TOEFL: Structure and Written Expression

General StrategiesBe familiar with the directions.Begin with questions 1-15 (Structure). Questions 1-5 are easier and 11-15 are harder.Continue with questions 16-40 (Written Expression). Questions 16-20 are easier and 36-40 are harder.Do not take too much time with each item. If you have time left you can go back and check 11-15 and 36-40.Do not leave any blank answers on the answer sheet.

Strategies for Structure QuestionsFirst, study the sentence.Then study each answer choice based on how well it completes the sentence.Do not try to eliminate incorrect options by looking only at the answers.Be aware that in this section most of the items will require you to identify the subject or the verb (or both) in the correct order of subject + verb (except on items with inverted structure).Do not spend too much time on this section. Leave enough time for the Written Expression Section.

Characteristics of a SentenceA sentence can be formed by one or more clauses.Clauses can be independent and dependent/subordinate clauses. All sentences must have subject and verb.Sentences can be: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.A simple sentence is formed by only one independent clause.

I went to the movies yesterday afternoon. Independent clause

A compound sentence is formed by two or more independent clauses connected by coordinate conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so: FANBOYS).I went to the movies last night, and I had a great time.Independent clauseconjunction + Ind. clauseA complex sentence is formed by one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

I went to the movies after I had finished my homework.Independent Clauseconnector + Dependent Clause

A compound-complex sentence is formed by more than one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

I went to the movies, and I had a great time because the movie Indep. Clause conj. + Indep. Clause + connector + Dep. Cl.was terrific.

Characteristics of a ClauseEvery clause must have a subject and a verb. A complement is optional.There are two types of clauses: independent and dependent (or subordinated).Independent clauses have a complete idea and can stand alone in a sentence.Dependent clauses complement the independent clause, but do not have a complete idea and cannot stand alone in a sentence.

There are three types of dependent clauses:Noun clauses: function as a noun, so they can be subjects, objects of a verb, or objects of a preposition.I understand how you feel.Adjective clauses: function as an adjective and describe a noun or pronoun from the main clause.I know the man who works in that office.Adverb clauses: function as an adverb and give additional information about the verb (how, when, where, and why)I know that man because he works with my father.

Note: We will see these in more detail in the skills.

Skills 1-5Simple Sentences: one subject + one verbSKILL 1: BE SURE THE SENTENCE HAS A SUBJECT AND A VERB:Engineers are needed for work. S VThe boy will be going to the movies. S V

SKILL 2: BE CAREFUL OF OBJECTS OF PREPOSITIONS:

In the past a woman in politics wasnt common. OP S OP V

For the fever he took aspirine tablets. OP S V

SKILL 3: BE CAREFUL OF APPOSITIVESAn appositive is a noun or noun phrase which describesanother noun or pronoun. It is normally set off by commas.

Tom, a good mechanic, is fixing a car. S APP V A good mechanic, Tom is fixing a car. APPS V A good mechanic, Tom, is fixing a car. S APP V

IT AND THEREStrategySome sentences or clauses begin with it or there. Be aware of the constructions that follow these subjects. In the Structure section, parts of a sentence including it and there may be omitted.

A sentence or clause may begin with the words it or there. 1) It is used in three ways:It is used as subject followed by the verb to be:It was in 1761 that she came to Boston. (It + to be + that)It is used as subject when the information is related to an adjective:It was important to be free. (It + to be + adjective + infinitive)It is used as a subject when it is used with a time phrase:It took her a few years to learn English. (It + take + time phrase + infinitive)

2) There shows that something or someone exists at a special time or place. In this use, the word there follows this construction:there + to be + subjectThere are many books about Phyllis Wheatley today.There was a big storm yesterday.

In these clauses the verb to be and the subject must agree on person.

Expletive:Function: noun 1 a : a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense; especially : a word (as it in "make it clear which you prefer") that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content.

Source: Merriam Webster Online Dictionary: http://www.m-w.com/

SKILL 4: BE CAREFUL OF PRESENT PARTICIPLES (Adjectives): Do not confuse them with present progressive:

The boy is standing in the corner. S V The boy standing in the corner looks suspicious. S Adjective V

The present participle works as an adjective:

Tip: If it does not have a form of be, it is not a verb.

