Structure 4: Reduced Clause

Clauses in English can appear in a complete form or in a reduced form. There are two types of
clauses that can be reduced: (1) adjective clauses and (2) adverb clauses.

1. Reduced Adjective Clauses

In the reduced form, the adjective clause connector and the be-verb that directly follow it are
omitted. For example:

REDUCED ADJECTIVE CLAUSES

with a be-verb in the (ADJECTIVE CONNECTOR/SUBJECT) (BE)

adjective clause
(who which that)

with no be-verb in the (ADJECTIVE CONNECTOR/SUBJECT) (VERB + ING)

adjective clause
(who which that)

• To reduce an adjective clause, omit the adjective clause connector/subject and the be-verb.

• If there is no be-verb, omit the connector/subject and change the main verb to the -ing form.

• Only reduce an adjective clause if the connector/subject is directly followed by the verb.

• If an adjective clause is set off with commas, the reduced clause can be moved to the front of the
sentence.

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences contains an adjective clause, in a complete or

reduced form. Underline the adjective clauses. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. We will have to return the merchandise purchased yesterday at the Broadway.

_I__ 2. The children sat in the fancy restaurant found it difficult to behave.

___ 3. Serving a term of four years, the mayor of the town will face reelection next year.

___ 4. The brand new Cadillac, purchasing less than two weeks ago, was destroyed in the
accident.

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___ 5. The fans who supporting their team always come out to the games in large numbers.

___ 6. The suspect can be seen in the photographs were just released by the police.

___ 7. The food placing on the picnic table attracted a large number of flies.

___ 8. Impressed with everything she had heard about the course, Marie signed her children
up for it.

___ 9. The passengers in the airport waiting room, heard the announcement of the canceled
flight, groaned audibly.

___ 10. Dissatisfied with the service at the restaurant, the meal really was not enjoyable.

2. Reduced Adverbial Clauses

Adverb clauses can also appear in a reduced form. In the reduced form, the adverb connector
remains, but the subject and be-verb are omitted.

For example:

If there is no be-verb in the adverb clause, it is still possible to have a reduced form. When there
is no be-verb in the adverb clause, the subject is omitted and the main verb is changed into the -
ing form.

For example:

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 REDUCED ADVERB CLAUSES
with a be-
verb in the (ADVERB CONNECTOR) (SUBJECT) (BE)
adverb
clause
with no be-
verb in the (ADVERB CONNECTOR) (SUBJECT) (VERB + ING)
adverb
clause
Time Condition Contrast Place Manner
reduces in after if although
before unless though
ACTIVE
since whether
while
when
reduces in once if although where as
until unless though wherever
PASSIVE
when whether
whenever
• To reduce an adverb clause, omit the subject and the be-verb from the adverb clause.
• If there is no be-verb, then omit the subject and change the verb to the -ing form.

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains a reduced adverb clause. Circle the
adverb connectors. Underline the reduced clauses. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C)
or incorrect (I).
_C_ 1. not completely satisfied, you can return the product to the manufacturer.
If
_I__ 2. Steve has had to learn how to cook and clean left home.
since
___ 3. The ointment can be applied where needed.
___ 4. Tom began to look for a job after completing his master's degree in engineering.
___ 5. Although not selecting for the team, he attends all of the games as a fan.
___ 6. When purchased at this store, the buyer gets a guarantee on all items.
___ 7. The medicine is not effective unless taken as directed.
___ 8. You should negotiate a lot before buy a new car.
___ 9. Once purchased, the swimsuits cannot be returned.
___ I 0. Though located near the coast, the town does not get much of an ocean breeze.

83
TOEFL EXERCISE 5
Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

1. When __ nests during spring nesting 2. In 1870, Calvin, along with Adirondack
season, Canadian geese are fiercely hunter Alvah Dunning, made the first known
territorial. ascent of Seward Mountain, __ far from
(A) building roads or trails.
(B) are building (A) a remote peak
(C) built (B) it is a remote peak
(D) are built (C) a remote peak is
(D) which a remote peak

3. Kokanee salmon begin to deteriorate 4. __ behind government secrecy for nearly

and die soon __ at the age of four. half a century, the Hanford plant in central
(A) they spawn Washington produced plutonium for the
(B) after spawning nuclear weapons of the Cold War.
(C) spawn (A) It is hidden
(D) spawned the salmon (B) Hidden
(C) Which is hidden
(D) The plant is hiding

5. Until __ incorrect, astronomers had 6. __ artifacts from the early Chinese

assumed that the insides of white dynasties, numerous archeologists have
dwarfs were uniform. explored the southern Silk Road.
(A) they (A) They were searching for
(B) their proof (B) It was a search for
(C) the astronomers recently proven (C) Searched for
(D) recently proven (D) Searching for

7. In Hailey, the best-known lecturer 8. The National Restaurant __ Washington,

was women's rights activist Abigail says that federal efforts to regulate
Scott Duniway of Portland, Oregon, workplace smoking would limit restaurants'
who could usually be persuaded to ability to respond to the desires of their
speak __ town visiting her son. patrons.

84
(A) she was in (A) Association in
(B) while in (B) Association is in
(C) while she was (C) Association which is in
(D) was in (D) Association, based in

9. __ in North American waterways 10. Small companies may take their goods
less than a decade ago, zebra mussels abroad for trade shows without paying
have already earned a nasty reputation foreign value-added taxes by acquiring __
for their expensive habit of clogging an ATA carnet.
water pipes in the Great Lakes area. (A) a document calls
(A) The first sighting (B) a document called
(B) Although first sighted (C) calls a document
(C) Zebra mussels were first sighted (D) called a document
(D) First sighting

85
 Adjectives and Adverbs
in Written Expression Questions
Often adverbs are formed by adding -ly to adjectives, and these -ly adverbs are very
easy to recognize. The following examples show adverbs that are formed by adding
-ly to adjectives:
ADJECTIVE ADVERB
recent recently
public publicly
evident evidently

1. Basic Adjectives and Adverbs

Adjectives and adverbs have very different uses. Adjectives have only one job: they describe
nouns or pronouns while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other verbs.

For example:

BASIC USE OF ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS

ADJECTIVES Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns.
ADVERBS Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences has at least one adjective or adverb. Circle the
adjectives and adverbs, and label them. Draw arrows to the words they describe. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. The mother was pleasant surprised when her daughter came to visit.

ADJ. ADJ.

86
_C_ 2. The salespeople frequently visit the East Coast for trade shows.

ADV. VERB

___ 3. He was driving an expensively sports car.

___ 4. There is a special program on television this evening.
___ 5. She was chosen for the leading part because she sings so well.
___ 6. The car was not complete ready at 3:00.
___ 7. It was difficult to believe that what we read in the newspaper was a truly story.
___ 8. Points will be subtracted for each incorrect answered question.
___ 9. The production manager quietly requested a completely report of the terribly incident.
___ 10. The children finished their homework quickly so they could watch television.

2. Adjectives and Adverbs after the Linking Verbs

You must be very careful if the verb is a linking verb. A linking verb is followed by an adjective
rather than an adverb.

ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS AFTER LINKING VERBS

(subject) + (regular verb) + (adverb)

A regular verb is followed by an adverb. The adverb describes the verb.

(subject) + (linking verb) + (adverb) + (adjective)

A linking verb is followed by an adjective. The adjective describes the subjects.

(subject) + (linking verb) + (adverb) + (adjective)

It is possible that a linking verb is followed by an adverb and an adjective. The adverb describes
the adjective and the adjective describes the subjects.
LINKING VERBS: appear feel seem
be look small
become prove taste

87
EXERCISE 4: Each of the following sentences contains at least one adjective or adverb. Circle
the adjectives and adverbs, and label them. Draw arrows to the words they describe. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. The parents seem angrily about the child's report card.

ADV.

_C_ 2. The speaker talked knowingly about prehistori fossils.

c
ADV. ADJ.

___ 3. After she drank the lemonade, the cake tasted too sweetly to her.
___ 4. Throughout dinner we were bored because he spoke incessantly.
___ 5. Sam felt terribly depressed after the accident.
___ 6. The neighbor appeared calm in spite of the fact that his house was on fire.
___ 7. He looked quite unhappily at the thought of leaving his job. 8. Marla jumped up quick
when she heard the gunshot.
___ 9. Even though we were not really hungry, the food smelled delicious.
___ 10. The history course that I took last semester proved more difficultly than I had expected.

TOEFL EXERCISE 6
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

__ 1. Modern art is on display at the Guggenhein Museum, a building with an unusually design.
A B C D

__ 2. By the beginning of the 1980s fifteen states had adopted already no-fault insurance laws.
A B C D

__ 3. Heart attacks are fatally in 75 percent of occurrences.

A B C D

__ 4. In spite of a tremendous amount of electronic gadgetry, air traffic control still

A B C
depends heavy on people.
D

__ 5. Only recently have Gooden's industrially designers and engineers been able to
A B
optimize Watertred's unusual tread patterns for mass production.
C D

__ 6. A baboon's arms appear as lengthily as its legs.

A B C D

88
__ 7. A serious problem is how to communicate reliable with a submerged submarine.
A B C D

__ 8. Americans are destroying rapidly wetlands, faster than an acre every two minutes.
A B C D

__ 9. The central banking system of the United States consists of twelve banks district.
A B C D

__ 10. Telegraph service across the Atlantic was successful established in 1866.
A B C D

89
Structure 5: Sentences with Inverted Subjects and Verbs
The most common problems with inverted subjects and verbs on the TOEFL test occur in the
following situations: (1) with question words such as what, when, where, why, and how; (2) after
some place expressions; (3) after negative expressions; ( 4) in some conditionals; and (5) after
some comparisons.

1. Inverted Subjects and Verbs with Question Words

There is some confusion about when to invert the subject and verb after question words such as
what, when, where, ·why, and how. These words can have two very different functions in a
sentence. First, they can introduce a question, and in this case the subject and verb that follow
are inverted. For example:
What is the homework?
When can I leave?
Where are you going?

Also, these words can join together two clauses, and in this case the subject and verb that follow
are not inverted. For example:
I do not know what the homework is.
When I can leave, I will take the first train.
Do you know where you are going?

INVERTED SUBJECTS AND VERBS WITH QUESTION WORDS

who what when where why how

When the question word introduces a question, the subject and verb are inverted.

question word V S?
What are they?

When the question word connects two clauses, the subject and verb that follow are not
inverted.
S V question word S V.
I know what they are.

90
EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences contains a question word. Circle the question
words. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct
(C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. The phone company is not certain when will the new directories be ready.

_C_ 2. The professor does not understand why so many students did poorly on the

exam.

___ 3. How new students can get information about parking?

___ 4. Where is it cheapest to get typeset copies printed?
___ 5. Only the pilot can tell you how far can the plane go on one tank of fuel.
___ 6. What type of security does he prefer for his investments?
___ 7. Not even the bank president knows when the vault will be opened.
___ 8. How long it has been since you arrived in the United States?
___ 9. The jury doubts what the witness said under cross-examination.
___ 10. Do you know why he wants to take an extended leave of absence?

2. Inverted Subjects and Verbs with Place Expressions

After ideas expressing place, the subject and the verb sometimes invert in English. This can
happen with single words expressing place, such as here, there, or nowhere.
For example: Here is the book that you lent me.
There are the keys that I thought I lost.
Nowhere have I seen such beautiful weather.
The subject and verb can also be inverted after prepositional phrases expressing place.
For example: In the closet are the clothes that you want.
Around the corner is Sam's house.
Beyond the mountains lies the town where you will live.
INVERTED SUBJECTS AND VERBS WITH PLACE EXPRESSIONS
When a place expression at the front of the sentence is necessary to complete the sentence, the subject
and verb that follow are inverted.

PLACE (necessary) V S

In the classroom were some old desks.

91
 When a place expression at the front of the sentence contains extra information that is not needed to
complete the sentence, the subject and verb that follow are not inverted.

PLACE (extra) S V

In the classroom, I studied very hard.

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains an expression of place at the beginning
of the sentence. Circle the expressions of place. Look at the clauses that immediately follow the
place expressions and underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the
sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. In front of the house were some giant trees.

_I__ 2. There a big house is on the corner.

