The café is busy despite the high prices.
//ðə café ɪz ˈbɪzi dɪsˈpaɪt ðə haɪ ˈpraɪsɪz// - /ˈkæfeɪ/
during Turn off your phone during the show.
//tɜːn ɒf jə fəʊn ˈdjʊərɪŋ ðə ʃəʊ//
due to Due to the rain, the game was canceled.

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 //djuː tə ðə reɪn / ðə geɪm wəz ˈkænsəld//
except (for) Everyone had arrived except for Liam.
//ˈɛvrɪwʌn həd əˈraɪvd ɪkˈsɛpt fə ˈliːəm//
following Following losses, the store closed down.
//ˈfɒləʊɪŋ ˈlɒsɪz / ðə stɔː kləʊzd daʊn//
for I haven’t been back to Delhi for years.
//aɪ hævnt biːn bæk tə ˈdɛli fə jɪəz//
from Our new colleagues is from Lithuania.
//ˈaʊə njuː ˈkɒliːgz ɪz frəm ˌlɪθjʊˈeɪnɪə//
from … to I work from 9am. to 5pm.
//aɪ wɜːk frɒm 9am. tuː 5pm// - /naɪn ə ɛm/ /faɪv piː ɛm/
in There’s plenty of food in the cupboard.
//ðəz ˈplɛnti əv fuːd ɪn ðə ˈkʌbəd//
in front of Don’t stand in front of the television.
//dəʊnt stænd ɪn frʌnt əv ðə ˈtɛlɪˌvɪʒən//
instead of Can we have pizza instead of pasta?
//kən wi həv ˈpiːtsə ɪnˈstɛd əv ˈpæstə//
like This tastes like butter, but it has less fat.
//ðɪs teɪsts laɪk ˈbʌtə / bət ɪt həz lɛs fæt//
near We live quite near the airport.
//wi lɪv kwaɪt nɪə ði ˈeəpɔːt//
next to The supermarket is next to the bank.
//ðə ˈsjuːpəˌmɑːkɪt s nɛkst tə ðə bæŋk//
on I have piano lesson on Tuesdays.
//aɪ həv pɪˈænəʊ ˈlɛsn ɒn ˈtjuːzdeɪz//
on top of Put the vase on top of the bookcase.
//pʊt ðə vɑːz ɒn tɒp əv ðə ˈbʊkkeɪs//
out of Don’t let the cat out of her box yet.
//dəʊnt lɛt ðə kæt aʊt əv hə bɒks jɛt//
over Lots of planes fly over my village.
//lɒts əv pleɪnz flaɪ ˈəʊvə maɪ ˈvɪlɪʤ//
past It’s ten past nine. You’re late!
//ɪts tɛn pɑːst naɪn / jʊə leɪt//
regarding Let’s talk regarding your new job.
//lɛts tɔːk rɪˈgɑːdɪŋ jə njuː ʤɒb//
since I haven’t been to Las Vegas since 2007.
//aɪ hævnt biːn tə lɑːz ˈveɪgəs sɪns 2007// - /ˈtwɛnti əʊ ˈsɛvn/
thanks to Thanks to your efforts, we won a prize.
//θæŋks tə jər ˈɛfəts / wi wʌn ə praɪz//
through Shall we walk through the park?
//ʃəl wi wɔːk θruː ðə pɑːk//

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 throughout I laughed throughout the whole movie.
//aɪ lɑːft θru(ː)ˈaʊt ðə həʊl ˈmuːvi//
to When are you going to Canada?
//wɛn ə jʊ ˈgəʊɪŋ tə ˈkænədə//
toward The child just ran toward his mother.
//ðə ʧaɪld ʤəst ræn təˈwɔːd ɪz ˈmʌðə//
unlike It’s unlike Karen to be so rude.
//ɪts ʌnˈlaɪk ˈkærən tə bi səʊ ruːd//
until We’ll be in Portugal until Friday.
//wiːl bi ɪn ˈpɔːʧəgəl ənˈtɪl ˈfraɪdeɪ//
under(neath) I think the ball’s under(neath) the bush.
//aɪ θɪŋk ðə bɔːlz ˌʌndəˈniːθ ðə bʊʃ//
with Will you come with us to the concert?
//wɪl jʊ kʌm wɪð əs tə ðə ˈkɒnsə(ː)t//
within I ran the marathon within four hours.
//aɪ ræn ðə ˈmərəθən wɪˈðɪn fɔːr ˈaʊəz//
without I’ve come out without my phone.
//aɪv kʌm aʊt wɪˈðaʊt maɪ fəʊn//

Adjectives and Prepositions

Some adjectives have to be followed by a specific preposition.

Notice: adjective + preposition + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

• afraid of  It’s surprising how many adults are afraid of the dark.
//ɪts səˈpraɪzɪŋ haʊ ˈmɛni ˈædʌlts ər əˈfreɪd əv ðə dɑːk//

• ashamed of  You should be ashamed of that remark. It was very hurtful.

//jʊ ʃəd bi əˈʃeɪmd əv ðət ˈrɪˈmɑːk / ɪt wəz ˈvɛri ˈhɜːtfʊl//

• bored with  If you’re bored with that book, read a different one instead.
//ɪf jʊə bɔːd wɪð ðət bʊk / riːd ə ˈdɪfrənt wʌn ɪnˈstɛd//

• close to  I’m very close to my cousins because we’re all similar ages.
//aɪm ˈvɛri kləʊs tə maɪ ˈkʌznz bɪˈkəz wɪər ɔːl ˈsɪmɪlər ˈeɪʤɪz//

• crazy about  All the children at the school are crazy about the same TV show.
//ɔːl ðə ˈʧɪldrən ət ðə skuːl ə ˈkreɪzi əˈbaʊt ðə seɪm ˌtiːˈviː ʃəʊ//

• different from (UK) / than (US) 

He’s always been different from / than other boys of his age.
//hiːz ˈɔːlweɪz biːn ˈdɪfrənt frɒm / ðən ˈʌðə bɔɪz əv ɪz eɪʤ//

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• excited about  Max was very excited about his first football game.
//mæks wəz ˈvɛri ɪkˈsaɪtɪd əˈbaʊt ɪz fɜːst ˈfʊtbɔːl geɪm//

• famous for  She was mainly famous for her career in politics.
//ʃi wəz ˈmeɪnli ˈfeɪməs fə hə kəˈrɪər ɪn ˈpɒlɪtɪks//

• good / bad at  I’ve always been very good at geography, but bad at history.
//aɪv ˈɔːlweɪz biːn ˈvɛri gʊd ət ʤɪˈɒgrəfi / bət bæd ət ˈhɪstəri//

• good / bad for  Too much sugar is bad for us and should be avoided.
//tuː mʌʧ ˈʃʊgə z bæd fər əs ənd ʃəd bi əˈvɔɪdɪd//

• good / bad of  It was very good of you to look after the children for me.
//ɪt wəz ˈvɛri gʊd əv jʊ tə lʊk ˈɑːftə ðə ˈʧɪldrən fə miː//

• guilty of  The vandal was found guilty of criminal damage.

//ðə ˈvændəl wəz faʊnd ˈgɪlti əv ˈkrɪmɪnl ˈdæmɪʤ//

• impressed by  I’ve always been impressed by your ability to forgive people.

