Uiiit as

That language is highly complex is shown by the fact that

up to now it has not proved possible to translate
mechanically from one language to another, with .really
satisfactory results. The best programmed computer still
cannot consistently translate from, say, Russian into 5
English. The fault lies not in the computer but in the failure
to provide it with sufficiently accurate instructions,
because we are still unable to handle this vastly complex
system. It has been calculated that if the brain used any of
the known methods of computing language, it would take 10
several minutes to produce or to understand a single short
sentence!
Secondly, language is productive. We can produce
myriads of sentences that we have never heard or uttered
before. Many of the sentences in this book have been 15
produced for the first time, yet the'- are intelligible to the
reader. It is clear that we have some kind of
sentence-producing mechanism - that sentences are
produced anew each time and not merely imitated. One
task of grammatical theory is to explain this quite 20
remarkable fact
Thirdly, language is arbitrary. There is no one-to-one
relation between sound and meaning. This accounts for the
fact that languages differ, and they differ most of all in their
grammatical structure. But how far are these differences 25
only superficial, in the shape of the words and their overt

patterns? Some scholars would maintain that deep down'
there are strong similarities even universal
characteristics, disguised by the superficial features of
sound (and perhaps of meaning). It is not at all clear how 30
we can find the answer to this problem.

Froi 1 Grammar by Frank Palmer (Penguin). (Adapted.)

28.1 Conditionals
a) If the brain used any of the known methods of computing language,
it would take several minutes to produce or to understand a single
short sentence, (lines 9-12)
b) If he really wanted to go, Im sure he would make the
effort.
c) If they weren't so aggressive about everything, they would
probably be more popular.

d) He could easily get the co-operation of his staff if he gave

them some encouragement.
e) If you asked him, he might agree, but he wont listen
to me.
f) Even if everything went according to plan, which 1 doubt,
the scheme couldnt possibly be in operation before the end
of next year.

28.2 -
To take in time expressions
a) It would take several minutes to produce or to understand a single
short sentence, (lines 10-12)
b) It had taken her hours to write the report, and she still didnt
feel completely satisfied with it.
c) The journey should take two hours, but in this weather it
could take much longer.
d) Will it take long to read?
e) It took him all day to answer his correspondence.
f) At the moment youre taking far too long to answer each
question; youll have to try and speed up before the
exam.

28.3 Compound adjectives

a) It is clear that we have some kind of sentence-producing mechanism .
(lines 17-18)
b) He emerged from the jungle to find himself face to face with
a man-eating tiger.
c) Its an interesting hobby, but its becoming more and more
ti me-consu min g.
d) The little girl turned round and gave her grand-father a
heart-warming smile.
e) As the plane flew over the Alps, the view was breath-taking.
f) No one was actually hurt, but it was a nerve-shattering
experience.
18.4 To be + infinitive
a) One task ofgrammatical theory is to explain this quite remarkable
fact, (lines 19-21)
b) Your job will be to make sure that there is effective
communication between the various branches of our
organisation.
c) Her ambition is to take part in the next Olympic Games and
win a gold medal for her country.
d) His one aim in life is to be as successful as his father.
e) Her plan is to go to university when she leaves school and
then work abroad for a few years.
f) The idea of the scheme is to relieve traffic congestion in the
centre of the town.