___ 3. In the cave was a vast treasure of gems and jewels.

___ 4. To the north the stream is that the settlers will have to cross.
___ 5. Around the corner are the offices that you are trying to find.
___ 6. At the Italian restaurant was the food too spicy for my taste.
___ 7. Nowhere in the world farmers can grow such delicious food.
___ 8. In the backyard the two trees are that need to be pruned.
___ 9. Around the recreation hall and down the path are the tents where we will be staying this
week.
___ 10. In the apartment next to mine, a family was that had a lot of pets.

3. Inverted Subjects and Verbs with Negatives

Inverted subjects and verbs happen when:

(a) negative expressions, such as no, not, or never, come at the beginning of a sentence,
For example:
Not once did ! miss a question.
Never has Mr. Jones taken a vacation.
At no time can the woman talk on the telephone.

92
 (b) one of these words comes at the beginning of a sentence (hardly, barely, scarcely, and
only) For example:
Hardly ever does he take time off.
(This means that he almost never takes time off.)
Only once did the manager issue overtime paychecks.
(This means that the manager almost never issued overtime paychecks.)

(c) a negative expression appears in front of a subject and verb in the middle of a sentence,
the subject and verb are also inverted. This happens often with the negative words neither
and nor. For example:
I do not want to go, and neither does Tom.
The secretary is not attending the meeting, nor is her boss.

INVERTED SUBJECTS AND VERBS WITH NEGATIVES

no not never neither nor

barely hardly only rarely scarcely seldom

When a negative expression appears in front of a subject and verb (at the beginning of a
sentence or in the middle of a sentence), the subject and verb are inverted.

negative expression V S

Rarely were they so happy.

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains a negative or "almost negative"

expression. Circle the negative expressions. Look at the clauses that follow and underline the
subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. Never the boy wrote to his sisters.

_C_ 2. On no occasion did they say that to me.

___ 3. Steve did not win the prize, nor did he expect to do so.
___ 4. Only once in my life gone I have to New York City.
___ 5. Did he go out of the house at no time.
___ 6. Seldom their secretary has made such mistakes.

93
___ 7. No sooner had she hung up the phone than it rang again.
___ 8. Sheila did not arrive late for work, nor she left early.
___ 9. Barely had he finished the exam when the graduate assistant collected the papers.
___ 10. The police did not arrive in time to save the girl, and neither did the paramedics.

4. Inverted Subjects and Verbs with Conditionals

In certain conditional structures, the subject and verb may also be inverted. This can occur when
the helping verb in the conditional clause is had, should, or were, and the conditional connector if
is omitted.
For example: If he had taken more time, the results would have been better.
Had he taken more time, the results would have been better.

I would help you if I were in a position to help.

I would help you were I in a position to help.

If you should arrive before 6:00,just give me a call.

Should you arrive before 6:00,just give me a call.

INVERTED SUBJECTS AND VERBS WITH CONDITIONALS

had should were

When the verb in the condit.ional clause is had, should, or were, it is possible to omit if and
invert the subject and verb.

(omitted if) V S

Were he here, he would help.

It is also possible to keep if. Then the subject and verb are not inverted.

If S V

If he were here, he would help.

94
EXERCISE 4: Each of the following sentences contains a conditional (with a stated or implied if).
Circle the conditionals or put an asterisk (*) where if has been omitted. Look at the clauses that
follow and underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct ( C) or incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. *Were our neighbors a bit more friendly, it would be somewhat easier to get to know
them.

_I_ 2. There are plenty of blankets in the closet if should you get cold during the night.

___ 3. Has he enough vacation days left this year, he will take two full weeks off in December.
___ 4. Had we been informed of the decision, we might have had something to say about it.
___ 5. I would like to know could you help me pack these boxes.
___ 6. He would have been in big trouble had not he remembered the assignment at the last
minute.
___ 7. If your friends come to visit, will they stay in a hotel or at your house?
___ 8. He might be a little more successful today was he a little more willing to do some hard
work.
___ 9. Should you ever visit this town again, I would be delighted to show you around.
___ 10. Do you think that she would give the speech were she asked to do so?

5. Inverted Subjects and Verbs with Comparisons

The inversion of a subject and verb after a comparison is optional, rather than required, and it is
a rather formal structure. There have been a number of inverted comparisons on recent TOEFL
tests, so you should be familiar with this structure.

For example: My sister spends more hours in the office than John.
My sister spends more hours in the office than John does.
My sister spends more hours in the office than does John.

95
 INVERTED SUBJECTS AND VERBS WITH COMPARISONS

The subject and verb may invert after a comparison. The following structures are both possible.

S V S V
comparison
We were more prepared than the other performers were.

S V V S
comparison
We were more prepared than were the other performers.

EXERCISE 5: Each of the following sentences contains a comparison. Circle the comparisons.
Look at the clauses that follow and underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate
if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. This candidate has received more votes than has any other candidate in previous
years.

_I__ 2. Obviously we were much more impressed with the performance than did the
other members of the audience.

___ 3. The film that we saw last night at the festival was far better than any of the other films.
___ 4. The vegetables at the market this morning were far fresher than were those at the
market yesterday.
___ 5. I am afraid that is the condition of these tires as bad as the condition of the others.
___ 6. We firmly believed that our team could achieve a much faster time than any of the
others.
___ 7. This apple pie is not as good as the last one that you made.
___ 8. On the fishing trip, Bobby caught twice as many fish as anyone else did.
___ 9. The final speaker gave us more details than had any of the previous speakers.
___ 10. Do you know why does he need to sleep so many more hours than do the others?

96
TOEFL EXERCISE 7
Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

1. __ variety of flowers in the show, 6. In the Morgan Library in New York

from simple carnations to the most City __ of medieval and renaissance
exquisite roses. manuscripts.
(A) A wide (A) a collection is
(B) There was a wide (B) in a collection
(C) Was there (C) is a collection
(D) Many (D) which is a collection

2. The wedges __ dartboard are worth 7. Some fishing fleets might not have
from one to twenty points each. been so inefficient in limiting their catch
(A) they are on a to target species __ more strict in
(B) are on a enforcing penalties.
(C) are they on a (A) the government had been
(D) on a (B) if the government had
(C) had the government been
(D) if the government

3. __ producing many new movies for 8. The Dewey decimal system,

release after the new season begins. currently used in libraries throughout
(A) His company is the world, __ all written works into ten
(B) His companies classes according to subject.
(C) The company (A) dividing
(D) Why the company is (B) divides
(C) it would divide
(D) was divided

