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A synonym is a word having the same meaning as another word. The following are words that appear frequently in academic
aptitude tests for colleges and universities:
abated - lessened
accentuated - emphasized
adverse - unfavorable
affectation - artificiality
amok - loss of control of oneself
arduous - difficult
arraigned – accused
avalanche – massive descent
banal – commonplace
burgeon – sprout
coalition - alliance
colloquial – informal
coma – state of deep consciousness
consensus – agreement
constrained – compelled
credible – trustworthy
cupidity –greed
daunt – frighten
debonair – good-natured
delectable – savory
deleterious – harmful
desist – stop
devoid – lacking
dire – urgent
discordant – clashing
dogface - soldier
dovetail – fit together
ecstasy – rapture
elucidate – explain
emblem – symbol
escapade – adventure
exemplary – commendable
exorbitant – excessive
exterminate – abolish
falter – stumble
feign – pretend
fickle – changeable
forlorn – forsaken
gala –festive occasion
gamut – range
genre – kind
glib – fluent
haven –refuge
hegemony – political dominion
homage – tribute
hostilities - warfare
icon – image
ignominy – disgrace
immutable – unchangeable
impartial – fair
insomnia – sleeplessness
intimacy – familiarity
irascible – cranky
jargon – unintelligible language
jibe – agree
jostle – force by pushing
junta – military rule
juxtaposed – adjacent
keen – sharp
knack – gift
kudo - compliment
lampoon - satire
languish – become weak
latent – dormant
lethargic – sluggish
liberation – freedom
loathe - hate
lucidity – clearness
malodorous – stinking
maze – confusion
melodramatic – sensational
merger – combination
monotonously – tiresomely
mosaic – design
naïve – artless
nemesis - opponent
obfuscate – darken
occult – mysterious
omnipotent – almighty
outrage - anger
ooze – flow
paradigm – example
paragon – model
partial – biased
pathetic – pitiful
perpetrate – commit
plaintiff – complainant
plethora - excess
potent – powerful
profuse – lavish
prowess – bravery
puerile – childish
qualm – scruple
quench – extinguish
quibble – evade
ramble – wander
replete –filled
rescinded – repealed
resolutely - determinedly
sagacious – discerning
salient – prominent
scathing – severe
stalwart – mighty
sweltered – perspired
taboo – banned
tacky – shabby
testimony – affirmation
turbulent – stormy
ubiquitous – everywhere
underpin – support
ungainly – clumsy
warp – twist
wrath – rage
whim – caprice
valiant – heroic
vanguard – forefront
vitality – vigor
vitiate - impair
In each item from number 1 to 10, select the word or phrase which is similar in meaning to the italicized word in the
phrase.
1.
exemplary services of the journalists
Answer:
B.
commendable
2.
mosaic of ruined buildings
Answer:
B.
architecture
3.
hostilities in Iraq
Answer:
A.
warfare
4.
plethora of humanitarian aid
Answer:
B.
excess
5.
dire humanitarian needs
Answer:
A.
urgent
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6.
specious military tactics
Answer:
B.
misleading
7.
think carefully to avoid qualms
Answer:
A.
scruple
8.
the palace speaks of profuse lifestyle
Answer:
A.
lavish
9.
sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil
Answer:
10.
alab ng puso
Answer:
A.
C.
mapagsamantala
damdamin
An antonym is a word which means the opposite of another. Some of the common antonyms that are used in academic tests for
colleges and universities are the following:
abate – alienate
accede – antagonize
acclaim – admonish
accommodate – contradict
allies - associates
allay – incense
altruistic - selfish
ameliorate – fend off
amenable – intransigent
appease – embitter
applaud – assail
assuage – estrange
benign – antipathy
bitterness clandestine – open
commend – berate
comply – incense
concede – infuriate
conciliate – nettle
concurring - contradict
conscientious - careless
decorous – irascible
defile - respect
demagogues – truthful assertions
eulogize – calumniate
exacerbate - enhance
exalt – castigate
exodus - immigration
extol – censure
extricate - entrap
flatter – chastise
gratify – oppugn
hail –chide
illustrious - typical
imperious – unostentatious
infamous - insignificant
intensify – destabilize
imminent – implausible
laud – decry
lugubrious – ebullient
lurk - hide
maim – heal
meticulous – perfunctory
mitigate – oppose
mollify – rebuff
munificent – penurious
pacify – repel
palliate – repulse
panegyrize – denigrate
pandemonium - silence
pinnacle - abyss
placate – snub
plethoric – impecunious
prolific - unproductive
resound – denounce
righteous – unethical
succinct - extensive
tenacious – irresolute
timorous- intrepid
thwart – confirm
tout – disparage
tyrannical – democratic
vitiate - strength
In each item from number 11 to 20, choose the word or phrase which is opposite in meaning to the italicized word in the
phrase.
11.
benign acts of charity
Answer:
D.
antipathy
12.
defiled by his opponents
Answer:
A.
respected
13.
clandestine meeting
Answer:
A.
open
14.
awakened by pandemonium of bombs
Answer:
C.
silence
15.
intrepid suicide bombers
Answer:
C.
timorous
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16.
hail the peace lovers
Answer:
A.
chide
17.
succinct speech
Answer:
B.
extensive
18.
oppugns the decision of the court
Answer:
B.
accepts
19.
mayuming dalaga
Answer:
B.
maharot
20.
tugatog ng tagumpay
Answer:
C.
ilalim
An idiom is a particular combination of words, the combination having its own meaning often unpredictable from individual
meanings of its components. Always consult a dictionary to check on the current use of idioms.
