Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Grammar III


Commonly, an infinitive is used with the subject it. The sentence structure is "It is                      + infinitive.…" It refers to the infinitive. This expression is used in many ways.
*       It is time to do math.
*       It is common to think that way.
*       It is appropriate to keep a low profile.
*       It was nice to see you.
*       It was my pleasure to meet you.
*       It was my honor to have dinner with you.
*       It is good to see you.
*       It was great to go on a trip with them.
Both gerunds and infinitive phrases can function as nouns, in a variety of ways. Gerunds and infinitives can follow certain verbs but not others. You need to remember which verbs can be followed by only a gerund or only an infinitive.

Verbs that can precede only gerunds:
consider, suggest, enjoy, deny, avoid, miss, mind, practice, postpone, resist, finish, quit, give up, put off

Verbs that can precede only infinitives:
offer, decide, hope, attempt, promise, agree, afford, deserve, refuse, undertake, learn, fail, seem, appear, tend, pretend, choose, demand, desire, guarantee, claim, manage, determine, expect, want, wish

Verbs that can precede either gerunds or infinitives without changing meanings:

continue, like, love, begin, start, propose, neglect, stand, hate

Verbs that can precede either gerunds or infinitives but change meanings:

forget, remember, stop, try
*       I stopped watching the movie. (I no longer watched the movie.)
*       I stopped to watch the movie. (I stopped what I was doing to watch the movie.)

[Quiz 16.1]

Fill in the blanks.

1) I decided                      (leave) the job.
2) She pretended                      (know) me.
3) He desires                      (be) a professor.
4) The company considered                     (sell) its main building.
5) I expect                      (win) at this game.
6) Do you enjoy                      (take) care of your pet?
7) She hopes                      (go) on a vacation.
8) Did you fail                      (pass) the exam?
9) They want me                      (take) this position.
10) It is great                     (hear) that they agreed                      (share) the land.

View Answers
[16.1]
1) to leave
2) to know
3) to be
4) selling
5) to win
6) taking
7) to go
8) to pass
9) to take
10) to hear, to share



Verbs are either active or passive in voice. In the active voice, the subject and verb relationship is straightforward: the subject is a do-er. In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence is not a do-er. It is shown with by + do-er or is not shown in the sentence.
Passive voice is used when the action is the focus, not the subject. It is not important (or not known) who does the action.
*       The window is broken. (It is not known who broke the window, or it is not important to know who broke the window.)
*       The class has been canceled. (The focus is on the class being canceled. It is not important to know who canceled it.)
*       The passive voice is often used. (The focus is on the passive voice. It is not important to explain who the writer is.)
Passive voice should be avoided when you want more clarity in writing. However, in some cases, you need to use passive voice to stress the action, not the actor. Also, passive voice can be considered more polite, as it sounds less aggressive or dramatic.
*       That building was built in 1990.
*       The car was invented about a hundred years ago.
*       I was told that Mary moved to a different country.
*       Your business is appreciated.
*       She was elected to city council.
*       It was rumored that the company would lay off a few people soon.
*       It is recommended that the billing process be shortened.
You can easily rewrite an active sentence to a passive sentence. The object in the active sentence becomes a subject in the passive sentence. The verb is changed to a “be” verb + past participle. The subject of the active sentence follows by or is omitted.
*       Sam wrote a letter to Jamie.
*       A letter was written to Jamie by Sam.
*       The government built a new bridge.
*       A new bridge was built by the government.
*       I recommend that you apply for this position.
*       It is recommended that you apply for this position.

[Quiz 17.1]

Rewrite the following sentence in passive voice.

John gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday.

[Quiz 17.2]

Choose the sentences written incorrectly in the passive voice.

1) I was eaten an ice cream.
2) The song was sung by a singer.
3) I was deceived by the TV program.
4) The concert was finished at 12 p.m.
5) He was written a novel.
6) The tennis match was aired on TV.
7) He was treated kindly.
8) I have been managed a company since 2004.

View Answers
[17.1]
I was given a bunch of flowers on my birthday by John.
OR
A bunch of flowers was given to me on my birthday by John.

