120 Grammar lessons 32-34

 32. But 

• Incorrect: He is the fastest runner and he came last. 

• Correct: He is the fastest runner but he came last. 

 But is the conjunction to use when the second main clause gives unexpected or contradictory information. 

33. Change of tense 

The first verb in a sentence establishes the tense of any verb that comes later. 

If you begin writing in the past, don’t change to the present. 

Similarly, if you begin writing in the present, don’t change to the past.

 • Incorrect: In the story, the king loses his kingdom, but he regained everything in the end. 

• Correct: In the story, the king loses his kingdom, but he regains everything in the end. 

• Incorrect: The team won yesterday, but goes and loses this afternoon. 

• Correct: The team won yesterday, but went and lost this afternoon. 

34. Close and shut 

There is little difference of meaning between close and shut.

• Shut/close your eyes.

 • Can you close/shut the door?

 • They close/shut the shops at 8 o'clock. 

Cases where close is preferred We close (and not shut) roads, letters, bank accounts, meetings etc.

 • You should close your existing account before opening a new account. (NOT You should shut your existing account …