Ability to (infinitive)
Absolve from (a sin)
According to
Accords with
Accused of (an action/a crime)
Accused by (a person)
Acquiesce in (a decision)
Acquit of (a crime)
Agree with (a person)
Agree to (a suggestion/a proposal)
Agree in (a principle or opinion)
Agree on (a plan)
Angry with
Argue with
Argue against (a bill)
Argue with (a person)
Avail oneself of
Beg off
Capable of
Charge for (a purchase)
Charge with (a crime)
Compare to (something in a different class)
Compare with (something in the same class)
Concur with (a person)
Concur in (an opinion)
Contend with (a person)
Contend for (a principle)
Cope with
Differ with (a person)
Differ from (in appearance)
Differ about or over (a question)
Fascinated by
Fascinated to (infinitive)
Fascination for
Follow in the footsteps
Get off
In a year
Identical with
Independent of
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In spite of
Inquire of (a person)
Inquire into (a matter)
Inseparable from
In the morning
Impatient for (a raise)
Impatient with (a person)
Infer from
Inferior to
Jealous of
Listen to
Mastery of
Oblivious to
Occupied with (a thing)
Occupied by (a person)
Occupied in (study)
Part from (a person)
Part with (a thing)
Pick up
Preferable to
Prior to
Reconcile with (capital with labor)
Reconciled to (affliction)
Register in
Remind (someone) of (something)
Responsible for
Result in
Rewarded by (the judge)
Rewarded for (something done)
Rewarded with (a gift)
Subscribe to (a statement)
Subscribe for (a journal)
Supportive of
Superior to
Transfer to
Wait at (a place)
Wait for (a person/a train)
Wait on (customer)
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In each of the items from number 21 to 25, select the idiom that best fits the sentence from the choices under each sentence.
21.
The terrorists were not
22.
The cashier
23.
It is difficult to
24.
Justice Undersecretary Merciditas Gutierrez
the truthfulness of Gracia Burnham’s statement that she heard
Abu Sabaya talking to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo using a satellite phone.
Answer:
D.
inquired into
25.
You will get up to 57 percent discount if you
me
the crimes they committed.
the groceries I bought.
people of different beliefs.
Answer:
C.
absolve from
Answer:
B.
charged/for
Answer:
C.
contend with
Newsweek than buy it from the newsstand.
Answer:
B.
subscribe for
VERBAL RELATIONSHIPS establish similar parallel relationships in different pair of words. Sometimes called verbal analogy,
these may come in a single-word approach or a paired-word approach. In a single-word approach, a pair of words is given,
followed by a third word. The fourth word is selected between/among choices, based on how the first pair of word is related to each
other. In a paired-word approach, each item is given a pair of words related to each other. Following it are choices of pair of
words. The pair of words is then selected which relates most closely to the same manner as the original pair of words.
Commonly Used Relationships
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Synonym – Miserable: Poignant (Miserable means the same as poignant.)
Antonym - Miserable: Joyful (Joyful is the opposite of miserable.)
Classification or characterization – Apple: Fruit (Apple is a type of a fruit.)
Part-whole or specific-general – Keyboard: Computer (A keyboard is part of a computer.)
Sequence – Larva: Butterfly (A cocoon transforms into a butterfly.)
Cause and effect – Deforestation: Flood (Flood is caused by deforestation.)
Complement – Cup: Saucer (A cup usually goes with a saucer.)
Function-purpose – Harrow: Plow (A harrow is used for plowing the farm.)
Composition – Glass: Silica (A glass is made of silica.)
Degree of difference – Crush: Love (Crush is simple admiration while love is great admiration.)
Intensity, quantity, amount – Drizzle: Typhoon (A drizzle is a light rain; a typhoon is a downpour.)
Measure - Liter: Liquid (Liter is a measure of liquids.)
Shape, color, smell, taste – Hulahoop : Circle (A hulahoop is a circle.)
Position or location – Lipa City : Batangas (Lipa City is located in Batangas.)
Grammatical or verbal – Sit : Sat (Sat is the past tense of sit.)
Defining characteristic – Candy : Sugar(A candy’s main ingredient is sugar.)
Worker and article created - Seamstress : Clothes (A seamstress sews clothes.)
Worker and workplace – Nurse : Hospital (A nurse works in a hospital.)
Tool and its action – Scissors : Cut (A scissors is used to cut paper.)
Tool and object it acts upon – Pen : Paper (A pen writes on paper.)
Age – Cub : Bear (A cub is a young bear.)
Gender – Doe : Stag (A doe is a female deer; a stag is a male deer.)
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In Numbers 26 to 30, each item is composed of three words. The first pair of words shows a verbal analogy. Select the fourth
word from the options provided following the same verbal analogy as the original pair of words.
26.
Able : Disabled : : Arrange :
Answer:
C.
Disarrange
27.
Gills: Fish : : Lungs :
Answer:
D.
Man
28.
Brother : Sister : : Warlock :
Answer:
B.
Witch
29.
Mahabharata: India : : Iliad :
Answer:
B.
Greece
30.
Thread : Cloth : : Wire :
Answer:
B.
Mesh
In Numbers 31 to 35, each pair of words exhibits a form of association. Under each pair are two sets of words. Select the pair of
words that shows the same relation as the original pair of words.
31.
Egypt: Desert: :
Answer:
D.
Philippines: Islands
32.
Car: Garage: :
Answer:
D.
Airplane: Hangar
33.
Kid: Goat: :
Answer:
B.
Colt: Horse
34.
Water: H2O: :
Answer:
B.
Gold: Au
35.
Sum: Addition: :
Answer:
A.
Quotient: Division
DETERMINERS are positioned before nouns. They words which indicate the degree of certainty by the speaker of the actual
identity of the nouns which these modify, or the position of the nouns relative to the speaker of the text, or their quantity.
Types of Determiners
1.
Article
a.
Indefinite: a/an with singular noun (depends on the initial sound, not the spelling of the word)
b.
Nondefinite: some with singular noun
c.
Definite: the
2.
3.
19 | P a g e
Demonstrative
a.
Near: this, these
b.
Far: that. Those
Quantifiers
a.
Any, each, every, either, neither: with singular noun
b.
All, some, both, few, many, more: with a plural noun
c.
Negative: no, with singular noun
d.
Possessive (See section on Case)
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PREDETERMINERS are phrases which occur before the determiner in a noun phrase with a plural noun. Some predeterminers
have articles (a few of, a little of) while some do not (some of, many of). Do not confuse the predeterminer with nouns. The verb
agrees in number with the noun, not with the predeterminer.
In Numbers 36 to 40, choose the determiner or predeterminer that best fits in the sentence.
36.
Easy glider,
anaconda can cruise like a submarine and, with its eyes and nostrils strategically positioned atop its
small, flat head, peer above water like a periscope.
Answer:
A.
the
37.
peso you pay for in a National Geographic, goes to the research project on wildlife, like the research on
anacondas.
Answer:
A.
Every
38.
estimates suggest that there is nearly 200 billion barrels, roughly as much as the proven reserves of Iran and
Iraq combined.
Answer:
B.
Some
of the Caspian’s sturgeons are being decimated by poaching and pollution.
Answer:
A.
Many
39.
40.
fishermen set about half a mile from shore, pulled their nets with sturgeons for caviar to sell in the black
market.
Answer:
A.
These
Adopted from
Cullen, Robert. “The Rise and Fall of the Caspian Sea” National Geographic. Vol. 195, No. 5 (May 1999)
Rivas, Jesus. “Tracking the Anaconda” National Geographic.Vol. 195, No. 1 (January 1999).
NOUNS have been commonly defined as “names of persons, places, or things.” However, this is not a functional definition of a
noun. The linguistic approach in defining a noun is to describe its forms, functions and possible positions in the basic or kernel
sentence.
Characteristics of a Noun
1.
Occurs with a determiner before it
Except proper nouns and some common nouns
2.
Has singular and plural form
Except noun-count (“uncountable” or “mass”) nouns, e.g., lightning, information
Nouns used as modifiers (always singular), e.g., book in book lover
3.
Has possessive form
4.
May function as:
a.
Subject of a verb, e.g., The sun shines.
b.
Object of a transitive verb, e.g., I love you.
c.
Complement of a transitive verb, e.g., We call them achievers.
d.
Compliment of a linking verb, e.g. Health is wealth.
e.
Object of a preposition, e.g., Sunflower is Peru’s national flower.
f.
Nominative of address, e.g., Buyer’s, beware!
g.
Appositive, e.g., Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the president, attended the SARS conference in Thailand.
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Categories of Nouns
1.
2.
2.
Proper nouns are specific names of persons, places or things and are always capitalized.
All others are common nouns, are set in lowercase letters and are categorized as:
a.
According to grammatical number
i.
Collective nouns, e.g., persons (staff, committee), animals (herd, school), things (cluster, bundle)
ii.
Count, e.g., box, package, truck, house, chair. These have plural forms.
iii.
Non-count or mass nouns, e.g., water, cloth, coffee, wheat, flour. These do not have plural forms.
b.
According to reference:
i.
Abstract nouns, e.g., imagination, fear, anger, love, honesty. These refer to concepts, emotions or
are non-tangible.
ii.
Concrete nouns, e.g., thunder, earthquake, fragrance, sweetness. These refer to phenomena which
can be experienced through the senses.
DERIVATIONS
1.
2.
21 | P a g e
Adjective-Noun Derivation (Adjectives may be transformed into nouns with their respective derivational suffix.)
a.
“-age”
short > shortage (vs. shortness)
b.
“-ation”
excite > excitation (vs. excitement)
c.
“-dom”
sometimes with stem change
wise > wisdom
d.
“-ice”
coward > cowardice
e.
“-ion” “tion”
cautious > caution
perfect > perfection
f.
“-is”
sometimes with stem change
analyze > analysis
g.
“-ment”
excite > excitement
h.
“-ness”
(the most common)
polite > politeness
selfish > selfishness
sensitive > sensitiveness (vs. sensitivity)
sharp > sharpness
short > shortness (vs. shortage)
i.
“-ry”
brave > bravery
j.
“-th”
sometimes with stem change
deep > depth not deepness
long > length
strong > strength
k.
“-y” “-ty” “-ity”
sometimes with stem change
brief > brevity (vs. briefness)
cruel > cruelty
modest > modesty
scarce > scarcity
sensitive > sensitivity (vs. sensitiveness)
vacant > vacancy
Verb-Noun Derivation (Verbs may be transformed into nouns with their respective derivational suffix.)
a.
“-age”
marry > marriage
lug > luggage
b.
“-al”
approve > approval
c.
“-ience”
obey > obedience
d.
“-ion”
(sometimes with stem change – the most common)
deduct > deduction
destroy > destruction
expel > expulsion
tempt > temptation
e.
change in vowel and consonant
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One type of verb-noun derivation is that which generates the nominal agentive form of the verbs, denoting the doer of the action.
This derivation has several forms according to the verb involved. Learn the different forms and their respective verbs, and use
accordingly.
a.
“-art” “-ard”
brag > braggart
drink > drinker, drunkard
b.
“-ent”
(sometimes with stem change)
study > student
c.
“-er” “-or”
(the most common)
teach > teacher
translate > translator
sell > seller (vs. salesman)
d.