[17.2]
1) I ate an ice cream.
5) He wrote a novel.
8) I have managed a company since 2004.


A mood shows the writer’s attitude toward what he/she is saying.

Indicative Mood states an actuality or fact.
*       We will go to see a movie this Sunday.
*       I’ll follow you.
Imperative Mood makes a request.
*       Let’s go to see a movie this weekend!
*       Please stop bugging me!
Subjunctive Mood expresses a doubtful condition (contrary to fact) and is often used with an "if" clause.
*       If I were you, I wouldn’t buy a house.
*       I wish I were more organized.
The following verbs often attract the subjunctive mood: ask, recommend, suggest, wish, insist, order, commend, request, and demand. A verb in the subjunctive mood may have a different form. The subjunctive for the present tense third-person singular drops the s or es so that it looks and sounds like the present tense for everything else. In the subjunctive mood, the verb to be is be in the present tense and were in the past tense, regardless of what the subject is.
*       Incorrect: If I was you, I would take any offer.
*       Correct: If I were you, I would take any offer.
(The verb follows ‘if’ and expresses a non-factual condition.)
*       Incorrect: I wish I was able to speak English fluently.
*       Correct: I wish I were able to speak English fluently.

(The second verb is in a clause following a verb expressing a wish. It suggests a non-factual or doubtful condition.)
*       Incorrect: Our suggestion is that everyone on the team does the survey.
*       Correct: Our suggestion is that everyone on the team do the survey.
*       Incorrect: She recommended that each student takes a note.
*       Correct: She recommended that each student take a note.

[Quiz 18.1]

Write the correct form of the verb given.

1) I insist that Jennifer                      (finish) her meal.
2) She suggests that the office                     (be) closed today.
3) If I                      (be) you, I would win the game.
4) I wish I                      (can) fly.


[Quiz 18.2]

Choose the correct sentence from the following.

1) I wish I was able to buy this car.
2) It were recommended that the company closes its foreign offices.
3) If Jack were 17 years old, he would apply for the university.
4) Our manager insists that the group is reorganized.

View Answers
[18.1]
1) finish
2) be
3) were
4) could

[18.2]
3

Correct sentences for 1, 2, and 4:
1) I wish I would be able to buy this car
2) It was recommended that the company closed its foreign offices.
4) Our manager insists that the group be reorganized.

An auxiliary verb helps the main (full) verb and is also called a "helping verb." With auxiliary verbs, you can write sentences in different tenses, moods, or voices. Auxiliary verbs are: be, do, have, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must, ought, etc.
*       I think I should study harder to master English.
*       I am having a cup of coffee.
*       You have been practicing hard.
*       It was written by a petitioner.
*       You may choose what you like.
The verb forms of be, do, and have can be used either as a main (full) verb or an auxiliary verb. The following examples show these verbs used as auxiliary verbs.

1. "Be" as an auxiliary verb

a. Used in progressive sentences:
*       I am taking a bath.
*       She is preparing dinner for us.
*       They have been studying all night.
b. Used in passive sentences:
*       I was given a free meal.
*       He was seen by fans at the airport.
*       This song has been sung by all nations.
2. "Do" as an auxiliary verb

a. Used in negative sentences:
*       I do not know the truth.
*       She doesn’t agree with me.
*       They didn’t arrive here yet.
b. Used in questions:
*       Do you want to have another one?
*       Did he finish his homework?
*       Do we need to keep going straight?
3. "Have" as an auxiliary verb

a. Used in perfect sentences:
*       I have been following you for a mile.
*       We have done a lot so far.
*       She had been queen of the town.

[Quiz 19.1]

Identify all auxiliary verbs in the following paragraph.

I have just heard that you didn’t attend the meeting yesterday. Did you have a conflict with that time? I must ask that you explain the reason.


[Quiz 19.2]

Which of the following sentences does not show any auxiliary verbs?

1) I didn’t have any reason to go there.
2) Have we practiced this song enough?
3) Three seats have been reserved for us.
4) I am a professor in the economics department.