//aɪv ˈɔːlweɪz biːn ɪmˈprɛst baɪ jər əˈbɪlɪti tə fəˈgɪv ˈpiːpl//

• interested in  More and more students are interested in media studies.

//mɔːr ənd mɔː ˈstjuːdənts ər ˈɪntrɪstɪd ɪn ˈmiːdiə ˈstʌdiz//

• jealous of  Older children are often jealous of their younger brothers or sisters.
//ˈəʊldə ˈʧɪldrən ər ˈɒf(ə)n ˈʤɛləs əv ðeə ˈjʌŋə ˈbrʌðəz ɔː ˈsɪstəz//

• keen on  My parents aren’t very keen on classical music.

//maɪ ˈpeərənts ɑːnt ˈvɛri kiːn ɒn ˈklæsɪkəl ˈmjuːzɪk//

• nervous of  I’ve been nervous of dogs since one bit me when I was a child.
//aɪv biːn ˈnɜːvəs əv dɒgz sɪns wʌn bɪt mi wɛn aɪ wəz ə ʧaɪld//

• pleased at / with  Most of the voters were pleased at / with the result of the election.
//məʊst əv ðə ˈvəʊtəz wə pliːzd æt / wɪð ðə rɪˈzʌlt əv ði ɪˈlɛkʃən//

• proud of  The coach felt very proud of his team when they lifted the trophy.
//ðə kəʊʧ fɛlt ˈvɛri praʊd əv ɪz tiːm wɛn ðeɪ ˈlɪftɪd ðə ˈtrəʊfi//

• responsible for  I’m responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
//aɪm rɪsˈpɒnsəbl fər ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ ðət ˈɛvrɪθɪŋ rʌnz ˈsmuːðli//

• similar to  Don’t you think she looks very similar to her cousin?
//dəʊnt jʊ θɪŋk ʃi lʊks ˈvɛri ˈsɪmɪlə tə hə ˈkʌzn//

• surprised at / by  We were all surprised at / by the news of your resignation.

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 //wi wər ɔːl səˈpraɪzd æt / baɪ ðə njuːz əv jə ˌrɛzɪgˈneɪʃən//

• suitable for  The village roads aren’t suitable for heavy trucks.
//ðə ˈvɪlɪʤ rəʊdz ɑːnt ˈsjuːtəbl fə ˈhɛvi trʌks//

• tired of  We’re tired of city life and would like to move to the country.
//wɪə ˈtaɪəd əv ˈsɪti laɪf ənd wəd laɪk tə muːv tə ðə ˈkʌntri//

• wrong with  Can you tell me what’s wrong with my answer?

//kən jʊ tɛl mi wɒts rɒŋ wɪð maɪ ˈɑːnsə//

Nouns and Prepositions

Some nouns have to be followed by a specific preposition.

Notice: noun + preposition + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

advantage in  The advantage in going last is that you know the target time.
//ði ədˈvɑːntɪʤ ɪn ˈgəʊɪŋ lɑːst s ðət jʊ nəʊ ðə ˈtɑːgɪt taɪm//

aim of  The aim of this lesson is to understand algebra.

//ði eɪm əv ðɪs ˈlɛsn z tʊ ˌʌndəˈstænd ˈælʤɪbrə//

amazement at  I gasped in amazement at the price tag!

//aɪ gɑːspt ɪn əˈmeɪzmənt ət ðə praɪs tæg//

anger at  Sally felt a flash of anger at the suggestion that she hadn’t tried.
//ˈsæli fɛlt ə flæʃ əv ˈæŋgər ət ðə səˈʤɛsʧən ðət ʃi ˈhædnt traɪd//

apology for  The referee gave a public apology for his bad decision.
//ðə ˌrɛfəˈriː geɪv ə ˈpʌblɪk əˈpɒləʤi fə hɪz bæd dɪˈsɪʒən//

belief in  We share a strong belief in the goodness of people.

//wi ʃeər ə strɒŋ bɪˈliːf ɪn ðə ˈgʊdnɪs əv ˈpiːpl//

cause of  Political disagreement is the cause of many family arguments.

//pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˌdɪsəˈgriːmənt s ðə kɔːz əv ˈmɛni ˈfæmɪli ˈɑːgjʊmənts//

danger of / in  The danger in / of trying to please everyone is that you please no one.
//ðə ˈdeɪnʤər ɪn / əv ˈtraɪɪŋ tə pliːz ˈɛvrɪwʌn z ðət jʊ pliːz nəʊ wʌn//

demand for  There is always an increased demand for ice cream in hot weather.
//ðə z ˈɔːlweɪz ən ɪnˈkriːst dɪˈmɑːnd fər aɪs kriːm ɪn hɒt ˈwɛðə//

difficult in  If you experience any difficulty in breathing, call the doctor.

//ɪf jʊ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns ˈɛni ˈdɪfɪkəlti ɪn ˈbriːðɪŋ / kɔːl ðə ˈdɒktə//

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excitement about / at  There was great excitement about / at the treasure they had found.
//ðə wəz greɪt ɪkˈsaɪtmənt əˈbaʊt / ət ðə ˈtrɛʒə ðeɪ həd faʊn//

fear of  Many people experience a fear of flying at some point.

//ˈmɛni ˈpiːpl ɪksˈpɪərɪəns ə fɪər əv ˈflaɪɪŋ ət səm pɔɪnt//

hope of  The hope of a cure for cancer is growing all the time now.
//ðə həʊp əv ə kjʊə fə ˈkænsə z ˈgrəʊɪŋ ɔːl ðə taɪm naʊ//

interest in  Several teachers have expressed an interest in the new course.

//ˈsɛvrəl ˈtiːʧəz həv ɪksˈprɛst ən ˈɪntrɪst ɪn ðə njuː kɔːs//

lack of  The building project will not go ahead because of a lack of money.
//ðə ˈbɪldɪŋ ˈprɒʤɛkt wɪl nɒt gəʊ əˈhɛd bɪˈkəz əv ə læk əv ˈmʌni//

photograph of  Have you seen this photograph of my grandmother’s wedding?

//həv jʊ siːn ðɪs ˈfəʊtəgrɑːf əv maɪ ˈgrænˌmʌðəz ˈwɛdɪŋ//

point in  There’s no point in arguing; we won’t change our minds.

//ðəz nəʊ pɔɪnt ɪn ˈɑːgjuːɪŋ / wi wəʊnt ʧeɪnʤ ˈaʊə maɪndz//

possibility of  With this grade, there is the possibility of postgraduate study.

//wɪð ðɪs greɪd / ðə z ðə ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti əv ˌpəʊstˈgrædjʊɪt ˈstʌdi//

problem with  There was a problem with the delivery of the package.
//ðə wəz ə ˈprɒbləm wɪð ðə dɪˈlɪvəri əv ðə ˈpækɪʤ//

reason for  The customer gave poor quality as the reason for her complaint.
//ðə ˈkʌstəmə geɪv pʊə ˈkwɒlɪti əz ðə ˈriːzn fə hə kəmˈpleɪnt//

response to  We had a terrific response to our survey about salaries.

