tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68629836367348246922024-03-05T18:09:21.141-08:00English GrammarUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-60006761828233369612008-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:002008-06-29T07:49:00.079-07:00Hot! 100 Golden Grammar Rules!<p class="Cmsor23" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">GOLDEN GRAMMAR RULES<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">By Michael Swan<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">1. Don’t use <i>an</i> with <i>own</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Sue needs <b>her own</b> room. (NOT <s>Sue needs an own room</s>.)<br />I’d like <b>a</b> phone line <b>of my own</b>. (NOT … <s>an own phone line</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 405.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">2. Use<i> or rather</i> to correct yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She’s German – <b>or rather</b>, Austrian. (NOT <s>She’s German – or better, Austrian</s>.)<br />I’ll see you on Friday – <b>or rather</b>, Saturday.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 157.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">3. Use the simple present – <i>play(s), rain(s)</i> etc – to talk about habits and repeated actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I <b>play</b> tennis every Saturday. (NOT <s>I am playing tennis every Saturday</s>.)<br />It usually <b>rains</b> a lot in November.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition sections 461–4.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">4. Use <i>will …</i>, not the present, for offers and promises.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’<b>ll cook</b> you supper this evening. (NOT <s>I cook you supper this evening</s>.)<br />I promise I’<b>ll phone</b> you tomorrow. (NOT <s>I promise I phone you tomorrow</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 217.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">5. Don’t drop prepositions with passive verbs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I don’t like to be shouted <b>at</b>. (NOT <s>I don’t like to be shouted</s>.)<br />This needs to be thought <b>about</b> some more. (NOT <s>This needs to be thought some more</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition page section 416.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">6. Don’t use a present tense after<i> It’s time</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">It’s time you <b>went</b> home. (NOT <s>It’s time you go home</s>.)<br />It’s time we<b> invited</b> Bill and Sonia. (NOT <s>It’s time we invite Bill and Sonia</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 306.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">7. Use <i>was/were born</i> to give dates of birth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I <b>was born</b> in 1975. (NOT <s>I am born in 1975</s>.)<br />Shakespeare <b>was born</b> in 1564.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 108.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">8. <i>Police</i> is a plural noun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">The police<b> are</b> looking for him. (NOT <s>The police is looking for him</s>.)<br />I called the police, but <b>they were</b> too busy to come.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 524.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">9. Don't use <i>the</i> to talk about things in general.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Books</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> are expensive. (NOT <s>The books are expensive</s>.)<br />I love <b>music</b>. (NOT <s>I love the music</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 68.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">10. Use <i>had better</i>, not <i>have better</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I think you<b>’d better</b> see the doctor. (NOT <s>I think you have better see the doctor</s>.)<br />We’<b>d better</b> ask John to help us.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 230.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">11. Use the present progressive - <i>am playing, is raining</i> etc - to talk about things that are continuing at the time of speaking. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I<b>’m playing</b> very badly today. (NOT <s>I play very badly today</s>.)<br />Look! It'<b>s raining</b>! (NOT <s>Look! It rains</s>!)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition sections 461–4.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">12. Use <i>for</i> with a period of time. Use <i>since</i> with the beginning of the period.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">for</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> the last two hours = since 9 o'clock<br /><b>for</b> three days = since Monday<br /><b>for</b> five years = since I left school<br />I’ve been learning English <b>for</b> five years. (NOT <s>I’ve been learning English since three years</s>.)<br />We’ve been waiting <b>for</b> ages, since eight o’clock.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 208.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">13. Don't separate the verb from the object. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="" border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">VERB <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">OBJECT <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">speaks</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">English</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">very well . (NOT <s>She speaks very well English</s>.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Andy <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">likes </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">skiing</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">very much. (NOT <s>Andy likes very much skiing</s>.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 611.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">14. Don't use the present perfect - <i>have/has seen, have/has gone</i> etc - with words that name a finished time. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I <b>saw</b> him <b>yesterday</b>. (NOT <s>I have seen him yesterday</s>.)<br />They <b>went</b> to Greece <b>last summer</b>. (NOT <s>They have gone … last summer</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 456.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">15. English (the language) normally has no article. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">You speak <b>very good English</b>. (NOT <s>You speak a very good English</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 149.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">16. After <i>look forward to</i>, we use <i>-ing</i>, not an infinitive. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I look forward to <b>seeing</b> you. (NOT <s>I look forward to see you</s>.)<br />We’re looking forward to <b>going</b> on holiday. (NOT … <s>to go on holiday</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 298.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">17. <i>Information</i> is an uncountable noun. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Can you give me <b>some</b> information? (NOT <s>Can you give me an information</s>?)<br />I got a lot of <b>information</b> from the Internet. (NOT <s>I got a lot of informations from the Internet</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 148.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">18. Use -ing forms after prepositions. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I drove there without <b>stopping</b>. (NOT <s>I drove there without to stop</s>.)<br />Wash your hands before <b>eating</b>. (NOT <s>Wash your hands before to eat</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 298.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">19. Use <i>this</i>, not <i>that</i>, for things that are close. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Come here and look at<b> this</b> paper. (NOT <s>Come here and look at that paper</s>.)<br />How long have you been in <b>this</b> country? (NOT <s>How long have you been in that country</s>?)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 148. <br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">20. Use a plural noun after <i>one and a half</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">We waited one and a half <b>hours</b>. (NOT <s>We waited one and a half hour</s>.)<br />A mile is about one and a half<b> kilometres</b>. (NOT <s>A mile is about one and a half kilometre</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 231.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">21. Use the present perfect, not the present, to say how long things have been going on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I<b>'ve been waiting</b> since 10 o'clock. (NOT <s>I'm waiting since 10 o'clock</s>.)<br />We'<b>ve lived</b> here for nine years. (NOT <s>We live here for nine years</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 460.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">22. <i>The majority</i> is normally plural.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Some people are interested, but the majority <b>don't care</b>. (NOT ... <s>but the majority doesn't care</s>.)<br />The majority of these people <b>are</b> very poor. (NOT <s>The majority of these people is very poor</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 526.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">23. Use <i>too much/many</i> before (adjective +) noun; use<i> too</i> before an adjective with no noun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">There's <b>too much</b> noise.<br />I bought<b> too much</b> red paint.<br />Those shoes are <b>too expensive</b>. (NOT <s>Those shoes are too much expensive</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 595.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">24. Use <i>that</i>, not <i>what</i>, after <i>all</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I've told you <b>all that</b> I know. (NOT <s>I've told you all what I know</s>.)<br />He gave her <b>all that</b> he had.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 494.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">25. Don't say <i>according to me</i> to give your opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I think</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> it's a good film. (NOT <s>According to me, it's a good film</s>.)<br /><b>In my opinion</b>, you're making a serious mistake. (NOT <s>According to me, you're making a serious mistake</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">26. Don't ask about possibilities with <i>May you ...?</i> etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Do you think</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> you'll go camping this summer? (NOT <s>May you go camping this summer</s>?)<br /><b>Is</b> Joan <b>likely</b> to be here tomorrow? (NOT <s>May Joan be here tomorrow</s>?)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 339.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">27. Use <i>who</i>, not <i>which</i>, for people in relative structures.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">The woman <b>who</b> lives upstairs is from Thailand. (NOT <s>The woman which lives upstairs is from Thailand</s>.)