“-ist”
type > typist
e.
“-man”
sell > salesman (vs. seller)
f.
no change
cook > cook
NOUN TRANSFORMATION
1.
Concrete-Abstract (Concrete nouns may be transformed into abstract nouns with their respective inflectional suffix.)
a.
“-hood”
man > manhood
b.
“-ship”
friend > friendship
2.
Nominal Agentives (Nominal agentives may also be formed from nouns to denote the practitioner in the discipline, or
user of the object. Those vary in form, and have their respective noun sets.)
a.
“-ian”
statistics > statistician
b.
“-ist”
guitar > guitarist
3.
Nationalities (Names of people derived from their respective place of origin, nationality or citizenship have varied
forms). Some of these idiomatic forms are:
Cities:
Cairo > Cairene
Cebu > Cebuano
Davao > Davaoeño
Frankfurt > Hamburger
Madrid > Madrileño
Manila > Manileño
Moscow > Moscovite
New York > New Yorker
Paris > Parisian
Vienna > Viennese
Provinces:
Batangas > Batangueño
Ilocos > Ilocano
Bicol > Bicolano
Iloilo > Ilongo
Zamboanga > Zamboangeño
Countries or Region:
Bangladesh > Bengali
Belgium > Belgian
Catalonia > Catalan
Cyprus > Cypriot
Egypt > Egyptian
Finland > Finn
Holland/Netherlands > Dutch
Israel > Israeli (Israelite refers to the Hebrew people descended from Jacob)
Iraq > Iraqi
Norway > Norwegian
Portugal > Portugese
Spain > Spaniard, Spanish
Switzerland > Swiss
The Philippines > Filipino
Uzbekistan > Uzbek
22 | P a g e
Kuwait > Kuwaiti
Peru > Peruvian
Slovakia > Slovak
Sweden > Swede
Thailand > Thai not Thailander
The United States > American
Wales > Welsh
Malta > Maltese
Poland > Pole, Polish
Switzerland > Swede
Turkey > Turk
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In Numbers 41 to 45, choose the correct noun derivation from the options.
41.
In choosing music for your wedding ceremony, your first
service being said.
Answer:
42.
Many churches are quite strict about the
43.
The list was compiled through the
is to keep it true to the purpose of the liturgy or
A.
responsibility
and religiosity of the music played during the ceremony.
Answer:
B.
sacredness
of the parish priest.
Answer:
B.
kindness
44.
This list has been arranged to accommodate a purely instrumental music selection, a selection just for voices, or a
combination of the two programs, by which you may choose to have
and singers perform your ceremony music.
Answer:
A.
musicians
45.
For general purposes, we shall assume that the music alluded to shall be applicable to
Answer:
B.
Filipino
weddings.
Adopted from: Neri, Rita M. “Music” The Essential Wedding Workbook for the Filipina. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing, Inc. , 1998
GENDER in English grammar refers to the biological sex of the noun’s reference, thus, masculine and feminine for animate nouns
(god, goddess), neuter or inanimate nouns (universe). It affects the choice of pronoun, since pronouns have to agree in number and
gender with their noun antecedent, yet allowing for metaphorical use of the feminine or masculine forms for the personified
inanimate nouns, such as she for Earth.
The basic form of the animate noun is usually masculine; while the feminine form is constructed according to the noun’s
idiosyncrasy.
The feminine form of nouns is generally constructed by adding “-ess”:
Baron > baroness
Count > countess
Heir > heiress
Host > hostess
Priest > priestess
Prince > princess
Villain > villainess
Giant > giantess
Lion > lioness
Steward > stewardess
Some get their masculine or agentive suffix “-or/-er” replaced by “-ress”
Actor > actress
Conductor > conductress
Instructor > instructress
Janitor > janitress
Sculptor > sculptress
Waiter > waitress
Director > directress
Murderer > murderess
Some apparent feminine derivations might not actually be used as the feminine counterpart of the masculine form:
Governor (male or head of a province) > governess (hired female household administrator)
Master > mistress
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Some undergo slight change:
Duke > duchess
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Emperor > empress
Some masculine-feminine pairs of nouns are idiomatic:
Anchorman > anchorwoman
Best man > maid-of-honor
(bride) groom > bride
brother > sister
countertenor > alto/contralto
cowboy > gowgirl
dog > bitch
father > mother
gentleman > lady
headmaster > headmistress
homosexual > lesbian (homosexual is also generic)
king > queen
male > female
nephew > niece
son > daughter
widower > widow
Boy > girl
bull > cow
czar > czarina
gander > goose
hero > heroine
husband > wife
laundryman > laundrywoman
man > woman
primer danseur > prima ballerina
uncle > aunt
leading man > leading lady
merman > mermaid
salesman > saleslady
warlock > witch
Some apparently masculine forms are being transformed into gender-neutral ones, mostly in response to criticism
about “sexism” in language.
Chairman > chairperson Policeman > police officer
Salesman > salesperson (salesclerk is specific to one who sells in a store)
More commonly, however some of these masculine forms are being used in the generc sense, or a popular feminine
derivation is used:
Policeman > policewoman
Certain occupations are usually generic-specific; thus, the titles for such do not have other-gender counterparts:
Bellboy
Chambermaid
Chef
Messenger
Stevedore
Some are readily associated with a particular sex such that the other-gender forms need modifying words:
Doctor/physician > lady doctor/physician
Nurse > male nurse
Alto > male alto or countertenor
Soprano > boy soprano
Use feminine forms that already listed in current dictionaries or used in current international newsmagazines and
academic journal. If you really need a feminine noun yet none is listed, you could the contruction “lady + N.”
Ambasaddor > lady ambassador
In Numbers 46 to 50, choose the correct gender from the options.
