-see REASON USAGE 3 because it's there quote a phrase originally used by the mountain climber George Mallory when asked to explain why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, and now sometimes
Trang 1according as : conj BrE fml
depending on whether
after 2 conj
at a later time than (when): I found your coat after you
had left the house | She started the job soon
after/shortly after she left the university
albeit : conj fml
even though; although: It was a very important, albeit
small, mistake | Attitudes to this question are
changing, albeit slowly
although : conj
1 in spite of the fact that; THOUGH: They are
generous although they are poor | Although my car is
very old, it still runs very well
2 but; HOWEVER: The price increase will obviously
be unpopular, although it's unlikely to reduce demand
and : conj
1 (used to join two things, esp words of the same type
or parts of sentences of the same importance) as well
as; also: a knife and fork | John and I | He started to
shout and sing | a mixture of sugar, flour, and water |
We were cold and hungry | We solved the problem by
reducing our costs and borrowing more money
2 then; afterwards: She knocked on the door and went
in | I woke up and got out of bed | We don't know yet
if the operation was a success - we'll just have to wait
and see
3 (expresses a result or explanation): Water the seeds
and they will grow | She was sick and took some
medicine (=because she was sick) Compare She took
some medicine and was sick (=because she took the
medicine)
4 (joins repeated words) a to show that something
continues to happen: We ran and ran | We waited for
hours and hours | It came nearer and nearer b infml
to show a difference in quality or kind: There are
dictionaries and dictionaries (=some are much better
than others)
5 a (used instead of to after come, go, try, etc.): Come
and have tea with me | Try and get here before 4
o'clock b (used after nice or good to add force): It's nice and sunny today | The soup was good and hot
6 (in saying numbers, used before the numbers 1 to 99 and after the word hundred, but sometimes left out in AmE): one million, two hundred and fifty-three thousand, four hundred and twenty-six (=1,253,426)
7 (in descriptions of food or drinks) served with:
bacon and eggs | a gin and tonic | bread and butter (=bread spread with butter)
8 and how! sl (used to give force to the idea just expressed) very much so: “Did you enjoy yourselves?” “And how!”
9 and so on/forth and other things of that kind: pots, pans, dishes, and so on
as 2 conj
1 (used in comparisons): She doesn't run as fast as she used to | He works in the same office as my sister | I was as surprised as anyone when they offered me the job (=no one was more surprised than me) | Two is to four as four is to eight
2 in the way or manner that: Do as I say! | He was late, as usual | David, as you know (=and you know this), is a photographer | As I said in my last letter, I
am taking the exam in July
3 while; when: He saw her as he was getting off the bus | As the election approached, the violence got worse
4 because: As she has no car, she can't get there easily
5 though: Improbable as it seems, it's true | Tired as I was, I tried to help them | (esp AmE) As popular as
he is (=even though he is popular) the President has not been able to get his own way on every issue
6 (with so or such, showing a result): so cold as to make swimming impossible | such an expression on his face as left no doubt of his decision -see also SO¹, SUCH¹
7 (showing a purpose): He ran away so as not to be caught
8 as against in comparison with: Our profits this year amount to £20,000 as against £15,000 last year
9 as for sometimes derog (used when starting to talk about a new subject, connected with what came before) when we speak of; concerning: You can have
a bed; as for him, he'll have to sleep on the floor
10 as if/though: a as it would be if (something were true): I couldn't move my legs It was as if they were stuck to the floor | Why doesn't she buy us a drink? It isn't as if she had no money (=she has plenty of money) b in a way that suggests that (something is true): He shook his head as if to say “don't trust her” | We've missed the bus It looks as if (=it seems) we'll have to walk c (showing a strong negative): “He's gone.” “As if I cared!” (=I don't care at all)
Trang 211 as it is: a in reality; in the situation that actually
exists: We had hoped to finish it today, but as it is we
probably won't finish until tomorrow b already: Don't
say anything else; you're in enough trouble as it is
12 as it were as one might say; in a sort of way: He is,
as it were, a modern Sherlock Holmes
13 as of/from starting from (the time stated): As of
today, you are in charge of the office
14 as to: a (used esp when speaking of arguments and
decisions) on the subject of; concerning: He's very
uncertain as to whether it's the right job for him b
according to; by: correctly placed as to size and colour
15 as yet fml (with negatives) until now: I have
received no answer from them as yet -see also as long
as (LONG²), as often as not (OFTEN), and so far
ﾤ sUSAGE In comparisons, you can use as or so after
not: He's not as/so old as I am Otherwise use as: She's
as pretty as her sister In AmE the first as in such
comparisons is sometimes omitted: He's old as the
hills | She turned red as a beet ﾤ v
because : conj
1 for the reason that: I do it because I like it | She got
the job because she was the best candidate | “Why
can't I go?” “Because you're too young.”
2 because of by reason of; as a result of: I came back
because of the rain -see REASON (USAGE)
3 because it's there quote a phrase originally used by
the mountain climber George Mallory when asked to
explain why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, and
now sometimes used humorously as an answer when
someone is asked why they want to do something very
difficult or dangerous
before 3 conj
1 earlier than the time when: Say goodbye before you
go | It will be some time before we know the full
results
2 more willingly than; rather than: He will die before
he tells them what they want to know
3 if not; or else; otherwise: Get out before I call the
police
but 1 : conj
1 against what might be expected; in spite of this: The
situation looked desperate, but they didn't give up
hope | They are poor but proud | It was cheap, but it
goes quite well
2 yet at the same time; on the other hand: It wasn't
cheap, but it's very good | These changes will cost
quite a lot, but they will save us money in the long
run | an expensive but immensely useful book | It has
some limitations, but then (again) what do you expect
from a £100 computer?
3 rather; instead: They own not one but three houses! | The purpose of the scheme is not to help the
employers but to provide work for young people
4 except that; however: He would have won easily, but he fell and broke his leg | I would like to go, but I'm too busy | We were coming to see you, but it rained (so we didn't) | We had no alternative but to dismiss her | There's no doubt/no question but (that) he's guilty | (lit) There was not a man but had tears in his eyes (=they all had tears in their eyes) | But for (=without) your help I'd be stranded
5 (used to express surprise, disagreement, or other strong feeling: But how wonderful! | But that's outrageous!
6 (used to give force to a statement): It'll be the event
of the year - everyone, but everyone, is coming
7 (used to change the subject) anyway: But now to the main question…
considering 1 : prep, conj
if one takes into account the rather surprising fact (of): Considering the strength of the opposition, we did very well to score two goals [+that/wh-] He did very well in his exams considering that he had studied so little/considering how little he had studied
cos 1 : conj nonstandard because -see also COS LETTUCE
directly 2 conj BrE infml
as soon as: I came directly I got your message
either 3 conj (used to begin a list of two or more possibilities separated by or): It's either a boy or a girl | Either say you're sorry or (else) get out | It's either blue, red, or green - I can't remember | She's one of those people that you either love or hate
ﾤ sUSAGE Either … or and neither … nor are usually followed by a plural pronoun and plural verb, except in formal writing: If either David or Janet come, they will want a drink In formal English this would be: If either David or Janet comes, he or she will want a drink ﾤ v
ere : prep, conj poet or old use before: I shall be gone ere morning/ere you return
except 2 conj
1 apart from: I can do everything around the house except cook
Trang 32 infml but: I would go, except it's too far
3 except for: a apart from; with the EXCEPTION of:
Except for one old lady, the bus was empty | The road
was empty except for a few cars b (only before nouns
and PRONOUNs) except: Everyone was tired except
for John | Except for John, everyone was tired c if it
were not for; but for (BUT): She would have left her
husband years ago except for the children
for 2 conj fml or lit
(used after the main statement) and the reason is that;
because: The old lady does not go out in the winter,
for she feels the cold a great deal
For as much as : conj esp
old use , because; as it is a fact that
how 2 conj
1 the fact that: Do you remember how she used to
smoke fifty cigarettes a day?
2 infml HOWEVER¹: In your own home you can act
how you like
however 1 : conj
in whatever way: I'm going by car but you can go
however you like
if 1 : conj
1 (not usu followed by the future tense) a on
condition that: We'll go if the weather stays fine, but if
it rains we'll stay at home | If you promise not to tell
anyone else, I'll tell you how much I paid for it b
supposing that: If she phones/(fml) If she should
phone, tell her I'm out | Just ask John if you need any
help/(fml) should you need any help | If he told you
that, he was lying | Get out of here at once If not, I'll
phone the police | If John was/were here, he would
know what to do | If you'd listened to me/(fml) Had
you listened to me, you wouldn't be in such trouble
now c in any situation in which; whenever: If you
pour oil on water, it floats | If I go to bed late, I find it
hard to get up in the morning -see UNLESS USAGE)
2 accepting that; although: a (often with even) We'll
go even if it rains (=We'll go, whether it rains or not.)
| If she's poor, at least she's honest b (joining nouns,
adjectives, or adverbs): a pleasant if noisy child | It
was a nice meal, if a little expensive | Too sweet? - I
thought it was a little dry, if anything
3 (in reported questions, or after verbs like know,
remember, or wonder) whether: Do you know
if/whether she's coming? | I wonder if she isn't
mistaken? (=I think she is.) | I'll see if he wants to talk
to you | Could you ask her if she'll be coming to the meeting? | I couldn't remember if you took sugar in your coffee or not
4 (used like that after words expressing surprise, sorrow, or pleasure): I'm sorry if she's annoyed | I don't care if she is ten years older than me - I love her
| Do you mind if I smoke? (=May I smoke?)
5 if I were you (used when giving advice): If I were you I'd leave at once
6 it isn't/it's not as if (often expressing annoyance) it is not true that: I don't know why he's so mean - it isn't
as if he hasn't got any money! (=he has plenty of money) -see also if you like (LIKE¹ (9))
ﾤ sUSAGE You can use if with will/won't when the meaning is “be willing”: If you will just sign here please (=a polite request) I'll give you the money | If you won't help me (=if you refuse) I'll shoot myself Compare If he signs the cheque I'll be really happy -see also WHETHER (USAGE), as if (AS²), even if (EVEN²), if only (ONLY²) ﾤ v
immediately 2 conj BrE
as soon as; DIRECTLY²: “Immediately your application is accepted you will be covered by the … Plan.” (insurance advertisement)
lest /lest/ conj fml or old-fash
1 in order that the stated thing should not happen; in case: Lest anyone (should) worry that this will lead to price increases, let me reassure them that it will not
2 (with words expressing fear) that: I was afraid lest she (should) be offended
3 lest we forget a phrase which is often written on British MONUMENTs to people killed in the First and Second World Wars, or on WREATHs put on such monuments, e.g on Remembrance Day
like 5 conj
1 infml as; in the same way as: Do you make bread like you make cakes? | Like I said, I can't get there on Saturday (=I have said this before)
2 nonstandard as if: He acts like he's the boss
neither 2 conj (used before the first of two or more choices separated
by nor) not either: He neither drinks, smokes, nor eats meat | Neither my father nor I were there
nor : conj
1 (used between the two or more choices after neither): just pleasantly warm, neither too cold nor too hot
Trang 42 (used before the second, third, etc., choices after
not) and/or not: The job cannot be done by you nor
(by) me nor (by) anyone else
3 esp BrE (used at the beginning of an expression just
before a verb) and also not: “I don't like it.” “Nor do
I.” | I'm not going to work today and nor is Susie |
(fml) I have never been dishonest, nor do I intend to
start being so now -see NEITHER³ (USAGE)
now 3 also now that- conj
because (something has happened): Now (that) John's
arrived, we can begin
once 3 conj
from the moment that; when: Once she arrives, we can
start | Once in bed, the children usually stay there
only 3 conj infml
except that; but: She wants to go, only she hasn't got
enough money
or : conj
1 (often with either; used before the last of a set of
possibilities): Would you prefer coffee or tea? | She's
either 21 or 22 | I don't care whether I get it or not |
Did you or didn't you? | She's going to spend the
summer in London or Paris or Rome/in London, Paris,
or Rome -see EITHER³ (USAGE)
2 (after a negative) and not: He never smokes or
drinks
3 if not; otherwise: Wear your coat or (else) you'll be
cold | He can't be ill, or he wouldn't have come |
Either say you're sorry or get out!
4 (used when giving a second name for something)
that is; that means; it would be better to say: She was
born in Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City as it is now
called
5 or so about; at least; or more: a minute or so | five
dollars or so
6 or two (used after singular nouns) about; at least; or
more: a minute or two | a dollar or two -see also or
else (ELSE)
ﾤ sUSAGE Or can be used when you want to limit or
correct something you have said: It's going to snow
tomorrow, or that's what the forecast says | He is, or
was, a very famous writer ﾤ v
plus 4 conj
in addition to this: I've got to finish reading this book
by Friday, plus I've got two essays to write!
provided : also provided that, providing, providing that- conj
1 if: Provided (that) there is no opposition, we shall hold the meeting here
2 and only if; on condition that: I will go, (always) provided/providing (that) you go too
providing : also providing that - conj PROVIDED
seeing also seeing that , seeing as infml, seeing as how nonstandard- conj
as it is true that; considering the fact that; SINCE³ (2): Seeing (that) she's legally old enough to get married, I don't see how you can stop her
since 3 conj
1 (used with the present perfect or past perfect tenses)
a after the past time when: It's been years since I enjoyed myself so much as last night | When I met him last week, it was the first time we had seen each other since we were at school | Since leaving Paris, we've visited Brussels and Amsterdam b continuously (and up to the present time) from the time when:
We've been friends (ever) since we met at school
2 as; as it is a fact that; because: Since you can't answer the question, perhaps we'd better ask someone else | He must have shut the door since he was the last one to leave
so 2 conj
1 with the result that: It was dark, so I couldn't see what was happening | She wrote a famous book, and
so won a place in history
2 therefore: I had a headache, so I went to bed | I'm busy today, so can you come back tomorrow?
3 with the purpose (that): I packed him a little food so (that) he wouldn't get hungry
4 (used at the beginning of a sentence) a (with weak meaning): So here we are again b (to express discovery): So that's what you've been up to while I've been away! c what if?; what does it matter that?: So, I made a mistake It's not the end of the world!
5 so what? infml why is that important?; why should I care?: “He says he doesn't like you.” “So what?”
suppose 2 also supposing - conj
1 what would/will happen if: Suppose it rains, what shall we do? | It's a good idea, but suppose your mother were to find out?
2 (used for making a suggestion): Suppose we wait a while
Trang 5than 1 : conj
1 (used for introducing the second part of an unequal
comparison): I know him better than you (do) (=you
may know him well, but I know him better) | Jean
runs faster than John | Paul is taller than I am |
Profits are higher than they were last year | Don't tell
them any more than they need to know | Nothing is
more unpleasant than finding/than to find insects in
your bath | They work better together than if they're
alone
2 (used for introducing the less acceptable choice in
statements of what one wants to do): I'd rather play
football than go swimming | She said she'd rather
leave her job than be forced to work for such an
unpleasant man
3 fml except; OTHER than: You leave me with no
option than to resign
4 (used esp after hardly, scarcely, and no sooner)
when; as soon as: Scarcely had I started to speak than
he began to argue with me
that 3 : / conj
1 (used for introducing various kinds of CLAUSE) a
(used after verbs, nouns, or adjectives marked [+
(that)] in this dictionary): She said (that) she would
come early | The rules state quite clearly that smoking
is not allowed | Is it true (that) you're getting married?
| I'm afraid that I can't help you | I'll give it to you on
condition (that) you don't break it | The fact that you
don't like her has nothing to do with the matter b
(used (as if) in answering a question beginning with
what): “What was his reason for not coming to the
meeting?” “The reason was that he forgot.” | The
problem is that we didn't bring enough money c (used
esp after so or such to express purpose or result): He
was so rude that/He spoke in such a rude manner that
she refused to reply | Bring it closer so (that) I can see
it better | (fml) Bring it closer so (that) I may see it
better d (used for expressing reason): We rejoice that
you are safe
2 (used as a RELATIVE PRONOUN) a (as the
subject of a CLAUSE) which/who: Did you see the
letter that came today? | He's the greatest man that's
ever lived b (as the object of the verb in a CLAUSE)
which/whom: Did you get the books (that) I sent you?
| There are lots of things (that) I need to do before I
leave tonight c (as the object of a PREPOSITION in a
CLAUSE) which/whom: There's the man (that) I was
telling you about | They've found the gun that she was
shot with d (introducing a CLAUSE) in, on, for, or at
which: The day that he came I was out | The speed
(that) she drives, I'm surprised she hasn't killed
herself! e according to; as far as: He's never been here that I know of
3 lit (used for introducing an expression of desire): Oh that I could fly! (=I wish I could fly!) | Would (that)
he had never come! (=I wish he had never come!)
ﾤ sUSAGE 1 In ordinary speech that can often be left out before a noun clause, especially after common verbs of saying or thinking: She said (that) it wasn't time | I think (that) it's fine | He told me (that) he agreed | I'm glad (that) you passed your exam | I knew (that) he had arrived It is not usually left out in formal English or after more formal verbs of saying: She stated that the report was incomplete 2 That can only be used instead of who or which when they limit the meaning of a noun more narrowly: Which of my brothers did you meet? The one who/that lives in Glasgow, or the one who/that lives in Leeds? It cannot
be used to introduce additional information in sentences like: This is my father, who (NOT that) lives in Leeds (=I am introducing my father and telling you where he lives) ﾤ v
though 1 : conj
1 in spite of the fact that; even if: Though/Even though it's hard work, I enjoy it | The offenders were dealt with firmly though fairly | Hardworking though
he was, there was never enough money to pay the bills | a competent, though hardly exciting, piece of work
2 as though as if: He sounds as though he's got a sore throat -see also ALTHOUGH
til : also 'til prep, conj AmE nonstandard TILL¹
till 1 : prep, conj
until: I'll keep it for you till Monday/till you come back -see TO (USAGE)
unless : conj
if not; except on the condition that: Do not leave the building unless instructed to do so | Unless the government agrees to give extra money, the theatre will have to close
ﾤ sUSAGE Compare unless and if not 1 Unless is not used of imaginary events We cannot use unless in these sentences: She would have died (=an imaginary event) if the doctors had not saved her | If he weren't
so stupid (=an imaginary situation) he would understand 2 Unless can only be used instead of if not when there is an idea of ending an intention or
Trang 6situation that already exists (not of starting a new
one): I'll stay at home unless I'm invited/if I'm not
invited to the party (=an invitation would end my
present intention to stay at home) Unless is very
unlikely in the following sentence: I'll be angry if I'm
not invited to the party (=not being invited would
make me angry, but I am not angry at present) ﾤ v
until : also till- prep, conj
1 up to (the time that): I waited until 10 o'clock, but he
still didn't come | Wait until I call | We won't start
until Bob comes | He stayed from Monday till Friday
| The problem has never really arisen until now | Until
when do the pubs stay open? | (infml) He was here up
until last week
2 as far as; up to (a place): Stay on the train until
Birmingham -see TO¹ (USAGE)
when 1 /wen/ adv, conj
1 at what time; at the time that: When will they come?
| Do you know when they're coming? | She'll tell us
when to open it | I jumped up when she called |
Things were different when I was a child | Fire the
rockets when I give the signal | When completed, the
new railway will run for 250 miles
2 considering that: Why do you want a new job when
you've got such a good one already?
3 even though; in spite of the fact that: They kept
trying when they must have known it was hopeless
whenever : adv, conj
1 at whatever time: Whenever I come here it rains! |
Come whenever you like | I'd like to see you
whenever (it's) convenient
2 (shows surprise) when: Whenever did you find time
to do all that?
where : adv, conj
at, to, or from what/which place, position, or situation;
at or to the place that: Where do you live? | Where are
you going? | I asked her where she was going | Where
did you get that book (from)? | Where will all this
trouble lead? (=what result will it have?) | This is the
building where I work | I told him where to put it |
Sit where you like | The crisis has reached a point
where the receiver will have to be called in | Where possible (=whenever it is possible), we use fresh local ingr edients
whereas : conj
1 (used to show an opposite or different fact, situation, etc.) but: They want a house, whereas we would rather live in a flat | Whereas we want a flat, they would rather live in a house
2 law (used at the beginning of a sentence, esp in official papers) since; because of the fact that
whereat : adv, conj old use
1 WHEREUPON
2 at which; where
wherefore : adv, conj old use
1 why: Wherefore comest thou?
2 for that reason; therefore
wherein : adv, conj fml or old use
in what; in which: Wherein lies the difficulty? | the grave wherein he lies
whereof : adv, conj fml or old use
of what; of which
whereon : adv, conj fml or old use
1 on which: the table whereon lay the food
2 whereupon
wheresoever : conj, adv lit for WHEREVER (1)
whereto : also whereunto : old use- adv, conj fml
or old use
to what place; to which
whereupon : conj
at once or soon after and because of which; at which point; as a result of which: One of the men insulted another, whereupon a fight broke out
whether : conj
1 if … or not: He asked me whether she was coming |
I couldn't decide whether to do it | It was uncertain
whether she would recover | The decision whether to
see her was mine alone | I worry about whether I hurt
her feelings | I wonder whether or not we should tell her | I wonder whether we should tell her or not
2 a no matter if … (or) … : I will go, whether you come with me or stay at home b (used to introduce two or more possibilities) I don't know if: I'm sure we'll see each other again soon, whether here or in New York | Whether by accident or design (=through luck or on purpose) they met
Trang 7ﾤ sUSAGE If can be used instead of whether in
meaning 1 But we must use whether (not if), a before
infinitives: The question is whether to go or stay, b
after prepositions: It depends on whether he's ready or
not, c after nouns: It's your decision whether you go or
stay, d with or not in sentences like this: I asked him
whether or not he was coming -see also IF (USAGE)
ﾤ v
while 2 also whilst esp BrE- conj
1 during the time that: They arrived while we were
having dinner | While she read the paper, I cleaned up
the kitchen | He got malaria while travelling in
Africa | They got married while still at the university
2 although: While I understand what you say, I can't
agree with you
3 but; WHEREAS: Their country has plenty of oil,
while ours has none
why 1 : adv, conj
1 for what reason: Why did you do it? | Why (should we) bother waiting any longer? | They asked him why
he did it (not They asked him why did he do it.) | I can't think why she said that | Is there any reason why (=a reason for which) you can't come? | I can't see why it shouldn't work (=I think it probably will work)
2 why not? (used for making suggestions): Why not make one for yourself instead of buying one? | Why don't you ask him yourself?
yet 2 conj but even so; but: She felt sad yet at the same time relieved that it was time to leave | She's a funny girl, (and/but) yet you can't help liking her