This is your first lesson in your learning process.
What is called a UNIT?
A Unit is a basic part, many of which bring out the whole.
Units make a word or a sentence complete.
How many Units are there in English?
There are FIVE UNITS.
1. Letter 2. Word 3. Phrase 4. Clause 5. Sentence
these entire five Units make a sentence or a paragraph a meaningful one.
Let us see these Units of English individually.
1. Letter:
What is called a UNIT?
A Unit is a basic part, many of which bring out the whole.
Units make a word or a sentence complete.
How many Units are there in English?
There are FIVE UNITS.
1. Letter 2. Word 3. Phrase 4. Clause 5. Sentence
these entire five Units make a sentence or a paragraph a meaningful one.
Let us see these Units of English individually.
1. Letter:
There are twenty six letters in English language.
They are:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z .
These letters have been written in Capital forms.
The same letters can also be written in Small forms.
They are:
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y and z.
All these twenty-six letters are collectively called ALPHABET.
So the alphabet of English language has twenty-six letters.
These twenty-six letters can be classified into two groups.
They are:
I. Consonants
b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y and z. are called CONSONANTS.
That means there are 21 consonants.
II. Vowels
a, e, i. o and u are called VOWELS. That means there are five vowels.
2.Word:
A word converts the group of letters into a meaningful one. A word plays a pivotal role in the Units of English.
A word is a group of letters with a meaning.
Ball, nation, ocean, boy, courage, install, save and organization are words.
The word ball is having four letters b..a..l..l.
The word organization is having twelve letters o..r..g..a..n..i..s..a..t..i..o..n.
In this way all the words are collective forms of few letters.
Every word carries a meaning.
Let us see few more words which we use regularly in our daily lives.
Son, father, mother, daughter, wife, husband, school, college, milk, street, bus, car, train, sky, moon, sun, note, book, university, love, language, skill, communication, motivation, can, will, no, yes, carry, on, down, up, color, white, red, computer, profit, business and knowledge are few of the words which we use in our day-to-day lives.
It is must for one to know at least 25,000 words to become a very good communicator in English.
Till you master that much of words and the Basics of English language, you have to keep on learning so that you language-skill will get sharpened day by day. Becoming thorough with the Basics of English is a matter of practice.
Understanding the meaning of the words determines your progress. Among the Units of English, the unit word has its own place in understanding the Perfect English. The word-power is indomitable. Rote learning of words will not take you to understand the Perfect English. The meaning and the usages of every word should be understood. You should allot more time to increase your word-power. These Units of English will take you to the next level of learning process.
3.Phrase:
This is another important Unit in the Units of English.
(What are meant by subject and predicate? Let us see later.)
The basics of English language should be understood in a comprehensive manner. keep on reading till all the lessons in the basics are over. Then begin once again from this Units of English, that will give you better understanding of the Basics of English language.
Let us see few phrases.
i. The leader of the group ii. The red ball iii. Your class-mates
iv. Our family-members v. A very distant place vi. Business people
vii. To make up viii. To get away with ix. To score more marks
x. To attain fame
vii. To make up viii. To get away with ix. To score more marks
x. To attain fame
If the most important word in a phrase is a noun (what is noun? Let us see later.), it is called a Nominal phrase or a Noun phrase.
In the following sections, you will understand these phrases very well.
In the examples given above, the first six phrases have nouns as the most important words.
“The leader of the group” has the noun “leader” as the most important word in that phrase.
“The red ball” has the noun “ball” as the most important word in that phrase.
So they are called Nominal phrase or Noun phrase.
Few more examples for Nominal phrases:
i. All the admitted students
ii. Tax-payers from that state iii. The primary colors iv. Safe web-sites
v. Only English teachers
ii. Tax-payers from that state iii. The primary colors iv. Safe web-sites
v. Only English teachers
If the most important word in the phrase is verb (what is verb? Let us see later.), that phrase is called Verbal phrase.
In the above-mentioned examples, vii, viii, ix and x have the verbs make-up, get away, score and attain as the most important words. So they are called Verbal Phrases.
Few more examples for Verbal phrases:
. To cultivate the lands ii. To study into night iii. To go around the city
iv. To donate liberally v. To be there in time
iv. To donate liberally v. To be there in time
4.Clause:
Note:
A phrase does not have a subject and a predicate. But a clause has both.
i. You are my best friend ii. It is not possible for him to do that now
iii. When the train arrived iv. If you are qualified
v. As the election is declared
A phrase does not have a subject and a predicate. But a clause has both.
i. You are my best friend ii. It is not possible for him to do that now
iii. When the train arrived iv. If you are qualified
v. As the election is declared
If clause is conveying the complete meaning, it is called Main clause.
The clause You are my best friend conveys the complete meaning. So it is called the Main clause.
Few more examples for main clauses:
i. His letter is full of eulogies. ii. The magicians have not yet come.
The clause You are my best friend conveys the complete meaning. So it is called the Main clause.
Few more examples for main clauses:
i. His letter is full of eulogies. ii. The magicians have not yet come.
iii. The school-hour is over. iv. Red-colored cars have very good demand.
v. Indians are religious by nature.
v. Indians are religious by nature.
If the meaning of the clause is incomplete, then that clause is called subordinate clause.
The clause mentioned above “if you are qualified” does not have a complete meaning.
So that clause is called subordinate clause .
Few more examples for subordinate clauses:
i. It is possible only when ii. Unless you score high marks iii. Since your age is below 21
iv. As the time is not ripe v. Because of high blood-pressure
iv. As the time is not ripe v. Because of high blood-pressure
Subordinate clauses begin with words such as:
Who, whom, whose, which, that, unless, as, because, when, how, where, what, since, etc..
Note: A. There cannot be a sentence without a Main clause.
B. In few sentences, the subordinate clause may occur between two parts of a main clause.
5. Sentence:
A sentence is a group of clauses, conveying a complete meaning. A sentence is the form which carries all the five Units of English by remaining one of the five Units of English.
B. In few sentences, the subordinate clause may occur between two parts of a main clause.
5. Sentence:
A sentence is a group of clauses, conveying a complete meaning. A sentence is the form which carries all the five Units of English by remaining one of the five Units of English.
Examples:
i. It is possible only when all the members support this project. ( 1 main clause and 1 subordinate clause).
ii. Do not try to be smart ( 1 main clause).
iii. When you come to my house, please, bring that book. (1 main clause and 1 subordinate clause).
iv. He is intelligent but he is lazy. (2 main clauses).
v. Since the students have not yet paid their fees, the exam was not conducted yesterday. (1 subordinate clause and a main clause).
ii. Do not try to be smart ( 1 main clause).
iii. When you come to my house, please, bring that book. (1 main clause and 1 subordinate clause).
iv. He is intelligent but he is lazy. (2 main clauses).
v. Since the students have not yet paid their fees, the exam was not conducted yesterday. (1 subordinate clause and a main clause).
These are the basic Units of English. Here after you can enter the next area of Perfect English. So far we have clearly understood the following terms.
i. Units of English language
ii. Alphabet iii. Consonant iv. Vowel v. Letter vi. Word
vii. Nominal phrase or Noun phrase viii. Verbal phrase
ii. Alphabet iii. Consonant iv. Vowel v. Letter vi. Word
vii. Nominal phrase or Noun phrase viii. Verbal phrase
ix. Main clause x. Sub-ordinate clause
xi. Sentence
xi. Sentence
These are the utter basics which constitute English language. From the first unit of the five Units of English language, we have come to the unit of sentence.
Go through this page once again so as to understand all these
Units of English without any doubt. This slow-approach will give you strong foundation to go ahead with your journey of learning of the Basics of English language.
Units of English without any doubt. This slow-approach will give you strong foundation to go ahead with your journey of learning of the Basics of English language.
Grammar: Parts of Speech
This section on Parts of Speech is your second lesson. Remember the first lesson so that this lesson will be very clear for understanding.
You saw in the first lesson that the words are very important in the formation of sentences. The words constitute the Parts of Speech.
The words used in English are divided into eight parts according to the functions carried out by those words in a sentence.
You saw in the first lesson that the words are very important in the formation of sentences. The words constitute the Parts of Speech.
The words used in English are divided into eight parts according to the functions carried out by those words in a sentence.
Those EIGHT PARTS are:
1. Noun 2. Verb 3. Adjective 4. Adverb 5. Pronoun 6. Preposition
7. Conjunction 8. Interjection
All these parts of speech have their own roles in the formation of sentences. In the following lessons, we can see all these parts of speeches in-depth. Now, let us see these eight parts one by one briefly.
1.Noun: A noun is a word used as a name of a person, place, thing, state, quality, activity, action etc...
Examples:
• Mr. John is our English teacher.
In this sentence the words “Mr. John” and “teacher” are nouns.
• Harvard University is the oldest University.
In this sentence the words “Harvard” and “University” are nouns.
• Lions live in forest.
In this sentence the words “Lion” and “forest” are nouns.
• He is my best friend.
In this sentence, the words “He” and “friend” are nouns.
London, New Delhi, Himalaya, philosophy, beauty, car, road, Management, science, school, students, books, Mrs. Raman, tree, mango, fruits and flowers are few of the nouns.
Few other nouns are ball, town, bill, boy, child, hospital, hotel, home, hall, fame, college, road, fruit, computer etc…
.Verb: The Magic word of the Language
A verb is a word used to express an action or state.
Examples:
• She wrote a letter.
In this sentence, the word “wrote” indicates what she did. So the word “wrote” (write) is a verb.
• New York is big city.
In this sentence, what is now the city “New York” is indicated by the word “is”. So the word “is” is a verb.
• The child played in the hall.
Here in this sentence, “what the child did” is indicated by the word “played”. So the word “played” (play) is a verb.
Few other verbs are talk, walk, speak, kill, elect, eat, conclude, confess, convene, collect, go, freeze, pass, communicate, learn etc…
3.Adjective:
An adjective is word used to add something to the meaning of a noun.
Examples: • He is a brave boy.
In this sentence, “what kind of boy is he” is answered by the
word “brave”. So the word “brave” is an adjective.
• They are perfect people.
In this sentence, “what kinds of people are they” is answered by
the word “perfect”. So the word “perfect” is an adjective.
Few other adjectives are beautiful, tall, shy, courteous, ugly, short, long, lengthy, costly, calm, nice etc…
4.Adverb:
An adverb is a word used to add something to the meaning of a verb, an adjective or another adverb.
Examples: • He worked the sum quickly.
Here, whether he worked the sum slow or quickly is answered by the word “quickly”. So the word, “quickly” is an adverb.
• This flower is very beautiful.
Here the word “very” is used to add more meaning to the word “beautiful”. That means the flower is more beautiful. So the word “very” is an adverb.
• She pronounced the word quite correctly.
Here the word “quite” is used to add meaning to the word “correctly”. So the word “quite” is an adverb.
Few other adverbs are wonderfully, nicely, fast, beautifully, honestly, freely, slightly, healthily, calmly etc…
Many of the adverbs end with -ly as stated above. But it is not a condition.
5.Pronoun:
A pronoun is word used instead of a noun.
Examples:
• Raman is boy. He is going to school.
Of these sentences, in the second sentence, the word “he” is used to indicate “Raman”. So the word “he” is a pronoun.
• The students refuse to take their meals. They want to meet the warden.
Of these sentences, in the second sentence, the word “they” is used to indicate “the students”. So the word “they” is a pronoun.
There are only seven pronouns. They are he, she, it, I, we, they and you. Other pronouns are their variations.
1. Noun 2. Verb 3. Adjective 4. Adverb 5. Pronoun 6. Preposition
7. Conjunction 8. Interjection
All these parts of speech have their own roles in the formation of sentences. In the following lessons, we can see all these parts of speeches in-depth. Now, let us see these eight parts one by one briefly.
1.Noun: A noun is a word used as a name of a person, place, thing, state, quality, activity, action etc...
Examples:
• Mr. John is our English teacher.
In this sentence the words “Mr. John” and “teacher” are nouns.
• Harvard University is the oldest University.
In this sentence the words “Harvard” and “University” are nouns.
• Lions live in forest.
In this sentence the words “Lion” and “forest” are nouns.
• He is my best friend.
In this sentence, the words “He” and “friend” are nouns.
London, New Delhi, Himalaya, philosophy, beauty, car, road, Management, science, school, students, books, Mrs. Raman, tree, mango, fruits and flowers are few of the nouns.
Few other nouns are ball, town, bill, boy, child, hospital, hotel, home, hall, fame, college, road, fruit, computer etc…
.Verb: The Magic word of the Language
A verb is a word used to express an action or state.
Examples:
• She wrote a letter.
In this sentence, the word “wrote” indicates what she did. So the word “wrote” (write) is a verb.
• New York is big city.
In this sentence, what is now the city “New York” is indicated by the word “is”. So the word “is” is a verb.
• The child played in the hall.
Here in this sentence, “what the child did” is indicated by the word “played”. So the word “played” (play) is a verb.
Few other verbs are talk, walk, speak, kill, elect, eat, conclude, confess, convene, collect, go, freeze, pass, communicate, learn etc…
3.Adjective:
An adjective is word used to add something to the meaning of a noun.
Examples: • He is a brave boy.
In this sentence, “what kind of boy is he” is answered by the
word “brave”. So the word “brave” is an adjective.
• They are perfect people.
In this sentence, “what kinds of people are they” is answered by
the word “perfect”. So the word “perfect” is an adjective.
Few other adjectives are beautiful, tall, shy, courteous, ugly, short, long, lengthy, costly, calm, nice etc…
4.Adverb:
An adverb is a word used to add something to the meaning of a verb, an adjective or another adverb.
Examples: • He worked the sum quickly.
Here, whether he worked the sum slow or quickly is answered by the word “quickly”. So the word, “quickly” is an adverb.
• This flower is very beautiful.
Here the word “very” is used to add more meaning to the word “beautiful”. That means the flower is more beautiful. So the word “very” is an adverb.
• She pronounced the word quite correctly.
Here the word “quite” is used to add meaning to the word “correctly”. So the word “quite” is an adverb.
Few other adverbs are wonderfully, nicely, fast, beautifully, honestly, freely, slightly, healthily, calmly etc…
Many of the adverbs end with -ly as stated above. But it is not a condition.
5.Pronoun:
A pronoun is word used instead of a noun.
Examples:
• Raman is boy. He is going to school.
Of these sentences, in the second sentence, the word “he” is used to indicate “Raman”. So the word “he” is a pronoun.
• The students refuse to take their meals. They want to meet the warden.
Of these sentences, in the second sentence, the word “they” is used to indicate “the students”. So the word “they” is a pronoun.
There are only seven pronouns. They are he, she, it, I, we, they and you. Other pronouns are their variations.
6.Preposition:
A preposition is word used with a noun or a pronoun to show how the person or thing denoted by the noun or pronoun stands in relation to something else.
Examples:
• There is cow in the garden.
Here the word “in” is preposition.
• He is in the play-ground.
Here the word “in” is a preposition.
• They are coming to your office.
Here, the word “to” is a preposition.
• The fruits are behind the leaves.
Here the word “behind” is preposition.
Few other prepositions are away, from, on, towards, till, until, unless, under, of
7.Conjunction:
A conjunction is word used to join words or sentences.
Examples:
• Ram is a student. John is a student. Ram and John are students.
Here the word “and” is used to join the two words Ram & John. So the word “and” is a conjunction.
• I ran fast, but missed the train.
The word “but” is a conjunction.
Few other conjunctions are or, either…or, not only, so that, still, else, since, so,
8.Interjection:
An interjection is a word which expresses some sudden feelings.
Examples: • Hurrah! I have own the game.• Alas! She is dead.
In these sentences, the words “hurrah” and “alas” are used to express the sudden feelings of those who use these sentences.
These are the only eight parts of speech. We have seen these parts of
A preposition is word used with a noun or a pronoun to show how the person or thing denoted by the noun or pronoun stands in relation to something else.
Examples:
• There is cow in the garden.
Here the word “in” is preposition.
• He is in the play-ground.
Here the word “in” is a preposition.
• They are coming to your office.
Here, the word “to” is a preposition.
• The fruits are behind the leaves.
Here the word “behind” is preposition.
Few other prepositions are away, from, on, towards, till, until, unless, under, of
7.Conjunction:
A conjunction is word used to join words or sentences.
Examples:
• Ram is a student. John is a student. Ram and John are students.
Here the word “and” is used to join the two words Ram & John. So the word “and” is a conjunction.
• I ran fast, but missed the train.
The word “but” is a conjunction.
Few other conjunctions are or, either…or, not only, so that, still, else, since, so,
8.Interjection:
An interjection is a word which expresses some sudden feelings.
Examples: • Hurrah! I have own the game.• Alas! She is dead.
In these sentences, the words “hurrah” and “alas” are used to express the sudden feelings of those who use these sentences.
These are the only eight parts of speech. We have seen these parts of
Subject Object Predicate
Subject Object Predicate is the combination of three words which form any sentence.
SUBJECT: Subject is the person or a thing who or which carries out the action of the verb.
SUBJECT: Subject is the person or a thing who or which carries out the action of the verb.
Examples:
• Mr. Clinton is teaching Algebra to the students.
• Monkeys are playing around in the garden.
• Monkeys are playing around in the garden.
In the first sentence, the action is “teaching”. That action is carried out by Mr. Clinton. So, “Mr. Clinton” is the subject of the verb.
In the second sentence, the action is “playing”. That action is carried out by the monkeys. So, “The monkeys” is the subject of the verb.
The subject of sentence may be a simple noun or a simple pronoun as in the following sentences.
Examples:
1. Oxygen is essential for life on earth.
2. John F. Kennedy was elected as US President in 1960.
3. Honesty is the best policy.
4. Horses are majestic animals.
5. When students travel to US, they usually go by air.
2. John F. Kennedy was elected as US President in 1960.
3. Honesty is the best policy.
4. Horses are majestic animals.
5. When students travel to US, they usually go by air.
The subject may be also noun-phrase as in the following cases.
Examples:
1. The Earth revolves around the sun.
2. Borrowed-garments never fit well.
3. All matter is destructible.
4. No man can serve two masters.
5. The greatest similarity between India and China is that they both have huge population.
2. Borrowed-garments never fit well.
3. All matter is destructible.
4. No man can serve two masters.
5. The greatest similarity between India and China is that they both have huge population.
The subject may also be an infinitive or an infinitive phrase as in the following sentences.
Examples:
1. To err is human, but to forgive is divine.
2. To retreat was difficult; to advance was impossible.
3. To seek admission in a US college is the purpose with which I take TOEFL.
4. To bribe a public servant is a penal offence.
5. To score high marks in this examination means to have bright future.
2. To retreat was difficult; to advance was impossible.
3. To seek admission in a US college is the purpose with which I take TOEFL.
4. To bribe a public servant is a penal offence.
5. To score high marks in this examination means to have bright future.
The subject may be gerund or a gerund phrase as in the following sentences.
Examples:
1. Reading French is easier that speaking it.
2. Looking after children requires patience.
3. Hunting of tigers was a favorite sport of Indian Kings.
4. Bribing of public servant is a penal offence.
5. Scoring high marks in this examination is not as easy as you think of.
2. Looking after children requires patience.
3. Hunting of tigers was a favorite sport of Indian Kings.
4. Bribing of public servant is a penal offence.
5. Scoring high marks in this examination is not as easy as you think of.
The subject may be a full subordinate clause as in the following cases.
Examples:
1. How he reached home after the accidents was mystery to himself.
2. Why the people voted against the ruling party can be easily explained
. 3. What the minister spoke was not audible because of the failure of the microphone.
4. Where the prisoners went after escaping from jail was not known to the police.
5. How he scored high marks is open secret.
2. Why the people voted against the ruling party can be easily explained
. 3. What the minister spoke was not audible because of the failure of the microphone.
4. Where the prisoners went after escaping from jail was not known to the police.
5. How he scored high marks is open secret.
A sentence may also have “it” as the subject as in the following sentences.
Examples:
1. It was raining heavily when I reached home.
2. It was in 1970 that man first landed on moon.
3. It is possible that scientists will one day release the energy that is stored in water.
4. It was already dark when they started studying.
5. It is not he who came here as invigilator.
2. It was in 1970 that man first landed on moon.
3. It is possible that scientists will one day release the energy that is stored in water.
4. It was already dark when they started studying.
5. It is not he who came here as invigilator.
OBJECT:
The object is the person or a thing upon whom or upon which the action of the verb is carried out.
Examples:
• Monkeys are destroying the garden.
In this sentence the action is “destroying”. That action is carried by the monkeys. But the action (destroying) is carried upon the garden. So “Monkeys” is the SUBJECT and “GARDEN” is the object of the verb.
In this sentence the action is “destroying”. That action is carried by the monkeys. But the action (destroying) is carried upon the garden. So “Monkeys” is the SUBJECT and “GARDEN” is the object of the verb.
• Mr. Clinton is teaching Algebra to the students.
In this sentence, the action is “teaching”. That action is carried out by Mr. Clinton. That action is carried upon ‘Algebra’. So “Mr. Clinton” is the SUBJECT of the verb whereas “algebra” is the OBJECT of the verb. The word “The students” is the INDIRECT OBJECT of this sentence.
In this sentence, the action is “teaching”. That action is carried out by Mr. Clinton. That action is carried upon ‘Algebra’. So “Mr. Clinton” is the SUBJECT of the verb whereas “algebra” is the OBJECT of the verb. The word “The students” is the INDIRECT OBJECT of this sentence.
PREDICATE:
The predicate in a sentence is what tells about what a person or a thing does or did or what happened to a person or to a thing?
The predicate must (1) agree in number with subject, (2) have the correct tense and (3) be in the proper voice {active or passive}.
Examples:
• Monkeys are destroying the garden.
In the above sentence, the word “monkeys” is subject. Whereas the phrase “are destroying” is the predicate. And the word “the garden” is the object.
In the above sentence, the word “monkeys” is subject. Whereas the phrase “are destroying” is the predicate. And the word “the garden” is the object.
• Mr. Clinton is teaching Algebra to the students
In the above sentence, the word “Mr. Clinton” is the subject. The phrase “is teaching” is the predicate. The words “Algebra & The students” are objects.
In the above sentence, the word “Mr. Clinton” is the subject. The phrase “is teaching” is the predicate. The words “Algebra & The students” are objects.
Words (or participles) such as “coming”, “eating”, can not form full predicates of a sentence.
Similarly, Phrases (or infinitives) such as “to come”, “to eat” also can not form full predicates of a sentence.
Phrases involving participles and infinitives with auxiliary verbs such as “will to come”, “will to go”, “may expecting”, “must starting” etc… can not form the predicates of the sentence.
Grammar : Verb and Subject
Verb and Subject should agree with each other.
The verb in every sentence must agree with the subject in person and in number.
Let us see how the subjects modify the verbs.
1. When two or more subjects are connected by “and”, the verb is plural.
Examples:
• He and I are good friends.
• Oxygen and Hydrogen combine to produce water.
• Peter, Raja and Harry are classmates.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly "Verb and Subject" agree with each other.
2. If two singular nouns refer to the same person, the verb must be singular.
Examples:
• The poet and novelist is dead. (That means that the same person is a poet and a novelist)
• The secretary and cashier was present. (That means the same person was a secretary and cashier)
Note: To find out whether the two words refer to the same person or two different persons, look at the article or possessive adjective. If there are two articles or possessives, there are two different persons. In that case, the verb must be in plural.
3. If two singular subjects express one idea then the verb may be singular. (Plural verb also permitted)
Examples:
• Slow and steady wins the race.
• The long and short of the problem is this.
• The horse and carriage is waiting.
4. If we get the word “each” and “every” before singular subjects, the verb is singular.
Examples:
• Every member was ready to speak.
• Each day and each hour has its work to be done.
• Every man, woman and child has to be looked after.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly "Verb and Subject" agree with each other.
5. Two or more singular subjects connected by or,nor, either…or, neither…nor take singular verb.
Examples:
• His gather or he is expected here.
• Either he or his brother might have done this.
• Neither he nor they were present.
• Neither they nor he was present.
• Neither laziness nor dishonest is going to help you.
6. When the subjects, connected by or, nor, either…or, neither…nor, are of different numbers.
The verb must be plural and the plural subject must be put just before the verb.
Examples:
• Mr. Gobi or his brothers have to do this.
• Neither the boy nor his parents were present.
• Either the principal or the Professors might have the decision.
• Neither the head clerk nor the assistant clerks have taken the matter to the manager.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly "Verb and Subject" agree with each other.
7. When the subjects connected by or, nor, either…or, neither…nor are of different persons.
The verb agrees in person with the subject that comes just before it.
Examples:
• He or I have to be there.
• I or he has to be there. (Between this sentence and the above sentence, the above sentence is preferable)
• Either he or you are mistaken.
• Neither you nor I am to be blamed.
8. When subjects which are different in person or number or both are connected by ‘and’, the verb is plural.
Examples:
• He and I are friends.
• You and I are responsible for this.
• My father and I work in the same office.
• He and his friends have come.
• You and he are class-mates.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly Verb and Subject agree with each other.
9. For a collective noun, usually a singular verb is used, but when the individuals in the group are taken into consideration, a plural verb is used.
Examples:
• The committee meets tomorrow.
• The committee was divided in its views.
• There is a large number of boys in this group.
• A number of boys have given their names to participate in this competition.
• The crew of ship was efficient.
• The crew were arrested.
10. Few nouns which are plural in forms but singular in meaning take singular verb.
Examples:
• The news was false.
• Mathematics is an interesting subject.
• The wages of sin is death.
In all the sentences given above, you can see how perfectly Verb and Subject agree with each other.
The verb in every sentence must agree with the subject in person and in number.
Let us see how the subjects modify the verbs.
1. When two or more subjects are connected by “and”, the verb is plural.
Examples:
• He and I are good friends.
• Oxygen and Hydrogen combine to produce water.
• Peter, Raja and Harry are classmates.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly "Verb and Subject" agree with each other.
2. If two singular nouns refer to the same person, the verb must be singular.
Examples:
• The poet and novelist is dead. (That means that the same person is a poet and a novelist)
• The secretary and cashier was present. (That means the same person was a secretary and cashier)
Note: To find out whether the two words refer to the same person or two different persons, look at the article or possessive adjective. If there are two articles or possessives, there are two different persons. In that case, the verb must be in plural.
3. If two singular subjects express one idea then the verb may be singular. (Plural verb also permitted)
Examples:
• Slow and steady wins the race.
• The long and short of the problem is this.
• The horse and carriage is waiting.
4. If we get the word “each” and “every” before singular subjects, the verb is singular.
Examples:
• Every member was ready to speak.
• Each day and each hour has its work to be done.
• Every man, woman and child has to be looked after.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly "Verb and Subject" agree with each other.
5. Two or more singular subjects connected by or,nor, either…or, neither…nor take singular verb.
Examples:
• His gather or he is expected here.
• Either he or his brother might have done this.
• Neither he nor they were present.
• Neither they nor he was present.
• Neither laziness nor dishonest is going to help you.
6. When the subjects, connected by or, nor, either…or, neither…nor, are of different numbers.
The verb must be plural and the plural subject must be put just before the verb.
Examples:
• Mr. Gobi or his brothers have to do this.
• Neither the boy nor his parents were present.
• Either the principal or the Professors might have the decision.
• Neither the head clerk nor the assistant clerks have taken the matter to the manager.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly "Verb and Subject" agree with each other.
7. When the subjects connected by or, nor, either…or, neither…nor are of different persons.
The verb agrees in person with the subject that comes just before it.
Examples:
• He or I have to be there.
• I or he has to be there. (Between this sentence and the above sentence, the above sentence is preferable)
• Either he or you are mistaken.
• Neither you nor I am to be blamed.
8. When subjects which are different in person or number or both are connected by ‘and’, the verb is plural.
Examples:
• He and I are friends.
• You and I are responsible for this.
• My father and I work in the same office.
• He and his friends have come.
• You and he are class-mates.
In these sentences, you can see how perfectly Verb and Subject agree with each other.
9. For a collective noun, usually a singular verb is used, but when the individuals in the group are taken into consideration, a plural verb is used.
Examples:
• The committee meets tomorrow.
• The committee was divided in its views.
• There is a large number of boys in this group.
• A number of boys have given their names to participate in this competition.
• The crew of ship was efficient.
• The crew were arrested.
10. Few nouns which are plural in forms but singular in meaning take singular verb.
Examples:
• The news was false.
• Mathematics is an interesting subject.
• The wages of sin is death.
In all the sentences given above, you can see how perfectly Verb and Subject agree with each other.
Grammar : Verbs
Verbs are the word denoting actions or states.
Examples:
• Mr. Hales takes the class today morning.
What does Mr. Hales do today morning?
He takes the class.
The action he is doing is “taking” the class.
So the action is denoted by the word “takes”. In that case that word “takes” is the verb.
• The Students write their examination in the Lawtey hall.
Here, the word “write” is the verb.
• The university disqualified him.
Here, the word “disqualified” is the verb.
• His friends refused to support him when he was in critical moments.
Here, the word “refused” is the verb.
The verbs can be classified in different methods.
There are four types of verbs.
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1. Transitive verbs.
A transitive verb is the verb which takes an object.
2. Intransitive verb.
An intransitive verb is a verb which does not take an object.
3. Auxiliary verb:
A verb which helps another verb to form its tense, voice or mood is called an Auxiliary verb.
4. Modal verbs:
The following verbs are called Modal verbs:.
Shall, should, will, would, may, might, can, could, must, ought and dare are called modal verbs.
Let us see them individually.
1. Transitive verbs:
Examples:
• Mr. Hales takes the class today morning.
Let us see them individually.
1. Transitive verbs:
Examples:
• Mr. Hales takes the class today morning.
By this sentence, Mr. Hales takes the class.
Here………
The word “Mr. Hales” is the noun.
The word “the class” is the object.
The word “takes” is the verb.
Only when all the three words are there, the whole sentence becomes complete and meaningful.
In case the object word is not there, the sentence “Mr. Hales takes” conveys no meaning and
the sentence does not become complete. In that case “what does Mr. Hales take?” is not clear.
So only when the verb “takes” gets an object, the meaning behind the verb “takes” becomes complete.
That means the verb “takes” needs an object to make itself complete.
Such a verb which needs an object is called transitive verb.
That means the action of the verb is transmitted to another noun or another thing.
• They brought the suitcase two days back.
Here the verb “brought” (bring) needs an object to become meaningful.
What was brought?
The suitcase was brought by them.
So the verb “bring” (brought) is a transitive verb.
• My father has written a book which may interest you.
• We are crossing the river by a boat.
• The child is reading English poems clearly.
• An uncivilized man killed John Kennedy.
• She created this structure for our proposed-house.
• My teacher gave me a pen before I entered the exam-hall.
• They sell their properties.
In all the seven sentences given above, the respective verbs
“write”, “cross”, “read”, “kill”, “create”,“give” and “sell”
need their respective objects to make the sentences meaningful.
So, all these verbs are transitive verbs.
Few other “Transitive verbs” are: build, carry, begin, bear,
eat, choose, eat, find, forget, feed, drink, deal, cling, give,
grind, have, hold, make, ride, lend, know, learn, win, steal,
weave, shut, spread etc…
2. Intransitive verbs.
• We are crossing the river by a boat.