SKILL 5: BE CAREFUL OF PAST PARTICIPLESDo not confuse them with the following:Simple past: She painted the picture.Present/Past Perfect: She has/had painted the picture.Passive Voice: The picture was painted by Karen.

The past participle works as an adjective:The picture painted looks wonderful. S Adjective VTip: If it does not have a form of be or have, it is not a verb.

Skills 6-8: Sentences with Multiple clauses:1) Compound sentences: A compound sentence is a sentence with two or more main or independent clauses thatcan be connected with coordinating conjuctions: (acronym:FANBOYS):

for and nor but or yetso

These sentences normally have a comma before the conjunction/connector.

Ana laughed, but she wanted to cry. s v con. s v

The TOEFL exam will be difficult, so we must study hard. s v con. s v

The weather was great, and the sun was shining. s v con. s v

2) Complex Sentences: A complex sentence is one that has a main or independent clause and a subordinated clause. Adverb Clauses: These clauses give information about the verb in the independent clause: Time: Cause afterbecause assince as long asnow that beforeinasmuch as as soon as when while since until etc.

ConditionContrastMannerPlaceIfalthoughaswhereIn caseeven thoughin thatwhereverprovidedthoughprovidingwhileunlesswhereaswhether

Teresita went inside because it was raining. Subject verb con. Subj. verb

I am going to go to the movies as soon as I finish my TOEFL Sub. verb con. Subj. verbexercises.

Although there is a lot of information to learn for the TOEFL Con. Subj. verbexam, you can get the 600 points if you work hard.Subj. Verb con. Subj. verb

SKILLS 9-12: Noun and Adjective ClausesNoun clauses: They are the second type of subordinated clauses. They work as nouns, so they can be subjects, objects of a verb, or objects of a preposition.

Noun clauses as any other clause have the normal order of Subject + Verb. Noun clauses you have used before:

Indirect/embedded/polite questions:Where is the bank? Could you tell me where the bank is?Does he work here?Do you know if he works here?

Noun clauses answer the question What? and can be substituted by it.

SKILL 9: USE NOUN CLAUSE CONNECTORS CORRECTLY Noun connectors: what, when, where, why, how, whatever, whenever, whether, if, that.

As object of the verb: What do you know?I know what you did.S V con. S V

As object of a preposition: What are you concerned about?I am concerned about when he will arrive. S V Prep. C S V

As subject of the sentence: What is not important? Con. S V When he will arrive is not important.Subject V

SKILL 10: USE NOUN CLAUSE CONNECTOR/SUBJECTS CORRECTLYWho, whoever, what, whatever, which, whichever: Can beconnectors and subjects of the clause at the same time.

1. As object of the verb: What do you know?I know what happened. S V C/S V2. As subject of the sentence: What was great?What happened was great C /S V V

3. As subject of all the sentence: What was wrong? C S V What you did was wrong Subject Verb

Adjective clauses: These are the third type of dependent or subordinate clause. They have the same function as an adjective: describe a noun (person, place, thing).

This is the book which I bought yesterday. Describes the book.The man who is standing over there helped me. Describes the man

Adjective clauses, like all other clauses, need to have at least a subject and a verb. Adjective clauses go immediately after the noun they are describing, so they can appear in the middle or end of the sentence.

Adjective connectors: Who (people), whom (people/object and after prepositions), which (things), that (people or things, but cannot be used after prepositions or when the adjective clause is between commas), where (places), whose (possessive).

I liked the book which you recommended. S V C S VThe man who you recommended was hired yesterday. S C S V VWho (people), which (things) that (people or things): Can be connector and subject of the clause at the same time.

She needs a secretary who can type fast S V C/S VA secretary who can type fast is invaluable S C/S V V

Skills 13-14: Reduced Clauses1) Adjective Clauses: Only adjective clauses where the connector works as subject of the clause can be reduced.

Clauses with a be form: Omit the connector and the form of be:The girl (that is) sitting over there is my sister.The car (which was) bought by my father is a racing car.The house (that is) on sale is very old.

Clauses with no form of be: Omit the connector and change the main verb to -ing form.I dont understand the article (which appears) in todays paper.I dont understand the article appearing in todays paper.

