SURYAs
Subjects and Verbs agreement is a must for any sentence.
1. A Verb must agree with its Subject in Number and Person. .
Often, by what is called the ‘Error of Proximity’, the verb is made to agree with the subject which is nears to it rather than to its proper Subject.
Example-1: • The quality of the mangoes were not good.
In this sentence, the verb is ‘were’ whereas the proper Subject is the quality of the Mangoes.
Since ‘the quality of the Mangoes’ is singular in nature, the singular verb ‘was’ should have been used instead of ‘were’.
So the correct sentence is: • The quality of the Mangoes was not good.
Example-2:
• The introduction of coffee and other beverages have not been without some effect.
In this sentence as well, the proper Subject is ‘The introduction of ….’. This Subject is singular.
So the verb ‘has’, meant for the singular Subject, should have been used in place of ‘have’ which is a plural verb.
The correct sentence is:
• The introduction of coffee and other beverages has not been without some effects.
Example-3: • The results of the recognition is this fact is seen in a gradual manner.
In this sentence, the proper Subject is ‘The results of the recognition’ which is plural.
But the singular verb ‘is’ has been used in place of ‘are’.
So the correct sentence is:
• The results of introduction are seen in a gradual manner.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
2. The verb must agree with the Subject when the Subject is the combination of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by ‘and’.
Example-1: • Fire and water does not agree.
In this sentence, the subject is ‘Fire and water’ which is plural in form.
But the sentence uses the verb ‘does’ which treats only the noun ‘water’ as the Subject.
So the correct sentence is: • Fire and water do not agree.
Example-2: • Honor and glory is the reward.
Here also the Subject is in plural form i.e. Honor and glory.
So the correct form of the sentence is: • Honor and glory are the rewards.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
Here not only the verb has been changed to make the sentence correct one.
But also the corresponding change in the object ‘reward’ has been made.
The object ‘reward’ has been changed into ‘rewards’.
But when the two nouns refer to the same person or to the same idea, only the singular form of the verb should be used.
Example-3: • The novelist and poet are dead.
In this sentence, both the novelist and the poet are one and the same person.
In case they are different person, this sentence might have been in the following form
• The novelist and the poet are dead.
The absence of the article ‘the’ before the word ‘poet’ indicates that both the persons are one and the same person. So the correct sentence is: • The novelist and poet is dead.
Subjects and Verbs agreement is a must for any sentence.
1. A Verb must agree with its Subject in Number and Person. .
Often, by what is called the ‘Error of Proximity’, the verb is made to agree with the subject which is nears to it rather than to its proper Subject.
Example-1: • The quality of the mangoes were not good.
In this sentence, the verb is ‘were’ whereas the proper Subject is the quality of the Mangoes.
Since ‘the quality of the Mangoes’ is singular in nature, the singular verb ‘was’ should have been used instead of ‘were’.
So the correct sentence is: • The quality of the Mangoes was not good.
Example-2:
• The introduction of coffee and other beverages have not been without some effect.
In this sentence as well, the proper Subject is ‘The introduction of ….’. This Subject is singular.
So the verb ‘has’, meant for the singular Subject, should have been used in place of ‘have’ which is a plural verb.
The correct sentence is:
• The introduction of coffee and other beverages has not been without some effects.
Example-3: • The results of the recognition is this fact is seen in a gradual manner.
In this sentence, the proper Subject is ‘The results of the recognition’ which is plural.
But the singular verb ‘is’ has been used in place of ‘are’.
So the correct sentence is:
• The results of introduction are seen in a gradual manner.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
2. The verb must agree with the Subject when the Subject is the combination of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by ‘and’.
Example-1: • Fire and water does not agree.
In this sentence, the subject is ‘Fire and water’ which is plural in form.
But the sentence uses the verb ‘does’ which treats only the noun ‘water’ as the Subject.
So the correct sentence is: • Fire and water do not agree.
Example-2: • Honor and glory is the reward.
Here also the Subject is in plural form i.e. Honor and glory.
So the correct form of the sentence is: • Honor and glory are the rewards.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
Here not only the verb has been changed to make the sentence correct one.
But also the corresponding change in the object ‘reward’ has been made.
The object ‘reward’ has been changed into ‘rewards’.
But when the two nouns refer to the same person or to the same idea, only the singular form of the verb should be used.
Example-3: • The novelist and poet are dead.
In this sentence, both the novelist and the poet are one and the same person.
In case they are different person, this sentence might have been in the following form
• The novelist and the poet are dead.
The absence of the article ‘the’ before the word ‘poet’ indicates that both the persons are one and the same person. So the correct sentence is: • The novelist and poet is dead.
Example-4: • My friend and benefactor have come.
This sentence is a wrong one. The correct sentence is:
• My friend and benefactor has come.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
3. When the Subject is formed by the conjunctions such as ‘with’ as well as, along with etc…’ the verb should be in singular form.
Example-1: • The house, with its contents, was insured.
In this sentence, the Subject is only the house, not its contents although the verb ‘insure’ refers to the contents as well.
Examples: • Justice, as well as mercy, allows it.
• English, as well as Japanese, is taught there. • Silver, as well as Cotton, has fallen in price.
These sentences are examples for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
4. Two singular Subjects connected by ‘or’ or ‘nor’ require a singular verb.
Example-1: • Our happiness or our sorrow is largely due to our actions.
Here the Subject is either ‘our happiness’ or ‘our sorrow’.
So it requires only singular verb.
Example-2:
• Neither food nor water is to be found here.
Here also the Subject is either ‘food’ or ‘water’. So it requires singular verb.
Examples: • Either the cat or the dog is good for you.
• Either this College or any other college in this country is suitable for you.
NOTE: When one of the Subjects, joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, is plural, the verb must be plural. The plural object should be placed near the verb.
Example-1: • Neither the Chairman nor the members were present.
Here in this sentence, the Subject that the verb takes ‘the members’ has been placed near the verb ‘were’.
Example-2: • Neither his brother nor his parents were with him.
Her also the same system has been followed.
Examples: • Neither your father nor your friends are welcome to the function.
• Neither he nor his employees attended the festival
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
5. The words ‘many, neither, many a, each, everyone, every etc..’ require only singular verbs.
Example-1: • Many a students is standing in the canteen
Although the word preceding the verb ‘is’ is plural in nature, the correct verb is singular one ‘is’, because of the presence of ‘many a’.
Example-2: • Each of these items is found in Sri Lanka.
Here also the Subject is singular in form ‘each of…’ So the verb is in singular form.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
Examples: • Neither of the two men was strong.
• Neither of two brothers was selected to the post.
• Every one of the prisons is full.
These sentences are examples for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
6. When the Subjects, joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, the verb agrees with the Subject which is near to the verb.
Example-1: • Either you or I am mistaken
Here the Subject that the verb takes is the pronoun ‘I’. The same sentence can be rewritten as:
• Either I or you are mistaken.
Although, this sentence is grammatically correct, the previous sentence is preferred to this one.
Because, when we use many pronouns in a sentence, we have to use them in the order:
Third person, second person and the first person. Such a usage constitutes PERFECT ENGLISH.
Examples: • Neither he nor you are a member of this organization.
• Either you or I am to blame. • Neither he nor they have agreed to help me.
• Either You or he has consulted me.
These sentences are examples for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
3. When the Subject is formed by the conjunctions such as ‘with’ as well as, along with etc…’ the verb should be in singular form.
Example-1: • The house, with its contents, was insured.
In this sentence, the Subject is only the house, not its contents although the verb ‘insure’ refers to the contents as well.
Examples: • Justice, as well as mercy, allows it.
• English, as well as Japanese, is taught there. • Silver, as well as Cotton, has fallen in price.
These sentences are examples for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
4. Two singular Subjects connected by ‘or’ or ‘nor’ require a singular verb.
Example-1: • Our happiness or our sorrow is largely due to our actions.
Here the Subject is either ‘our happiness’ or ‘our sorrow’.
So it requires only singular verb.
Example-2:
• Neither food nor water is to be found here.
Here also the Subject is either ‘food’ or ‘water’. So it requires singular verb.
Examples: • Either the cat or the dog is good for you.
• Either this College or any other college in this country is suitable for you.
NOTE: When one of the Subjects, joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, is plural, the verb must be plural. The plural object should be placed near the verb.
Example-1: • Neither the Chairman nor the members were present.
Here in this sentence, the Subject that the verb takes ‘the members’ has been placed near the verb ‘were’.
Example-2: • Neither his brother nor his parents were with him.
Her also the same system has been followed.
Examples: • Neither your father nor your friends are welcome to the function.
• Neither he nor his employees attended the festival
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
5. The words ‘many, neither, many a, each, everyone, every etc..’ require only singular verbs.
Example-1: • Many a students is standing in the canteen
Although the word preceding the verb ‘is’ is plural in nature, the correct verb is singular one ‘is’, because of the presence of ‘many a’.
Example-2: • Each of these items is found in Sri Lanka.
Here also the Subject is singular in form ‘each of…’ So the verb is in singular form.
This sentence is an example for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
Examples: • Neither of the two men was strong.
• Neither of two brothers was selected to the post.
• Every one of the prisons is full.
These sentences are examples for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
6. When the Subjects, joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, the verb agrees with the Subject which is near to the verb.
Example-1: • Either you or I am mistaken
Here the Subject that the verb takes is the pronoun ‘I’. The same sentence can be rewritten as:
• Either I or you are mistaken.
Although, this sentence is grammatically correct, the previous sentence is preferred to this one.
Because, when we use many pronouns in a sentence, we have to use them in the order:
Third person, second person and the first person. Such a usage constitutes PERFECT ENGLISH.
Examples: • Neither he nor you are a member of this organization.
• Either you or I am to blame. • Neither he nor they have agreed to help me.
• Either You or he has consulted me.
These sentences are examples for Subject-and-Verb-agreement.
We have seen how the Subject and Verb agreement in a sentence is must.
Here we can see few more rules which govern the agreement between the Verb and the Subject.
1. Two nouns qualified by ‘each’ or ‘every’, even though connected by and, require only a singular verb.
Example-1: • Every boy and every girl is given the admission ticket to the show.
In this sentence, the Subject is ‘Every boy and every girl’. Although this Subject contains two nouns and they are connected by the conjunction ‘and’, we have to use only a singular verb ‘is’, because the subject implies every one of all the students.
Example-2: • Every man and every woman was given a packet of sweets.
In this sentence also, the Subject is treated as singular, so the verb is also singular.
You see how in this sentence Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
Examples: • Every teacher and every student has got his share of the balance amount.
• Every boy and every girl in this class has applied for TOEFL.
• Every man and every woman has come forward to donate some money to this organization.
2. Few nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning take only the singular verb.
Examples: • The news is not true. • The wages of sin is pains.
• Mathematics is a branch of study in every school. • Economics is a scientific subject.
You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
3. The Subjects ‘pains’ and ‘means’ take either singular or plural verb. But the construction should be consistent.
Examples: • Great pains have been taken to complete this project.
• Great pains has been taken to complete this project.
Both these sentences are correct forms but when you use a particular form, you have to use that form consistently throughout the particular writing.
• The means to rich is a not a secret. • The means to rich are not secrets.
4. When a plural noun denotes a specific quantity or amount considered as a whole, the verb is generally singular.
Examples: • Fifteen minutes is not sufficient. • Ten kilometers is a long distance.
• Fifty thousands dollars is not a small salary per month.
• Three parts of the project is left to me.
You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
5. The Verb in the Subordinate Clause:
Example-1: • India is one of the few countries which have their own traditions.
Do you think this sentence is a correct one?
The Subordinate Clause in this sentence takes plural verb while the Main Clause takes only a singular verb. Because the Subject of the Subordinate Clause ‘which’ here means only the word ‘countries’ which comes before it. So, the Subordinate Clause takes a plural verb.
This sentence is correct one.
Examples:
• Is you brother one of the two hundred people who have become the members of this organization?
• This is one of those novels that deal with drug abuse.
• Ramanujam is one of the greatest mathematicians who have ever lived.
Examples:
• The neighbor, with his wife and children, is watching the football match on television.
• Neither my bank balance nor the amount I borrowed is sufficient to meet the expenditure.
• Not one in hundred seeds develops into a healthy plant.
• The number of poisonous snakes in not known.
• A good college record as well a good score in GMAT is required for admission in MBA.
• Not only an excellent preparation but also very good presentation in TOEFL is must to score more marks in it.
• Neither of these two movies was rated as outstanding, but each had an absorbing story.
• A large percentage of college students were absent on the annual day.
You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
Here we can see few more rules which govern the agreement between the Verb and the Subject.
1. Two nouns qualified by ‘each’ or ‘every’, even though connected by and, require only a singular verb.
Example-1: • Every boy and every girl is given the admission ticket to the show.
In this sentence, the Subject is ‘Every boy and every girl’. Although this Subject contains two nouns and they are connected by the conjunction ‘and’, we have to use only a singular verb ‘is’, because the subject implies every one of all the students.
Example-2: • Every man and every woman was given a packet of sweets.
In this sentence also, the Subject is treated as singular, so the verb is also singular.
You see how in this sentence Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
Examples: • Every teacher and every student has got his share of the balance amount.
• Every boy and every girl in this class has applied for TOEFL.
• Every man and every woman has come forward to donate some money to this organization.
2. Few nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning take only the singular verb.
Examples: • The news is not true. • The wages of sin is pains.
• Mathematics is a branch of study in every school. • Economics is a scientific subject.
You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
3. The Subjects ‘pains’ and ‘means’ take either singular or plural verb. But the construction should be consistent.
Examples: • Great pains have been taken to complete this project.
• Great pains has been taken to complete this project.
Both these sentences are correct forms but when you use a particular form, you have to use that form consistently throughout the particular writing.
• The means to rich is a not a secret. • The means to rich are not secrets.
4. When a plural noun denotes a specific quantity or amount considered as a whole, the verb is generally singular.
Examples: • Fifteen minutes is not sufficient. • Ten kilometers is a long distance.
• Fifty thousands dollars is not a small salary per month.
• Three parts of the project is left to me.
You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
5. The Verb in the Subordinate Clause:
Example-1: • India is one of the few countries which have their own traditions.
Do you think this sentence is a correct one?
The Subordinate Clause in this sentence takes plural verb while the Main Clause takes only a singular verb. Because the Subject of the Subordinate Clause ‘which’ here means only the word ‘countries’ which comes before it. So, the Subordinate Clause takes a plural verb.
This sentence is correct one.
Examples:
• Is you brother one of the two hundred people who have become the members of this organization?
• This is one of those novels that deal with drug abuse.
• Ramanujam is one of the greatest mathematicians who have ever lived.
Examples:
• The neighbor, with his wife and children, is watching the football match on television.
• Neither my bank balance nor the amount I borrowed is sufficient to meet the expenditure.
• Not one in hundred seeds develops into a healthy plant.
• The number of poisonous snakes in not known.
• A good college record as well a good score in GMAT is required for admission in MBA.
• Not only an excellent preparation but also very good presentation in TOEFL is must to score more marks in it.
• Neither of these two movies was rated as outstanding, but each had an absorbing story.
• A large percentage of college students were absent on the annual day.
You see how in these sentences Subject-and-Verb-agreement is perfect.
Tenses
Let us see how the tenses should be used in various sentences.
1. If the action was started in the Past and is continuing still now, You should use the PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE, and not the present continuous tense.
Example-1: • He is working in this office for the last five years.
Here, in this sentence, it has been stated that he started working in the office five years back and he still works there. So the correct tense to be used is not the present continuous tense, but the past perfect continuous tense.
The correct answer is: • He has been working in this office for the last five years.
Example-2: • Mary is living in New York for the last seven months.
This also has the same mistake. The correct tense is:
• Mary has been living in New York for the last seven months.
Examples: These sentences are correct ones.
• Mr. Sunil has been working as the Chairman of this Company for the last two years.
• She has been working as a Teacher for the last twenty five years.
• It has been living with me for the last three months only.
2. If an action had happened at a particular point of time in the past, you should use only the simple past tense, not the present perfect tense or past perfect tense.
Examples:
• Incorrect: My mother had visited the Niagara Falls last year. My mother has visited the Niagara Falls last year.
• Correct: My mother visited the Niagara Falls.
• Incorrect: Philip’s father has died last month. Philip’s father had died last year.
• Correct: Philip’s father died last year.
3. When the main clause is in the simple future tense, the subordinate clause should not be in the future tense but should be in simple present tense.
Examples: • Incorrect: When I shall find out Clinton’s address, I shall tell you.
• Correct: When I find out Clinton’s address, I shall tell you.
• Incorrect: Nita will start crying, if we will tease her.
• Correct: Nita will start crying, if we tease her.
• Incorrect: As soon as we will receive your order with payment, we shall ship the goods to you.
• Correct: As soon as we receive your order with payment, we shall ship the goods to you.
4. In the sentences in the subjunctive mood (containing a command, an order, a suggestion, a warning or a request), You should not use the future tense in the subordinate clause, but use simple present tense.
Examples: • Incorrect: Take care that you should not trip over the carpet.
• Correct: Take care that you do not trip over the carpet.
• Incorrect: Please ensure that you will not be late for the meeting.
• Correct: Please ensure that you are not late for the meeting.
• Incorrect: We expect that the bill will be paid very soon.
• Correct: WE expect that the bill is paid very soon.
5. In a sentence mentioning two mutually related past events of which one had happened earlier than the other, they should not both be mentioned in the simple past tense. The earlier event must be mentioned in the past perfect tense and the later event must be mentioned in the simple past tense.
Examples: • Incorrect: The bus already left by the time I reached the station.
• Correct. The bus already had left by the time I reached the station.
• Incorrect: Before I bought this house last month, I lived in it as a tenant for three years.
• Correct: Before I bought this house last month, I had lived in it as a tenant for three years.
• Incorrect: The teacher complained to the headmaster that the students misbehaved in the class.
• Correct: The teacher complained to the headmaster that the students had misbehaved in the class.
• Incorrect: He left the hotel before I reached it.
• Correct: He had left the hotel before I reached it.
6. When the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause can be either in the past tense or in the past perfect tense. It can not be in any of the present or future tense forms.
Examples: • Incorrect: Clinton told me that he will come to the office tomorrow.
• Correct: Clinton told me that he would come to the office tomorrow.
• Incorrect: Did you tell me that you have visited Taj Mahal?
• Correct: Did you tell me that you had visited Taj Mahal?
• Incorrect: The accused asserted the Judge that he is innocent.
• Correct: The accused asserted the Judge that he was innocent.
• Incorrect: The students told us that they will take their examinations without fail.
• Correct: The students told us that they would take their examinations without fail.
Exceptions:
When the subordinate clause mentions an eternal truth (namely, a statement that is forever true), it should be in simple present tense even the main clause is in past tense.
Examples: • The teacher said that the Sun rises in the east.
• Columbus proved that the Earth is round.
• Newton discovered that it is the gravitational force that keeps the planets moving round the Sun.
A Pronouns is word that is used in place of another noun in order to avoid inelegant repetition.
Example: • Clinton said that Clinton was planning to go with Clinton’s brother to Clinton’s school.
This sentence is, although grammatically correct one, not preferred and is looking awkward.
In order to avoid the inelegant repetition of the same word (Noun-Clinton),'he' and 'his' can be used as follows. • Anil said that he was planning to go with his brother to his school.
By using 'he' and 'his', we have made the sentences an elegant one.
Singular Pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, each, everyone, one, me, him, his, her, this etc…
Plural Pronouns: They, both, few, those, these etc…
Pronouns which could be either singular or plural: Who, which, what, that etc…
The noun that a pronoun stands for is known as antecedent.
Example: • Joseph has gone to meet his friend.
In this sentence, the noun ‘Joseph’ is the antecedent for ‘his’.The following rules must be strictly observed.
1. A Pronoun must be of its same number as its antecedent.
Example-1:
• A student who aims to get the first rank must invest a significant amount of their time and energy in hard work.
In this sentence, the word ‘their’ has been used whereas there is no antecedent for that in the sentence.
This sentence uses only a singular noun ‘a student’. So the proper word that should be used to denote the singular noun is only ‘his’ or ‘her’. The correct sentence is:
• A student who aims to get the first rank must invest a significant amount of his time and energy in hard work.
Example-2: • Unlike their counterparts in other Western Countries, The American labor movement has never embraced revolutionary ideologies for the ultimate transformation of the economic order.
In this sentence, the pronoun ‘theirs’ has been used without any antecedent.
But the following sentence uses a singular noun ‘the American labor movement’.
So the proper word to be used here is only ‘its’. The correct sentence is:
• Unlike its counterparts in other Western Countries, The American labor movement has never embraced revolutionary ideologies for the ultimate transformation of the economic order.
2. A Pronoun must be of the same gender as its antecedent:
Example-1: • The batting team in cricket has eleven players, of which two will be at the crease at any moment.
In this sentence, the pronoun ‘which’ has been used whereas the Noun speaks about only players.
For this Noun, the word to be used is only ‘whom’. The correct sentence is:
• The batting team in cricket has eleven players, of whom two will be at the crease at any moment.
Example-2:
• This university has twenty thousands students of which only a few hundreds belong to this state.
This sentence also has the same mistake which the previous one has.
The correct sentence is: • This university has twenty thousands students of whom only a few hundreds belong to this state.
3. There must be no ambiguity regarding the antecedent of a pronoun:
Example-1: • John asked Clinton to bring his cricket bat.
In this sentence, the word ‘his’ has been used. But it is not clear whose cricket-bat this sentence is talking about. There is ambiguity in the uses of the pronoun.
In order to make the sentence unambiguous one, it is better to use the same noun.
The correct sentence is: • John asked Clinton to bring Clinton’s cricket bat.
Example-2: • My friend requested his father to tell his mother about his success in the university exams.
Here this sentence has the same mistake as the previous one.
The correct sentence is:
• My friend requested his father to tell his father’s mother about his success in the university exams.
4. A pronoun should not be used without an antecedent noun to it:
Example:
• I have studied well for TOEFL and it has given me the confidence that I will score more than 90%.
This sentence uses the word ‘it’ whereas there is no antecedent to that pronoun in the sentence.
The correct sentence is:
• The fact that I have studied well for TOEFL has given me confidence that I will score more than 90%.
5. There must be consistency in the use of indefinite pronoun ‘one’ in a sentence:
Example-1:
• If one looks at the clear sky away from the glare of the city, he can see not less that 3000 stars with his naked eyes.
In this sentence, the words ‘he’ and ‘his’ have been used whereas in the first part of the sentence the indefinite pronoun ‘one’ has been used.
This kind of inconsistency in the uses of indefinite pronoun ‘one’ will spoil the beauty of the sentence.
The correct sentence is:
• If one looks at the clear sky away from the glare of the city, one can see not less that 3000 stars with one’s naked eyes.
• If he looks at the clear sky away from the glare of the city, he can see not less that 3000 stars with his naked eyes. Both these sentences are the correct forms.
Examples:
Incorrect:
• More than five thousand years ago, Chinese scholars accurately described the flow of blood as a continuous circle controlled by the heart. But it went unnoticed in the West.
Correct:
• More than five thousand years ago, Chinese scholars accurately described the flow of blood as a continuous circle controlled by the heart. But the discovery went unnoticed in the West.
Incorrect:
• India is a country with at least fifty major regional languages, of whom fourteen have official recognition.
Correct:
• India is a country with at least fifty major regional languages, of which fourteen have official recognition.
Let us see how the tenses should be used in various sentences.
1. If the action was started in the Past and is continuing still now, You should use the PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE, and not the present continuous tense.
Example-1: • He is working in this office for the last five years.
Here, in this sentence, it has been stated that he started working in the office five years back and he still works there. So the correct tense to be used is not the present continuous tense, but the past perfect continuous tense.
The correct answer is: • He has been working in this office for the last five years.
Example-2: • Mary is living in New York for the last seven months.
This also has the same mistake. The correct tense is:
• Mary has been living in New York for the last seven months.
Examples: These sentences are correct ones.
• Mr. Sunil has been working as the Chairman of this Company for the last two years.
• She has been working as a Teacher for the last twenty five years.
• It has been living with me for the last three months only.
2. If an action had happened at a particular point of time in the past, you should use only the simple past tense, not the present perfect tense or past perfect tense.
Examples:
• Incorrect: My mother had visited the Niagara Falls last year. My mother has visited the Niagara Falls last year.
• Correct: My mother visited the Niagara Falls.
• Incorrect: Philip’s father has died last month. Philip’s father had died last year.
• Correct: Philip’s father died last year.
3. When the main clause is in the simple future tense, the subordinate clause should not be in the future tense but should be in simple present tense.
Examples: • Incorrect: When I shall find out Clinton’s address, I shall tell you.
• Correct: When I find out Clinton’s address, I shall tell you.
• Incorrect: Nita will start crying, if we will tease her.
• Correct: Nita will start crying, if we tease her.
• Incorrect: As soon as we will receive your order with payment, we shall ship the goods to you.
• Correct: As soon as we receive your order with payment, we shall ship the goods to you.
4. In the sentences in the subjunctive mood (containing a command, an order, a suggestion, a warning or a request), You should not use the future tense in the subordinate clause, but use simple present tense.
Examples: • Incorrect: Take care that you should not trip over the carpet.
• Correct: Take care that you do not trip over the carpet.
• Incorrect: Please ensure that you will not be late for the meeting.
• Correct: Please ensure that you are not late for the meeting.
• Incorrect: We expect that the bill will be paid very soon.
• Correct: WE expect that the bill is paid very soon.
5. In a sentence mentioning two mutually related past events of which one had happened earlier than the other, they should not both be mentioned in the simple past tense. The earlier event must be mentioned in the past perfect tense and the later event must be mentioned in the simple past tense.
Examples: • Incorrect: The bus already left by the time I reached the station.
• Correct. The bus already had left by the time I reached the station.
• Incorrect: Before I bought this house last month, I lived in it as a tenant for three years.
• Correct: Before I bought this house last month, I had lived in it as a tenant for three years.
• Incorrect: The teacher complained to the headmaster that the students misbehaved in the class.
• Correct: The teacher complained to the headmaster that the students had misbehaved in the class.
• Incorrect: He left the hotel before I reached it.
• Correct: He had left the hotel before I reached it.
6. When the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause can be either in the past tense or in the past perfect tense. It can not be in any of the present or future tense forms.
Examples: • Incorrect: Clinton told me that he will come to the office tomorrow.
• Correct: Clinton told me that he would come to the office tomorrow.
• Incorrect: Did you tell me that you have visited Taj Mahal?
• Correct: Did you tell me that you had visited Taj Mahal?
• Incorrect: The accused asserted the Judge that he is innocent.
• Correct: The accused asserted the Judge that he was innocent.
• Incorrect: The students told us that they will take their examinations without fail.
• Correct: The students told us that they would take their examinations without fail.
Exceptions:
When the subordinate clause mentions an eternal truth (namely, a statement that is forever true), it should be in simple present tense even the main clause is in past tense.
Examples: • The teacher said that the Sun rises in the east.
• Columbus proved that the Earth is round.
• Newton discovered that it is the gravitational force that keeps the planets moving round the Sun.
A Pronouns is word that is used in place of another noun in order to avoid inelegant repetition.
Example: • Clinton said that Clinton was planning to go with Clinton’s brother to Clinton’s school.
This sentence is, although grammatically correct one, not preferred and is looking awkward.