<br />I don't like people <b>who</b> shout all the time. (NOT <s>I don't like people which shout all the time</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 494.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">28. Use<i> for</i>, not <i>during</i>, to say `how long'.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">We waited<b> for</b> six hours. (NOT <s>We waited during six hours</s>.)<br />He was ill <b>for</b> three weeks. (NOT <s>He was ill during three weeks</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 167.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">29. Use <i>to ...,</i> not <i>for ...</i>, to say why you do something.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I came here <b>to</b> study English. (NOT <s>I came here for study English</s>.)<br />She telephoned me<b> to</b> explain the problem. (NOT <s>She telephoned me for explain the problem</s>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 289.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">30. Use reflexives (<i>myself</i> etc) when the object is the same as the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I looked at <b>myself</b> in the mirror. (NOT <s>I looked at me in the mirror</s>.)<br />Why are you talking to <b>yourself</b>? (NOT <s>Why are you talking to you</s>?)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 493.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">31. Use a present tense to talk about the future after <i>when, until, as soon as, after, before</i> etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’ll phone you when I <b>arrive</b>. (NOT <s>I’ll phone you when I will arrive.</s>)<br />Let’s wait until it <b>gets</b> dark. (NOT <s>Let’s wait until it will get dark.</s>)<br />We’ll start as soon as Mary <b>arrives</b>. (NOT <s>We’ll start as soon as Mary will arrive.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 202.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">32. Before most abstract nouns, we use <i>great</i>, not <i>big</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I have <b>great</b> respect for her ideas. (NOT <s>I have big respect for her ideas.</s>)<br />We had <b>great</b> difficulty in understanding him. (NOT <s>We had big difficulty in understanding him.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 106.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">33. Don’t use <i>the</i> with a superlative when you are not comparing one person or thing with another.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Compare:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 8.8pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She’s <b>the nicest</b> of the three teachers. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 8.8pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She’s <b>nicest</b> when she’s working with small children. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 8.8pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">This is <b>the best</b> wine I’ve got. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 8.8pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">This wine is <b>best</b> when it’s three or four years old. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 141.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">34. Put <i>enough</i> after, not before, adjectives.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">This soup isn’t hot <b>enough</b>. (NOT <s>This soup isn’t enough hot.</s>)<br />She’s old <b>enough</b> to walk to school by herself.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 187.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">35. Don’t use a structure with <i>that …</i> after <i>want</i> or <i>would like</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">My parents want <b>me to go</b> to university. (NOT <s>My parents want that I go to university.</s>)<br />I’d like <b>everybody to leave</b>. (NOT <s>I’d like that everybody leaves.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 283.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">36. After link verbs like <i>be, seem, feel, look, smell, sound, taste</i>, we use adjectives, not adverbs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I feel <b>happy</b> today. (NOT <s>I feel happily today.</s>)<br />This soup tastes <b>strange</b>. (NOT <s>This soup tastes strangely.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 328.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">37. Use <i>than</i> after comparatives.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">My mother is three years older <b>than</b> my father. (NOT <s>My mother is three years older that/as my father.</s>)<br />Petrol is more expensive <b>than</b> diesel.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 139.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">38. In questions, put the subject immediately after the auxiliary verb.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Where <b>are the President and his family</b> staying? (NOT <s>Where are staying the President and his family?</s>)<br /><b>Have all the guests</b> arrived? (NOT <s>Have arrived all the guests?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 480.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">39. <i>Used to</i> has no present.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I <b>play</b> tennis at weekends. (NOT <s>I use to play tennis at weekends.</s>)<br />Where <b>do</b> you usually <b>have</b> lunch? (NOT <s>Where do you use to have lunch?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 604.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">40. Use <i>through</i>, not <i>along</i>, for periods of time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">All <b>through</b> the centuries, there have been wars. (NOT <s>All along the centuries, there have been wars.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 45.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">41. Use <i>can’t</i>, not <i>mustn’t</i>, to say that something is logically impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">It <b>can’t</b> be the postman at the door. It’s only 7 o’clock. (NOT <s>It mustn’t be the postman at the door. It’s only 7 o’clock.</s>)<br />If A is bigger than B, and B is bigger than C, then C <b>can’t</b> be bigger than A. (NOT <s>… then C mustn’t be bigger than A.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 359.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">42. Use the present perfect with <i>This is the first time …</i> etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">This is the first time I’<b>ve been</b> here. (NOT <s>This is the first time I’m here.</s>)<br />This is the fifth cup of coffee I’<b>ve drunk</b> today. (NOT <s>This is the fifth cup of coffee I drink today.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 591.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">43. Use <i>be</i>, not <i>have</i>, to give people’s ages.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">My sister <b>is</b> 15 (years old). (NOT <s>My sister has 15 years.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 32.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">44. Use<i> between</i>, not<i> among</i>, to talk about position in relation to several clearly separate people or things.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Switzerland is <b>between</b> France, Austria, Germany and Italy. (NOT <s>Switzerland is among France, Austria, Germany and Italy.</s>)<br />The bottle rolled <b>between</b> the wheels of the car.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 105.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">45. We don’t normally use <i>the</i> before abbreviations that are pronounced like words (‘acronyms’).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">My cousin works for<b> NATO</b>. (NOT <s>My cousin works for the NATO.</s>)<br />The money was given by <b>UNESCO</b>. (NOT <s>… by the UNESCO.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">46. <i>Everybody</i> is a singular word.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Everybody <b>was</b> late. (NOT <s>Everybody were late.</s>)<b><br />Is</b> everybody ready? (NOT <s>Are everybody ready?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 548.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">47. Use <i>any</i>, not<i> some</i>, in negative sentences.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She hasn’t got <b>any</b> money. (NOT <s>She hasn’t got some money.</s>)<br />I didn’t see<b> any</b>body. (NOT <s>I didn’t see somebody.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 547.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">48. Use<i> interested</i> for feelings; use<i> interesting</i> for the things that interest people. The same goes for <i>bored/boring</i>, <i>excited/exciting</i> etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’m<b> interested</b> in history. (NOT <s>I’m interesting in history.</s>)<br />History is <b>interesting</b>.<br />I’m <b>bored</b> in the maths lessons. (NOT <s>I’m boring in the maths lessons.</s>)<br />I think maths is<b> boring</b>.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 409.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">49. Use <i>by</i>, not <i>until/till</i>, to mean ‘not later than’. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Can you mend this<b> by</b> Tuesday? (NOT <s>Can you mend this until Tuesday?</s>)<br />I’ll finish the book<b> by</b> tonight. (NOT <s>I’ll finish the book till tonight.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 602.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">50. Use<i> like</i>, not <i>as</i>, to give examples.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I prefer warm countries, <b>like</b> Spain. (NOT <s>I prefer warm countries, as Spain.</s>)<br />I eat a lot of meat,<b> like</b> beef or lamb.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 326.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">51. Use <i>whether</i>, not <i>if</i>, after prepositions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">We talked about whether it was ready. (NOT <s>We talked about if it was ready.</s>)<br />It’s a question of whether we have enough time. (NOT <s>It’s a question of if we have enough time.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 453.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">52. Use the present progressive passive, not the simple present passive, to talk about things that are going on just around now.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Our flat is being decorated this week. (NOT <s>Our flat is decorated this week.</s>)<br />Your bill is just being prepared, sir. (NOT <s>Your bill is just prepared, sir.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 412.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">53. We don’t normally use <i>must</i> to talk about the past.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I had to see the dentist yesterday. (NOT <s>I must see the dentist yesterday.</s>)<br />When I left school, young men had to do military service. (NOT <s>When I left school, young men must do military service.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 358.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">54. When you put two nouns together, be careful to get the right order.