46.
The women’s choir competition gave a special prize to the most outstanding
Answer:
A.
alto
47.
Filipina
48.
The
24 | P a g e
looks charming in their Filipiniana costumes.
Answer:
of the story is portrayed by Angel Locsin.
Answer:
performer.
A.
stewardess
B.
heroine
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49.
50.
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My luggage were taken by a
.
Answer:
B.
anchorman
Answer:
B.
stevedore
at the port.
GUIDELINES FOR FORMING NOUN PLURALS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Add s to most nouns (chair, chairs; mortage, mortages; Monday, Mondays)
Add es to nouns ending in s, x, z, ch or sh (bench, benches; boss, bosses; box, boxes; Lopez, Lopezes)
Change the spelling in irregular noun plurals (man, men; foot, feet; mouse, mice, child, children)
Add s to nouns that end in y when y is preceeded by a vowel (attorney, attorneys; valley, valleys; journey, journeys)
Drop the y and add ies to nouns ending in y when y is preceded by a consonant (company, companies; city, cities;
secretary, secretaries)
Add s to the principal word in most compound expressions (editors in chief, fathers-in-law, bills of lading, runnersup)
Add s to most numerals, letters in the alphabet, words referred to as words, degrees, and abbreviations (5s, 1990s,
ands, CPAs)
Add ‘s only to clarify letters of the alphabet that might be misread, such as A’s, I’s, M’s, U’s and i’s, p’s and q’s.
An expression like c.o.d.s requires no apostrophe because it would only be misread.
In Numbers 51 to 55, complete each of the following sentences accurately by choosing the correct noun plural.
51.
52.
53.
That accounting firm employs two
Both my
Two major
for five CPAs.
Answer:
A.
secretaries
Answer:
B.
sisters-in-law
will participate in arms negotiation.
Answer:
A.
countries
agreed to the settlement.
54.
Nearly all
demand observance of the standard punctuation.
Answer:
B. editors in chief
55.
The office is unusually quiets on
.
Answer:
25 | P a g e
A.
Sundays
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PRONOUNS substitute for nouns. They are classified by function and case.
Classification according to function and case
1.
Personal (see grid below) Includes the nominative/subjective case, objective case, and the possessive case.
2.
Relative (see grid below)
3.
Demonstrative Indicates distance of the speaker towards the subject
Singular
Plural
Near
this
these
Far
that
those
4.
Interrogative (see grid below) The interrogative pronouns are similar to the relative pronouns, but the
interrogatives distinguish between eliciting and selecting. The word which as an interrogative has a different sense
from the word which as a relative pronoun.
5.
Indefinite ( see grid below)
6.
Impersonal one The impersonal pronoun always allows you to refer to both genders at the same time. In most
cases, one is a formal substitute for he/she, you, or we.
7.
Distributive each, either, neither Distributive pronouns are always singular.
8.
Reflexive (see grid below)
9.
Reciprocal (each other, one another) The reciprocal indicates the action being done by the actor to the receiver
and by the receiver to the actor.
Singular
Ist person
2nd person
3rd person, M
F
N
Plural
Ist person
2nd person
3rd person
Nominative/Subjective
Case (Used for subjects
of verbs and subject
complements)
I
You
He
She
It
We
You
They
Objective Case (Used
for objects of
prepositions and
objects of verbs)
Me
You
Him
Her
It
Possessive Case
(Attributive and
Predicative)
(Used for possession)
My, Mine
Your, Yours
His, His
Her, Hers
Its
Us
You
Them
Relative Case and Interrogative Case
Whom
Our, Ours
Your, Yours
Their, Theirs
Human
Who
Non-human
Which (That)
Which (What)
Which (What)
Human and NonHuman
That
That
That
Compound form
Plural
Singular or plural
26 | P a g e
Myself
Yourself
Himself
Herself
Itself
Ourselves
Yourselves
Themselves
Whose
Indefinite Case
Singular
Simple form
Reflexive Case
One, Little, Much
(Some, any, no, every + -one, -body, -thing)
every, another, none
Both, many, few, several, others
All, most, some
(Interrogative
case only)
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In Numbers 56 to 60, for each sentence, choose the correct pronoun from the options.
56.
Jashmid wore a thin sport shirt, Reebok warm-up pants, and shower clogs when I visited
Answer:
B.
him
57.
Jamshid shares his room with two other people.
58.
In the Soviet era students bore
59.
60.
The state determined
Jamshid
, unannounced.
sleep on iron cots with creaking springs.
Answer:
B.
They
responsibility for their futures.
Answer:
B.
to send to evict in Baku.
Answer:
B.
little
who
perseverance is unwavering, has a bright future ahead of him.
Answer:
B.
whose
Adopted from Cullen, Robert. “The Rise and Fall of the Caspian Sea” National Geographic.Vol. 195, No. 5 (May 1999)
In Numbers 61 to 65, for each sentence, choose the correct pronoun from the options.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
Apparently, one of the female applicants forgot to sign
application.
Answer:
A.
her
Everyone has completed the reports except Marc and
.
Answer:
B.
him
Answer:
B.
me
A number of inquiries were addressed to Vicky and
.
Answer:
B.
me
Lack of work disturbs Roy as much as
.
On her return from Australia, Ms. Aquino, along with many other passengers, had to open
inspection.
Answer:
A.
her
27 | P a g e
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Guidelines for Agreement with Subjects
1.
2.
3.
A singular verb requires a singular verb:
He does not work on a Saturday
A plural subject requires a plural verb:
Our students write excellent essays.
A verb agrees with the it subject regardless of prepositional phrases that may intervene:
The list of school requirements is extensive. (The verb is agrees with the subject list.)