In order to avoid the inelegant repetition of the same word (Noun-Clinton),'he' and 'his' can be used as follows. • Anil said that he was planning to go with his brother to his school.
By using 'he' and 'his', we have made the sentences an elegant one.
Singular Pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, each, everyone, one, me, him, his, her, this etc…
Plural Pronouns: They, both, few, those, these etc…
Pronouns which could be either singular or plural: Who, which, what, that etc…
The noun that a pronoun stands for is known as antecedent.
Example: • Joseph has gone to meet his friend.
In this sentence, the noun ‘Joseph’ is the antecedent for ‘his’.The following rules must be strictly observed.
1. A Pronoun must be of its same number as its antecedent.
Example-1:
• A student who aims to get the first rank must invest a significant amount of their time and energy in hard work.
In this sentence, the word ‘their’ has been used whereas there is no antecedent for that in the sentence.
This sentence uses only a singular noun ‘a student’. So the proper word that should be used to denote the singular noun is only ‘his’ or ‘her’. The correct sentence is:
• A student who aims to get the first rank must invest a significant amount of his time and energy in hard work.
Example-2: • Unlike their counterparts in other Western Countries, The American labor movement has never embraced revolutionary ideologies for the ultimate transformation of the economic order.
In this sentence, the pronoun ‘theirs’ has been used without any antecedent.
But the following sentence uses a singular noun ‘the American labor movement’.
So the proper word to be used here is only ‘its’. The correct sentence is:
• Unlike its counterparts in other Western Countries, The American labor movement has never embraced revolutionary ideologies for the ultimate transformation of the economic order.
2. A Pronoun must be of the same gender as its antecedent:
Example-1: • The batting team in cricket has eleven players, of which two will be at the crease at any moment.
In this sentence, the pronoun ‘which’ has been used whereas the Noun speaks about only players.
For this Noun, the word to be used is only ‘whom’. The correct sentence is:
• The batting team in cricket has eleven players, of whom two will be at the crease at any moment.
Example-2:
• This university has twenty thousands students of which only a few hundreds belong to this state.
This sentence also has the same mistake which the previous one has.
The correct sentence is: • This university has twenty thousands students of whom only a few hundreds belong to this state.
3. There must be no ambiguity regarding the antecedent of a pronoun:
Example-1: • John asked Clinton to bring his cricket bat.
In this sentence, the word ‘his’ has been used. But it is not clear whose cricket-bat this sentence is talking about. There is ambiguity in the uses of the pronoun.
In order to make the sentence unambiguous one, it is better to use the same noun.
The correct sentence is: • John asked Clinton to bring Clinton’s cricket bat.
Example-2: • My friend requested his father to tell his mother about his success in the university exams.
Here this sentence has the same mistake as the previous one.
The correct sentence is:
• My friend requested his father to tell his father’s mother about his success in the university exams.
4. A pronoun should not be used without an antecedent noun to it:
Example:
• I have studied well for TOEFL and it has given me the confidence that I will score more than 90%.
This sentence uses the word ‘it’ whereas there is no antecedent to that pronoun in the sentence.
The correct sentence is:
• The fact that I have studied well for TOEFL has given me confidence that I will score more than 90%.
5. There must be consistency in the use of indefinite pronoun ‘one’ in a sentence:
Example-1:
• If one looks at the clear sky away from the glare of the city, he can see not less that 3000 stars with his naked eyes.
In this sentence, the words ‘he’ and ‘his’ have been used whereas in the first part of the sentence the indefinite pronoun ‘one’ has been used.
This kind of inconsistency in the uses of indefinite pronoun ‘one’ will spoil the beauty of the sentence.
The correct sentence is:
• If one looks at the clear sky away from the glare of the city, one can see not less that 3000 stars with one’s naked eyes.
• If he looks at the clear sky away from the glare of the city, he can see not less that 3000 stars with his naked eyes. Both these sentences are the correct forms.
Examples:
Incorrect:
• More than five thousand years ago, Chinese scholars accurately described the flow of blood as a continuous circle controlled by the heart. But it went unnoticed in the West.
Correct:
• More than five thousand years ago, Chinese scholars accurately described the flow of blood as a continuous circle controlled by the heart. But the discovery went unnoticed in the West.
Incorrect:
• India is a country with at least fifty major regional languages, of whom fourteen have official recognition.
Correct:
• India is a country with at least fifty major regional languages, of which fourteen have official recognition.
Prepositions: Nouns, verbs, adjectives and participles are often combined with Prepositions. Each such combination has a separate meaning, sometimes totally different from the main word.
Such a preposition, in combination with a noun or a verb or an adjective or a participle is called Prepositional Phrase.
Here are few examples of sentences with such Prepositional Phrases.
Such Prepositional Phrases are called IDIOMS. The idioms have fixed meanings.
Examples: • Every citizen should abide by the laws of his country.
• This lake abounds in fish.
• Rajeev Gandhi started his Prime Minister ship with an abundance of goodwill from Indians.
• Why were you absent from the class yesterday?
• When I entered the room, I found my father absorbed in deep thought.
• The Judge refused to accede to the request of the accused to release him on bail.
• I regret that your proposal is acceptable to me.
• Gupta is known to all the politicians, and has ready access to a number of ministers.
• The engineer was accused of taking a bribe from the contractor.
• Are you acquainted with this neighborhood?
• The accused was acquitted of the charges of perjury.
• You have to adopt yourself to the changing times.
Note: Quite often, as in the previous case and in the following case, the main word and the preposition may be separated by other intervening words.
• I was dissuaded by my uncle from applying for that job.
• I was not aware of your presence at the meeting.
• Do you expect the teacher to be fair in awarding marks for the essays?
1. Phrasal verb is formed by combining a verb with a preposition.
Examples:
• The boy, who pleaded guilty to stealing the pen, was admonished by the Judge.
• Cunning is the quality that is popularly attributed to the fox.
• Known to be highly irritable, my uncle is avoided by all the children.
• Small pox vaccine is produced by introducing the virus into the bloodstream of a horse.
2. The word consider: The word consider should be used without preposition following it.
The uses of the phrases ‘consider as’, ‘consider to be’ and ‘consider as being’ are wrong.
Example: • Mahatma Gandhi is considered as one of the greatest Indians.
This sentence is wrong one. The correct sentence is:
• Mahatma Gandhi is considered one of the greatest Indians.
3. The word regard:
The correct phrase involving ‘regard’ is ‘regard as’. The phrases ‘regarding to be’ and ‘regarding as being’ are wrong ones.
Example:
• The writer Alice Walker regards Steve Wonder to be a spiritual singer rather than a pop singer.
This is an incorrect sentence. The correct sentence is:
• The writer Alice Walker regards Steve Wonder as a spiritual singer rather than as a pop singer.
Examples: • This advertisement is aimed at teenagers.
• This columnist was accurate in predicting the outcome of the elections.
Now let us see how the idioms are used in the sentences.
Many verbs when followed by various prepositions or adverbs acquire the idiomatic expressions.
Examples:
• He seems to be well off. (In comfortable position)
• That fellow trumped up a story. (Fabricated)
• He is sticking out for better terms. (Persisting in demanding)
• I threatened to show him up. (Expose)
• During her long illness, she often longed for health. (Desired)
• About an hour ago, I saw a fellow hanging about our bungalow. (Loitering about)
• Rust has eaten away the iron. (Corroded)
Many such Prepositional Phrases get their figurative meanings which are quite different from eh meanings of the main words.
Such a preposition, in combination with a noun or a verb or an adjective or a participle is called Prepositional Phrase.
Here are few examples of sentences with such Prepositional Phrases.
Such Prepositional Phrases are called IDIOMS. The idioms have fixed meanings.
Examples: • Every citizen should abide by the laws of his country.
• This lake abounds in fish.
• Rajeev Gandhi started his Prime Minister ship with an abundance of goodwill from Indians.
• Why were you absent from the class yesterday?
• When I entered the room, I found my father absorbed in deep thought.
• The Judge refused to accede to the request of the accused to release him on bail.
• I regret that your proposal is acceptable to me.
• Gupta is known to all the politicians, and has ready access to a number of ministers.
• The engineer was accused of taking a bribe from the contractor.
• Are you acquainted with this neighborhood?
• The accused was acquitted of the charges of perjury.
• You have to adopt yourself to the changing times.
Note: Quite often, as in the previous case and in the following case, the main word and the preposition may be separated by other intervening words.
• I was dissuaded by my uncle from applying for that job.
• I was not aware of your presence at the meeting.
• Do you expect the teacher to be fair in awarding marks for the essays?
1. Phrasal verb is formed by combining a verb with a preposition.
Examples:
• The boy, who pleaded guilty to stealing the pen, was admonished by the Judge.
• Cunning is the quality that is popularly attributed to the fox.
• Known to be highly irritable, my uncle is avoided by all the children.
• Small pox vaccine is produced by introducing the virus into the bloodstream of a horse.
2. The word consider: The word consider should be used without preposition following it.
The uses of the phrases ‘consider as’, ‘consider to be’ and ‘consider as being’ are wrong.
Example: • Mahatma Gandhi is considered as one of the greatest Indians.
This sentence is wrong one. The correct sentence is:
• Mahatma Gandhi is considered one of the greatest Indians.
3. The word regard:
The correct phrase involving ‘regard’ is ‘regard as’. The phrases ‘regarding to be’ and ‘regarding as being’ are wrong ones.
Example:
• The writer Alice Walker regards Steve Wonder to be a spiritual singer rather than a pop singer.
This is an incorrect sentence. The correct sentence is:
• The writer Alice Walker regards Steve Wonder as a spiritual singer rather than as a pop singer.
Examples: • This advertisement is aimed at teenagers.
• This columnist was accurate in predicting the outcome of the elections.
Now let us see how the idioms are used in the sentences.
Many verbs when followed by various prepositions or adverbs acquire the idiomatic expressions.
Examples:
• He seems to be well off. (In comfortable position)
• That fellow trumped up a story. (Fabricated)
• He is sticking out for better terms. (Persisting in demanding)
• I threatened to show him up. (Expose)
• During her long illness, she often longed for health. (Desired)
• About an hour ago, I saw a fellow hanging about our bungalow. (Loitering about)
• Rust has eaten away the iron. (Corroded)
Many such Prepositional Phrases get their figurative meanings which are quite different from eh meanings of the main words.
Modifiers
In many sentences, the Modifiers might have been misplaced.
They should be placed properly so as the make the sentences correct ones.
As we have seen already, the Adjective and the Adverb are modifying the sentences.
So they are called so. An Adjective is the word that gives some additional information about the noun.
An Adverb is the word that gives some additional information about the verb or an adjective or another adverb. Both these adjective and adverb are called the modifiers.
An adjective need not be a single word, but can be phrase consisting of many words or can even be a full subordinate clause with its own subject and predicate.
Adjectival Modifiers: The modifiers of adjective are called the Adjectival Modifiers.
Examples:
• A number of applications received for the jobs.
• Puny and silent, George generally goes unnoticed in any group.
• The stem in the part of the brain that connects the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord
Adverbial Modifiers: The modifiers of adverbs are called the Adverbial Modifiers.
Examples:
• Do not walk that fast. I could not keep face with you.
• A Member of the Parliament should not vote in the house before he takes the oath of allegation to the Constitution.
These modifiers, in few sentences, might have been misplaced. We have to set it right to see that the sentence goes right.
Example-1:
• Having apologized for the misbehavior, the teacher permitted the student to reenter the class room.
As per this sentence, it is only the teacher who misbehaved. Who apologized to whom?
Did the student apologized to the teacher or the teacher apologized to the student in the class?
But the author of this sentence indented to say that after the student, who misbehaved, apologized, And then the teacher permitted them to reenter the class room.
In this case, this given sentence should be corrected as.
• Having apologized for misbehavior, the student was permitted by the teacher to reenter the class room.
Note: The participle should be used for the subject for which is intended.
Example-2:
• Attempting to smuggle Gold, the customs officials detained the passenger.
Who attempted to smuggle Gold?
The customs officials or the Passenger?
Certainly, it is only the passenger who might have attempted to smuggle Gold.
So this given sentence should be corrected as:
• Attempting to smuggle Gold, the passenger was detained by the customs officials.
Example-3: • Walking along the edge of the lake, the fish suddenly jumped out and fell near me.
Who walked along the edge of the lake?
Is it the fish? Certainly no
SO this sentence should be corrected as.
• Walking along the edge of the lake, I found that a fish suddenly jumped out and fell near me.
Example-4:
• Having paid the fine, the police-officer allowed the car-driver to go.
Who paid the fine? The police-officer or the car-driver…
Certainly it only the car-driver… This sentence should be corrected as:
• Having paid the fine, the car-driver was allowed by the police-officer to go.
Example-5:
Possessing fifteen legs, I have never seen such a creature in my life.
Who is possessing fifteen legs? Is it I or the creature?
Certainly it is only the creature. So the correct sentence is:
Possessing fifteen legs, this creature is never seen by me in my life.
Few more examples have been given here with the correct version for your kind attention.
1. Frail and weak, the heavy cart could not be drawn over the gradient by the bullock. (Incorrect)
Frail and weak, the bullock could not draw the heavy cart over the gradient. (Correct)
2. Banned in India, I could not bring the book ‘Satanic Verses’ into the country. (Incorrect)
Banned in India, The book ‘Satanic Verses’ could not be brought to the country by me. (Correct)
3. Delightfully cooked by his father, Clinton loves peas. (Incorrect)
Delightfully cooked by his father, the peas were loved by Clinton. (Correct)
4. Though faded because of rough use, she wore the red-sari for the function. (Incorrect)
Though faded because of rough use, the red-sari was worn by her for the function. (Correct)
5. Dug out from fifty feet below the ground, the archaeologist determined the age of the pottery as over thousand years. (Incorrect)
Dug out from fifty feet below the ground, the potter was determined by the archaeologist as a thousand-year old one. (Correct)
6. After paying for the books, the salesman gave me a calendar as a free compliment. (Incorrect)
After paying for the books, I was given a calendar by the salesman as a free compliment.
7. Even after being dead for 150 yeas, many people still admire the music of Beethoven. (Incorrect)
Even after being dead for 150 yeas, still Beethoven was admired for his music by many people.
8. After taking my seat in the plane, the air-hostess offered me chocolates. (Incorrect)
After taking my seat in the plane, I was offered chocolates by the air-hostess. (Correct)
9. By installing small electric pumps, farmers’ houses could be heated by warmth from cows’ milk, according to one agricultural engineer. (Incorrect)
By installing small electric pumps, farmers, according to one agricultural engineer, could use the warmth from cows’ milk to heat their houses. (Correct)
10. Coming late to the office for the third time in a week, the manager cut the peon’s salary for a day. (Incorrect)
Coming late to the office for the third time in a week, the peon had his salary for a day cut by the manager. (Correct)
Dangling Modifiers A Dangling Modifier is a close relative of misplaced modifier. In a sentence involving dangling modifier, the noun which the phrase really modifies will be missing, we ourselves have to supply an appropriate noun with reference to the context.
Example-1:
• Before shifting the hospitals from the present location, the public must be consulted.
In this sentence, it is not clear who is shifting the hospitals.
So the adjective ‘before shifting the hospitals’ is dangling without an appropriate noun for it.
The correct sentence is:
• Before shifting the hospitals from the present location, the officials should consult the public.
So is only the officials who will shift the hospitals therefore it is only they who should consult the public.
Example-2:
• Using the Doppler ultrasound device, fatal heartbeats can be detected by the twelfth week of pregnancy.
In this sentence also, it is not clear who is using the Doppler ultrasound device?
So the correct sentence is: • Using the Doppler ultrasound device, the doctors can detect fatal heartbeats by the twelfth week of pregnancy.
A sentence without a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier will always add beauty.
They should be placed properly so as the make the sentences correct ones.
As we have seen already, the Adjective and the Adverb are modifying the sentences.
So they are called so. An Adjective is the word that gives some additional information about the noun.
An Adverb is the word that gives some additional information about the verb or an adjective or another adverb. Both these adjective and adverb are called the modifiers.
An adjective need not be a single word, but can be phrase consisting of many words or can even be a full subordinate clause with its own subject and predicate.
Adjectival Modifiers: The modifiers of adjective are called the Adjectival Modifiers.
Examples:
• A number of applications received for the jobs.
• Puny and silent, George generally goes unnoticed in any group.
• The stem in the part of the brain that connects the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord
Adverbial Modifiers: The modifiers of adverbs are called the Adverbial Modifiers.
Examples:
• Do not walk that fast. I could not keep face with you.
• A Member of the Parliament should not vote in the house before he takes the oath of allegation to the Constitution.
These modifiers, in few sentences, might have been misplaced. We have to set it right to see that the sentence goes right.
Example-1:
• Having apologized for the misbehavior, the teacher permitted the student to reenter the class room.
As per this sentence, it is only the teacher who misbehaved. Who apologized to whom?
Did the student apologized to the teacher or the teacher apologized to the student in the class?
But the author of this sentence indented to say that after the student, who misbehaved, apologized, And then the teacher permitted them to reenter the class room.
In this case, this given sentence should be corrected as.
• Having apologized for misbehavior, the student was permitted by the teacher to reenter the class room.
Note: The participle should be used for the subject for which is intended.
Example-2:
• Attempting to smuggle Gold, the customs officials detained the passenger.
Who attempted to smuggle Gold?
The customs officials or the Passenger?
Certainly, it is only the passenger who might have attempted to smuggle Gold.
So this given sentence should be corrected as:
• Attempting to smuggle Gold, the passenger was detained by the customs officials.
Example-3: • Walking along the edge of the lake, the fish suddenly jumped out and fell near me.
Who walked along the edge of the lake?
Is it the fish? Certainly no
SO this sentence should be corrected as.
• Walking along the edge of the lake, I found that a fish suddenly jumped out and fell near me.
Example-4:
• Having paid the fine, the police-officer allowed the car-driver to go.
Who paid the fine? The police-officer or the car-driver…
Certainly it only the car-driver… This sentence should be corrected as:
• Having paid the fine, the car-driver was allowed by the police-officer to go.
Example-5:
Possessing fifteen legs, I have never seen such a creature in my life.
Who is possessing fifteen legs? Is it I or the creature?
Certainly it is only the creature. So the correct sentence is:
Possessing fifteen legs, this creature is never seen by me in my life.
Few more examples have been given here with the correct version for your kind attention.
1. Frail and weak, the heavy cart could not be drawn over the gradient by the bullock. (Incorrect)
Frail and weak, the bullock could not draw the heavy cart over the gradient. (Correct)
2. Banned in India, I could not bring the book ‘Satanic Verses’ into the country. (Incorrect)
Banned in India, The book ‘Satanic Verses’ could not be brought to the country by me. (Correct)
3. Delightfully cooked by his father, Clinton loves peas. (Incorrect)
Delightfully cooked by his father, the peas were loved by Clinton. (Correct)
4. Though faded because of rough use, she wore the red-sari for the function. (Incorrect)
Though faded because of rough use, the red-sari was worn by her for the function. (Correct)
5. Dug out from fifty feet below the ground, the archaeologist determined the age of the pottery as over thousand years. (Incorrect)
Dug out from fifty feet below the ground, the potter was determined by the archaeologist as a thousand-year old one. (Correct)
6. After paying for the books, the salesman gave me a calendar as a free compliment. (Incorrect)
After paying for the books, I was given a calendar by the salesman as a free compliment.
7. Even after being dead for 150 yeas, many people still admire the music of Beethoven. (Incorrect)
Even after being dead for 150 yeas, still Beethoven was admired for his music by many people.
8. After taking my seat in the plane, the air-hostess offered me chocolates. (Incorrect)
After taking my seat in the plane, I was offered chocolates by the air-hostess. (Correct)
9. By installing small electric pumps, farmers’ houses could be heated by warmth from cows’ milk, according to one agricultural engineer. (Incorrect)
By installing small electric pumps, farmers, according to one agricultural engineer, could use the warmth from cows’ milk to heat their houses. (Correct)
10. Coming late to the office for the third time in a week, the manager cut the peon’s salary for a day. (Incorrect)
Coming late to the office for the third time in a week, the peon had his salary for a day cut by the manager. (Correct)
Dangling Modifiers A Dangling Modifier is a close relative of misplaced modifier. In a sentence involving dangling modifier, the noun which the phrase really modifies will be missing, we ourselves have to supply an appropriate noun with reference to the context.
Example-1:
• Before shifting the hospitals from the present location, the public must be consulted.
In this sentence, it is not clear who is shifting the hospitals.
So the adjective ‘before shifting the hospitals’ is dangling without an appropriate noun for it.
The correct sentence is:
• Before shifting the hospitals from the present location, the officials should consult the public.
So is only the officials who will shift the hospitals therefore it is only they who should consult the public.
Example-2:
• Using the Doppler ultrasound device, fatal heartbeats can be detected by the twelfth week of pregnancy.
In this sentence also, it is not clear who is using the Doppler ultrasound device?
So the correct sentence is: • Using the Doppler ultrasound device, the doctors can detect fatal heartbeats by the twelfth week of pregnancy.
A sentence without a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier will always add beauty.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions are those conjunctions which are in the form of pair of words.
The common Correlative Conjunctions are:
1. Either …or… Example: • Either John or George must have done this mischief.
2. Neither…nor… Example: • Neither peter nor Andrew has passed the test.
3. Both…and…
Example: • For seeking admission in a US university, you should sit for both GRE and TOEFL.
4. Whether…or…
Example: • I do not know whether my father is arriving by the 8o’clock flight or 9o’clock flight.
5. Not only…but also…
Example: • She not only wrote the screenplay for the movie but also acted a role in it.
6. Such…as… Example: • I see only such movies as have good songs.
7. Such…that…
Example: • Such was the weather the whole of today that I decided to stay indoors.
The common Correlative Conjunctions are:
1. Either …or… Example: • Either John or George must have done this mischief.
2. Neither…nor… Example: • Neither peter nor Andrew has passed the test.
3. Both…and…
Example: • For seeking admission in a US university, you should sit for both GRE and TOEFL.
4. Whether…or…
Example: • I do not know whether my father is arriving by the 8o’clock flight or 9o’clock flight.
5. Not only…but also…
Example: • She not only wrote the screenplay for the movie but also acted a role in it.
6. Such…as… Example: • I see only such movies as have good songs.
7. Such…that…
Example: • Such was the weather the whole of today that I decided to stay indoors.
8. As…as…
Example:
• If you are as intelligent as your father, it will not be difficult for you to run your family business.
9. As…so… Example: • As you sow, so you reap.
10. Hardly…when… Example: • I had hardly sat down for dinner, when the phone rang.
11. So…that… Example: • I left home early so that I would not miss the 7o’clock train to the city.
12. Scarcely…when…
Example:
• If you are as intelligent as your father, it will not be difficult for you to run your family business.
9. As…so… Example: • As you sow, so you reap.
10. Hardly…when… Example: • I had hardly sat down for dinner, when the phone rang.
11. So…that… Example: • I left home early so that I would not miss the 7o’clock train to the city.
12. Scarcely…when…
Example: • Clinton had scarcely reached the platform when the train started moving.
13. Between…and… Example: • The meeting will take place between 5 p.m and 6 p.m.
14. As many as Example: • There are as many chairs as there are students.
15. From…to… Example: • Application will be issued by the college from 9 am to 4 pm.
Examples:
• Never before in the history of music have musical superstars been able to command such extraordinary fees of the kind as they do today.
• After five years of military service, graduate of the USA must decide whether to continue his career as officer or leave the military.
Such a Correlative Conjunction should be used properly to complete the sentence beautifully.
13. Between…and… Example: • The meeting will take place between 5 p.m and 6 p.m.
14. As many as Example: • There are as many chairs as there are students.
15. From…to… Example: • Application will be issued by the college from 9 am to 4 pm.
Examples:
• Never before in the history of music have musical superstars been able to command such extraordinary fees of the kind as they do today.
• After five years of military service, graduate of the USA must decide whether to continue his career as officer or leave the military.
Such a Correlative Conjunction should be used properly to complete the sentence beautifully.
Correlative Conjunctions :
Some conjunctions combine with other words to form what are called correlative conjunctions. They always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal.
· She led the team not only in statistics but also by virtue of her enthusiasm.
· Polonius said, "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."
· Whether you win this race or lose it doesn't matter as long as you do your best.
Some conjunctions combine with other words to form what are called correlative conjunctions. They always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal.
· She led the team not only in statistics but also by virtue of her enthusiasm.
· Polonius said, "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."
· Whether you win this race or lose it doesn't matter as long as you do your best.
Correlative conjunctions sometimes create problems in parallel form.
Here is a brief list of common correlative conjunctions.
Here is a brief list of common correlative conjunctions.
| both . . . and not only . . . but also not . . . but either . . . or | neither . . . nor whether . . . or as . . . as |
Correlative expressions (both, and; not, but; not only, but also; either, or; first, second, third; and the like) should be followed by the same grammatical construction. Many violations of this rule can be corrected by rearranging the sentence.
| Faulty Parallelism | Corrected Version |
| It was both a long ceremony and very tedious. | The ceremony was both long and tedious. |
| A time not for words, but action | A time not for words, but for action |
| Either you must grant his request or incur his ill will. | You must either grant his request or incur his ill will. |
| My objections are, first, the injustice of the measure; second, that it is unconstitutional. | My objections are, first, that the measure is unjust; second, that it is unconstitutional. |
When making comparisons, the things you compare should be couched in parallel structures whenever that is possible and appropriate.
| Faulty Parallelism | Corrected Version |
| My income is smaller than my wife. | My income is smaller than my wife's. |
Spelling Rules:
There are few Spelling Rules which should be followed in the formation of words.
Final a consonant:
1. For the one-syllable words ending in single vowel + single consonant, double the consonant before a suffix beginning with vowel.
Examples: • beg + ed = begged • run + ed =running
• rob + er = robber • sad + est =saddest
but… • wish + ed = wished (two consonants) • fear + ing = fearing ( two vowels)
2. For the words of two or three syllables ending in single vowel + single consonant, double the final consonant if the last syllable is stressed.
Examples: • Begin + ing =beginning • Permit +ed =permitted
• Occur +ed =occurred • Control + er =controller
There are more Spelling Rules that follow.
3. The consonant is not doubled if the last syllable is not stressed.
Examples: • Benefit +ed = benefited • Suffer + ing =suffering
Exceptions: • Worship +ed =worshipped • Handicap +ed =handicapped
• Kidnap +er =kidnapper
4. The consonant ‘l’ is doubled, even if the stress does not fall on the last syllable.
Examples: • Quarrel + ed =quarreled • Signal + ing = signalling
• Travel + er =traveller • Distil + er =distiller
5. If the word to which suffix ‘ful’ is added ends in‘ll’, the second ‘l’ is dropped.
Examples: • Skill + ful =skilful • Will + full =willful
There are more Spelling Rules that follow.
6. For words ending in silent ‘e’, drop the ‘e’ before a suffix beginning with a vowel.
Examples: • Live + ing =living • Move + ing =moving
• Drive + ing =driving • Hope + ing =hoping
NOTE: The ‘e’ remains before a suffix beginning with a consonant.
Examples: • Hope + ful =hopeful • Engage +ment =engagement
Exceptions: • True + ly +truly • Whole +ly =wholly
• Due + ly = duly • Nine + th =ninth
• Awe + ful =awful • Argue +ment =argument
7. Notice the special case of words ending in ‘ce’ and ‘ge’ which keep the ‘e’ when adding ‘able’ and ‘ous’.
Examples: • Notice +able =noticeable • Peace +able =peaceful
• Change +able =changeable • Courage + ous =courageous
8. Words ending in ‘ee’ do not drop an ‘e’ before a suffix.
Examples: • See + ing =seeing • Agree + ment =agreement
9. Words ending in ‘ie’ change the ‘ie’ to ‘y’ when ‘ing’ is added.
Examples: • Die + ing =dying • Tie + ing =tying
• Lie + ing =lying
Final a consonant:
1. For the one-syllable words ending in single vowel + single consonant, double the consonant before a suffix beginning with vowel.
Examples: • beg + ed = begged • run + ed =running
• rob + er = robber • sad + est =saddest
but… • wish + ed = wished (two consonants) • fear + ing = fearing ( two vowels)
2. For the words of two or three syllables ending in single vowel + single consonant, double the final consonant if the last syllable is stressed.
Examples: • Begin + ing =beginning • Permit +ed =permitted
• Occur +ed =occurred • Control + er =controller
There are more Spelling Rules that follow.
3. The consonant is not doubled if the last syllable is not stressed.
Examples: • Benefit +ed = benefited • Suffer + ing =suffering
Exceptions: • Worship +ed =worshipped • Handicap +ed =handicapped
• Kidnap +er =kidnapper
4. The consonant ‘l’ is doubled, even if the stress does not fall on the last syllable.
Examples: • Quarrel + ed =quarreled • Signal + ing = signalling
• Travel + er =traveller • Distil + er =distiller
5. If the word to which suffix ‘ful’ is added ends in‘ll’, the second ‘l’ is dropped.
Examples: • Skill + ful =skilful • Will + full =willful
There are more Spelling Rules that follow.
6. For words ending in silent ‘e’, drop the ‘e’ before a suffix beginning with a vowel.
Examples: • Live + ing =living • Move + ing =moving
• Drive + ing =driving • Hope + ing =hoping
NOTE: The ‘e’ remains before a suffix beginning with a consonant.
Examples: • Hope + ful =hopeful • Engage +ment =engagement
Exceptions: • True + ly +truly • Whole +ly =wholly
• Due + ly = duly • Nine + th =ninth
• Awe + ful =awful • Argue +ment =argument
7. Notice the special case of words ending in ‘ce’ and ‘ge’ which keep the ‘e’ when adding ‘able’ and ‘ous’.
Examples: • Notice +able =noticeable • Peace +able =peaceful
• Change +able =changeable • Courage + ous =courageous
8. Words ending in ‘ee’ do not drop an ‘e’ before a suffix.
Examples: • See + ing =seeing • Agree + ment =agreement
9. Words ending in ‘ie’ change the ‘ie’ to ‘y’ when ‘ing’ is added.
Examples: • Die + ing =dying • Tie + ing =tying
• Lie + ing =lying
There are more Spelling Rules that follow.
10. A final ‘y’ following a consonant changes to ‘i’ before a suffix except ‘ing’.
Examples: • Happy + ly = happily • Beauty + ful =beautiful
• Carry + ed = carried • Marry + ed =married
• Marry +age =marriage • Carry +ing =carrying
• Marry +ing =marrying
NOTE: But, ‘y’ following a vowel does not change.
• Pray + ed =prayed • Play +er =player
Exceptions: • Pay +ed =paid • Say +ed =said
• Lay + ed =laid • Day + ly =daily
• Gay +ly =gaily
11. When ‘ie’ or ‘ei’ is pronounced like ‘ee’ in jeep, ‘i’ comes before ‘e’ except after ‘c’.
Examples: • Believe • Relieve • Achieve • Grieve
10. A final ‘y’ following a consonant changes to ‘i’ before a suffix except ‘ing’.
Examples: • Happy + ly = happily • Beauty + ful =beautiful
• Carry + ed = carried • Marry + ed =married
• Marry +age =marriage • Carry +ing =carrying
• Marry +ing =marrying
NOTE: But, ‘y’ following a vowel does not change.
• Pray + ed =prayed • Play +er =player
Exceptions: • Pay +ed =paid • Say +ed =said
• Lay + ed =laid • Day + ly =daily
• Gay +ly =gaily
11. When ‘ie’ or ‘ei’ is pronounced like ‘ee’ in jeep, ‘i’ comes before ‘e’ except after ‘c’.
Examples: • Believe • Relieve • Achieve • Grieve
• Yield • Field • Receive • Receipt
• Deceive • Deceit • Conceive • Conceit
Exceptions: • Seize • Weird • Protein • Surfeit
• Counterfeit • Plebeian
These are the Spelling Rules which determine the formation of words of different kinds.
• Deceive • Deceit • Conceive • Conceit
Exceptions: • Seize • Weird • Protein • Surfeit
• Counterfeit • Plebeian
These are the Spelling Rules which determine the formation of words of different kinds.
Choice of Words : The right Choice of Words will make the sentence a beautiful one.
On many occasions the wrong words in the sentences would make the sentences awkward ones.
Example-1: • Plastic is able to be shaped into many forms.
The correct form is: • Plastic can be shaped into many forms.
Example-2:
• As counting progressed, it became increasing clear that Democrats were heading for a victory.
Here in this sentence, the word ‘increasing’ is meant to modify the adjective ‘clear’, and therefore in the form of an adverb-increasingly.
The correct sentence is:
• As counting progressed, it became increasingly clear that Democrats were heading for a victory.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Example-3:
• The chance of your being run over by a truck increases if you drive your scooter in the middle of the road. The word ‘chance’ should be used only to signify a desirable event. To signify the undesirable event, the word ‘risk’ should be used.
So the correct sentence is:
• The risk of your being run over by a truck increases if you drive your scooter in the middle of the road.
Example-4: • Giri lacks illness.
The word ‘lack’ should be used only to notify the possession of desirable thing.
In the case of undesirable thing, the word ‘has not’ should be used.
The correct sentence is: • Giri has no illness.
Example-5: • An obvious irritated voice answered the telephone.
As in the example, the word ‘obvious’ is modifying the adjective ‘irritated’. So that word must be an adverb.
The correct sentence is: • An obviously irritated voice answered the telephone.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Example-6: • It was in 1947 in which India got its independence.
The subordinate conjunction that is used to denote a time period is WHEN, not IN WHICH.
So the correct sentence is: • It was in 1947 when India got its independence.
The phrase ‘so as to’ is always wrong.
Example-7: • I went to the market so as to buy apples.
The correct sentence is:
• I went to market for buying apples. (or) I went to market to buy apples.
Gerund should be used only when there is no separate noun form for the verb.
Example-8: • Newton is credited with the discovering of gravity.
This sentence is wrong one.
Because, the gerund ‘discovering’ should not be used here. The separate noun is there-discovery.
The correct sentence is: ` • Newton was credited with discover of gravity.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Examples:
• I do not like your choosing of that sari. • I do not like your choice of that sari.
• Do you agree with his judging in this case? • Do you agree with his judgment in this case?
• Trespassing into this property is not allowed. • Trespass into this property is not allowed.
• In spite of his denying of his guilt, the accused was convicted by the judge
On many occasions the wrong words in the sentences would make the sentences awkward ones.
Example-1: • Plastic is able to be shaped into many forms.
The correct form is: • Plastic can be shaped into many forms.
Example-2:
• As counting progressed, it became increasing clear that Democrats were heading for a victory.
Here in this sentence, the word ‘increasing’ is meant to modify the adjective ‘clear’, and therefore in the form of an adverb-increasingly.
The correct sentence is:
• As counting progressed, it became increasingly clear that Democrats were heading for a victory.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Example-3:
• The chance of your being run over by a truck increases if you drive your scooter in the middle of the road. The word ‘chance’ should be used only to signify a desirable event. To signify the undesirable event, the word ‘risk’ should be used.
So the correct sentence is:
• The risk of your being run over by a truck increases if you drive your scooter in the middle of the road.
Example-4: • Giri lacks illness.
The word ‘lack’ should be used only to notify the possession of desirable thing.
In the case of undesirable thing, the word ‘has not’ should be used.
The correct sentence is: • Giri has no illness.
Example-5: • An obvious irritated voice answered the telephone.
As in the example, the word ‘obvious’ is modifying the adjective ‘irritated’. So that word must be an adverb.
The correct sentence is: • An obviously irritated voice answered the telephone.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Example-6: • It was in 1947 in which India got its independence.
The subordinate conjunction that is used to denote a time period is WHEN, not IN WHICH.
So the correct sentence is: • It was in 1947 when India got its independence.
The phrase ‘so as to’ is always wrong.
Example-7: • I went to the market so as to buy apples.
The correct sentence is:
• I went to market for buying apples. (or) I went to market to buy apples.
Gerund should be used only when there is no separate noun form for the verb.
Example-8: • Newton is credited with the discovering of gravity.
This sentence is wrong one.
Because, the gerund ‘discovering’ should not be used here. The separate noun is there-discovery.
The correct sentence is: ` • Newton was credited with discover of gravity.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Examples:
• I do not like your choosing of that sari. • I do not like your choice of that sari.
• Do you agree with his judging in this case? • Do you agree with his judgment in this case?
• Trespassing into this property is not allowed. • Trespass into this property is not allowed.
• In spite of his denying of his guilt, the accused was convicted by the judge
. • In spite of his denial of his guilt, the accused was convicted by the judge.
The Choice-of-Words has made these sentences beautiful ones.
Note: Generally a sentence in active voice is preferred to a sentence in passive voice.
Examples:
• When we bought this house, it was unknown to us that it had a reputation of being haunted.
Even though this sentence is grammatically correct one, the active sentence given below is preferred.
• We bought this house without knowing its reputation of being haunted.
Note: • A single word is more idiomatic than a phrase.
• A shorter phrase is more idiomatic than a longer phrase.
• A phrase is more idiomatic than clause.
Examples: • Vikram is a boy who is intelligent.
The following sentence is preferred to the above sentence.
• Vikram is an intelligent boy.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Examples: • I used to play cricket while being a young boy.
The following sentence is preferred to the above sentence.
• I used to play cricket as a young boy.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Remember all these points and create sentences which should be both grammatically and idiomatically correct.
The Choice-of-Words has made these sentences beautiful ones.
Note: Generally a sentence in active voice is preferred to a sentence in passive voice.
Examples:
• When we bought this house, it was unknown to us that it had a reputation of being haunted.
Even though this sentence is grammatically correct one, the active sentence given below is preferred.
• We bought this house without knowing its reputation of being haunted.
Note: • A single word is more idiomatic than a phrase.
• A shorter phrase is more idiomatic than a longer phrase.
• A phrase is more idiomatic than clause.
Examples: • Vikram is a boy who is intelligent.
The following sentence is preferred to the above sentence.
• Vikram is an intelligent boy.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Examples: • I used to play cricket while being a young boy.
The following sentence is preferred to the above sentence.
• I used to play cricket as a young boy.
The Choice-of-Words has made this sentence beautiful one.
Remember all these points and create sentences which should be both grammatically and idiomatically correct.
Figure of Speech
The Figure of Speech is departure from the ordinary form of expression, or the ordinary course of ideas in order to produce a greater effect.
Figure-of-Speech may be classified as under:
1. Those based on resemblance
• Simile • Metaphor • Personification • Apostrophe
2. Those based on Contrast: • Antithesis • Epigram
3. Those based on Association: • Metonymy • Synecdoche
4. Thos depending on Construction: • Climax • Anticlimax
Let us see one by one.
SIMILE: In Simile, a comparison is made between two object of different kinds which have at least one point in common.
The Simile is introduced by the word ‘as…as’.
Examples: • As active as quicksilver • As afraid as a grasshopper
• As ageless as the sun • As agile as a cat
• As agile as a monkey • As alert as a bird
• As alike as two peas • As alone as a leper
• As alone as Crusoe • As ambitious as the devil
This Figure-of-Speech is widely used by us in our writings.
NOTE: A comparison of two things of same kind is not a Simile.
METAPHOR: A Metaphor is an implied Simile. It does not, like a Simile, state that one thing is like another or acts as another, but takes that for granted and proceeds as if two things were one.
Thus when we say, ‘He fought as fiercely as a lion’, it is Simile.
But when we say, ‘He was a lion in the fight’, it is Metaphor.
Examples:
• The camel is the ship of the desert. • Life is a dream.
• The news was a dragger to his heart. • Revenge is a kind of wild justice.
NOTE: Every SIMILE can be compressed into a METAPHOR, and Every METAPHOR can be expanded into a SIMILE.
Examples: • Richard fought as fiercely as a loin. (Simile)
• Richard was a lion in the fight. (Metaphor)
• The waves thundered on the shore. (Metaphor)
• The waves broke on the shore with noise like a thunder.
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
PERSONIFICATION: In Personification, inanimate objects and abstract notions are spoken of as having life and intelligence.
Examples: • Death lays its icy hands on King.
• Pride goes forth on horseback, grand and gay. • Laughter is holding her both sides.
APOSTROPHE: An Apostrophe is a direct address to the dead, to the absent, or to a personified object or idea. This figure is a special form of Personification.
Examples: • Milton! You should not be living at this hour.
• Friend! I know not which way I must look for comfort.
• Roll on! Thou deep and dark blue Ocean, roll.
• Death! Where is thy sting? O Grave! Where is thy victory?
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
HYPERBOLE: In Hyperbole, a statement is made emphatic by overstatement.
Examples: • Why, man, if the river is dry, I am able to fill it with tears.
• Hmalet! You have not cleft my heart in twain.
EUPHEMISM: Euphemism consists in the description of a disagreeable thing by an agreeable name.
Examples: • You are telling me a fairy tale. (You are telling me lies)
• He is gone to heaven. (He is dead)
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
ANTITHESIS: In Antithesis, a striking opposition or contrast of words or sentiments is made in the same sentence. It is employed to secure emphasis.
Examples: • Man proposes, but God disposes.
• Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.
• Speech is silver, but Silence is Gold.
• Many are called, but few are chosen.
• To err is human, but to forgive on divine.
OXYMORON: Oxymoron is special type of Antithesis, whereby two contradictory qualities are predicted at once of the same thing.
Examples: • She accepted it as the kind cruelty of surgeon’s knife.
• His honor rooted in dishonor stood.
• Faith unfaithful kept him falsely true.
• So innocent arch, so cunningly simple.
Figure-of-Speech may be classified as under:
1. Those based on resemblance
• Simile • Metaphor • Personification • Apostrophe
2. Those based on Contrast: • Antithesis • Epigram
3. Those based on Association: • Metonymy • Synecdoche
4. Thos depending on Construction: • Climax • Anticlimax
Let us see one by one.
SIMILE: In Simile, a comparison is made between two object of different kinds which have at least one point in common.
The Simile is introduced by the word ‘as…as’.
Examples: • As active as quicksilver • As afraid as a grasshopper
• As ageless as the sun • As agile as a cat
• As agile as a monkey • As alert as a bird
• As alike as two peas • As alone as a leper
• As alone as Crusoe • As ambitious as the devil
This Figure-of-Speech is widely used by us in our writings.
NOTE: A comparison of two things of same kind is not a Simile.
METAPHOR: A Metaphor is an implied Simile. It does not, like a Simile, state that one thing is like another or acts as another, but takes that for granted and proceeds as if two things were one.
Thus when we say, ‘He fought as fiercely as a lion’, it is Simile.
But when we say, ‘He was a lion in the fight’, it is Metaphor.
Examples:
• The camel is the ship of the desert. • Life is a dream.
• The news was a dragger to his heart. • Revenge is a kind of wild justice.
NOTE: Every SIMILE can be compressed into a METAPHOR, and Every METAPHOR can be expanded into a SIMILE.
Examples: • Richard fought as fiercely as a loin. (Simile)
• Richard was a lion in the fight. (Metaphor)
• The waves thundered on the shore. (Metaphor)
• The waves broke on the shore with noise like a thunder.
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
PERSONIFICATION: In Personification, inanimate objects and abstract notions are spoken of as having life and intelligence.
Examples: • Death lays its icy hands on King.
• Pride goes forth on horseback, grand and gay. • Laughter is holding her both sides.
APOSTROPHE: An Apostrophe is a direct address to the dead, to the absent, or to a personified object or idea. This figure is a special form of Personification.
Examples: • Milton! You should not be living at this hour.
• Friend! I know not which way I must look for comfort.
• Roll on! Thou deep and dark blue Ocean, roll.
• Death! Where is thy sting? O Grave! Where is thy victory?
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
HYPERBOLE: In Hyperbole, a statement is made emphatic by overstatement.
Examples: • Why, man, if the river is dry, I am able to fill it with tears.
• Hmalet! You have not cleft my heart in twain.
EUPHEMISM: Euphemism consists in the description of a disagreeable thing by an agreeable name.
Examples: • You are telling me a fairy tale. (You are telling me lies)
• He is gone to heaven. (He is dead)
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
ANTITHESIS: In Antithesis, a striking opposition or contrast of words or sentiments is made in the same sentence. It is employed to secure emphasis.
Examples: • Man proposes, but God disposes.
• Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.
• Speech is silver, but Silence is Gold.
• Many are called, but few are chosen.
• To err is human, but to forgive on divine.
OXYMORON: Oxymoron is special type of Antithesis, whereby two contradictory qualities are predicted at once of the same thing.
Examples: • She accepted it as the kind cruelty of surgeon’s knife.
• His honor rooted in dishonor stood.
• Faith unfaithful kept him falsely true.
• So innocent arch, so cunningly simple.
EPIGRAM: An Epigram is a brief pointed saying frequently introducing antithetical ideas which excite surprise and arrest attention.
Examples: • The child is the father of the man.
• Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
• In the midst of life, we are in death.
• Art lies in concealing art.
• He makes no friend who never made a foe.
• A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.
• The proper study of mankind is man.
IRONY: Irony is made of speech in which the real meaning is exactly the opposite of that which is literally conveyed.
Examples: • No doubts but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
Examples: • The child is the father of the man.
• Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
• In the midst of life, we are in death.
• Art lies in concealing art.
• He makes no friend who never made a foe.
• A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.
• The proper study of mankind is man.
IRONY: Irony is made of speech in which the real meaning is exactly the opposite of that which is literally conveyed.
Examples: • No doubts but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
This Figure-of-Speech is also widely used by us in our writings.
Surya Prakash.Susarla
1 comment:
very intresting in recollecting figure of
speech
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