Adjective:Seeing your perplexity, I'll offer a suggestion. (Notice the punctuation.)Noun(Gerund):Playing tennisis good exercise.
Adjective:Seeing your perplexity, I'll offer a suggestion. (Notice the punctuation.)
Noun(Gerund):Playing tennisis good exercise.
The Infinitive
The infinitive is distinguished by the wordto, either expressed or understood. The tenses and voices of the infinitive are as follows:
Active VoicePresentSimpleProgressiveto sellto be sellingPerfectto have soldto have been sellingPassive VoicePresentto be sold——Perfectto have been sold——
The infinitive is often used to introduce a phrase; as,
Noun:To get to the top of the hillwas a difficult matter.Adverb:I wentto buy the sugar.Adjective:It's a drawingto be proud of.
Grouping all the facts that we have thus far learned about phrases, and expressing them in diagram form, we have the following:
Phrases may be classified:
According to FormAccording to UsePrepositionalAdverbialParticipial (Gerund)AdjectiveInfinitiveNoun
The prepositional and infinitive phrases may have all three uses; the participial phrase has two—adjective and noun (gerund).
Variety of Expression[2]
Phrases are important because, like clauses, they help us to vary the form of our sentences. They help us, above all, to avoid the childishsohabit. Thus, instead ofThey wished to make the ice smooth so they flooded the pond, we may use, for example:
Subordinate clause:Because (as, since) they wished to make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.Participial phrase:Wishing to make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.Infinitive phrase:To make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.Gerund phrase:Flooding the pond made the ice smooth.Prepositional phrase modifying noun subject:The flooding of the pond made the ice smooth.
Subordinate clause:Because (as, since) they wished to make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.
Participial phrase:Wishing to make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.
Infinitive phrase:To make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.
Gerund phrase:Flooding the pond made the ice smooth.
Prepositional phrase modifying noun subject:The flooding of the pond made the ice smooth.
Recast each of the following sentences in at least two of the ways shown above:
1. They wished to finish the work so they stayed till six o'clock.2. John hoped to arrive before the others so he started early.3. He saw that the cars were not running so he walked so he would be on time.4. They needed some gasoline so they had to stop at a garage.5. He wished to make a tool chest so he bought some lumber.6. They saw that he liked to read so they gave him several books.7. She wished to make a good appearance at the party so she bought a new dress.8. He was in a hurry so he walked fast.9. We were afraid that we'd be late so we ran.10. The campers thought they'd like a fire so they gathered a quantity of dry leaves and wood.11. I was very tired when I reached home so I couldn't go to the lecture.12. The work was difficult so it took three hours to finish it.13. The clock needed repairing so he took it to a jeweler's.14. The coat did not fit so she sent it back.15. She didn't know where to take the train so she asked a policeman.
1. They wished to finish the work so they stayed till six o'clock.
2. John hoped to arrive before the others so he started early.
3. He saw that the cars were not running so he walked so he would be on time.
4. They needed some gasoline so they had to stop at a garage.
5. He wished to make a tool chest so he bought some lumber.
6. They saw that he liked to read so they gave him several books.
7. She wished to make a good appearance at the party so she bought a new dress.
8. He was in a hurry so he walked fast.
9. We were afraid that we'd be late so we ran.
10. The campers thought they'd like a fire so they gathered a quantity of dry leaves and wood.
11. I was very tired when I reached home so I couldn't go to the lecture.
12. The work was difficult so it took three hours to finish it.
13. The clock needed repairing so he took it to a jeweler's.
14. The coat did not fit so she sent it back.
15. She didn't know where to take the train so she asked a policeman.
Exercise 122—Mode
Mode is the form of the verb that indicates the manner of expressing the thought. Themodes, ormoods, that every one should be able to distinguish are theindicativeand thesubjunctive. If the verb indicates a fact, we say it is in the indicative mode; if it expresses a supposition, a doubt, a statement contrary to fact, or a wish, we say it is in the subjunctive mode.
Youaregood.(A fact—indicative.)I wish Iweregood.(Contrary to fact, a wish—subjunctive.)
In form the indicative and the subjunctive differ in the present and the past tenses of the verbto be, as follows:
Indicative ofbePresentPastI amWe areI wasWe wereYou areYou areYou wereYou wereHe isThey areHe wasThey wereSubjunctive ofbePresentPastIf I beIf we beIf I wereIf we wereIf you beIf you beIf you wereIf you wereIf he beIf they beIf he wereIf they were
Other verbs in the subjunctive mode do not end insin the third person singular number, but use the same form as the other persons in the singular number; as,if he go,if she walk.