4. __ that Emily Dickinson wrote, 24 9. Individual differences in brain-wave

were given titles and 7 were published activity may shed light on why some
during her lifetime. people are more prone to emotional
stress disorders __·

97
(A) Of the 1,800 poems (A) that others are
(B) There were 1,800 poems (B) and others are
(C) Because the 1,800 poems (C) others are
(D) The 1,800 poems (D) than are others

5. Since an immediate change was 10. __ squeezed, the orange juice in a

needed on an emergency basis, __ by one cup serving provides twice the
the governor to curtail railway minimum daily requirement for vitamin
expenditure. C.
(A) so it was proposed (A) It is freshly
(B) was proposed (B) If freshly
(C) because of the proposal (C) You freshly
(D) it was proposed (D) If it freshly

98
Written Expression 1: Subject-Verb Agreement
You should be careful of subject/verb agreement in the following situations: (1) after
prepositional phrases, (2) after expressions of quantity, and ( 4) after certain words, such
as anybody, everything, no one, something, each, and every.

1. SVA with Prepositional Phrases

Sometimes prepositional phrases can come between the subject and the verb. If the object of the
preposition is singular and the subject is plural, or if the object of the preposition is plural and the
subject is singular, there can be confusion in making the subject and verb agree.

For example: The key (to the doors) are in the drawer.
Singular (X) wrong verb

SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT WITH PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

S (prepositional phrase) V
When a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and the verb, be sure that the verb agrees
with the subject.

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences has one or more prepositional phrases between
the subject and verb. Circle the prepositional phrases. Underline the subjects once and the verbs
twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C_ 1. The climbers on the sheer face of the mountain need to be rescued.

I_ 2. The interrogation, conducted by three police officers, have lasted for several hours.
___ 3. The tenants in the apartment next to mine is giving a party this evening.
___ 4. The president, surrounded by Secret Service agents, is trying to make his way to the
podium.
___ 5. The buildings destroyed during the fire are being rebuilt at the taxpayers' expense.
___ 6. Because of the seriousness of the company's financial problems, the board of
directors have called an emergency meeting.
___ 7. Manufacture of the items that you requested have been discontinued because of lack
of profit on those items.
___ 8. Further development of any new ideas for future products has to be approved in
advance.

99
___ 9. The scheduled departure time of the trams, posted on panels throughout the
terminal buildings, are going to be updated.
___ 10. Any houses built in that development before 1970 have to be upgraded to meet
current standards.

2. SVA after Expressions of Quantity

A particular agreement problem occurs when the subject is an expression of quantity, such as all,
most, or some, followed by the preposition of In this situation, the subject ( all, most, or some) can
be singular or plural, depending on what follows the preposition of.

For example: All (of the book) is interesting..

Singular (√) the right verb (for singular)

SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT AFTER EXPRESSIONS OF QUANTITY

all
most
some OF THE (OBJECT) V
half
When an expression of quantity is the subject, the verb agrees with the object.

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences has a quantity expression as the subject. Underline
the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the objects that the verbs agree with. Then indicate
if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
C_ 1. The witnesses saw that most of the fire in the hills was extinguished.
I 2. Some of the animals from the zoo was released into the animal preserve.
___ 3. All of the students in the class taught by Professor Roberts is required to turn in their
term papers next Monday.
___ 4. Half of the food that we are serving to the guests are still in the refrigerator.
___ 5. We believe that some of the time of the employees is going to be devoted to quality
control.
___ 6. All of the witnesses in the jury trial, which lasted more than two weeks, have indicated
that they believed that the defendant was guilty.
___ 7. She did not know where most of the people in the room was from.
___ 8. In spite of what was decided at the meeting, half of the procedures was not changed.
___ 9. I was sure that all of the questions on the test were correct.
___ 10. Most of the trouble that the employees discussed at the series of meetings was
resolved within a few weeks.

100
TOEFL EXERCISE 8
Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

1. Among bees __ a highly elaborate 2. __ heated by solar energy have

form of communication. special collectors on the roofs to trap
(A) occur (C) it occurs sunlight.
(B) occurs (D) they occur (A) A home is (C) A home
(B) Homes are (D) Homes
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

__ 3. Each number in a binary system are formed from only two symbols.
A B C D

__ 4. Scientists at the medical center is trying to determine if there is a relationship

A B C
between saccharine and cancer.
D

__ 5. On the rim of the Kilauea volcano in the Hawaiian Islands are a hotel called the
A B C D
Volcano Hotel.

__ 6. The great digital advances of the electronic age, such as integrated circuitry and a
A B
microcomputer, has been planted in tiny chips.
C D

__ 7. There are many frequently mentioned reasons why one out of four arrests involve a
A B C D
juvenile.

__ 8. Kepler's Laws, principles outlining planetary movement, was formulated based on

A B C
observations made without a telescope.
D

__ 9. Only with a two-thirds vote by both houses are the U.S. Congress able to override a
A B C
presidential veto.
D

__ l 0. Of all the evidence that has piled up since Webster's paper was published, there is no
A B
new ideas to contradict his original theory.
C D

101
Written Expression 2: The Form of the Verb
It is common in the Written Expression part of the TOEFL test for the verbs to be formed
incorrectly. Therefore, you should check the form of the verb carefully. You should be familiar with
the following verb forms: the base form, the present tense, the present participle, and the
past participle.
For example:
Regular: walk – walk(s) – walking – walked – walked
Irregular: come – come(s) – coming – came – come

1. After have, Use the Past Participle (Have + V3)

Whenever you see the verb have in any of its forms ( have, has, having, had), be sure that the
verb that follows it is in the past participle form.

For example:

They had walk* to school. (should be had walked)

We have see* the show. (should be have seen)
He has took* the test. (should be has taken)
Having ate", he went to school. (should be Having eaten)
She should have did* the work. (should be should have done)
VERB FORMS AFTER HAVE
HAVE + past participle

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences contains a verb in the past or a past participle.
Underline the verbs or past participles twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).

I__ I. The young girl drunk a glass of milk.

C_ 2. Before she left, she had asked her mother for permission.
____ 3. Having finished the term paper, he began studying for the exam.
____ 4. The secretary has broke her typewriter.
____ 5. The installer should have completes the task more quickly.
____ 6. He has often become angry during meetings.
____ 7. She has rarely rode her horse in the park.

