Softening negative statements
Outdoor events are more unpredictable than indoor ones (quite).
To soften the negative: correctly incorporate the word "quite," turn the verb into its negative form, and turn the adjective into its positive form.
Outdoor events aren't quite as predictable as indoor ones.
If you need to use a car this week, you can borrow mine. (should)
Invert the conditional by incorporating the word "should."
Should you need to...
Liam started on his presentation weeks before the conference because he didn't want to work under pressure. (avoid)
Rewrite the words in italics using the words in brackets.
to avoid working under pressure.
I was about to pay for the shopping when it suddently d______ ___ me that I'd left my wallet at home.
dawned on
I need to g__ t_____ __ my son and make him see drugs are not the answer!
get through to
The speaker got negative feedback, didn't he? (such)
To soften the negative: correctly incorporate the word "such," turn the verb into its negative form, and turn the adjective into its positive form.
The speaker didn't get such positive feedback, did he?
If I'd been late for the late, it would have ruined my holiday.
Invert the conditional.
Had I been late...
I often break tasks into smaller parts because it makes work seem more manageable. (order)
Rewrite the words in italics using the words in brackets.
in order to make work seem more manageable
If you want a real relationship, stop o________ the women you want to date.
objectifying
I've been trying to solve this problem all week, but I still haven't _______ it.
cracked
I heard the caterers were unfriendly. (especially)
To soften the negative: correctly incorporate the word "especially," turn the verb into its negative form, and turn the adjective into its positive form.
I heard the caterers weren't especially friendly.
If you applied for the job, I'm sure you wouldn't be sorry.
Invert the conditional.
Were you to apply for the job...
Helena switches off her phone when she's writing because she needs to concentrate. (in order that)
Rewrite the words in italics using the words in brackets.
in order that she can concentrate
Amy had a _____ that something was wrong when her sister called in the middle of the day.
hunch
S_____ ____ me and I'll make you a millionaire!
Stick with
The atmosphere was cold. (particularly)
To soften the negative: correctly incorporate the word "particularly," turn the verb into its negative form, and turn the adjective into its positive form.
The atmosphere wasn't particularly warm.
If you need help with the application, please ask. (should)
Invert the conditional by incorporating the word "should."
Should you need help...
I'd like to change some of my work habits because I want to work more efficiently. (so that)
Rewrite the words in italics using the words in brackets.
so that I work more efficiently.
I would love to t____ money ___ __ ___ e______, but I don't have infinite funds for the wedding.
take money out of the equation
You should talk to the bank to c____ __ the problem with your account.
clear up
I thought the speaker was boring, actually. (that)
To soften the negative: correctly incorporate the word "that," turn the verb into its negative form, and turn the adjective into its positive form.
I thought the speaker wasn't that interesting, actually.
You wouldn't have met Olga if you hadn't joined the book club.
Invert the conditional.
Had you not joined the book club, you wouldn't have...
I used to avoid responsibility because I didn't want to make mistakes. (so as)
Rewrite the words in italics using the words in brackets.
so as not to make mistakes
One modern-day example of innovation through the a______ p_______ is the creation of YouTube.
adjacent possible (the set of possibilities available individuals, communities, institutions, organisms, productive processes, etc. at a given point in time during their evolution)
I'm not sure what's causing the problem, but I'm determined to g__ __ ___ b_____ __ it.
get to the bottom of it