If,though,although, orlestusually introduce the subjunctive form.
In modern English, the use of the subjunctive is becoming rare except in the past and past perfect tenses in statements contrary to fact, and in wishes, which are really statements contrary to fact; as,
1. If I were a king (but I'm not), I'd see that my laws were obeyed.2. I wish I were a king! (but I'm not).3. If I had been careful, my work would be good. (I was not careful.)4. I wish I had been careful! (I was not.)
1. If I were a king (but I'm not), I'd see that my laws were obeyed.
2. I wish I were a king! (but I'm not).
3. If I had been careful, my work would be good. (I was not careful.)
4. I wish I had been careful! (I was not.)
Notice that the verb is in the past or in the past perfect tense.
There are some careful writers who still use the present subjunctive to show apossibility;as,
Lest he start too late, remind him again that he must meet the 4:15 train.
Lest he start too late, remind him again that he must meet the 4:15 train.
In the following sentences, which form is better? May any of the sentences use either form?
1. I wish Iwas—wererich.2. If Iwas—wereyou, I should go at once.3. If his workwas—wereexact, he would have no trouble in holding a position.4. If itwas—weretrue, why didn't you say so?5. If hewas—werea millionaire, he could not have been more lavish.6. If such a thingwas—werepossible, our government would be no government.7. If the electionwas—werepostponed, we should have been informed.
1. I wish Iwas—wererich.
2. If Iwas—wereyou, I should go at once.
3. If his workwas—wereexact, he would have no trouble in holding a position.
4. If itwas—weretrue, why didn't you say so?
5. If hewas—werea millionaire, he could not have been more lavish.
6. If such a thingwas—werepossible, our government would be no government.
7. If the electionwas—werepostponed, we should have been informed.
Exercise 123
Insertwasorwerein each of the following sentences, in each case giving a reason for your choice. Remember that the indicativewasis used to denote a statement of fact in the past time, and the subjunctivewere(singular and plural) is used to denote a possibility, something that issupposed to be true, or a statement entirely contrary to fact, as in a wish.
1. I wish I —— going with you.2. As he —— not well, he could not go.3. If he —— well, he could go.4. If he —— attentive in class, he would not fail.5. They treated me as if I —— one of the family.6. When I —— in the South I visited New Orleans.7. Suppose she —— your guest, how would you entertain her?8. He would appear very tall —— it not for the breadth of his shoulders.9. We decided that if it —— still raining by seven o'clock, we should not go.10. If our strawberries —— ripe, I'd give you some.11. If the package —— left yesterday, as you say, it must have been while I —— not at home.12. If he —— late yesterday, he must start earlier to-day.13. If every man —— honest, business life would be very pleasant.14. I saw that he —— not interested.15. If he —— not interested, he surely looked as if he ——.16. —— I certain that the bonds —— safe, I should invest in them.17. As the tablecloth —— stained, we laid it on the grass to bleach it.18. If that stained tablecloth —— mine, I'd try bleaching it.19. If I —— as interested in farming as you are, I'd buy a farm.20. If her work —— best, why didn't she get the higher salary?
1. I wish I —— going with you.
2. As he —— not well, he could not go.
3. If he —— well, he could go.
4. If he —— attentive in class, he would not fail.
5. They treated me as if I —— one of the family.
6. When I —— in the South I visited New Orleans.
7. Suppose she —— your guest, how would you entertain her?
8. He would appear very tall —— it not for the breadth of his shoulders.
9. We decided that if it —— still raining by seven o'clock, we should not go.
10. If our strawberries —— ripe, I'd give you some.
11. If the package —— left yesterday, as you say, it must have been while I —— not at home.
12. If he —— late yesterday, he must start earlier to-day.
13. If every man —— honest, business life would be very pleasant.
14. I saw that he —— not interested.
15. If he —— not interested, he surely looked as if he ——.
16. —— I certain that the bonds —— safe, I should invest in them.