Adjective Clauses separated by commasIf the original adjective clause was separated by commas the reduced clause keeps the commas:

The homework, which was given by the math teacher, is due tomorrow.The homework, given by the math teacher, is due tomorrow.

We can also change the position of the adjective clause and put it at the beginning of the sentence.

The president, (who is) now preparing to give a speech, is meeting with his advisors.Now preparing to give a speech, the president is meeting with his advisors.

2) Adverb Clauses: Only adverb clauses that have the samesubject as the main clause can be reduced.Clauses with a form of be : Keep the connector and omit the subject and the form of be of the adverb clause.Although he is rather unwell, the speaker will take part in the seminar.Although rather unwell, the speaker will take part in the seminar.

Clauses with no form of be: Keep the connector, omit the subject and change the main verb to -ing form.Although he feels rather sick, the speaker will take part in the seminar.Although feeling rather sick, the speaker will take part in the seminar.

Some adverb clauses can only be reduced if they are in passivevoice. For example, with adverb clauses with once can only bereduced if the verb is in passive voice:Cannot be reduced:Once you arrive, you can start the exam.Can be reduced:Once the exercises are answered, they are checked by the teacher.Once answered, the exercises are checked by the teacher. Adverb clauses of cause cannot be reduced: as, because, inasmuch as, now that, since

Skills 15-19: Subject and verb inverted1) In questions the normal order of subject and verb/aux. is inverted:

Yes/No questions:With verb to beAre you a teacher? V S With other verbs:Did you go to the beach? Aux. S VInformation questions: With verb to beWhere are you? QW V S With other verbs:What did you do? QW A S V

2) Subject and Verb inverted after place expressions: When we have place words or expressions at the beginning of a clause we have to invert the normal order of subject + verb.

With verb to be:Here is the book you lent me. V SAround the corner is Sams house. V SWith other verbs:Nowhere have I seen such beautiful weather. A S V

In the closet are the clothes that you need. V S

The inversion of subject + verb with place expressions is only necessary when the expression is essential to complete the sentence.Necessary:In the forest are many exotic birds. V S Not necessary: In the forest, I walked for many hours. S V3) Invert subject + verb with negatives or almost negative words: The subject and verb are also inverted after certain negatives and related expressions: no, not, never, neither, nor, barely, hardly, only, rarely, scarcely, seldomWith verb to be:Rarely were they so happy. V SWith other verbs:Not only did he pass, he got a 100. A S V

4) Invert the subject with conditionals (Implied Conditionals). In certain conditional structures, the subject and the verb may also be inverted.When the conditional clause has: Had, should or wereShould + S + V base form: (First Conditional) If I should finish early, Ill help you.Should I finish early, Ill help you.Were + S: (Second Conditional)If he were here, he would help.Were he here, he would help.Had + S + V base form: (Third Conditional)If you had studied more, you wouldve passed.Had you studied more, you wouldve passed.

5) The inversion with comparatives is optional and it can be used in formal writing.All of these forms are correct:

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

INVERSION: COMPARATIVE + Aux/V + SMy sister spends more hours in the office than does John.

We were more prepared than the other performers.We were more prepared than the other performers were.

INVERSION: COMPARATIVE + Aux/V + SWe were more prepared than were the other performers.

General Strategies for Written ExpressionFirst, look at the underlined word or groups of words to see if you can identify an incorrect form or structure.Then, read all the sentence to verify the correct form and structure of the four answer choices. Some underlined options are incorrect because of something in another part of the sentence.Never leave any answers blank.

Skills 20-23 Subject-Verb Agreement

1) Be careful with: prepositional phrases

If the subject is singular the verb is singular:

The key to the doors IS in the drawer. Ob.Prep.

If the Subject is plural the verb is plural:

The keys to the doors ARE in the drawer. Ob.Prep.

.

2) Make verbs agree after expressions of quantity: all/most/some/half of the. Singular count noun:All of the book was interestingPlural count nounAll of the books were interesting Non-count nounsAll of the information was interesting.3) When we have structures where we have to invert the normal order of subject + verb we have to be careful to make the verb agree with the subject. Remember this inversion is applied in questions, after expressions of place, after negative or almost negative words, in conditional clauses without if, and after comparisons. After these structures the order is:With verb to be:verb + subjectWith other verbs:aux. + subject + verb

Raquel Hernandez

Never is she late to class.Should Mary eat candy, she must brush her teeth. In the first drawer is the book you are looking for.How many times have your parents warned you to be careful?

