English Conversation

120 Practice Makes Perfect English Conversation

It can mean excessively.

She is way too thin. I’m afraid she’s anorexic.

It can mean so extreme that there is a negative result.

He has too much free time. He gets into trouble.

She’s too nice. It creeps me out.

In front of

In front of indicates the location of something in relation to something else. It can mean facing

something else.

The teacher sat in a chair in front of her students and read them a story.

It can mean ahead of, facing in the same direction as, something else.

There were three cars in front of mine, waiting for the light.

I had to stand in line, and there were a lot of people in front of me.

It can mean within someone’s eyesight, facing in any direction.

There is a car parked on the street in front of your house.

11 · 1

EXERCISE

Fill in each blank with the word or expression (e.g., first, next, then, finally, etc.) that best

emphasizes the chronological order of the following sentences.

1. a. , I walked into the classroom. b. I sat
   down. c. , I opened my book and started to study.
   d. , the teacher came in and gave us the test.


2. It was a wonderful day. a. , I had breakfast in bed.
   b.. I took a long shower and got dressed.
   c. , my boyfriend came over and took me downtown. We went to
   two museums and d. did some shopping.
   e. , he brought me back home. f. ,
   when I walked in the door, all my friends and family were there to give me a surprise
   birthday party!

11 · 2

EXERCISE

Circle the word or expression that most appropriately completes each sentence.

1. After five years of studying, he got his degree.
   a. just like that c. finally
   b. suddenly d. after that


2. It’s been dry all summer long, and now, it’s pouring down rain.
   a. thank goodness c. the bottom line is
   b. before you know it d. to top it all off