17. As the tablecloth —— stained, we laid it on the grass to bleach it.
18. If that stained tablecloth —— mine, I'd try bleaching it.
19. If I —— as interested in farming as you are, I'd buy a farm.
20. If her work —— best, why didn't she get the higher salary?
Exercise 124—Verbs Incorrectly Used
WrongRight1.Letthe book on the table.Leavethe book on the table.2.Leaveme go with you.Letme go with you.3. Don'tblame it onme.Don'taccuseme.4. Do youcarrystationery?Do yousellstationery?5. The childaggravatesme.The childirritatesme.6. Pleaseexceptmy invitation.Pleaseacceptmy invitation.7. Where have youlocated?Where have yousettled?(Locateis a transitive verb.)8. Iexpectyou are very busy.Isupposeyou are very busy.9. Idisrememberseeing him.Idon't rememberseeing him.10. Do youmindwhere you saw it?Do yourememberwhere you saw it?11. Where are youstopping?Where are youstaying?12. Did youextend an invitationto him?Did youinvitehim?13. This clock needsfixing.This clock needsrepairing.14. I shouldadmireto go.I shouldliketo go.15. I'dloveto go.I'dliketo go.16. He didn'tshow upon time.He didn'tappearon time.17. Ihada strange thinghappento me yesterday.A strange thinghappenedto me yesterday.18. I didn'tget to go.Iwas unable to go.19.Loanme your pencil.Lendme your pencil.(May I borrow your pencil?is correct.Loanis a noun.)[3]20. Ican't seemto understand that problem.Iseem unableto understand that problem.21. I don'ttake any stockin such schemes.Ihave no confidencein such schemes.22. How do yousize upthe situation?Whatdo you thinkof the situation?23. Ibeg to state. . . .Omit.(This expression has been so overdone in business lettersthat it should be avoided)24. Hedoveoff the pier.Hedivedoff the pier.25. Heclaimsthat he was deceived.Heasserts(maintains) that he was deceived.26.CanI take your pencil?MayI take your pencil?27. We expect toget upa club.We expect toorganizea club.28. Did you notice how that show window wasgot up?Did you notice how that show window wasdecorated?29. It isgoing onten o'clock.It isalmostten o'clock.30. He saidto goat once.He saidthat we should goat once.
Note.—The secretary's daily report will be found an excellent means of securing variety of expression in pupils' writing. A different pupil is elected each Monday to act as the secretary of the class for the ensuing week, his duty being to report each day the doings of the class on the preceding day. The conditions are that not more than oneandbe used in each report and not more than one sentence begin with the subject.
Note.—The secretary's daily report will be found an excellent means of securing variety of expression in pupils' writing. A different pupil is elected each Monday to act as the secretary of the class for the ensuing week, his duty being to report each day the doings of the class on the preceding day. The conditions are that not more than oneandbe used in each report and not more than one sentence begin with the subject.
THE PREPOSITION AND THE CONJUNCTION
Prepositions
Itis important in the study of prepositions to observe that there are certain words that are followed by certain prepositions. To change the preposition is to convey a different meaning from the one that the speaker intended, or to convey no meaning at all. A partial list of such words with their appropriate prepositions follows:
accompaniedwithanything having no lifeaccompaniedbyanything having lifeacquitofaccuseofadaptedtoa thingadaptedfora course, because of one's natureadaptedfroman authoragreetoa plan or propositionagreewitha personagreeuponsomething that must be decidedangryata thingangrywitha personcomparewithto bring out similar qualitiescomparetowithout analyzingcomplywithconferonmeaning to give toconferwithmeaning to talk toconfideinmeaning to put faith inconfidetomeaning to commit to one's keepingconformtocorrespondto, witha thing, denoting similaritycorrespondwithmeaning to write todifferentfromdependentona persondependentfora thingindependentofdisappointedinemployedata certain place or salaryemployedina certain kind of businessemployedbya certain person or companyenterupondutiesenterata doorfollowedbyinfluenceover, uponexpectofparticipateinprofitbyremonstrateagainsta thingremonstratewitha person
Exercise 125
Insert the correct preposition in the following:
1. I shall comply —— your request.2. The chairman came upon the platform accompanied —— the speaker.3. He took a walk accompanied —— his dog.4. The lecture will be accompanied —— stereopticon views.5. Strikes are usually accompanied —— riots.6. The years of prosperity were followed —— years of famine.7. He was accused —— theft, but was acquitted —— the accusation.8. She is well adapted —— the position that is open.9. An electric iron is especially adapted —— summer use.10. The selection was adapted —— Irving.11. This cloth is well adapted —— summer clothing because it is very light in weight.12. I agree —— you that the plan is impracticable.13. Let us agree now —— a place to spend our summer vacation.14. That is not a proposition —— which I shall agree.15. It is silly to be angry —— an inanimate object.16. Don't be angry —— a person because he tells you your faults.17. His report corresponds in all respects —- yours.18. Mr. Giles suggested that you would be glad to have us correspond —— you concerning our new bond issues.19. I shall confer —— my lawyer.20. The public has conferred a great honor —— him.21. One should always profit —— his experiences.22. The new device is entirely different —— the old.23. I am employed —— a fairly large salary —— a business that is growing daily.24. All employees must conform —— the rules.25. I am confiding —— you because I know that I can trust you.26. She confided her child —— the care of her brother.27. She is dependent —— her brother —— support.28. You can have an influence for good —— him.29. I have remonstrated —— the change several times.30. Perhaps he will change his plans if we remonstrate —— him at once.