102
____ 8. Having saw the film, he was quite disappointed.
____ 9. Tom has thought about taking that job.
____ 10. You might have respond more effectively.

2. Verb Forms after be (be+V-ing/V3)

The verb be in any of its forms ( am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) can be followed by
another verb. This verb should be in the present participle or the past participle form.
We are do* our homework. (should be are doing)
The homework was do* early. (should be was done)
Tom is take""' the book. (should be is taking)
The book was take* by Tom. (should be was taken)

VERB FORMS AFTER BE

BE + (I) present participle
(2) past particple

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with be. Underline the
verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

I__ 1. At 12:00 Sam is eat his lunch.

C_ 2. We are meeting them later today.
____ 3. The message was took by the receptionist.
____ 4. Being heard was extremely important to him.
____ 5. The Smiths are build their house on some property that they own in the desert.
____ 6. It had been noticed that some staff members were late.
____ 7. The report should have been submit by noon.
____ 8. Are the two companies merge into one?
____ 9. He could be taking four courses this semester.
____ 10. The score information has been duplicates on the back-up disk.

103
3. Verb forms after Modals (modal + V1)
Whenever you see a modal, such as will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, or must,
you should be sure that the verb that follows it is in its base form.

The boat will leaving;"' at 3:00. (should be will leave)

The doctor may arrives"' soon. (should be may arrive)
The students must taken* the exam. (should be must take)

VERBS FORMS AFTER MODALS

MODAL + main form of the verb

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with a modal. Underline
the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C_ 1. The salesclerk might lower the price.

I__ 2. The television movie will finishes in a few minutes.
____ 3. Should everyone arrive by 8:00?
____ 4. The method for organizing files can be improved.
____ 5. The machine may clicks off if it is overused.
____ 6. Every morning the plants must be watered.
____ 7. The houses with ocean views could sell for considerably more.
____ 8. Would anyon_e liked to see that movie?
____ 9. I do not know when it will depart.
____ 10. She will work on the project only if she can has a full-time secretary.

104
TOEFL EXERCISE 9
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
C 1. Alice in Wonderland, first published in 1865, has since being translated into thirty
____
A B C D
languages.

____ 2. The Peace Corps was establish on March 1, 1961, by then President John F. Kennedy.
A B C D

C
____ 3. The advisor told himself, while listening to the speech, that a dozen other reporters
A B
would has already asked that question.
C D

____ 4. At the start of the American Revolution, lanterns were hung in the Old North Church as
A B C
a signal that the British were came.
D

____ 5. Before he died, Linus Pauling had wins two Nobel Prizes: the 1954 Nobel Prize
A B C
in Chemistry and the 1962 Nobel Peace Prize.
D

D
____ 6. On the huge Ferris wheel constructed for a world exhibition in Chicago in 1893,
A B
each of the thirty-six cabs could held sixty people.
C D
D
____ 7. To overcome rejection of a skin graft, a system for matching donor and recipient
A B C
tissues has be developed.
D

____ 8. Nails are commonly make of steel but also can contain substances such as aluminum
A B C D
or brass.

____ 9. A patient suffering from amnesia may had partial or total loss of memory.
A B C D

____ l 0. The idea of using pure nicotine to help smokers stop was first tries in the mid-l 980s
A B C D
with the nicotine-laced chewing gum Nicotette.

105
Written Expression 3: The Use of the Verb

1. When to Use the Past with the Present

USING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT
1. If you see a sentence with one verb in the past and one verb in the present, the sentence is
probably incorrect.
2. However, it is possible for a correct sentence to have both past and present together.
3. If you see the past and present together, you must check the meaning to determine whether
or not the sentence is correct.

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences has at least one verb in the past and one verb in
the present. Underline the verbs twice and decide if the meanings are logical. Then indicate if the
sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

__I__ 1. I tell him the truth when he asked me the question.

__C_ 2. I understand that you were angry.
____ 3. When he was a child, he always goes to the circus.
____ 4. Last semester he reads seven books and wrote five papers.
____ 5. Steve wakes up early every morning because he went to work early.
____ 6. Mark studied at the American University when he is in Washington, D.C.
____ 7. He is telling the teacher why he did not have time to finish his homework.
____ 8. He put some money in his account when he goes to the bank.
____ 9. Tom keeps studying hard because he intended to go to dental school.
____ 10. She is where she is today because she worked hard when she was a student.

2. When to Use have + V3 and had + V3

USING (HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE) AND (HAD + PAST PARTICIPLE)
TENSE FORM MEANING USE
present perfect have + past participle past up to now not with a past tense**
past perfect had + past participle before past up to past not with a present
tense
**Except when the time expression since is part of the sentence (see Skill 35).

106
EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains had or have. Underline the verbs twice
and decide if the meanings are logical. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect
(I).

C__ 1. I have always liked the designs that are on the cover.
I__ 2. Because her proposal had been rejected, she is depressed.
____ 3. The students have registered for classes before the semester started.
____ 4. When she had purchased the car, she contacted the insurance agent.
____ 5. He said that he had finished the typing when you finish the reports.
____ 6. She has enjoyed herself every time that she has gone to the zoo.
____ 7. He drove to the post office after he had finished preparing the package.
____ 8. After the votes were counted, it had been determined that Steve was the winner.
____ 9. Last night all the waiters and waitresses have worked overtime.
____ 10. He had fastened his seat belt before the airplane took off.

3. Using Correct tenses with Time Expressions

USING CORRECT TENSES WITH TIME EXPRESSIONS
PAST PERFECT SIMPLE PAST PRESENT PERFECT
by (/920) (two years) ago since (/920)
last (year) lately
in (/920)

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains a time expression. Circle the time
expressions and underline the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).

C_ 1. The phone rang incessantly last night.

I__ 2. They have finished contacting everyone by 4:00 yesterday.

____ 3. The Pilgrims have arrived in the New World in 1612.

____ 4. Since the new law was passed, it has been difficult to estimate taxes.
____ 5. The cashier put the money into the account two hours ago.
____ 6. All the votes have been counted last week.
____ 7. The students are writing many compositions lately.

107
____ 8. The Senate votes on the law to ban cigarette smoking in public in 1990.
____ 9. By the time the main course was served, all the guests had arrived and been seated.
____ 10. I had not done much more work since I talked to you on Wednesday.