View Answers
[19.1]
I have just heard that you didn’t attend the meeting yesterday. Did you have a conflict with that time? I must ask that you explain the reason.

[19.2]
Sentence 4 (the verb am is used as the main verb)


The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow.

Will

Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:
*       I will take this duty.
*       Will you stop talking like that?
Used to express the future:
*       It will rain tomorrow.
*       The news will spread soon.
Used to express capacity or capability:
*       This bucket will hold two gallons of water.
*       This airplane will take 200 passengers.
Used to express determination, insistence, or persistence:
*       I will do it as you say.

Would (past form of will)

Often used in auxiliary functions with rather to express preference:
*       I would rather go shopping today.
*       We’d rather say something than stay quiet.
Used to express a wish or desire:
*       I would like to have one more pencil.
Used to express contingency or possibility:
*       If I were you, I would be so happy.
Used to express routine or habitual things:
*       Normally, we would work until 6 p.m.

Shall

Mainly used in American English to ask questions politely (it has more usages in British English). For the future tense, will is more frequently used in American English than shall.
*       Shall we dance?
*       Shall I go now?
*       Let’s drink, shall we?
Often used in formal settings to deliver obligation or requirement:
*       You shall abide by the law.
*       There shall be no trespassing on this property.
*       Students shall not enter this room.

Should (past form of shall)

Often used in auxiliary functions to express an opinion, suggestion, preference, or idea:
*       You should rest at home today.
*       I should take a bus this time.
*       He should be more thoughtful in the decision-making process.
Used to express that you wish something had happened but it didn’t or couldn’t (should + have + past participle):
*       You should have seen it. It was really beautiful.
*       I should have completed it earlier to meet the deadline.
*       We should have visited the place on the way.
Used to ask for someone’s opinion:
*       What should we do now?
*       Should we continue our meeting?
*       Should we go this way?
*       Where should we go this summer?
Used to say something expected or correct:
*       There should be an old city hall building here.
*       Everybody should arrive by 6 p.m.
*       We should be there this evening.

[Quiz 20.1]

Fill in the blanks using an appropriate auxiliary verb.

1) I                     leave now. It is too late.
2) You                     have seen him. His dance was amazing.
3)                     we have lunch together?
4) I                     like a cup of tea, please.
5)                     we read the email?

View Answers
[20.1]
1) should
2) should
3) Shall
4) would
5) Should


The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow.

Will

Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:
*       I will take this duty.
*       Will you stop talking like that?
Used to express the future:
*       It will rain tomorrow.
*       The news will spread soon.
Used to express capacity or capability:
*       This bucket will hold two gallons of water.
*       This airplane will take 200 passengers.
Used to express determination, insistence, or persistence:
*       I will do it as you say.

Would (past form of will)

Often used in auxiliary functions with rather to express preference:
*       I would rather go shopping today.
*       We’d rather say something than stay quiet.
Used to express a wish or desire:
*       I would like to have one more pencil.
Used to express contingency or possibility:
*       If I were you, I would be so happy.
Used to express routine or habitual things:
*       Normally, we would work until 6 p.m.

Shall

Mainly used in American English to ask questions politely (it has more usages in British English). For the future tense, will is more frequently used in American English than shall.
*       Shall we dance?
*       Shall I go now?
*       Let’s drink, shall we?
Often used in formal settings to deliver obligation or requirement:
*       You shall abide by the law.
*       There shall be no trespassing on this property.
*       Students shall not enter this room.

Should (past form of shall)

Often used in auxiliary functions to express an opinion, suggestion, preference, or idea:
*       You should rest at home today.
*       I should take a bus this time.
*       He should be more thoughtful in the decision-making process.
Used to express that you wish something had happened but it didn’t or couldn’t (should + have + past participle):
*       You should have seen it. It was really beautiful.
*       I should have completed it earlier to meet the deadline.
*       We should have visited the place on the way.
Used to ask for someone’s opinion:
*       What should we do now?
*       Should we continue our meeting?
*       Should we go this way?
*       Where should we go this summer?
Used to say something expected or correct:
*       There should be an old city hall building here.
*       Everybody should arrive by 6 p.m.
*       We should be there this evening.