4. A verb agrees with its subject regardless of intervening phrases introduced by as well as, in addition to,
such as, including, together with, and similar expressions:
The teacher as well as officers of the PTA approves of the proposal. (The verb approves agrees with the subject
teacher.)
5. A verb agrees with the its subject regardless of the location of the subject:
There are many problems yet to be solved. (The verb agrees with the subject problems. The adverb there
cannot function as a subject.)
6. Subjects joined by and require a plural verb:
The tone and wording of the letter were persuasive. (The plural verb were agrees with two subjects, tone and
wording.)
7. Subjects joined by or or nor may require a singular or plural verbs. Make the verb agree with the closer
subject:
Neither the principal nor the teachers were in the conference hall. (The plural verb were agrees with the nearer
subject teachers.)
8. The following indefinite pronouns are singular and require singular verbs: anyone, anybody, anything,
each, every, everyone, everybody, everything, many, a, neither, nobody, nothing, someone, somebody,
and something.
Each of the objectives is achieved. (The verb is agrees with the singular subject each.)
9. Collective nouns may take singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the members of the group are
operating as a unit or individually:
Our team is united in its goal.
The members of the team are having their lunch break.
10. Organization names, titles of publications, although they may appear to be plural, are singular and
require singular verbs.
Go and Associates has hired a new lawyer.
In the Hands of My Enemies is a best seller.
Guidelines for Verb Tense
Use present tense for statements, that although they may be introduced by past-tense verbs, continue to
be true:
What did you say his name is? (Use the present tense is if the name has not changed.)
Avoid unnecessary shift in verb tense.
The manager saw (not sees) a great deal of work yet to be completed and remained to do it herself.
Although unnecessary shifts in verb tense are to be avoided, not all verbs within the same sentence have
to be in the same tense.
She said that she wants to work late.
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In Numbers 66 to 70, for each sentence, choose the correct verb from the options.
66.
67.
Yesterday, Ms. Co
a new dress for the awards night.
Answer:
Across from our school
68.
Neither the faculty nor the students
69.
Have you
Anton
chose
B.
are
the food stalls.
Answer:
70.
B.
rehearsing for the Intramurals.
Answer:
B.
have been
to your parents about the trip to Boracay?
Answer:
B.
spoken
A.
lost
his new bicycle.
Answer:
Avoid inconsistent shifts in subject, voice and mood. Pay particular attention to this problem area, for undesirable shifts are often
characteristic of student writers.
Inconsistent: When Mrs. Aquino read the report, the error was found. (The first clause is in the active voice, the second in passive
voice.)
Improved:
When Mrs. Aquino read the report, she found the error. (Both clauses are in the active voice.)
Inconsistent: Begin the transaction by opening an account, then you enter the customer’s name. (This sentence contains
inconsistent shift from the imperative mood to the indicative mood in the second clause.)
Improved:
Begin the transaction by opening an account; then enter the customer’s name. (Both clauses are now in the
indicative mood.)
In Number 71, choose the one that illustrates consistency in use of subject, voice, and mood. Choose either A or B.
71.
B.
A. She was an enthusiastic teacher who always had a smile for everyone.
She was an enthusiastic teacher who always has a smile for everyone.
Answer:
29 | P a g e
A
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ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS: Guidelines for Use
Use the comparative degree of the adjective and adverb to compare two or more persons or things; use
the superlative degree to compare three or more:
Of the two alternatives, which is better?
Of all the alternatives, we like this the best.
Do not create a double comparative or superlative by using –er with more or –est with most:
The teacher’s explanation couldn’t have been clearer.
A linking verb (is, are, look, seem, feel, sound, appear, and so forth) may introduce a word that describes
the verb’s subject. In this case be certain to use an adjective, not an adverb:
The principal’s letter made her feel bad. (not badly) (The adjective bad follows the linking verb feel and
describes
the
noun
her.)
Use adverbs, not adjectives, to describe or limit the action of verbs:
The performance is running smoothly. (not smooth) (Use the adverb smoothly to describe the action of the
verb is running.)
Two or more adjectives that are joined to create a compound modifier before a noun should be
hyphenated:
The four-year-old child was tired.
Keep adjectives and adverbs close to the words they modify:
She asked for a cup of hot coffee. (not a hot cup of coffee)
Don’t confuse the adverb there with the possessive pronoun their on the contraction they’re:
They’re coming to inspect today. (The contraction they’re is a shortened form of they are.)
In Numbers 72 to 74, for each sentence, choose the correct adjective or adverb from the options.
72.
73.
74.
Darren completed the employment test
New owners will receive a
You must check the document
.
Answer:
A.
satisfactorily
Answer:
A.
60-day
Answer:
A.
page by page
trial period.
.
PREPOSITIONS are connecting words that join nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence. The “preposition + NP”
constructions, or prepositional phrase, function as a modifier.
Prepositions are usually classified according to their meaning:
1.
location
aboard, about, above, across, after, along, amid (st), among, apart from, around, at, before,
behind, below, beneath, beside, between, by, down, in, in front of, inside, near, off, on, out,
outside, over, under, up, upon, within
2.
direction
across, against, around, down, from, into, past, off, out, out of, through, to, toward(s), up
3.
relation
according to, along with, apart from, besides, but, by, despite, except, for, in accordance with, in
spite of, like, pending (not used in personal pronouns), with, without
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
time
process
approximation
possession
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about, after, around, before, during, since, until
by means of, through
about, around
of
according to
Prepositions may also be classified according to form:
Simple:
at, for, in, on
Compound:
according to, apart from, because of, due to
In Numbers 75 to 77, select the preposition that best fits the sentence from the choices under each sentence.
