1
Nouns and Pronouns
Directions: On the lines below, identify all underlined nouns and pronouns by writing
each in its proper column. Some of the underlined words and/or blanks will
not be used.
Noun
Pronoun
1.
________ ________ We used lanterns to explore the caves, waterfalls,
underground streams, stalagmites, and other fascinating
formations.
2.
________ ________ Jeff bought a house and had it fully redesigned and
renovated.
3. ________ ________ Computer science is the study of computers and their
functions.
4. ________ ________ Amy invited us to the society outing.
5. ________ ________ I did not understand that question.
6. ________ ________ This is not what Jeremy ordered.
7. ________ ________ Karla, who has no confidence in Clyde, will not support him.
8. ________ ________ Both of his children are in the play.
9. ________ ________ Did she enjoy herself at the football game?
10. ________ ________ I can’t believe that Mr. Jenkins approved this.
11. ________ ________ She is a strong believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
2
Nouns and Pronouns
Directions: On the lines below, identify all underlined nouns and pronouns by writing
each in its proper column. Some of the underlined words and/or blanks will
not be used, while other blanks will have two answers.
Noun
Pronoun
1.
________ ________ Each community has more food than is necessary.
2.
________ ________ Nearly everyone enjoys a good novel.
3.
________ ________ Faithfulness is a necessary characteristic for those in the
army of Christ.
4.
________ ________ Shelley went shopping with me last Saturday.
5.
________ ________ The library sent me some additional material for my research
paper.
6.
________ ________ She will go with us to Mexico for the missions trip.
7.
________ ________ Her older brother is also an accomplished painter.
8.
________ ________ The weather has been unseasonably cool all summer.
9.
________ ________ Do you like spinach soufflé?
10. ________ ________ We often visit a museum and have lunch when in Chicago.
11. ________ ________ Bob hurt himself yesterday during soccer practice.
12. ________ ________ Aunt Ann enjoys walking along the seashore with us.
13. ________ ________ The innkeeper led her down the dark, dusty hallway.
3
Pronouns (Types of Pronouns)
Directions: First, define each of the terms listed below. Second, identify each underlined
pronoun by writing its correct term in the blank.
Personal –
Demonstrative –
Indefinite –
Relative –
Interrogative –
Intensive –
Reflexive –
1.
________ Last year my school offered a photography course.
2.
________ This course had not been offered before.
3.
________ Most of the freshmen had a difficult time concentrating on our
assignment.
4.
________ John noticed that he was the first one in the initiation line.
5.
________
6.
________ Which roommate did you say is a terrible slob?
7.
________ The dean felt that Miranda had explained herself quite clearly.
8.
________ Joan herself made the introduction.
9.
________ I am not sure if the book is mine.
Please use that exit for the easiest departure.
10. ________ Most of the committee voted in favor of the new proposal.
11. ________ I had not yet decided which of my outfits I was going to give to the
missionary closet.
12. ________ Who borrowed my computer and failed to turn it off?
13. ________ Everyone favors a weekly meeting instead of daily meetings.
14. ________ Each of us can regain the ability to see freshly if we make full use of our
sense of sight.
15. ________ We must see people themselves as individuals with souls, not merely as
other human beings.
4
Pronouns (Types of Pronouns)
Directions: Correctly identify each underlined pronoun by filling in its blank with one of
the following terms: personal, demonstrative, indefinite, relative,
interrogative, intensive, or reflexive.
1.
________ I do not understand that question.
2.
________ Russ himself told me the story.
3.
________ Who will represent the University of Wisconsin at the meeting?
4.
________ I read only five books last quarter.
5.
________ We remodeled the family room.
6.
________ The free tickets are for anyone.
7.
________ Jessie will ride with us.
8.
________ Each of us has a secret dream.
9.
________ Which is the best route to Highlands, North Carolina?
10. ________ The book, which I really enjoy, is called A Confederacy of Dreams.
11. ________ No, that does not fit you at all.
12. ________ I do not have the key; I lost it yesterday.
13. ________ The auctioneer sold us two antique vases.
14. ________ Have you ever tried to teach a child to read?
15. ________ These are the only shells we found.
16. ________ You yourself can make a significant contribution to our country.
17. ________ Those are not the pictures I wanted to purchase.
5
Pronouns as Adjectives
*Note: For a pronoun to be considered a pure pronoun, it must take the place of a noun as
a subject, direct object, etc.
*Note: For a pronoun to be considered an adjective, it must modify a noun.
Directions: First, underline all pronouns used as adjectives in the following sentences.
Second, correctly identify the type of adjective underlined by filling in the
blank with one of the following terms: demonstrative, indefinite, interrogative,
or possessive.
1.
________ This dress is very unusual.
2.
________ Have you seen their new car?
3.
________ Any artist could paint the picture you so admire.
4.
________ Whose computer are you using?
5.
________ Is this my umbrella?
6.
________ Each ship had its own orchestra.
7.
________ Two men lost their lives in the wreck.
8.
________ What message did you bring?
9.
________ Did you lose your hat?
10. ________ Our classroom is too small to have one hundred students.
6
Verbs (Action or Linking)
Directions: First, underline all verbs in the following sentences. Second, identify each
verb as either action or linking by writing the proper word in each blank.
Note: An action verb names a particular action that can be performed.
A linking verb “links” by showing the relationship between another word in the
sentence and the subject. If a verb is linking, you can replace it with “is,” “are,” or
“seems.”
1.
________ The automobile skidded on the wet pavement.
2.
________ The rain fell in torrents during the storm.
3.
________ A good merchant knows his customers and their needs well.
4.
________ The lake by my parents' home is very rough in August.
5.
________ The man accumulated great wealth through proper money management.
6.
________ Young children often appear scared during thunderstorms.
7.
________ Homemade jelly tastes wonderful in the summertime.
8.
________ My uncle is a famous surgeon in Muncie.
9.
________ The fresh bread felt warm to the touch.
10. ________ Madge complained about the high price of food at the restaurant.
7
Verbs (Active or Passive Voice)
Directions: First, underline all verbs in the following sentences. Second, identify the
correct voice of each verb by writing either active or passive in each blank.
1.
________ The vegetables for the salad were chopped by Nan.
2.
________ A wealthy bidder from Saudi Arabia purchased the paintings at the
auction.
3.
________ An oak tree was toppled by the storm.
4.
________ The lamp in the living room had been turned off by David.
5.
________ Prince Edward Island was once inhabited only by the Micmac Indians.
6.
________ Judson kicked the game winning goal into the back of the net!
7.
________ Students must complete special forms from the office to excuse their
absences from class.
8.
________ The stagecoaches were frequently attacked by bandits.
9.
________ Last summer the three of us rode the Great Scream Machine at Six Flags.
10. ________ The letter was opened by Clara.
8
Verbs (Active or Passive Voice)
Directions: First, underline all verbs in the following sentences. Second, identify
the correct voice of each verb by writing either active or passive in
each blank.
1.
________ India contains one seventh of the world's population.
2.
________ Approximately 180 different languages are spoken by the people of India.
3.
________ Overcrowding has lowered the standard of living in India.
4.
________ Hindus and Moslems compose most of the population.
5.
________ Bread constitutes most of the diet of the Indians.
6.
________ The sacred cattle have been allowed by the Hindus to roam the streets
and houses freely.
7.
________ The monsoons can destroy India's crops.
8.
________ The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
9.
________ India's chief crops include cotton, wheat, rice, and nuts.
10. ________ By 1946, independence had been offered to India by Great Britain.
9
Verbs (Active or Passive Voice)
Part I - Directions: First, underline all verbs in the following sentences. Second, identify
the correct voice of each verb by writing either active or passive in
each blank.
1.
________ The small girl raced to the store to buy herself a toy.
2.
________ Tom was awarded the merit of honor by his commanding officer.
3.
________ Dorm students often receive demerits for messy rooms!
4.
________ Mail carriers oftentimes deliver thousands of pieces of mail daily.
5.
________ The phone company was sued by the unhappy clients in the area.
6.
________ The nurses' station was visited frequently by the interning doctors!
7.
________ The helium balloon was released during the storm.
8.
________ Verdi's operas are frequently sung beautifully.
9.
________ The famished sailor rapidly ate his warm dinner of rice and meat.
10. ________ Area merchants often hire MBBC students because of their reputation.
Part II – Directions: Rewrite the following sentences using active voice verbs. Strive for
conciseness.
1. The cold meal was eaten by the boy who arrived well past the appointed time.
2. I am asking you to turn down the volume of your vocal chords and speak softer.
3. The unfortunate family that did not own a home was taken to a place that housed
unfortunate families without homes by the social worker.
10
Verbs (Active and Passive Voice)
Directions: Rewrite all of the following sentences in the passive voice.
1.
Abel's offering pleased God.
2.
Rachel likes sloppy kisses from her daddy.
3.
Aaron knocked over the big plant on the table.
4.
Rachel flew the foam glider.
5.
Terri painted the door white.
6.
Heidi hung the new wallpaper in the kitchen.
7.
He used the Logos Bible Atlas software.
8.
We printed the definition.
9.
This printer works much better than the old one.
10. Aaron needs a nap.
11. Rachel wants a new Beanie baby.
12. Kevin did not buy a new backpack for school.
13. We need more board space.
11
Verbs (Regular and Irregular)
Directions: Correctly fill in each of the following blanks.
Present
Past
Past Participle
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
_______________
threw
_______________
_______________
talked
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
brought
_______________
_______________
did
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
taught__________
went
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
chose
___
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
drank
___
_______________
_______________
_______________
written__________
_______________
_______________
_______________
seen____________
opened__________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
given___________
_______________
_______________
dropped________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
jump
______________
swim
______________
______________
rise
grow
______________
______________
______________
burst
play
______________
buy
______________
fly
come
______________
______________
______________
sing
pray
hop
catch
______________
suppose
hang (objects)
hang (humans)
fling
______________
12
Verb Forms
Directions: Underline the correct verb form in each of the following sentences.
Note: (1) Check for the other tenses or clues to determine the time within the sentence.
(2) Notice that the verbs "used" and "supposed" should be followed by an
infinitive. For example: (I was supposed to go.)
(3) Use the following sentences to determine if the tense is present, past, or future:
*Today I __________. (present)
*Yesterday I __________. (past)
*I have __________. (past participle)
* I will/shall __________. (future)
1.
If you had (take/taken) the other route to Hampton, you would have saved at least
twenty minutes.
2. All winter long the brown leaves have (cling/clung) to the oak trees.
3. Although the wind (blew/blow) most of the night, it died down a bit before dawn.
4. During the recent holidays, the quartet (sings/sang) several festive songs.
5.
Immediately after the sun had (sink/sunk) in the west, the sky appeared gray.
6. The candidate for sheriff must have (shook/shaken) a thousand hands today!
7. Everyone (stands/stood) when the National Anthem was sung.
8. The icy rain (stings/stung) my cheeks as I hurried from the office to my car.
9. When we move, what are we (suppose/supposed) to do with our telephone.
10. I have not (see/seen) Lucy Meadows since last summer at the music festival.
11. The balloon (burst/bursted) when the child stuck a pin in it.
12. At dawn, the criminal was (hanged/hung) outside the sheriff’s office.
13. Who on earth could have (tear/torn) the coffee coupon from the morning paper!
14. I am certain that Samantha (use/used) to wear glasses.
15. You are right, but she has recently (get/gotten) lenses.
13
Verb Tense and Mood
Directions: Underline each incorrect verb in the following sentences and then write its
correction in the blank provided for you.
1. ____________ The wind has blowed the snow in drifts as high as the fence.
2.
____________ Trying hard to keep up, Juan cling to his mother's hand.
3. ____________ To enjoy the fields and woods, we have often take the back roads.
4. ____________ I was shake up when Jan slammed on the brakes.
5.
____________ They must have stand in line for half an hour, waiting for the Bijou
to open.
6. ____________ While looking for a shovel in the tool shed, Bill was stinged by a
wasp.
7. ____________ We are suppose to mail the check for our rent to Mrs. Tetley.
8.
____________ Rankin burst into the room with the news that Ellen had agreed to
begin to think about his proposal!
9. ____________ Last summer the three of us often ride the Great Scream Machine at
Six Flags.
10. ____________ What name has Wilbur choose for his new truck?
11. ____________ Uncle Luke use to tell tall tales about his years in the Army.
12. ____________ Francisco has fall in love more times than he cares to remember.
13. ____________ Clara tear open the letter which contained a check for her trip to
Colorado.
14. ____________ Neither of us has sing much since last summer.
14
Verb Tense and Mood
Directions: Underline each incorrect verb in the following sentences and then write its
correction in the blank provided for you.
1. ____________ Gloria has wrote to Orson every day since the fleet left for Hawaii.
2.
____________ Unfortunately, the canvas was tore slightly when the painting was
brought out of storage.
3. ____________ The Taylors often use to spend their summer holiday touring with
their camper.
4.
____________ My nephew has swam since he was little more than an infant.
5. ____________ Fernando has never throwed a better fast ball than he did today.
6.
____________ We were told at the service station that it was at least fifty miles
from Plattsburg to Saranac Lake.
7. ____________ Did you hear about the men who flown across the United States in a
balloon?
8. ____________ I promise you that I have wore this suit for the last time!
9.
____________ In the future we are suppose to be able to do our shopping or to
contact our representative on a computer.
10. ____________ Although the forester planted the seedlings only last year, I can see
that they have already growed.
11. ____________ Have you ever swang from birches the way Robert Frost must have?
12. ____________ Have you drank any of the green tea that Eloise brought from China.
15
Irregular Verbs
Directions: First, underline all of the verbs in the following sentences. Second, write the
past tense form of those underlined verbs in the blanks provided for you.
1.
________ ________ The temperature rises quickly when the sun comes up.
2.
________ ________ The quarterback throws the football to Red Mason, who
invariably catches it.
3.
________ ________ The lifeguard blows his whistle when the children go
beyond the sand bar.
4.
________ ________ Professor Blankenship not only writes poetry but also
gives it to her class.
5.
________ ________ The pastor brings the casserole each Sunday, and the
congregation eats it.
6.
________ ________ I see the small children as they creep into their hiding
places among the toys.
7.
________ ________ The choir sings a lovely song because they know the
correct musical techniques.
8.
________ ________ The bank robber, recognizing his imminent capture, flings
the money into the bank and drives away in a stolen car.
9.
________ ________ Each student writes his own paper and then chooses a
proper and fitting title.
10. ________ ________ The bees sting each individual and then fly away.
11. ________ ________ You tear along the perforated lines; then you give the sheet
to your teacher.
12. ________ ________ The child burst her balloon and then burst into tears.
16
Irregular Verbs (lie/lay; sit/sat)
Directions: Underline the correct verb in each of the following sentences.
1. (Lying, Laying) his packages by the door/ Tim searched through his pockets for the
apartment key.
2. The Sunday paper (lay/laid) unopened on the recliner in the den.
3. Any Sunday afternoon, Dad can be found (lying, laying) on the couch enjoying a
nap.
4. All week the children collected recycled cans, (lying, laying) them in the corner of
their classroom.
5. Harold (sat/set) his favorite chess set near the computer for quick access.
6. The architect spent most of the day (sitting, setting) out his drawings before his
clients.
7. Before (laying, lying) his kitchen floor, Jorge consulted many experts.
8. Every afternoon the children in the daycare (lie/lay) down for a nap.
9. The two cats (lie/laid) on the deck soaking up the sun.
10. The cook (sat/set) the box of lobsters on his countertop.
11. Many library books (lie/lay) unopened on the shelf.
12. Unfortunately, the house (sits/set) too close to the road and the traffic noise was
unbearable.
13. The boxer (lay/laid) unconscious after the uppercut from his opponent.
17
Irregular Verbs (lie, lay; sit, sat)
Directions: Underline the correct verb in each of the following sentences.
1. (Setting, Sitting) on the counter was an array of irresistible desserts.
2. We (sat, set) in the airport most of the morning.
3. A forthright man, Donald has always (lain, laid) his cards on the table.
4. (Lying, Laying) the carpet proved to be more of a job than Stanley anticipated.
5. With time running out, the hockey players (sat, set) despondently on the bench.
6. Several small cottages had been (sat, set) in the woods near the path.
7.
I had read most of the magazines (lying, laying) on the table in the doctor's lounge.
8. The small girl (sat, set) gingerly on the back of the Irish pony.
9. The pitcher (lain, laid) his fast ball across the plate.
10. Invariably, her passport (lies, lays) at the bottom of her disorganized pocketbook.
11. Our old collie delighted in (lying, laying) in the flower bed at the bottom of the steps.
12. Mother always (lies, lays) the mail on the table in the front hall.
13. After (sitting, setting) the child in the car seat, Margaret remembered her keys!
14. The computer will (sit, set) here, and Betty's desk will be over there.
15. Because Grandmother has (lain, laid) down for a nap, we will need to be quiet.
18
Irregular Verbs (lie/lay; sit/sat)
Directions: Underline the correct verb in each of the following sentences.
1. Colonel Compton's trophies had been carefully (sat, set) in a cabinet behind his
desk by Sally.
2. The rusty fan, droning as it moved back and forth, was (sitting, setting) in the corner
of the kitchen.
3. Having (lain, laid) in bed until noon, Sophie could not decide whether it was time for
breakfast or lunch!
4. The driver has taken the luggage from the trunk of his cab and has (sat, set) it on
the curb.
5. Every afternoon the cats (lie, lay) on the front steps, waiting for Father.
6. Marsha's clothes were scattered all over the room; they were (lying, laying) on
the chairs, on the bed, and on the floor.
7. Before (lying, laying) the brick walk, Neil consulted several of his friends.
8. The gardener spent most of the day (sitting, setting) out geraniums in the park.
9. Marily (sat, set) her best cups and saucers on the carefully polished tray.
10. All week the children had collected shells (setting, sitting) them one by one down.
11. Any Monday night one can find C. J. (lying, laying) on the couch watching
television.
12. The Sunday paper (lay, laid) unopened on the recliner in the den.
19
Verbs
Directions: Underline the correct verb in each of the following sentences.
Note: Use your Irregular Verb sheet, Notes on Subjunctive Mood, and Notes
on Troublesome Verbs (lie, lay and sit, set).
1. Someone has persistently (rung, rang) the doorbell.
2. As a child Steve often (swung, swang) from a swing hung from the sycamore
tree.
3. At dawn the posse from the Old West (hung, hanged) the bank robber.
4. We are (suppose, supposed) to be at the church for the wedding rehearsal in ten
minutes!
5. Please (sit, set) quietly and review your notes while the other people finish their
papers.
6. Once the balloon had been (burst, bursted), the child was inconsolable.
7. The exhausted mother finally had a chance to (lie, lay) down for a nap when her
triplets were asleep.
8. Dante was (lead, led) through Hell and Purgatory in Virgil's famous literary work
Paradise Lost.
9. (Sitting, Setting) the breakable vase in the middle of the room was truly an unwise
decision for the movers.
10. The students all wish that it (were, was) Christmas Break already!
11. The travel agent told me that it (is, was) a six-hour flight to San Francisco.
12. (Flying, Having Flown) all the way from London, I was glad to stand on solid ground
once more.
13. The sparrow startled Olive when it (flew, flies) into the window.
20
Prepositions
Directions: Place parentheses around all prepositional phrases in the following sentences.
Note: A prepositional phrase MUST BEGIN with a preposition and MUST END with a
noun or a pronoun.
Note: The number that is in parentheses at the end of each sentence signifies the number
of prepositional phrases in that particular sentence.
1.
Lady Jane Grey was a most unfortunate queen; she reigned over England for only nine
days. (2)
2.
This bright and lovely young girl was caught in intrigue and a bloody struggle for power.
(2)
3.
When Henry VIII died, his young son Edward succeeded him as king. (1)
4.
Only a boy, Edward was used by the cunning Duke of Northumberland for his own
purposes. (4)
5.
Northumberland wanted the power of the throne for himself and his family. (2)
6.
Jane had no claim to the throne because Edward had two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. (1)
7.
Nevertheless, Northumberland forced her into marriage with his own son. (2)
8.