1. I shall comply —— your request.
2. The chairman came upon the platform accompanied —— the speaker.
3. He took a walk accompanied —— his dog.
4. The lecture will be accompanied —— stereopticon views.
5. Strikes are usually accompanied —— riots.
6. The years of prosperity were followed —— years of famine.
7. He was accused —— theft, but was acquitted —— the accusation.
8. She is well adapted —— the position that is open.
9. An electric iron is especially adapted —— summer use.
10. The selection was adapted —— Irving.
11. This cloth is well adapted —— summer clothing because it is very light in weight.
12. I agree —— you that the plan is impracticable.
13. Let us agree now —— a place to spend our summer vacation.
14. That is not a proposition —— which I shall agree.
15. It is silly to be angry —— an inanimate object.
16. Don't be angry —— a person because he tells you your faults.
17. His report corresponds in all respects —- yours.
18. Mr. Giles suggested that you would be glad to have us correspond —— you concerning our new bond issues.
19. I shall confer —— my lawyer.
20. The public has conferred a great honor —— him.
21. One should always profit —— his experiences.
22. The new device is entirely different —— the old.
23. I am employed —— a fairly large salary —— a business that is growing daily.
24. All employees must conform —— the rules.
25. I am confiding —— you because I know that I can trust you.
26. She confided her child —— the care of her brother.
27. She is dependent —— her brother —— support.
28. You can have an influence for good —— him.
29. I have remonstrated —— the change several times.
30. Perhaps he will change his plans if we remonstrate —— him at once.
Exercise 126—Prepositions Incorrectly Used
Each of the incorrect sentences given below contains an unnecessary preposition. When the meaning of "Where are you going?" is entirely clear, there is nothing gained by saying "Where are you goingto?" Omit such superfluous prepositions.
WrongRight1. I took it offofthe shelf.I took it off the shelf.2. I shall acceptofyour hospitality.I shall accept your hospitality.3. Where are youat?Where are you?4. Where are you goingto?Where are you going?5. It is a buildingof fromtwenty to thirty stories in height.It is a building twenty to thirty stories in height.6. Look outofthe window.Look out the window.7. John copiesafterhis father in everything.John copies his father in everything.8. I am wonderingaboutwhat I should do.I am wondering what I should do.9. I shall consultwithmy lawyer.I shall consult my lawyer.10. He sat oppositetome.He sat opposite me.11. I shall leave lateron.I shall leave later.andforto12. I shall tryandgo.I shall trytogo.offorhave13. I mightofgone.I mighthavegone.The wrong preposition14. He fellinthe water.He fellintothe water.15. She diedwithdiphtheria.She diedofdiphtheria.16. Divide the workbetweenthe four of us.Divide the workamongthe four of us.(Betweenmay be used in speaking of only two persons or things)17. It will be doneinsideof an hour.It will be donewithinan hour.18. Are you angryatme?Are you angrywithme?Preposition must be used19. It's no use to try.It'sofno use to try.20. My sister stayed home.My sister stayedathome.21. Why do you act that way?Why do you actinthat way?22. We left the third of June.We leftonthe third of June.
Exercise 127
The object of a preposition is always in the objective case. Some people have great difficulty in recognizing that in such expressions asfor you and me, the pronounmeis as much the object of the prepositionforas the pronounyou. Bothwords must be in the objective case. It is incorrect to sayfor you and I.
In the following sentences omit the incorrect italicized form:
1. The invitation is for father andI—me.2. Every one has finished his work excepthe—himandI—me.3. It's a question that you andI—memust decide; it refers to you andI—mealone.4. Girls like you andshe—hershould have a good influence over the others.5. All but you andI—mehave left.6. He did it for you andI—me.7. No one objected butthey—themandwe—us.8. She sat opposite you andI—me.9. They were sitting near you andI—me.10. We expect you to return with mother andI—me.11. He wanted my brother andI—meto go into business with his brother andhe—him.12. Neithershe—hernor her sister have I seen for several months.13. My companion andI—metook up the trail of the bear at once. For some distance it ledhe—himandI—meover the soft, yielding carpet of moss and pine needles, and the footprints were quite easily made out.14.He—himandI—mehad, of course, to keep a sharp lookout ahead and around for the grizzly.15. All are going on the excursion excepthe—himandI—me.16.He—himandI—mewent fishing.17. The rule applies towe—usall—the manager,they—themwho keep books, you, andI—me.18. She beckoned to my companion andI—me.19. The letter was to be read by the president orI—me.20. He did it for the sake of my father andI—me.21. We study Shakespeare with her sister andshe—her.22.She—herand her sister went to the lecture with my sister andI—me.23. They sent forshe—herandI—me, not you andhe—him.24. The program was arranged by the president andI—me.25. They found that his father andhe—himhad already left.26. Mother is going to buy a birthday present to-day forshe—herandI—me.27. The play is interesting not only to you older people but towe—usyounger ones also.28. They expected the work to be done byshe—herandI—me.29. The dispute between his neighbor andhe—himover their lot line was settled by the surveyors this morning.30. He wants to speak to you andI—me.
1. The invitation is for father andI—me.
2. Every one has finished his work excepthe—himandI—me.
3. It's a question that you andI—memust decide; it refers to you andI—mealone.
4. Girls like you andshe—hershould have a good influence over the others.
5. All but you andI—mehave left.
6. He did it for you andI—me.
7. No one objected butthey—themandwe—us.
8. She sat opposite you andI—me.
9. They were sitting near you andI—me.
10. We expect you to return with mother andI—me.
11. He wanted my brother andI—meto go into business with his brother andhe—him.
12. Neithershe—hernor her sister have I seen for several months.
13. My companion andI—metook up the trail of the bear at once. For some distance it ledhe—himandI—meover the soft, yielding carpet of moss and pine needles, and the footprints were quite easily made out.
14.He—himandI—mehad, of course, to keep a sharp lookout ahead and around for the grizzly.
15. All are going on the excursion excepthe—himandI—me.
16.He—himandI—mewent fishing.
17. The rule applies towe—usall—the manager,they—themwho keep books, you, andI—me.
18. She beckoned to my companion andI—me.
19. The letter was to be read by the president orI—me.
20. He did it for the sake of my father andI—me.
21. We study Shakespeare with her sister andshe—her.
22.She—herand her sister went to the lecture with my sister andI—me.
23. They sent forshe—herandI—me, not you andhe—him.
24. The program was arranged by the president andI—me.
25. They found that his father andhe—himhad already left.
26. Mother is going to buy a birthday present to-day forshe—herandI—me.
27. The play is interesting not only to you older people but towe—usyounger ones also.
28. They expected the work to be done byshe—herandI—me.
29. The dispute between his neighbor andhe—himover their lot line was settled by the surveyors this morning.
30. He wants to speak to you andI—me.
Exercise 128—Than, as
Thanandasare not prepositions but conjunctions. They are used to introduce subordinate clauses. Usually the clause is incomplete, but the omitted part is easily understood from the preceding clause and must be supplied to show the case of the noun or the pronoun that is expressed; as,
Right:She is as tall as I [am].Right:She is taller than he [is].Right:I should invite you rather than her [than I should invite her].
Use the correct one of the italicized pronouns in the following sentences:
1. I'll agree that he is richer thanI—me, but riches are not everything.2. I shall send her rather thanhe—him.3. No one felt sorrier thanshe—her.4. No one knows more about an automobile thanhe—him.5. You are more capable of doing the work thanhe—him.6. We were nearer the goal than you orhe—him.7. You finished the work almost as quickly asshe—her.8. She writes fully as well ashe—him.9. The manager said he would rather send me thanhe—him.10. I secured a position sooner thanshe—her.11. It seems to me that they ought to go rather thanwe—us.12. I am surprised that you arrived sooner thanthey—them.13. They should have elected him rather thanI—me.14. I am not so well-fitted ashe—himto hold the position.15. You are more popular thanhe—him.
