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Grammar Verbs Chapter 11 Auxiliaries, Modals, and Phrasal Modals

Auxiliaries

Auxiliaries

There are four verbs which are sometimes auxiliary verbs: be, do, get, and have. They are used mainly to add meaning to a main verb, for example by forming a continuous tense, a passive, a negative, or an interrogative. They are also used to add meaning to a clause, for example by helping to form question tags.Like other verbs, auxiliaries have tenses, some of which are formed with other auxiliaries. For example, in the clause She has been singing for two hours, the auxiliary be is used in the pattern AUX -ing, that is, been singing. However, the auxiliary be itself has a tense formed by the auxiliary have in the pattern AUX -ed, that is, has been.DIAGRAM HEREAnother example is the clause Food was being thrown across the room, where the auxiliary be is used in the passive pattern AUX -ed, that is, being thrown. However, that auxiliary itself has a tense formed by the auxiliary be in the pattern AUX -ing, that is, was being. The verb group in this clause therefore contains two forms of the auxiliary verb be.DIAGRAM HERELooking at this from another point of view, when an auxiliary is followed by an '-ing' form, an '-ed' form, or a to-infinitive form, that form may itself be that of an auxiliary verb which is followed by another verb. For example, in the clause She has been arrested, the auxiliary have is used in the pattern AUX -ed, that is, has been. However, be is also an auxiliary, used here in the pattern AUX -ed, that is, been arrested.DIAGRAM HEREIn this chapter, we use the terms '-ing' form, '-ed' form, and to-infinitive form to indicate either a single main verb with that form, such as liking, liked, or to like, or an auxiliary with that form together with the main verb following it, such as being followed, been followed, or to be followed.Auxiliary verbs are made negative by putting not after them, as in She is not swimming, They did not know, or He has not written to you. In spoken English and informal written English, not is often contracted to n't and is added to the auxiliary: He hasn't written to you.The interrogative of verb groups formed with auxiliary verbs is made by placing the Subject after the auxiliary verb, as in Is she swimming? or Has he not written to you? If the n't form of the negative is used, the Subject comes after that: Hasn't he written to you?Auxiliary verbs have the following patterns:
    AUX -ing
    He is swimming.
    AUX to-inf
    She is to arrive at six.
    AUX neg inf
    Don't go!
    AUX n inf
    Did they remember?
    AUX inf
    Do come in.
    AUX -ed
    She got knocked down.
    AUX
    She's probably earning more than I am.
    cl AUX n
    She hasn't finished, has she?
    so/nor/neither AUX n
    ...so do I.
    AUX n -ed
    Had I known...
AUX -ingAUX to-infAUX neg infAUX n vAUX infAUX -edAUXcl AUX nso/nor/neither AUX nAUX n -ed
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Table of contents
  • Adjectives
    • Graded and ungraded adjectives
      • Part 1: Graded adjectives
      • Part 2: Grading adverbs
      • Adverbs that do not grade
      • Part 3: Patterns of graded adjectives
      • Part 4: Ungraded adjectives
      • Part 5: Adjectives with both graded and ungraded senses
    • Comparative adjectives
      • Part 1: The forms of comparative adjectives
      • Part 2: The patterns of comparative adjectives
      • Part 3: The functions of comparative adjectives
    • Superlative adjectives
      • Part 1: The forms of superlative adjectives
      • Part 2: The patterns of superlative adjectives
      • Part 3: The functions of superlative adjectives
    • ADJ n
    • det ADJ n
      • The 'following' group
      • The 'other' group
      • The 'requisite' group
      • The 'only' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • v-link ADJ
      • Other patterns
    • ADJ after v
      • The 'unseen' group
      • The 'unasked' group
      • The 'unharmed' group
      • The 'unaided' group
      • The 'naked' group
      • The 'stock-still' group
      • The 'senseless' group
      • The 'unused' group
      • The 'uninterrupted' group
      • The 'left-handed' group
      • The 'neat' group
      • The 'higher' and 'lower' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • n ADJ
      • The 'major' group
      • The 'elect' group
      • The 'par excellence' group
      • The 'deep' group
      • The 'northbound' group
      • The 'Celsius' group
      • The 'concerned' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive use
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ that
      • The 'surprised' group
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'horrified' group
      • The 'glad' group
      • The 'certain' group
      • The 'aware' group
      • The 'anxious' group
      • The 'agreed' group
      • The 'insistent' group
      • The 'careful' group
      • The 'lucky' group
      • The 'correct' group
    • ADJ wh
      • The 'uncertain' group
      • The 'aware' group
      • The 'afraid' group
    • ADJ to-inf
      • The 'pretty' group
      • The 'terrible' and 'wonderful' group
      • The 'cheap' and 'expensive' group
      • The 'boring' and 'interesting' group
      • The 'adequate' group
      • The 'astonished' group
      • The 'sorry' group
      • The 'delighted' group
      • The 'unwilling' group
      • The 'willing' group
      • The 'quick' and 'slow' group
      • The 'certain' group
      • The 'sure' group
      • The 'able' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'lucky' and 'unlucky' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ -ing
      • The 'comfortable' group
      • The 'crazy' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ about n
      • The 'passionate' and 'cool' group
      • The 'happy' group
      • The 'unhappy' group
      • The 'philosophical' group
      • The 'nervous' group
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'curious' group
      • The 'arrogant' group
      • The 'cynical' and 'serious' group
      • The 'certain' group
      • The 'specific' and 'vague' group
      • The 'apologetic' group