The evil duke persuaded the young king that he should name Lady Jane as the heir to the
throne. (2)
9.
When Edward died at fifteen of tuberculosis, Jane Grey was proclaimed queen. (2)
10. After only nine days, the throne was restored to Mary, the rightful heir. (2)
11. Innocent, sixteen-year-old Jane was imprisoned and executed on charges of high treason
against the throne. (3)
21
Prepositions
Directions: First, underline each prepositional phrase in the following sentences. Second,
label each underlined phrase by writing either the word adjective or adverb
directly above it. Third, draw an arrow to the word that each phrase modifies.
Note: An adjectival phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun
by telling what kind or which one.
Note: An adverbial phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or
adverb by pointing out where, when, in what manner, or to what extent.
1. Simmer the stew gently over low heat.
2. He delivered the package to the wrong house.
3. Paul has always been the tallest one in his class.
4. That barn was hit by lightning during the storm.
5. The horse jumped the fence around the field behind the barn.
6.
I enjoyed your article about Mr. Hill in the school paper.
7. The child moved closer to his mother.
8. Run into the backyard and take the lawnmower out of the rain.
9. The squirrel ran across the roof and jumped into the tree.
10. Irene accepted an invitation from the Johnsons for dinner.
11. The price of the car was much too high.
12. The shapes of the two objects are very similar.
13. Put that box of books down here.
14. All the guests were happy for the bride and groom.
22
Prepositions
Directions: First, correctly label each underlined prepositional phrase by writing either
the word adjective or adverb directly above it. Second, draw an arrow to the
word that each phrase modifies.
1. Tucson, Arizona, has been the location of many Western movies.
2. Tina exercises every day in the gym.
3. George tries to eat three vegetables daily for his health.
4. The snowstorm this week caused all of the area schools to close.
5. Fred shoveled the sidewalk after the storm.
6. Tourists from the East visit the old frontier towns in the West.
7. The pirates found the hidden treasure under the sunken ship.
8. Nothing in Dutch memory compares with the flood of February, 1953.
9. Some fifty thousand houses were swept out to sea; seventy thousand people were
evacuated from their homes.
10. The rain forests contain a large variety of butterflies with exquisite coloration.
23
Prepositions
Directions: First, place parentheses around all prepositional phrases in the following
sentences. Second, draw an arrow to the word that each phrase modifies.
Note: Some sentences may have more than one prepositional phrase in them or none at
all.
1. As I told you, Sam Remo's is the best Italian restaurant in Daytona.
2. I immensely enjoyed my stay in Williamsburg.
3. After the storm a rainbow appeared above the dorm.
4. Paul attended the banquet as a guest of Jim.
5. Beyond the creek is a dirt road which leads to town.
6. She decided to attend the college in Watertown.
7. She was not sure about her trip to the mall with her roommates.
8. Beyond the sunset lie many forgotten dreams.
9. A student must take proper steps when writing a research paper.
10. The wages of sin is death.
11. I sat down beside the French ambassador at the banquet.
12. Agatha Christie writes with great imagination.
13. During the service she decided to ask the Lord to be her Savior.
24
Conjunctions
Directions: First, find and underline all conjunctions in the following sentences. Second,
above each underlined conjunction, correctly label it as a subordinating,
coordinating, or correlative conjunction.
1. Although the President’s advisers acknowledge the problem, few offer a solution.
2. Neither you nor Bob can afford to miss the next meeting.
3. Students soon realize that expanding their vocabulary makes writing less painful.
4. If we fail to meet the challenges, we will face the consequences.
5. He missed the train this morning because he had forgotten to set his alarm.
6. Both the team and the coach are flying to Los Angeles.
7. Neither Ned nor I am planning to attend the Cotton Bowl game.
8. When I visit New York, I always see at least one play.
9. Will walked three miles to town but hitched a ride home.
10. After Nellie received her doctorate, she decided not to return to teaching.
11. Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, was born in 1813 and died in 1855.
12. Mason was unable to make the trip because he had a soccer game on Friday.
13. Before her family moved to Dallas, she had always lived on a farm.
14. No one enjoys a constant complainer or a hypocrite.
15. Mountain climbing is exciting but dangerous.
16. He will baby-sit for you until you finish your shopping.
17. I think that borscht is one of the best soups in the world.
18. As a graduate student, he learned to organize his time and his work.
25
Adjectives and Adverbs
Part I – Directions: Correctly answer the following questions:
1. What do adjectives modify?
2. What do adverbs modify?
3. What five questions do adjectives answer?
4. What six questions do adverbs answer?
Part II – Directions: First, above each underlined word, correctly label it as either an
adjective or an adverb. Second, draw an arrow from the underlined
word to the word that it modifies.
1.
She is really a very lovely woman.
2.
A 1950 sports car drove past the high school very rapidly.
3.
Please draw a straight line when developing a line graph.
4.
Why doesn't he act friendly around the visitors at church?
5.
The play at the theater was rather dull, so we left early.
6.
The price on the tag was too high for the customer to pay.
7.
These apples are very sour!
8.
He accepted a rather large scholarship from his church.
9.
The small child reacted kindly toward the big bully.
10. During the trial, the lawyer spoke rather forcefully.
26
Adjectives and Adverbs
Part I – Directions: Correctly answer the following questions:
5. What do adjectives modify?
6. What do adverbs modify?
7. What five questions do adjectives answer?
8. What six questions do adverbs answer?
Part II – Directions: First, above each underlined word, correctly label it as either an
adjective or an adverb. Second, draw an arrow from the underlined
word to the word that it modifies.
1.
The popcorn in the kitchen smelled good.
2.
Marian looks beautiful in white.
3.
Brush your teeth well following each meal.
4.
An ice cold glass of lemonade tastes refreshing on a scorching, hot day.
5.
Jessie is almost ten years old.
6.
Are you really serious about becoming a medical missionary?
7.
The northern lights appear frequently during the winter months.
8.
The new clerk does her work efficiently.
9.
We have very little time to accomplish our work for the Lord.
10. Katherine injured her foot badly in the accident.
11. The problem seemed hopeless to the new school teacher.
12. I tasted the medicine cautiously for a sour aftertaste.
13. You certainly accomplished your task rather clumsily.
27
Adjectives and Adverbs
Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. The whistle blew so (shrill/shrilly) that all of us on the platform were startled.
2.
The tree in front of Terrace Hall would make the (most perfect/perfect) Christmas
tree.
3. The young man spoke (sharply/sharp) to the two boys who persisted in fighting.
4.
Is this typewriter or the one to its left the (best/better) one?
5. The driver switched lanes (sudden/suddenly) when he realized that he was wrong.
6.
I feel (real/really) good about Dr. Ostermeier's midterm exam.
7. The President's wife usually wears a (special/specially) designed gown to the
Inaugural Ball in January.
8. The fog seemed (thickly/thick) as we approached the bridge.
9. Turn left just beyond the sign that reads "Drive (Slow/Slowly).”
10. The cinnamon bread smells (delicious/deliciously).
11. Father appeared (eager/eagerly) to drive his new car.
12. Duncan came down the ladder (careful/carefully).
13. Despite Alec's best intentions, the toast was burned (bad/badly) by the new toaster.
14. Of all the cars on the track, Blue Moon is definitely the (faster/fastest).
15. Norman reads (good/well) for a child of seven.
16. Tina (sure/surely) was nervous about her piano debut.
17. The Powells seem (really/real) happy about their new camper.
28
Adjectives and Adverbs
Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1.
If you will look out this porthole, you can see the shoreline (clear, clearly).
2. Mr. Sims goes to the Farmers’ Market (regular, regularly) to buy produce for his
grocery store.
3. Once my fever was gone, I soon felt (good, well) again.
4. The trapeze artist balanced (precarious, precariously) on the high wire.
5. Can one buy gasoline (cheaper, more cheaply) now than six months ago?
6. When the child fell from the swing, he hit the ground (hard, hardly).
7. Mr. Christopher twirled his mustache as he talked (important, importantly) about his
latest success on Wall Street.
8. Our whole neighborhood felt (good, well) about the decision to reopen Bruce
Elementary School.
9. As the discussion progressed, the panelists grew less (objective, objectively) in their
comments.
10. The photography collection in the New Orleans museum is the (finer, finest) of the
two.
11. Senator Bullard seems (adamant, adamantly) in his opposition to the freeway.
12. In fact, he argued (ardent, ardently) against it at the oyster bake last week.
13. The hammock swung (lazy, lazily) back and forth.
14. Edgar (sure, surely) is glad that he has been asked to join the orchestra.
29
Adjectives and Adverbs
Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. As he was waiting for a table, Weatherby chatted (casual, casually) with the couple
standing behind him.
2. Which of these three Japanese cars gets the (better, best) mileage?
3.
Its whistle sounding as (mournful, mournfully) as ever, the freight train made his way
across the prairie.
4. Mrs. Quincy frequently speaks (grand, grandly) about her illustrious ancestors.
5.
I will always remain (wary, warily) of Buster Crump, our neighborhood bully.
6. Sue Ellen glanced (anxious, anxiously) at her watch: Roger was late again.
7. Determined to be in shape for spring practice, Guy exercises (vigorously, vigorous)
every morning.
8. The river flowed (rapid, rapidly) through the long, rocky gorge.
9.
I believe that Sheba is the (lazier, laziest) of the two cats.
10. The grocery clerk thumped the watermelon (sound, soundly) to find a ripe one.
11. The whipped cream tastes too (sweet, sweetly) for me.
12. The Russian visitors looked (brief, briefly) at the courthouse and then drove on to the
museum.
13. I've heard that Heathrow is the (busier, busiest) of all the international airports.
14. The view of the bridge from Stuart's office is one of the (prettiest, most pretty) I have
ever seen.
15. The baby slept (quiet, quietly) even though the vacuum cleaner was running noisily
downstairs.
30
Adjectives and Adverbs
Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1.
The flower arrangement was just (perfect/more perfect) for the living room.
2. The Powells seem (real/really) happy about their new camper.
3.
Does this map or that one have the (more/most) detail?
4. Tine (sure/surely) was nervous on opening night but has seemed quite calm ever since.
5.
If you are going to have enough money to go to Spain, you will have to watch your
nickels and dimes (close/closely).
6.
Year after year my father and Uncle Ben laughed (hearty/heartily) at each other’s
jokes.
7.
I feel (bad/badly) about losing my new yellow sweater.
8.
These bananas are (some/somewhat) riper than those.
9.
I (sure/surely) wish that I knew someone who would help me paint the fence.
10. Outside the courtroom, the lawyers have a (friendly/friendlier) relationship.
11. I’ll need to return the coat; it seems (tight/tighter) across the shoulders.
12. Your car will run (smooth/smoothly) after you get a tune-up.
13. By the time that Nick had mowed the whole yard, he was (real/really) weary.
14. The sports page contains the (liveliest/livelier) prose in the newspaper.
15. Julie, that's the (taller/tallest) tale that I've ever heard!
16. Just for a moment, the dove perched (uncertain/uncertainly) on the limb.
17. The tree in front of the garage would make the (perfect/most perfect) Christmas
tree.
31
Parts of Speech
Directions: First, place all prepositional phrases in parentheses. Second, correctly identify
all underlined parts of speech by writing one of the following abbreviations
directly above each underlined word:
Noun (N.)
Verb (V.)
Adjective (Adj.)
Adverb (Adv.)
Pronoun (Pron.)
Preposition (Prep.)
Conjunction (Conj.)
Interjection (Interj.)
1. Beverly Sills is a great performer.
2. The admissions committee did not meet today.
3. Traffic at five o'clock in the afternoon is chaotic.
4. Each group of students has a different advisor.
5.
If you need to leave early, you must obtain a pass from the dean's office.
6. Guatemala was visited by the delegation.
7. Hey! Did you notice the man who shoplifted?
8. Both Ted and Aaron are taking piano lessons this year.
9. The traffic progressed slowly during the jam.
10. Have you been to the library lately?
32
Parts of Speech
Directions: Correctly identify each underlined part of speech by writing one of the
following abbreviations in its corresponding blank:
Noun (N.)
Verb (V.)
Adjective (Adj.)
Adverb (Adv.)
Pronoun (Pron.)
Preposition (Prep.)
Conjunction (Conj.)
Interjection (Interj.)
Example: Adj. Tommy is not a typical college student.
1.
________ Downtown Atlanta appears deserted at night.
2.
________ The Panama Canal connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Pacific Ocean.
3.
________ Despite Rick's explanation, I still did not understand the question.
4. _________ Preventive medicine involves more than protection against disease.
5.
_________ Bonnie is a polite, energetic woman with a pleasing personality.
6.
_________ Dr. Bishop became Tom's mentor.
7.
_________ Baylor University rewards both faculty and students for achievement.
8.
_________ I do not see enough emphasis on oral reports.
9.
_________ Our old hound spends most of his time under the porch.
10. _________ Wow! You finally arrived somewhere on time.
11. _________ Fluffy's kittens are too cute for words.
12. _________ Did you see Russ before he moved to Seattle?
13. _________ The committee will establish emergency procedures.
14. _________ During the next few months we will study German literature.
15. _________ A great deal has been written about computer literacy.
16. _________ Most professors are articulate and can talk for hours.
17. _________ A few modifications will be made in your design.
18. _________ The Australian government plans to restrict future enrollment of foreign
students.
19. _________ These are the extra tickets to the Saturday afternoon performance.
20. _________ The Portland School of Art was founded in 1882.
33
Parts of Speech
Directions: Correctly identify all underlined parts of speech by writing one of the
following abbreviations directly above each underlined word:
Noun (N.)
Verb (V.)
Adjective (Adj.)
Adverb (Adv.)
1.
Pronoun (Pron.)
Preposition (Prep.)
Conjunction (Conj.)
Interjection (Interj.)
I have an interesting summer job.
2. Did they hunt and fish yesterday at Quarry Park?
3. Dr. Samuel Johnson compiled the first dictionary in the English language.
4. Did Elizabeth's parents want her to try out for the volleyball team?
5. My keys were sitting on the table, but I thought that I had lost them.
6. At the end of the game, neither the coach nor the players were pleased with the score.
7. Drivers in the Indianapolis 500 must stay continuously alert and be extremely
skillful.
8. How can you best prepare yourself for an effective job interview?
9. We couldn’t afford the prices at the fancy hotel.
10. Mr. and Mrs. Lopez spent three snowy winters in Vermont.
11. The evening air felt rather cool.
12. Yikes! That snake was gigantic.
13. One summer night, I considered the beauty of the stars.
34
Parts of Speech
Directions: Correctly identify all underlined parts of speech by writing one of the
following abbreviations directly above each underlined word:
Noun (N.)
Verb (V.)
Adjective (Adj.)
Adverb (Adv.)
Pronoun (Pron.)
Preposition (Prep.)
Conjunction (Conj.)
Interjection (Interj.)
1. A carwash can be a good fund-raiser.
2. With that thought in mind, the freshman class planned a carwash for last Saturday.
3. On Saturday, the sky did not look good.
4.
In fact, the weather report predicted thunderstorms.
5. Did any of this deter us?
6. No! We had our carwash anyway.
7. Our first customer, at 9 a.m., paid us a compliment.
8. She said that she thought we were very brave students.
9. The rain began pouring as she was speaking, and she saw our disappointment.
10. "Oh well," she said, "there is nothing like rainwater rinse during a storm!"
35
Parts of Speech
Directions: Correctly identify all underlined parts of speech by writing one of the
following abbreviations directly above each underlined word:
Noun (N.)
Verb (V.)
Adjective (Adj.)
Adverb (Adv.)
Pronoun (Pron.)
Preposition (Prep.)
Conjunction (Conj.)
Interjection (Interj.)
1. Can you help me bring in the groceries?
2. No! I told you that I don't want to go.
3. Robert Hutchins became C.E.O. of the company at the age of thirty.
4. This report responds to your questions about the writing program.
5. The average person’s perceptions of crime are tainted by the number of crimes
viewed on television.
6. Mrs. Holcomb's yard or house is always full of children.
7. The profession of medicine is rapidly changing.
8. What! Are you sure that the caterer has dropped the wedding cake?
9. How many courses are you taking during this semester?
10. Do you support Roger's opinion?
11. Except for Al, everyone intends to attend the play.
12. Pamela left herself open for criticism.
13. The library is one of the newest buildings on campus.
14. The conference sponsored by the University emphasized the need for communication
skills.
15. The initial phase of this conference will begin next month.
16. Julian is a research engineer at the Dow Industrial Corporation.
36
Parts of Speech (Review)
Directions: Correctly identify each of the underlined parts of speech by writing its
appropriate abbreviation directly above it.
The cold passed reluctantly from the earth and the retiring fogs revealed an army
stretched out on the hills, resting. As the landscape changed from brown to green, the army
awakened and began to tremble with eagerness at the noise of rumors. It cast its eyes upon the
roads, which were growing from long troughs of liquid mud to proper thoroughfares. A river,
amber-tinted in the shadow of its banks, purled at the army's feet; and at night, when the stream
had become of a sorrowful blackness, one could see across it the red, eyelike gleam of hostile
camp fires set in the low brows of distant hills.
There was a youthful private who listened with eager ears to the words of the tall soldier
and to the varied comments of his comrades. After receiving a fill of discussion concerning
marches and attacks, he went to his hut and crawled through an intricate hole that served it as a
door. He wished to be alone with some new thoughts that had lately come to him.
He lay down on a wide bunk that stretched across the end of a room. In the other end,
cracker boxes were made to serve as furniture. They were grouped about the fireplace. A picture
from an illustrated weekly was upon the log walls, and three rifles were paralleled on pegs.
Equipment hung on handy projections and some tin dishes lay upon a small pile of firewood. A
folded tent was serving as a roof. The sunlight, without beating upon it, made it glow a light
yellow shade. A small window shot an oblique square of whiter light upon the cluttered floor.
The smoke from the fire at times neglected the clay chimney and wreathed into the room, and
this flimsy chimney of clay and sticks made endless threats to set ablaze the whole
establishment. —Stephen Crane
37
Subjects and Verbs
Directions: First, place parentheses around all prepositional phrases in the following
sentences. Second, underline all subjects once and all verbs twice.
1. One hundred years after his death Walt Whitman remains one of America’s most
important poets.
2. Dan flew to Anchorage last Monday.
3. They spent last weekend in Dallas.
4. During the afternoon we browsed through the Furniture Mart.
5. The brick house around the corner was built by Tom’s uncle.
6. Russ didn’t reach Annapolis until after midnight.
7. Jody has already planned her schedule for next semester.
8. With each player’s shot the emotions at the basketball game intensified.
9. I cannot finish this lab experiment this afternoon.
10. Sam has offered his help.
11. Dr. Brown’s article will be published in the spring.
12. Summer vacation passes too quickly.
13. Chandra enjoys daydreaming.
14. The Grand Old Opry popularized country music.
15. Bighorn sheep have huge horns and inhabit the Rocky Mountains.
16. They are anticipating renovations to their apartment building.
17. Cheryl’s wedding dress was beautifully made.
18. Did you understand that poem?
19. There were several different models of antique cars for sale at the auction.
20. The mother cat with her new kittens was on the porch.
38
Subjects and Verbs
Directions: First, place parentheses around all prepositional phrases in the following
sentences. Second, underline all subjects once and all verbs twice.
1.
Have you ordered our tickets for the game Saturday?
2. The company has assumed the responsibility of health care for its employees.
3. We enjoyed the concert from start to finish.
4. Is Wayne looking forward to his retirement?
5. The dog as well as her puppies was excited by the knock on the door.
6. During the tournament we could hardly hear the referee.
7. They followed his instructions carefully but did not find the restaurant.
8. The houses in the next block were built in the early 1920’s.
9. The five-minute video was used for recruitment purposes.
10. There was a renaissance of Native American graphic art in the 1930’s.
11. Several members of our law firm are attending the San Francisco conference.
12. Has Laura read Madeleine L’Engle’s A Circle of Quiet?
13. Rhonda is taking a two-year degree in sign language.
14. In spite of himself he usually sticks his foot in his mouth.
15. Will you meet me in the cafeteria for lunch?
16. All government managers will take a course in ethics.
17. In 1803 the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.
18. At the first of this year, Joe sent his resume to twenty-five companies.
19. Many employees in our company work and attend evening school.
20. During recent years college tuition costs have increased greatly.
21. The senior concert will be held on Monday evening.
39
Complements
Part I - Directions: Complete the formula for each of the following complements:
Direct Object (DO) –
Indirect Object (IO) –
Objective Complement (OC) –
Predicate Adjective (PA) –
Predicate Nominative (PN) –
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each underlined complement by writing its
abbreviation directly above it.