4) After indefinite pronouns: everybody, nothing, somewhere, etc., the verb or auxiliary are used in singular form:

Everybody was ready for the exam.Does someone know the answer?

Raquel Hernandez

Skills 24-26: Parallel StructureParallel Structure means to make the language as even and balanced as possible.Example:(not balanced: wrong) I like to sing and dancing.(balanced, correct) I like to sing and dance.or I like singing and dancing.

Raquel Hernandez

1) Parallel Structure with coordinate conjuctions: and, but, and or.They are not interested in what you say or what you do. clause + clause

You can decide whether to go hiking or kayaking gerund + gerund

I like to go home early, but my friends prefer to stay late. Independent clause + Independent clause

2) With paired Conjuctions bothand: I know both where you went and what you did. eitheror: The report you are looking for could be either in the file or on the desk. neithernor: The tickets are neither in my pocket nor in my purse. Not only. but alsoHe is not only an excellent student but also a great athlete.

Raquel Hernandez

Parallel structures with comparisonsmore..thanless.than-er.. thanas.asthe same assimilar to

My school is farther than yours.To be rich is better than not to be.What is spoken is more easily understood than what is written.Their car is as big as yours.This book costs about the same as the other book.The work that I did is similiar to yours.English is less difficult than Spanish.

Some helpful hints on how to revise sentences for parallel structure: *1) Figure out what parts of the sentence are being compared. 2) Decide whether they are parallel, i.e. arranged or constructed in the same way. 3) If they are not, make them parallel by making the grammatical construction the same in each part.

* Source: http://www.evergreen.edu/writingcenter/handouts/grammar/parallel.pdf

Raquel Hernandez

Skill 27-29: Form Comparatives and Superlatives CorrectlyComparative: We compare two persons or things.1) Add er to one syllable words: harder, darker, faster.2) Double the consonant and add er to one syllable words with v+c: bigger, hotter.3) Change y to i and add er to words with two syllables that end in y: happier, easier.4) Use more/less before words with two or more syllables: more beautiful, more intelligent.5) Add than after the comparative if you specify the second person or object you are comparing:Peter is taller than Joe.

Superlative: We compare more than two persons or things. (add the before the adjective)1) Add est to one syllable words: the hardest, the darkest, the fastest.2) Double the consonant and add est to one syllable words with v+c: the biggest, the hottest.3) Change y to i and add est to words with two syllables that end in y: the happiest, the easiest.4) Use the most/least before words with two or more syllables: the most beautiful, the most intelligent.5) We can also use the words in, of and that after the superlative forms:Youre the most beautiful girl in the world.Yourre the most beautiful of all the girls in the group.Youre the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen.

Use Comparatives and Superlatives Correctly.Wrong: It is the better sports car that Ive seen.Right: It is the best sports car that Ive seen.Use the Irregular er, -er Structure Correctly: Two parrallel comparatives introduced by the:The more you read, the more you learn.The harder you try, the more youll accomplish.Sometimes a verb is not necessary:The greater the experience, the higher the salary.The rules to form the comparative of adverbs are similar to adjectives except with two syllable adverbs that end in y. The comparative is formed with more/less, the most/least: more easily.The comparative of nouns is formed only adding: more/less, the most/least: more work, the most work.

Skills 30-32: Problems with the Form of the Verb

Base form: No person, tense, or number.playworksingcomePresent form: With tense, person and number.play(s)work(s)sing(s)come(s)Present participle: Verb + -ing. Use in prog. tenses.playingworkingsingingcomingPast form: Used with the Simple PastplayedworkedsangcamePast Participle: Used with Perfect tenses and Passive Voice.playedworkedsungcome

Always check what comes:After any form of have: have, has, had, having we should use the past participle form of the verb:

Peter has worked a lot this week.My parents have bought a new car.I had finished my homework by 10 p.m.Having finished my homework, I went out.You should have studied a little more.

After any form of be: am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being the verb can be in:Present participle: for progressive tenses:I am playing.He is playing. I was playing.We were playing.I have been playing.I had been playing.

