Grammar

Exercise Time

Question and discussion

Listening and Discussion

Writing

Multiple Choice

HomeDiscussion

Which is correct? What we are interested in is wheat varieties

OR What we are interested in are wheat varieties.

And why then do we say:There is a chair and a table in this room NO

T There are a chair and a table in this room?

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We use the singular form of the verb when the subject is:

(a) singular (b) uncountable (c) a clause Sarah is twenty-one today. The antique furniture in Mrs McDonald’s

old house was sold for $32,000. In good dental care, what is important is re

gular brushing and a good mouthwash. What we are interested in is wheat varieties.

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However, if the idea of plurality is strongly present as it is in the above sentence about wheat varieties, then this rule is not always followed. So it is quite conceivable that you might also say:

What we are interested in are wheat varieties.

Of course, if you turn the sentence round then you have a plural subject which forces the plural form of the verb:

Wheat varieties are what we are interested in.

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The idea of plurality is also very strong in the following pair of sentences so either singular or plural verb form is possible:

The audience was applauding like mad and stamping their feet in excitement.

The audience were applauding like mad and stamping their feet in excitement.

HomeDiscussion

Do we say "Data is" or "Data are"?

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Question 1 of 3--------------------------------------------

The expression "the data is" in widely used in English and is considered correct nowadays.

True

False

√

That's right. Prof. Swan says: At the beginning "The data is" was definitely a mistake but it’s so widely used now that it’s no longer possible to say that it’s a mistake.

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Question 2 of 3--------------------------------------------

In modern English the word "oblivious" means - just like a hundred years ago - "forgetful of".

True

False √

That's right. Prof. Swan says: "In modern English "oblivious" means unconscious, not paying attention, and that has become its modern, correct use."

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Question 3 of 3--------------------------------------------

A "concerted effort" is an effort by a lot of people working together.

True

False

√That's right. Prof. Swan says: "It really means an effort by a lot of people working together – concerted means just that; people working together."

HomeUse the Grammar

Now it's your turn to write an imaginary news report. Use at least one noun (as a subject) from each of these 4 groups:

someone, somebody, each, either one, everyone, anyone

mathematics, physics, rabies, diabetes, news people, children, data , media family, team, police, group, government, jury You might begin your report like this: …And some news just in. This morning…

HomeUse the Grammar

Use the following uncountable nouns to make up a story. You can use the nouns in any order you like (you don't have to use all of them). Start your story like this:

'One day, Catherine and William were walking along the street when suddenly...'

The nouns are: accommodation, information, equipment, furniture, pollution, patience, luggage, weather, rubbish, advice.

HomeMultiple Choice I

Q1. __________ plan

A. pension B. pensions

Submit

Q2. _________ doors

A. glass B. glasses Submit

Q3. _________ office

A. ticket B. tickets Submit

pension

glass

ticket

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Q4. UN _________ inspectors

A. weapon B. weapons

Submit

weapons

Q5. An _________ degree

A. economic B. economics

Submit

economics

Q6. A _________ car

A. sport B. sports Submit

sports

Q7. The ________ department

A. account B. accounts

Submit

accounts

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Q8. a __________ officer

A. custom B. customs Submit

customs

Q9. _________ officers

A. custom B. customs Submit

customs

Q10. ________ pockets

A. Trouser B. Trousers

Submit

Trouser

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A

C

B

Multiple Choice II

Q1. Which is the correct plural?

Runner-up √√

Q2. Which is the correct plural?

Q3. Which is the correct plural?

Physics teacherPhysic teachers Physics teachers

Antiques shopAntique shops Antiques shops

√√

√√

A C

BA

B C

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C

C

Q4. Which is the correct plural?

Q5. Which is the correct plural?

Q6. Which is the correct plural?

Q7. Which is the correct plural?

Buses stationBus stations Buses stations√√

Travel agencysTravels agency Travel agencies√√

Women judgeWoman judges Women judges√√

Shoe shopsShoes shop Either could be used√√

BA C

BA

BA

BA C

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Q8. Which is the correct plural?

Q9. Which is the correct plural?

Q10. Which is the correct plural?

Mothers-in-lawMother-in-laws Either could be used√√

Lay-bysLays-by Either could be used√√

Passers-byPasser-bys Either could be used√√

BA C

BA C

BA C