//wi həd ə təˈrɪfɪk rɪsˈpɒns tʊ ˈaʊə ˈsɜːveɪ əˈbaʊt ˈsæləriz//

solution to  I can offer you a simple solution to this problem.

//aɪ kən ˈɒfə jʊ ə ˈsɪmpl səˈluːʃən tə ðɪs ˈprɒbləm//

success in / at  He said that his success in / at the sport was down to his training.
//hi sɛd ðət ɪz səkˈsɛs ɪn / ət ðə spɔːt wəz daʊn tə ɪz ˈtreɪnɪŋ//

surprise at  There was huge surprise at the result of the election.

//ðə wəz hjuːʤ səˈpraɪz ət ðə rɪˈzʌlt əv ði ɪˈlɛkʃən//

way of  The best way of removing stains is with warm, soapy water.
//ðə bɛst weɪ əv rɪˈmuːvɪŋ steɪnz ɪz wɪð wɔːm / ˈsəʊpi ˈwɔːtə//

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Verbs and Prepositions
Some verbs have to be followed by a specific preposition.

Notice: verb + preposition + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

accuse (someone) of  The security guard accused the girl of shoplifting.

//ðə sɪˈkjʊərɪti gɑːd əˈkjuːzd ðə gɜːl əv ˈʃɒpˌlɪftɪŋ//

apologize for  I’d like to apologize for that last comment.

//aɪd laɪk tʊ əˈpɒləʤaɪz fə ðət lɑːst ˈkɒmɛnt//

appeal to  The magazine really needs to appeal to teenagers.

//ðə ˌmægəˈziːn ˈrɪəli niːdz tʊ əˈpiːl tə ˈtiːnˌeɪʤəz//

apply for  Are you going to apply for that job in the newspaper?
//ɑː jʊ ˈgəʊɪŋ tʊ əˈplaɪ fə ðət ʤɒb ɪn ðə ˈnjuːzˌpeɪpə//

approve of  Matt doesn’t approve of his daughter’s new boyfriend.

//mæt dʌznt əˈpruːv əv ɪz ˈdɔːtəz njuː ˈbɔɪˌfrɛnd//

ask (someone) about  Can you ask someone about the time of the next train?
//kən jʊ ɑːsk ˈsʌmwʌn əˈbaʊt ðə taɪm əv ðə nɛkst treɪn//

believe in  This company doesn’t believe in asking you to work overtime.

//ðɪs ˈkʌmpəni dʌznt bɪˈliːv ɪn ˈɑːskɪŋ jʊ tə wɜːk ˈəʊvətaɪm//

belong to  Does this coat belong to you?

//dəz ðɪs kəʊt bɪˈlɒŋ tə juː//

blame (someone) for  Don’t blame me for being late.

//dəʊnt bleɪm mi fə ˈbiːɪŋ leɪt//

compare (someone) to / with 

We shouldn’t compare the new teacher to / with Mr. Hockly.
//wi ʃʊdnt kəmˈpeə ðə njuː ˈtiːʧə tʊ / wɪð Mr. ˈhɒkli// - /ˈmɪstə/

concentrate on  I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on this homework.

//aɪm ˈfaɪndɪŋ ɪt ˈdɪfɪkəlt tə ˈkɒnsəntreɪt ɒn ðɪs ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk//

congratulate (someone) on  Let me be the first to congratulate you on your new baby.
//lɛt mi bi ðə fɜːst tə kənˈgrætjʊleɪt jʊ ɒn jə njuː ˈbeɪbi//

count on  We’re counting on everyone’s support for this new venture.

//wɪə ˈkaʊntɪŋ ɒn ˈɛvrɪwʌnz səˈpɔːt fə ðɪs njuː ˈvɛnʧə//

criticize (someone) for  The politician was criticized for his extravagant lifestyle.

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 //ðə ˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən wəz ˈkrɪtɪsaɪzd fə hɪz ɪksˈtrævɪgənt ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl//

deal with  This training will help you to deal with difficult members of the public.
//ðɪs ˈtreɪnɪŋ wɪl hɛlp jʊ tə diːl wɪð ˈdɪfɪkəlt ˈmɛmbəz əv ðə ˈpʌblɪk//

decide against  We’ve decided against floor-to-ceiling closets.

//wiːv dɪˈsaɪdɪd əˈgɛnst flɔː-tuː-ˈsiːlɪŋ ˈklɒzɪts//

decide on  We’ve decided on pale blue for the bedroom. It looks great.
//wiːv dɪˈsaɪdɪd ɒn peɪl bluː fə ðə ˈbɛdru(ː)m / ɪt lʊks greɪt//

happen to  Accidents always seem to happen to Paul. He’s very unlucky.

//ˈæksɪdənts ˈɔːlweɪz siːm tə ˈhæpən tə pɔːl / hiːz ˈvɛri ʌnˈlʌki//

insist on  The club insists on its members dressing up.

//ðə klʌb ɪnˈsɪsts ɒn ɪts ˈmɛmbəz ˈdrɛsɪŋ ʌp//

remind (someone) of  Doesn’t Ellie remind you of her mother? She’s so like her.
//dʌznt ˈɛli ˈrɪmaɪnd jʊ əv hə ˈmʌðə / ʃiːz səʊ laɪk hɜː//

shout at  There’s no point in shouting at the dog. He’s deaf!

//ðəz nəʊ pɔɪnt ɪn ˈʃaʊtɪŋ ət ðə dɒg / hiːz dɛf//

stop (someone) from  The yellow band is there to stop people from tripping over the step.
//ðə ˈjɛləʊ bænd z ðeə tə stɒp ˈpiːpl frəm ˈtrɪpɪŋ ˈəʊvə ðə stɛp//

succeed in  Fran succeeded in passing her driving test on the third try.
//Fran səkˈsiːdɪd ɪn ˈpɑːsɪŋ hə ˈdraɪvɪŋ tɛst ɒn ðə θɜːd traɪ//

think about  Take time to think about the proposal. There’s no rush.
//teɪk taɪm tə θɪŋk əˈbaʊt ðə prəˈpəʊzəl / ðəz nəʊ rʌʃ//

worry about  It’s natural to worry about your children when they’re out.
//ɪts ˈnæʧrəl tə ˈwʌri əˈbaʊt jə ˈʧɪldrən wɛn ðeər aʊt//

Verbs with Gerunds or Infinitives

Some verbs are followed by an infinitive or a gerund. Some can be followed by either without
changing their meaning.

Verbs followed by an infinitive

advice /ədˈvaɪs/ afford /əˈfɔːd/ agree /əˈgriː/
aim /eɪm/ allow /əˈlaʊ/ appear /əˈpɪə/
arrange /əˈreɪnʤ/ ask /ɑːsk/ beg /bɛg/

8
cause /kɔːz/ choose /ʧuːz/ claim /kleɪm/
compel /kəmˈpɛl/ dare /deə/ decide /dɪˈsaɪd/
demand /dɪˈmɑːnd/ deserve /dɪˈzɜːv/ enable /ɪˈneɪbl/
expect /ɪksˈpɛkt/ encourage /ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ/ fail /feɪl/
forbid /fəˈbɪd/ guarantee /ˌgærənˈtiː/ help /hɛlp/
hope /həʊp/ instruct /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ intend /ɪnˈtɛnd/
invite /ɪnˈvaɪt/ learn /lɜːn/ manage /ˈmænɪʤ/
offer /ˈɒfə/ order /ˈɔːdə/ persuade /pəˈsweɪd/
plan /plæn/ prepare /prɪˈpeə/ pretend /prɪˈtɛnd/
promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ refuse /ˌrɪːˈfjuːz/ remind /ˈrɪmaɪnd/
seem /siːm/ teach /tiːʧ/ tell /tɛl/
tend /tɛnd/ threaten /ˈθrɛtn/ wait /weɪt/
want /wɒnt/ warn /wɔːn/ wish /wɪʃ/

Verbs followed by a gerund

admit /ədˈmɪt/ avoid /əˈvɔɪd/ appreciate /əˈpriːʃɪeɪt/
complete /kəmˈpliːt/ consider /kənˈsɪdə/ delay /dɪˈleɪ/
deny /dɪˈnaɪ/ discuss /dɪsˈkʌs/ dislike /dɪsˈlaɪk/
enjoy /ɪnˈʤɔɪ/ fancy /ˈfænsi/ feel like /fiːl laɪk/
finish /ˈfɪnɪʃ/ imagine /ɪˈmæʤɪn/ involve /ɪnˈvɒlv/
justify /ˈʤʌstɪfaɪ/ keep /kiːp/ mind /maɪnd/
miss /mɪs/ practice /ˈpræktɪs/ prevent /prɪˈvɛnt/
recommend /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ resent /rɪˈzɛnt/ risk /rɪsk/
see someone /siː ˈsʌmwʌn/ spend time / money / suggest /səˈʤɛst/
spɛnd taɪm / ˈmʌni/
understand /ˌʌndəˈstænd/

Verbs followed by an infinitive or a gerund (no change in meaning)

begin /bɪˈgɪn/ can’t bear /kɑːnt beə/ can’t stand /kɑːnt stænd/
cease /siːs/ continue /kənˈtɪnju(ː)/ hate /heɪt/
like /laɪk/ love /lʌv/ need /niːd/
prefer /priˈfɜː/ propose /prəˈpəʊz/ start /stɑːt/

9
Common state verbs
State verbs describe states, such as emotions, possession, senses, or thoughts. They are not
usually used in continuous tenses.

Meaning State verb Sample sentence

like / love I like / love Italian ice cream.
//aɪ laɪk / lʌv ɪˈtæliən aɪs kriːm//
feeling / need We really need to spend more time together as a family.
//wi ˈrɪəli niːd tə spɛnd mɔː taɪm təˈgɛðər əz ə ˈfæmɪli//
wanting prefer Most people prefer summer to winter.
//məʊst ˈpiːpl priˈfɜː ˈsʌmə tə ˈwɪntə//
want The band wants to become famous and make money.
//ðə bænd wɒnts tə bɪˈkʌm ˈfeɪməs ənd meɪk ˈmʌni//
believe I believe your story, but it rather unlikely.
//aɪ bɪˈliːv jə ˈstɔːri / bət ɪt ˈrɑːðər ʌnˈlaɪkli//
doubt Lots of people doubt that he can do the job properly.
//lɒts əv ˈpiːpl daʊt ðət hi kən dʊ ðə ʤɒb ˈprɒpəli//
thinking know Do you know where we parked the car?
//dʊ jʊ nəʊ weə wi pɑːkt ðə kɑː//
mean What do you mean when you say you aren’t ready?
//wɒt dʊ jʊ miːn wɛn jʊ seɪ jʊ ɑːnt ˈrɛdi//
think What do you think about the proposed policy?
//wɒt dʊ jʊ θɪŋk əˈbaʊt ðə prəˈpəʊzd ˈpɒlɪsi//
understand Could you speak more slowly? I don’t understand you.
//kəd jʊ spiːk mɔː ˈsləʊli / aɪ dəʊnt ˌʌndəˈstænd juː//
being / appear / seem It appears / seems that the house has already been sold.
// ɪt əˈpɪəz / siːmz ðət ðə haʊs həz ɔːlˈrɛdi biːn səʊld//
existing exist Strange creatures exist at the bottom of the sea.
//streɪnʤ ˈkriːʧəz ɪgˈzɪst ət ðə ˈbɒtəm əv ðə siː//
belong Excuse me, that book belongs to me.
//ɪksˈkjuːs miː / ðæt bʊk bɪˈlɒŋz tə miː//
possessing have / own My neighbor has / owns three classic cars.
//maɪ ˈneɪbə hæz / əʊnz θriː ˈklæsɪk kɑːz//
include Did you include Lucy in the guest list?
//dɪd jʊ ɪnˈkluːd ˈluːsi ɪn ðə gɛst lɪst//
feel Does your leg feel better today?
//dəz jə lɛg fiːl ˈbɛtə təˈdeɪ//
sensing hear I can hear you, but I’m not sure what you’re saying.

10
 //aɪ kən hɪə juː / bət aɪm nɒt ʃʊə wɒt jʊə ˈseɪɪŋ//
hurt My arm really hurts. I think I should go to see the doctor.
//maɪ ɑːm ˈrɪəli hɜːts / aɪ θɪŋk aɪ ʃəd gəʊ tə siː ðə ˈdɒktə//
see Can you see the blackbird in the bush over there?
//kən jʊ siː ðə ˈblækbɜːd ɪn ðə bʊʃ ˈəʊvə ðeə//
feel This rug feels so soft. It would be lovely to walk on.
//ðɪs rʌg fiːlz səʊ sɒft / ɪt wəd bi ˈlʌvli tə wɔːk ɒn//
having a smell Something smells delicious. Is it the soup?
//ˈsʌmθɪŋ smɛlz dɪˈlɪʃəs / ɪz ɪt ðə suːp//
quality sound That sounds like thunder, or is it just fireworks?
//ðæt saʊndz laɪk ˈθʌndə / ɔː z ɪt ʤəst ˈfaɪəwɜːks//
taste This milk tastes a bit sour. I think it’s gone bad.
// ðɪs mɪlk teɪsts ə bɪt ˈsaʊə / aɪ θɪŋk ɪts gɒn bæd//

Separable phrasal verbs

Some phrasal verbs can be separated by the object of the verb. In these cases, the verb goes
first, then the object, then the particle. This separation is usually optional. However, if the
object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun, then the phrasal verb must be separated by
the pronoun.