Tip: The subject does the action.

2) Past participle: for the passive voice:I am checked by the doctor every year.The water is bought every day.The mail has been delivered on time.The movie will be filmed in Mexico.

Tip: The subject receives the action.

After modals or modal like expressions use the base form of the verb: can, could, shall, should, will, would, must, ought to, be able to, be supposed to, have to, had better.You can work with us.He should study a lot more. They must finish the project.I would help you, If I had time.

SKILL 33: KNOW WHEN TO USE THE PAST WITH THE PRESENTIf you see a sentence with one verb in the past and one verb in the present, the sentence is probably incorrect because it doesnt make any sense:

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

However, it is possible for a correct sentence to have both past and present together and be correct because the meaning is logical.

I understand that you were angry

SKILL 34: USE HAVE AND HAD CORRECTLY

**Except when the time expression since is part of the sentence, see skill 35.

TENSEFORMMEANINGUSEEXAMPLEPresent perfectHave + Past ParticiplePast up to nowNot with a past tense **Sue has lived in L.A. for 10 years.Past perfectHad + Past ParticipleBefore past up to pastNot with a present tenseSue had lived in L.A. for 10 years when she moved to San Diego

SKILL 35: USE THE CORRECT TENSE WITH TIME EXPRESSIONS

PAST PERFECTSIMPLE PASTPRESENT PERFECTAdverb clause simple past tense: when, before, until, since, etc.in 1990, ago, last year, yesterday,since 1990, for already, lately, just, yet, recently, so far, many times, ever, never, still

SKILL 36: USE THE CORRECT TENSE WITH WILL AND WOULD

NOTE: When would is used to make polite requests, it is used with the present tense: I would like to have a cup of coffee please.

VERBMEANINGUSEEXAMPLEWillAfter the presentDo not use with pastI think that I will leave tomorrowWouldAfter the pastDo not use with presentHe knew that she would come

SKILL 37- 38: USE THE CORRECT FORM OF THE PASSIVEActive Voice: The subject does the action.The man bought the books. Subject Verb ObjectPassive Voice: The subject receives the action:The books were bought by the man. Subject verb Agent

The passive voice is formed by:Be (takes the tense) + Verb in past participlePresent: am/is/areboughtPres.Prog. am/is/are beingboughtPres.Perf. have/has beenboughtPast. was/wereboughtPast Prog. was/were beingboughtPast Perf. had beenboughtFuture will be boughtFuture Perf. will have beenbought

SKILL 39:USE THE CORRECT SINGULAR OR PLURAL NOUNA singular noun is used where a plural noun is needed.On the table there were many dish.

A plural noun is used where a singular noun is needed.The lab assistant finished every tests.

KEY WORDS FOR SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNSFor singular nounsEach every single one a For plural nounsBoth two many several various

Skill 40: Distinguish countable and uncountable nounsKey words for countable and uncountable nounsSome common mistakes: He has seen much* foreign films. He didnt have many* fun at the movies.

It should be:He has seen many foreign films.He didnt have much fun at the movies.

For countable nouns many number few fewerFor uncountable nouns much amount little less

Skill 41: Recognize Irregular Plurals of NounsMany nouns in English have irregular plurals; the irregular forms that are the most problematic are plural forms that do not end in S.

Different Criteria was* used to evaluate the performers

In this example the plural criteria looks singular because it does not end in S. However, criteria is a plural noun, so the singular verb was used is incorrect. The verb should be in the plural form were used.

IRREGULAR PLURALSVowel ChangeMan / Men Foot / Feet Goose / GeeseWoman / Women Tooth / Teeth Mouse / MiceAdd ENChild / Children Ox / OxenSame as SingularDeer / Deer Salmon / Salmon Trout / TroutFish / Fish Sheep / Sheep-IS -ESAnalysis / Analyses Diagnosis / Diagnoses Synthesis/SynthesesAxis / Axes Hypothesis / Hypotheses Thesis / ThesesCrisis / Crises Parenthesis / ParenthesesEnds in ABacterium / Bacteria Datum / Data Criterion / CriteriaCurriculum / Curricula Phenomenon / Phenomena-US -IAlumnus / Alumni Fungus / Fungi Stimulus / StimuliBacillus / Bacilli Nucleus / Nuclei Syllabus / SyllabiCactus / Cacti Radius / Radii

Skill 42: Distinguish The Person From The ThingNouns in English can refer to persons or things; sometimes in the written expression the person is used in place of the thing, or the thing is used in place of the person.