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I like eating milk chocolate. (NOT<s> I like eating chocolate milk.</s>)<br />What’s your phone number? (NOT <s>What’s your number phone?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 385.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">55. Use the <i>whole of</i>, not <i>whole</i>, before the name of a place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">The whole of Paris was celebrating. (NOT <s>Whole Paris was celebrating.</s>)<br />He knows the whole of South America very well. (NOT <s>He knows whole South America very well.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 40.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">56. We don’t normally use progressive forms of <i>believe</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I don’t believe him. (NOT<s> I’m not believing him.</s>)<br />Do you believe what she says? (NOT <s>Are you believing what she says?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 471.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">57. Don’t use<i> in front of</i> to mean ‘facing’ or ‘opposite’.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She sat down facing me and looked into my eyes. (NOT <s>She sat down in front of me and looked into my eyes.</s>)<br />There’s a hotel opposite our house. (NOT <s>There’s a hotel in front of our house.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 402.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">58. Use<i> it</i>, not <i>I, he, she</i> etc to identify people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">(on the phone): Hello. It’s Alan Williams speaking. ((NOT <s>Hello. I’m Alan Williams.</s>)<br />‘Who’s that?’ ‘It’s John.’ (NOT <s>Who’s that?’ ‘He’s John.’</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 428.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">59. <i>People</i> (meaning ‘persons’) is a plural word.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">The people in this town are very friendly. (NOT <s>The people in this town is very friendly.</s>)<br />Who are those people? (NOT <s>Who is that people?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 524.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">60. Use <i>although</i> or <i>but</i>, but not both together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Although it was late, she went out.<br />It was late, but she went out.<br />(BUT NOT <s>Although it was late, but she went out.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 511.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">61. With <i>if</i>, we normally use the present to talk about the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />If I <b>have</b> time, I’ll phone you. (NOT <s>If I’ll have time, I’ll phone you.</s>)<br />I’ll be surprised if she<b> answers</b> my letter. (NOT <s>I’ll be surprised if she’ll answer my letter.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 257.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">62. Use<i> almost</i>, not <i>nearly</i>, to say that one thing is very like another.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />She is <b>almost</b> a sister to me. (NOT <s>She is nearly a sister to me.</s>)<br />I <b>almost</b> wish I had stayed at home. (NOT <s>I nearly wish I had stayed at home.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 43.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">63. If you don’t do something any more, you <i>stop doing</i> it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />The doctor told me to <b>stop smoking</b>. (NOT <s>The doctor told me to stop to smoke.</s>)<br />I’m going to <b>stop working</b> so hard. (NOT <s>I’m going to stop to work so hard.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 299.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">64. A singular countable noun must normally have a determiner<br />(e.g. <i>a/an, the, my, that</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />She broke <b>a/the/that/my</b> window. (NOT <s>She broke window.</s>)<br />Where is <b>the</b> station? (NOT <s>Where is station?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 62.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">65. We don’t often use <i>would</i> in subordinate clauses; instead, we use past tenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />Would you follow me wherever I<b> went</b>? (NOT <s>Would you follow me wherever I would go?</s>)<br />I would tell you if I<b> knew</b>. (NOT <s>I would tell you if I would know.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 580.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">66. With <i>when</i>, use the past perfect to make it clear that one thing finished before another started.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />When I <b>had written</b> my letters, I did some gardening. (NOT <s>When I wrote my letters, I did some gardening.</s>)<br />When he <b>had cleaned</b> the windows, he stopped for a cup of tea. (NOT <s>When he cleaned the windows, he stopped for a cup of tea.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 424.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">67. Don’t use <i>can</i> to talk about the chance that something will happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />It <b>may/might/could</b> rain this evening. (NOT <s>It can rain this evening.</s>)<br />I think Jane <b>may/might/could</b> come tomorrow. (NOT <s>I think Jane can come tomorrow.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 345.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">68. Don’t use an infinitive after<i> think</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />I’m thinking <b>of changing</b> my job. (NOT <s>I’m thinking to change my job.</s>)<br />Are you thinking <b>of going</b> home this weekend? (NOT <s>Are you thinking to go home this weekend?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 588.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">69. Use a singular noun after <i>every</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />I play tennis every <b>Wednesday</b>. (NOT <s>I play tennis every Wednesdays.</s>)<br />He wrote to every <b>child</b> in the village. (NOT <s>He wrote to every children …</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 193.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">70. When you say what somebody’s job is, use<i> a/an</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><br />My sister is <b>a</b> photographer. (NOT <s>My sister is photographer.</s>)<br />I’m studying to be <b>an</b> engineer. (NOT <s>I’m studying to be engineer.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 62.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">71. Use <i>at last</i>, not<i> finally</i>, as an exclamation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">At last! </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Where have you been? (NOT <s>Finally! Where have you been?</s>)<br />She’s written to me. <i>At last!</i><br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 204.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">72. <i>Get</i> can mean ‘become’, but not before nouns.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">It’s getting <i>cold</i>.<br />It’s getting <i>to be</i> winter.<br />(BUT NOT <s>It’s getting winter.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 223.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">73. Don’t use negative questions in polite requests or enquiries.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Could you</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> help me, please? (NOT <s>Couldn’t you help me, please?</s>)<br /><i>You haven’t seen</i> John, have you? (NOT <s>Haven’t you seen John?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 368.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">74. One negative word is usually enough.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She looked, but she did<i>n’t</i> see <i>anything</i>. (NOT <s>She looked, but she didn’t see nothing.</s>)<br />I <i>have</i> <i>never</i> heard of him. (NOT <s>I haven’t never heard of him.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 370.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">75. <i>Much</i> and<i> many</i> are unusual in affirmative sentences (except in a very formal style).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">He has <i>a lot / plenty</i> of money. (NOT <s>He has much money.</s>)<br />My father has travelled to lots of countries. (More natural than <i>My father has travelled to many countries</i>.)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 357.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">76. Don’t use <i>since</i> to talk about the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’ll be home<i> from</i> three o’clock. (NOT <s>I’ll be home since three o’clock.</s>)<br />The shop will be closed for two weeks <i>from</i> Monday. (NOT <s>The shop will be closed for two weeks since Monday.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 308.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">77. Singular fraction + plural noun: use a plural verb.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">A third of the students<i> are </i>from abroad. (NOT <s>A third of the students is from abroad.</s>)<br />A quarter of the trees <i>have</i> been cut down.<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 389.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">78. You<i> listen to</i> something.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She never listens<i> to</i> me. (NOT <s>She never listens me.</s>)<br />Listen <i>to</i> this! (NOT <s>Listen this!</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 449.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">79. Don’t use the past progressive for past habits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">When I was 20 I <i>smoked</i> / I <i>used to smoke</i>. (NOT <s>When I was 20 I was smoking.</s>)<br />I<i> played</i> / I <i>used to play</i> a lot of football at school. (NOT <s>I was playing a lot of football at school.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 422.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">80. Don’t use <i>most of</i> directly before a noun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Most of these</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"> people agree with me.<br /><i>Most</i> people agree with me.<br />(BUT NOT <s>Most of people agree with me.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 356.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">81. In ‘unreal’ conditions with <i>if</i>, use <i>would</i>, not <i>will</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">If I knew the price, I <i>would</i> tell you. (<s>NOT If I knew the price, I will tell you.</s>)<br />It w<i>ould</i> be better if he told the truth. (NOT <s>It will be better if he told the truth.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 258.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">82. Don’t use <i>later</i> with an expression of time to talk about the future. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’ll see you <i>later</i>.<br />I’ll see you <i>in a few days.</i><br />(BUT NOT <s>I’ll see you a few days later.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 315.