1. Generally speaking, Yorktown was the last real battle of the American Revolution.
2. Every spring I take long walks in the country.
3. Everyone thought the interview informative.
4. Will you bring me my glasses which are on the counter?
5. Will is a trusty old friend of mine.
6. Several years ago in Venice I shared a motorboat-taxi with a couple from Montana.
7. Tom is extremely bright.
8. Agricultural research is vital to America's future.
9. The committee will probably elect James secretary.
10. Every morning the dog brings Dad the newspaper.
11. Our society is exploring new ways to make money.
12. Sue's field of expertise is political science.
13. Her tone was unnecessarily belligerent.
14. His explanations are simple and direct.
15. My brother does not consider Nancy pretty.
40
Complements
Part I - Directions: Complete the formula for each of the following complements:
Direct Object (DO) –
Indirect Object (IO) –
Objective Complement (OC) –
Predicate Adjective (PA) –
Predicate Nominative (PN) –
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each underlined complement by writing its
abbreviation directly above it.
1.
You made her angry after class.
2.
This experience taught me a very valuable lesson.
3.
To everyone's surprise, Jane and I were not late.
4.
Brian told Arnie some very ridiculous stories about his speeding ticket.
5.
Yolanda was the valedictorian of her class.
6.
The students in this freshman class seem quite industrious.
7. Car computers can make predictions about engine failure.
8.
Some cars have seven computers within their systems!
9.
I considered the joke tasteless.
10. The news writers elected Favre M.V.P. of the National Football League.
11. New York is our largest populated city.
12. Unfortunately, I found the book rather dull.
13. My favorite authors are Jane Austin and Agatha Christie.
14. She gave George and me several very useful suggestions.
15. Please do not omit any necessary punctuation in your paper.
41
Complements
Part I - Directions: Complete the formula for each of the following complements:
Direct Object (DO) –
Indirect Object (IO) –
Objective Complement (OC) –
Predicate Adjective (PA) –
Predicate Nominative (PN) –
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each underlined complement by writing its
abbreviation directly above it.
1.
The gymnastics team elected Terry captain.
2. Robert Frost became a famous poet.
3.
The desk was quite heavy for the movers to bring down the steps.
4.
My little sister has an interesting coin collection.
5.
The directions on the package were clear.
6.
Rob gave her a smile.
7.
I read the newspaper for news of sales and bargains.
8.
Margaret received a ten-speed bicycle for her birthday.
9.
The factory owner gave his employees a raise in pay.
10. Did you give Ming Chin directions to the beach?
11. My mother is taller than any of her sisters.
12. Alice Walker has become a well-known artist.
42
Complements
Directions: First, underline and label all verbs in the following sentences as either an
action verb (AV) or a linking verb (LV). Second, following each action verb,
label all direct objects (DO), indirect objects (IO), and objective
complements (OC). Third, following each linking verb, label all predicate
nominatives (PN) and predicate adjectives (PA).
1. The sky became cloudy toward evening.
2. The girls have remained friends for years.
3. The president appointed Perkins acting director.
4. The sitter handed the baby the rattle.
5. The gardener trimmed the shrubs and bushes.
6. The recipe requires cinnamon and brown sugar.
7. The criminal dyed his blond hair red.
8. The first speaker was I.
9. The children grew tan from the summer sun.
10. The baby doesn't eat fruit or cereal yet.
43
Complements
Part I - Directions: Complete the formula for each of the following complements:
Direct Object (DO) –
Indirect Object (IO) –
Objective Complement (OC) –
Predicate Adjective (PA) –
Predicate Nominative (PN) –
Part II – Directions: First, place parentheses around all prepositional phrases. Second,
correctly label the entire sentence pattern for each of the following
sentences.
1. The cat licked its paws clean.
2. She gave George and me several suggestions for the project.
3. Mrs. Spiers praised the stage crew and cast for their diligent work.
4. Unfortunately, this book is extremely dull.
5. Those strawberries look quite ripe.
6. One specialized computer makes a car burglarproof.
7. That reflector was once the most powerful telescope in the entire world.
8.
I felt energetic after my workout.
9. Are you sure that Jim is the new leader?
10. The home economics class hosted a luncheon for their parents.
44
Complements
Part I - Directions: Complete the formula for each of the following complements:
Direct Object (DO) –
Indirect Object (IO) –
Objective Complement (OC) –
Predicate Adjective (PA) –
Predicate Nominative (PN) –
Part II – Directions: First, place parentheses around all prepositional phrases. Second,
correctly label the entire sentence pattern for each of the following
sentences. There may be more than one pattern per sentence.
1. My brother made my mother a birthday cake for her 40th birthday party.
2. The project soon became a fiasco.
3. First, Bill cracked the eggs into a bowl.
4. Then Bill added the flour and other dry ingredients.
5. The eggbeater quickly whirled them onto the ceiling.
6. Our ceiling was both powdery and sticky.
7. Bill did not clean the ceiling immediately, and the sticky substance hardened
overnight.
8. Mom was not angry, but she did give Bill a suggestion for a gift.
9. "A clean ceiling," said Mom, "would be a fine birthday gift."
10. Bill's attempt was heartfelt but disastrous!
45
Complements (Review)
Directions: First, place parentheses around all prepositional phrases. Second,
correctly label the entire sentence pattern for each of the following
sentences.
1. Place the disc in the disc drive after turning on the computer.
2. The new instruments made the band players happy.
3. She seems quite talented.
4. We drove Jim to the airport in Milwaukee.
5. Juan appeared rather upset following his dismissal from the team.
6. Tiger Woods is an excellent golfer.
7. The dorm supervisor gave us her permission to throw a birthday party.
8. Mark Twain became famous for his stories about the Mississippi.
9. The artist painted the exterior of her house a bold aquamarine!
10. The special today is broiled swordfish.
11. The flowers smell heavenly.
12. Have you told your parents the news?
13. Sandy hasn't written me a letter for weeks.
14. The workers are repaving the road.
15. The continuous rain made them depressed.
16. The jury found the defendant guilty.
17. The chef prepared a special dessert for us.
18. The defendant told the judge his story.
19. The sudden hailstorm bombarded the picnickers.
20. We have just completed this assignment.
46
Phrase or Clause?
Directions: Write (C) on the line if the group of words is a clause. Write (P) on the line if
the group of words is a phrase.
Suggestion: Cross out any prepositional phrases. Underline the subject once and the
verb/verb phrase twice. If the sentence contains both a subject and a verb, it
is a clause.
1.
________ Without supper.
2. ________ Danced in the breeze.
3. ________ Our oven door is broken.
4. ________ After my homework was completed.
5. ________ Participating in a game.
6. ________ The man in the park.
7. ________ Even though I agreed.
8. ________ Hurried down the lane.
9. ________ Leaves have fallen from the trees.
10. ________ Hanging on the wall over a fireplace.
11. ________ No one emptied the trash.
12. ________ Those large white eggs on the table.
13. ________ Our basement is a storage area.
14. ________ If I could skate faster.
15. ________ Regardless of the telephone's dial tone.
47
Clauses (Dependent or Independent?)
Directions: Write DC on the line if the clause is a dependent clause. Write IC on the line
if the clause in an independent clause.
Example: __IC__
The miniature horses are as small as dogs.
1.
_____ That store opens at nine o’clock.
2.
_____ Unless you plan on leaving.
3.
_____ Whatever the circumstances are.
4.
_____ Bottled water was delivered to their door.
5.
_____ Go away.
6.
_____ If our ship arrives early.
7.
_____ Whenever we finish this task.
8.
_____ During the power failure, our lights went out.
9.
_____ Stop.
10. _____ Although the dam broke.
11. _____ Laughing and splashing, the two boys played in the pool.
12. _____ After I run these errands.
13. _____ Mr. Dobbins loves chocolate chip cookies.
14. _____ From the time I was three years old.
15. _____ Harriet vowed never to do that again.
*Remember that You. (called you understood), is often the subject of an imperative
sentence (command).
48
Clauses
Directions: Identify each of the following underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or
Adverb by writing the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be
specific and label its particular function in the sentence as well.
Remember: (1) A clause must have a subject and a verb.
(2) A dependent clause must begin with a signal word.
1. The hotel where they stay each summer is located on a beautiful island.
2. Because the library is closed at 9:00, we decided to order pizza and keep studying in
the dorm.
3. Surely Mabel understands that everyone does not like anchovies on her pizza!
4. After you have read the article on Williamsburg in Time, you may want to read the
one that appears in American Heritage.
5. Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind. –Shakespeare
6. Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes. –Putnam
7. The suggestion that we leave early was well received.
8. Select a time when we can meet.
9. That he was a devious individual was readily apparent to all in the room.
10. The truth that patience can grow in adversity is taught in the first chapter of James.
11. Minnesota, which is sometimes called the Gopher State, is also called "the Bread and
Butter State."
12. The grand prize will be awarded to whoever enters the most original composition.
13. Jesus is a friend that you can depend on.
49
Clauses
Directions: Identify each of the following underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or
Adverb by writing the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be
specific and label its particular function in the sentence as well.
Remember: (1) A clause must have a subject and a verb.
(3) A dependent clause must begin with a signal word.
1. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.
2. Satan rocks the cradle when we sleep at our devotions. –J. Hall
3. The opposite of what is said about people is often the truth.
4. Whatever makes men good Christians makes them good citizens. –Webster
5. Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity. –Milton
6. The reason that crime statistics rise can be traced to man's sinful nature.
7. You should hammer your iron when it is glowing hot.
8. When one associates with vice, it is but one step from companionship to slavery.
9. Be charitable before wealth makes thee covetous. –Browne
10. Fear is that tax that conscience pays to guilt. –Sewell
11. Be useful where thou livest. –Herbert
12. Whoever gossips to you about someone will gossip about you to someone.
13. The first great gift that we can bestow on others is a good example. –Morell
14. Happiness can only be found where God has placed it in our lives.
15. Give orphans and widows the care that they deserve.
50
Clauses
Directions: Identify each of the following underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or
Adverb by writing the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be
specific and label its particular function in the sentence as well.
Remember: (1) A clause must have a subject and a verb.
(2) A dependent clause must begin with a signal word.
1. He will give the prize money to whoever can jump the farthest.
2. We reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly.
3. Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
4. He that has no cross will have no crown.
5. When a man is wrong and won't admit it, he always gets angry. –Haliburton
6. The Greeks, who gained much mathematical knowledge from the Babylonians, were
the first to recognize irrational numbers.
7. The astronomer did not know when the comet would return.
8. Our soccer coach selected a date when all of the alumni could attend the game.
9. Scholars do not agree about who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews.
10. After Peter had denied the Lord three times, he wept bitterly.
11. Mr. Thompson asked us to go to the Sirloin and Lobster Inn, which is my favorite
restaurant.
51
Clauses
Directions: Find and circle all signal words. Underline the dependent clauses in each of
the following sentences. Identify each of your underlined clauses as a Noun,
Adjective, or Adverb by writing the correct word above each clause. If it is a
Noun, be specific and label its particular function in the sentence as well. If a
sentence does not have a clause, simply write “None” next to its number.
1. When Tamara applied for the job last Monday, she felt confident about receiving an
interview.
2. Do you think that your parents will approve of your spending so much money for a
stereo?
3. Please give me a break; I've had a difficult day too.
4. Our conversation was drowned out by the noise of the fire engine while we were
talking on the phone.
5. As you wait for the green light, concentrate on what you think the other driver will
do.
6. The Vietnam Memorial is a black granite wall engraved with the names of those who
died in the Vietnam War.
7. Can you tell me why there is still famine in parts of the world?
8. After World War II, President Harry Truman authorized the Marshall Plan.
9. As the molten lava moved down the mountain, residents who lived within a ten-mile
radius were asked to evacuate their homes.
10. Please proceed to the auditorium with your class and take the seats which have been
assigned to you.
52
Clauses
Directions: Underline the dependent clauses in each of the following sentences. Identify
each of your underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or Adverb by writing
the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be specific and label its
particular function in the sentence as well.
Remember: (1) A clause must have a subject and a verb.
(2) A dependent clause must begin with a signal word.
1.
If any would not work, neither should he eat. –Bradford
2.
Loren can jump higher than Sue can jump.
3. Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in
autumn.
4. What you intend to do is indeed interesting.
5. Mr. Johnson, whose son attends the university, is our friend.
6.
I will stay here in the dorm until you come back.
7. She looked as though she wanted to laugh!
8. Jet pilots, who work under a great deal of stress, must stay in excellent physical
condition.
9. This is what you intend to do.
10. A person who loves to read will never be lonely.
11. My family made many sacrifices so that I could have a Christian education.
12. The professor stood by his original rule that all late work would receive an "F."
53
Clauses
Directions: Underline the dependent clauses in each of the following sentences. Identify
each of your underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or Adverb by writing
the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be specific and label its
particular function in the sentence as well.
1. For those who travel a great deal, all motels begin to look alike.
2.
I can tell by the sound of the footsteps that Joan is coming.
3. After the dog was clipped for the summer, she looked much cooler.
4. Kert Herbert, general director of the San Francisco Opera, was educated in Vienna.
5. Eva, who has a friendly and easy-going manner, is our new business manager.
6. The coach said that she was proud of her team members.
7. Because the cost of gas has increased, riding the bus to work is the most economic
way to go.
8. Did you know that computers can communicate with each other?
9. A good secretary can run the office when the boss is out of town.
10. Bob went to his car to find that he had a flat tire.
54
Clauses
Directions: Underline the dependent clauses in each of the following sentences. Identify
each of your underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or Adverb by writing
the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be specific and label its
particular function in the sentence as well.
1.
Bob went to his car after he heard the alarm sound.
2.
Martha asked how she could find a difficult word in the dictionary.
3.
If you need a copy of my itinerary, my assistant has it.
4.
Please water my plants while I am on vacation.
5.
That you are a diligent worker is quite apparent.
6.
Mark loved paddling his canoe on the lake which is behind his house.
7.
I was unsure about what he meant by his statement.
8.
Jesus knew that he would be crucified by the Jews.
9.
Esther found that courage that helped her save her people.
55
Clauses (Review of Dependent Clauses)
Directions: Underline the dependent clauses in each of the following sentences. Identify
each of your underlined clauses as a Noun, Adjective, or Adverb by writing
the correct word above each clause. If it is a Noun, be specific and label its
particular function in the sentence as well. If it is an Adjective or Adverb,
draw an arrow to the word that it modifies.
1. Someone broke the window that I recently fixed.
2.
I have a friend whose witty remarks amuse me.
3. Proofreading before I hand in my papers helps improve my grades.
4. Whatever tools you need can be found at Ames Hardware.
5. The play ended sooner than we expected.
6. The fish that was just reeled in set a record.
7. We called because we were worried about you.
8.
I wanted to search for wild blackberries while the summer season lasted.
9. The dentist treated whichever patient arrived first.
10. This is my aunt of whom I have spoken highly.
11. To get rid of this cold is what I would like.
12. I will cut the board to whatever length you desire.
13. The graduate student appeared confident as she took her oral exams.
14. The students made their request that the due date for research papers be
extended.
15. The group sent whoever requested information a brochure about harp seals.
16. The radio, blaring as I attempted to do my studies, made concentration
impossible.
56
Sentence Types
Part I – Directions: Draw the Sentence Type Chart in the space provided.
Part II – Directions: List the three steps for determining sentence types.
1.
2.
3.
Part III - Correctly label each of the following sentences below as simple (S),
complex (CX), compound (CD), or compound-complex (CD-CX).
1. ____ My opinions of the situation have changed since I read the editorial in
the New York Times.
2. ____ In last night's game Finley hit a homer, popped up, and struck out twice.
3. ____ When you hear from him, then we can begin planning our trip; however, don't
begin packing just yet!
4. ____ Frances, call me when you hear from your travel agent.
5. ____ The photographs that have been hung in the north gallery are the work of
my friend, Simon Jones; he is an excellent abstract painter.
6. ____ Interpol is the international crime information center; its headquarters are
located in France.
7. ____ After Melvin had attended the southeast Computer show, he decided to
invest in a home computer; unfortunately, he did not purchase enough
RAM.
8. ____ Robert and his brother washed and polished their new car, and it shone
radiantly.
9. ____ A lamp was lighted in the house; the happy family was talking together and
enjoying dinner.
10. ____ Why he refused to contribute to the fund we do not know.
11. ____ My friend was offended by my attitude, and I was sorry that she was hurt.
12. ____ Because the cost of gas has increased, riding the bus to work is the most
economical way to go.
57
Sentence Types
Part I – Directions: Draw the Sentence Type Chart in the space provided.
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each of the following sentences below as simple (S),
complex (CX), compound (CD), or compound-complex (CD-CX).
1. ______ Remember to turn on the light when you leave.
2. ______ Wordsworth and Coleridge, close friends and fellow poets, often
walked many miles a day in order to visit each other.
3. ______ After we unstrapped the bikes, we took our luggage into the cottage and
immediately got ready for an afternoon of hiking.
4. ______ Which society did you join, and are you actively involved?
5. ______ The newspaper is filled with bad news, but editors insist that readers are not
especially interested in good news.
6. ______ The English visitor told the reporter that she would not be surprised to
see an American driving on the wrong side of the street.
7. ______ Filled with logs, the old pickup truck stalled on the hill, much to the
dismay of the driver.
8. ______ Do you remember Emily Dickinson's poem in which she called frost a
"blond assassin"?
9. ______ The teacher explained Shakespeare's classics so well that I began to
enjoy Shakespeare!
10. ______ Friday's activities will include a tour of the White House as well as a
visit to the Smithsonian Institution on Saturday the group will visit
Mount Vernon and the Curtis-Lee Mansion.
11. ______ The first group of songs that he sang was German, but he concluded his
recital with a medley of American folk songs.
12. ______ Robert and his brother washed and polished their new car on
Saturday Just prior to the football game against the Vikings.
58
Sentence Types
Part I – Directions: Draw the Sentence Type Chart in the space provided.
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each of the following sentences below as simple (S),
complex (CX), compound (CD), or compound-complex (CD-CX).
1. ______ After reading the paper and having a second cup of coffee, Charles
decided that today was the day to begin spring cleaning!
2. ______ The congressman said that he would support the appropriation of
additional funds for a consumer protection agency.
3. ______ Do you agree with Calvin Coolidge that "the business of
America is business"?
4. ______ When he was a child, George enjoyed creating mansions with his
Lincoln log set.
5. ______ Why the transportation workers are out on strike is explained in the morning
paper, but when they will be back on the job is still open to debate.
6. ______ Once the elementary classroom was called upon to be
monolingual, but now it is sometimes bilingual or even multilingual.
7. ______ The jonquils had pushed up through the brown leaves, only to
be killed by the early spring frost.
8. ______ Although he denied the Lord three times, Peter eventually was a
vibrant Christian for Christ; we should recognize this fact when we
fail.
9. ______ While the children played in the yard, the old collie lay on the front
steps, sleeping in the summer sun.
10. ______ It is ironic that during the Bicentennial a group organized "The Committee
for Reunion with England"; its members felt that the American Revolution
had been a serious mistake!
11. ______ The gift that you gave Molly for her birthday is now broken.
59
Sentence Types
Part I – Directions: Draw the Sentence Type Chart in the space provided.
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each of the following sentences below as simple (S),
complex (CX), compound (CD), or compound-complex (CD-CX).
1. ____ A man who is ignorant of foreign languages is often ignorant of his own.
--Goethe
2. ____ Language, as well as the faculty of speech, was the immediate gift of God.