4. Using Correct renses with Will and Would

USING CORRECT TENSES WITH WILL AND WOULD
VERB MEANING USE
will after the present do not use with past

would after the past do not use with present

NOTE: There is a different modal would that is used to make polite requests. This type of would is
often used with the present tense.

I would like to know if you have a pencil that I could borrow.

EXERCISE 4: Each of the following sentences contains will or would. Underline the verbs twice
and decide if the meanings are logical. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect
(I).

I___ 1. He knew that he will be able to pass the exam.

C__ 2. I think that I will leave tomorrow.
____ 3. Paula did not say when she will finish the project.
____ 4. Jake doubts that he would have time to finish the project.
____ 5. I know that I will go if I can afford it.
____ 6. The police officer indicated that he would write a ticket if he has the time.
____ 7. Students will often study in the library before they go to classes or before they go home.
____ 8. He told me that he thought he will get the job in spite of his lack of education.
____ 9. The executive vice president emphasizes at the conferences that the board would not
change its position.
____ 10. Students will register for classes according to who has the highest number of units.

108
TOEFL EXERCISE 10
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
__ 1. In several of his paintings, Edward Hicks depicted the Quaker farm in Pennsylvania
A
where he spends his youth.
B C D

__ 2. Florida has become the twenty-seventh state in the United States on March 3, 1845.
A B C D

__ 3. After last week's meeting, the advertising department quickly realized that the
A B
product will need a new slogan.
C D

__ 4. John F. Kennedy's grandfather, John F. Fitzgerald, serves two terms as the mayor of
A B C
Boston in the beginning of the twentieth century.
D

__ 5. Fort Ticonderoga, a strategically important fortification during the Revolution, had

A
since been reconstructed and turned into a museum.
B C D

__ 6. In making their calculations, Institute researchers assume that the least costly form
A B
of energy would be used.
C D

__ 7. A twenty-one-year-old man became the second casualty yesterday when he loses

A B C
control of his truck.
D

__ 8. Most people had written with quill pens until pens with metal points become popular
A B C D
in the middle of the nineteenth century.

__ 9. In a determined drive to pare its debt, Time Warner is launching a stock offering
A B C
plan that would potentially raise $2.8 billion.
D

__ 10. The formula used in the study calls for either peroxide or metaldehyde, but
A B C
metaldehyde was not always available.
D

109
Written Expression 4: Comparatives and Superlatives

1. Form Comparatives and Superlatives Correctly

The comparative is formed with either -er or more and than. In the comparative, -er is used with
short adjectives such as tall, and more is used with longer adjectives such as beautiful.
For example: Bob is taller than Ron.
Sally is more beautiful than Sharon.

The superlative is formed with the, either -est or most, and sometimes in, of, or a that-clause.
In the superlative, -est is used with short adjectives such as tall, and most is used with longer
adjectives such as beautiful.
For example : Bob is the tallest man in the room.
Sally is the most beautiful of all the women at the party.
The spider over there is the largest one that I have ever seen.
The fastest runner wins the race. (no in, of, or that)
THE FORM OF COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES
COMPARATIVE more (long adjective)
than
(short adjective) + er.

SUPERLATIVE most (long adjective)

the maybe in, of, that
(short adjective) + est

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences contains a comparative or superlative. Circle the
comparative or superlative. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

I__ 1. Oxygen is abundanter than nitrogen.

C_ 2. The directions to the exercise say to choose the most appropriate response.
___ 3. The lesson you are studying now is the most importantest lesson that you ·will have.
___ 4. Fashions this year are shorter and more colorful than they were last year.
___ 5. The professor indicated that Anthony's research paper was more long than the
other students' papers.
___ 6. Alaska is the coldest than all the states in the United States.

110
___ 7. The workers on the day shift are more rested than the workers on the night shift.
___ 8. She was more happier this morning than she had been yesterday.
___ 9. The quarterback on this year's football team is more versatile than the quarterback
on last year's team.
___ 10. She always tries to do the best and most efficient job that she can do.

2. The Uses of Comparatives and Superlatives

THE USES OF COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

The COMPARATIVE is used to compare two equal things.
The SUPERLATIVE is used to show which one of many is in some way the most outstanding.

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains a comparative or superlative. Circle the
comparative or superlative. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

I__ l. Harvard is probably the most prestigious university in the United States.
C_ 2. Rhonda is more hard working of the class.
___ 3. The engineers hired this year have more experience than those hired last year.
___ 4. The graduate assistant informed us that the first exam is the most difficult of the
two.
___ 5. He bought the more powerful stereo speakers that he could find.
___ 6. The afternoon seminar was much more interesting than the morning lecture.
___ 7. The food in this restaurant is the best of the restaurant we visited last week.
___ 8. The plants that have been sitting in the sunny window are far healthier than the
other plants.
___ 9. The photocopies are the darkest that they have ever been.
___ 10. The first journal article is the longest of the second article.

111
3. Irregular form
THE -ER, -ER STRUCTURE
-er -er
THE (same structure) THE (same structure)
more more
This type of sentence may or may not include a verb.

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains the irregular -er, -er structure. Circle the
two comparisons with the. Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the
sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I_ 1. The hotter the food is, harder it is to eat.

_C 2. The warmer the weather, the greater the attendance at the outdoor

concert.

___ 3. The more you say, the worst the situation will be.
___ 4. The more time they have to play, the happier the children are.
___ 5. The thicker the walls, the noise that comes through is less.
___ 6. If you run faster, the more quickly you'll arrive.
___ 7. The more you use the phone, the higher the bill will be.
___ 8. The harder you serve, the easier it is to win the point.
___ 9. The earliest you send in your tax forms, the sooner you will receive your refund.
___ 10. The more people there are at the party, you'll have a good time.