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">83. Don’t use <i>in case</i> to mean ‘if’.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Compare:<br />I’ll take an umbrella <i>in case</i> it rains. (= ‘… because it might rain.’)<br />I’ll open the umbrella <i>if</i> it rains. (NOT<s> I’ll open the umbrella in case it rains.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 271.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">84. Use <i>so</i> before an adjective, but not before adjective + noun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I love this country – it’s <i>so beautiful</i>. (NOT<s> I love this so beautiful country.</s>)<br />Thanks for your help. That was <i>so kind</i> of you. (NOT<s> Thanks for your so kind help.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 538.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">85. Only use <i>unless</i> to mean ‘except if’.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Compare:<br />I’ll see you tomorrow <i>unless</i> I have to work.<br />I’ll be really upset<i> if</i> I do<i>n’t</i> pass the exam. (NOT <s>I’ll be really upset unless I pass the exam.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 601.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">86. Use <i>be</i> with adjectives, not <i>have</i> with nouns, to talk about physical sensations like cold, hunger, thirst etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I <i>am</i> thirsty. (NOT <s>I have thirst.</s>)<br />We <i>are</i> cold in this house. (NOT <s>We have cold in this house.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 92.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">87. Don’t use<i> to-</i>infinitives after <i>can, could, will, would, may, might, shall, should</i> or<i> must</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I can <i>swim</i>. (NOT <s>I can to swim.</s>)<br />Must you <i>make</i> so much noise? (NOT <s>Must you to make so much noise?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 353. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">88. Use <i>not</i>, not <i>no</i>, to make sentences negative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’m <i>not</i> asleep. (NOT<s> I’m no asleep.</s>)<br />We are open on Saturdays, but<i> not</i> on Sundays. (NOT<s> … but no on Sundays.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 382. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">89. We don’t usually use present tenses after past reporting verbs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She told me she <i>had </i>a headache. (NOT <s>She told me she has a headache.</s>)<br />I asked him what he <i>wanted</i>. (NOT<s> | asked him what he wants.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 275.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">90. Use<i> to</i> after <i>married, engaged</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">He’s married<i> to</i> a doctor. (NOT <s>He’s married with a doctor.</s>)<br />My sister is engaged <i>to</i> a computer engineer. (NOT <s>My sister is engaged with a computer engineer.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 449.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">91. Use <i>which</i>, not <i>what</i>, to refer back to a whole sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">She passed her exam, <i>which</i> surprised everybody. (NOT <s>She passed her exam, what surprised everybody.</s>)<br />My father has just climbed Mont Blanc, <i>which</i> is pretty good for a man of 75. (NOT <s>… what is pretty good for a man of 75.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 494.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">92. Don’t use <i>the</i> with <i>society</i> when it has a general meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">We all have to live in <i>society</i>. (NOT <s>We all have to live in the society.</s>)<br />Rousseau said that <i>society</i> makes people evil. (NOT <s>Rousseau said that the society makes people evil.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 68.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">93. Use a <i>to</i>-infinitive after <i>want</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I want <i>to go</i> home. (NOT<s> I want go home.</s>)<br />The children want<i> to stay</i> up late. (NOT <s>The children want stay up late.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 613.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">94. Use<i> make</i>, not <i>do</i>, with <i>mistake</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I have <i>made</i> a mistake. (NOT <s>I have done a mistake.</s>)<br />You can’t speak a language without <i>making</i> mistakes. (NOT<s> … without doing mistakes.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 160.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">95. Don’t repeat a relative pronoun with another pronoun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">There’s the man <i>that</i> I work for. (NOT <s>There’s the man that I work for him.</s>)<br />She saw a doctor <i>who</i> sent her to hospital. (NOT <s>She saw a doctor who he sent her to hospital.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 494.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">96. After a superlative, use<i> in</i> with a place expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Which is the biggest city <i>in</i> the world? (NOT<s> Which is the biggest city of the world?</s>)<br />This is the best restaurant<i> in</i> the city. (NOT<s> This is the best restaurant of the city.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 139.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">97. You<i> explain</i> and <i>suggest</i> something<i> to </i>somebody.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">Please explain <i>to</i> me what you want. (NOT <s>Please explain me what you want.</s>)<br />Can you suggest a good restaurant <i>to</i> us? (NOT <s>Can you suggest us a good restaurant?</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition sections 198 and 570.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">98.<i> Work</i> is an uncountable noun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">I’m looking for <i>work</i>. (NOT<s> I’m looking for a work.</s>)<br />My brother has found <i>a new job</i>. (NOT<s> My brother has found a new work.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 148.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">99. Be careful of the word order in negative infinitives.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">It’s important <i>not to work</i> too hard. (NOT<s> It’s important to not work too hard.</s>)<br />I asked her <i>not to make</i> so much noise.<br /><br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 280.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Cmsor23"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">100. Possessives replace articles. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" lang="HU">We stayed in <i>John’s </i>house at the weekend. (NOT <s>We stayed in the John’s house at the weekend.</s>)<br />She’s been studying<i> Britain’s</i> foreign policy since 1980. (NOT <s>She’s been studying the Britain’s foreign policy since 1980.</s>)<br /><br />For more details, see <i>Practical English Usage</i> 3rd Edition section 70.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-88076236208611649242008-06-23T02:03:00.002-07:002008-06-23T02:04:04.432-07:00Objects<div class="art_alt_headline1">Objects</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A noun or pronoun can serve as a direct object, an indirect object, or an object of a preposition or a verbal (e.g., a participle, an infinitive, or a gerund).</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A direct object is the receiver of an action described by a transitive verb. It answers the question <i>whom</i> or <i>what.</i></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Henry bought a <i>present</i>.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">An indirect object is the person or thing to which or for which the action is performed. It answers the question <i>to what,</i> <i>for what, to whom, </i>or <i>for whom</i> and usually precedes a direct object.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Henry bought <i>Joan</i> a present.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A preposition and its object form a prepositional phrase. The preposition determines the relationship between the object and the other words in the sentence.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Henry gave Joan a present at the<i> party.</i></span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">An object of a verbal completes the idea the verbal expresses. Like a direct object, it answers the question <i>whom</i> or <i>what.</i></div> <p id="p9" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Henry was eager to give a <i>present</i> to Joan.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-50268673196955167402008-06-23T02:03:00.001-07:002008-06-23T02:03:49.270-07:00Number (grammar)Number (grammar)<br /><br />Number is a characteristic of nouns, pronouns, and verbs. If a noun or pronoun refers to one person, thing, or idea, it is singular in number. If it refers to more than one, it is plural in number. Most English nouns end in s or es in their plural form.<br /><br />Singular: The girl opened the box.<br />Plural: The girls opened the boxes.<br /><br />Verbs should agree in number with their subjects.<br /><br />Singular: Teresa checks the mail.<br />Plural: Teresa and James check the mail.<br /><br /><br />Pronouns and their antecedents should also agree in number.<br /><br />Singular: She has her ticket.<br />Plural: They have their tickets.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-71489704123085791762008-06-23T01:54:00.002-07:002008-06-23T02:03:20.398-07:00Nouns as Adjectives<div class="art_alt_main">Nouns<b> </b>can be<b> </b>used as adjectives to modify other nouns.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">The <i>movie</i> theater was full of eager fans.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">For readability’s sake, however, avoid using more than two in a row.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Awkward: the downtown business district revitalization meeting<br />Better: the meeting to discuss the revitalization of the downtown business district</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In some cases, a noun used as an adjective may be confusing or awkward. If an adjectival form of a noun exists, it is usually best to use it instead.</div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Awkward: judge system, mathematics problem, photography art<br />Better: judicial system, mathematical problem, photographic art</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Remember, however, that a noun used as an adjective and an adjective derived from the same noun do not always have identical meanings. For example, a dramatic critic is a critic with a flair for histrionics, whereas a drama critic is a reviewer who writes about plays.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-72074856353534793372008-06-23T01:54:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:54:52.347-07:00Nouns<div class="art_alt_main">A noun is a word or phrase that represents a thing, a place, a person, or an idea. Nouns are primarily used as subjects of sentences and objects of verbs and prepositions. They are often, but not always, preceded by <i>a</i>, <i>an</i>, or <i>the</i>. The form of a noun may<b> </b>change to reflect its case (nominative, objective, or possessive) or number (singular or plural).