Page 63 - Basic English Usage

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Broad is also used in the expression broad shoulders ( = wide strong
shoulders), and in descriptions of landscape in a formal style.
Across the broad valley, the mountains rose biue and mysterious.

75 but = except
We use butto mean ‘except’ after a//l, none, every, any, no (and
everything, everybody, nothing, nobody, anywhere etc).
He eats nothing but hamburgers.
Everybody's here but George.
I've finished all the jobs but one.
We usually use object pronouns (me, him etc) after but.
Nobody but her would do a thing like that.

We use the infinitive without to after Dut.
That child does nothing but watch TV.
(NOT ... nething-butwatehing7~)

Note the expressions next but one, last but two etc.
My friend Jackie lives next door but one.( = two houses from me.)
Liverpool are last but one in the football league.
For except, see 118; 119.

76 by: time

By can mean ‘not later than’.
I'll be home by five o'clock. { = at or before five)
‘Can | borrow your car?’ ‘Yes, but | must have it back by tonight.’
( = tonight or before)
I'll send you the price list by Thursday.

For the difference between by and until, see 351.

77 can and could: forms

Canis a ‘modal auxiliary verb’ (see 202).
There is no -sin the third person singular.
She can swim very well. (NOT She-eans ...)
Questions and negatives are made without do.
Can you swim?(NOT Be -yett-ean swift?)
| can’t swim. (NOT +¢ert-ean-swir)
After can, we use the infinitive without to.
| can speak a little English. (NOT +eante-speak ... )