Notice: phrasal verb + definition + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

bring up  look after a child until he / she is an adult:

Samira’s grandparents brought her up.
//Samira's ˈgrænˌpeərənts brɔːt hər ʌp//

bring up  mention something:

You should bring any problems up with your manager.
//jʊ ʃəd brɪŋ ˈɛni ˈprɒbləmz ʌp wɪð jə ˈmænɪʤə//

carry out  perform an action:

If you give me instructions, I’ll carry them out.
//ɪf jʊ gɪv mi ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz / aɪl ˈkæri ðəm aʊt//

clean up  clean something thoroughly:

Can you help me clean the kitchen up please?
//kən jʊ hɛlp mi kliːn ðə ˈkɪʧɪn ʌp pliːz//

do up  restore / decorate something:

We’ve bought an old house and we’re going to do it up.
//wiːv bɔːt ən əʊld haʊs ənd wɪə ˈgəʊɪŋ tə dʊ ɪt ʌp//

11
fill in / out  write information in a form:
Could you just fill this short form in / out for me, sir?
//kəd jʊ ʤəst fɪl ðɪs ʃɔːt fɔːm ɪn / aʊt fə miː / sɜː//

fill up  make something completely full:

I’m just going to the gas station to fill the car up.
//aɪm ʤəst ˈgəʊɪŋ tə ðə gæs ˈsteɪʃən tə fɪl ðə kɑːr ʌp//

get back  find / get something after it has been lost / taken:
The police got my car back after it had been stolen.
//ðə pəˈliːs gɒt maɪ kɑː bæk ˈɑːftər ɪt həd biːn ˈstəʊlən//

give up  stop doing something:

Smoking is really bad for you. You should give it up.
//ˈsməʊkɪŋ z ˈrɪəli bæd fə juː / jʊ ʃəd gɪv ɪt ʌp//

hand out  distribute something:

Be quiet! I’m about to hand the exam papers out.
//bi ˈkwaɪət / aɪm əˈbaʊt tə hænd ði ɪgˈzæm ˈpeɪpəz aʊt//

leave out  not include something / someone:

I can’t believe that they left you out of the team!
//aɪ kɑːnt bɪˈliːv ðət ðeɪ lɛft jʊ aʊt əv ðə tiːm//

let out  release something / someone:

The school’s going to let the children out early today.
//ðə skuːlz ˈgəʊɪŋ tə lɛt ðə ˈʧɪldrən aʊt ˈɜːli təˈdeɪ//

look up  find information, e.g. in a dictionary:

When does the show start? Can you look it up for me?
//wɛn dəz ðə ʃəʊ stɑːt / kən jʊ lʊk ɪt ʌp fə miː//

make up  invent something:

I didn’t believe. Dave’s story. I think he made it up.
//aɪ dɪdnt bɪˈliːv / deɪvz ˈstɔːri / aɪ θɪŋk hi meɪd ɪt ʌp//

pick up  take hold of something and lift it:

Pick that paper bag up!
//pɪk ðət ˈpeɪpə bæg ʌp//

pull down  demolish / destroy something:

They’re going to pull all those old apartments down.
//ðeə ˈgəʊɪŋ tə pʊl ɔːl ðəʊz əʊld əˈpɑːtmənts daʊn//

put off  delay doing something:

I’m going to put the party off until Dad feels better.
//aɪm ˈgəʊɪŋ tə pʊt ðə ˈpɑːti ɒf ənˈtɪl dæd fiːlz ˈbɛtə//

12
set up  arrange / organize something:
We’re helping to set the music festival up.
//wɪə ˈhɛlpɪŋ tə sɛt ðə ˈmjuːzɪk ˈfɛstəvəl ʌp//

take up  start a new hobby:

I never thought I’d take birdwatching up, but I love it!
//aɪ ˈnɛvə θɔːt aɪd teɪk birdwatching ʌp / bət aɪ lʌv ɪt// - /bɜːd ˈwɒʧɪŋ/

throw away  get rid of something:

We never throw any food away.
//wi ˈnɛvə θrəʊ ˈɛni fuːd əˈweɪ//

turn down  refuse / reject something / someone:

It was a great job offer but I turned it down.
//ɪt wəz ə greɪt ʤɒb ˈɒfə bət aɪ tɜːnd ɪt daʊn//

turn on  start an electrical device:

Quick! Turn the TV on. The final is about to start.
//kwɪk / tɜːn ðə ˌtiːˈviː ɒn / ðə ˈfaɪnl z əˈbaʊt tə stɑːt//

wake up  make someone stop sleeping:

Will you wake me up at 8am if I oversleep?
//wɪl jʊ weɪk mi ʌp æt 8əm ɪf aɪ ˌəʊvəˈsliːp// - /eɪt ə ɛm/

write down  write something on paper:

Could you write your meal address down for me?
//kəd jʊ raɪt jə miːl əˈdrɛs daʊn fə miː//

Inseparable phrasal verbs

Some phrasal verbs cannot be separated. Their object always comes after them, ever if it is a
pronoun.

Notice: phrasal verb + definition + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

• check in / into  announce your arrival:

Guests may check into the hotel from 4pm.
//gɛsts meɪ ʧɛk ˈɪntə ðə həʊˈtɛl frɒm 4pm// - /fɔː piː ɛm/

• come across  find by chance:

I came across some old photographs while cleaning up.
//aɪ keɪm əˈkrɒs səm əʊld ˈfəʊtəgrɑːfs waɪl ˈkliːnɪŋ ʌp//

• cut back on  reduce / decrease something:

13
 The government wants to cut back on spending.
//ðə ˈgʌvnmənt wɒnts tə kʌt bæk ɒn ˈspɛndɪŋ//

• deal with  handle / manage someone or something:

we learned how to deal with difficult customers.
//wi lɜːnt haʊ tə diːl wɪð ˈdɪfɪkəlt ˈkʌstəməz//

• do without  manage without something:

We can do without a vacation this year.
//wi kən dʊ wɪˈðaʊt ə vəˈkeɪʃən ðɪs jɪə//

• get along / on with  have a good relationship:

I find it easy to get along / on with people.
//aɪ faɪnd ɪt ˈiːzi tə gɛt əˈlɒŋ / ɒn wɪð ˈpiːpl//

• get on / off  walk / climb on or off a bus, train, plane, etc.:

Please take care when you get off the plane.
//pliːz teɪk keə wɛn jʊ gɛt ɒf ðə pleɪn//

• get out of  leave a car / taxi, etc.:

Be careful when you get out of the car.
//bi ˈkeəfʊl wɛn jʊ gɛt aʊt əv ðə kɑː//

• get over  recover (from an illness):

It took me a long time to get over the last cold I had.
//ɪt tʊk mi ə lɒŋ taɪm tə gɛt ˈəʊvə ðə lɑːst kəʊld aɪ hæd//

• get through  finish something successfully:

The trial was very stressful, but we got through it.
//ðə ˈtraɪəl wəz ˈvɛri ˈstrɛsf(ə)l / bət wi gɒt θruː ɪt//

• go over  check or examine something:

Remember to go over your answers carefully.
//rɪˈmɛmbə tə gəʊ ˈəʊvə jər ˈɑːnsəz ˈkeəfli//

• go with  match, suit:

Does this scarf go with my jacket?
//dəz ðɪs skɑːf gəʊ wɪð maɪ ˈʤækɪt//

• hear from  get news from somebody:

Have you heard from your cousins recently?
//həv jʊ hɜːd frəm jə ˈkʌznz ˈriːsntli//

• keep up with  keep the same pace as others:

Slow down! I can’t keep up with you!
//sləʊ daʊn / aɪ kɑːnt kiːp ʌp wɪð juː//

14
• look after  take care of someone:
Marie looks after her younger sister after school.
//məˈriː lʊks ˈɑːftə hə ˈjʌŋə ˈsɪstər ˈɑːftə skuːl//

• look for  try to find, search:

Peter is going to look for a job when he leaves school.
//ˈpiːtə z ˈgəʊɪŋ tə lʊk fər ə ʤɒb wɛn hi liːvz skuːl//

• look forward to  be excited about something in the future:

My children are looking forward to the holidays.
//maɪ ˈʧɪldrən ə ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈfɔːwəd tə ðə ˈhɒlədeɪz//

• look into  examine something carefully:

The police are looking into the case.
//ðə pəˈliːs ə ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈɪntə ðə keɪs//

• look up to  respect and admire someone:

Lots of young people look up to sports stars.
//lɒts əv jʌŋ ˈpiːpl lʊk ʌp tə spɔːts stɑːz//

• run into  meet someone by chance:

I ran into Dave earlier. I hadn’t seen him for ages.
//aɪ ræn ˈɪntə deɪv ˈɜːlɪə / aɪ ˈhædnt siːn ɪm fər ˈeɪʤɪz//

• run out of  not have any left:

We’ve run out of food. Let’s go to the store.
//wiːv rʌn aʊt əv fuːd / lɛts gəʊ tə ðə stɔː//

• stand for  mean, represent:

What do the initials UNICEF stand for?
//wɒt dʊ ði ɪˈnɪʃəlz ˌʌnˈaɪ-siː-iː-ɛf stænd fɔː//

• take after  be similar to an older relative:

Sally’s so stubborn. She really takes after her mother.
//ˈsæliz səʊ ˈstʌbən / ʃi ˈrɪəli teɪks ˈɑːftə hə ˈmʌðə//

• turn into  become something else:

You can sleep her. The sofa turns into a bed.
//jʊ kən sliːp hɜː / ðə ˈsəʊfə tɜːnz ˈɪntə ə bɛd//

15
Commonly confused words

Some words in English sound the same or very similar, but mean different things. It is essential
to spell the words correctly to achieve the correct meaning in a sentence.

accept / except
• I accept your apology.
//aɪ əkˈsɛpt jər əˈpɒləʤi//
• Everyone was on the list except for me.
//ˈɛvrɪwʌn wəz ɒn ðə lɪst ɪkˈsɛpt fə miː//
adverse / averse
• She was feeling unwell due to the adverse effects of her medication.
//ʃi wəz ˈfiːlɪŋ ʌnˈwɛl djuː tə ði ˈædvɜːs ɪˈfɛkts əv hə ˌmɛdɪˈkeɪʃən//
• He was lazy and averse to playing sport.
//hi wəz ˈleɪzi ənd əˈvɜːs tə ˈpleɪɪŋ spɔːt//
aisle / isle
• The bride walked down the aisle.
//ðə braɪd wɔːkt daʊn ði aɪl//
• They visited an isle near the coast of Scotland.
//ðeɪ ˈvɪzɪtɪd ən aɪl nɪə ðə kəʊst əv ˈskɒtlənd//
aloud / allowed
• She read the book aloud.
//ʃi rɛd ðə bʊk əˈlaʊd//
• He was allowed to choose which book to read.
//hi wəz əˈlaʊd tə ʧuːz wɪʧ bʊk tə riːd//
amoral / immoral
• Her amoral attitude meant that she didn’t care if her actions were wrong.
//hər ˌeɪˈmɒrəl ˈætɪtjuːd mɛnt ðət ʃi dɪdnt keər ɪf hər ˈækʃ(ə)nz wə rɒŋ//
• He was fired from the firm for immoral conduct.
//hi wəz ˈfaɪəd frəm ðə fɜːm fər ɪˈmɒrəl ˈkɒndʌkt//
appraise / apprise
• The manager needed to appraise the employee’s skills.
//ðə ˈmænɪʤə ˈniːdɪd tʊ əˈpreɪz ði ˌɛmplɔɪˈiːz skɪlz//
• The lawyer apprised the defendant of his rights.
//ðə ˈlɔːjər əˈpraɪzd ðə dɪˈfɛndənt əv ɪz raɪts//
assent / ascent
• He nodded his assent.
//hi ˈnɒdɪd ɪz əˈsɛnt//
• They watched the ascent of the balloon.
//ðeɪ wɒʧt ði əˈsɛnt əv ðə bəˈluːn//

16
aural /oral
• The aural test required her to listen.
//ði ˈɔːrəl tɛst rɪˈkwaɪəd hə tə ˈlɪsn//
• The dentist performed an oral examination.
//ðə ˈdɛntɪst pəˈfɔːmd ən ˈɔːrəl ɪgˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən//
bare / bear
• The trees were stripped bare.
//ðə triːz wə strɪpt beə//
• The large bear roamed the woods.
//ðə lɑːʤ beə rəʊmd ðə wʊdz//
break / brake
• The chocolate was easy to break apart.
//ðə ˈʧɒkəlɪt wəz ˈiːzi tə breɪk əˈpɑːt//
• The car didn’t brake fast enough.
//ðə kɑː dɪdnt breɪk fɑːst ɪˈnʌf//
broach / brooch
• He decided to broach the subject for discussion.
//hi dɪˈsaɪdɪd tə brəʊʧ ðə ˈsʌbʤɪkt fə dɪsˈkʌʃən//
• She wore a pretty brooch.
//ʃi wɔːr ə ˈprɪti brəʊʧ//
cereal / serial
• He ate a bowl of cereal for breakfast.
//hi ɛt ə bəʊl əv ˈsɪərɪəl fə ˈbrɛkfəst//
• She found the serial number on her computer.
//ʃi faʊnd ðə ˈsɪərɪəl ˈnʌmbər ɒn hə kəmˈpjuːtə//
complement / compliment
• The colors complement each other well.
//ðə ˈkʌləz ˈkɒmplɪmənt iːʧ ˈʌðə wɛl//
• He paid her a compliment by telling her she was pretty.
//hi peɪd hər ə ˈkɒmplɪmənt baɪ ˈtɛlɪŋ hə ʃi wəz ˈprɪti//
cue / queue
• The actor waited for his cue before walking on stage.
//ði ˈæktə ˈweɪtɪd fə hɪz kjuː bɪˈfɔː ˈwɔːkɪŋ ɒn steɪʤ//
• The checkout queue was very long.
//ðə ˈʧəkˈaʊt kjuː wəz ˈvɛri lɒŋ//
desert / dessert
• The desert is extremely hot and dry.
//ðə ˈdɛzət s ɪksˈtriːmli hɒt ənd draɪ//
• She decided to have cake for dessert.
//ʃi dɪˈsaɪdɪd tə həv keɪk fə dɪˈzɜːt//

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 draught / draft
• There was a draught coming from under the door.
//ðə wəz ə drɑːft ˈkʌmɪŋ frəm ˈʌndə ðə dɔː//
• He had written a draft of the letter.
//hi həd ˈrɪtn ə drɑːft əv ðə ˈlɛtə//
pore / pour
• I could see every pore on his nose.
//aɪ kəd siː ˈɛvri pɔːr ɒn ɪz nəʊz//
• She helped pour the drinks at the party.
//ʃi hɛlpt pɔː ðə drɪŋks ət ðə ˈpɑːti//
principle / principal
• The man believed in strong principles.
//ðə mæn bɪˈliːvd ɪn strɒŋ ˈprɪnsəplz//
• He was given the role of the principal character.
//hi wəz ˈgɪvn ðə rəʊl əv ðə ˈprɪnsəpəl ˈkærɪktə//
stationary / stationery
• The aircraft landed and remained stationary.
//ði ˈeəkrɑːft ˈlændɪd ənd rɪˈmeɪnd ˈsteɪʃnəri//
• She looked in the stationery cupboard for a pen.
//ʃi lʊkt ɪn ðə ˈsteɪʃnəri ˈkʌbəd fər ə pɛn//

Spelling rules
All present participles and gerunds are formed by adding “-ing” to the base form of the verb.
The spelling of some base forms changes slightly before adding “-ing.”

Base form Rule Gerund

choose /ʧuːz/ Remove the silent “-e” before adding “-ing.” choosing /ˈʧuːzɪŋ/
tie /taɪ/ Change “-ie” to “y” before adding “-ing.” tying /ˈtaɪɪŋ/
forget /fəˈgɛt/ Double last letter if word ends with stressed forgetting /fəˈgɛtɪŋ/
syllable of consonant-vowel-consonant.

Regular past participles are made with the base form of the verb plus “-ed.” The spelling of
some of these base forms changes slightly before adding “-ed.”

Base form Rule Past Participle

like /laɪk/ Last letters is “-e,” so just add “-d” liked /laɪkt/
cry /kraɪ/ Change consonant plus “-y” to “-ied.” cried /kraɪd/
drop /drɒp/ Double last letter if word ends with stressed dropped /drɒpt/
syllable of consonant-vowel-consonant.

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Irregular plurals
Most plurals in English are formed by adding “-s” to the end of the singular noun. However,
some plurals are irregular, either taking a different ending, or not changing at all.

Singular Plural
aircraft /ˈeəkrɑːft/ aircraft /ˈeəkrɑːft/
analysis /əˈnæləsɪs/ analyses /əˈnæləsiːz/
appendix /əˈpɛndɪks/ appendices /əˈpɛndɪsiːz/
axis /ˈæksɪs/ axes /ˈæksɪz/
bureau /bjʊəˈrəʊ/ bureau /bjʊəˈrəʊ/
cactus /ˈkæktəs/ cacti /ˈkæktaɪ/
child /ʧaɪld/ children /ˈʧɪldrən/
crisis /ˈkraɪsɪs/ crises /ˈkraɪsiːz/
deer /dɪə/ deer /dɪə/
fish /fɪʃ/ fish /fɪʃ/
foot /fʊt/ feet /fiːt/
formula /ˈfɔːmjʊlə/ formulae /ˈfɔːmjʊliː/
fungus /ˈfʌŋgəs/ fungi /ˈfʌŋgaɪ/
leaf /liːf/ leaves /liːvz/
loaf /ləʊf/ loaves /ləʊvz/
man /mæn/ men /mɛn/
medium /ˈmiːdiəm/ media /ˈmiːdiə/
mouse /maʊs/ mice /maɪs/
ox /ɒks/ oxen /ˈɒksən/
person /ˈpɜːsn/ people /ˈpiːpl/
phenomenon /fɪˈnɒmɪnən/ phenomena /fɪˈnɒmɪnə/
scarf /skɑːf/ scarves /skɑːvz/
series /ˈsɪəriːz/ series /ˈsɪəriːz/
sheep /ʃiːp/ sheep /ʃiːp/
species /ˈspiːʃiːz/ species /ˈspiːʃiːz/
tooth /tuːθ/ teeth /tiːθ/
vertebra /ˈvɜːtɪbrə/ vertebrae /ˈvɜːtɪbriː/
wife /waɪf/ wives /waɪvz/
wolf /wʊlf/ wolves /wʊlvz/
woman /ˈwʊmən/ women /ˈwɪmɪn/

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Linking words
Linking words are used to link two or more words, phrases or clauses together. They are
usually conjunctions, but can be adverbial phrases.

Notice: Linking word + use + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

• although / even though  adds a contrast:

The show went ahead, even though it was raining.
//ðə ʃəʊ wɛnt əˈhɛd / ˈiːvən ðəʊ ɪt wəz ˈreɪnɪŋ//

• anyway  contrast with something just said:

I knew the climb would be hard, but I did it anyway.
//aɪ njuː ðə klaɪm wəd bi hɑːd / bət aɪ dɪd ɪt ˈɛnɪweɪ//

• and / both … and  links two similar words, phrases, or clauses:

I can speak (both) French and English.
//aɪ kən spiːk /bəʊθ/ frɛnʧ ənd ˈɪŋglɪʃ//

• as  gives a reason for an action:

The experiment failed as the sample was too old.
//ði ɪksˈpɛrɪmənt feɪld əz ðə ˈsɑːmpl wəz tuː əʊld//

• as long as  adds a condition:

You can go out as long as you come home by 11pm.
//jʊ kən gəʊ aʊt əz lɒŋ əz jʊ kʌm həʊm baɪ 11pm// - /ɪˈlɛvn piː ɛm/

• as well as  adds further information:

Mint is used in savory dishes as well as sweet ones.
//mɪnt s juːzd ɪn ˈseɪvəri ˈdɪʃɪz əz wɛl əz swiːt wʌnz//

• because  gives a reason for an action:

I was late again because the train was delayed.
//aɪ wəz leɪt əˈgɛn bɪˈkəz ðə treɪn wəz dɪˈleɪd//

• but  links two contrasting words, phrases, or clauses:

He’s quite heavy but he’s very fast on his feet.
//hiːz kwaɪt ˈhɛvi bət hiːz ˈvɛri fɑːst ɒn ɪz fiːt//

• consequently  gives a result of a previous action:

The vote was close. Consequently, there was a recount.
//ðə vəʊt wəz kləʊs / ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli / ðə wəz ə ˌriːˈkaʊnt//

• furthermore  adds supporting information:

I love this cream. Furthermore, it’s great for dry skin.
//aɪ lʌv ðɪs kriːm / ˈfɜːðəˈmɔː / ɪts greɪt fə draɪ skɪn//

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• however  adds contrasting information:
I’d love to come. However, I’m away that weekend.
//aɪd lʌv tə kʌm / haʊˈɛvə / aɪm əˈweɪ ðət ˈwiːkˈɛnd//

• If  adds a condition:
These plants will grow better if you water them daily.
//ðiːz plɑːnts wɪl grəʊ ˈbɛtər ɪf jʊ ˈwɔːtə ðəm ˈdeɪli//

• in addition  adds information:

I go to the gym a lot. In addition, I run 20km a week.
//aɪ gəʊ tə ðə ʤɪm ə lɒt / ɪn əˈdɪʃ(ə)n / aɪ rʌn 20km ə wiːk//
- /ˈtwɛnti ˈkɪləʊˌmiːtəz/

• in order to  gives a purpose for an action:

We moved here in order to be closer to work.
//wi muːvd hɪər ɪn ˈɔːdə tə bi ˈkləʊsə tə wɜːk//

• moreover  adds supporting information:

It’s quicker to travel by plane. Moreover, it’s cheaper.
//ɪts ˈkwɪkə tə ˈtrævl baɪ pleɪn / mɔːˈrəʊvə / ɪts ˈʧiːpə//