[Quiz 20.1]

Fill in the blanks using an appropriate auxiliary verb.

1) I                     leave now. It is too late.
2) You                     have seen him. His dance was amazing.
3)                     we have lunch together?
4) I                     like a cup of tea, please.
5)                     we read the email?

View Answers
[20.1]
1) should
2) should
3) Shall
4) would
5) Should


A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence.

Prepositions can be tricky for English learners. There is no definite rule or formula for choosing a preposition. In the beginning stage of learning the language, you should try to identify a preposition when reading or listening in English and recognize its usage.
*       to the office
*       at the desk
*       on the table
*       in an hour
*       about myself
A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object.

Here are a few common prepositions and examples.

On

Used to express a surface of something:
*       I put an egg on the kitchen table.
*       The paper is on my desk.
Used to specify days and dates:
*       The garbage truck comes on Wednesdays.
*       I was born on the 14th day of June in 1988.
Used to indicate a device or machine, such as a phone or computer:
*       He is on the phone right now.
*       She has been on the computer since this morning.
*       My favorite movie will be on TV tonight.
Used to indicate a part of the body:
*       The stick hit me on my shoulder.
*       He kissed me on my cheek.
*       I wear a ring on my finger.
Used to indicate the state of something:
*       Everything in this store is on sale.
*       The building is on fire.

At

Used to point out specific time:
*       I will meet you at 12 p.m.
*       The bus will stop here at 5:45 p.m.
Used to indicate a place:
*       There is a party at the club house.
*       There were hundreds of people at the park.
*       We saw a baseball game at the stadium.
Used to indicate an email address:
*       Please email me at abc@defg.com.
Used to indicate an activity:
*       He laughed at my acting.
*       I am good at drawing a portrait.

In

Used for unspecific times during a day, month, season, year:
*       She always reads newspapers in the morning.
*       In the summer, we have a rainy season for three weeks.
*       The new semester will start in March.
Used to indicate a location or place:
*       She looked me directly in the eyes.
*       I am currently staying in a hotel.
*       My hometown is Los Angeles, which is in California.
Used to indicate a shape, color, or size:
*       This painting is mostly in blue.
*       The students stood in a circle.
*       This jacket comes in four different sizes.
Used to express while doing something:
*       In preparing for the final report, we revised the tone three times.
*       A catch phrase needs to be impressive in marketing a product.
Used to indicate a belief, opinion, interest, or feeling:
*       I believe in the next life.
*       We are not interested in gambling.

[Quiz 22.1]

Identify all prepositions in the following sentences.

After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit and went to the baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the conveyer belt. I almost picked up the wrong one because it looked like mine.


[Quiz 22.2]

Choose a correct preposition in the sentence.

1) I want to lose 5 kilogram                      (on, at, in) one month.
2) Could you get me this pants                      (on, at, in) a larger size?
3) She seems to be interested                      (on, at, in) Psychology.
4) I will come to pick you up                      (on, at, in) 2 pm tomorrow.
5) This class will be held                      (on, at, in) Mondays.

View Answers
[22.1]
After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit and went to the baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the conveyer belt. I almost picked up the wrong one because it looked like mine.

[22.2]
1) in
2) in
3) in
4) at
5) on


Of

Used for belonging to, relating to, or connected with:
*       The secret of this game is that you can’t ever win.
*       The highlight of the show is at the end.
*       The first page of the book describes the author’s profile.
*       Don’t touch it. That’s the bag of my friend’s sister.
*       I always dreamed of being rich and famous.
Used to indicate reference:
*       I got married in the summer of 2000.
*       This is a picture of my family.
*       I got a discount of 10 percent on the purchase.
Used to indicate an amount or number:
*       I drank three cups of milk.
*       A large number of people gathered to protest.
*       I had only four hours of sleep during the last two days.
*       He got a perfect score of 5 on his writing assignment.

