Let's English

Cause and Reason Owing  to the icy conditions, the two lorries collided. The collision was due to the icy conditions. The collision was caused by   ice on the road. The cause of   the collision was ice on the road. The rise in prices sparked off  a lot of political protest. The President's statement gave rise to/ provoked/ generated a lot of criticism. The new law has brought about/ led to   great changes in education. This problem stems from the inflation of recent years. The court-case arose out of   allegations made in a newspaper. 1. Try to guess the meaning of the previous linking words. Reasons for and purposes of doing things Her reason for   not going with us was that she had no money. I wonder what his motives  were in   sending that letter? I wonder what prompted him to send that letter? She wrote t the press with the aim of exposing the scandal. I've invited you h...

Similarities Peter is similar to his brother in many ways. Peter and his brother are very similar . Peter and his brother are quite alike. Maria and Rebecca both passed their exams. But neither  wants to go to university. The two boys have a lot in common . Differences His early films are different from  his later ones. Paula is quite unlike  her sister. They have nothing in common. Using 'compare' We want to compare  the prices of all the televisions before we decide which one to buy. They made a comparison of   average salaries in different parts of the country. Our new flat is very big compare with/to  our old one. If you compare this one with  the others, I'm sure you'll see a difference. Exceptions It snowed everywhere except  on the west coast. The two girls are very similar except that Louise has slightly longer hair. The museum is open every day except for Sundays. Everyone heard the fire ...

One thing before another Before I went to work I fed the cat. I had written to her prior  to meeting the committee. It was nice to be in Venice. Previously  I'd only been to Rome. I was in the office from 2.30. I was out earlier on/ before then. The city is now called Thatcherville. Formerly  it was Grabtown. Things happening at the same time While I waited, I read the newspaper. As I was driving to work, I saw an accident. I saw her just as she was turning the corner. During  the war, I lived in Dublin. Throughout the war, food was rationed. She was entering at the very time/ at the vey moment  I was leaving. One thing after another After I'd locked up, I went to bed. We went to the castle. Then we caught a bus to the beach. First we went to the theatre. After that, we had a meal. He fell ill and was admitted to hospital. He died soon afterwards. Following  my visit to Pekin, I bought lots of books about China. ...

Addition The food is excellent and very good value. The food is usually very good. Furthermore , it is one of the cheapest restaurants in town. The set meni is $10, which is excellent value. In addition , you get a free glass of wine. The restaurant has a reputation for excellent food. It's also  very good value. The food is excellent in that restaurant. It's very good, value as well . You get very good food in that place. What's more, it's excellent value. Contrast She still won the game although/ though/ even though  she had a bad knee. They still went for a walk in spite of the fact that  it was pouring with rain. The service is worse despite the fact that  they have more staff. Although  she had a bad knee, she still won the game. It is very common to use still  in these sentences to emphasise the surprse. John is very careful whereas  Christopher makes lots of mistakes. I don't agree with a lot of his methods. Howev...