--Webster
3. ____ Language most shows a man; speak that I may see thee. --Johnson
4. ____ No abilities, however splendid, can command success without intense labor
and persevering application. --A.T. Stewart
5. ____ What we know here is very little, but what we are ignorant of is immense.
--Laplace
6. ____ The love of money and the love of learning rarely meet. --Herbert
7. ____ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be
destroyed.
8. ____ The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.
9. ____ There never was found, in any age of the world, either religion or law that did
so highly exalt the public good as the Bible. --Bacon
10. ____ Sennacherib was a powerful Assyrian king who attempted to take Jerusalem,
but the angel of the Lord defeated Sennacherib by killing 185,000 of his
soldiers.
11. ____ He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows should never
remember it. --Charron
60
Sentence Types
Part I – Directions: Draw the Sentence Type Chart in the space provided.
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each of the following sentences below as simple (S),
complex (CX), compound (CD), or compound-complex (CD-CX).
1. ____ God heals, and the doctor takes the fee! --Franklin
2. ____ Give according to your means, or God will make your means according to
your giving. --Hall
3. ____ If you wish to be held in esteem, you must associate only with those who
are estimable. --Bruyere
4. ____ Good words are worth much and cost little. –Herbert
5. ____ They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be
proud. --Flavel
6. ____ Our prayer and God's grace are like two buckets in a well; while the one
ascends, the other descends. –Hopkins
7. ____ We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by
what we have done. --Longfellow
8. ____ He who bravely dares must sometimes risk a fall.
9. ____ Bad men excuse their faults; good men will quit them. --Johnson
10. ____ Genius begins great work; labor alone finishes them. --Joubert
11. ____ Ignorance and pride tend to keep constant company.
12. ____ Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes, and adversity is not
without comforts and hopes. --Bacon
61
Sentence Types
Part I – Directions: Draw the Sentence Type Chart in the space provided.
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each of the following sentences below as simple (S),
complex (CX), compound (CD), or compound-complex (CD-CX).
1. ____ Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death
but once. --Shakespeare
2. ____ Cast all your cares on God; that anchor holds. --Tennyson
3. ____ He who destroys a good book kills reason itself. --Milton
4. ____ He whose house is of glass must not throw stones at another. –Herbert
5. ____ Through God we shall do valiantly; it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
6.
____ A wise man knows his own ignorance; a fool thinks that he knows everything!
7. ____ My sister, Margaret, will be taking the following courses this semester:
French, Chemistry I, home economics, and Typing II.
8. ____ W.S. Gilbert and Arthur S. Sullivan wrote the Mikado, a comic opera, in 1885.
9. ____ Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly in the distance but to do what
lies clearly at hand. --Carlyle
10. ____ If the best man's faults were written on his forehead, he would draw his hat
over his eyes. --Gray
62
SENTENCES and FRAGMENTS
Clauses:
A. An independent clause contains a subject and verb.
An independent clause expresses a complete thought.
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
Independent Clause:
B.
I have a record player.
A dependent clause contains subject and verb.
A dependent clause does not express a complete thought.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A dependent clause without an independent clause is a fragment.
Dependent Clause:
When you return from the game.
Fragments:
A.
An unattached dependent clause is a fragment.
Whenever I am lonely.
B.
A fragment sometimes contains a subject or verb.
The conductor during the performance.
Drew several pictures for us.
C.
A fragment may contain neither subject nor verb.
Tomorrow.
In the bottom drawer.
From this point to that one.
D. A command is NOT a fragment. Some commands may be only one word,
but the subject is (You) meaning You Understood.
(You) Go!
(You) Do it now.
63
Sentences or Fragments
Directions: Label each of the following as either a Sentence (S) or a Fragment (F).
1. ____ Please call me later.
2.
____ Fine.
3.
____ Who has won?
4.
____ Disturbing the peace.
5.
____ A soccer ball was kicked to the far end of the field.
6.
____ Copying me lesson from the book.
7.
____ When Matt ran up to me suspiciously.
8.
____ A snake slithered under a rock.
9.
____ Our clothes were packed and ready for our trip.
10. ____ At the end of the story.
11. ____ Be prepared to make sudden stops on this road.
12. ____ When Ann was little, she dreamed of becoming a doctor.
64
Verbals
Part I – Directions: First, underline the gerund in each of the following sentences.
Second, determine the function of each gerund by writing one of the
following abbreviations in each blank: Subject (S), Direct Object
(DO), Object of the Preposition (OP), or Predicate Nominative (PN).
Note: Gerunds always end in ________.
Gerunds always function as ________.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
Uncle Dean enjoys walking after supper.
His only interest is painting.
Planning the work carefully required much time.
She was not to blame for breaking the vase.
Hearing him rant and rave all day gave me a headache.
We were all concerned about his suffering.
Harris didn't always like playing in the snow.
Part II – Directions: First, underline the infinitive in each of the following sentences.
Second, determine the function of each infinitive by writing one of
the following abbreviations in the blank: Adjective (Adj.), Adverb
(Adv.), or Noun (N). Third, if the function is a noun, also, state
whether it is acting as a Subject (S) or as a Direct Object (DO).
Note: Infinitives are formed by ____________________.
Infinitives function as ______________________.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
Wayne wants to go with us on visitation.
He asked to borrow the wheelbarrow.
To argue for the sake of arguing is immature.
I was happy to study with a great professor.
To see a whale excited the paying customers.
She doesn't often have an opportunity to sleep until noon.
His family was eager to meet his fiancée.
Part III – Directions: First, underline the participle in each of the following sentences.
Second, write the function of the participle in each blank. Third,
draw an arrow to the word that the participle modifies.
Note: Participles always end in _________________________.
Participles always function as _____________________.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
She uses dried fruits to make her pies.
Playing basketball carelessly, Jimmy dislocated his shoulder.
Scratching noises on the door frightened us.
Can you repair this broken clock?
Overshoes help to prevent frozen feet.
Careening around a blind curve, the truck caused an accident.
He is a retired sheriff.
65
Gerunds
Note: A gerund is a word formed by adding ing to a verb. This is called a
verbal. A gerund serves as a NOUN in a sentence.
Example: to skate = skating
Skating is my favorite pastime.
In this sentence, skating is the subject.
Example: to play = playing
We like playing in the sand.
In this sentence, playing is a gerund that serves as a direct object. We can delete “in the sand” as
a prepositional phrase. However, we can also call playing in the sand a gerund phrase. A gerund
phrase is made by adding a word or words to a gerund.
Directions: First, cross out any prepositional phrases. Second, underline the subject
once and the verb/verb phrase twice. Third, label any direct object (DO).
Fourth, circle any gerund.
1.
Cooking is his favorite activity.
2
Jim loves skiing with his brother.
3.
Standing in line is not fun for my grandmother.
4.
Biking has become very popular.
5.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris enjoy looking for sea shells at the beach.
6.
During the summer, fishing is their most enjoyable pastime.
7.
Exercising is great for your body.
8.
Jack has started practicing for a part in the play.
66
Infinitives and Prepositional Phrases
Directions: First, draw a line through all prepositional phrases. Second, underline each
subject once and each verb twice. Third, place each infinitive in parentheses.
1. At night he wants to leave by bus.
2.
The child decided to run to the baseball game.
3.
After dinner the guests desire to enjoy some coffee.
4.
The artist likes to paint during the morning.
5.
The teams wanted to practice after school.
6.
She forgot to look for her lost watch.
7.
The rider hopes to be in the rodeo.
8.
For an hour the customers waited for dinner.
9.
His uncle pretended to twist his arm.
10. They like to play against that team.
11. The diplomat waited to hear the end of the speech.
12. The player ran to catch the bus for the game.
13. Before the game the spectators rose to sing the national anthem.
14. During the parade the marcher stopped to rest for a moment.
15. A few of the guests at the wedding wanted to speak with the bride.
67
Infinitives
Directions: Correctly identify the function of each of the following underlined infinitive
phrases by writing it in the appropriate blank. For each noun infinitive phrase,
also state the particular function of that noun.
1. ________ To leave the party early would be rude.
2. ________ No one wanted to eat the rotten fruit.
3. ________ Her goal was to make the Dean's list.
4. ________ I saved enough money to buy a new car.
5. ________ We went to the basketball game to cheer our team to victory!
6. ________ Her plan is to go to college for a degree in teaching.
7. ________ Louis Pasteur experimented for years to discover a method for preventing
rabies
8. ________ The ability to speak distinctly is an advantage during a job interview.
9. ________ Marvella has always wanted to learn about horseback riding.
10. ________ To open the box required a hammer and a crowbar.
68
Participles
Part I - Directions: Underline each participle in the following sentences.
1. The howling coyotes woke the neighborhood.
2. Ralph brought the injured hawk to a veterinarian.
3. The child gave his mother a crumbling cookie.
4. Stumbling, Nicole dropped her books in the hall.
5. A falling star streaked across the clear sky.
6. The frozen ice cream was too hard to eat.
7. The disappointed team vowed to practice harder for the next game.
8. Hurt, Vivian ate lunch by herself.
9. Howard turned off the blaring radio.
10. The torn tent was no protection against the wind.
Part II – Directions: Correctly label each underlined word in the following sentences as
either a participle or a verb.
1. The train is arriving on Track 7.
2. Reporters interviewed the arriving delegation.
3. My little brother loves frozen yogurt.
4. Usually, by this time of year, Smith's Pond has frozen.
5. The company has been touring all of the major cities.
6. The touring company will perform here next week.
7. The Baskins are moving to Toronto.
8. The moving truck arrived an hour late.
9. Have the police recovered the stolen jewels?
10. Someone has stolen a valuable painting from the museum.
69
Verbals
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in each of the following information blanks.
Infinitives are formed by ___ + a ______; they function as __________________.
Gerunds are formed by a verb + ______; they function as _________________.
Participles end in ___________________; they function as ________________.
Part II - Directions: In each blank, identify the type of verbal that is underlined in each of
the following sentences and then state its particular function in that
sentence.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ The general's plan was to trap the enemy.
2. ________ ________ My failure to arrive on time irritated my supervisor.
3. ________ ________ Traveling in a plane was a new experience for the child.
4. ________ ________ The discouraged candidate gave up before the primaries.
5. ________ ________ We became weary of watching the losing team.
6. ________ ________
I have an opportunity to travel around the world.
7. ________ ________ You will succeed by studying diligently.
8. ________ ________ Screaming loudly, the child ran to her mother.
9. ________ ________ Mrs. Oaks, polishing the silverware, hummed quietly.
10. ________ ________ The employees were well paid for working overtime.
11. ________ ________ During the summer campers enjoyed fishing in the lake.
12. ________ ________ Painting is one of my favorite hobbies.
13. ________ ________ My failure to finish the homework resulted in a bad grade.
14. ________ ________ On the author's desk they found a revised manuscript.
15. ________ ________ The contract is binding.
70
Verbals
Directions: First, underline all verbals in the following sentences. Second, write its type
in the first blank and its function in the second blank.
Note: The verb of the sentence will NEVER be a verbal.
Participles
verb + -d, -ed, -t, -en, -n, or -ing
Function: adj.
Type
Infinitives
“to” + verb
Functions: adj., adv., n.
Gerunds
verb + -ing
Function: n.
Function
1.
________ ________ Barbara's ambition was to fly.
2.
________ ________ Her laughing attracted my attention.
3.
________ ________ By studying, you can improve your grades.
4.
________ ________ Knowing the danger, I waved to warn them.
5.
________ ________ To make good tacos, use fresh tortillas.
6.
________ ________ After reading the article, I wanted to be a distance runner.
7.
________ ________ The camp counselor working in the stables made us clean the
stalls.
8.
________ ________ After lunch, John began to work on his project.
9.
________ ________ During the game Sabina Miller jumped to shoot.
10. ________ ________ His job is taking the customers’ orders.
11. ________ ________ One requirement is practicing.
12. ________ ________ Yelling at other people violates basic rules of courtesy.
13. ________ ________ The game scheduled for tonight has been postponed because
of rain.
14. ________ ________ The prancing horses delighted the audience.
15. ________ ________ The pouring rain drove us inside.
71
Verbals
Directions: First, underline all verbals in the following sentences. Second, write its type
in the first blank and its function in the second blank.
Type
1.
Function
________ ________ Our house, shaded completely by old trees, stays cool in the
summer.
2.
________ ________ She expanded her vocabulary by reading.
3.
________ ________ The team excelled in batting and running.
4.
________ ________ My sister likes to ski.
5.
________ ________ Whirling gracefully on one skate, the skater executed
a perfect turn.
6.
________ ________ One of Lenore's hobbies is sewing.
7.
________ ________ My grandparents are coming to visit.
8.
________ ________ Regularly going to bed late may lead to exhaustion.
9.
________ ________ Eager to succeed, he studied every night.
10. ________ ________ Nadine told me what book to read.
11. ________ ________ After one night of mosquito attacks, the Percivals regretted
camping by the river.
12. ________ ________ Kicking stones, the children ran down the street.
72
Prepositional Phrases/Verbals
Part I - Directions: Place parentheses around the ten prepositional phrases in the
following paragraph.
A daily newspaper has something for everyone. In its pages we can find news, general
information, opinions, and entertainment. Everyone has a favorite part of the paper. Some people
begin with the sports pages; others prefer the general news. Comic strips are also offered by
many newspapers. Here we can follow characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy. The opinion
pages can also be fascinating, especially when a debate between two sides develops. Sometimes
the reader discovers the logic behind an argument, while at other times one may wonder why
grown people argue about some trivial issues.
Part II – Directions: For each of the following underlined verbal phrases, write its type in
the first blank and its function in the second blank.
Type
1.
Function
________ ________ Amateur athletic competition, enjoyed by people throughout
history, involves more than winning the event.
2.
________ ________ When talented amateurs compete to test their skills, much
can be gained.
3.
________ ________ Sharing hard work with teammates helps a person appreciate
working together.
4.
________ ________ Waxed floors can be dangerously slippery.
5.
________ ________ If you have the money, get special shoes for jogging.
6.
________ ________ His job is giving the customers their menus.
7.
________ ________ The math team went to McDonalds to study.
8.
________ ________ To persist can be a sign of stubbornness.
9.
________ ________ I feared skiing rapidly down the mountain.
10. ________ ________ By studying, one can learn a tremendous amount.
11. ________ ________ Switching its tail, the panther paced hungrily toward his prey.
12. ________ ________ A sliced cucumber is a great addition to a salad.
13. ________ ________ The speaker, known for his eloquence, drew a loud applause.
14. ________ ________ Frowning, dad discouraged our bickering.
15. ________ ________ I'm going to the pond to fish.
73
Participial Phrases
Directions: Combine the following sentences by making one of the sentences a participial
phrase.
Example: Jan dashed into the burning house. She rescued the little girl.
Dashing into the burning house, Jan rescued the little girl.
1.
I am hopelessly unhandy. I can never saw a board straight.
2.
The dean called me into his office. He explained the problem to me.
3.
Rita was able to accept life. She possessed a sense of humor.
4.
Our dog had been taught by experience. He avoided the skunk.
5.
Amar failed math last term. He studied harder this time.
6.
Laura tried to control her anger. She hurriedly left the situation of conflict.
7.
Jane Austen was born in 1775. She wrote novels about social manners in England.
8.
I finished my research paper. I reread it carefully for errors.
9.
We spent all our money the first week. We had to return from vacation early!
74
APPOSITIVES
An appositive is a word or group of words (phrase or clause) that stands next to a noun. An
appositive adds additional information.
An appositive is set off by a comma or commas.
Examples: Love Bug, mv pet canary, is fed daily, (phrase)
Ms. Tate, the ladv who is bv the pool, once won our local
golf tournament.
(clause)
Your bracelet is made of my favorite jewel, emeralds.
Dunn and Denver, our goldfish, eagerly gulp their food. (phrase)
More than one appositive may appear in a sentence.
Examples: Lady Gray, my horse, and Duke, my cousin's pony. won first place
ribbons at the fair.
Desserts, peach cobbler and strawberry pie. were served to fifty
guests, members of a wildlife club.
Sometimes appositives are joined by a conjunction.
Examples: These televisions, the color one and the portable one, will be sold at an
auction.
The gathering was attended by two special guests, a cousin from
Denmark and an uncle from France.
75
Appositives
Directions: Underline the appositives in the following sentences.
Example: This flower, an African daisy, needs much water.
1.
We visited Philadelphia, a city in Pennsylvania.
2.
Popcorn, my favorite food, is prepared in many different ways.
3.
Snoopy, a famous cartoon character, makes many people laugh.
4. Take my lunch, the one in the blue and orange bag.
5. Several students, Ron, Tammy, and Dirk, have been selected to go to a convention.
6.
I spoke with Jacob L. Thompson, chief engineer for that company.
7.
I like this portrait, the side view one, better.
8.
Our meal, hot dogs and French fries, was delivered by a deli.
9.
He chose his sister, Roberta Ann, as his running mate.
10. Water, a most refreshing drink, is very good for you.
11. Watch out for those golfers, those in red sweaters.
12. My father, the mayor of this town, is a great fisherman.
13. This ice cream, Parker's specialty, is extremely expensive.
14. Give this to her, the young lady in the back row.
15. Brian, their father-in-law, drives a truck for a major moving company.
16. The decorations, red and yellow streamers, had been placed on the walls before the
competition had begun.
17. These glasses, some deep red goblets, belonged to Mrs. Trunman.
18. Mike, my oldest brother, has given an engagement ring to Viola, the clerk at
Minton's Pharmacy.
19. Holland, a lovely country, is famous for its tulips.
20. Jim Thorpe, a famous native American, went to school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
76
Appositive Phrases
Directions: Combine the following sentences by making one of the sentences an
appositive phrase.
1. Shelley's wife was the daughter of two philosophers. She was the author
of Frankenstein.
2. Vancouver is Canada's third largest city. It is in the western part of Canada.
3. Sam works in Atlanta. Atlanta is the capital of Georgia.
4. Mary Ellen is a graduate of Rice University. She is the president of the First National
Bank.
5. Dr. Alexander has written three books. He is an excellent teacher and scholar.
6. Gout is a very old disease. It was once considered a wealthy man's affliction.
7. Edward Reynolds is the president of our book club. He will introduce the main
speaker.
8. Thucydides wrote about the Peloponnesian War. The war was between
Athens and Sparta.
77
Appositive Phrases
Directions: Combine the following sentences by making one of the sentences an
appositive phrase.
1. Dr. Brown is a noted cardiologist. He successfully completed fifty
surgeries last year.
2. Sue Ellen completed her degree last year. She was my college roommate.
3. George ate rather loudly at the dinner table. He is an incredible slob!
4. Henry seems to know a great deal about World War II. I found out that he is an
expert in the field.
5. Fred is standing by the fireplace. He is my nephew.
6. Tennyson and Browning lived during the Victorian era. These poets were
outstanding literary spokesmen of their day.
7. Tom had a great ambition which absorbed his time. He wanted to translate the Bible
into the Burmese language.
8. The murderer's hideout was finally discovered by the posse. They found him by the
old cave near the river.
9. Ferrol Sams has written several best sellers. He is a physician and novelist.
78
Participial/Appositive Phrases
Part I – Directions: Combine the following sentences by making one of the sentences a
participial phrase.
1. Our conference will be held on the Hotel Queen Mary. The Queen Mary is anchored
at Pier 1, Long Beach, California.
2. Our new mathematics textbook is well organized. The textbook is overflowing with
practical information.
3. Dr. Mifflin taught at the University of Alabama for thirty years. He has decided to
retire this year.
4. This month's bills are on the desk. They must be paid by the tenth of the month.
Part II – Directions: Combine the following sentences by making one of the sentences an
appositive phrase.
1. The Eiffel tower is a symbol of Paris. It was designed by the French engineer
Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.
2. Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain. It lies between Tibet and Nepal.
3. Bradford Academy was incorporated in 1820. It was one of the first tuition-free
co-educational schools.
4. The Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona. It is one of the most
frequently visited national parks.
5. Russell will get us free tickets to the Super Bowl! He is a friend of the commissioner.
79
Absolute Phrases
Directions: First, underline the subject once and the verb twice. Second, draw a circle
around each absolute phrase.
1. The critics having given the book a good review, we were eager to read it.
2.
I read all the travel literature on Canada, my enthusiasm mounting with each
brochure.
3. A month having passed with no news, I called our relatives on the phone.
4. The case having been settled, the attorneys did not spend long in court.
5. Temperatures being over 100 degrees for almost a month, the livestock began
dying by the thousands.
80
Phrases
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in each of the following information blanks.
Gerunds are verbals ending in _____ that function as __________.
Infinitives are verbals formed by a ___ + _____ and function as ______________.
Participles are verbals ending in _______________ and function as an ________.
Prepositional phrases are composed of a _______ + a ________ and function as
____________.
Appositive phrases can become the _______________ of the noun it identifies.
Absolute phrases are formed by a _______ + a ________ that function ________.
Part II - Directions: In each blank, identify the type of phrase that is underlined in each of
the following sentences and then state its function in that sentence.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ Removing his coat, Jack rushed to the river.
2.
________ ________ Mr. Callan, my high school teacher, had a huge impact on my
life.
3.
________ ________ Solving crossword puzzles is one of Gerald's favorite
pastimes.
4.
________ ________ The cars having collided, the passengers all went to the
hospital.
5.
________ ________ No one wanted to stay for the reception.
6.
________ ________ We went to the volleyball game to cheer for the Crusaders!
7.
________ ________ Marvella, discouraged by her grade, decided to study harder
next time.
8.
________ ________ By studying, one can pass this course!
9.
________ ________ Handicapped by their writing deficiencies, graduates seeking
employment or advancement are often denied opportunities.
10. ________ ________ The gift given to the principal was a necklace made of silver
and turquoise.
11. ________ ________ Her goal is to pass English Composition I!
12. ________ ________ I saved enough money to buy a car.
13. ________ ________ The students having dispersed, the concession stand closed its
doors.
81
Phrases
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in each of the following information blanks.
Gerunds are verbals ending in _____ that function as __________.
Infinitives are verbals formed by a ___ + _____ and function as ______________.
Participles are verbals ending in _______________ and function as an ________.
Prepositional phrases are composed of a _______ + a ________ and function as
____________.
Appositive phrases can become the _______________ of the noun it identifies.
Absolute phrases are formed by a _______ + a ________ that function ________.
Part II - Directions: In each blank, identify the type of phrase that is underlined in each of
the following sentences and then state its function in that sentence.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ We are leaving for Fairbanks, Alaska, tomorrow morning.
2.
________ ________ Having attended Bates College in Main, the speaker enjoyed
the seafood.
3.
________ ________ Playing the piano well demands good concentration.
4.
________ ________ To find the right size wrench for a job is not easy.
5.
________ ________ Kevin, my first cousin, came to visit us last week.
6.
________ ________ He searched his room frantically to find his identification
card for dinner.
7.
________ ________ Uncle Fred assured us that the cows would return to the barn.
8.
________ ________ John Updike, the highly regarded novelist, was our guest
lecturer this term.
9.
________ ________ The team having lost, the fans headed home.
10. ________ ________ Studying humanities broadens one's outlook on life.
11. ________ ________ Everyone wanted to postpone the upcoming test!
12. ________ ________ She seemed upset about her broken heart.
13. ________ ________ The board approved the report outlining personnel
procedures.
14. ________ ________ Have you mastered the principles of Latin?
82
Phrases
Directions: In each blank, identify the type of phrase that is underlined in each of
the following sentences and then state its function in that sentence.
Type – Appositive, Absolute, Participle, Infinitive, Gerund, Preposition
Function – Noun, Adjective, Adverb, or None
Note: The beginning of the phrase determines the type of phrase.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ Trying to improve my serve, I spent several hours a day
practicing.
2.
________ ________ After attending four different colleges, Michael decided to
________ ________ get a job.
3.
________ ________ Failing to read directions causes many students to answer
questions incorrectly.
4.
________ ________ A key debate in America is funding education for schools.
5.
________ ________ The soup having thickened, we enjoyed a delicious meal.
6.
________ ________ It is difficult to read a Dickens’s novel quickly!
7.
________ ________ Inside the barn you will find a rake, a hoe, and a hose.
8.
________ ________ Grant refused to discuss his tax return with us.
9.
________ ________ Marshall, encouraged by his grade, decided to study more.
10. ________ ________ Bill Gates, a multi-billionaire, gives a tremendous amount to
charity.
11. ________ ________ The mail having arrived, I was disappointed at my empty
box.
12. ________ ________ To finance their missions trip, the students held many bake
sales.
83
Phrases
Directions: In each blank, identify the type of phrase that is underlined in each of
the following sentences and then state its function in that sentence.
Type – Appositive, Absolute, Participle, Infinitive, Gerund, Preposition
Function – Noun, Adjective, Adverb, or None
Note: The beginning of the phrase determines the type of phrase.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ When I was in college, Mrs. Peterson, my German teacher,
gave us interesting lectures.
2.
________ ________ We were too tired to play tennis.
3.
________ ________ Mac decorated his Christmas tree after dinner with his
friends.
4.
________ ________ Eating a late supper was the reason for Frank's indigestion.
5.
________ ________ Professor Quinlan did not enjoy grading two hundred final
exams.
6.
________ ________ Aaron's uncle, a carpenter, builds beautiful cabinets.
7.
________ ________ During the winter many warm-blooded animals hibernate.
8.
________ ________ Carrying his pack, the tramp walked thirty miles.
9.
________ ________ Science and technology are an integral part of technology.
10. ________ ________ Marvin's job is to keep the yard clean.
11. ________ ________ The train having washed all the debris into the pond, the fish
began to die.
12. ________ ________ To prepare for my final exam in English, I reviewed all of my
past notes.
13. ________ ________ The class having ended, I went back to my dorm.
14. ________ ________ The girl running across the street was almost struck by a car.
15. ________ ________ Diogenese searched the entire world to find an honest man.
84
Phrases
Directions: First, underline each phrase in the following sentences. Second, identify the
type of phrase that you underlined and its function by filling in the proper
blanks.
Type – Appositive, Absolute, Participle, Infinitive, Gerund, Preposition
Function – Noun, Adjective, Adverb, or None
Note: The beginning of the phrase determines the type of phrase.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ I had very little time to study.
2.
________ ________ To draw the award-winning picture demanded skill and
imagination.
3.
________ ________ During the late afternoon Dee usually takes a nap.
4.
________ ________ Walking alone, I soon outdistanced the others.
5.
________ ________ The little girl tried to sort through her old clothing.
6.
________ ________ His only pleasure is witnessing to others.
7.
________ ________ Chaucer was an astute observer of the human being.
8.
________ ________ I wanted to read the Dickens's novel Oliver Twist.
9.
________ ________ Effective writing requires long practice hours.
10. ________ ________ Her house is the first one on the left.
11. ________ ________ To avoid an argument, we both left the room.
12. ________ ________ The meeting having been successful, we went to dinner.
________ ________
13. ________ ________ The two children happily built sand castles at the water's
edge.
85
Phrases
Directions: First, underline each phrase in the following sentences. Second, identify the
type of phrase that you underlined and its function by filling in the proper
blanks.
Type – Appositive, Absolute, Participle, Infinitive, Gerund, Preposition
Function – Noun, Adjective, Adverb, or None
Note: The beginning of the phrase determines the type of phrase.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ Raking the yard is Jimmy's responsibility.
2. ________ ________ The drama has its moments of comic relief.
3. ________ ________ Reading Auschwitz survivor diaries is a painful experience.
4. ________ ________ Controlling my temper requires much effort.
5. ________ ________ The car having stalled on the train track, we jumped out!
6. ________ ________ A good writer is careful to choose the exact word.
7. ________ ________ My sisters, Celeste and Priscilla, are very giving individuals.
________ ________
8. ________ ________ To avoid an accident requires patience and determination.
9. ________ ________ The little girl planting the flowers is my niece.
10. ________ ________ I will leave the test papers on my desk.
86
Phrases
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in each of the following information blanks.
Gerunds are verbs + _____ that function as __________.
Infinitives are formed by ___ + a _____ and function as ______________.
Participles are formed by a ______ + ___________ and function as __________.
Prepositional phrases are formed by a _______ + a ________ and function as
____________.
Appositives can become the _______________ of the word they identify and
function as _______.
Absolutes are formed by a _______ + a ________ that function ___________.
Part II - Directions: In each blank, identify the type of phrase that is underlined in each of
the following sentences and then state its function in that sentence.
Type
Function
1. ________ ________ The scared kitten climbed up the tall tree out of fear.
2.
________ ________ Nancy, our computer programmer, quickly solved
the problem.
3.
________ ________ All things considered, Phyllis’s plan may be the best
way to proceed.
4.
________ ________ Juan was too scared to admit that he hadn't done his
homework.
5.
________ ________ Failing to finish a required task is a character flaw!
6.
________ ________ Cheering for their team, the fans added much
excitement to the championship game.
7.
________ ________ The dress hanging in the front lobby was outrageously
priced!
8.
________ ________ Our mailman, scared of our dog, refused to leave the package
at the door.
9.
________ ________ Mortimer Rodriguez, our class president, offered up good
suggestions for our upcoming chapel service.
10. ________ ________ Alice enjoyed her novel, the television being turned off.
87
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Directions: Correctly identify the error in each of the following sentences by writing one
of the following abbreviations in its corresponding blank:
Dangling Modifier (DM)
Split Infinitive (SP)
Ambiguous Modifier (AM) Misplaced Nearly, Only, and Almost (NOA)
Misplaced (M)
1.
______ The news reporter nearly caught all of the report on tape because she failed to turn
the camera on.
2.
______ I bought a new computer for the accounting staff, which gave everyone a great deal
of trouble.
3.
______ The Smiths gave a toy robot to one of their children with a bullet-shaped head and
flashing red eyes.
4.
______ Mary said during the meeting Joe acted like a fool.
5.
______ Rounding a sharp curve, a detour sign warned us of danger.
6.
______ She asked the gentleman to quickly hand her her coat and hat.
7.
______ One of our observers sighted a plane through binoculars that she could not identify.
8.
______ Uncle Jim bought a new carriage for the baby that was named “Boodle Buggy
Ride.”
9.
______ While talking with friends, the topic of chemistry came up.
10. ______ Tell Fred when he comes I need to see him.
11. ______ This bank approves loans to reliable individuals of any size.
12. ______ The girl was upset at her date who only paid for the Coke and not the rest of the
meal.
13. ______ While trying to get ready for first hour, the phone in the dorm rang.
14. ______ Determining to not procrastinate, the project was still turned in late.
88
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Directions: Correctly identify the error in each of the following sentences by writing one
of the following abbreviations in its corresponding blank:
Dangling Modifier (DM)
Split Infinitive (SP)
Ambiguous Modifier (AM) Misplaced Nearly, Only, and Almost (NOA)
Misplaced (M)
Correct (C)
1. ______ The skater who slipped on the ice suddenly winced with pain.
2.
______ The books were brought to the librarian that needed cataloging.
3.
______ To further deal with the crises, my parents called a meeting of the council.
4.
______ Will you be able to deliver the balloons to my friend who is in the infirmary that I
have selected?
5.
______ Ruth only went to Bridgeport High School for one year.
6.
______ The rug is in the upstairs bedroom that my brother brought home from China.
7.
______ Although I have read both chapters, I have only taken notes on the first one.
8.
______ My brother read the latest biography written about Abraham Lincoln while he was
listening to the Packers trounce their opponents.
9.
______ I made a serious mistake to under any circumstances debate Harvey.
10. ______ The first mountain climber to reach the summit breathlessly exclaimed at the view.
11. ______ While driving through Chicago, I hesitate to even for a moment take my eyes off
the road.
12. ______ To close a suitcase, sitting on top of it is sometimes necessary.
13. ______ The young child ate nearly all of her eight-pound steak!
14. ______ While searching through the want ads, a perfect job was discovered.
89
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Directions: Correctly identify the error in each of the following sentences by writing one
of the following abbreviations in its corresponding blank:
(M) Misplaced (split infinitives; misplaced only, nearly, and almost;
ambiguous modifiers; misplaced words or phrases)
(D) Dangling Modifier
(C) Correct
1.
______ The first day at sea she spent the morning reading the poems of the deceased
poet Elizabeth Browning sitting on a deck chair.
2.
______ The reservations for the supper should only be made by one member of the
party.
3.
______ Most of the afternoon my roommates listened to Bach and Beethoven, who
have a music appreciation test tomorrow.
4.
______ Sitting around the bonfire, we sang almost every camping song we know.
5.
______ Did you read the feature story about the shipwreck which occurred in this
edition?
6.
______ The cookbook says that we are to quickly brown the hamburger before adding
onions.
7. ______ Those of us who played soccer consistently defended our right to the field on
Saturdays.
8.
______ The three Christmas stockings were hung from the mantel, which had been knitted
many years ago.
9.
______ To reach his apartment, Norman only has to climb one flight of stairs.
10. ______ Laughing and shouting as the clowns entered, the circus tent was filled with joy.
11. ______ Bouncing across the unplowed field, an accident almost occurred in the jeep.
12. ______ The rain dripping from the eaves slowly lulled me to sleep.
90
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Directions: Correctly identify the error in each of the following sentences by writing one
of the following abbreviations in its corresponding blank:
(M) Misplaced (split infinitives; misplaced only, nearly, and almost;
ambiguous modifiers; misplaced words or phrases)
(D) Dangling Modifier
(C) Correct
1.
______ The goalie who slipped on the ice suddenly winced with pain.
2.
______ The house sold very quickly; it was only on the market one month.
3.
______ Because Amelia nearly ate an entire pie, she came down with a stomachache.
4.
______ They decided to for a while avoid the road in need of paving.
5.
______ The rain dripping from the eaves slowly lulled me to sleep.
6.
______ When driving on the New Jersey turnpike, I hesitated to even for a moment take my
eyes off the road.
7.
______ Mr. Fernandes almost reads every new novel that hits the bookstore.
8.
______ Without considering the consequences, a poor decision was finally made.
9.
______ Someone has eaten nearly all of the pecan pie.
10. ______ Before becoming a parachutist, many lessons must be learned.
11. ______ Since taking two aspirins, my headache has completely subsided.
12. ______ The watercolor that you saw was painted by the folk artists hanging at the top of the
stairs.
13. ______ To reach his apartment, Norman only has to climb eight flights of steps.
14. ______ After raining all night, we noticed that the river had flooded its banks.
91
Dangling Modifiers
Directions: Completely rewrite the following sentences. Do NOT simply cross out words and
write other words above them.
Note: Remember if you have a dangling modifier, you need to ADD someone or something
doing the action of the dangling phrase.
i.e.: Before riding the bicycle, the tires should be checked. (incorrect: No one is doing the
action.)
i.e.: Before I rode my bicycle, I needed to check my tires. (correct)
1. Having met with the instructor, the assignment seemed clear to the students.
2. After barking at the moon past midnight, the Nortons decided to complain to the dog’s owner.
3. To appreciate Renaissance art, the period in which they were created must be understood.
4. When trying to make the hook shot, the floor proved to be too slippery!
5. The rain began to fall immediately after planting the grass.
6. While examining the sapphire, the experienced jeweler detected the scratch.
7. Concerned by the international news, Washington was the best place for the safety of the
President.
92
Dangling Modifiers
Directions: Completely rewrite the following sentences. Do NOT simply cross out words
and write other words above them.
Note: Remember that a participial phrase written at the beginning of a sentence and
followed by a comma must modify the SUBJECT of the sentence.
1. After creeping along the highway for twenty minutes, a break in the traffic finally occurred!
2. Made from beautiful material, Ruby could have selected a more becoming dress.
3. To work effectively in a tropical climate, air conditioning is a definite help.
4. Loaded with firewood, it was difficult to drive up the steep hill.
5. If unoccupied, please drive to the next pump in line.
6. To be able to take a picture at a moment’s notice, the camera was always within quick reach.
7. Hiding under the bed, Aunt Suzie was not able to coax her ferret out for supper.
8. Since taking two aspirins, my headache has disappeared.
9. To have prize-winning roses, constant attention is needed.
93
Parallelism
Directions: Rewrite in correct form all sentences which contain faulty parallelism.
Note: (1) Find and circle the conjunction.
(2) Make the listings the same grammatically.
(3) Find comparisons and complete them.
1. One of the accident victims suffered a broken arm, several broken ribs, and one of
her lungs was punctured.
2. She not only was industrious, but she could be depended upon.
3. A cloudy day is better for a game than sunshine.
4. The skipper had a harsh voice, a weather-beaten face, and was very stocky in build.
5. This was a much harder assignment for me than Luis.
6. Her friends not only were shocked by her failure but also they felt a great
disappointment.
7. Water-skiing no longer interests me as much as to go scuba diving.
8. At the gate they tried both persuasion and to force their way in.
9. Mrs. Sayers is not only president of the National Bank but also of the Chamber of
Commerce.
10. Its large size, simple structure, and how readily available it is, make the common
cockroach convenient to study.
94
Parallelism
Directions: Rewrite in correct form all sentences which contain faulty parallelism.
Note: (1) Circle your conjunction and (2) underline your listings. If you are still unclear,
“diagram” on your parallel sticks.
1. During my vacation I plan to read, kayak, and to mountain climb.
2. She was ready to face the world after combing her hair, applying a bit of lipstick and
her nose being powdered.
3. Luke is a hockey player with great strength and who is also fast.
4. Cecil will send Christmas cards to his friends with whom he goes to school and buy
gifts for members of his family.
5. As the years passed, the teacher became a part of the community's life and the school.
6. The girl had dark hair that touched her shoulders, deep brown eyes, and her
complexion was as smooth as polished glass.
7. My brothers say that the weather is never too hot or too cold either to play tennis or
golf.
95
Parallelism
Directions: Rewrite in correct form all sentences which contain faulty parallelism. Write
“C” if the sentence is correct as is.
1. The family decided that they would drive to Nag's Head and to come back home on
the ferry.
2. She was neither afraid of nor awed by the size of the audience.
3. Mr. Wood's income is not so large as his wife.
4. I have decided that my work at the pickle factory is more interesting than Mary Jean.
5. In his pocket Harry had a buckeye, pocketknife, and an angleworm.
6. I was lost, neither knowing where I was nor who might be able to help me.
7. The customer had gray hair, carefully trimmed sideburns, and concealed his eyes
behind large sunglasses.
96
Parallelism
Directions: Rewrite in correct form all sentences which contain faulty parallelism. Write
“C” if the sentence is correct as is.
1. Isn't Hazel's telephone number similar to Roy's?
2. When we come back from skating, let's either make mulled cider or spiced tea.
3. Gus hopes to major in marketing and after graduation that he will find a job in New
York.
4. While I was in Europe, I neither sent a card to Alice nor to Eileen.
5. Our postman is an interesting person: he writes limericks, plays the guitar, and he is a
native of California.
6. If you are going to pack correctly for the trip you will need a canteen, compass, and a
tent.
7. By five o'clock the secretary is harried, tired, and she wants to go home.
8. The sunroom has pale green walls, large windows, and opens into the garden.
9. I agree that Fred's tie looks better than Arnold.
97
Subordination
Directions: Combine the following sentences to make one sentence. Some may be
excessively subordinated.
For Example: John Adams was the second President of the United States.
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States.
He was the son of John Adams.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, was the son of
John Adams, second President of the United States.
1. "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is a famous hymn.
The words were written by Sabine Baring-Gould.
The music was composed by Sir Arthur Sullivan.
2. Mr. Simpson is a cabinetmaker, and he made the buffet in our living room, and I know that he
would be interested in buying walnut from you.
3. Rachel was Jacob's favorite wife.
She had two sons.
Their names were Joseph and Benjamin.
4. Charles Stewart Parnell was an Irish nationalist.
He advocated home rule for Ireland in the latter part of the nineteenth century.
His grandfather was Commodore Charles Stewart.
Commodore Stewart belonged to the United States Navy.
