Fill in the blank spaces with the appropriate form of the word in brackets

1. He has been able to clear himself of the … of dishonesty (accuse).

2. He may have made an … but it is far from being a sincere one (apologize).

3. He has eight children, each of whom, he claims, is more … than the other seven (trouble).

4. A lot of money is not always a … to the person who has it (bless).

5. Anyone working abroad has to pay a lot for the … of his goods to and from home (carry).

6. He blamed his … to pass the test on his nervousness (fail).

7. The three-week strike of the workmen has been a … to the completion of the bridge (hinder).

8. The … of the word ‘a’ changes the meaning completely (omit).

9. She takes a certain … in never asking her neighbours for help (proud).

10. He had no … of ideas but he could not express them clearly (scare).

11. The plan to build a new bridge has not yet been given the Government’s … (approve).

12. The violent storm caused the … of several houses (destroy).

13. That rule is not … in this case (apply).

14. The teacher punished the child for … (obey).

15. That’s a … statement, you can’t prove it (contest).

16. There is a slight … in his words (ambiguous).

17. George is in prison for tax … (evade).

4. Look at the expressions in bold in these sentences. Is mind a verb or a noun in each one?

1. Have a good trip. Mind how you go on the roads, they’re terrible at this time of day.

2. They pay really well. Mind you, they can afford it.

3. Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out somehow. Something will come to mind.

4. What annoys me about him is the fact that he keeps changing his mind all the time.

5. Stop wasting time, make up your mind!

6. Never mind! I’m sure you’ll do much better next time.

7. Do you mind if I open the window?

8. Don’t worry about what other people think, just speak your mind!

9. Bear in mind that you’re not as young as you used to be!