      • The 'scathing' and 'charitable' group
      • The 'articulate' and 'reticent' group
      • The 'honest' and 'dishonest' group
      • The 'entertaining' group
      • The 'marvellous' group
      • The 'ruthless' group
      • The 'careful' group
      • The 'fair' and 'selfish' group
      • The 'analytical' group
      • The 'aware' and 'ignorant' group
      • The 'right' and 'wrong' group
    • ADJ against n
      • The 'effective' group
      • The 'defenceless' group
      • The 'safe' group
      • The 'visible' group
      • The 'successful' group
      • The 'steady' group
      • The 'deductible' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ as n
      • The 'famous' group
      • The 'marvellous' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'allowable' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ as to wh
      • The 'uncertain' group
      • The 'curious' group
      • The 'worried' group
      • The 'divided' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ at n
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'nervous' group
      • The 'angry' group
      • Productive use
    • ADJ between pl-n
      • The 'indeterminate' group
      • The 'mobile' group
      • The 'equidistant' group
      • The 'confidential' group
      • The 'undecided' group
    • ADJ by n
      • The 'achievable' group
      • The 'fine' group
      • The 'astonished' group
      • The 'hidebound' group
      • The 'available' group
      • The 'accessible' group
      • The 'recognizable' group
      • The 'unaffected' group
      • The 'higher' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ for n
      • The 'suitable' group
      • The 'ready' group
      • The 'eager' group
      • The 'famous' group
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'responsible' group
      • The 'afraid' group
      • The 'happy' group
      • The 'compulsory' group
      • The 'vital' group
      • The 'useful' group
      • The 'pushed' group
      • The 'guilty' group
      • The 'destined' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ from n
      • The 'absent' group
      • The 'different' group
      • The 'indistinguishable' group
      • The 'apparent' group
      • The 'safe' group
      • The 'accessible' group
      • The 'dead' group
      • The 'dirty' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ in n
      • The 'involved' group
      • The 'adamant' group
      • The 'assiduous' group
      • The 'lacking' group
      • The 'inherent' group
      • The 'awash' group
      • The 'fluent' group
      • The 'clothed' group
      • The 'plastered' group
      • The 'safe' group
      • The 'apparent' group
      • The 'slow' group
      • The 'helpful' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'comparable' group
      • The 'careful' group
      • The 'successful' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'lucky' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ of n
      • The 'fond' and 'critical' group
      • The 'afraid' group
      • The 'tired' group
      • The 'desirous' group
      • The 'assured' group
      • The 'certain' and 'uncertain' group
      • The 'aware' and 'unaware' group
      • The 'considerate' and 'careless' group
      • The 'empty' group
      • The 'full' group
      • The 'indicative' group
      • The 'destructive' group
      • The 'deserving' group
      • The 'kind' group
      • The 'clear' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ on n
      • The 'keen' group
      • The 'fair' and 'rough' group
      • The 'emphatic' group
      • The 'vague' group
      • The 'weak' and 'strong' group
      • The 'optimistic' group
      • The 'short' and 'heavy' group
      • The 'agreed' group
      • The 'conditional' group
      • The 'dependent' group
      • The 'high' group
      • The 'payable' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ over n
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'despondent' group
      • The 'worried' group
      • The 'enthusiastic' group
      • The 'jealous' group
      • The 'go mad' group
      • The 'dominant' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ to n
      • The 'beneficial' group
      • The 'detrimental' group
      • The 'partial' group
      • The 'generous' and 'horrible' group
      • The 'fascinating' and 'infuriating' group
      • The 'similar' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'sensitive' group
      • The 'accustomed' group
      • The 'liable' group
      • The 'married' group
      • The 'inferior' group
      • The 'responsible' group
      • The 'restricted' group
      • The 'recognizable' group
      • The 'obvious' group
      • The 'accessible' group
      • The 'parallel' group
      • The 'tantamount' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ towards/toward n
      • The 'sympathetic' group
      • The 'aggressive' group
      • The 'ambivalent' group
      • The 'oriented' group
    • ADJ with n
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'patient' group
      • The 'lavish' group
      • The 'breathless' group
      • The 'involved' group
      • The 'familiar' group
      • The 'excellent' group
      • The 'cursed' group
      • The 'awash' group
      • The 'bright' group
      • The 'flecked' group
      • The 'coated' group
      • The 'inlaid' group
      • The 'decorated' group
      • The 'fragrant' group
      • The 'comparable' group
      • The 'okay' group
      • The 'lucky' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ that
      • The 'likely' group
      • The 'obvious' group
      • The 'marvellous' group
      • The 'awful' group
      • The 'important' and 'necessary' group
      • The 'interesting' and 'surprising' group
      • The 'relevant' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ for n that
      • The 'fortunate' group
      • The 'important' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ of n that
    • it v-link ADJ to n that
      • The 'obvious' group
      • The 'fair' and 'ludicrous' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'interesting' group
    • it v n ADJ that
    • it v n as ADJ that
    • it v-link ADJ wh
