ONE WORD OR TWO? EXERCISE 1/EFL (B1/B2)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)Many common English expressions can be written as one word or two, depending on their function. Getting this wrong is one of the most frequent vocabulary mistakes in writing. Exercise 1 of 3.
Concept review
In each pair below, the one-word version is usually a fixed adverb or pronoun with its own specific meaning, while the two-word version is just the individual words doing their normal jobs.
• apart (separated) vs. a part (a portion of something)
• altogether (completely) vs. all together (as a group, in one place)
• anyone (any person) vs. any one (one specific item out of a group)
• away (not present, at a distance) vs. a way (a method or manner)
• already (by this time) vs. all ready (everyone or everything is prepared)
Quick test: try slipping another word into the middle of the two-word version. If it still makes sense, you need two words: "a small part," "any particular one." If nothing can go in between, it's one fixed word.
• apart (separated) vs. a part (a portion of something)
• altogether (completely) vs. all together (as a group, in one place)
• anyone (any person) vs. any one (one specific item out of a group)
• away (not present, at a distance) vs. a way (a method or manner)
• already (by this time) vs. all ready (everyone or everything is prepared)
Quick test: try slipping another word into the middle of the two-word version. If it still makes sense, you need two words: "a small part," "any particular one." If nothing can go in between, it's one fixed word.
Choose the correct response to complete each of the following sentences.
1. They used to live together, but now they live ____________.
Correct answer: apart
2. I gave him ____________ of my inheritance.
Correct answer: a part
3. That is an ____________ different problem.
Correct answer: altogether
4. They were sitting ____________ in the living room.
Correct answer: all together
5. I wouldn't be able to single out ____________ song of theirs that I like best.
Correct answer: any one
6. I don't see ____________ here that I know.
Correct answer: anyone
7. He spoke to me in ____________ that made me feel very special.
Correct answer: a way
8. He will be ____________ for the next two weeks.
Correct answer: away
9. I'm ____________ tired.
Correct answer: already
10. I'm ____________ to go.
Correct answer: all ready
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