</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Nouns are classified as either common or proper. Common nouns refer to any one of a class of items. Proper nouns refer to a particular thing, place, or person and are generally capitalized.</div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Common nouns: organization, street, mother<br />Proper nouns: Democratic Party, Rocky Mountains, Aunt Jenny</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Nouns may also be classed as concrete or abstract. Concrete nouns describe tangibles, such as objects and people. Abstract nouns refer to things that cannot be touched, such as ideas and qualities.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Concrete nouns: computer, butcher, Mississippi River<br />Abstract nouns: honor, crystallization, happiness</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-84832397964423426802008-06-23T01:53:00.002-07:002008-06-23T01:54:05.375-07:00Noun-Noun Agreement in Number<div class="art_alt_main">Related nouns in a sentence should agree in number; that is, they should all be singular or all be plural.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: The president promised to provide <i>answers</i> for each <i>question</i>.<br />Correct: The president promised to provide an <i>answer</i> for each <i>question</i>.<br />Or: The president promised to provide <i>answers</i> for all <i>questions</i>.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">For the sake of logic and readability, you may choose in some cases to use the singular form of an abstract noun even when a related noun is plural.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Awkward: The war <i>heroes</i> were applauded for their <i>courages</i>.<br />Better: The war <i>heroes</i> were applauded for their <i>courage</i>.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-47096124466642687632008-06-23T01:53:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:53:26.815-07:00Mood<div class="art_alt_headline1">Mood (grammar)</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Mood is a property of a verb that tells a reader whether a sentence is a statement, a question, a request, or a wish. There are three primary moods in English: the indicative, the imperative, and the subjunctive.</div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Indicative Mood</p> <p id="p3" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Most sentences are in the indicative mood. It is used to make statements, express opinions, and ask questions.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">The sky is blue.<br />I think the sky is blue.<br />Is the sky blue?</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Imperative Mood</p> <p id="p6" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The imperative mood signals that a sentence is a request or a command. The subject of an imperative sentence is sometimes omitted; in the following example, the subject is understood to be <i>you.</i></div> <p id="p7" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Tell me the color of the sky.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s4">Subjunctive Mood</p> <p id="p9" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The subjunctive mood is used primarily for expressing wishes and conditions that are contrary to fact. (For more information, see <span>Subjunctive Mood</span>.)</div> <p id="p10" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If I were king, I would make the sky purple.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s5">Shifts in Mood</p> <p id="p12" secprefix="" sect="5"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In sentences with more than one verb, avoid shifting from one mood to another.</div> <p id="p13" secprefix="" sect="5"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Look at the sky, and you will tell me its color. [<i>imperative to indicative</i>]<br />Correct: Look at the sky, and tell me its color.<br />Or: You will look at the sky and tell me its color.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-74845304360625706282008-06-23T01:52:00.004-07:002008-06-23T01:53:01.767-07:00Misplaced Modifiers<div class="art_alt_main">A modifying word or phrase should always be placed as close as possible to the word it modifies. If a modifier is positioned too far away, it may appear to modify a different word, sometimes with humorous results.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Confusing: The model walked her dog <i>wearing stiletto heels</i>.<br />Better: <i>Wearing stiletto heels,</i> the model walked her dog.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">By repositioning the phrase <i>wearing stiletto heels</i> before <i>model</i>, the second sentence makes it clear that she, not her dog, is the fashionable one.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A misplaced modifier sometimes appears in the middle of a sentence.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Ambiguous: Melissa said <i>on January 4 </i>to meet her.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Did Melissa make this statement on January 4, or is the meeting scheduled for January 4? From the sentence alone, it is impossible to say. If a modifying phrase seems to apply logically to two different words (in this case, <i>said</i> and <i>meet</i>), eliminate possible confusion by moving the phrase away from the word it does not modify.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote"><i>On January 4,</i> she said to meet her. [On January 4 <i>modifies</i> said.]<br />She said to meet her <i>on January 4.</i> [On January 4 <i>modifies</i> meet.]</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Be particularly careful not to misplace limiting adverbs such as <i>almost, merely, nearl</i>y, and <i>only</i>. The meaning of an entire sentence can hinge on the placement of one of these adverbs, as the examples below illustrate.</div> <p id="p9" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote"><i>Only</i> she can finish the report.<br />She can <i>finish</i> only the report.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-71448260186564100572008-06-23T01:52:00.003-07:002008-06-23T01:52:42.584-07:00Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns<div class="art_alt_main">Intensive and reflexive pronouns are formed by adding the ending <i>self</i> or <i>selves</i> to other personal pronouns. Examples include <i>myself, ourselves, yourself, yourselves, himself, herself, itself</i>, and <i>themselves</i>.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><i>Hisself</i> and <i>theirselves</i> are not acceptable pronoun forms in written or spoken English.</div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">When used as intensive pronouns, words ending in <i>self</i> or <i>selves</i> restate and thus intensify the meaning of another pronoun.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote"><i>I myself</i> will never accept those conditions.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">When used as reflexive pronouns, they refer to a previously stated noun or pronoun.</div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">I am going to the party by <i>myself.</i></span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Reflexive and intensive pronouns should not be used in place of a personal pronoun as the subject of a sentence or as the object of a verb or a preposition.</div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: <i>Herself</i> will be traveling with Hank and <i>myself</i>.<br />Correct: <i>She</i> will be traveling with Hank and <i>me</i>.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-36958654515615784712008-06-23T01:52:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:52:25.923-07:00Infinitives<div class="art_alt_main">The infinitive form of a verb can be used as a noun, adverb, or adjective. An infinitive can be in the present or present perfect tense<b> </b>(<i>to throw, to have thrown</i>) and in the active or passive voice (<i>to throw, to be thrown</i>).</div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Split Infinitives</p> <p id="p3" sect="2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Traditionally, grammarians forbade placing any words between the word <i>to</i> and the verb stem in an infinitive. Most experts now allow split infinitives, especially when not splitting an infinitive creates an ambiguous or awkward construction.</div> <p id="p4" sect="2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Awkward: We want<i> to increase</i> profits on our hardware products substantially.<br />Better: We want <i>to</i> substantially <i>increase</i> profits on our hardware products.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Omitting <i>To</i></p> <p id="p7" sect="3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The word <i>to</i> may be omitted when an infinitive follows certain verbs, including <i>help</i>:</div> <p id="p8" sect="3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">I will help mow the lawn.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s4">Infinitive-Gerund Confusion</p> <p id="p10" sect="4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Do not mistakenly use an infinitive in place of a gerund (present form + <i>ing</i>).</div> <p id="p11" sect="4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: She had the privilege <i>to give</i> him the award. <i><br /></i>Correct: She had the privilege <i>of giving</i> him the award.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p12" sect="4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">English idiom dictates which form is correct. If in doubt, phrase your sentence with the infinitive and with the gerund, and use the form that sounds most familiar in that context</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-40422493684080569982008-06-23T01:51:00.002-07:002008-06-23T01:52:04.214-07:00Indefinite Pronouns<div class="art_alt_main">An indefinite pronoun refers to an unspecified or unknown person or thing. Common indefinites include <i>any, both, each, either, every, neither, none, one, other,</i> and <i>some</i>. Many of these can also be used as adjectives.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Some are happy to help. [pronoun]<br />Some people are happy to help. [adjective]</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Compound Indefinite Pronouns</p> <p id="p4" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><i>Thing, body,</i> or <i>one</i> can be added to some indefinite pronouns to form a compound.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">every + thing = everything <br />some + body = somebody<br />any + one = anyone</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Compound indefinite pronouns are always spelled as one word. However, if the two words that make up a compound are used instead as an adjective and a noun, they should be spelled as two words.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Anyone who was interested could attend. [Anyone is used as a pronoun.]<br />Any one of those interested could attend. [One is used as a noun and modified by the adjective any.]</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Agreement in Number</p> <p id="p9" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">When used as the subject of a sentence, an indefinite pronoun should agree in number with the verb. (See<b> </b><span>Verb-Subject Agreement in Number</span><b>.</b>) Most indefinites are considered singular, except when they stand in for a plural entity. In that case, they should be treated as plural.</div> <p id="p10" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Neither wants to go to the park. [singular]<br />Both want to stay home instead. [plural]</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p11" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">When an indefinite serves as an antecedent, it should agree in number with the pronoun that refers to it.</div> <p id="p12" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Everyone needs to finish his or her assignment. [singular]<br />Few ever achieve their goals. [plural]</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p13" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">For more information, see <span>Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement in Number</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-75246450186599503482008-06-23T01:51:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:51:46.822-07:00Good, Well<div class="art_alt_main">Remember that <i>good</i> is an adjective and <i>well</i> is an adverb. To modify a noun, therefore, you should use<i> good.</i></div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: We’re expecting <i>well</i> weather today.<br />Correct: We’re expecting <i>good</i> weather today.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">To modify a verb, use <i>well</i> instead.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: The air conditioner works fairly <i>good</i>.<br />Correct: The air conditioner works fairly <i>well</i>.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><i>Good</i> and <i>well</i> are most often confused when they follow a linking verb (e.g., <i>be, seem, and appear</i>) or a verb that describes a sensory experience (e.g., <i>taste, look, and feel</i>). A modifier that appears after one of these verbs refers to the subject, not the verb; therefore, the adjective good is the correct choice.</div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: The cookie tastes <i>well</i>.<br />Correct: The cookie tastes <i>good</i>.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><i>Well,</i> however, should be used after <i>feel</i> or <i>look</i> if it means “in good health.”</div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: After taking the new medication, he began to feel <i>good</i> again.<br />Correct: After taking the new medication, he began to feel <i>well</i> again.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-71589193317647651582008-06-23T01:50:00.004-07:002008-06-23T01:51:27.743-07:00Gerunds<div class="art_alt_main">A gerund is a noun created by adding <i>ing</i> to the stem of a verb. It can be modified by an adjective and take another noun as its object.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Marco loves gourmet <i>cooking</i> but hates <i>cleaning</i> the kitchen.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Possessives Preceding Gerunds</p> <p id="p4" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A noun or pronoun that precedes a gerund should be in the possessive case.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Not even a heart attack could curb <i>Eddie</i> eating.<br />Correct: Not even a heart attack could curb <i>Eddie’s</i> eating.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Exceptions to this rule include indefinite pronouns (e.g., <i>everybody, anyone</i>). Put these in the nominative case when they appear before a gerund.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Have you ever seen <i>anyone’s</i> running as fast as he is?<br />Correct: Have you ever seen <i>anyone</i> running as fast as he is?</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p8" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">You may also use a nominative before a gerund if the possessive form sounds unduly awkward.</div> <p id="p9" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Awkward: He was thrilled by the <i>woman’s</i> asking him out on a date.<br />Better: He was thrilled by the <i>woman</i> asking him out on a date.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p10" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A better solution, though, is to eliminate the gerund by rephrasing the sentence.</div> <p id="p11" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">He was thrilled that the woman asked him out on a date.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Gerund-Infinitive Confusion</p> <p id="p13" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Infinitives (e.g., <i>to eat</i>) are often used incorrectly in the place of gerunds (e.g., <i>eating)</i>.</div> <p id="p14" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: She had no intention <i>to marry</i> him. <i><br /></i>Correct: She had no intention <i>of marrying</i> him.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p15" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">There is no one rule to determine whether to use an infinitive or a gerund in a particular context. If you are in doubt, phrase your sentence with both, and choose the form that sounds most familiar.</div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s4">Gerund-Participle Confusion</p> <p id="p17" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Be careful not to confuse gerunds with present participles, which are identical in form but quite different in function. (See <span>Participles</span> for more information.)</div> <p id="p18" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Use the nominative case for a noun before a present participle and the possessive case for one before a gerund, except in the cases noted above. Following this rule is especially important if a sentence is likely to be misread if the wrong case is used.</div> <p id="p19" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Gerund: Henry enjoyed his <i>wife’s</i> singing<i>.</i> [<i>Henry enjoyed the singing of his wife.] <br /></i>Present Participle: Henry enjoyed his <i>wife</i> singing. [<i>Henry enjoyed </i></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-66229338643693457382008-06-23T01:50:00.003-07:002008-06-23T01:50:54.909-07:00Gender-Specific Pronouns, Agreement and<div class="art_alt_main">A pronoun should agree in number with its antecedent. For example, in the following sentence, the singular pronoun <i>his</i> refers to <i>anyone,</i> a singular antecedent.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If <i>anyone</i> calls, please write down <i>his</i> name and number.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Although grammatically correct, this type of construction is falling under attack as both sexist and illogical. If <i>anyone</i> truly means<i> anyone,</i> the caller could be a woman as well as a man. Some experts would argue that <i>his</i> in this sentence is used generically—that the pronoun is understood to mean both <i>his</i> and <i>her.</i> As more people become sensitive to sexist language, though, this position is growing less convincing.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In cases such as this, some writers and publications now choose to break the rule of pronoun-antecedent agreement by using a plural pronoun.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If <i>anyone</i> calls, please write down <i>their</i> names and numbers.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Although this construction is gaining popularity, it is still not acceptable for most formal writing.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The problem can also be solved by including both a masculine and a feminine pronoun.</div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If anyone calls, please write down<i> his or her</i> name and number.<br />Or: If anyone calls, please write down <i>her or his</i> name and number.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p9" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">However, as this example demonstrates, using both pronouns can create an unwieldy sentence.</div> <p id="p10" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Better methods of eliminating an inappropriate gender-specific pronoun include:</div> <p id="p11" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_bulleted_list"> <ul type="disc"><li>rephrasing the sentence to eliminate the problem. </li></ul></span></div> <p id="p12" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Please write down the name and number of <i>anyone</i> who calls.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p13" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_bulleted_list"> <ul type="disc"><li>using a plural noun and pronoun. </li></ul></span></div> <p id="p14" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If<i> any people</i> call, please write down <i>their</i> names and numbers.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p15" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_bulleted_list"> <ul type="disc"><li>substituting the gender-specific pronoun with a gender-neutral noun. </li></ul></span></div> <p id="p16" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If <i>anyone</i> calls, please write down <i>the caller’s</i> name and number.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p17" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In some instances, a little thought will produce the best solution. Perhaps the writer of this sentence does not want the name and number of <i>anyone </i>who calls. Maybe he (or she) is interested in only a particular caller or group of callers of the same gender:</div> <p id="p18" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">If <i>James</i> calls, please write down <i>his</i> number.<br />If <i>anyone’s mother</i> calls, please write down <i>her</i> name and number.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p19" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In these versions, not only has the gender-specific pronoun been used properly, but also the writer’s instructions have become clearer and more precise.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-72627067040702938782008-06-23T01:50:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:50:24.293-07:00Gender<div class="art_alt_main">Nouns and pronouns are classified into three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. In English, nouns generally have the same gender as the things or people they name.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Masculine: John, father, bull, his<br />Feminine: Mary, mother, cow, her<br />Neuter: tree, telephone, book, its</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Traditionally, the names of ships and countries have been regarded as feminine rather than neuter. Although this is still acceptable, treating these nouns as neuter is now preferred.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Acceptable: As soon as the ship docked, <i>her</i> passengers began to disembark.<br />Better: As soon as the ship docked, <i>its</i> passengers began to disembark.