1. I'll agree that he is richer thanI—me, but riches are not everything.
2. I shall send her rather thanhe—him.
3. No one felt sorrier thanshe—her.
4. No one knows more about an automobile thanhe—him.
5. You are more capable of doing the work thanhe—him.
6. We were nearer the goal than you orhe—him.
7. You finished the work almost as quickly asshe—her.
8. She writes fully as well ashe—him.
9. The manager said he would rather send me thanhe—him.
10. I secured a position sooner thanshe—her.
11. It seems to me that they ought to go rather thanwe—us.
12. I am surprised that you arrived sooner thanthey—them.
13. They should have elected him rather thanI—me.
14. I am not so well-fitted ashe—himto hold the position.
15. You are more popular thanhe—him.
Exercise 129—Correlatives
There are certain conjunctions, calledcorrelatives, that are used in pairs. They are
both—andas—as, so—aseither—ornot only—but alsoneither—norwhether—orso—thatsuch—as
Illustrations
Both—andHe has both skill and energy.Either—orI shall leave either Monday or Tuesday.Neither—norI can neither sing nor play.So—thatIt rained so hard that we stayed at home.As—asWe shall come as early as we can.So—asShe is not so tall as you are.(Used in negative expressions.)Not only—but alsoWe saw not only Mr. Brown but his wife also.Whether—orWhether I return to work or stay at home depends on my mother's health.Such—asWe shall buy only such goods as we think we can sell.
Be very careful not to use the correlativeso asincorrectly forso that.So asis used in negative expressions of comparison;so thatis used to express result.
Be very careful not to use the correlativeso asincorrectly forso that.So asis used in negative expressions of comparison;so thatis used to express result.
Wrong:We went earlyso aswe could get good seats.Right:We went earlyso thatwe could get good seats.
In the illustrations given above, notice that the correlatives always join two similar orcoördinateexpressions. It is important that they be placed each immediately before one of the two coördinate expressions.
Wrong:Ineithercan sing nor play.Right:I canneithersing nor play.
Recast the following sentences, placing the correlative conjunctions before coördinate expressions:
1. Either you ordered it late or not at all.2. He said he neither had money nor time.3. We not only bought the books you wished but the games also.4. We like the place in which we live both on account of its quietness and its pleasant surroundings.5. I shall either go to Quebec or Montreal.6. Either he must spray his trees or expect no fruit.7. I neither like the appearance of the shop nor the attitude of the clerks.8. They did it both for the sake of your brother and you.9. This sample not only is much darker but heavier also.10. They are barred who neither can read nor write.
1. Either you ordered it late or not at all.
2. He said he neither had money nor time.
3. We not only bought the books you wished but the games also.
4. We like the place in which we live both on account of its quietness and its pleasant surroundings.
5. I shall either go to Quebec or Montreal.
6. Either he must spray his trees or expect no fruit.
7. I neither like the appearance of the shop nor the attitude of the clerks.
8. They did it both for the sake of your brother and you.
9. This sample not only is much darker but heavier also.
10. They are barred who neither can read nor write.
Exercise 130—Either—or, Neither—nor
These conjunctions are correctly used in speaking of two things only. Care must be taken to useorwitheitherandnorwithneither. In comparing three or more things useany of them,none of them, orno.
In the following sentences use only the correct italicized forms:
1. Neither effortnor—ormoney was spared in the undertaking.2. I have considered planting maple, oak, and elm trees, butneither—noneof them seems to grow well in this climate.3. We do not believe ineitherenduring oppressionnor—orkilling the oppressor. We believe in arbitration.4. He hasno—neithertime, patience,nor—orenergy.5. If you ask me which of the three I prefer, I'll be frank and tell you I likeneither—noneof them.6. Three courses will be given in the subject this year; you may takeeither—anyone of them.7. I had already passed three branch roads, butneither—noneof them had looked familiar to me.8. I hardly think he acceptedany—eitherof the two offers he received.9. Neither the doctoror—norhis wife was at home.10. Both the books look shop-worn. I'll takeneither—none.
1. Neither effortnor—ormoney was spared in the undertaking.
2. I have considered planting maple, oak, and elm trees, butneither—noneof them seems to grow well in this climate.
3. We do not believe ineitherenduring oppressionnor—orkilling the oppressor. We believe in arbitration.
4. He hasno—neithertime, patience,nor—orenergy.
5. If you ask me which of the three I prefer, I'll be frank and tell you I likeneither—noneof them.
6. Three courses will be given in the subject this year; you may takeeither—anyone of them.
7. I had already passed three branch roads, butneither—noneof them had looked familiar to me.
8. I hardly think he acceptedany—eitherof the two offers he received.
9. Neither the doctoror—norhis wife was at home.
10. Both the books look shop-worn. I'll takeneither—none.
Exercise 131—Except, Without, Unless
Exceptandwithoutare prepositions, and are used, therefore, to introduce phrases;unlessis a conjunction, and is used to introduce a clause.
In the following sentences insert the correct form, giving a reason for your choice:
1. —— you leave at once, you will miss your train.2. I cannot learn to swim, —— some one teaches me.3. I cannot learn to swim —— a teacher.4. No one could do the work —— me.5. John expects to learn —— studying.6. John will discover that he cannot win promotion —— he works hard.7. No one can learn how to spell —— first learning how to observe.8. No one will learn to spell —— he learns to observe.9. No one will succeed —— he has energy and patience.10. No one will succeed —— energy and patience.11. You cannot succeed in any way —— by seizing each opportunity as it comes.12. It is impossible to grow beautiful flowers —— the soil is good.
1. —— you leave at once, you will miss your train.
2. I cannot learn to swim, —— some one teaches me.
3. I cannot learn to swim —— a teacher.
4. No one could do the work —— me.
5. John expects to learn —— studying.
6. John will discover that he cannot win promotion —— he works hard.
7. No one can learn how to spell —— first learning how to observe.
8. No one will learn to spell —— he learns to observe.
9. No one will succeed —— he has energy and patience.
10. No one will succeed —— energy and patience.
11. You cannot succeed in any way —— by seizing each opportunity as it comes.
12. It is impossible to grow beautiful flowers —— the soil is good.
Exercise 132—Like, as
Likeis followed by a noun or pronoun in the objective case.Asis a conjunction and introduces a clause, and is therefore followed by a verb.Likeis not a conjunction and therefore may not be substituted forasoras if.
Wrong:I wish I could playlikeyou can.Right:I wish I could playasyou can.
Insert the correct word in the following sentences:
1. The picture looks just —— you.2. I haven't a voice —— my brother's.3. I cannot sing —— my brother can.4. He walks just —— you do.5. I hope you will all enjoy the trip —— I did.6. For pleasure and exercise I think there is no game —— tennis.7. He said that the town looked just —— it had when he was a boy.8. I cut the paper just —— you said I should.9. He talks —— his father.10. He has the same sort of drawl —— his father [has].11. She was there —— you said she would be.12. They worked —— beavers.13. He looked —— a tramp.14. To give the stitch the proper twist throw the thread over the needle —— I do.15. He walks —— he were lame.
1. The picture looks just —— you.
2. I haven't a voice —— my brother's.
3. I cannot sing —— my brother can.
4. He walks just —— you do.
5. I hope you will all enjoy the trip —— I did.
6. For pleasure and exercise I think there is no game —— tennis.
7. He said that the town looked just —— it had when he was a boy.
8. I cut the paper just —— you said I should.
9. He talks —— his father.
10. He has the same sort of drawl —— his father [has].
11. She was there —— you said she would be.
12. They worked —— beavers.
13. He looked —— a tramp.
14. To give the stitch the proper twist throw the thread over the needle —— I do.
15. He walks —— he were lame.
Exercise 133—As—as, So—as
Useas—asin stating equality; useso—asin negative comparisons.
1. You will find the new clerks fully —— courteous as were the old.2. You will not find the new clerks —— courteous as were the old.3. Elms do not grow —— well in this climate as do poplars.4. We did not carry —— much advertising this year as we did last year, and we find that our receipts are smaller.5. Under our system of individual instruction a student may advance —— rapidly as his ability permits.6. You are not —— tall as your sister.7. I do not seem to learn languages —— easily as mathematics.8. This house is not —— large as the other.9. He is —— active as he was twenty years ago.10. He is not —— active as he was twenty years ago.