75.
Masked for protection
fish.
stinging jellyfish, Philippine divers squirt illegal and deadly cyanide to stun and net the
Answer:
D.
against
five o’clock in the morning.
Answer:
D.
about
76.
The bus that leaves for Baguio leaves the station at
77.
Larger live specimens from the reefs began going to places
Hong Kong so fashionable diners could pick them out
of a restaurant tank to eat, paying hundreds of dollars for the privilege.
Answer:
B.
toward
Adopted from Chadwick, Douglas H. “Coral in Peril” National Geographic. Vol 195 No. 1 (January 1999).
CONJUNCTIONS connect words, phrases, and clauses. They act as signals, indicating when a thought s being added, contrasted,
or altered. Coordinate conjunctions (such as and, or, but) and other words that act as connectors (such as however, therefore, when,
as) tell the reader or listener in what direction a thought is heading. They’re like road signs signaling what is ahead.
Guidelines for Use
Use coordinating conjunctions to connect only sentence elements that are parallel or balanced.
Weak:
His report was correct and written in a concise manner.
Improved:
His report was correct and concise.
Do not use the word like as a conjunction.
It seems as if (not like) the exam will be forever.
Avoid using when or where inappropriately. A common writing fault occurs in sentences with clauses
introduced by is when and is where. Written English ordinarily requires a noun (or a group of words
functioning as a noun) following the linking verb is. Instead of acting as conjunctions in these
constructions, the words where and when function as adverbs, creating faulty grammatical equations.
To avoid the problem, revise the sentence, eliminating is when or is where.
Weak:
Word processing is where you use a computer and a software to write.
Improved:
Word processing involves the use of a computer and software to write.
Don’t confuse the adverb then with the conjunction than. Then means “at that time”; than indicates
the second element in a comparison.
We would rather buy a second-hand car than (not then) a brand new car.
31 | P a g e
In Numbers 78 to 80, select the conjunction that best fits the sentence from the choices under each sentence.
78.
Results of the study show that Filipinos are more aware of immediate problems that affect urban lives such as
waste/garbage management (83%), air pollution (75%), floods (48%) and water pollution (37%). It
shows that
environmental problems that are personally observed and experienced create the most impact on awareness.
Answer:
C.
actually
79.
Respondents have very low systemic understanding of the cause and effect of environmental issues
superficial grasp of problems makes matters worse.
Answer:
C.
and
80.
The findings of this study are disconcerting.
so many years of painstaking hard work and hard-nose advocacy,
environmentalists are apparently still on the losing end in their battle to save the country’s vital resources.
Answer:
A.
After
possess a
Adopted from “How much do Filipinos know about their environment?” Haring Ibon. 1st Quarter 2002.
A sentence should be consistent: grammatical elements such as a person, number, tense, and voice should remain the same
throughout the sentence unless grammar or the meaning of the sentence requires a shift. Unnecessary shifts in these elements, either
within a sentence or among related sentences, confuse readers and distort meaning.
SHIFTS
1.
Shifts in Person
Person refers to the distinction among the person talking (first person), the person spoken to (second person), and
the person, object or concept being talked about (third person).
Inconsistent:
If a person works hard, you can achieve your goal.
Clear:
If you work hard, you can achieve your goal.
or
If a person works hard, he/she can achieve his/her goal.
2.
Shifts in Number
Number refers to the distinction between one (singular) and more (plural). Inconsistency in number occurs most
often between a pronoun and its antecedent.
Inconsistent:
If a student does not understand a lesson, they should consult the teacher.
Clear:
If a student does not understand a lesson, he/she should consult the teacher.
Clearer:
If students do not understand a lesson, they should consult the teacher.
3.
Shift in Tense
Unnecessary shifts from past to present or from present to past in sentences narrating a series of events are
practically confusing.
Inconsistent:
The teacher gives the quiz and collected the assignments.
Clear:
The teacher gives the quiz and collects the assignments.
MISPLACED MODIFIERS appear to modify the wrong part of the sentence. Thus, the sentence may appear awkward,
unintentionally amusing, or genuinely confusing.
1.
Place the prepositional phrase where they will clearly modify the words intended.
Confusing:
He was happy that he scored better than the rest by 50 points. (The sentence implies that he
scored 50 points better than the rest.)
Clear:
He was happy that he scored 50 points better than the rest.
2.
Place subordinate clauses where they will clearly modify the words intended.
Confusing:
The bride and groom were able to offer a toast and then they danced the waltz when the wine
arrived. (The clause appears to modify the danced the waltz.)
Clear:
When the wine arrived, the bride and groom were able to offer a toast and then they danced the
waltz.
3.
Place limiting modifiers carefully. These include almost even, exactly, just, only, simply and the like. These
modifiers should fall immediately before the word or word groups they modify to avoid any ambiguity.
Unclear:
They only saw each other during recess. (Does this mean they had eyes only for each other, or
they met only during recess?)
Clear:
They saw each other only during recess.
Note that only is acceptable immediately before the verb when it modifies a whole statement.
I only wanted our team to win.
4.
Avoid a squinting modifier which may refer to either a preceding or a following word, leaving the reader
uncertain about what it is intended to modify. A modifier can modify only one grammatical element in the
sentence. It cannot serve two elements at once.
Squinting:
My parents said a long time ago the siblings should always take care of each other.
Clear:
A long time ago, my parents said the siblings should always take care of each other.
5.
Avoid separating a subject from its verb or a verb from its object or complement. If adjective phrases or
clauses separate them, the meaning is usually clear. However, if a an adverb phrase or clause interrupts the
movement from subject to verb to object or complement, the resulting sentence is likely to be awkward and
confusing.