5. Edmond Rostand was a French playwright.
He was a member of the French Academy.
His most famous play is entitled Cyreno de Bergerac.
98
Subordination
Part I - Directions: Combine the following sentences to make one sentence.
Note: Remember to find your more important idea and place that idea within your
independent clause.
1. Cluny is a town in France.
A famous abbey was located there.
The abbey remained in use for over eight hundred years.
2. Celestine Sibley is a newspaper woman.
She writes a column.
It appears several times a week in the Atlanta Constitution.
3. Marco Polo traveled to China.
He spent seventeen years there.
Afterward he wrote a book.
It proved to be a valuable source of information about the Far East.
Part II – Directions: Correct upside down and excessive subordination by rewriting the
following sentences so that the main idea is simply stated within the
independent clause.
1. Though he easily won the National Open Golf Tournament, he showed some signs of
fatigue.
2. We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday, and it was raining, but the sun came out
Friday afternoon.
3. When the sailor finally saw land on the horizon, he was standing in the crow's nest.
4. The small velvet box, which contained the diamond ring, was slowly opened by Ted's
fiancée.
5. Since Benito recognized the woman asking directions was hard of hearing, he talked
loudly.
99
Subordination
Part I - Directions: Combine the following sentences to make one sentence.
Note: Remember to find your more important idea and place that idea within your
independent clause. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. The Guggeriheim Museum is in New York City.
Its building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The museum is noted for this building.
It is also noted for its collections of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist paintings.
2. The Indian Ocean is the third-largest body of water on the earth.
Its deepest area runs parallel to the islands of Sumatra and Java.
This area is known as the Java Trench.
3. Barbara McClintock is an American geneticist.
She was educated at Cornell University.
She received the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1983.
At the time she was eighty-one years old.
4. Henry Ford was principally responsible for the design of the Model T car.
The first one appeared in 1908.
The last one was produced in 1927.
During this period fifteen million Model T’s were sold.
Part II – Directions: Correct upside down and excessive subordination by rewriting the
following sentences so that the main idea is simply stated within the
independent clause. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. The author of dozens of excellent mystery novels, Agatha Christie was an Englishwoman.
2. Running out of gas when I was halfway home, it was about ten o'clock when I arrived home.
3. As she told us the exciting news of her engagement, Margot smiled broadly.
4. We walked cautiously through the heavily wooded area, and we tried not to make a
sound, for we didn't want to give away our presence.
5. Gabrielle Chanel was a French fasion designer, and she died in 1973, but her
influence is still seen in women's clothes.
100
Punctuation
Directions: Please correct all punctuation errors in the following sentences.
1.
I have just read an article in Home and Garden called Petunias for Pretty Patios.
2. Chuck please return my call this is an emergency!
3. Wear a red carnation so that I will know you at the airport said Frances.
4. Sara Teasdale's poem entitled Barter contains the lines: "Spend all you have for
loveliness,/ Buy it and never count the cost."
5. Mr. Rodney owner of the furniture store said that the table should be delivered in
about three weeks however, there is always the chance of delay.
6. The lemonade was tart sweet and icy cold!
7. Mother asked for the fourth time Are you sure that there is no school tomorrow.
8.
I tried on the feather hat I looked in the mirror and then I burst out laughing.
9. The word osculatory is classified by Fowler in his book Modem English Usage as a
"polysyllabic humor word."
10. Actually, osculatory is simply a deliberately comic reference don't interrupt Leo to
kissing.
11. My friends Marian and Ned live in Fort Worth Texas where they both work for an
aviation company.
12. Stop it at once cried Mrs. Langhorne. I am surprised at you children and your pranks.
101
Punctuation
Directions: Please correct all punctuation errors in the following sentences. If a sentence
is correct, put “C” next to its number.
1. The four of us Harry, Joe, Don, and Rob hope to find summer jobs in Oregon.
2.
I understand that Coach Riley has called Tim The Backbone.
3. Robert announced The polls will close at 7 00 P.M. David however did not hear him.
4. Yes you should write your name and address on the application your age however is
not required.
5. Coach Price said that he thought I was doing the right thing to hand in my
application.
6.
I want to be in the front pew of the church said Mother when Janet gets married!
7. Only we three Frank Cartwright Jose Rodriguez and I thought that Jed would be
good in the play.
8. While watching the dreary incessant rain I thought sadly of my disrupted plans and I
finally broke down and wept bitterly.
9. The bus having left without me I called Father to pick me up.
10. This is the new book by Foster Stearns the title is "William Shakespeare A Study of
the Man and his Work."
11. Well I do believe that this is the place we have been searching for Walter's Cove.
12. Jessica ran upstairs she closed her door and she took out the velvet box containing
the diamond necklace.
13. The popular Professor Sergeant Camellia see Figure 2 usually blooms in late
February.
14. Peggy has often told me that her future husband must be handsome rich and witty.
102
Punctuation
Directions: Insert punctuation as needed in the following sentences. If a sentence is
correct, simply write “C” to the left of its sentence number.
1. John began to compose chamber music songs piano pieces and an octet.
2. Here is the problem Rosemary wants us to stay overnight with her but we must be
back in Watertown by 930 tomorrow morning.
3. Jane Jerkins president of Jerkins Incorporated is a graduate of the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology.
4. Follow these simple directions to start the dishwasher 1 Put the dirty dishes into the
dishwasher 2 Put soap in the receptacle in the door 3 Shut the door and 4 Press the
button marked Full Cycle on the control panel.
5. Yes Katie I cannot go shopping with you until my homework is done.
6. Jasper has named his favorite cities as follows Asheville North Carolina Houston
Texas Savannah Georgia and London England.
7. For her trying to learn Latin grammar was the most difficult task of her life.
8. Alice thought and thought and finally decided that she would make chess cake.
9. Being ready to begin the trip I was impatient that my fellow-travelers were late.
10. Patricia's lovely apple-green chiffon dress complemented her delicate fair-haired
beauty.
11. Joanna Whitman standing at the podium read the minutes of the last meeting.
12. On January 31984 my parents will observe their thirtieth wedding anniversary.
13. Dr. Felton asked Who wrote the poem that begins 0 Rose, thou art sick! ?
14. Whenever I eat pumpkin pie I remember the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner we used
to have at Aunt Annie's house.
103
Punctuation
Directions: Insert or delete punctuation as needed in the following sentences. If a
sentence is correct, simply write “C” to the left of its sentence number.
1.
I had no hammer or pliers so I couldn't repair the lock on our pantry door.
2.
I understand that the winters in Boise Idaho are cold and long but otherwise it is a
fine city.
3. Here is Martha Harcourt's address 455 Longstreet Avenue Clemson South Carolina.
4. To Miriam Marshall appeared haughty and aloof.
5. To be sympathetic and practical at the same time is often difficult.
6. You are mistaken she replied in assuming that I will readily agree to your proposal.
7. When will you learn groaned Father that I am not made of money?
8. Use a comma to separate independent clauses said the teacher unless you have heavy
internal punctuation see chapter 8.
9.
It is up to you Allen to push the campaign.
10. Harvey decided to go and oh well, you wouldn't find it interesting anyway.
11. He is sick she said therefore he will not come.
12. I invited Sara Susan Leon Jade Joe and Josephine to the party but Tom Daniel Joel
and Eliot also dropped in.
13. The fruits I like best are: apples, bananas and oranges.
14. The Ville de Nantes see Plate 5 is a large semi-double red and white camellia.
15.
I am enclosing a check for thirty-five dollars $35.00.
104
Comma Splices/Run-Ons
Part I – Directions: List eight conjunctive adverbs which need to be preceded by a
semi-colon.
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
Part II - Directions: Correctly identify the following sentences as being either a Run-On
(RO), a Comma Splice (CS), or a Correct (C) sentence.
Note: A comma splice has a ____________ where you need a ____________ or a
____________. A run-on ____________ the necessary punctuation.
1.
________ We had purchased our tickets in advance, therefore, we were allowed
a discount.
2.
________ Paul became a martyr for Christ he would not give up his faith in
Christ.
3.
________ Rhonda had great regard for her friend's opinion, she would not
change her beliefs.
4.
________ David Livingstone went to Africa to preach the gospel therefore, he
answered the call and went.
5.
________ We will fight Satan and his evil influences; he is our enemy.
6.
________ The barn is equipped with lightning rods, so the electrical storm did
no damage to the building.
7.
________ The Second World War lasted only six years, nevertheless, six million
people were killed.
8.
________ Germany invaded Poland in 1939, and England and France declared
war on Germany shortly thereafter.
9.
________ Chippendale chairs have straight legs, however, Queen Anne chairs
have curved legs.
10. ________ The first mechanical clocks in Europe were built in 1300 some of
these clocks lost more than fifteen minutes per day.
105
Comma Splices/Run-Ons
Directions: Correctly identify the following sentences as being either a Run-On (RO), a
Comma Splice (CS), or a Correct (C) sentence.
Note: A comma splice has a ____________ where you need a ____________ or a
____________. A run-on ____________ the necessary punctuation.
1.
________ Weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.
2.
________ All happy families resemble one another, every unhappy family is
unhappy in its own fashion. – Tolstoy
3.
________ A man is a worker if he is not that he is nothing. – Conrad
4.
________ It is not enough to do good; one must do it the right way. –John
Morley
5.
________ The Iron Curtain descended across the European continent, and
millions were enslaved in the cruel clasp of Communism.
6.
________ Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing,
nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net.
7.
________ God has given us the invaluable gift of time therefore, we should use
it wisely.
8.
________ I am crucified with Christ nevertheless, I live.
9.
________ Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin; however, he eventually
lived in the White House.
10. ________ There is a structure which everybody is building it is called character.
11. ________ How strong one's character is depends on how much it is sharpened.
12. ________ Character is formed by a course of actions and not actions by
character.
13. ________ As a man prizes his character, so is he.
106
Comma Splices/Run-Ons
Directions: Correctly identify the following sentences as being either a Run-On (RO), a
Comma Splice (CS), or a Correct (C) sentence.
Note: A comma splice has a ____________ where you need a ____________ or a
____________. A run-on ____________ the necessary punctuation.
1.
________ Running through the store, the small girl lost her mother she found her
in aisle six.
2.
________ Being unsure of my financial status, I visited the business office, but
they were closed.
3.
________ The book on the first shelf contained good information about taxes, I
checked out the book.
4.
________ After the first test I knew I would need to study hard I did!
5.
________ The rain storm brought about much destruction; therefore, FEMA
visited in much haste.
6.
________ Presidential elections often cost much money the candidates often
take PAC money.
7.
________ Open the door carefully, then remove the cake from the oven.
107
Comma Splices/Run-Ons
Directions: Correctly identify the following sentences as being either a Run-On (RO), a
Comma Splice (CS), or a Correct (C) sentence.
Note: A comma splice has a ____________ where you need a ____________ or a
____________. A run-on ____________ the necessary punctuation.
1.
________ A man's temper gets the best of him, it reveals the worst of him.
2.
________ Nothing is all dark, therefore, there cannot be a picture without its
bright spots.
3.
________ God will prune His people but not hew them down, the right hand of
His mercy knows what the left hand of His severity is doing.
4.
________ Appendicitis is the result of an infection an untreated case may lead to
a ruptured appendix!
5. ________ Take time to deliberate, but lose no time in executing your
resolutions.
6. ________ Georges Bizet wrote the opera Carmen, he died shortly after its
premiere.
7.
_______ The pilot pulled his plane out of a deep dive then, he took the plane
through several difficult loops.
8. ________ A fire swept through Chicago in 1871, consequently, many old
buildings destroyed in the fire were replaced by skyscrapers.
9. ________ The handbook was very clear on dress code; the student, however,
decided not to obey the rules.
10. ________ Electric fans were first sold in 1882, and today most people use air
conditioners in their homes.
11. ________ Barrel making used to be an important industry men who made barrels
were called coppers.
12. ________ Sally, however, wasn't concerned with the election process.
108
Comma Splices/Run-Ons
Directions: Correctly identify the following sentences as being either a Run-On (RO), a
Comma Splice (CS), or a Correct (C) sentence.
Note: A comma splice has a ____________ where you need a ____________ or a
____________. A run-on ____________ the necessary punctuation.
1.
________ Give these tickets to someone, Marie has decided not to go.
2.
________ To buy a discounted ticket is impossible at this late date, therefore, I
cannot go.
3.
________ Jorge’s vacation plans have been changed he will be here all next
week.
4.
________ Our family reunion will be next month, but I will be unable to attend.
5.
________ Choosing a camera is difficult there are many on the market.
6.
________ Flo didn’t hear about the meeting until Thursday consequently, she
had to change her plans.
7.
________ Audiences appeared to enjoy the play the reviews in the paper,
however, were unfavorable.
109
Comma Splices/Run-Ons
Directions: Correctly identify the following sentences as being either a Run-On (RO), a
Comma Splice (CS), or a Correct (C) sentence.
1.
________ The team pushed forward for the last yard they were inches short.
2.
________ Only one package arrived in the mail, the other items never came.
3.
________ Julia threw away the check, but she eventually recovered it.
4.
________ The boy had trouble with the decimal point when multiplying a
problem he always put it in the wrong place.
5.
________ A bank in California was robbed; the alarm system had been
professionally deactivated.
6.
________ We admired the Wedgwood its delicate motifs on the blue
background made it a beautiful ornament.
7.
________ It is expressly forbidden by law to litter freeways, nevertheless, they
are covered by paper.
8.
________ The wrapping paper needed cutting, we could not locate the scissors.
9.
________ I generally liked the climate of the area where I lived I did not enjoy
the subfreezing temperatures of winter.
10. ________ I concocted my own spicy chili, to eat it one needs an iron stomach.
110
Review of Sentence Errors
Directions: Label the following items as Correct (C), Comma Splice (CS), Run-On (RO),
or Fragment (F).
1. ____ The fog having lifted from the Catalina Bay by midmorning.
2. ____ At higher elevations fall colors peak earlier but are less bright because of the
many evergreens.
3. ____ First came a wind, an earthquake, and a fire then came a quiet voice.
4. ____ Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of your youth.
5.
____ The main structure went up relatively quickly it was in full use within ten
years.
6. ____ The temple complex was not completed until A.D. 64, six years later it
was destroyed by the Romans.
7. ____ When asked whether he would enjoy getting a book for Christmas.
8.
____ Though the temple was demolished, some parts of the wall survived they
witness to the size of the task and the skill of the workmen.
9. ____ Herod cleared and leveled a space of about 500 yards north to south and about
325 yards east to west.
10. ____ The apparent reason being that prose is more difficult than poetry to imitate and to
teach by rules.
11. ____ Three tiers of side rooms rose against the outer walls of the sanctuary to a
height of 60 feet, these gave support to the walls and provided storage.
12. ____ The number of workers increased through the night, and still they were
hardly keeping ahead of the rising water.
13. ____ A second temple was erected on the earlier foundation by returned exiles under
Zerubbabel in 515 B.C., it lasted for nearly five centuries.
14. ____ Herod Antipas married the bride of his half-brother Philip she was also his niece.
15. ____ Though, of course, it was not generally believed.
111
Review of Sentence Errors
Directions: Label the following items as Comma Splice (CS), Run-On (RO),
Fragment (F), or Sentence (S).
1. ____ Being discouraged and losing all hope for the future.
2. ____ By sorrow of the heart, the spirit is broken.
3. ____ Cast all your care upon God, He cares for you.
4. ____ Over rough terrain and through brambles to still waters and green pastures.
5. ____ God is our strength and our song He has become our salvation.
6. ____ Because she had worked so hard at her job.
7. ____ Since you handed in your work on time, you will not lose any points.
8.
____ Lorenzo de Medici often gave artists his patronage consequently, they
prospered.
9. ____ A determined Samuel Slater founded the American cotton industry through
hard work and skill.
10. ____ Though just a young man, the Austrian composer Franz Schubert composed
his first song at the young age of thirteen, and his songs are still played today.
112
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences, and then write its correct rule number in the blanks provided.
____ 1.
The economic news for the last three quarters of the year (have, has) been
surprisingly good.
____ 2.
What (is, are) the criteria for the governorship of this state?
____ 3. Surely every man, woman, and child (know, knows) that Washington is
preparing for the visit of royalty.
____ 4.
I dare say that it will be one of those events which (consume, consumes) the
interest of the American people.
____ 5.
Either of the restaurants that you have suggested (is, are) fine with me.
____ 6. The list of groceries that I will need for the weekend (are, is) on the refrigerator
door.
____ 7.
The jacket fits nicely, but these trousers (are, is) positively too tight.
____ 8. The data in the Statesman's Year-Book (are, is) the most recent we have
concerning Peru.
____ 9.
The only disease my brother ever had (was, were) the measles.
____ 10. Engrossed in their inspection of the Honda's motor (were, was) Jenkins and his
crony T.J.
____ 11. Can you believe that one hundred dollars a month (are, is) all that Yugoslavian
auto workers receive on their paycheck?
____ 12. No matter how often he protests to Julia, athletics (are, is) Horace's first love.
____ 13. Beyond the second stop sign (are, is) a shopping center on the right and an
apartment house on the left.
____ 14. Although some of the horses (have, has) been rubbed down, I am not sure
about their being fed yet.
____ 15. I believe that every man, woman, and child in town (have, has) turned out to
see the fireworks display.
____ 16. Six dollars (seem, seems) to be more than one should have to pay for a
paperback novel.
113
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences, and then write its correct rule number in the blanks provided.
____ 1.
Neither of the cars parked at McDonalds (belong, belongs) to Fred.
____ 2. The foreman along with two other employees (have, has) been asked to discuss
working hours with the plant manager.
____ 3.
When I arrived at school, there (were, was) only a desk, a chair, and a
bed in my dorm room.
____ 4.
Each of these china patterns (are, is) a reproduction of one used in the colonial
town of Williamsburg.
____ 5. The sum and substance of the debate concerning the tobacco industry (are, is)
discussed in this editorial.
____ 6. Twelve dollars (was, were) all I had left after my day at the fair.
____ 7.
Some of the books (were, was) suitable for children of almost any age.
____ 8.
Where (do, does) Interstate 85 and Interstate 95 meet?
____ 9. My landlord and neighbor who lives across the hall (are, is) planning to watch
most of the bowl games at my house.
____ 10. The whereabouts of the Turners, who are touring the West in a camper, (is, are)
still unknown to their family.
____ 11. According to the saleswoman $19.95 (are, is) an excellent price for this
sweater.
____ 12. The nucleus of the atom (is, are) a fascinating study for scientists.
____ 13. Maggie has difficulty remembering whether nine times six (is, are) 54 or 56.
____ 14. Grandmother reminds us that riches often (prove, proves) to be more of a
problem than pleasure.
____ 15. I believe that either she or her brothers (is, are) a member of the
Branchville Volunteer fire Department.
____ 16. None of the vegetables at the market (seem, seems) quite fresh enough.
____ 17. Each of the students (is, are) responsible for his or her own costume.
114
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences, and then write its correct rule number in the blanks provided.
____ 1.
At least a dozen gallons of milk (was, were) squeezed into the dairy case at
the convenience store.
____ 2.
None of the people in the Napa Valley (have, has) been to California.
____ 3.
At the far end of the path (were, was) a statue of a soldier, flanked on either
side by benches and shrubbery.
____ 4.
Either Miss Meyer or her assistants (need, needs) to be responsible for locking
the warehouse at night.
____ 5.
The union (represent, represents) the interests of some but not all of the
employees of the printing firm.
____ 6.
Rico is one of those friends who (are, is) always willing to stand up for me.
____ 7.
My favorite winter supper (are, is) a bowl of hot chili and a green salad.
____ 8.
In the waiting room at Dr. Davenport's office (were, was) an attractive Oriental
woman along with her children.
____ 9.
Do you know the alumna who (is, are) responsible for the fund raiser?
____ 10. The criteria for the job (have, has) not been listed in the want ad.
____ 11. The percentage of the graduating seniors (continues, continue) to be equally
divided between men and women.
____ 12. The shambles left by a hurricane (last, lasts) long after the headlines.
____ 13. A sundae of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries or peaches
(make, makes) a heavenly concoction.
____ 14. Because the number of registered students (are, is) too small, the dean has
canceled Underwater Basket-Weaving 101.
____ 15. Haven't you read that economics (are, is) the underlying cause of all modern
wars?
____ 16. Neither his brothers nor his father (has, have) a true Newfoundland accent.
____ 17. The U.S. Senate (has, have) debated foreign aid bills ever since I can remember.
115
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences, and then write its correct rule number in the blanks provided.
____ 1.
There are those who believe that the mass media (serves, serve) to weaken
our distinctive dialects.
____ 2. A number of articles about the standards of living in other countries
(are, is) on our reading list.
____ 3.
Every one of the television networks (devote, devotes) an increasing amount of
time to weather forecasting.
____ 4.
(Are, Is) the salt and pepper still in the picnic basket?
____ 5.
Billy as well as his mother (were, was) anticipating the first day of school.
____ 6.
In the late afternoon a pair of doves usually (arrives, arrive) at the bird feeder.
____ 7. The European Ballet Troupe (have, has) appearances scheduled for Dallas, San
Francisco, and Chicago.
____ 8.
In a memo from the dean's office (are, is) a list of students visiting tomorrow.
____ 9. The phenomena of creativity (are, is) analyzed in Dr. Berger's recently
published essay.
____ 10. Neither Larry nor the other members of the soccer team (know, knows) that he
is to receive the best-player award.
____ 11. Either the full committee or its chairwoman (is, are) sure to be at the meeting of
the zoning commission.
____ 12. (Is, Are) Mother or Father aware that you are going to Florida for spring break?
____ 13. Beth's usual breakfast (are, is) a cup of coffee and two pieces of buttered toast.
____ 14. Folklore suggests that the number of fogs in August (indicate, indicates) the
number of snows during the coming winter.
____ 15. To Uncle Al's delight neither of the children (were, was) interested in going to
the carnival.
____ 16. Sitting in a booth at the far end of Sonny's Diner (were, was) Guy and two or
three of his friends.
116
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences, and then write its correct rule number in the blanks provided.
____ 1.
Each of the Christmas catalogs (were, was) thoroughly studied and then added
to the stack on the table.
____ 2.
The orchestra performing at the state capitol (have, has) come from various
places.
____ 3.
The sheriff along with two other deputies (were, was) checking licenses at the
North Road exit.
____ 4.
Shortly before noon a fleet of Cadillacs (were, was) seen arriving at the
embassy.
____ 5.
At the back of each issue of the literary journal (are, is) a list of the
contributors' names.
____ 6.
The golf team (is, are) leaving this afternoon for a match at the University of
Florida.
____ 7.
What (are, is) the criteria for the job of diplomatic courier?
____ 8. The director with the help of her staff (have, has) planned a series of films on
African arts.
____ 9.
Today was one of those perfect October days which (serve, serves) to measure
all other days.
____ 10. (Are, Is) the World Series to be played in September or October?
____ 11. Eight times $3.35 (is, are) $26.80.
____ 12. The alumnae (have, has) been asked to participate in a recruitment workshop
this summer.
____ 13. Montgomery said that the ethics of John's decision (was, were) questionable.
____ 14. According to my bank statement, $12.55 (are, is) all that I have left in my
checking account.
____ 15. Neither the manager nor the players (were, was) available for comment.
____ 16. Maxwell's is one of those stores that (offer, offers) everything from thumb tacks
to brass andirons.
117
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences, and then write its correct rule number in the blanks provided.
____ 1.
Every window, table, and floor (was/were) polished in anticipation of the
queen's visit.
____ 2.
Playing golf and tennis (occupy/occupies) much of his time.
____ 3.
Either the coach or the history teacher (are/is) planning to take the team to
see the Red Sox play.
____ 4.
Perry discovered that none of the service stations in town (are/is) open
after midnight.
____ 5.
The long and short of Meriwether's argument (are/is) that high emotions
during discussions settle nothing.
____ 6.
John Singleton Copley was one of those portrait painters who (were/was)
appreciated by the contemporaries.
____ 7.
The tactics of the terrorists at the World Trade Center (was/were) certainly
unethical.
____ 8.
There (are/is) the O'Neill play and a critical essay on the assignment sheet.
____ 9.
A high percentage of the students' essays (was/were) without errors in
agreement!
____ 10. Life of Christ, a course which focuses on the ministry of Christ here on
earth, (is/are) a course that is required of all students.
____ 11. The shambles left by the high wind (were/was) evident to even a casual
observer.
____ 12. The criteria for passing the project (was/were) clearly written on the course
syllabus by the professor.
118
Subject/Verb Agreement
Directions: Underline the subject and the correct verb in each of the following
sentences.
1.
Everybody living on our street (was, were) able to hear the fireworks in the park.
2.
Scissors (seem, seems) to be an essential possession of men with beards.
3.
Neither the reporters nor the governor's aide (have, has) suggested that the bill will be
vetoed.
4.
Some of the parcels of land along the freeway (are, is) selling for exorbitant prices.
5.
Two gallons of gasoline (is, are) all that Harry's Chevette uses to go to Lexington and
back.
6.
Where (are, is) Alice's necklace and bracelet?
7.
Every coin in Taggart's collection (was, were) chosen with great care.
8.
The phenomenon associated with a solar eclipse (was, were) the subject of the
television program.
9.
Fifty-one percent of our stockholders (are, is) willing to accept your plan for the
merger.
10. Sometimes the same statistics (are, is) used to support opposing points of view.
11. According to the dictionary, statistics (are, is) a branch of mathematics.
12. The lobby of the hotel with all its sofas and plants and people (are, is) terribly
crowded.
13. There (are, is) in most small towns somebody who can identify all of the old farm
houses.
119
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Directions: First, underline the correct pronoun in each set of parentheses, and then
underline its corresponding antecedent.
1. Yesterday Baskin-Robbins opened (their/its) second shop on this side of town.
2. Once a person is interested in politics, he seldom loses his fascination for (them/it).
3. Neither Joe's car nor my car has (their/its) original paint job.
4. You can imagine how pleased everybody was to receive (their/his) Christmas bonus
early in December.
5.
In the beginning each of us in our investment club considered (ourselves, herself) a
rank amateur.
6. After Dr. Crump began teaching mathematics, I changed my attitude toward
(it/them).
7. The data would have been more valuable had (it/they) been more timely.
8. After midterms everybody begins thinking about (their/his-her) research papers and
project due dates.
9. Someone driving a silver-gray Subaru has left (their/her) headlights on.
10. This year the alumnae will hold (their/her) book fair in the spring.
11. The U.S. Weather Bureau gives each hurricane a name of (their/its) own.
12. The phenomena discussed by Dr. Hill in his book (are/is) seldom the subjects of
biological study.
13. The crew of the racing shell knows that (its/their) success depends in large measure
upon a spirit of cooperation to think as one.
14. For a long time prior to departure the crew of the Calypso knew what (its/their)
individual responsibilities would be.
15. In the old pictures I saw, the gallows sat squarely in the middle of town, where
everyone could see (it/them).
16. Has either of the accountants offered (their/his) suggestions as to how you should set
up the books for your shop?
120
Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement
Directions: First, underline the correct pronoun in each set of parentheses, and then
underline its corresponding antecedent.
1. Because Dr. Bass is particularly interested in business ethics, he will discuss
(them, it) at the management seminar.
2. Each of the horses was led around the paddock by (their, its) groom.
3. Of course, not every member of the cast can have (their, his) own dressing room!
4. No one on our hall has received (their, her) telephone bill this month.
5. Aunt Marie has misplaced her scissors again in spite of (their, its) orange handles.
6. Do you know whether the Carroll County Arts Council publishes (their, its)
annual calendar in December or January?
7. During yesterday's windstorm, the barracks across from the post library lost
(their, its) roof.
8.
I suppose that it is human nature for everyone to want (their, his) own way.
9.
The alumnae will submit (their, her) fund-raising proposal at the next meeting of
the executive committee.
10. Often all three of the popular news magazines feature the same story on
(their, its) covers.
11. My uncle and favorite car dealer opened (their, his) used-car lot last Saturday.
12. Did either of the candidates at the forum discuss (their, her) ideas concerning
day care?
13. Each of the mail boxes in the apartment complex must be labeled with (their, its)
owner's name.
14. Every man working on the highway crew should be wearing (their, his) helmet at
all times.
121
Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement
Directions: First, underline the correct pronoun in each set of parentheses, and then
underline its corresponding antecedent.
Note: You may need to review subject/verb agreement rules #3 and #9.
1. Neither of my brothers knows what (they, he) wants to do after graduation.
2. None of the consultants have submitted (their, his) proposals to the Board of Trustees.
3. Unfortunately, no one was allowed to have any electric appliance in (their, her)
dorm room.
4. Because economics ultimately involves people, (it, they) must be considered an
inexact science.
5. The news published in that magazine is always current, but (it, they) also is
analyzed carefully and treated in depth.
6.
I don't know of anybody who claims to know (herself, themselves) completely.
7. Either Jose or Frederick has left (his, their) motorcycle in front of the house.
8. Although German measles may be highly contagious, young children are seldom
seriously ill with (them, it).
9. Dr. Karl not only teaches physics, but he also eats, sleeps, and breathes (them, it).
10. Everybody taking photography class will need to bring (his, their) own film.
122
Pronoun Reference Errors
Part I – Directions: Briefly define the following pronoun reference errors:
Broad Pronoun –
Weak/Implied Pronoun –
Misuse of it/you/they –
Ambiguous Pronoun –
Misplaced Modifier –
Part II – Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank
provided, identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/implied,
ambiguous, misuse of it/you they, or misplaced. Third, write the
sentence correctly.
____________ 1. Russell reminded his brother that he had to go to the dentist on
Thursday afternoon.
____________ 2. Because the cat's foot is well now. Sally may take it home at any time.
____________ 3. In Antarctica, you never go exploring by yourself; a partner is necessary.
____________ 4. In Germany they have no speed limits on the autobahns.
____________ 5. None of the four candidates for President in the 1824 election received
a clear majority, which caused the election to be thrown into the House
of Representatives.
____________ 6. When Marge called Susan, she eagerly told her all about her trip to New
York.
____________ 7. In our science book it says that God created man by a direct act.
____________ 8. Since the development of the polio vaccine, it is no longer the terrifying
menace it once was.
____________ 9. In this booklet on household safety, it says that you should never mix
ammonia and bleach.
123
Pronoun Reference Errors
Part I – Directions: Briefly define the following pronoun reference errors:
Broad Pronoun –
Weak/Implied Pronoun –
Misuse of it/you/they –
Ambiguous Pronoun –
Misplaced Modifier –
Part II – Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank
provided, identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/implied,
ambiguous, misuse of it/you they, or misplaced. Third, write the sentence
correctly. If the sentence has no errors, simply write “correct” in the blank.
____________ 1.
Rick is an excellent car salesman, but he knows very little about them.
____________ 2.
When Tara met Emily, she was nervous.
____________ 3.
The colt was almost hit by a car that jumped over the pasture fence.
____________ 4.
How far is it to the nearest airport?
____________ 5.
All those planning to attend the meeting should get your registration fees
in on time.
____________ 6.
She talked endlessly about her operation, and this was tiresome.
____________ 7. When she thrust a stick into the rat hole, it ran out and bit her.
____________ 8.
Foster told Lewis that he would do well to forget about the red-headed
violinist in the school orchestra.
____________ 9.
Mr. Harris has received a grant that he will use to develop a stimulating
course in freshman composition.
____________ 10. Because Myriam has had experience with crowd control, they will not
phase her at the museum this weekend.
124
Pronoun Reference Errors
Part I – Directions: Briefly define the following pronoun reference errors:
Broad Pronoun –
Weak/Implied Pronoun –
Misuse of it/you/they –
Ambiguous Pronoun –
Misplaced Modifier –
Part II – Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank
provided, identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/implied,
ambiguous, misuse of it/you they, or misplaced. Third, write the
sentence correctly. If the sentence has no errors, simply write
“correct” in the blank.
____________ 1. My mother has been an amateur photographer for years, and recently
my brother and I developed an interest in it.
____________ 2. If one is interested in Creole cooking, you should certainly visit Louisiana.
____________ 3. Margaret told Susan that she should call Amtrak’s toll-free number to
make reservations.
____________ 4. The surf was very rough, and this made swimming difficult.
____________ 5. It was after midnight before we had washed the dishes, straightened
up the living room, and climbed into bed.
____________ 6. The chess tournament will be held in the student union building, which is
open to players only with certain ratings.
____________ 7. If anyone in this class wishes to go with Mr. Cary to the Packer's Museum,
you must make reservations by Thursday.
____________ 8. I really can't say which television network I prefer; I don't watch it often.
____________ 9. That year retail prices rose only slightly, which was welcome news to Perry
and me.
125
Pronoun Reference Errors
Part I – Directions: Briefly define the following pronoun reference errors:
Broad Pronoun –
Weak/Implied Pronoun –
Misuse of it/you/they –
Ambiguous Pronoun –
Misplaced Modifier –
Part II – Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank
provided, identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/implied,
ambiguous, misuse of it/you they, or misplaced. Third, write the
sentence correctly.
____________ 1. The reviews of the musical were enthusiastic, which undoubtedly
accounted for the immediate increase in ticket sales.
____________ 2. The chess tournament will be held in the student center, which is open
to players with high ratings.
____________ 3. That year retail prices rose only slightly, which was welcome news to
most buyers.
____________ 4. The telephone rang shrilly in the middle of the night, which woke me
with a start.
____________ 5. Juanita told Charlotte that she certainly was having a bad hair day!
____________ 6. If anyone is planning to go to the baseball game tomorrow, you
should get your ticket today.
____________ 7. I was not at all surprised when Sarah became a concert violinist; her
mother was quite proficient at it as well.
____________ 8. George mentioned to Hal that he needed to balance his checkbook
before a check bounced.
____________ 9. A helicopter was searching for the missing campers, which flew just
above the treetops.
126
Pronoun Reference Errors
Part I – Directions: Briefly define the following pronoun reference errors:
Broad Pronoun –
Weak/Implied Pronoun –
Misuse of it/you/they –
Ambiguous Pronoun –
Misplaced Modifier –
Part II – Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank
provided, identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/implied,
ambiguous, misuse of it/you they, or misplaced. Third, write the
sentence correctly. If the sentence has no errors, simply write
“correct” in the blank.
____________ 1. The clock on the bank struck twelve, which meant I was late
for my work appointment.
____________ 2. The leaves are piled in great heaps along me curb; this makes parking
difficult.
____________ 3. On the news they said that the weather would be rather chilly today.
____________ 4. Sue told Louisa that she would enjoy majoring in interior design.
____________ 5. Although several members of his family are musicians, Stedman has
not the slightest interest in it.
____________ 6. It was May before I finally decided to spend the summer working at
Wolfe's.
____________ 7. Every year the squirrels raid our pecan trees and succeed in stealing
half of them.
____________ 8. The books which I have decided to take with me include a collection
of O'Henry short stories.
127
Pronoun Reference Errors
Part I – Directions: Briefly define the following pronoun reference errors:
Broad Pronoun –
Weak/Implied Pronoun –
Misuse of it/you/they –
Ambiguous Pronoun –
Misplaced Modifier –
Part II – Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank
provided, identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/implied,
ambiguous, misuse of it/you they, or misplaced. Third, write the
sentence correctly. If the sentence has no errors, simply write
“correct” in the blank.
____________ 1. Meredith has always wanted to be a veterinarian, so I am not surprised
that she is preparing to study it.
____________ 2. Mrs. Popper often forgets the key to her apartment, which tries the
patience of the manager.
____________ 3. How far is it to Babylon?
____________ 4. After one has camped out in freezing weather, you really appreciate a
warm bed!
____________ 5. I am afraid that Margie's recipe for lemon pie does not call for a real one.
____________ 6. The deer was almost hit by the semi-truck when it quickly jumped the
fence and dashed to safety.
____________ 7. The carpets were loaded into the van, which Mr. Halifax had bought from
India.
____________ 8. The brick wall had been handsome in its day, but now many of them were
crumbling into dust.
128
Pronoun Reference Errors
Directions: First, locate the incorrectly used pronoun. Second, in the blank provided,
identify the pronoun error as either broad, weak/ implied, ambiguous,
misuse of it/you/they, or misplaced. Third, write the sentence correctly. If
the sentence has no errors, simply write “correct” in the blank.
____________ 1.
The weather is extremely hot, which has forced Coach Williams to
shorten football practice.
____________ 2.
I was not surprised when Elsa won the tennis match; she practiced it
for hours.
____________ 3.
After one has become accustomed to an air-conditioned office, you
hate to leave it for the steamy sidewalks.
____________ 4.
It always seems farther going to Oceanside than it does coming
home.
____________ 5.
The Hope Diamond is on display in the Smithsonian, which weighs
more than forty-four carats.
____________ 6.
The reruns of Gunsmoke have been moved to seven o'clock, which
irritates some of us in the six o'clock lab.
____________ 7.
Mr. Harris has received a grant that he will use to develop a
stimulating course for freshman composition.
____________ 8.
Neither of us had a watch; this made keeping track of time difficult.
____________ 9. A helicopter was searching for the missing campers, which flew
just above the treetops.
129
Pronoun Case
Part I – Directions: Fill in the Pronoun Chart.
Nominative
(Subject/PN)
Objective
(Object)
Possessive
(Ownership)
Singular
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
Plural
Part II – Directions: Correctly fill in each of the following blanks.
I.
Use the nominative case in the following situations:
A. As the subject of a ____________.
ie: (I/Me) will call ahead for reservations.
*hint: When used in combination with a noun, omit the noun.
ie: George and (I/me) will be going.
*hint: Read the sentence as follows: (I/me) will be going.
B. As a __________ __________ after is and are.
ie: It is (he/him) who will speak to the association tomorrow.
*hint: Remember your formula: subject + linking verb + predicate nominative.
C. As an __________ of the subject or object.
ie: Three students—John, Sal, and (I/me)—will be going.
II.
Use the objective case for __________________________________.
III.
Use the possessive case to show _____________________________.
130
Pronoun Case
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in the following blanks:
Nominative case pronouns are used as ____________________.
Objective case pronouns are used as ______________________.
If an infinitive has a subject, the pronoun complement is in the ____________ case.
If there is a Linking Verb, the pronoun is in the ____________ case.
If a comparison exists, add the ____________ after the pronoun.
Who is always used in the ____________ case.
Whom is always used in the ____________ case.
Part II – Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. The coach chose Darrell and (he, him) to be the team captains.
2. Fortunately, the Smiths and (we, us) missed the heavy traffic.
3.
I haven't heard from Mark and (she, her) in ages.
4.
Is it really (she, her) walking down the road?
5. Mr. Weaver chaperoned (we, us) boys when we went to the Packer game.
6.
It could be (they, them) across the street.
7. Mrs. Grant, the Dodges, and (she, her) went to the reunion in Kentucky.
8. During the busy season, the boss relies heavily on (we, us) workers.
9. The mayor granted (she, her) an interview.
10. (We, Us) science students did our experiment on cell augmentation and dispersion.
11. (She, Her) and Heather always sit in the last row.
12. Flora visited (her, she) and (I, me) in the hospital after our car accident.
13. I thought it was Rob and (they, them) who bounced the $500 check!
14. Ralph Bunche was a man (who, whom) many people respected.
15. The player's reaction was to shout at the referee (who, whom) charged him with a
penalty.
16. I cannot find the person to (who, whom) we should address these packages.
17. (Who, Whom) was Tom speaking of?
18. I asked (who, whom) she had seen for her sore tooth.
131
Pronoun Case
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in the following blanks:
Nominative case pronouns are used as ____________________.
Objective case pronouns are used as ______________________.
If an infinitive has a subject, the pronoun complement is in the ____________ case.
If there is a Linking Verb, the pronoun is in the ____________ case.
If a comparison exists, add the ____________ after the pronoun.
Part II – Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. The governor's choice for administrative assistant is believed to be (her, she).