TOEFL EXERCISE 11
Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

1. The speed of light is __ the speed of 3. __ in Stevenson's landscapes, the

sound. more vitality and character the paintings
(A) faster seem to possess.
(B) much faster than (A) The brushwork is loose
(C) the fastest (B) The looser brushwork
(D) as fast (C) The loose brushwork is
(D) The looser the brushwork is

112
 2. The use of detail is __ method of
developing a controlling idea, and
almost all students employ this
method.
(A) more common
(B) common
(C) most common
(D) the most common

Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

__ 4. Certain types of snakes have been known to survive fasts more as a year long.
A B C D
__ 5. The grizzly bear, which can grow up to eight feet tall, has been called a more
A B C D
dangerous animal of North America.
__ 6. Climate, soil type, and availability of water are the most critical factors than
A B C
selecting the best type of grass for a lawn.
D
__ 7. Peter Abelard, a logician and theologian, was the controversialest teacher of his age.
A B C D
__ 8. Protein molecules are the most complex than the molecules of carbohydrates.
A B C D
__ 9. The leek, a member of the lily family, has a mildest taste than the onion.
A B C D
__ 10. The widely used natural fiber of all is cotton.
A B C D

113
 Parallel Structure in Written Expression Questions
PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH COMPARISONS

more…than
-er…than
less…than
(same structure) as…as (same structure)
the same…as
similar…to

EXERCISE 4: Each of the following sentences contains words or groups of words that should be
parallel. Circle the word or words that indicate that the sentence should have parallel parts.
Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if each sentence is correct ( C)
or incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. His research for the thesis was more useful than hers.

_I__ 2. Dining in a restaurant is more fun than to eat at home.

___ 3. I want a new secretary who is as efficient as the previous one.

___ 4. What you do today should be the same as did yesterday.

___ 5. This lesson is more difficult than we had before.

___ 6. You have less homework than they do.

___ 7. What you do has more effect than what you say.

___ 8. Music in your country is quite similar to my country.

___ 9. The collection of foreign journals in the university library is more extensive than the high
school library.

___ 10. How to buy a used car can be as difficult as buying a new car.

114
Written Expression 5: Nouns and Pronouns
1. Singular and Plural Nouns
A problem that is common in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test is a singular noun
used where a plural noun is needed, or a plural noun used where a singular noun is needed.
For example: On the table there were many dishes.
The lab assistant finished every test.

KEYWORDS FOR SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS

For Singular Nouns each every single one a
For Plural Nouns both two many several various

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a noun
should be singular or plural. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. The automotive shop stocked many part for the various types of Hondas.

_C_ 2. Every receipt must be removed from the cashier's drawer and tallied.
___ 3. The salesclerk demonstrated various additional way that the machine could be used.
___ 4. The woman found it difficult to believe that both of the piece of jewelry had
disappeared.
___ 5. The unhappy man became more and more discouraged with each passing days.
___ 6. An extended cruise would be a nice way to spend a vacation one days.
___ 7. The manager was surprised that not a single worker was available on Tuesday.
___ 8. The housekeeper cleaned the room and took two of the occupant's dress to the laundry.
___ 9. When the first bill was defeated, the Senate immediately began work on a different bills.
___ 10. There were several boxes in the cupboard, and each box contained a dozen glasses

115
2. Countable and Uncountable Nouns
It is important for you to recognize the difference between countable and uncountable nouns
when you come across such key words as much and many.
For example: He has seen many foreign films.
He didn't have much Jun at the movies.

KEYWORDS FOR COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

For Countable Nouns many number few fewer
For Uncountable Nouns much amount little less

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a noun
should be countable or uncountable. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns they
describe. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. He received little notice that the bill would have to be paid in full.

_I__ 2. The police had few opportunities to catch the thief who had committed a large

amount of crimes.
___ 3. You will have fewer problems with your income taxes if you get professional help.
___ 4. After the strike, the company dismissed many employees.
___ 5. Because the bottom corner of the pocket was torn, much coins fell out.
___ 6. Since he bought the new adapter, he has had less trouble with the machine.
___ 7. There are much new items to purchase before leaving, and there is such a short amount
of time.
___ 8. The less time you take on the assignment, the less pages you will complete.
___ 9. A few soldiers who had been in heavy combat were brought back for a little rest.
___ 10. It is better to go shopping in the late evening because there are less people in the
market, and you can accomplish a number of tasks in a short period of time.

116
3. Irregular Plural Forms
The irregular forms that are the most problematic are plural forms that do not end in s.
For example: Different criteria were used to evaluate the performers.

IRREGULAR PLURALS
Vowel Change man / men foot / feet goose / geese
woman / women tooth / teeth mouse / mice
Add –EN child / children ox / oxen
Same as singular deer / deer salmon / salmon trout / trout
fish / fish sheep / sheep
-IS → -ES analysis / analyses diagnosis / diagnoses synthesis / syntheses
axis / axes hypothesis / hypotheses thesis / theses
parenthesis / parentheses
Ends in –A bacterium / bacteria datum / data criterion / criteria
curriculum/ curricula phenomenon / phenomena
-US → -I alumnus / alumni fungus / fungi stimulus / stimuli
bacillus / bacilli nucleus / nuclei syllabus / syllabi
cactus / cacti radius / radii

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains at least one noun with an irregular plural.
Circle the nouns with irregular plurals. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect
(I).
_I__ 1. Parentheses is needed around that expression.

_C_ 2. He wants to go on a fishing trip this weekend because he has heard that the fish
are running.
___ 3. The syllabi for the courses is included in the packet of materials.
___ 4. The diagnosis that he heard today were not very positive.
___ 5. The crisis is not going to be resolved until some of the pressure is relieved.
___ 6. All of the alumni are attending the reception at the president's house.
___ 7. A flock of geese were seen heading south for the winter.
___ 8. The teeth in the back of his mouth needs to be capped.
___ 9. The fungi has spread throughout the garden.
___ I0. The sheepdog is chasing after the sheep which are heading over the hill.

117
4. Subject and Object Pronouns

SUBJECT OBJECT
I me
you you
he him
she her
it it
we us
they them

EXERCISE 4: Each of the following sentences contains at least one subject or object pronoun.
Circle the pronouns. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_C_ 1. The worst problem with it is that he cannot afford it.

__I_ 2. They saw Steve and I at the movies last night after class.

____ 3. Perhaps you would like to go to the seminar with they and their friends.
____ 4. The mother took her son to the doctor's office because he was feeling sick.
____ 5. I did not know that you and her were working together on the project.
____ 6. She did not buy the sweater because it had a small hole in it.
____ 7. The man leading the seminar gave me all the information I needed to make a decision.
____ 8. The cards connecting the computer to its printer need to be replaced before them wear
down.
____ 9. He is going to the party with you and me if you do not mind.
____ 10. You and her ought to return the books to the library because they are already overdue.