Awkward:
The students, soon after, they finished the final examinations, had a swimming party. (The clause
beginning soon after interrupts the movement of the subject to verb.)
Clear:
Soon after they finished the final examinations, the students had a swimming party.
6.
Avoid separating the parts of the verb phrase or the parts of an infinitive. A verb phrase consists of a helping
verb plus a main verb, as in will read, was speaking, had been listening. Such phrases constitute grammatical
units. We regularly insert single-word adverbs in them without causing awkwardness: Luz had almost
completed her assignments. But when longer word groups interrupt verb phrases, the result is always
awkward.
Awkward:
Many students had, by spending most of their time on the experiment, completed it.
Clear:
By spending most of their time on the experiment, many student had completed it.
A DANGLING MODIFIER does not sensibly modify anything in its sentence. Dangling modifiers occur most often when certain
kinds of modifying word groups precede the main clause of the sentence. These word groups include:
participial phrases (verb + ing)
infinitive phrases (to + verb)
prepositional phases in which the object of the preposition is a gerund (preposition + verb)
elliptical clauses in which the subject and perhaps the verb are understood
Since these phrases and clauses have no expressed subject, readers take them to modify the following noun, the subject of the
main clause. If they do not sensibly define or describe the following noun, they are dangling modifiers. We correct dangling
modifiers by recasting the sentences in which they appear. We can change the subject of the main clause to a word the modifier
properly defines or describes. Or we can recast the dangling modifier as a complete clause.
Dangling:
Via air mail, we received the envelope.
Clear:
We received the envelope via air mail
In Numbers 81 to 90, choose the letter that corresponds to the word/phrase that makes the sentence inconsistent and confusing.
81.
If you write a page in your diary everyday, you will discover that one learn from practice.
A B
C
D
Answer:
C
82.
He went into his room, closed the door, opened the window and goes to bed.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
D
83.
Inserting the letter in the envelope and seal it.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
A
84.
When you pass the UPCAT, one should be proud.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
C
85.
We blocked the road, stopped the vehicles and had the traffic will be rerouted.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
D
86.
The hallways are deserted, the parking lot is isolated, and the canteen abandon.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
D
87.
They are sincere when you fulfill your promise.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
A
88.
The experimental apparatus was set up and the laboratory assistant cleans up after the experiment was completed.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
B
89.
The mother wraps the baby in a towel before the baby took a bath.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
D
90.
First, splice the wire. Next, the soldering iron should be taken.
A
B
C
D
Answer:
D
In Numbers 91 to 100, each number has an ungrammatical sentence. Below it are sentences related to the original sentence.
Choose the letter that would correspond to the best and clearest sentence from the options.
91.
Answer:
A
Answer:
A
Answer:
A
Answer:
Next Monday, we will see a program about mothers who gave birth to babies who are alcoholic.
A.
Next Monday, we will see a program about mothers who gave birth to alcoholic babies.
B.
Next Monday, we will see a program on alcoholic mothers who gave birth.
C.
Next Monday, we will see an alcoholic program about mothers who gave birth to babies.
D.
Next Monday, we will see a program on alcoholic mothers and babies.
B
95.
Your letter regarding your order of 10 trucks arrived by airmail this morning.
A.
Your morning letter regarding your order of 10 trucks arrived by airmail.
B.
Your airmail letter regarding your order of 10 trucks arrived this morning.
C.
This morning, your airmail letter regarding your order of 10 trucks arrived.
D.
Ten trucks arrived this morning by airmail with your letter.
Answer:
C
96.
When only one year old, this customer’s mother died.
A.
This customer’s mother died when they were only one year old.
B.
This customer’s mother died at one year old only.
C.
This mother died when the customer was only one year old.
D.
The customer was one year old when his/her mother died.
Answer:
D
97.
Wearing an orange dress, the prayers were offered by the monk.
A.
Wearing a dress, the orange monk offered prayers.
B.
Wearing an orange dress, the monk offered prayers.
C.
The monk who was wearing an orange dress offered a prayer.
D.
The prayers were offered by the orange monk who was dressed.
Answer:
B
98.
The mother took the gift and gave it to the child from the bag.
Answer:
A.
and gave the bag to the child.
C.
and gave it to the child from the bag.
B.
from the bag and gave it to the child.
D.
and gives the bag to the child.
B
99.
Mr. Macapagal ate sugpo for dinner after returning from the trip.
A.
Mr. Macapagal ate sugpo from the trip.
B.
Mr. Macapagal who returned from a trip, ate sugpo for dinner.
C.
Mr. Macapagal ate sugpo for dinner returning from the trip.
D.
After eating sugpo, he returned from the trip.
Answer:
B
100.
When you take the exam, he/she should expect the worst.
A.
When you take the exam, expect the worst.
B.
When you take the exam, you should expect the worst.
C.
Expect the worst exam.
D.
Expect your worst exam.
Answer:
B
92.
93.
94.
Driving across Metro Manila, our gas ran out.
A.
we ran out of gas.
B.
our gas ran.
C.
D.
our gas went running.
we ran with the gas.
Enclosed are your contracts on Charice concert in triplicate.
A.
Enclosed are your Charice concert triplicate contracts.
B.
Your contracts enclosed are Charice concert triplicate.
C.
Your triplicate contracts of the Charice concert are enclosed.
D.
Charice concert triplicate contracts are enclosed for you.
The president’s Independence Day speech will be followed by the firing squad.
A.
After the president’s Independence Day speech, the firing squad will follow.
B.
The firing squad will follow the president’s Independence Day speech.
C.
The president’s firing squad will follow the Independence Day speech.
D.
Following the president’s Independence Day speech is the firing squad.