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">See also <span>Gender-Specific Pronouns, Agreement and</span>; <span>Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement in Gender</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-37192958866220959902008-06-23T01:49:00.000-07:002008-06-23T01:50:07.491-07:00Dangling Modifiers<div class="art_alt_main">A modifying phrase is said to dangle if the word or phrase it modifies is missing or unclear. </div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: <i>When just one year old</i>, my mother heard my first word.<br />Incorrect: <i>Running across home base</i>, the crowd cheered for the player.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In the first example, the modified word, <i>I,</i> is implied but not stated. In the second, <i>crowd, </i>instead of <i>player,</i> appears to be the modified word.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">One way to correct a dangler is to place the modified word or phrase directly after the modifier.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Correct: When just one year old, <i>I</i> spoke my first word to my mother.<br />Correct: Running across home base, the <i>player</i> was cheered by the crowd.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Another is to delete the dangler and replace it with a clause in which the modified word or phrase is the subject.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Correct: When <i>I</i> was just one year old, my mother heard my first word.<br />Correct: When the <i>player</i> ran across home base, the crowd cheered for him.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Some phrases that appear to be dangling modifiers in fact modify entire sentences. Examples include <i>all things considered</i> and phrases that start with <i>considering</i>, <i>given that, owing to, providing that, judging that, </i>and <i>speaking of.</i></div> <p id="p9" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">All things considered, she would rather go home.<br />Speaking of the weather, I hope it doesn’t rain today.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-85100762809110368382008-06-23T01:48:00.002-07:002008-06-23T01:49:26.838-07:00Correlative Conjunctions<div class="art_alt_main">A correlative conjunction is a pair of conjunctions that are always used together. Examples include <i>both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, </i>and <i>whether…or.</i></div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Do not substitute another word for either part of these pairs.</div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: <i>Both</i> Jamie <i>or</i> I did the assignment.<br />Correct: <i>Both</i> Jamie <i>and</i> I did the assignment.<br />Or: <i>Either</i> Jamie <i>or</i> I did the assignment.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The parts of a correlative conjunction should be placed in comparable positions within the sentence. For instance, you may insert both before a verb or both after a verb, but you should not position one before and one after.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Jeffrey <i>neither</i> enjoys boating <i>nor</i> swimming.<br />Correct: Jeffrey enjoys <i>neither</i> boating <i>nor</i> swimming.<br />Or: Jeffrey <i>neither</i> enjoys boating <i>nor</i> enjoys swimming.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The items linked by correlative conjunctions should be of similar form or have parallel constructions.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: I will reach the island by either <i>boat</i> or <i>air.<br /></i>Correct: I will reach the island by either <i>boat</i> or <i>airplane.<br /></i>Or: I will reach the island by either <i>sea</i> or <i>air.</i></span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-42643684721336149262008-06-23T01:48:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:48:45.303-07:00Coordinating Conjunctions<p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A coordinating conjunction connects two or more words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of equal importance. Examples include <i>and, but, for, or, nor, so,</i> <i>yet,</i> and conjunction pairs (known as correlative conjunctions) such as <i>either…or</i> and <i>not only…but also</i>.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In a series of three or more elements separated by commas, you need to include a coordinating conjunction before only the final item. For emphasis, however, you may choose to repeat the conjunction between every two. If you do, omit the commas from the series.</div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">They brought a hoe, an ax, <i>and</i> a rake.<br />Jake will not stand for your jokes <i>or</i> taunts <i>or</i> insults.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><i>And</i> may be left out of a series to suggest that other items could be added to the list. In this case, the missing <i>and</i> functions like the abbreviation etc.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Star athletes need many qualities: strength, stamina, agility, focus, determination.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">You may use a semicolon, but not a comma, in place of <i>and</i> to connect two complete sentences. </div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Jennifer met James, they went to the party together.<br />Correct: Jennifer met James, and they went to the party together.<br />Or: Jennifer met James; they went to the party together.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-21234804845615618362008-06-23T01:47:00.002-07:002008-06-23T01:48:05.022-07:00Conjunctive Adverbs<div class="art_alt_main">Some adverbs can be used as conjunctions to connect two sentences. Common conjunctive adverbs include </div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">also<br />finally <br />furthermore<br />however<br />indeed<br />instead<br />meanwhile <br />nevertheless<br />otherwise<br />still<br />therefore <br />thus</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Place a semicolon between two sentences connected by a conjunctive adverb. Insert a comma after the adverb if it directly follows the semicolon. Insert one before and after the adverb if it is in another position.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Jaime wrote a novel, <i>however</i> it was never published.<br />Correct: Jaime wrote a novel; <i>however,</i> it was never published.<br />Or: Jaime wrote a novel; it was<i>, however,</i> never published. </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-88107803366761622732008-06-23T01:47:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:47:44.783-07:00Conjunctions<div class="art_alt_headline1">Conjunctions</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A conjunction is a word that connects other words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">He is neither an officer <i>nor</i> a gentleman.<br />After I cleaned the counter <i>and</i> mopped the floor, I was ready to cook.<br />James would have gone to the party, <i>but</i> he forgot to pick up his tux.<br />They studied for days; <i>however</i>, they did not do well on the test.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Conjunctions and Parallelism</p> <p id="p4" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The items joined by a conjunction should be of a similar form or have a parallel construction.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: I like <i>swimming</i> and <i>to run.<br /></i>Correct: I like <i>swimming</i> and<i> running.<br /></i>Or: I like <i>to swim</i> and <i>to run.</i></span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Overuse of Conjunctions</p> <p id="p7" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">If a sentence contains three or more clauses connected by conjunctions, consider breaking it into several sentences.</div> <p id="p8" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Unwieldy: Mike went home at midnight and Alice left an hour ago, but Joseph is still here because he has work to do.<br />Better: Mike went home at midnight, and Alice left an hour ago. Joseph, however, is still here because he has work to do.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s4">Conjunctions at the Beginning of a Sentence</p> <p id="p10" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Beginning a sentence with <i>and</i> or <i>but</i> can give an added emphasis to the words that follow.</div> <p id="p11" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">On Tuesday, we said our last good-bye. <i>And</i> that was all there was left to say.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p12" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">You should use this device sparingly, however. Except in fiction and informal correspondence, it is almost always best not to begin a sentence with a conjunction.</div> <p id="p13" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Awkward: Joshua lent me all the money he had. <i>But</i> I still did not have enough for my ticket home. <br />Better: Joshua lent me all the money he had, <i>but</i> I still did not have enough for my ticket home.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-52277101881952861372008-06-23T01:46:00.004-07:002008-06-23T01:47:12.484-07:00Comparatives and Superlatives<div class="art_alt_headline1">Comparatives and Superlatives</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Adjectives and adverbs have comparative and superlative forms. Use the comparative to compare one item with another. Use the superlative to compare more than two items.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Comparative: She is <i>smarter</i> than he is.<br />Superlative: She is the <i>smartest</i> student in the room.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A comparative can also compare one item with a class of things. If the item is a part of the class, add <i>else</i> or <i>other</i> to make this relationship clear.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">The motorcycle sped <i>faster</i> than any sports car.<br />But: The British import sped <i>faster</i> than any <i>other</i> sports car.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">However, if each item in the class is considered separately, use a superlative instead.</div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The British import sped the <i>fastest</i> of all the sports cars.</div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s5">Note that, as in the above example, the word <i>all</i>, not <i>any</i>, accompanies the superlative.</p> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Forming Comparatives and Superlatives</p> <p id="p8" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Most adjectives of one syllable and some of two syllables end in <i>er</i> in their comparative form and <i>est</i> in their superlative form. Other adjectives and most adverbs are preceded by <i>more</i> or <i>less</i> as comparatives and <i>most</i> or <i>least</i> as superlatives.</div> <p id="p9" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Do not use <i>more </i>or<i> less</i> with a comparative with an <i>er</i> ending. Likewise, do not use<i> most</i> or <i>least</i> with a superlative formed with <i>est</i>.</div> <p id="p10" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: <i>less healthier</i> plant; <i>most prettiest</i> baby<br />Correct: <i>less healthy</i> plant; <i>prettiest</i> baby</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p11" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular comparatives and superlatives. If in doubt, consult a dictionary to determine the correct forms.