In this lesson, you’ll talk about breakups, remember some vocabulary concerning the topic, and brush up on grammar: how to express regrets and wishes.

Warm up

There’re some pieces of gossip. Complete them with your own ideas:

1. An extravagant artist is said to have made a sculpture of…
2. A famous singer lost her patience because her nail artist…
3. You won’t believe this! They broke up because he’d started playing…

What is she talking about?

Of course, many people love gossiping about relationships. But what if several ex-boyfriends gossiped about their relationship with the same woman? Let’s see what happens.

Let’s discuss.

1. Apart from her current boyfriend, which of these guys seem like they were a good match for her? Why?
2. What is her type according to this video?
3. How similar were the exes’ descriptions of the girl from the video? What do you think their perception of her was caused by?
4. The guy who was with her for the shortest time was the only one who knew what her favourite dish was. Do you think it means anything? How important is it to know such things in a relationship?
5. The girl broke up with one of them via email, can you think of worse ways to break up with someone?

Have a crush on new vocab!

First, match the words in the black square, then practice them in the text after it.

Love in idioms and phrasal verbs

Check the meaning of idioms and phrasal verbs concerning love and breakups and practice them. Try to use them in the next exercises.

Speak up

Life is not always a fairytale, so let’s imagine that some fictional couples broke up. You may think of your own examples or choose one of the options here.

Brushing up on grammar

Impersonal passive constructions

Meaning	Form
Impersonal passive structures are used to report other people’s words, opinions and beliefs, or to create distance from personal statements. Use these constructions to avoid using words such as they, some people, etc. as the subject of a sentence.	This man is believed to be dangerous. It’s said that the exam isn’t very difficult. Henry is reported to have received an award for his contribution.
It is + said / thought / believed / expected / reported / known / understood + that …	It is believed that she is a teacher. It’s reported that he landed in London yesterday. It is known that he’s already landed in London.
For present and future actions use the construction: subject + is/are + said / thought / believed / expected / reported / known / understood + to V1	She is said to be a teacher. Tom is expected to land in London.
For past actions use the construction: subject + is/are + said / thought / believed / expected / reported / known / understood + to have + V3	He is said to have entered the house through the window. Tom is expected to have landed in London.

Busybodies say that…

Rephrase the sentences. E.g.: It’s said that the actor starred in the new episode. Your sentences: The actor is said to have starred in the new episode.

• It is reported that the mayor will be introducing new policies to combat pollution.
• It is reported that the company will be releasing a revolutionary product next month.
• It is believed that the recent hurricane was the most devastating one in the last decade.
• It has been reported that the sports event will take place despite the unfavourable weather conditions.

Do the same with the following group of sentences. E.g.: The bad weather is reported to overcast the continent next week. Your sentence: It is reported that the bad weather will overcast the continent next week.

• The new policy is alledged to have a significant impact on the economy.
• The company’s CEO is confirmed to have engaged in fraudulent activities. .
• The government is expected to introduce new educational reforms next year.
• The latest smartphone model is claimed to have unprecedented features.
• The painting is predicted to be sold for a record-breaking amount at the auction.
• The upcoming movie is claimed to be the blockbuster of the year.

True or false?

Watch the video and say if the statements below are true. Then talk about the video using impersonal passive structures.

1. The first couple has been dating for 6 years.
2. The fourth couple has been married for 3 years and the fifth one is engaged.
3. They were staring at each other for some minutes before drawing each other.
4. All of them were dissatisfied with the pictures.
5. One of the males drew his wife naked at first because he didn’t understand the task.
6. The common mistake was colour of the partner’s eyes .

Key: t, t, f, f, f, t