To

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward, or the direction of something:
*       I am heading to the entrance of the building.
*       The package was mailed to Mr. Kim yesterday.
*       All of us went to the movie theater.
*       Please send it back to me.
Used to indicate a limit or an ending point:
*       The snow was piled up to the roof.
*       The stock prices rose up to 100 dollars.
Used to indicate relationship:
*       This letter is very important to your admission.
*       My answer to your question is in this envelop.
*       Do not respond to every little thing in your life.
Used to indicate a time or a period:
*       I work nine to six, Monday to Friday.
*       It is now 10 to five. (In other words, it is 4:50.)

For

Used to indicate the use of something:
*       This place is for exhibitions and shows.
*       I baked a cake for your birthday.
*       I put a note on the door for privacy.
*       She has been studying hard for the final exam.
Used to mean because of:
*       I am so happy for you.
*       We feel deeply sorry for your loss.
*       For this reason, I’ve decided to quit this job.
Used to indicate time or duration:
*       He’s been famous for many decades.
*       I attended the university for one year only.
*       This is all I have for today.

[Quiz 23.1]

Choose the correct preposition in each sentence.

1) I slept                      (of, to, for) only two hours last night.
2) It was my first trip                      (of, to, for) Hawaii.
3) Turn off the TV and go straight                      (of, to, for) bed.
4) This book was written                      (of, to, for) the people who want to learn how to play a guitar.
5) I was late                      (of, to, for) school.
6) Spencer is one                      (of, to, for) my best friends.

View Answers
[23.1]
1) for
2) to
3) to
4) for
5) for
6) of


With

Used to indicate being together or being involved:
*       I ordered a sandwich with a drink.
*       He was with his friend when he saw me.
*       She has been working with her sister at the nail shop.
*       The manager will be with you shortly.
Used to indicate "having":
*       I met a guy with green eyes.
*       Were you the one talking with an accent?
*       People with a lot of money are not always happy.
Used to indicate "using":
*       I wrote a letter with the pen you gave me.
*       This is the soup that I made with rice and barley.
*       He cut my hair with his gold scissors.
Used to indicate feeling:
*       I am emailing you with my sincere apology.
*       He came to the front stage with confidence.
Used to indicate agreement or understanding:
*       Are you with me?
*       Yes, I am completely with you.
*       She agrees with me.

Over

Used to indicate movement from one place to another:
*       Come over to my house for dinner sometime.
*       Could you roll over?
*       They sent over a gift for his promotion.
Used to indicate movement downward:
*       The big tree fell over on the road.
*       Can you bend over and get the dish for me?
*       He pushed it over the edge.
Used to indicate more than an expected number or amount:
*       This amount is over our prediction.
*       Kids twelve and over can watch this movie.
*       The phone rang for over a minute.
Used to indicate a period of time:
*       I worked there over a year.
*       She did not sleep there over this past month.

By

Used to indicate proximity:
*       Can I sit by you?
*       He was standing by me.
*       The post office is by the bank.
Used to indicate the person that does something in a passive voice sentence:
*       The microwave was fixed by the mechanic.
*       The flowers were delivered by a postman.
*       The branch office was closed by the head office.
Used to indicate an action with a particular purpose:
*       You can pass the exam by preparing for it.
*       I expressed my feeling toward her by writing a letter.
*       She finally broke the record by pure effort.
Used to indicate a mean or method:
*       Please send this package to Russia by airmail.
*       I came here by subway.

[Quiz 24.1]

Choose the correct preposition in each sentence.

1) If she left at 4 p.m., she should be here                      (with, over, by) now.
2) Go                      (with, over, by) there and catch my ball.
3)                      (With, Over, By) your determination, you will be able to achieve your dream.
4) I just found it! It was                      (with, over, by) the radio on my desk.
5) I knocked him                      (with, over, by) accidentally.
6) She was                      (with, over, by) me when the accident occurred.

View Answers
[24.1]
1) by
2) over
3) With
4) by
5) over
6) with


A conjunction joins words or groups of words in a sentence.
*       I ate lunch with Kate and Derma.
*       Because it is rainy today, the trip is canceled.
*       She didn’t press the bell, but I did.
There are three types of conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
     a. Connect words, phrases, or clauses that are independent or equal
     b. and, but, or, so, for, yet, and not

2. Correlative Conjunctions
     a. Used in pairs
     b. both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also

3. Subordinating Conjunctions
     a. Used at the beginning of subordinate clauses
     b. although, after, before, because, how, if, once, since, so that, until, unless, when, while, where, whether, etc.

Coordinating Conjunctions

1. And—means "in addition to":
*       We are going to a zoo and an aquarium on a same day.
2. But—connects two different things that are not in agreement:
*       I am a night owl, but she is an early bird.
3. Or—indicates a choice between two things:
*       Do you want a red one or a blue one?
4. So—illustrates a result of the first thing:
*       This song has been very popular, so I downloaded it.
5. For—means "because":
*       I want to go there again, for it was a wonderful trip.
6. Yet—indicates contrast with something:
*       He performed very well, yet he didn’t make the final cut.

Correlative Conjunctions

1. Both/and
*       She won gold medals from both the single and group races.
*       Both TV and television are correct words.
2. Either/or
*       I am fine with either Monday or Wednesday.
*       You can have either apples or pears.
3. Neither/nor
*       He enjoys neither drinking nor gambling.
*       Neither you nor I will get off early today.
4. Not only/but also
*       Not only red but also green looks good on you.
*       She got the perfect score in not only English but also math.

[Quiz 25.1]

Write the correct conjunction in each sentence.

1)                      my friend                      I are taking the geography class.
2) Do you want to go swimming                      golfing?
3) I studied grammar for a long time,                      I still make mistakes.
4)                      wood                      bricks can be used as homebuilding materials.
5) I wasn’t feeling well this morning,                      I had to go to work.

View Answers
[25.1]
1) Both, and
2) or
3) but (yet)
4) Either, or
5) yet (but)


Subordinating Conjunctions

1. Although—means "in spite of the fact that":
*       Although it was raining, I ran home.
*       She showed up, although she felt sick.
*       Although my mom told me to come home early, I stayed out late.
2. After—indicates "subsequently to the time when":
*       Please text me after you arrive at the shopping mall.
*       We were forced to stop watching TV after the electricity went out.
*       I always tell my daughter that she can have dessert after she eats her dinner.
3. Before—indicates "earlier than the time that":
*       He had written a living will before he died.
*       Before he contacted me, I was going to call him.
*       I need to finish the dishes before my wife gets home.
4. Because—means "for the reason that":
*       Because he was smart and worked hard, he was able to make a lot of money.
*       They stopped building the house because it was pouring.
*       I love dogs because they are so cute.
5. How—means "the way in which":
*       I wonder how you did it.
*       He explained how he completed it in a few days.
*       Can you show me how you fixed the computer?
6. If—means "in the event that":
*       If it is sunny tomorrow, we can go to the beach.
*       If I receive a promotion, you will be the first to know.
*       You can watch TV if you finish your homework.
7. Once—indicates "at the moment when":
*       Once you see him, you will recognize him.
*       Once the light came on, we all shouted with joy.
*       Call me once you start having contractions.
8. Since—means "from the time when":
*       I’ve been a singer since I was young.
*       Since he graduated, he has been doing nothing.
*       This building has been remodeled three times since I lived here.
9. So that—means "in order to":
*       So that she could keep her position, she didn’t complain at all.
*       He finished his work as fast as possible so that he could leave early.
*       He worked harder for a raise so he could buy a nice car.
10. Until—means "up to the time that":
*       Don’t go anywhere until I come back.
*       She didn’t realize her talent in painting until her teacher mentioned it.
*       They won’t allow us to sit until everyone arrives.
11. Unless—means "except, on the condition":
*       You will not pass the exam unless you get a score of 80 or higher.
*       I will not tell you anything unless you tell me what you know first.
*       Unless you ask her, you will never know.
12. When—means "at that time":
*       When I came in the room, everyone looked at me.
*       I woke up when my baby was crying.
*       I started looking for a gas station when my gas light went on.
13. While—means "during the time":
*       Someone called you while you were at the meeting.
*       We met while we were working at the University.
*       My dog started barking while I was talking on the phone.
14. Where—indicates "in the place":
*       This is where I came from.
*       Please tell me where you are going.
*       I need to know where John hid the present.
15. Whether—means "if it is true or not":
*       We will have a picnic whether it rains or not.
*       It is time to decide whether we should take action.
*       You need to decide whether or not you are hungry.

[Quiz 26.1]

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction.

1) Could you email me                      you receive the offer?
2) I want to buy it                      it is expensive or not.
3) Don’t do that                      I allow it.
4)                      you are confident with it, you should go for it.
5) I didn’t enroll this semester                      I could go backpacking in Europe.
6) My neighbor’s cat has been missing                      last Friday.
7)                      I own a house, I am required to pay property taxes.

View Answers
[26.1]
1) when
2) whether
3) unless
4) If
5) so that
6) since
7) Because


Conjunctive adverbs are words that join independent clauses into one sentence. A conjunctive adverb helps you create a shorter sentence.

When you use a conjunctive adverb, put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it.
*       We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.
Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are: accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, therefore, then, etc.
*       The due date for the final paper has passed; therefore, I could not submit mine on time.
*       There are many history books; however, none of them may be accurate.
*       It rained hard; moreover, lightening flashed and thunder boomed.
*       The baby fell asleep; then, the doorbell rang.
*       The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime; otherwise, there would be many more accidents.
Conjunctive adverbs look like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor); however, they are not as strong as coordinating conjunctions and they are punctuated differently.

A conjunctive adverb is also used in a single main clause. In this case, a comma (,) is used to separate the conjunctive adverb from the sentence.
*       I woke up very late this morning. Nevertheless, I wasn’t late to school.
*       She didn’t take a bus to work today. Instead, she drove her car.
*       Jack wants a toy car for his birthday. Meanwhile, Jill wants a dollhouse for her birthday.
*       They returned home. Likewise, I went home.

[Quiz 27.1]

Choose the right conjunctive adverb for the sentence.

1) Hurry up;                     , you will be late for the train.
2) I studied hard for the exam;                     , I failed.
3) Tom is a sportsman;                     , his brother Tom is athletic.
4) He didn’t go to college.                     , he started his own business.
5) He is not good-looking.                     , he is popular among girls.

View Answers
[27.1]
1) otherwise
2) however
3) likewise
4) Instead
5) Nevertheless


The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles.

Indefinite Articles—a, an

an—used before singular count nouns beginning with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or vowel sound:
*       an apple, an elephant, an issue, an orange
a—used before singular count nouns beginning with consonants (other than a, e, i, o, u):
*       a stamp, a desk, a TV, a cup, a book
Definite Article—the

Can be used before singular and plural, count and non-count nouns

1. Indefinite Article (a, an)

Used before singular nouns that are unspecified:
*       a pencil
*       an orange
Used before number collectives and some numbers:
*       a dozen
*       a gallon
Used before a singular noun followed by a restrictive modifier:
*       a girl who was wearing a yellow hat
Used with nouns to form adverbial phrases of quantity, amount, or degree:
*       I felt a bit depressed.

2. Definite Article (the)

Used to indicate a noun that is definite or has been previously specified in the context:
*       Please close the door.
*       I like the clothes you gave me.
Used to indicate a noun that is unique:
*       Praise the Lord!
*       The Columbia River is near here.
Used to designate a natural phenomenon:
*       The nights get shorter in the summer.
*       The wind is blowing so hard.
Used to refer to a time period:
*       I was very naïve in the past.
*       This song was very popular in the 1980s.
Used to indicate all the members of a family:
*       I invited the Bakers for dinner.
*       This medicine was invented by the Smiths.

[Quiz 28.1]

Choose the correct article in each sentence.
1) Did you bring                      (a, an, the) umbrella?
2) Are you looking for                      (a, an, the) shampoo?
3) I checked                      (a, an, the) mailbox again.
4) Can I have                      (a, an, the) spoon please?
5) I was born into                      (a, an, the) poor family.
6) She will come back in                      (a, an, the) hour.
7) Have you been to                      (a, an, the) Space Needle Tower in Seattle?
8) I would love to talk to one of                      (a, an, the) managers.
9) What                      (a, an, the) amazing view!
10) The helicopter landed on                      (a, an, the) roof of a building.
View Answers
[28.1]
1) an
2) the
3) the
4) a
5) a
6) an
7) the
8) the
9) an
10) the


An interjection is a word that expresses some kind of emotion. It can be used as filler. Interjections do not have a grammatical function in the sentence and are not related to the other parts of the sentence. If an interjection is omitted, the sentence still makes sense. It can stand alone.
*       Ouch! That hurts.
*       Well, I need a break.
*       Wow! What a beautiful dress!
When you are expressing a strong emotion, use an exclamation mark (!). A comma (,) can be used for a weaker emotion.

Interjections do the following:

1. Express a feeling—wow, gee, oops, darn, geez, oh:
*       Oops, I’m sorry. That was my mistake.
*       Geez! Do I need to do it again?
*       Oh, I didn’t know that.
2. Say yes or no—yes, no, nope:
*       Yes! I will do it!
*       No, I am not going to go there.
*       Nope. That’s not what I want.
3. Call attention—yo, hey:
*       Yo, will you throw the ball back?
*       Hey, I just wanted to talk to you about the previous incident.
4. Indicate a pause—well, um, hmm:
*       Well, what I meant was nothing like that.
*       Um, here is our proposal.
*       Hmm. You really need to be on a diet.
[Quiz 29.1]
What should be B’s expression?
A: I got a perfect score on the math exam.
B:                      (Well. Wow! or Um.)
[Quiz 29.2]
What should be C’s expression?
C:                     ! (Nope, Hey, or Geez) My computer just broke.
View Answers
[29.1]
Wow!
[29.2]
Geez

Capitalization means using a capital letter (for example, A instead of a). The use of capital letters helps readers read your writing without confusion.

Always capitalize the following:

The first word in a sentence.
*       I grew up in India.
*       She left a message on my phone.
The pronoun I.
*       This country is where I dreamed of.
The first letter of a proper noun (specific name).
*       David wants to play soccer with us.
*       This letter is from Chang.
*       I graduated from the University of New York.
*       I like Coca-Cola.
*       She likes Godiva chocolates.
The first letter of months, days, and holidays (but not seasons).
*       Today is June 8, 2011.
*       Susie’s birthday is this Thursday.
*       The shops are closed on Easter.
*       This summer is going to be very hot.
The first letter of nationalities, religions, races of people, and languages.
*       We often eat Italian food.
*       I want to master many languages, such as Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.
*       There is one Christian church in my town.
The first letter in a person’s title.
*       This is Dr. Simon.
*       I got it from Mr. Tom.
Geographic areas: cities, states, countries, mountains, oceans, rivers, etc.
*       My destination is Paris, France.
*       Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Historical periods.
*       The Renaissance began in the 14th century.
*       The Qing Dynasty is the last dynasty in China.
The first letter of each major word in the title of a book, movie, article, etc.
*       Tolstoy’s War and Peace is my favorite novel.
*       I found the article “How to Write a Good Cover Letter” in this magazine.

[Quiz 30.1]

Correctly write each sentence using proper capitalization.

1) i was born in shanghai, china, but grew up in the united states.
2) mrs. ohana gave me the bible.
3) if you walk two more blocks, you will be able to see mt. rocky.
4) my family will have a summer vacation in hawaii.
5) I didn’t want to cook tonight, so I just ordered thai food for dinner.

View Answers
[30.1]
1) I was born in Shanghai, China, but grew up in the United States.
2) Mrs. Ohana gave me the Bible.
3) If you walk two more blocks, you will be able to see Mt. Rocky.
4) My family will have a summer vacation in Hawaii.
5) I didn’t want to cook tonight, so I just ordered Thai food for dinner.