Unit 2 Grammar RandU of E pag 25

Because of

used before a noun or noun phrase to say that somebody/something is the reason for something

They are here because of us.

He walked slowly because of his bad leg.

Because of his wife(’s) being there, I said nothing about it.

in order that

 (formal) so that something can happen

All those concerned must work together in order that agreement can be reached on this issue.

in order to do something

 with the purpose or intention of doing or achieving something

She arrived early in order to get a good seat.

In order to get a complete picture, further information is needed.

However

1. used with an adjective or adverb to mean ‘to whatever degree’

He wanted to take no risks, however small.

She has the window open, however cold it is outside.

However carefully I explained, she still didn't understand.

2. in whatever way

However you look at it, it's going to cost a lot.

3. used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something that has just been said

He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.

We thought the figures were correct. However, we have now discovered some errors.

Idioms

rather than    instead of somebody/something

I think I'll have a cold drink rather than coffee.

Why didn't you ask for help, rather than trying to do it on your own?

rather you, him, etc. than me (informal) used for saying that you would not like to do something that another person is going to do

‘I'm going climbing tomorrow.’ ‘Rather you than me!’

would rather… (than)  (usually reduced to ’d rather) would prefer to

She'd rather die than give a speech.

‘Do you want to come with us?’ ‘No, I'd rather not.’

quite / fairly / rather / pretty

Look at these examples:

The exam was fairly difficult.

The exam was quite difficult.

The exam was rather difficult.

Quite is a little stronger than fairly, and rather is a little stronger than quite. Rather is not very common in North American English; pretty has the same meaning and this is used in informal British English too: The exam was pretty difficult.

In British English quite has two meanings :I feel quite tired today (= fairly tired). With adjectives that describe an extreme state (‘non-gradable’ adjectives) it means ‘completely’ or ‘absolutely’:I feel quite exhausted. With some adjectives, both meanings are possible. The speaker’s stress and intonation will show you which is meant: Your essay is quite good (= fairly good—it could be better);Your essay is quite good (= very good, especially when this is unexpected).

In North American English quite usually means something like ‘very’, not ‘fairly’ or ‘rather’. Pretty is used instead for this sense.