The Communicative Grammar of English Workbook - Edward Woods, Rudy Coppieters 2002

6.4. Adjective patterns
Unit six. Adjectives

Sections 436-438

Adjectives can have different types of complement, such as

• a prepositional phrase: I feel very sorry for her

• a that-clause: Everybody’s pleased that she is making such good progress

• a to-infinitive: I’m glad to hear she is recovering.

Task one **

Complete the following sentences, adding the appropriate prepositions.

1. Most of Europe is still dependent ... oil from the Middle East.

2. More and more women are financially independent ... their husbands.

3. The starving stowaway was impatient ... his first meal in five days.

4. Teachers are very impatient ... students who don’t understand the basics of mathematics.

5. Kenneth has been deeply involved ... a younger colleague for some time.

6. Several companies are involved ... producing the Airbus.

7. Even in the face of adversity most of the aid workers remained ... true their ideals.

8. What you were saying about Germany is also true ... Austria.

9. General Swordfish was furious ... his chief-of-staff because of his improper behaviour.

10. Karen was furious ... being told she might be sacked.

11. Some emancipated men are still not very keen ... cooking.

12. People eager ... a quick cure are likely to be disappointed.

Task two **

Expand each of the following sentences by adding an introductory clause such as I am/was + adjective or it is/was + adjective, using an adjective related to the noun or verb in brackets. In some cases both patterns are possible, as in

The watch continued to work without any problems. (amaze)

→ (a) I was amazed that the watch continued to work without any problems.

(b) It was amazing that the watch continued / should continue to work without any problems.

1. So many people are using drugs these days. (shock)

2. The government should form a Royal Commission. (essence)

3. You are offering me this unique opportunity. (gratitude)

4. I had helped in the attempt to fight poverty. (pride)

5. We have not learned any lessons from this bloody conflict. (shame)

6. Titanic beat Star Wars at the box office. (outrage)

7. The scheme will be very successful. (confidence)

8. Mr Welsh offers useful advice on how to deal with the war on drugs. (no surprise)

9. Peter tried to deny the gravity of the problem. (alarm)

10. I was watching another movie altogether. (convince)

11. We should move forward in positive and productive ways. (evidence)

12. I will begin to get some real answers at last. (hope)