</div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Comparatives and Superlatives in Series</p> <p id="p13" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In a string of comparatives formed with <i>more</i> or <i>less</i> or of superlatives formed with <i>most</i> or <i>least</i>, the word denoting degree must appear before only the first item.</div> <p id="p14" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Rex is the <i>most</i> loving, loyal, and obedient dog in the world.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p15" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">For emphasis, though, you may choose to repeat the word before each modifier.</div> <p id="p16" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Rex is the <i>most</i> loving, <i>most</i> loyal, and <i>most</i> obedient dog in the world.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p17" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">If you include an <i>er</i> comparative or <i>est</i> superlative in such a series, list it first to avoid misreading.</div> <p id="p18" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Rex is<i> more loving</i> and <i>friendlier</i> than my neighbor’s dog. [<i>can be read</i>: Rex is<i> more loving</i> and <i>more friendlier…</i>]<br />Correct: Rex is <i>friendlier</i> and <i>more loving</i> than my neighbor’s dog.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s4">Illogical Comparisons</p> <p id="p20" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The items in a comparison should be things that logically can be compared.</div> <p id="p21" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: James’s <i>enthusiasm</i> was greater than any other <i>student</i>.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p22" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">In this example, <i>enthusiasm</i> and <i>student</i> are such dissimilar items that it does not make sense to compare them. You can often correct this type of error by adding the words <i>that of</i> where needed.</div> <p id="p23" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Correct: James’s enthusiasm was greater than <i>that of</i> any other student.</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-89794616586230870582008-06-23T01:46:00.003-07:002008-06-23T01:46:43.528-07:00Clauses and Phrases<div class="art_alt_headline1">Clauses and Phrases</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. A phrase is a group of words that work as a unit but do not include a subject-verb combination.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Inside her office, Maria sighed.<br />Clause: Maria sighed<br />Phrase: inside her office</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Clauses are categorized as either independent or dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">After Erika told the joke, Henry laughed.<br />Independent clause: Henry laughed.<br />Dependent clause: After Erika told the joke</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A sentence may include a single independent clause; two or more independent clauses; or at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause (see <span>Sentences, Types of</span>).</div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">One independent clause: Betty went home.<br />Two independent clauses: Betty went home, and Lars arrived. <br />One independent clause and one dependent clause: Betty went home when Lars arrived.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">When an independent and a dependent clause appear in the same sentence, the independent clause communicates the sentence’s main idea. The dependent clause functions as an adjective, an adverb, or a noun.</div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">As an adjective: Terry enjoyed the movie, <i>which starred her favorite actor.<br /></i>As an adverb: Terry watched the movie <i>because it starred her favorite actor.<br /></i>As a noun: Terry enjoyed <i>that the movie starred her favorite actor.</i></span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-1922178885384835382008-06-23T01:46:00.001-07:002008-06-23T01:46:22.922-07:00Case<div class="art_alt_headline1">Case</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Case is a characteristic of a noun or pronoun determined by the function it performs in a sentence. There are three cases in English: nominative, objective, and possessive.</div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s2">Nominative Case</p> <p id="p3" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The nominative case, also known as the subjective case, is used for the subject of a sentence. The subject is the person or thing that performs the action described by the sentence’s main verb.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Subject:<i> Isabella</i> baked a pie.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Words for people or things that are identical to a subject are also in the nominative. These words include nouns in appositive phrases that follow a subject, and predicate nominatives—nouns that restate the subject and follow the verb <i>to be</i>.</div> <p id="p6" secprefix="" sect="2"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Appositive: Isabella, the <i>cook</i>, baked a pie.<br />Predicate nominative: Isabella is a <i>cook.</i></span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s3">Objective Case</p> <p id="p8" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The objective case is used for direct objects and indirect objects. A direct object is the person or thing that receives the action described by a verb. An indirect object is the person or thing for which or to which the action is performed.</div> <p id="p9" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Direct object: Josephine threw the <i>ball</i>.<br />Indirect object: Josephine threw <i>Henry</i> the ball.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p10" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Objects of prepositions are also in the objective case.</div> <p id="p11" secprefix="" sect="3"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Object of a preposition: Josephine threw the ball to the <i>pitcher</i>.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s5">Possessive Case</p> <p id="p13" secprefix="" sect="5"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The possessive case is used for nouns that express ownership or relationship.</div> <p id="p14" secprefix="" sect="5"> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Possessive of ownership: She borrowed her <i>roommate’s</i> hat.<br />Possessive of relationship: He visited <i>Penny’s</i> mother.</span><br /><br /></div> <p class="art_alt_headline2" id="s4">Changes in Form with Case</p> <p id="p16" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">A noun is spelled the same in the nominative and objective case. In the possessive case, however, an apostrophe or an apostrophe followed by an <i>s</i> is usually added to the end.</div> <p id="p17" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Most personal pronouns have a different form for each case. For instance, the first person singular personal pronoun is <i>I</i> in the nominative, <i>me</i> in the objective, and <i>my</i> in the possessive. See <span>Personal Pronouns</span> for a list of the various forms of these pronouns.</div> <p id="p18" secprefix="" sect="4"> </p><div class="art_alt_main">The pronoun <i>who</i> also has three forms: <i>who</i> in the nominative, <i>whom</i> in the objective, and <i>whose</i> in the possessive. See <span>Who vs. Whom</span> and <span>Who’s vs. Whose</span> for more information.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-56817504368867857982008-06-23T01:40:00.000-07:002008-06-23T01:46:01.125-07:00Auxiliaries<div class="art_alt_main">Auxiliaries, also known as helping verbs, include the various forms of <i>be, can, will, shall, have, may,</i> and <i>ought</i>. An auxiliary is used in combination with another verb to indicate the verb’s tense, mood, or voice.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">I <i>have</i> gone to the movies. [<i>indicates the present perfect tense</i>]<br />Suzette drove down the street as though she <i>were</i> in the Indy 500. [<i>indicates the subjunctive mood</i>]<br />The woman <i>was</i> given a new car. [<i>indicates the passive voice</i>]</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Place an auxiliary before the main verb. You may position other words between the auxiliary and the verb, if it improves readability.</div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">The team <i>could</i> <i>never possibly expect</i> to win.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">If auxiliaries share the same verb, you may omit the verb after the first auxiliary.</div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">I <i>can</i> and <i>will persuade</i> you.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">However, always repeat the verb if it takes different forms with the auxiliaries used.</div> <p id="p8" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: Joanie <i>has</i> and always <i>will be</i> a champion.<br />Correct: Joanie <i>has been</i> and always <i>will be</i> a champion.</span><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862983636734824692.post-59480115749256821392008-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:002008-06-14T19:15:02.781-07:00Appositives<div class="art_alt_headline1">Appositives</div> <p id="p1" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that repeats the meaning of or identifies another noun. Appositives can be used for emphasis or to provide additional information.</div> <p id="p2" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Only a lunatic, <i>a complete nut</i>, would believe his story.<br />Mrs. Mitchell, <i>the president of the garden club</i>, read the minutes.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p3" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">An appositive should be a logical equivalent of the noun to which it refers. For instance, in the examples above, <i>lunatic</i> and <i>complete nut</i> have roughly the same meaning, and <i>Mrs. Mitchell</i> and <i>the president of the garden club</i> describe the same person. </div> <p id="p4" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">Especially in long sentences, be careful not link nouns with appositives that describe completely different types of things.</div> <p id="p5" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Incorrect: The bus driver pulled into the diner’s <i>parking lot</i>, the only <i>restaurant</i> in the town.</span><br /><br /></div> <p id="p6" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main">You can correct a faulty appositive by rephrasing the sentence to eliminate it or by changing either the noun or the appositive so that they describe comparable items.</div> <p id="p7" secprefix=""> </p><div class="art_alt_main"><span class="art_alt_quote">Correct: The bus driver pulled into the parking lot of the only restaurant in town.<br />Or: The bus driver pulled into the parking lot of the <i>diner</i>, the only <i>restaurant</i> in town.</span><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0