1. You will find the new clerks fully —— courteous as were the old.
2. You will not find the new clerks —— courteous as were the old.
3. Elms do not grow —— well in this climate as do poplars.
4. We did not carry —— much advertising this year as we did last year, and we find that our receipts are smaller.
5. Under our system of individual instruction a student may advance —— rapidly as his ability permits.
6. You are not —— tall as your sister.
7. I do not seem to learn languages —— easily as mathematics.
8. This house is not —— large as the other.
9. He is —— active as he was twenty years ago.
10. He is not —— active as he was twenty years ago.
Exercise 134—Miscellaneous Blunders
To, Too, Two
Tois a preposition;toois an adverb, and meansexcessivelyoralso;twois a numeral adjective. Insert the correct form in each of the following sentences:
1. The —— sisters discovered that it was —— late for the 4:15 train.2. It is —— dark in that corner; come —— the light.3. He spends —— much time in dreaming, —— little in working.4. He would have done better if he had not given —— little heed —— the advice of his —— older brothers.5. —— more hours were passed in the all —— weary task of waiting.6. It was —— cold —— stay out more than —— hours.7. You may go ——, but don't stay —— long.8. —— stay there for —— weeks would be —— tiresome.9. The doctor said that the —— men were —— sick —— go home alone, and I thought so ——.10. About —— hours ago I met Mary who said that she was going —— the country ——.
1. The —— sisters discovered that it was —— late for the 4:15 train.
2. It is —— dark in that corner; come —— the light.
3. He spends —— much time in dreaming, —— little in working.
4. He would have done better if he had not given —— little heed —— the advice of his —— older brothers.
5. —— more hours were passed in the all —— weary task of waiting.
6. It was —— cold —— stay out more than —— hours.
7. You may go ——, but don't stay —— long.
8. —— stay there for —— weeks would be —— tiresome.
9. The doctor said that the —— men were —— sick —— go home alone, and I thought so ——.
10. About —— hours ago I met Mary who said that she was going —— the country ——.
There, Their
11. —— are seven brothers in —— family.12. —— books are —— on the table.13. —— is no doubt that —— knowledge of mathematics is greater than —— knowledge of English.
11. —— are seven brothers in —— family.
12. —— books are —— on the table.
13. —— is no doubt that —— knowledge of mathematics is greater than —— knowledge of English.
Were, Where
14. —— have you been?15. —— you ever on a farm —— alfalfa is grown?16. —— —— you when the report was read?17. I was just —— you ——.
14. —— have you been?
15. —— you ever on a farm —— alfalfa is grown?
16. —— —— you when the report was read?
17. I was just —— you ——.
Of, Have
18. You should —— read more distinctly.19. I could —— done the work if I had had more —— the necessary tools.20. If I had tried harder, I might —— done the work better.
18. You should —— read more distinctly.
19. I could —— done the work if I had had more —— the necessary tools.
20. If I had tried harder, I might —— done the work better.
ORAL ENGLISH
Exercise 135
Retella story that you know or one that the instructor has read to you. See if you can tell the whole story in fairly long sentences without using a singleand. You will be allowed to use threeand's. As soon as you say the third, you must take your seat. Let the class keep count.
The story may be an anecdote, a fable, or any other short incident that can easily be told in one or two minutes. You probably have read many such or have heard your father and your mother tell them. A joke that can be told in two or three sentences will not be long enough.
The excessive use ofandspoils the telling of many stories. It is a mistake to think that the gap between the end of one sentence and the beginning of the next appears as great to the listener as it does to us as we are deliberating what to say next. To avoid the gap we bridge the two sentences withand. Its use in this way is hardly ever necessary if we think out a sentence to the end before we begin to speak it. When we have finished the thought, we should finish the sentence without trying to bind it artificially to the next one. The sentences will be bound together if the thought of one grows out of the thought of the preceding one.
If the unfolding of the idea does not seem sufficient to tie the parts, there are better expressions to use thanand. There are short expressions likein this way,likewise,moreover,thus,therefore,besides,as might be expected, andtoo. Anotherway to avoidandis to change the form of the sentence: (1) better than the form, "I opened the windowand saw," is, "Openingthe window, I saw;" (2) better than "I am going to the storeand buysome sugar," is, "I am going to the storeto buysome sugar;" (3) better than "There was a boyand his namewas John," is, "There was a boywhosename was John;" (4) better than "I reached homeand foundthat my cousin had arrived," is, "WhenI reached home, I found that my cousin had arrived." In place ofand, therefore, we may use (1) participles, (2) infinitives, (3) relative pronouns, and (4) subordinate conjunctions.
Above all, avoidand everything, as in, "I washed the dishes and swept the floor and everything." To try thus to complete an idea that is already complete shows childishness.
Exercise 136
Very likely in telling the story as suggested above you found yourself frequently using the wordsoto connect two sentences. Perhaps, too, you usedwhyto begin sentences.
Now tell one of your own experiences, being careful not to useand,so, orwhy. Introduce as much conversation as possible. What, if any, is the advantage of telling a story in the first person? Why is it good to introduce conversation?
In your conversation make use of several of the following words: