Blogger de Inglés III
16 de octubre de 2013
15 de octubre de 2013
12 de octubre de 2013
Dependent Clauses and Types of Sentences Exercises
Click within the small circle to the left of your choice for each answer. A javascript box
will appear to tell you that your choice is correct or incorrect. After clicking "OK"
within the javascript alert, you may try another answer or proceed to the next question
if your first choice was correct. The phrase "prescriptively correct" means that other
possibilities might be acceptable in informal writing or speech, but the prescriptively
correct option would be most recommended for formal, academic writing.
1. What is true of the following example? "Many people probably think that politeness is simply a social lubricant."
A. It contains a prepositional phrase.
B. It contains an adjectival clause.
C. It contains an adverbial clause.
D. It contains a noun clause.
E. None of the above.
1. What is true of the following example? "Many people probably think that politeness is simply a social lubricant."
A. It contains a prepositional phrase.
B. It contains an adjectival clause.
C. It contains an adverbial clause.
D. It contains a noun clause.
E. None of the above.
10 de octubre de 2013
Identifying Independent Clauses Exercises
Identifying Independent Clauses |
- 1. The doctor told Charlie to lose weight and exercise vigorously for forty-five minutes a day.
- This sentence has two independent clauses.
- This sentence has no independent clauses.
- This sentence has one independent clause.
- 2. The doctor was worried that Charlie was putting on too much weight.
- The section in blue is an independent clause.
- The independent clause is "The doctor was worried."
- This sentence has no independent clause.
22 de septiembre de 2013
Clauses
In grammar, a clause is the smallest grammar unit that can express a complete proposition. A typical clause consists of a subject and a predicate, where the predicate is typically a verb phrase – a verb together with any objects and other modifiers. However the subject is sometimes not expressed; this is often the case in null-subject languages, if the subject is retrievable from context, but it also occurs in certain cases in other languages such as English (as in imperative sentences and non-finite clauses).
A simple sentence usually consists of a single finite clause with a finite verb that is independent. More complex sentences may contain multiple clauses. Main clauses (= matrix clauses, independent clauses) are those that could stand as a sentence by themselves. Subordinate clauses (= embedded clauses, dependent clauses) are those that would be awkward or nonsensical if used alone.
Independent Clauses
An independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself, also known as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate; it makes sense by itself.
Independent clauses can be joined by using a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Denpendent Clauses
A dependent clause (or a subordinate clause) is a clause that augments an independent clause with additional information, but which cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses either modify the independent clause of a sentence or serve as a component of it. Some grammarians use the term subordinate clause as a synonym for dependent clause. Other grammars use subordinate clause to refer only to adverbial dependent clauses. There are also different types of dependent clauses, including noun clauses, relative (adjectival) clauses, and adverbial clauses.
Dependent clauses often begin with a a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun (see below) that makes the clause unable to stand alone.
For example:
The door opened because the man pushed it.
Dependent clauses can be nominal, adverbial or adjectival.
A nominal clause (noun clause) functions like a noun or noun phrase. It is a group of words containing a subject and a finite verb of its own and contains one of the following: that | if | whether
For example:
An adverbial clause (adverb clause) is a word or expression in the sentence that functions as an adverb; that is, it tells you something about how the action in the verb was done. An adverbial clause is separated from the other clauses by any of the following subordinating conjunctions: after | although | as | because | before | if | since | that | though | till | unless | until | when | where | while
For example:
For example:
Adverb clauses answer questions like "when?", "where?", "why?"
An adjectival clause (adjective clause or relative clause) does the work of an adjective and describes a noun, it's usually introduced by a relative pronoun: who | whom | whose | that | which
For example:
For example:
For example:
!Note - The difference between a clause and a phrase is that a phrase does not contain a finite verb.
Who(m) is used when the antecedent is a person.
That is used to refer to either a person or thing.
Which is used to refer to anything exept a person.
In English a non-restrictive relative clause is preceded by a pause in speech or a comma in writing, unlike a restrictive clause.
For example:-
This second example uses a restrictive relative clause. Without the commas, the sentence states that any builder who builds such houses will make a profit.
A simple sentence usually consists of a single finite clause with a finite verb that is independent. More complex sentences may contain multiple clauses. Main clauses (= matrix clauses, independent clauses) are those that could stand as a sentence by themselves. Subordinate clauses (= embedded clauses, dependent clauses) are those that would be awkward or nonsensical if used alone.
Independent Clauses
An independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself, also known as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate; it makes sense by itself.
Independent clauses can be joined by using a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Denpendent Clauses
A dependent clause (or a subordinate clause) is a clause that augments an independent clause with additional information, but which cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses either modify the independent clause of a sentence or serve as a component of it. Some grammarians use the term subordinate clause as a synonym for dependent clause. Other grammars use subordinate clause to refer only to adverbial dependent clauses. There are also different types of dependent clauses, including noun clauses, relative (adjectival) clauses, and adverbial clauses.
Dependent clauses often begin with a a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun (see below) that makes the clause unable to stand alone.
Subordinating Conjunctions |
|||
---|---|---|---|
after | although | as | because |
before | even if | even though | if |
in order that | once | provided that | rather than |
since | so that | than | that |
though | unless | until | when |
whenever | where | whereas | wherever |
whether | while | why |
Relative Pronouns |
||
---|---|---|
that | which | whichever |
who | whoever | whom |
whose | whosever | whomever |
For example:
The door opened because the man pushed it.
Dependent clauses can be nominal, adverbial or adjectival.
A nominal clause (noun clause) functions like a noun or noun phrase. It is a group of words containing a subject and a finite verb of its own and contains one of the following: that | if | whether
For example:
- I wondered whether the homework was necessary.
An adverbial clause (adverb clause) is a word or expression in the sentence that functions as an adverb; that is, it tells you something about how the action in the verb was done. An adverbial clause is separated from the other clauses by any of the following subordinating conjunctions: after | although | as | because | before | if | since | that | though | till | unless | until | when | where | while
For example:
- They will visit you before they go to the airport.
For example:
- Before they go to the airport, they will visit you.
Adverb clauses answer questions like "when?", "where?", "why?"
An adjectival clause (adjective clause or relative clause) does the work of an adjective and describes a noun, it's usually introduced by a relative pronoun: who | whom | whose | that | which
For example:
- I went to the show that was very popular.
For example:
- The car that is parked in front of the gates will be towed away. (Defining relative clause.)
- My dog, who is grey and white, chased the postman. ( Non-defining relative clause)
For example:
- My dog chased the postman.
Summary
An adjective clause functions as an adjective (modifies a noun or pronoun); an adverb clause functions as an adverb (describes a verb, adjective or other adverb); a noun clause is used as a noun (subject of a verb, direct object, indirect object, predicate nominative or object of the preposition).!Note - The difference between a clause and a phrase is that a phrase does not contain a finite verb.
Relative Clauses
A relative clause follows the noun it modifies. It is generally indicated by a relative pronoun at the start of the clause, although sometimes you can tell simply by word order. The choice of relative pronoun, or choice to omit one, can be affected by the following:-Human or Non-human?
We make a distinction between an antecedent that is a human — who(m) — and an antecedent which is a non-human — which.Who(m) is used when the antecedent is a person.
That is used to refer to either a person or thing.
Which is used to refer to anything exept a person.
- I met a man and a woman yesterday. The woman, who had long blonde hair, was very pretty.
- The man she was with, was the man that / who won the race.
- The race was the one that I lost.
- The man, to whom the winnings were given, was with the woman who was very pretty.
Restrictive or Non-restrictive?
Restrictive relative clauses are sometimes called defining relative clauses, or identifying relative clauses. Similarly, non-restrictive relative clauses are called non-defining or non-identifying relative clauses.In English a non-restrictive relative clause is preceded by a pause in speech or a comma in writing, unlike a restrictive clause.
For example:-
- The builder, who erects very fine houses, will make a large profit.
This example, with commas, contains a non-restrictive relative clause. It refers to a specific builder, and assumes we know which builder is intended. It tells us firstly about his houses, then about his profits.
This second example uses a restrictive relative clause. Without the commas, the sentence states that any builder who builds such houses will make a profit.
Restrictive | Non-restrictive | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Human | Nonhuman | Human | Nonhuman | |
Subject | who, that | which, that | who | which |
Object | who, whom, that, Ø | which, that, Ø | who, whom | which |
After preposition | whom | which | whom | which |
Possessive | whose, of whom | whose, of which | whose, of whom | whose, of which |
17 de septiembre de 2013
Passive Voice Exercises
PASSIVE VOICE AND THE NEWS
THE PASSIVE VOICE IS GENERALLY USED TO TALK ABOUT THE NEWS ON RADIO, TELEVISION AND IN THE NEWSPAPERS.
PUT
THESE TEXTS INTO THE PASSIVE: Remember to use capital letters at the
beginning of each sentence, a stop sign (.) at the end and to use the
correct apostrophe (') sign".
Remember also that intransitive verbs (arrive, go...) cannot be put into passive, so some verbs will remain active.
TEXT 1:
Some people saw a UFO in the sky above Madrid last Tuesday. They reported it to the police. The army sent a helicopter to have a closer look. The UFO shot the helicopter down and killed the pilot. Some young people have given photographs of the UFO to the police. Experts are investigating them at the moment.
TEXT 2:
Somebody has stolen a lady's bag near a high-school this afternoon. The students saw the robber and told the police. They are looking for him now. They will use the children’s descriptions to catch the man as soon as possible.
TEXT 3:
Someone broke into a clothes shop last week. The owner was locking up the shop when a robber with a gun threatened her. The robber told her to open the door and give him all the money from the till. Then the robber tied the woman up. The police hope they will find him in a few days. Doctors are treating the owner of the shop for shock at the local hospital.
TEXT 4:
Our school has organised a contest. Any student can participate. You have to design an environmental friendly object. All the pupils will vote and they will choose the best idea. The participants can also include pictures and drawings. The school doesn't allow any adult to help the students with the projects. The school will give the winner a set of books about nature.
Write a news report in the Passive using the notes below.
A small German village- flod- intense rains - last night. Fortunately many people - can- rescue. However, most houses - destroy- the force of the water. Soldiers -already- send- to the village. The local sports centre- be used - as temporary shelter - for those who - lose their houses. Efforts- still- make to clear the village. Clean water, food and blankets- send- nearby countries in the next few days. Heavy rains -also- predict- next week. Any further news- give- to you as soon as it arrives.
10 de septiembre de 2013
16 de agosto de 2013
Reported Speech Exercises
Complete the sentences in reported speech.
- John said, "I love this town."
John said - "Do you like soccer ?" He asked me.
He asked me - "I can't drive a lorry," he said.
He said - "Be nice to your brother," he said.
He asked me - "Don't be nasty," he said.
He urged me - "Don't waste your money" she said.
She told the boys - "What have you decided to do?" she asked him.
She asked him - "I always wake up early," he said.
He said - "You should revise your lessons," he said.
He advised the students - "Where were you born?" he asked me.
He wanted to know
Reported Speech Grammar Part II
Place, demonstratives and time expressions
Place, demonstratives and time expressions change if the context of the reported statement (i.e. the location and/or the period of time) is different from that of the direct speech.
In the following table, you will find the different changes of place; demonstratives and time expressions.
Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
---|---|
Time Expressions | |
today | that day |
now | then |
yesterday | the day before |
… days ago | … days before |
last week | the week before |
next year | the following year |
tomorrow | the next day / the following day |
Place | |
here | there |
Demonstratives | |
this | that |
these | those |
B. Reporting Questions
When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:
Also note that you have to:
- pronouns
- place and time expressions
- tenses (backshift)
- transform the question into an indirect question
- use the question word (where, when, what, how) or if / whether
Types of questions Direct speech Reported speech With question word (what, why, where, how...) "Why" don’t you speak English?” He asked me why I didn’t speak English. Without question word (yes or no questions) “Do you speak English?” He asked me whether / if I spoke English.
C. Reporting requests / commands
When transforming requests and commands, check whether you have to change:
- pronouns
- place and time expressions
Direct speech | Reported speech |
---|---|
“Nancy,do the exercise.“ | He told Nancy to do the exercise. |
"Nancy, give me your pen, please." | He asked Nancy to give him her pen. |
Tenses are not relevant for requests – simply use to / not to + verb (infinitive without "to") |
Example:
She said, “Sit down." - She asked me to sit down.
