I.
1. Plumbers are reported to have been repairing the water.
- Câu bị động đặc biệt:
S1 + V1 + that + S2 + V2
= S2 + be + said/ thought/ believed/ reported... to + have Vpp/ have been Vpp (khác thì).
2. Had it not been for my father’s money, we couldn’t have managed.
- Đảo ngữ câu điều kiện loại 3:
Had + S + (not) + Vpp, S + would/could/might have + (not) + Vpp.
3. David took the blame for the accident.
- take/get the blame for sth/ doing sth: nhận lỗi, nhận trách nhiệm về việc gì.
4. I’d sooner he hadn't said all those embarrassing things about me.
- would prefer sb (not) to V = would rather/sooner + clause: muốn ai làm gì.
5. It never crossed my mind that we’d have legal problems.
- cross one's mind: nghĩ đến.
II.
1. Dawn’s boss is constantly finding fault with her work.
- find fault with sb/sth: bới móc.
2. Margaret gains a reputation as a very good cook.
- gain a reputation as: nổi tiếng là.
3. Not winning the competition came as a disappointment to John.
- come as a disappointment to sb = disappoint sb: làm ai thất vọng.
4. We are on good terms with Laura’s parents.
- be on good terms with sb = get on well with sb: có mối quan hệ tốt với ai.
5. Many people were not in favour of the plans for the new bypass.
- in favour of (doing) sth: ủng hộ.