• neither … nor  links two things that are not true or possible:
These instructions are neither helpful nor legible.
//ðiːz ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz ə ˈnaɪðə ˈhɛlpfʊl nɔː ˈlɛʤəbl//

• or / either … or  links two alternatives:

We can (either) go to the cinema or have a meal.
//wi kæn /ˈaɪðə/ gəʊ tə ðə ˈsɪnəmə ɔː həv ə miːl//

• since  gives a reason for an action:

Since dessert is included, we might as well have one.
//sɪns dɪˈzɜːt s ɪnˈkluːdɪd / wi maɪt əz wɛl həv wʌn//

• so  gives a reason for an action:

It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
//ɪt wəz ˈreɪnɪŋ / səʊ wi steɪd ˌɪnˈdɔːz//

• so that  gives a purpose for an action:

I’m saving money so that I can buy a house.
//aɪm ˈseɪvɪŋ ˈmʌni səʊ ðət aɪ kən baɪ ə haʊs//

• therefore  gives a result of an action:

It’s a very clear night. Therefore, you can see the stars.
//ɪts ə ˈvɛri klɪə naɪt / ˈðeəfɔː / jʊ kən siː ðə stɑːz//

• unless  adds a condition:

21
 You won’t be able to travel unless you have a visa.
//jʊ wəʊnt bi ˈeɪbl tə ˈtrævl ənˈlɛs jʊ həv ə ˈviːzə//

• whereas  adds a contrast:

My mother likes tea, whereas my father prefers coffee.
//maɪ ˈmʌðə laɪks tiː / weərˈæz maɪ ˈfɑːðə priˈfɜːz ˈkɒfi//

• yet  adds a contrast:

Dean is a good musician, yet he can’t read music.
//diːn z ə gʊd mju(ː)ˈzɪʃən / jɛt hi kɑːnt riːd ˈmjuːzɪk//

Time words
English has lots of words to talk about when things happen. They usually act as prepositions,
conjunctions, or adverbs.

Notice: time word + use + sample sentence + phonemic transcription

• about to  shows an event will happen very soon:

The train on platform 6 is about to leave.
//ðə treɪn ɒn ˈplætfɔːm 6 ɪz əˈbaʊt tə liːv// - /sɪks/

• after  shows an event in the main clause follows another event:

Wash your hands after you’ve been gardening.
//wɒʃ jə hændz ˈɑːftə juːv biːn ˈgɑːdnɪŋ//

• already  shows an event has happened before another event or a particular time:
Don’t worry, I’ve already ordered some food.
//dəʊnt ˈwʌri / aɪv ɔːlˈrɛdi ˈɔːdəd səm fuːd//

• as  indicates an event happens at the same time as another event:

It started raining as we were leaving the house.
//ɪt ˈstɑːtɪd ˈreɪnɪŋ əz wi wə ˈliːvɪŋ ðə haʊs//

• as soon as  indicates an event (in the main clause) happens straight after another event:
Please call us as soon as you arrive in New York.
//pliːz kɔːl əs əz suːn əz jʊ əˈraɪv ɪn njuː jɔːk//

• before  shows an event (in the main clause) precedes another event:
I was a teacher before I became a politician.
//aɪ wəz ə ˈtiːʧə bɪˈfɔːr aɪ bɪˈkeɪm ə ˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən//

• by the time  shows an event precedes or happens at the same time as an event in the main
clause:

22
 By the time we arrived, the game had started.
//baɪ ðə taɪm wi əˈraɪvd / ðə geɪm həd ˈstɑːtɪd//

• eventually  shows an event happened after a long time:

It was a long wait but eventually our exam results arrived.
//ɪt wəz ə lɒŋ weɪt bət ɪˈvɛnʧəli ˈaʊər ɪgˈzæm rɪˈzʌlts əˈraɪvd//

• finally  indicates an event at the end of a list / sequence, or that happened after a long
time:
I’d like to thank my family, my team, and finally my fans.
//aɪd laɪk tə θæŋk maɪ ˈfæmɪli / maɪ tiːm / ənd ˈfaɪnəli maɪ fænz//

• in the end  shows an event happened after a long time:

Joe took the exam three times, but in the end he passed.
//ˈʤəʊ tʊk ði ɪgˈzæm θriː taɪmz / bət ɪn ði ɛnd hi pɑːst//

• just  shows an event happened very recently:

Quick! I’ve just seen something really amazing!
//kwɪk / aɪv ʤəst siːn ˈsʌmθɪŋ ˈrɪəli əˈmeɪzɪŋ//

• later  indicates an event after the time of speaking or the time that is being talked about:
I can’t take you to the mall now. We’ll go there later.
//aɪ kɑːnt teɪk jʊ tə ðə mɔːl naʊ / wiːl gəʊ ðeə ˈleɪtə//

• meanwhile  indicates an event happens at the same time as another event:

The show started at 8. Meanwhile, we went for dinner.
//ðə ʃəʊ ˈstɑːtɪd æt 8 / ˈmiːnˈwaɪl / wi wɛnt fə ˈdɪnə// - /eɪt/

• next  indicates an event in a sequence:

Stir the melted chocolate. Next, pour it into the cake pan.
//stɜː ðə ˈmɛltɪd ˈʧɒkəlɪt / nɛkst / pɔːr ɪt ˈɪntə ðə keɪk pæn//

• once  indicates an event starts to happen (in the main clause) after another one:
Once you’ve cleaned the stove, wipe all the handles.
//wʌns juːv kliːnd ðə stəʊv / waɪp ɔːl ðə ˈhændlz//

• since  shows an event continuing form a past time to the present:

I haven’t seen you since we were in school!
//aɪ hævnt siːn jʊ sɪns wi wər ɪn skuːl//

• still  shows an event at the time of speaking started in the past and is continuing:
Are they still repairing the main road?
//ɑː ðeɪ stɪl rɪˈpeərɪŋ ðə meɪn rəʊd//

• then  indicates an event in a sequence, or one event that happens after another:
We went to the cinema, then we went out for a meal.
//wi wɛnt tə ðə ˈsɪnəmə / ðɛn wi wɛnt aʊt fər ə miːl//
23
• until  shows an event continues up to the time of another event:
I won’t stop saving until I’ve bought a new car.
//aɪ wəʊnt stɒp ˈseɪvɪŋ ənˈtɪl aɪv bɔːt ə njuː kɑː//

• when  shows an event happens at the same time as or after another event:
Could you call me when all the salespeople have arrived?
//kəd jʊ kɔːl mi wɛn ɔːl ðə ˈseɪlzˌpiːpl həv əˈraɪvd//

• while  indicates an event happens at the same time as another event:

Please don’t interrupt me while I’m trying to concentrate.
//pliːz dəʊnt ˌɪntəˈrʌpt mi waɪl aɪm ˈtraɪɪŋ tə ˈkɒnsəntreɪt//

• yet  shows an expected event has not happened or asks whether it has happened:
Have you finished the sales report yet?
//həv jʊ ˈfɪnɪʃt ðə seɪlz rɪˈpɔːt jɛt//

Source:
[Link]
reference

Phonetic Transcription. British English -weak forms from [Link]

Design adapted by Mercado Paz Rubén

Differences between AmE and BrE in the link below.

[Link]

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