She said, "don't be lazy" - She asked me not to be lazy
For affirmative use to + infinitive (without to)
For negative requests, use not to + infinitive (without to).
|
D. Other transformations
- Expressions of advice with must, should and ought are usually reported using advise / urge.
Example:
“You must read this book.“
He advised / urged me to read that book.- The expression let’s is usually reported using suggest. In this case, there are two possibilities for reported speech: gerund or statement with should.
Example:
“Let’s go to the cinema.“=
1. He suggested going to the cinema.
2. He suggested that we should go to the cinema.
15 de agosto de 2013
Reported Speech Grammar
Table for change in tense of reported speech for all TENSES.
Usually in reported speech the main sentence move back into a before verb tense.TENSE CHANGE - IN - INDIRECT SPEECH
Present simple tense into Past simple
Present Continuous tense into Past continuous
Present Perfect tense into Pas perfect
Present Perfect Continuous into Past perfect continuous
Past simple into Past Perfect
Past Continuous into Past Perfect Continuous
Past Perfect into Past Perfect
Future simple, will into would
Future Continuous, will be into would be
Future Perfect, will have into would have
Examples.
DIRECT SPEECH |
INDIRECT SPEECH |
PRESENT TENSE |
|
PRESENT SIMPLE changes into PAST SIMPLE |
|
He said, “I write a letter” She said, “he goes to school daily” They said, “we love our country” He said, “he does not like computer” |
He said that he wrote a letter. He said that she went to school daily. They said that they loved their country He said that he did not like computer. |
PRESENT CONTINUOUS changes into PAST CONTINUOUS |
|
He said, “he is listening to the music” She said, “I am washing my clothes” They said, “we are enjoying the weather” I said, “it is raining” She said, “I am not laughing” |
He said that he was listening to the music. She said that she was washing her clothes. They said that they were not enjoying the weather. She said that she was not laughing. |
PRESENT PERFECT changes into PAST PERFECT |
|
She said, “he has finished his work” He said, “I have started a job” I said, “she have eaten the meal” They said, “we have not gone to New York. |
She said that he had finished his work. He said that he had started a job. I said that she had eaten the meal. They said that they had not gone to New York. |
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS changes into PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS |
|
He said, “I have been studying since 3 O’clock” She said, “It has been raining for three days.” I said, “She has been working in this office since 2007” |
He said that he had been studying since 3 O’clock. She said that it been raining for three days. I said that she had been working in this office since 2007. |
PAST TENSE |
|
PAST SIMPLE changes into PAST PERFECT |
|
He said to me, “you answered correctly” John said, “they went to cinema” He said, “I made a table” She said, “I didn’t buy a car” |
He said to me that I had answered correctly. John said that they had gone to cinema. He said that he had made a table. She said that she had not bought a car. |
PAST CONTINUOUS changes into PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS |
|
They said, “we were enjoying the weather” He said to me, “ I was waiting for you” I said, “It was raining” She said, “I was not laughing” |
They said that they had been enjoying. He said to me that he had been waiting for me. I said that it had been raining. She said that she not been laughing. |
PAST PERFECT changes into PAST PERFECT (tense does not change) |
|
She said, “She had visited a doctor” He said, “I had started a business” I said, “she had eaten the meal” They said, “we had not gone to New York. |
She said that she had visited a doctor. He said that he had started a business. I said that she had eaten the meal. They said they had not gone to New York. |
FUTURE TENSE |
|
FUTURE SIMPLE TENSE
|
|
He said, “I will study the book” She said, “I will buy a computer” They said to me, “we will send you gifts” I said, “I will not take the exam” |
He said that he would study the book. She said that she would buy a computer. They said to me that they would send you gifts. I said that I would not take the exam. |
FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE
|
|
I said to him, “ I will be waiting for him” She said,” I will be shifting to new home” He said, “I will be working hard” He said, “he will not be flying kite” |
I said to him that I would be waiting for him. She said that she would be shifting to a new home. He said that he would be working hard. She said that he would not be flying kites. |
FUTURE PERFECT TENSE
|
|
He said, “I will have finished the work” She said, “they will have passed the examination” He said, “I will have gone” |
He said that he would have finished the work. She said that they would have passed the examination. He said that he would have gone. |
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