2. Between you and (I, me), spending a weekend on Cumberland Island is exciting!
3. Saturday morning Jim and (I, me) are planning to try out for the basketball team.
4.
I believe that the coach is interested in (his, him) playing second base.
5. With a batting average like mine, I am not sure that he is interested in (my, me)
playing for the team at all!
6. The ticket agent assured Jean and (I, me) that we could get tickets for the matinee.
7. No one can drive this old car as well as (she, her).
8.
In fact, it was (she, her) who persuaded Grandpa not to trade for a new Corvette.
9. Mabel will have to accept the fact that Sheila is just one of (us, we) girls.
10. No one can tell a bigger fish story than (he, him).
11. In fact, it is (he, him) who claims to be the best fisherman on the lake.
12. At least one of the sales representatives—either Louisa or (him, he)—needs to be at
the convention.
13. Someone must send (he, him) and Catherine directions to the farm, or they will never
find the place.
14. (Its, It's) not easy to explain how to get to the farm.
15. What would you think of (our, us) waiting until five o'clock to talk to them?
16. An old friend asked Nancy and (me, I) to dinner with him.
17. You cannot drive the car with one of (its, it's) turn signals out of order.
18. When the doorbell rang, my mother thought the electrician to be (me, I).
132
Pronoun Case
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in the following blanks:
Nominative case pronouns are used as ____________________.
Objective case pronouns are used as ______________________.
If an infinitive has a subject, the pronoun complement is in the ____________ case.
If there is a Linking Verb, the pronoun is in the ____________ case.
If a comparison exists, add the ____________ after the pronoun.
Who is always used in the ____________ case.
Whom is always used in the ____________ case.
Part II – Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. The guests thanked Rita and (she, her) for the invitation.
2. Gloria and (I, me) have matching outfits.
3. That's (he, him) standing on the comer of the street.
4. (Us, We) girls decided it would be wise for us to study self-defense.
5. The teacher said that she hoped for (us, our) improvement on the final project.
6. What were you telling Chuck and (we, us) earlier?
7. Unfortunately, the bill collector thought my neighbor to be (me, I).
8. We knew it was (he, him) who had sent her a dozen roses.
9. Did Jean and (he, him) sing in the musical this summer?
10. Give (us, we) boys the message as soon as possible.
11. The volunteers—George, Henry and (I, me)—arrived on time as scheduled.
12. The two people (who, whom) I liked most were Will and Priscilla.
13. Someone called last night, but I don't know (who, whom) it was.
14. The announcer said that (whoever, whomever) finishes in the top ten can compete
later.
15. We did not hear (who, whom) the principal named as the school representative.
16. Neither of the two pianists was the musician (who, whom) the audience cheered.
133
Pronoun Case
Part I – Directions: Correctly fill in the following blanks:
Who is always used in the __________ case. It can be replaced with “he/she/we.”
Whom is always used in the __________ case. It can be replaced with “him/her/us.”
Part II – Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. (Who, Whom) do you think manages the concession stand at the ball games?
2.
I don't remember (who, whom) owns the hardware store on Tindale Street.
3. Would you return these books to (whoever, whomever) is at the desk?
4. A young woman, (who, whom) Flo said had an excellent voice, sang the special.
5.
It is absolutely essential that any soloist (who, whom) undertakes the national
anthem has an excellent voice.
6. Finding a house sitter (who, whom) I have confidence in is not easy.
7.
I believe that you can leave the flowers with (whoever, whomever) is at the reception
desk.
8. (Who, Whom) will you ask to help you deliver the baskets of fruit?
9. (Who's, Whose) going to chop the onions and peppers for the stir-fry at dinner?
10. As I was going into Macy's (who, whom) do you think that I saw?
11. (Who, Whom) did you say was calling?
12. The person (who, whom) everyone says is the best cabinetmaker in town is Mae
Jones.
13. To (who, whom) should we address this letter?
14. Can you imagine (who, whom) just called me from St. Paul, Minnesota?
15. (Who's, Whose) turn is it to clean the dorm room?
16. (Who, Whom) was Bob talking about when we sat down at the table?
134
Pronoun Case
Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. (Who, Whom) is the telephone for?
2.
I am certain that the woman wearing the red velvet jacket is (she, her).
3. This building belongs to Angus McDouglas and (him, he).
4. Between you and (I, me), I think our team has a good shot at the championship.
5. (Us, We) three can certainly assume more responsibility.
6. No one can argue with an umpire like (he, him).
7. When Sandy arrives, (who, whom) should she ask for?
8. Do you know (who, whom) is catering the wedding reception?
9.
Louisa and (he, him) often ride their bikes out to Gaines Point.
10. We believed the guilty party to be (he, him).
11. Is it possible for the plates to be given to (he, him)?
12. (Who, Whom) did you say was reading the novel by Jean Stratten Porter?
13. The editor thinks that it was (she, her) who phoned in the false story.
14. Ask (whoever, whomever) answers the phone what to wear to the concert.
15. (Whose, Who's) camera is that on my beach towel?
16. Grandmother wants to know (who, whom) will volunteer to slice the turkey.
17. I want you to meet my favorite uncle, (who, whom) everyone calls Ed!
135
Pronoun Case
Directions: Underline the correct word in each set of parentheses.
1. To (whom, who) should we address this letter?
2. Can you imagine (who, whom) just called me from St. Paul?
3. The person (who, whom) everyone says is the best cabinet maker in town is
(she, her).
4. (Whoever, Whomever) does go needs to take an umbrella.
5.
If you need help raking your lawn, call one of (we,us)—Nick, Joe or (I, me).
6. When the doorbell rang, my mother thought the electrician to be (I, me).
7. You cannot drive the car with one of (its, it's) turn signals out.
8. An old friend asked Nancy and (I, me) to have dinner with her.
9. No one can tell a bigger fish story than (he, him).
10. In fact/ it is (he, him) who claims to be the best fisherman on the lake.
11. Mabel will have to accept the fact that Leonard is just one of (us, we) boys.
12. Neither Luke nor (I, me) could find the computer mouse in our dorm room.
13. No one can drive this old car as well as (he, him).
14. Many of my friends think that my cousin is older than (I, me).
15. The governor's choice for assistant is believed to be (her, she).
16. Between you and (I, me), spending the weekend at the Dells sounds fun!
17. On (who, whom) does this successful championship depend?
136
Mechanics
Directions: Correct all errors in the following sentences.
1.
Have you read Richard Lockridge's mystery novel Death In A Sunny Place?
2. Sam said, "why won’t you go with me to the hockey game"?
3.
Thad says that he always feels a thrill when everyone stands and sings the Star
Spangled Banner.
4.
Whats the answer to the terrible problem of water pollution?
5. A weeks supply of chocolate ice cream lasts just three days in the Olivers household.
6.
Katherine asked, "Isnt this the place to register for the door prizes?" "I never win, but
I'll try!"
7.
Joe's hand me down tuxedo doesn't fit me very well.
8.
Felicia describes her hard to handle three year old as a high spirited little angel!
9.
Edwin and I sailed South toward St. Thomas, a lovely tropical island in the Caribbean sea.
10. James was quite upset because he made a D in psychology 302.
11. Last Summer our family had a reunion in New Mexico.
12. One of the funniest short stories I have ever read is the Ransom of Red Chief.
13. Who's turn is it to do room duties?
14. Henry is a self taught carpenter; a fact which is quite apparent in his broken chairs!
137
Mechanics
Directions: Correct all errors in the following sentences.
1. One of the funniest short stories I have ever read is Eudora Welty's Why I live at the
P.O.
2.
I have read several novels of John Galsworthy; the one I like best is The Man of Property.
3. When we were in Paris, we saw da Vinci's famous painting La Gioconda, more frequently
called Mona Lisa.
4. The word never often returns to haunt those of us who are dogmatic.
5. Our political science teacher insists that we stay au courant on national politics.
6. Cruising the Greek Isles aboard the Golden Odyssey is often a frequent routine of the rich.
7. Matt said, "you're not holding the racquet correctly, uncle George."
8. That’s a far fetched story, Quincy, but I am inclined to believe that your's is a true
account of the incident.
9.
I am enclosing forty dollars $40.00 as payment in full for my bill.
10. Do you mean that Brad is actually enjoying Differential Calculus?
11. I don't think that I would enjoy spending my winters in the bitter cold of the east.
12. Glenn, have you ever read the classic "Last of the Mohicans?"
13. That long drawn out meeting of the finance committee resulted in a bitter quarrel!
14. My Father's favorite cat, however, is a cat named Midnight, who has a shiny coat and
wicked looking yellow green eyes.
138
Mechanics
Directions: Correct all errors in the following sentences.
1.
I think it would be wise if we would all celebrate the true purpose of veterans day.
2. They traveled West about 12 miles and then continued on South for 2 more hours.
3. The "Spirit of St Louis" was part of the aviation air show recently.
4. Unfortunately, he failed mathematics 101.
5. My great grandfather recently celebrated his ninety ninth birthday!
6.
It was necessary for the father and son to have a heart to heart talk about the matter.
7.
I would think that your sixteen year old brother could scramble an egg!
8. At the zoo we saw 17 giraffes and 29 cows.
9. When I called uncle Tommy last saturday, he said he would be gone all summer long.
10. James is upset because he failed psychology 304.
11. I read in the "Atlanta Journal" yesterday that Amtrak plans to reactivate the old Silver Meteor.
12. Nell denied that the car which had caused the accident was her's.
13. One of Keats's best known poems is his Ode to Autumn.
14. My grandmother's only sister, Great aunt Mabel, will be ninety five on her next birthday.
15. Joe's hand me down tuxedo doesn't fit very well.
16. My copy of "Architectural Digest" has disappeared from the coffee table.
17. I hear that Bobs proposal to Helen was a great surprise to Anita, who's hopes were
high for herself!
139
Mechanics
Directions: Correct all errors in the following sentences. Write (C) if the sentence is
correct as is.
1. Although English and French are easy for me, I always have problems with Physics.
2. Do you think the crossword puzzles in the New York Times are hard?
3. The protest march by the anti nuclear demonstrators was carried out with respect for
law and order.
4. Marie's great grandmother was born in France but came to the United States when
she was twenty one.
5. Apparently your definition of the word happiness and mine are not the same Milicent.
6.
I believe that Frances is the President of her garden club.
7. Harvey made an unforgivable error in our history 155 class today; he said that the
norman conquest took place in 1076.
8.
I have always admired Tennyson's imagery in his poem The Eagle.
9. My Mother and Father love to play tennis together.
10. Have you seen all the episodes of the Masterpiece Theater production A Town like
Alice?
11. He was proud to admit that he had grown up in the East all his life.
12. Due to the airline pilot’s strike, there was going to be a weeks delay on all flights.
13. We enjoyed watching for dolphins in the blue green ocean.
14. My drama teacher is an englishwoman, and naturally her favorite plays are the
shakesperean ones.
15. If you visit Paris, try to see the famous sculpture Venus de Milo.
16. Valerie walked into the living room, sat down on the loveseat, and calmly announced
that she and Tom were married!
140
Homonyms (Chapter 22)
Directions: Underline the correct word in each of the following sentences.
1. Christ encourages us to give our burden to Him because He is capable of
(lightening, lightning) our load.
2. Our family took trips to Gettysburg and Washington D.C.; personally I enjoyed
the (later, latter) city the most.
3.
I voted based on my (principals, principles) surrounding abortion.
4.
In some cultures, teenagers have experienced a (rite, right) of passage through spending the
night in the woods alone.
5. Joan, Sarah, Sam, and Alexis were assigned to give their presentations
(respectfully, respectively).
6. The farmer smacked the (reigns, reins) of his team in order to motivate them to a faster pace.
7. Please know that your passes may be passed in no (later, latter) than Sunday.
8. With sin nature as it is, World (peace, piece) is not necessarily (imminent, immanent).
9. The teacher reviewed the test with her students in order to (insure, ensure) their
understanding of the material.
10. Some individuals have (lead, led) allergies.
11. During the most dramatic (scene, seen), the backdrop fell over directly on top of the lead
actor.
12. Christ had the ability to (quiet, quite) the storm when He and the disciples were on the
troubled waters.
141
Homonyms (Chapter 22)
Directions: Underline the correct word in each of the following sentences.
1.
I couldn’t believe that the sophomore ate the (hole, whole) pie by himself!
2.
Beethoven composed many (peaces, pieces) during his lifetime which became popular after
his death.
3.
Salvation is a gift granted to (humans, humanes) only; animals cannot choose to
accept or reject Christ.
4.
Legends of (you’re, your, yore) discuss the Loch Ness Monster; many creationists
believe the Loch Ness to be a dinosaur.
5.
The boss decided to pay more attention to the needs of his (personal, personnel).
6.
It is (to, too, two) important for the cause of Christ for us to choose to live a wayward life.
7.
After I purchased a new car, I (insured, ensured) it against under insured drivers.
8.
In Psalms the Bible tells us to “enter into his (presence, presents) with singing.”
9.
I am amazed at how much (waist, waste) is discarded in the dining hall by our students!
10. Saul asked the (witch, which) of Endor to conjure up the spirit of Samuel.
11. The opossum remained (stationery, stationary) to fool (it’s, its) predators.
12. Following the defeat at Gettysburg, the (morale, moral) of the Southern troops was rather
demoralized.
13. For her company, Sarah purchased three pounds of ground (meat, meet).
14. It is quite certain that the student body (maybe, may be) excited about Christmas break!
15. She wasn’t sure (weather, whether) her application for the job would be accepted.
16. During the Olympic games, the winning competitor’s national flag is (raised, razed) the
highest.
17. We (passed/past) the wreck soon after (its, it’s) occurrence.
18. We need to (know, no) English if we are going to the mission field to teach English as a
Second language (. . . you had to (no, know) this sentence was coming)!
142
Homonyms and Other Frequently Confused Words
Directions: Underline the correct answer in each of the following sentences.
1.
Brent (adviced, advised) his younger brother not to take their dad’s car again.
2.
Having climbed five flights of stairs, Austin was out of (breathe, breath).
3.
Tom and Frank (hour, are, our) working on the project.
4.
Don’t forget to (by, buy) the card while you are at the store.
5.
Your (assistance, assistants) is needed in the other room.
6.
Please don’t (brake, break) the vase.
7.
Sylvia (choose, chose) the environmentally friendly fund.
8.
Allyson is wearing business (clothes, cloths) this morning.
9.
The pastor had just made his (forth, fourth) appointment for the day.
10. The visitor’s (fare, fair) was paid for him.
11. You should (devise, device) a plan for getting your work done on time.
12. Most students enjoy (Dairy, Diary) day at MBBC.
13. The child saw a big (gorilla, guerrilla) at the zoo.
14. The Lord instructed Lazarus to come (fourth, forth) from the dead.
15. Over the years, many Christians have had to (dye, die) for their faith.
16. There was much (dissent, descent) during the last school board meeting.
17. We should always be willing to listen to wise (council, counsel).
18. She was known for always (complementing, complimenting) other people.
19. Natasha’s (conscience, conscious) troubled her when she took the promotion.
20. The students were asked to dress (formally, formerly) for the event.
143
Homonyms and Other Frequently Confused Words
Directions: Underline the correct answer in each of the following sentences.
1.
Having climbed five flights of stairs, Austin needed to (breathe, breath) deeply.
2.
Everyone was (already, all ready) prepared to go to amusement park.
3.
Every member of the gymnastics team (except, accept) Marina received a medal.
4.
Brent had some good (advise, advice) to give to his younger brother.
5.
Many Christians attempt to (bare, bear) their own burdens rather than casting them
upon the Lord.
6.
As we grow older, we regard many of the hopes of youth as mere (allusion, illusions).
7.
The audience appeared to be (board, bored) by the speaker.
8.
The administrator gave his (assent, ascent) concerning the request.
9.
Tell me (buy, by) the way, have you seen him lately?
10. What is the (effect, affect) of this treatment?
11. The student decided to (chose, choose) a different book for his report.
12. Did you sign up to take a first-hour (coarse, course) next semester?
13. They sang (altogether, all together).
14. Wallace and Sally are working on (are, hour, our) proposal.
15. He made (illusions, allusions) to his colleagues.
144
Homonyms and Other Frequently Confused Words
Directions: Underline the correct answer in each of the following sentences.
1.
The (cite, site, sight) of the new school has not been decided upon.
2.
Find the (complement, compliment) in this sentence.
3.
They were (already, all ready) to go home.
4.
Workman are painting the dome of the (Capital, Capitol).
5.
The (course, coarse) sand blew in my face.
6.
I should like to (accept, except) your first offer.
7.
Mr. Hull said that he would (advice, advise) me this term.
8.
We had apple pie for (desert, dessert).
9.
He was (formerly, formally) a student at Beloit College.
10. He was appointed to the executive (counsel, council).
11. His forced jokes (effect, affect) me unfavorably.
12. In this temple was an (altar, alter) to the Unknown God.
13. “There is (all together, altogether) too much gridlock,” complained the Democrats.
14. She decided to (die, dye) her hair.
15. She addressed the (envelop, envelope) after dinner.
16. He had two (assistance, assistants) to help him.
17. Most people (brake, break) when they approach a red light.
18. We will need several damp (cloths, clothes) to get the baby’s face clean.
19. Next month the Eagles will play (hear, here) in this city.
20. She wrote in her (dairy, diary) every night.
145
Diction Errors
Directions: Underline the correct answer in each of the following sentences.
1. Assisted by our teachers, the (principle, principal) marched us to the
(Capitol, Capital) building.
2. Hoping to be a matchmaker, Aunt Flora was thoroughly frustrated when the two
young people seemed (uninterested, disinterested) in each other.
3. Todd and (I, myself) were virtually asleep on our feet, but Todd kept saying that the
Rogers’ house was only a little (farther, further).
4. There were (fewer, less) people at the Harpers’ dinner party than I had expected.
5. Despite the obvious restlessness of the audience, it was apparent that the comedian
was (undoubtedly, undoubtably) ready to drone on for another hour.
6. I suppose it (doesn’t, don’t) matter if you burned the meal; Harry (don’t, doesn’t)
like it anyway.
7. Amazingly, the young man’s account of the incident was (different from; different than)
those of the other eye witnesses.
8. Laura (inferred, implied) in her remarks that she and Ken were adverse to their daughter’s
plan to marry Philip.
9. The cereal companies are (continuously, continually) advertising the healthfulness of their
cereals.
10. That man in the brown leather jacket has been (sitting, setting) in the library
(pouring, poring) over the same book for hours.
11. Lars told me that his parents (immigrated, emigrated) from Denmark when he was a child of
three.
12. Mary Sue’s new draperies are a delicate shade of peach which (compliment, complement)
the colors of her new sofa.
13. Jim is a (very unique, unique) individual (whose, who’s) been a good friend of mine for
years.
14. Many people believe that the man who was acquitted of the crime was as guilty as the man
who was (hung, hanged).
146
Diction Errors
Directions: Underline the correct answer in each of the following sentences.
1. When you are finished, (precede, proceed) to the next part of the exam.
2. We need some new (stationary, stationery) for our office.
3. If anyone has doubts about the values (that, which) our organization embraces, that person
should leave.
4. The Maguire family (emigrated, immigrated) from Ireland to the United States in 1849.
5. I am (all ready, already) to listen to your report.
6. You are (all together, altogether) mistaken about my brother’s character.
7. She has (a lot, alot) of relatives.
8. There is a feeling of discontent (among, between) the citizens.
9. A (amount, number) of books are in our library.
10. (Any one, anyone) of these students could be elected class president.
11. (Every one, Everyone) complained about the weather.
12. Scientists have several theories (as to, about) how the continents were formed.
13. Rest (a while, awhile) before you leave.
14. The athletic field is (beside, besides) the school.
15. Will you (bring, take) the dog to the veterinarian?
16. This scale (can, may) register up to five hundred pounds.
17. His (continual, continuous) absence from work caused the manager to fire him.
18. Your concept of fun is (different than, different from) mine.
19. Many Irish people (immigrated, emigrated) to the United States.
20. All of us are (enthused, enthusiastic) about the community project.