      • The 'clear' group
      • The 'inexplicable' group
      • The 'important' group
    • it v-link ADJ what/how
      • The 'fantastic' group
      • The 'terrible' group
      • The 'amazing' group
      • The 'true' group
    • it v-link ADJ when/if
      • The 'awful' group
      • The 'frustrating' group
      • The 'difficult' group
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'exciting' group
      • The 'strange' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ to-inf
      • The 'accurate' and 'illogical' group
      • The 'easy' and 'difficult' group
      • The 'selfish' and 'dangerous' group
      • The 'exciting' and 'safe' group
      • The 'surprising' and 'interesting' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'legal' group
      • The 'funny' group
      • The 'enough' group
    • it v-link ADJ for n to-inf
      • The 'ludicrous' group
      • The 'nice' group
      • The 'easy' and 'dangerous' group
      • The 'normal' and 'rare' group
      • The 'necessary' and 'important' group
      • The 'possible' group
      • The 'enough' group
    • it v-link ADJ of n to-inf
      • The 'kind' group
      • The 'stupid' group
      • The 'typical' group
    • it v n ADJ to-inf
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'sad' group
      • The 'sick' and 'nervous' group
      • The 'happy' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ -ing
      • The 'awful' group
      • The 'nice' group
      • The 'strange' group
      • The 'difficult' and 'dangerous' group
      • The 'easy' and 'safe' group
    • v it ADJ that
      • The 'fair' group
      • The 'sad' group
      • The 'incredible' group
      • The 'surprising' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'probable' group
      • The 'apparent' group
      • The 'illegal' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • v it as ADJ that
    • v it ADJ to-inf
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'wrong' group
      • The 'interesting' group
      • The 'wise' group
      • The 'hypocritical' group
      • The 'easy' and 'difficult' group
      • The 'natural' and 'odd' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'possible' and 'impossible' group
      • The 'illegal' group
      • The 'cheap' group
    • v it ADJ for n to-inf
      • The 'inappropriate' group
      • The 'odd' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'possible' group
      • The 'difficult' group
      • The 'necessary' group
      • The 'expensive' group
      • The 'illegal' group
    • v it as ADJ to-inf
      • The 'worthwhile' group
      • The 'immoral' group
      • The 'critical' group
      • The 'odd' group
    • it v-link ADJ about n
    • there v-link something/anything/nothing ADJ about n/-ing
      • The 'attractive' group
      • The 'fascinating' group
      • The 'unsatisfactory' group
      • The 'depressing' group
      • The 'familiar' and 'different' group
      • The 'English' group
      • The 'boyish' group
      • The 'political' group
      • The 'secret' group
      • The 'addictive' group
      • The 'amusing' group
      • The 'unreal' group
      • The 'sacrosanct' group
      • The 'easy' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • there v-link something/nothing/anything ADJ in n/-ing
      • The 'interesting' group
      • The 'wrong' group
      • The 'extraordinary' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • there v-link something/nothing/anything ADJ with n/-ing
      • Other related patterns
    • Adjective patterns with what
      • Pattern 1: what v-link ADJ v-link that
      • Pattern 2: what v-link ADJ v-link wh
      • Pattern 3: what v-link ADJ v-link -ing
      • Pattern 4: what v-link ADJ to-inf v-link that/wh
      • Pattern 5: what v-link ADJ to n v-link that/wh
      • Pattern 6: what v-link ADJ about n v-link n/that/wh
      • Pattern 7: what v-link ADJ in n v-link n/that/wh
      • Pattern 8: what v-link ADJ with n v-link n/that/wh
    • Combining forms
      • 1 Combining forms which follow other words
      • 2 Combining forms which precede other words
      • Other related patterns
    • Colour words
      • Adjective uses
      • Noun uses
      • Groups of colour words
      • Adjectives used to modify colour words
      • Colour adjectives
  • Nouns
    • Count nouns
      • Singular count nouns without a determiner
    • Uncount nouns
    • Variable nouns
    • Mass nouns
      • The 'cheese' group
      • The 'beer' group
      • The 'silk' group
      • The 'plastic' group
      • The 'lipstick' group
      • The 'cough mixture' group
      • The 'bleach' group
      • The 'acid' group
      • The 'fossil fuel' group
      • The 'moss' group
      • The 'compost' group
      • The 'fluid' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Singular nouns
    • Plural nouns
      • The 'binoculars' group
      • The 'trousers' group
      • The 'high heels' group
      • The 'clothes' group
      • The 'people' group
      • The 'cattle' group
      • The 'tonsils' group
      • The 'dreadlocks' group
      • The 'shakes' group
      • The 'troubles' group
      • The 'fries' group
      • The 'foothills' group
      • The 'business hours' group
      • The 'riches' group
      • The 'costs' group
      • The 'congratulations' group
      • The 'thoughts' group
      • The 'breakables' group
      • The 'basics' group
      • The 'remains' group
      • The 'arts' group
      • The 'block capitals' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Collective nouns
      • 1 Collective count nouns
      • 2 Collective singular nouns
      • 3 Collective uncount nouns
      • 4 Collective proper nouns
    • Proper nouns
    • Nouns used in names
      • The 'House' group
      • The 'Organization' group
      • The 'Church' group
      • The 'School' group
      • The 'Republic' group
      • The 'Road' group
      • The 'Overture' group
      • The 'News' group
      • The 'Desert' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Titles
      • The 'Aunt' group
      • The 'Baron' group
      • The 'Ms' group
      • The 'Admiral' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Vocative nouns
      • The 'love' group