118
5. Possessive Adjective vs Pronouns

POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS

my mine
your yours
his his
her hers
its --
our ours
their theirs
must be accompanied by a noun cannot be accompanied by a noun

EXERCISE 5: Each of the following sentences contains at least one possessive pronoun or
adjective. Circle the possessives in these sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct (C) or incorrect (I).

__I_ 1. If she borrows your coat, then you should be able to borrow her.

_C_ 2. Each pot and pan in her kitchen has its own place on the shelf.

____ 3. Mary and Mark invited theirs parents to see their new apartment.

____ 4. When my roommate paid her half of the rent, I paid mine.

____ 5. All students need to bring theirs own pencils and answer sheets to the exam.

____ 6. All her secretaries are working late tonight to finish her report.

____ 7. The horse trotting around the track won its race a few minutes ago.

____ 8. Before the report is finalized, the information in their notes and our must be proofed.

____ 9. She worked all day cooking food and making decorations for her son's birthday party.

____ 10. The weather in the mountains this weekend will be extremely cold, so please take yours
heavy jackets.

119
6. Pronoun Agreement

7. PRONOUN AGREEMENT
I . Be sure that every pronoun and possessive agrees with the noun it refers to.
2. You generally check back in the sentence for agreement.

EXERCISE 6: Each of the following sentences contains at least one pronoun or possessive. Circle
the pronouns and possessives. Draw arrows to the nouns they refer to. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I_ 1. If a person really wants to succeed, they must always work hard.

C_ 2. If you see the students from the math class, could you return their exam papers
to them ?

__ 3. Some friends and I went to see a movie, and afterwards we wrote a critique about them.
__ 4. If you have a problem, you are welcome to discuss it with me before you try to resolve
them.
__ 5. I know you had a terrible time last week, but you must try to forget about it.
__ 6. At the start of the program, each student needs to see his advisor about his schedule.
__ 7. In spite of its small size, these video recorders produce excellent tapes.
__ 8. Whatever the situation, you should reflect profoundly about them before coming to a
decision.
__ 9. The people I admire most are those who manage to solve their own problems.
__ 10. If anyone stops by while I am at the meeting, please take a message from them.

120
TOEFL EXERCISE 12
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

__ 1. Superman made their comic debut in 1938 in Action Comics.

A B C D

__ 2. Commercial letters of credit are often used to finance export trade, but them can
A B C
have other uses.
D

__ 3. When children experience too much frustration, its behavior ceases to be integrated.
A B C D

__ 4. On March 30, 1981, President Reagan was shot as his was leaving a Washington hotel.
A B C D

__ 5. Although the destruction that it causes is often terrible, cyclones benefit a

A B
much wider belt than they devastate.
C D

__ 6. President Andrew Jackson had an official cabinet, but him preferred the advice of
A B C
his informal advisors, the Kitchen Cabinet.
D

__ 7. After Clarence Day's book Life with Father was rewritten as a play, they ran for
A B C
six years on Broadway.
D

__ 8. Almost half of the Pilgrims did not survive theirs first winter in the New World.
A B C D

__ 9. There was no indication from the Senate that he would agree with the decision made
A B C D
in the House.

__ l 0. A baby learns the meanings of words as they are spoken by others and later uses him in
A B C D
sentences.

121
Written Expression 6: Passive Forms

The difference between an active and a passive verb is that the subject in an active sentence
does the action of the verb, and the subject in a passive sentence receives the action of the verb.

1. Correct Form of the Passive

THE FORM OF THE PASSIVE
BE + past participle (BY+ object)

EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences has a passive meaning. Underline twice the verbs
that should be passive. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. The boy had never be stung by a bee.

_C_ 2. The suits were hung in the closet when they were returned from the cleaners.
___ 3. Money is lending by the credit union to those who want to buy homes.
___ 4. The record had been chose by dancers near the jukebox.
___ 5. The topic for your research paper should have been approved by your advisor.
___ 6. That song has been playing over and over again by Steve.
___ 7. Their utility bills have been increased again and again.
___ 8. The patients who are too sick to sit up are being assisted by the orderlies.
___ 9. The offices were thoroughly clean last evening by the night crew.
___ 10. The car that was struck in the intersection yesterday is being repaired today.

2. Recognise Active and Passive Meanings

ACTlVE AND PASSIVE MEANINGS
ACTIVE The subject does the action of the verb.
PASSIVE The subject receives the action of the verb.

122
EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains at least one active verb; however, some
of the verbs should be passive. Underline the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I__ 1. The car parked in a no-parking zone.

_C _ 2. The physics exam began just a few minutes ago.
____ 3. Everything to organize the picnic has already done.
____ 4. The police investigated him because of his unusual actions.
____ 5. The package containing the necessary samples has just sent.
____ 6. The vacation to Europe will plan carefully before the scheduled departure date.
____ 7. The coffee turned bitter when it left on the stove for so long.
____ 8. The soccer game won in the closing minutes.
____ 9. The clothes made to rival the latest fashions of the season.
____ 10. When the roads are icy, the buses do not drive.

TOEFL EXERCISE 13
Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

1. __ discussed by the board of directors when it was proposed again by the supervisors.
(A) The problem had already (C) The problem had already been
(B) The problem is already (D) The problem has already

2. Much of the carnage of elephants, giraffes, and big cats __ uncaring hunters.
(A) must commit by (C) must have committed
(B) must be committed (D) must have been committed by

3. The X-ray treatments __ up to the time that he was dismissed from the hospital.
(A) gave daily
(B) were given daily
(C) basically have given
(D) daily had been given

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Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
__ 4. Particular issues that concern teenagers were covering in the half-hour program.
A B C D

__ 5. Electrical impulses may also picked up by the optic nerve.

A B C D

__ 6. Workers training for a specific job have a strong possibility of being replace by a machine.
A B C D

__ 7. On June 30, 1992, international timekeepers in Paris were added an extra second to
A B C
the day.
D

__ 8. The report could not be turned in on time because all the needed work lost.
A B C D

__ 9. In English these questions have be formed by changing the word order of a statement,
A B C
whereas in some languages the word order remains the same.
D

__ 10. He was not able to define the process by which the body had protected by the
A B C D
immunologic system.

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