Ralph Nader is an authorization* in the field of consumer affairs There are many job oppotunities in accountant*

In the first example, autorization is incorrect because authorization is a thing and Ralph Nader is a person; it should be authority.In the second example, accountant is incorrect because accountant is a person; it should be accounting.

A subject pronoun is used as the subject of the verbAn object pronoun can be used as the object of a verb or the object of a prepositionSkill 43: DISTINGUISH SUBJECT AND OBJECT PRONOUNS

SUBJECTOBJECTIYouHeShe ItWeTheyMeYouHimHerItUsThem

SKILL 44: DISTINGUISH POSSESIVE ADJECTIVES AND PRONOUNSPossessive adjectives and pronouns both show who or what owns a noun.Adjectives and possessive pronouns do not have the same function.A possessive adjective describes a noun, it must be accompanied by a nounA possessive pronoun takes the place of a noun, it cant be accompanied by a nounThey lent me their book.They lent me theirs.

The following chart outlines the possessives and their uses:

POSSESSIVEADJECTIVESPOSSESSIVE PRONOUNSMyYourHisHerItsOurTheirMineYoursHisHers-OursTheirsMust be accompanied by nounCannot be accompanied by a noun

Skill 45: CHECK PRONOUN REFERENCE FOR AGREEMENTAfter we check that the subject and object pronouns and thepossessives are used correctly, we should also check each ofthese pronouns and possessives for agreement.

The boy will cause trouble if you let him.Everyone must give his/her* name.

PRONOUN AGREEMENTBe sure that every pronoun and possessive agrees with the noun it refers to.You generally check back in the sentence for agreement

*In informal speaking we can use their/them

SKILL 46: USE BASIC ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS CORRECTLY Adjectives are used in place of adverbs, or adverbs are used in place of adjectives. Adjectives and adverbs have very different uses. Adjectives have only one job: they describe nouns or pronouns. Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

She is a beautiful woman.She is beautiful. ADJ. NOUN PRO. ADJ.

She sings beautifully. VERB ADV.

She is a beautifully dressed woman. ADV. ADJ. NOUN

She is a truly beautifully dressed woman. ADV. ADV. ADJ. NOUN

Skill 47: Use Adjectives after Linking VerbsGenerally an adverb rather than an adjective will come directlyafter a verb because the adverb is describing the verb.She spoke nicely. VERB ADV.This adverb (nicely) describes the verb spoke.

You must be careful if the verb is a linking verb. A linking verb is followed by an adjective rather than an adverb. A linking verb isa non-action (describes a state) verb that needs a complement.

Examples:She looks nice.SUB. ADJ.LINKING VERBS: appear feel seembe look smell become prove taste

SKILL 48. POSITION ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS CORRECTLYAdjectives and adverbs can appear in incorrect positions in the Written Expression Section.

The two common errors are:- The position of adjectives with the nouns they describe.- The position of adverbs with objects.

In English it is correct to place a one-word adjective in front of the noun it describes.The information important is on the first page.

Here the adjective important should come before the noun information,this is because important describes information.

The important information is on the first page.THE POSITION OF ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBSADJECTIVES

ADVERBSA one-word adjective comes before the noun it describes, it does not comedirectly after.

An adverb can appear in many positions. It cannot be used between a verb and its object.

You should be aware of the position of adverbs with objects of verbs. when a verb has an object, an adverb describing the verb should not comebetween the verb and its object.

He has taken recently an English course.Verb Adv. Object

There are many possible corrections for this sentence.

Recently he has taken an English courseHe has recently taken an English courseHe has taken an English course recently.

-LY ADJECTIVES

costlylikelydailyquarterlynortherly

earlylivelyhourlyweeklyeasterly

friendlylonelymonthlyyearlysoutherlykindlymanlynightlylovelywesterlySKILL 49: Do not confuse ly Adjectives with Adverbs ending in ly

The snake on the rock was alive. CORRECT

The alive* snake was lying on the rock. INCORRECT

In the first example, the predicate adjective alive is used correctly after the liking verb was to describe the subject snake. In the second example, the predicate adjective alive is used incorrectly in front of the noun snake. In this position, the adjective live should be used.

