B205 Modal verbs-Tom’s decision

without — not having something; not using something

1. I can’t work without my glasses.2. She left the house without her phone.3. We walked in the rain without an umbrella.4. He finished the job without help.5. Life is hard without friends.

through — going from one side to the other; moving inside something

1. We walked through the park.2. Light came through the window.3. The dog ran through the open gate.4. She read through the whole book.5. Water flowed through the pipes.

might — maybe; something is possible (see also “May” below)

1. It might rain later.2. He might come to the party.3. You might want to bring a coat.4. She might be busy today.5. This might help you understand.

while — during the time something else happens

1. I listened to music while cooking.2. She smiled while reading the letter.3. He fell asleep while watching TV.4. They talked while walking.5. Please wait while I check.

though — but; even if something is true

1. It was cold, though sunny.2. She went out, though she was tired.3. He tried hard, though he failed.4. Though it was late, they kept talking.5. Though small, the room felt warm.

ever — at any time; in your life

1. Have you ever been to Canada?2. This is the best meal I have ever had.3. No one ever told me that.4. He hardly ever wakes up early.5. If you ever need help, call me.

among — in the middle of; with a group

1. The cat hid among the trees.2. She lived among kind people.3. There was one blue flower among the red ones.4. He stood among his friends.5. The truth was lost among many lies.

quite — very; more than a little

1. The movie was quite good.2. She was quite tired after work.3. It is quite cold outside.4. He is quite friendly.5. The test was quite easy.

whose — shows who something belongs to

1. She met a boy whose dog was lost.2. I saw a car whose door was open.3. This is the man whose watch you found.4. The girl whose book I borrowed is kind.5. Do you know whose jacket this is?

rather — to a certain degree; more exactly

1. It’s rather cold today.2. He was rather upset by the news.3. The movie was rather long.4. I would rather stay home tonight.5. She is rather good at drawing.

till — until; up to a time

1. Wait here till I return.2. The store is open till 9 p.m.3. I will stay till the rain stops.4. He worked till midnight.5. Don’t leave till we finish.

matter — a problem or thing to think about

1. This is a small matter.2. What’s the matter with your hand?3. Money is not the main matter here.4. It doesn’t matter to me.5. The matter was solved quickly.

thus — for this reason; in this way

1. It rained all night; thus, the road is wet.2. She studied hard, and thus passed the test.3. He was late; thus he missed the bus.4. The door was open; thus the dog escaped.5. The plan failed; thus we must try again.

least — the smallest amount or level

1. This is the least expensive option.2. She had the least time of all.3. At least tell me the truth.4. He spoke the least in the group.5. It will take at least an hour.

either — one or the other of two things

1. You can take either road.2. I don’t like either option.3. Choose either this book or that one.4. Either answer is fine.5. I will go either today or tomorrow.

therefore — for that reason

1. It snowed all day; therefore, school closed.2. He was sick; therefore, he stayed home.3. The car broke down; therefore, we walked.4. She studied well; therefore, she passed.5. The store is far; therefore, we need a car.

whether — if; used when choosing between two things

1. I don’t know whether he will come.2. Tell me whether you agree.3. She asked whether the bus was late.4. I can’t decide whether to stay or leave.5. Let’s see whether this works.

manner — the way someone acts or behaves

1. She spoke in a calm manner.2. His manner shows he is kind.3. The child has good manners.4. He left in a strange manner.5. I don’t like the manner he talks in.

replied — answered; said something back

1. She replied to my question.2. He replied with a smile.3. “Yes,” she replied softly.4. No one replied to the message.5. The teacher replied quickly.

forth — forward; out into the open

1. He stepped forth to speak.2. The truth came forth at last.3. Flowers came forth in spring.4. She brought forth a new idea.5. He went forth to explore.

towards — in the direction of something

1. She walked towards the door.2. The dog ran towards me.3. He moved towards the river.4. They drove towards the city.5. The bird flew towards the sky.

sense — understanding or feeling about something

1. This idea makes sense.2. She has a strong sense of duty.3. I got a sense that he was upset.4. He has no sense of danger.5. The story gives a sense of hope.

character — what a person is like inside

1. She has a strong character.2. His character is honest and kind.3. Hard times build character.4. That girl is a funny character.5. The story’s main character is brave.

sight — something you see; vision

1. The mountains were a beautiful sight.2. He lost sight of the dog.3. The bird was a rare sight.4. She cried at the sight of the letter.5. Snow in summer is a strange sight.

else — other; different

1. Do you want anything else?2. Someone else took the book.3. Look somewhere else.4. What else can we do?5. Nothing else matters.

ought — should; the right thing to do

1. You ought to rest more.2. He ought to tell the truth.3. We ought to help him.4. She ought to study tonight.5. They ought to be careful.