1 Special Structures Based on “Grammar in Focus” (ECB) Presented by Irena Tseitlin

2 The Causative She has her groceries delivered.( She asks someone to bring them to her home) Suzie had her car repaired by a mechanic. (Suzie asked a mechanic to repair her car.) David got his eyes tested (He asked the optician to test his eyes. I can’t visit you tomorrow. I’m having my hair cut at 3 pm. Have / Get something done The causative form is used when we cause or arrange for someone else to do something for us. It has a passive meaning.

3 Had better + Base We use this structure in the following cases: We had better leave while it’s still light outside. You had better see a doctor. You’d better take care of that cut on your hand. The wise or correct thing to do Advice Warning of bad consequences Negative: had better + not + base

4 Would rather 1. I would rather go by taxi. She’d rather not go by taxi. 2. I would rather you went by taxi. (my preference for someone else: change of subject from I to you) They would rather you didn’t go by taxi. 3. I would rather you hadn’t sent those flowers. ( past event ) 4. I’d rather stay home than go out for dinner. Would rather expresses preference. When it is followed by the base form, it has a present or future meaning. If we use would rather to say what we want someone else to do (a change of subject), it is followed by a past tense, but the meaning is still present or future. When we refer to past events, we use the Past Perfect after would rather. When we show preference for one thing over another, we use the structure: would rather +base… than + base.

5 It ’ s time It’s time to go now. (Infinitive) It’s time for us to go. (pronoun +infinitive) It’s time we went. (change of subject requires past tense) It’s about time we left. It’s high time we left. It’s time has a present or future meaning and refers to something that hasn’t happened yet, but should be done soon. These two expressions are used particularly for stress or to emphasize that something should already have been done or should be done immediately before it is too late. They are commonly used for criticisms or complaints.

6 The Subjunctive (Part I) Verbs followed by a subjunctive: The subjunctive refers to a special group of verb forms which we use to talk about wishes, hopes, doubts, desires or actions which we want to happen. Such sentences often stress how important something is. The boss insists that we be here early tomorrow. His doctor suggested that he remain in bed for a week. I recommend that she not go to the concert. He requested that the child be named after his grandfather. advise (that), ask (that), command (that), demand (that), insist (that), propose (that), recommend (that), request (that), suggest (that). We use the subjunctive form with these verbs only when they are followed by a “new sentence” (shown by a change of subject)

7 Part II. Phrases followed by a subjunctive A list of common phrases with that followed by a subjunctive: The subjunctive form is used only if these phrases are followed by a sentence. In other cases, they are followed by regular structures. E.g. It is essential to give our soldiers support and encouragement. It is essential that our soldiers receive the support and encouragement. It is important that he sign the will in front of a witness. It is desirable (that) It is essential (that) It is imperative (that) It is important (that) It is necessary (that) It is vital (that) Certain phrases containing adjectives can also be followed by a sentence with the subjunctive. The phrases generally stress the importance of something, and are used for emphasis.