Monday, October 27, 2008

Phrasal verb and words from background reading

contribution (n) : something that you give or do together with others; the act of giving your share.

potential (adj) : (only before a noun) that may possibly become sth, happen,be used,etc.

sustainable (adj) : capable of continuing for a long time at the same level.
:using methods that do not harm the environment.

modify (v) : to change sth slightly.

figure out (v) : to be able to understand sth or to solve a problem..

rely on (v) : to trust someone or sth to do sth for you.
: to need sth in order to continue living , existing ,or operating

Relative clauses

There are two types of relative clause.

Type 1: Defining

Tells you which person or thing (or what kind of person or thing) the speaker means:

  • The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
  • Barbara works for a company that makes furniture.
  • We stayed at the hotel (that) you recommended.

Don't use commas (,)

Type 2: Non-defining

The relative clauses do not tell you which person or thing the speaker means. We already know which thing or person is meant.

  • My brother Rob, who lives in Australia, is a doctor.
  • Colin told me about his new job, which he's enjoying very much.
  • We stayed at the Park Hotel, which a friend of ours recommended.

Use commas (,)

In both types of relative clause we use who for people and which for things. except;

Type 1: can use that:

  • Do you know anyone who/that speaks French and Italian?
  • Barbara works for a company which/that makes furniture.

can leave out who/which/that when it is the object.

  • We stayed at the hotel (that/which) you recommended.

Type 2: cannot use that:

  • John, who (not that) speaks French and Italian works as a tourist guide.
  • Colin told me about his new job, which (not that) he's enjoying very much.

cannot leave out who or which:

  • We stayed at the Park Hotel, which a friend of ours recommended.

There are some mistake that I make below:

There was a strike at the car factory. It began ten days ago. It is now over.

  • The strike at the car factory, which (that) began ten days ago, is now over.

The new stadium will be opened next month. (It can hold 90,000 people.)

  • The new stadium, which (where) can hold 90,000 people,will be opened next month.