Differences in Grammatical Usage and Structure

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§ Practical English Usage Michael Swan

Differences in Grammatical Usage & Structure

1-That's certainly a plain-clothes policeman. (I know that's a plain-clothes policeman.)

2-Surely that's a plain-clothes policeman. (That really seems to be a plain-clothes policeman. How surprising!)

a) I always used to be afraid of dogs. (informal)

b) I used always to be afraid of dogs. (formal)

1-Will you open the window? (an order)

2-Do you want to open the window? (a question about somebody's wishes)

a) She won't tell anybody. (She refuses to tell anybody.)

b) She doesn't want to tell anybody. (She prefers not to tell anybody.)

1- I wish you wouldn't drive so fast. (Please don't drive so fast.)

2- I wish you didn't drive so fast. (I'm sorry you drive so fast.)

a) I wish you wouldn't work on Sundays. (Why don't you stop?)

b) I wish you didn't work on Sundays. (It's a pity!)

1-Come and see us quickly. (Hurry – make the arrangements fast)

2-Come and see us soon. (Come and see us before long)

a) You're very late. (giving information)

b) You're so late. (referring to information which is already known)

Compiled by

Mr El-Sayed A.S. El-Rifaee

Teacher of English Language

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