      • The 'sir' group
      • The 'mum' and 'dad' group
      • The 'captain' group
      • The 'chairman' group
      • The 'majesty' group
      • The 'lady' group
      • Other vocatives
    • Nouns used as modifiers
      • Materials
      • Food and drink
      • Places
      • Times
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • a N
      • The 'bore' group
      • The 'inspiration' group
      • The 'laugh' group
      • The 'breeze' group
      • The 'quandary' group
      • The 'talking-to' group
      • The 'chat' group
      • The 'sprint' group
      • The 'doze' group
      • The 'clean' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • the N
      • The 'impossible' group
      • The 'rich' and 'poor' group
      • The 'English' group
      • The 'public' group
      • The 'government' group
      • The 'president' group
      • The 'presidency' group
      • The 'seller' group
      • The 'butcher' group
      • The 'sea' group
      • The 'open air' group
      • The 'dark' group
      • The 'daytime' group
      • The 'beginning' and 'end' group
      • The 'sound barrier' group
      • The 'crunch' group
      • The 'basics' group
      • The 'downside' group
      • The 'opposite' group
      • The 'outcome' group
      • The 'east' group
      • The 'lowlands' group
      • The 'back' group
      • The 'floor' group
      • The 'bathroom' group
      • The 'bull's eye' group
      • The 'nick' group
      • The 'field' group
      • The 'forefront' group
      • The 'dregs' group
      • The 'media' group
      • The 'adverts' group
      • The 'text' group
      • The 'low-down' group
      • The 'electoral register' group
      • The 'theatre' group
      • The 'circus' group
      • The 'arts' group
      • The 'bomb' group
      • The 'go-ahead' group
      • The 'axe' group
      • The 'action' group
      • The 'measles' group
      • The 'long jump' group
      • The 'piano' group
      • The 'tango' group
      • The 'underground' group
      • The 'dollar' group
      • The 'economy' group
      • The 'passive' group
      • The 'washing-up' group
      • The 'niceties' group
      • The 'norm' group
      • The 'fashion' group
      • The 'above' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • poss N
      • The 'mum' and 'dad' group
      • The 'lover' group
      • The 'friend' group
      • The 'follower' group
      • The 'colleague' group
      • The 'guardian' group
      • The 'pupil' group
      • The 'boss' group
      • The 'servant' group
      • The 'therapist' group
      • The 'representative' group
      • The 'flatmate' group
      • The 'counterpart' group
      • The 'junior' group
      • The 'opponent' group
      • The 'accuser' group
      • The 'founder' group
      • The 'nemesis' and 'salvation' group
      • The 'release' group
      • The 'return' group
      • The 'resignation' group
      • The 'apology' group
      • The 'language' group
      • The 'message' group
      • The 'creation' group
      • The 'independence' group
      • The 'fortunes' group
      • The 'well-being' group
      • The 'crust' group
      • The 'face' group
      • The 'remains' group
      • The 'digestion' group
      • The 'ability' group
      • The 'mind' group
      • The 'mood' and 'attitude' group
      • The 'opinion' group
      • The 'dismay' group
      • The 'stupidity' group
      • The 'bearing' group
      • The 'shortcoming' and 'merit' group
      • The 'nature' group
      • The 'name' and 'address' group
      • The 'reputation' group
      • The 'kind' group
      • The 'home' group
      • The 'domain' group
      • The 'responsibility' group
      • The 'turn' group
      • The 'childhood' group
      • The 'debut' and 'demise' group
      • The 'lunch break' group
      • The 'belongings' group
      • The 'stock' group
      • The 'share' group
      • The 'papers' group
      • The 'wardrobe' group
      • The 'speciality' group
      • The 'favourite' group
      • The 'requirements' group
      • The 'grasp' group
      • The 'path' group
      • The 'view' group
      • The 'Majesty' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • adj N
      • The 'citizen' and 'territory' groups
      • The 'background' group
      • The 'cook' group
      • The 'job' group
      • The 'buy' group
      • The 'match' group
      • The 'turnout' group
      • The 'qualities' group
      • The 'hair' and 'heart' groups
      • The 'mood' group
      • The 'place' group
      • The 'specimen' group
      • The 'deck' group
      • The 'gland' group
      • The 'arena' group
      • The 'power' group
      • The 'manner' group
      • The 'era' group
      • The 'glories' group
      • The 'type' group
      • The 'language' group
      • The 'perspective' group
      • The 'time bomb' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • n N
      • The 'trader' group
      • The 'collector' group
      • The 'soup' group
      • The 'bottle' group
      • The 'opener' group
      • The 'lotion' group
      • The 'crystal' group
      • The 'factory' group
      • The 'surface' group
      • The 'addiction' group
      • The 'hunting' group
      • The 'shortage' group
      • The 'agency' group
      • The 'industry' group
      • The 'season' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • num N
      • Currencies
      • Units of weight
      • Units of size or distance
      • Units of area
      • Units of volume and capacity
      • Units of electrical current or resistance
      • Units of time
      • Other units of measurement
    • ord N
      • The 'round' group
      • The 'stage' group
      • The 'storey' group
      • The 'edition' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N that
      • The 'suggestion' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'happiness' group
      • The 'sign' group
      • The 'possibility' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N to-inf
      • The 'desire' group
      • The 'arrangement' group
      • The 'promise' group
      • The 'proposal' group
      • The 'attempt' group
      • The 'ability' group
      • The 'permission' group
      • The 'request' group
      • The 'responsibility' group
      • The 'reason' group
      • The 'tendency' group
      • The 'claim' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • N about n
      • The 'talk' group
      • The 'story' group
      • The 'ideas' group
      • The 'disagreement' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N against n
      • The 'attack' group
      • The 'broadside' group
      • The 'protection' group
      • The 'charge' group
      • The 'anger' group
      • The 'argument' group
      • The 'game' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N among pl-n
      • The 'fear' group
      • The 'consensus' group
      • The 'conflict' group
      • The 'communication' group
      • The 'popularity' group
      • The 'unemployment' group
      • The 'illness' group
      • The 'differences' group
      • The 'friends' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N as n
      • The 'appointment' group
      • The 'experience' group
      • The 'reputation' group
      • The 'future' group
      • The 'rights' group
      • The 'performance' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N as to wh
      • The 'advice' group
      • The 'idea' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N at n
      • The 'anger' group
      • The 'attempt' group
      • The 'glance' group
      • The 'expert' group
      • The 'dig' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N behind n
      • The 'mastermind' group
      • The 'idea' group
      • The 'reason' group
      • The 'science' group
      • The 'facts' group
      • The 'meaning' group
      • The 'look' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
    • N between pl-n
      • The 'relationship' group
      • The 'split' group
      • The 'fight' group
      • The 'reconciliation' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'love' and 'enmity' group
      • The 'communication' group
      • The 'collaboration' group
      • The 'interaction' group
      • The 'boundary' group
      • The 'difference' group
      • The 'similarity' group
      • The 'balance' group
      • The 'interval' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N by n
      • Actions
      • Written works or works of art
    • N for n
      • The 'love' and 'hatred' group
      • The 'support' group
      • The 'desire' group
      • The 'search' group
      • The 'request' group
      • The 'bill' group
      • The 'ticket' group
      • The 'compensation' group
      • The 'talent' group
      • The 'basis' group
      • The 'plan' group
      • The 'catalyst' and 'death knell' group
      • The 'turning point' group
      • The 'blessing' and 'setback' group
      • The 'opportunity' group
      • The 'reason' group
      • The 'evidence' group
      • The 'advertisement' group
      • The 'substitute' group
      • The 'synonym' group
      • The 'spokesman' group
      • The 'institute' group
      • The 'home' group
      • The 'preparation' group
      • The 'cure' group
      • The 'cloak' group
      • The 'vogue' group
      • The 'eligibility' group
      • The 'reputation' group
      • The 'channel' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • N from n
      • The 'departure' group
      • The 'abstention' and 'retirement' group
      • The 'respite' group
      • The 'separation' group
      • The 'fallout' group
      • The 'relic' group
      • The 'reaction' group
      • The 'help' and 'opposition' group
      • The 'present' group
      • The 'message' group
      • The 'performance' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'extract' group
      • The 'visitor' group
      • The 'emissions' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N in n
      • The 'increase' and 'decrease' group
      • The 'involvement' group
      • The 'ingredient' group
      • The 'turning point' group
      • The 'era' group
      • The 'setback' group
      • The 'break' group
      • The 'hole' group
      • The 'flaw' group
      • The 'pain' group
      • The 'difference' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'pride' group
      • The 'skill' group
      • The 'course' group
      • The 'career' group
      • The 'experiment' group
      • The 'trade' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N in favour of n
      • The 'bias' group
      • The 'decision' group
      • The 'point' group
      • The 'speech' group
      • The 'demonstration' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N into n
      • The 'entry' group
      • The 'descent' group
      • The 'foray' group
      • The 'investigation' group
      • The 'transformation' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N of n
      • The 'announcement' group
      • The 'construction' group
      • The 'love' group
      • The 'diagram' group
      • The 'sign' group
      • The 'cause' and 'result' group
      • The 'rise' and 'fall' group
      • The 'flow' group
      • The 'support' group
      • The 'issue' group
      • The 'magnitude' group
      • The 'town' group
      • The 'look' group
      • The 'era' group
      • The 'piece' group
      • The 'gang' group
      • The 'box' group
      • The 'kilometre' group
      • The 'fraction' group
      • The 'percentage' group
      • The 'article' group
      • The 'sample' group
      • The 'episode' group
      • The 'rim' group
      • The 'stage' group
      • The 'extremes' group
      • The 'architect' group
      • The 'fragrance' group
      • The 'mood' group
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'site' group
      • The 'thunder' group
      • The 'possibility' group
      • The 'shortage' group
      • The 'type' group
      • The 'mixture' group
      • The 'way' group
      • The 'giant' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N on n
      • The 'talk' group
      • The 'article' group
      • The 'conference' group
      • The 'ideas' group
      • The 'expert' group
      • The 'commission' group
      • The 'emphasis' group
      • The 'attack' group
      • The 'law' group
      • The 'ban' group
      • The 'burden' group
      • The 'work' group
      • The 'blow' group
      • The 'effect' group
      • The 'dependence' group
      • The 'tax' group
      • The 'profit' group
      • The 'bet' group
      • The 'improvement' group
      • The 'stain' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N over n
      • The 'dispute' group
      • The 'advantage' group
      • The 'control' group
      • The 'victory' group
      • The 'fuss' group
      • The 'grief' group
      • The 'debate' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N to n
      • The 'journey' group
      • The 'posting' group
      • The 'plane' group
      • The 'entry' group
      • The 'access' group
      • The 'door' group
      • The 'short cut' group
      • The 'promotion' group
      • The 'hostility' and 'devotion' group
      • The 'kindness' group
      • The 'obligation' group
      • The 'damage' group
      • The 'setback' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'barrier' group
      • The 'modifications' group
      • The 'end' group
      • The 'solution' group
      • The 'climax' group
      • The 'run-up' group
      • The 'preface' group
      • The 'addition' group
      • The 'guide' group
      • The 'donation' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'assistant' group
      • The 'successor' group
      • The 'heir' group
      • The 'father' group
      • The 'speech' and 'letter' group
      • The 'memorial' group
      • The 'response' group
      • The 'alternative' group
      • The 'shock' group
      • The 'disgrace' group
      • The 'example' group
      • The 'pointer' group
      • The 'subjection' group
      • The 'sensitivity' and 'immunity' group
      • The 'link' group
      • The 'claim' group
      • The 'assent' group
      • The 'adherence' group
      • The 'reference' group
      • The 'drawback' group
      • The 'attractiveness' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N towards n
      • The 'hatred' group
      • The 'generosity' group
      • The 'progress' group
      • The 'road' group
      • The 'tendency' group
      • The 'contribution' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N with n
      • The 'disgust' and 'obsession' group
      • The 'popularity' group
      • The 'similarity' group
      • The 'comparison' group
      • The 'relationship' group
      • The 'merger' group
      • The 'split' group
      • The 'fight' group
      • The 'reconciliation' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'meeting' group
      • The 'conversation' group
      • The 'involvement' group
      • The 'collaboration' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'familiarity' group
      • The 'skill' group
      • The 'trouble' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • the N be that
      • The 'answer' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'result' group
      • The 'problem' group
      • The 'tragedy' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • poss N be that
      • The 'answer' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'appeal' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • the N be to-inf
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'trick' group
      • The 'plan' group
      • The 'challenge' group
      • The 'effect' group
      • The 'temptation' group
    • poss N be to-inf
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'approach' group
      • The 'duty' group
      • The 'advice' group
      • The 'response' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • the N be -ing
      • The 'trick' group
      • The 'problem' group
      • The 'part' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • poss N be -ing
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link det N that
      • The 'pity' group
      • The 'miracle' group
      • The 'fallacy' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link a adj N that
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link poss N that
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'wish' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link det N to-inf
      • The 'relief' group
      • The 'shock' group
      • The 'shame' group
      • The 'crime' group
      • The 'struggle' group
      • The 'fallacy' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link N to-inf
      • The 'folly' group
      • The 'good practice' group
      • The 'fun' group
    • it v-link poss N to-inf
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'duty' group
      • The 'custom' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'fate' group
      • The 'decision' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v N to-inf
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive use
    • it v n N to-inf
      • Productive use
    • it v-link det N -ing
      • The 'pleasure' group
      • The 'pain' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link N -ing
      • The 'fun' group
      • The 'hell' group
    • v it det N to-inf
    • v it as det N to-inf
    • there be det N about n
      • Productive use
    • there be det N in n/-ing
    • there be det N to n/-ing
      • Productive uses
    • at N
      • The 'school' group
      • The 'top' group
      • The 'controls' group
      • The 'party' group
      • The 'lunch' group
      • The 'time' group
      • The 'juncture' group
      • The 'peak' group
      • The 'price' group
      • The 'pace' group
      • The 'peace' group
      • The 'war' group
      • The 'gunpoint' group
      • The 'root' group
      • The 'request' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • by N
      • The 'car', 'air', and 'rail' groups
      • The 'mail' group
      • The 'cheque' group
      • The 'machine' group
      • The 'force' group
      • The 'ballot' group
      • The 'auction' group
      • The 'rote' group
      • The 'injection' group
      • The 'drowning' group
      • The 'chance' and 'design' group
      • The 'nature' group
      • The 'law' group
      • The 'decree' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'candlelight' group
      • The 'comparison' group
      • The 'bucketful' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • from N
      • The 'viewpoint' group
      • The 'start' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
      • Productive use
    • in N
      • The 'bewilderment' group
      • The 'despair' group
      • The 'trouble' group
      • The 'captivity', 'comfort', and 'debt' group
      • The 'conditions' group
      • The 'flames' group
      • The 'silence' group
      • The 'privacy' group
      • The 'conversation' group
      • The 'conformity' and 'contravention' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'collaboration' group
      • The 'prison' group
      • The 'front' group
      • The 'dark' group
      • The 'future' group
      • The 'flash' group
      • The 'succession' group
      • The 'degree' group
      • The 'height' group
      • The 'layers' group
      • The 'abundance' group
      • The 'form' group
      • The 'theory' and 'practice' group
      • The 'comparison' group
      • The 'jest' group
      • The 'explanation' group
      • The 'response' group
      • The 'honour' group
      • The 'whisper' group
      • The 'dialect' and 'writing' group
      • The 'opinion' group
      • The 'honesty' group
      • The 'way' group
      • The 'power' group
      • The 'hands' group
      • The 'work' group
      • The 'role' group
      • The 'condition' group
      • The 'fashion' and 'disgrace' group
      • The 'hope' group
      • The 'prospect' group
      • The 'addition' group
      • The 'flower' group
      • The 'fancy dress' group
      • The 'plait' group
      • The 'close-up' group
      • The 'attempt' group
      • The 'gear' group
      • The 'sight' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • into N
      • The 'oblivion' group
      • The 'bankruptcy' group
      • The 'crime' group
      • The 'laughter' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • of N
      • The 'importance' group
      • The 'help' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive use
    • on N
      • The 'premises' group
      • The 'top' group
      • The 'horseback' group
      • The 'data' group
      • The 'television' group
      • The 'phone' group
      • The 'list' group
      • The 'committee' group
      • The 'duty' group
      • The 'holiday' group
      • The 'bail' group
      • The 'basis' group
      • The 'request' group
      • The 'show' and 'sale' group
      • The 'standby' group
      • The 'increase' group
      • The 'rocks' group
      • The 'alert' group
      • The 'level' group
      • The 'brink' group
      • The 'track' group
      • The 'time' group
      • The 'credit' group
      • The 'pension' group
      • The 'drugs' group
      • The 'balance' group
      • The 'impulse group
      • The 'back burner' group
      • The 'edge' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • out of N
      • The 'curiosity' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'business' group
      • The 'fashion' group
      • The 'office' group
      • The 'balance' group
      • The 'coma' group
      • The 'touch' group
      • The 'position' group
      • The 'prison' group
      • The 'sight' group
      • The 'character' group
      • The 'context' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • to N
      • The 'surprise' group
      • The 'left' group
      • The 'school' group
      • The 'lunch' group
      • The 'stop' group
      • The 'bits' group
      • The 'extent' group
      • The 'specification' group
      • The 'effect' group
      • The 'sound' group
      • The 'end' group
      • The 'mind' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • under N
      • The 'attack' group
      • The 'leadership' group
      • The 'regime' group
      • The 'strain' group
      • The 'consideration' group
      • The 'construction' group
      • The 'guidelines' group
      • The 'guarantee' group
      • The 'heading' group
      • The 'pseudonym' group
      • The 'pretence' group
      • The 'misapprehension' group
      • The 'anaesthetic' group
      • The 'cover' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • with N
      • The 'amusement' group
      • The 'aplomb' group
      • The 'speed' group
      • The 'care' group
      • The 'skill' group
      • The 'smile' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'justification' group
      • The 'regard' group
      • The 'practice' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
    • within N
      • The 'months' group
      • The 'inches' group
      • The 'earshot' group
      • The 'limits' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • without N
      • The 'protest' group
      • The 'emotion' group
      • The 'hint' group
      • The 'permission' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'delay' group
      • The 'hitch' group
      • The 'warning' group
      • The 'risk' group
      • The 'merit' group
      • The 'reservation' group
      • The 'doubt' group
      • The 'justification' group
      • The 'reference' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
  • Verbs
    • Chapter 1 Simple Patterns
      • V
      • V n
      • V pl-n
      • V pron-refl
      • V amount
      • V adj
      • V -ing
      • V to-inf
      • V inf
      • V that
      • V wh
      • V wh-to-inf
      • V with quote
      • V so/not
      • V as if, V as though, V like
      • V and v
    • Chapter 2 Simple Patterns with Prepositions and Adverbs
      • V prep/adv, V adv/prep
      • V adv
      • pl-n V together
      • V prep
      • V about n
      • V across n
      • V after n
      • V against n
      • V around/round n
      • V as adj
      • V as n
      • V as to wh
      • V at n
      • V between pl-n
      • V by amount
      • V by -ing
      • V for n
      • V from n
      • V in n
      • V in favour of n
      • V into n
      • V like n
      • V of n
      • V off n
      • V on n
      • V on to n, V onto n
      • V out of n
      • V over n
      • V through n
      • V to n
      • V towards/toward n
      • V under n
      • V with n
      • Less frequent patterns
    • Chapter 3 Complex Patterns
      • V n adj
      • V n n
      • V n -ing
      • V n to-inf
      • V n inf
      • V n that
      • V n wh
      • V n wh-to-inf
      • V n with quote
      • V n -ed
    • Chapter 4 Complex Patterns with Prepositions and Adverbs
      • V n prep/adv, V n adv/prep
      • V n with adv
      • V pl-n with together
      • V way prep/adv
      • V n about n
      • V n against n
      • V n as adj
      • V n as n
      • V n as to wh
      • V n at n
      • V n between/among pl-n
      • V n by n
      • V n for n
      • V n from n
      • V n in n
      • V n into n
      • V n into -ing
      • V n of n
      • V n off n
      • V n on n
      • V n onto n, V n on to n
      • V n out of n
      • V n over n
      • V n to n
      • V n towards/toward n
      • V n with n
      • Less frequent patterns
    • Chapter 5 Link Verbs
      • Link verb meanings
      • Prepositional link verbs
      • Link verb patterns
    • Chapter 6 Reciprocal Verbs
      • Pattern combinations
    • Chapter 7 Ergative Verbs
      • Combination of patterns with ergative verbs
      • What the patterns indicate
      • (i) 'Doer' and 'causer' are both animate
      • (ii) 'Doer' is inanimate, 'causer' is inanimate
      • (iii) 'Causer' is inanimate, 'doer' may be animate or inanimate, depending on the verb
      • Patterns with reflexive pronouns
      • Ergative verbs and the passive
      • Actual and potential events
      • Ergative link verbs
      • About this chapter
      • Pattern combinations
      • Pattern combination 1: V; V n
      • Pattern combination 2: V prep/adv; V n prep/adv
      • Pattern combination 3: V adj; V n adj
      • Pattern combination 4: V as adj; V n as adj
      • Pattern combination 5: V to-inf; V n to-inf
      • Pattern combination 6: V ord prep; V n ord prep
      • Pattern combination 7: V prep/adv; V n; V n prep/adv
      • Pattern combination 8: V prep/adv; V n
      • Pattern combination 9: V adv; V n
      • Pattern combination 10: V adj; V n
    • Chapter 8 Ergative Reciprocal Verbs
      • Pattern combinations
    • Chapter 9 Verb Patterns with it
      • Introductory it as Subject
      • Introductory it as Object
      • General it as Subject
      • General it as Object
    • Chapter 10 Patterns with there
      • Pattern I: there V n
      • Pattern II: there V n prep/adv
    • Chapter 11 Auxiliaries, Modals, and Phrasal Modals
      • Auxiliaries
      • Modals
      • Phrasal modals
    • Chapter 12 Combinations of Patterns
      • V; V n
      • V about n; V at n
      • V about n; V at n; V with quote
      • V about n; V n about n
      • V about n; V on n
      • V about n; V on n; V over n
      • V about n; V over n
      • V about n; V over n; V that
      • V about n; V that
      • V about n; V that; V with quote
      • V about n; V wh; V wh-to-inf
      • V about n; V with quote
      • V against n; V for n
      • V against n; V for n; V in favour of n
      • V against n; V in favour of n
      • V against n; V n against n
      • V against n; V that
      • V against n; V to-inf
      • V against n; V with quote
      • V as n; V for n
      • V as n; V n as n
      • V at n; V n at n
      • V at n; V over n
      • V at n; V that
      • V at n; V that; V with quote
      • V at n; V to n
      • V at n; V with n
      • V at n; V with quote
      • V between pl-n; V from n or V from n to n
      • V by -ing; V n by -ing
      • V for n; V n for n
      • V for n; V that
      • V for n; V that; V to-inf
      • V for n; V to-inf
      • V for n; V with quote
      • V from n or V from n into n; V into n
      • V from n; V n from n
      • V from n or V from n to n; V to n
      • V -ing; V n -ing
      • V -ing; V that
      • V -ing; V to-inf
      • V -ing; V with n
      • V in n; V n in n
      • V in n; V on n
      • V into n; V n into n
      • V into n; V out of n
      • V into n; V to n
      • V n about n; V n on n
      • V n about n; V n that
      • V n about n; V n wh; V n wh-to-inf
      • V n about n; V with quote
      • V n adj; V n as adj
      • V n adj; V n as adj; V n as n
      • V n adj; V n as adj; V n as n; V n n
      • V n adj; V n as n; V n n
      • V n adj; V n n
      • V n as adj; V n as n
      • V n as adj; V n as n; V n n
      • V n as n; V n for n
      • V n as n; V n -ing
      • V n as n; V n n
      • V n at n
      • V n for n; V n n
      • V n for n; V n to-inf
      • V n from n or V n from n into n; V n into n
      • V n from n; V n out of n
      • V n from n or V n from n to n; V n to n
      • V n inf; V n -ing
      • V n -ing
      • V n in n; V n into n
      • V n in n; V n on n
      • V n into -ing; V n into n
      • V n into -ing; V n into n; V n to-inf
      • V n into -ing; V n to-inf
      • V n into n; V n out of n
      • V n into n; V n to-inf
      • V n into n; V n to n
      • V n n; V n to n
      • V n on n; V on n
      • V n out of n
      • V n that; V n to-inf
      • V n that; V n wh
      • V n that; V n with quote
      • V n that; V that
      • V n to-inf; V n with quote
      • V n to-inf; V n with quote; V with quote
      • V n to-inf; V that
      • V n to-inf; V that; V with quote
      • V n to-inf; V to-inf
      • V n to-inf; V with quote
      • V n to n; V n with n
      • V n to n; V n with together
      • V n to n; V to n
      • V n to n; V that
      • V n to n; V with quote
      • V n wh; V n wh-to-inf
      • V n wh; V n with quote
      • V n wh-to-inf
      • V n with n; V with n
      • V n with quote; V that; V with quote
      • V n with quote; V with quote
      • V on n; V over n
      • V on n; V that
      • V on n; V that; V with quote
      • V on n; V to-inf
      • V on n; V with quote
      • V out of n
      • V over n; V with quote
      • V that; V to-inf
      • V that; V to-inf; V with quote
      • V that; V to n
      • V that; V to n; V with quote
      • V that; V wh
      • V that; V wh; V with quote
      • V that; V with n; V with quote
      • V that; V with quote
      • V to-inf; V with quote
      • V to n; V with n
      • V to n; V with quote
      • V wh; V wh-to-inf
      • V wh; V with quote
      • V wh-to-inf
      • V with n; V with quote
      • V with quote
Latest Word Submissions
POC [meaning] Feb 22, 2019
hyperandrogenism Feb 18, 2019
snack [sense] Feb 18, 2019
hawaji Feb 18, 2019
multipen Feb 18, 2019
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