Unit Thirteen A Change of Management

'Well, lad,' the old man sighed, 'if you can work out some way of saving the company, you're welcome to go ahead and try. What do you propose to do?' 'Right,' his nephew began, 'it's about time we looked into this business of absenteeism. I think paid sick-leave should be limited to one day per month.' 'That's a bit hard on the men, isn't it?'
'Uncle,' the younger man replied, 'I'm all for good relations between the men and the bosses; but it's time we faced up to the facts. Half the men regard sick-leave as paid holiday, and we can do without that sort of attitude.'

Notes

GO AHEAD E This is often used to give permission e.g. 'Can I smoke?' 'Yes, go ahead'.

LOOK INTO AD You can look into a problem or a situation that needs resolving.

BE ALL FOR AD You are all for nuclear disarmament if you support the cause enthusiastically.

DO WITHOUT ADE We could all do without higher prices.

Exercises using verbs from the passage

A Complete these sentences:

1 If that's your idea of helping I can . it.

2 He is living in a dream world. He doesn't reality at all.

3 I'll your suggestions as soon as I have time.

4 They just can't it You'd better tell them the answer.

5 May I borrow the power-drill tomorrow?'

Yes

6 The doctors cannot what is affecting him.

7 The Government better relations with neighbouring countries.

8 The management are not with their plans to close the factory.

B Answer these questions:

1 Are nuclear weapons really necessary?

2 Name two things you are all for.

3 How can you answer a mathematical problem?

4 What would you do after getting permission to do something?

5 In what circumstances would you have to face up to the truth?

6 Name three things you could do without.

7 What sort of thing do the police look into ?

8 Are you all for cheaper public transport?

C Use the following pairs of verbs in sentences of your own:

1 look into, do without. work out.

2 go ahead, be all for.

3 face up to, work out.

4 look into,

A Vb+ prep. + NP. B Vb + NP + prep. C Vb + pron. + prep. D Vb + prep. + pron. E Intrans.

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Exercise: