The Indefinite Tenses

Exercise 1. Translate the following sentences into Russian. Make them negative and interrogative.

1. These workers are usually paid monthly. 2. This city was heavily bombed in the war. 3. The new computer system will be installed soon. 4. He was interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. 5. Each candidate is questioned in turn. 6. The work will be finished not later than on Friday. 7. The music could be heard far away. 8. Finally his name was called and the boy was pushed forward to the bar. 9. The goods must be examined today. 10. The children are taken good care of at home. 11. This proposal will be thought over next week. 12. The boat was soon lost sight of.

Exercise 2. Ask questions indicated in the brackets.

1. Such equipment is sold in special shops. (in what shops?) 2. These files must be returned in two hours. (when?) 3. This picture gallery was destroyed by the fire. (how?) 4. The money will be spent on medicine. (on what?) 5. Pictures are sold well nowadays. (how?) 6. Two days later the operation was performed. (when?) 7. He will never be allowed into their house again. (where?) 8. This work can be done in two days. (in how many days?) 9. Each apartment is usually shared by two or three girls. (by how many girls?) 10. The telegram must be dictated to the secretary. (whom?)

 

Exercise 3. Make the sentences passive.

 

1. Bees gather honey from the flowers. 2. We received this letter after his departure. 3. They will throw him into prison. 4. One can’t learn a foreign language in a few weeks. 5. She is a rude child. Her mother must teach her good manners. 6. We sent him for the doctor. (two variants) 7. At last they agreed upon the plan. 8. He always refers to this article. 9. We shall insist upon strict discipline. 10. You can rely on him. 11. The doctor ordered her a long rest. (two variants)

Exercise 4. Make the sentences active. Invent the subject where necessary.

 

1. I am often told about it. 2. Spartan children were taught by their parents to endure all hardships. 3. This article will be translated by your brother. 4. The letter must be found today. 5. His speech is spoken much about. 6. She was looked at with surprise. 7. The piano can’t be repaired at the moment. 8. She will be instructed carefully beforehand. 9. A new rule was explained to the students. 10. Such an important thing should be commented on.

 

Exercise 5. Open the brackets using the verb in passive.

 

1. On the 24th of February, 1848, Louis Philippe (drive) out of Paris, and the French Republic (proclaim). 2. The muscles (strengthen) by exercise and the body then (keep) in good condition. 3. Don't worry about her. She (meet) by her friends as soon as she arrives. 4. Whom these exercises (show) when they (copy) by the pupils? 5. Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since this book first (publish). 6. Tim studies hard. He hopes he (give) the highest grades this semester. 7. This quotation often (refer to) by the philosophers. 8. Dictionaries (may not use) at the examination. 9. The work (can do) tomorrow. 10. She looked a different girl. Her face (wash), her hair (comb). All traces of tears (remove). 11. Traffic rules (must follow). 12. The contract (sign) the next day.

 

Exercise 6. Make up sentences using the models.

 

Model 1: Luggage is always examined by the customs officers.

Use the following verbs: to drive, to play, to hear, to produce, to sell, to drink, to speak, to teach

Model 2: The theatre was built last year.

Use the following verbs: to do, to find, to write, to learn, to translate, to discuss, to finish, to use, to give back

Model 3: He will be told to come at three.

Use the following verbs: to grant a loan, to give a lot of work to do, to show the way to..., to ask to bring..., to advise to learn

Model 4: The question must be discussed at once.

Use the following verbs: to meet, to speak, to find, to send (for), to do, to translate into, to ask, to sweep, to return, to leave

Model 5: The doctor was sent for.

Use the following verbs: to talk about, to agree upon, to arrive at, to comment upon, to depend on, to dispose of, to interfere with, to laugh at, to provide for, to take care of

Exercise 7. Translate the following sentences paying attention to the passive voice.

1. Эти вопросы обычно обсуждаются после работы. 2. Меня попросили помочь ему закончить эту работу. 3. Этот дом скоро построят. 4. Письма и газеты не приносят каждый день. 5. За доктором никого не послали. 6. Их не пригласят на ужин. 7. Тебе предлагают другую должность? 8. Эта книга была переведена на английский язык два года тому назад? 9. Когда мне покажут все, что я хочу посмотреть? 10. Ему могут дать эти журналы в понедельник утром. 11. Его надо сейчас же найти. 12. Об этом фильме будут много говорить.

13. Лекции Петрова слушают с интересом. 14. Детям велели быть дома в восемь часов. 15. Кем была написана эта статья?