Fixed expressions: with adjectives

The following are common fixed expressions used with adjectives.

1. The + cardinal number + Noun + to V_inf

The + cardinal number + w/wo Noun + to Vinf

e.g – Whenever we launch a new product, you will be the first person to know.

e.g – Mary will be the last person to be evacuated from the island.

e.g – Aung Aung is the fourth person in his family to join the military service in the same year.

 

2. One of + the + superlative adjective + Noun (plural)

one of + the + superlative adjective + Noun (plural)

e.g - Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the most respected democracy advocates in the world.

e.g – I think she has to make one of the hardest decisions in her life.

Fixed expressions: Purpose

The following are fixed expressions used to express purpose.

The purpose of/ the objective of/ the aim of/ the intention of + to + V_inf (V_inf = infinitive verb)

The purpose of/ the objective of + Purpose (noun) + Vbe + to + Vinf

e.g – The purpose of current study is to evaluate the effect of late marriage on child’s education.

Fixed expressions: Reason and Result

The following are fixed expressions used to express “reason and result” and “cause and effect”.

Because, since and as

Result (clause) + because/since/as Reason (clause)

e.g – I went home early today because I was feeling a bit tired.

Because/since/as Reason (clause), Result (clause)

e.g Since I came back late last night, my wife was angry.

e.g. – As two heavy trucks spilled 20 tons of carbolic acid into a river that supplies drinking water, customers are stocking cartons of bottled mineral water on Monday in a supermarket in Hangzhou. (Source: International Herald Tribune article)

Because of/ due to / owing to

Because of / due to / owing to + Reason (noun), Result (clause)

e.g. Because of world economic crisis, there are few chances for foreigners to get a job in Singapore.

So or so that (in one sentence)

Reason/Cause (clause) + so (/that) + Result/Effect (clause)

e.g Please provide us the necessary information so we can work out the quotation.

Therefore, as a result (separate sentences)

Reason/Cause (sentence). Therefore, as a result, consequently, accordingly, Result (sentence).

e.g – World economic crisis also hits Singapore. As a result, Singapore industries have to cut employment. Consequently, it is very hard for a foreigner to get a job in Singapore.

Compiled

by

Ko Khaing Zaw Lin

Source (English Vocabulary in Use: Pre-intermediate Level)