PRE-INTERMEDIATE Test 16

Use going to for a plan you made before now. The speaker already bought the food, so the plan exists: I am going to cook. Not will cook, because will is for a decision made at the moment of speaking.

The speaker already has a place at university, so this is a fixed plan. Use going to: I am going to study. Not will study, because will is for a decision made now.

Use will for a prediction or a belief about the future: He will help you (I'm sure he will).

The speaker decides at the moment of speaking, so we use will: I will buy some champagne! Not am going to buy, because that is for a plan made before.

The old clothes show the plan was made before, so we use going to: I am going to cut the grass.

Use for with a length of time (for many years) and since with a starting point (since 1988).

Never means 'not at any time' and fits a positive verb: I have never loved anyone… Not ever, because it is used in questions and negatives.

Use for with a period of time: for two years. Use ever in questions: Have you ever met him?

Since + a starting point: since we went to school together. Never = not at any time: I’ve never met his parents.

Use should to give advice, often after I think: I think you should get it cut. Not have to, because that is for rules and obligations, not advice.

Smoking is bad for this person, so we give negative advice with shouldn’t: You shouldn’t smoke.

Have to shows something is necessary: I have to be up early tomorrow, so I'm going to bed now.

We use must for a strong, friendly suggestion: You must invite him round (I really want you to). Not mustn’t, which means it is not allowed.

Have to shows something is necessary: I have to tell my parents where I am, so they don't worry. Not don’t have to, because that means it isn't necessary.

Don’t have to means it is not necessary: You don’t have to come if you don't want to. Not shouldn’t, which is advice not to do it.

The train leaves in two minutes, so hurrying is necessary: We must hurry. Not mustn’t, which means it is not allowed.

Use should to give advice: you should go to the library. Not have to, because going there is a good idea, not a rule.

Don’t have to = it isn't necessary. With a ticket, you don’t have to queue; you can go straight in.

Telling lies is wrong, so we give negative advice with shouldn’t: You shouldn’t tell lies.

I think + should is used for advice: I think he should take it easy (relax more).

The room is a mess, so the speaker feels it is necessary to clean it: I must clean it. Not don’t have to, which means it isn't necessary.

Use should to recommend something: You should go there, because the restaurant is wonderful. Not shouldn't, which is advice not to go.

The racquet was expensive, so the speaker gives a strong rule with must: you must look after it very well. Not don’t have to, which means it isn't necessary.

The speaker feels it is necessary to buy a present: I must buy her a present. Not mustn’t, which means it is not allowed.

Use the present perfect for her life so far with no time given: has written a lot of books. Use the past simple with a finished time: wrote her first in 1978. Not wrote / wrote, because the first gap has no finished time.