SKILL 50: USE PREDICATE ADJECTIVES AFTER LINKING VERBS

SKILL 50: USE PREDICATE ADJECTIVES CORRECTLY

Predicate adjectives Forms used in front of noun alikelike, similaralivelive, livingaloneloneafraidfrightenedasleepsleepingA predicate adjective appears after a linking verb such as be. It cannot appear directly in front of the noun that it describes.

The woman cleans the car. VERB

The cleaning woman worked on the car. ADJECTIVE

The woman put the cleaned car back in the garage. ADJECTIVE In the first example, cleans is the verb of the sentence. In the second example, cleaning is a verbal adjective describing woman. In the third example, cleaned is a verbal adjective describing car.The cleaning* car is not correct because a car cannot do the action of cleaning. (active)The cleaned* woman is not correct because a woman cannot receive the action of the verb clean. (passive)SKILL 51: USE ED AND -ING ADJECTIVES CORRECTLY

SKILL 51: USE ED AND -ING ADJECTIVES CORRECTLY

-ED AND -ING ADJECTIVESTYPEMEANINGUSEEXAMPLE-INGActiveIt does theaction of theverb. the happily playing children. (The children play.)-ED

Passive

It receives the action of the verb.

the frequently played record (Someone plays the record.)

Skills: 52-54: PROBLEMS WITH ARTICLES:

ArticlesCountable Singular NounsContable Plural NounsUncontable NounsIndefinite (General)a dollaran apple---- dollars---- apples----money----juiceDefinite (Specific) the dollarthe applethe dollarsthe applesthe moneythe juice

SKILL 52: Use Articles with SingularNouns

A singular noun must have an article (a/an, the) or some other determiner such as my or each. A plural noun or an uncountable noun may or may not have an article.

I have money. (Uncountable--- no article needed)I have books. (Countable plural--- no article needed)I have a book. (Countable singular--- article needed)

SKILL 53: Distinguish A/An

AA is used in front of a singular noun with a consonant sound.ANAN is used in front of a singular noun with a vowel sound.Be careful of words beginning with letters such as u, o, e, x or h. They may begin with either a vowel or a consonant sound.

A universityA handA one- way streetA euphemismA xerox machineAn unhappy manAn hourAn omenAn eventAn x-ray machine

Skill 54: Make Articles agree with NounsThe definite article the is for both singular and plural nounsThe indefinite article a/an is used only with singular nouns.One very common agreement error is to use the singular indefinite a/an with a plural noun.

He saw a new movies. (incorrect)He saw a new movie. (singular)He saw new movies (plural)

Skill 55: Distinguish Specific and General Ideas

With countable singular nouns, it is possible to use either the definite or the indefinite article. BUT THEY HAVE DIFFERENT MEANINGS.

A or An (versus) THE

A or An: Use it when there are many, and you dont know which one it is.Use it when there are many, and you dont care which one it is.Tom will bring a book tomorow. (any book)

THE: Use it when it is the only one. Use it when there are many, and you and your listener know which one it is.

Tom will bring the book tomorow. (a specific book.)

Skills 56-57: Problems with PrepositionsPrepositionsLiteral wayIdiomatic wayMeans exactly what you expectIts very far from the real meaningExampleThe boy ran up the mountain. v/s I call up my friend.Literal / Idiomatic meaning

PrepositionsPrepositions are not only used to show time, place, and agent, but are also used in combination with verbs, adjectives, nouns, and in many common set expressions. We cannot list all prepositions, but some important groups are:

Verb + Prepositiondepend on lead toAdjective/Participle + Prepositionsurprised at famous forNoun + Prepositionexample of possibility ofOther Combinations with Prepositionsas a result of in addition toPrepositions of Time and Placeon May 16 in WashingtonPrepositions in Common Expressionsat present in general

VERB + PREPOSITIONaccount for contribute to insist on plan onbelieve in depend on lead to rely onbelong to detach fromobtain fromresult inconfined to fight for overcome by withdraw from

ADJECTIVE/PARTICIPLE + PREPOSITIONaccustomed to different from necessary for responsible forafraid of expert at opossed to successful inbased on free from possible for surprised atcompared to famous for related to typical of

NOUN + PREPOSITIONcause of equivalent of influence on result ofcost of evidence of need for use ofdanger of example of possibility of solution toeffect on increase in reason for supply of

OTHER COMBINATIONS WITH PREPOSITIONSaccording toin the process ofas a consequence ofin view ofas a result ofon account ofbecause ofon behalf ofby means ofon the basis ofin addition toprior toin spite ofwith the exception ofin terms ofwith the purpose ofPREPOSITIONS IN COMMON EXPRESSIONSat timesby land/sea/airat presentby farat first/lastby chanceat the momentby accidentby day/nightin commonon firein generalon the other handin existenceon the wholein the future/paston purposein theoryon land

PREPOSITIONS OF TIME AND PLACE

Prepositions of Time attime of day (at 8 a.m.) noon, night midnight inparts of the day (in the morning/evening/afternoon)month (in July)season (in the fall)year (in 1980)decade (in the 1980s)century (in the nineteenth century) ondays of the week (on Monday)dates (on March 20) for/sinceduration of time (for three days)point in time (since March 20) from . . . tofrom beginning time . . . to ending (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

PREPOSITIONS OF TIME AND PLACE

Prepositions of Place ataddress (at 200 Main Street) onstreet/road/avenue (on Kings Road) inbuilding (in the drugstore)city (in Los Angeles)state (in California)country (in Japan)continent (in Africa) from . . . to from beginning point . . . to ending point (from Alaska to California)

Skill 56-57: Problems with Prepositions

Sometimes an incorrect preposition is given in a sentence in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test.

The game was called on because of the rain. It must be called off (canceled)I knew I could count in you to do a good job. It must be count on someone

Sometimes a necessary preposition has been omitted from a sentence in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test.

Can you wait me after the game. It should be: wait for me.I plan attending the meeting. It should be: plan on attending.

Skill 58: Distinguish Make and DoMake and Do can be confused in English because their meanings are so similar. Make often has the idea of creating or constructing. The following expressions show some of the possible uses of make:

She likes to make her own clothes.Would you like to make a cake for dessert?If you make a mistake, you should correct it.He was unable to make a response to the threat.

Do often has the idea of completing or performing. The following expressions show some of the possible uses of do:

This morning she did all the dishes.The students are doing assignments.The janitors did the work they were assigned.You can do your laundry at the laundromat.

Many uses of make and do are idiomatic and therefore difficult to classify.

http://www.epcc.edu/ftp/Homes/tracyvm/dovsmake.html

Skill 59: Distinguish like, alike, unlike, and dislikeLike, alike, unlike and dislike sometimes are confused because they look so similar but they have many different uses.

1) Like and alikeJohn and Tom are alike.John and Tom worked in a like manner.

As you see like and alike are adjectives that have similar meaning.

Alike is a predicate adjective, so we can only use it after a linking verb.Like is used immediately before a noun so it is an adjective form.

2) Like and unlikeJonh is like Tom.John is unlike Tom.Here both words have opposite meanings, they are working as prepositions so they must be followed by objects.The prepositions like and unlike can also be used at the beginning of a sentence.3) Like and dislikeJohn and Tom like the course.John and Tom dislike the course.Here both words are written as verbs, so they are used with subjects.

SKILL 60: DINTINGUISH OTHER, ANOTHER, AND OTHERSTo decide how to use other, another or others, we must consider three things:

1.- If it is singular or plural.

2.- If it is definite (the) or indefinite (a).

3.- If it is an adjective ( it appears with a noun) or if it is a pronoun (it appears by itself).

SINGULARPLURALINDEFINITEI have another book.

I have another.I have other books.

I have others.DEFINITEI have the other book.

I have the other.I have the other books.

I have the others.

Bibliography: Broukal, Milada. In-A-Flash: Grammar for the TOEFL Test. New Jersey: Thomson Learning, Inc. 2001.Phillips, Deborah. Longman Preparation Course for the TEFL Test. The Paper Test. New York: Pearson Education, 2003.

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