• The child is reading English poems clearly.
• An uncivilized man killed John Kennedy.
• She created this structure for our proposed-house.
• My teacher gave me a pen before I entered the exam-hall.
• They sell their properties.
In all the seven sentences given above, the respective verbs
“write”, “cross”, “read”, “kill”, “create”,“give” and “sell”
need their respective objects to make the sentences meaningful.
So, all these verbs are transitive verbs.
Few other “Transitive verbs” are: build, carry, begin, bear,
eat, choose, eat, find, forget, feed, drink, deal, cling, give,
grind, have, hold, make, ride, lend, know, learn, win, steal,
weave, shut, spread etc…
2. Intransitive verbs.
As stated above, an intransitive verb is the verb that does not take an object.
Examples:
• He laughed loudly.
In this sentence, the verb “laughed” does not need an object to complete the sentence.
In this sentence, the verb “laughed” does not need an object to complete the sentence.
So the verb “laugh” is an intransitive verb.
• I daily wake up at 5am.
Here the verb “wake” does not need an object for completing itself.
• I daily wake up at 5am.
Here the verb “wake” does not need an object for completing itself.
So the verb “wake” is an intransitive verb.
• The ball fell down. The verb “fell” (fall) is an intransitive verb.
• They are sitting on their cars The verb “sitting” (sit) is an intransitive verb.
• They are sitting on their cars The verb “sitting” (sit) is an intransitive verb.
• The river is winding through the forest. Here the verb “winding” (wind) is an intransitive verb.
Few verbs go, fall, die, sleep etc are exclusively intransitive.
Few more “Intransitive verbs” are: swim, stand, sit, sink, smite, shine, run, rise, lie, leave, kneel, grow etc…
Notes:
1. Many Transitive verbs can be used as Intransitive verbs as well.
Examples:
a. They fought their enemies. (Transitive verb). They fought fiercely. (Intransitive verb).
b. He spoke the truth. (Transitive verb). He spoke to me. (Intransitive verb).
c. The peon rings the bell. (Transitive verb). The bell rings continuously. (Intransitive verb).
d. He walks. (Transitive verb).
The hostler walks the horse. (Intransitive verb).
e. Birds fly in the air. (Transitive verb).
The observatory flies balloon to study weather. (Intransitive verb).
f. The bulb broke. (Transitive verb).
The students broke the glass. (Intransitive verb).
c. The peon rings the bell. (Transitive verb). The bell rings continuously. (Intransitive verb).
d. He walks. (Transitive verb).
The hostler walks the horse. (Intransitive verb).
e. Birds fly in the air. (Transitive verb).
The observatory flies balloon to study weather. (Intransitive verb).
f. The bulb broke. (Transitive verb).
The students broke the glass. (Intransitive verb).
Another type of verb is called “Auxiliary verb”.
3. Auxiliary verb:
A verb which helps another verb to form its tense, voice or mood is called an Auxiliary verb.
3. Auxiliary verb:
A verb which helps another verb to form its tense, voice or mood is called an Auxiliary verb.
Have, be(am,are,was and were) and do are usually used as auxiliary verbs, they can be used as Main verbs as well.
Examples:
• I have few urgent works. (Main)
They have done very well in the examinations. (Auxiliary)
• God is in Heaven. (Main)
He is liked by all. (Auxiliary)
• The man does his work quietly. (Main)
Did he come here? (Main)
4. Modal verbs:
The following verbs are called Modal verbs.
Shall, should, will, would, may, might, can, could, must, ought and dare are called modal verbs.
SHALL:
When “shall” is used in the second or third person, it has the force of a command, a promise,
They have done very well in the examinations. (Auxiliary)
• God is in Heaven. (Main)
He is liked by all. (Auxiliary)
• The man does his work quietly. (Main)
Did he come here? (Main)
4. Modal verbs:
The following verbs are called Modal verbs.
Shall, should, will, would, may, might, can, could, must, ought and dare are called modal verbs.
SHALL:
When “shall” is used in the second or third person, it has the force of a command, a promise,
a thread, determination, certainty…
i. You shall not go out without my permission.
ii. He shall get my help.
iii. She shall be punished for his mistake.
iv. He shall apologize for his behavior.
v. No man shall take this way.
WILL:
When “will” is used in the first person, it can express (in addition to the future tense) willingness,
a promise, a threat, determination…
i. I will help you.
ii. I will be there in your wedding.
iii. I will not allow him to go.
iv. I will not miss this opportunity.
MAY:
“May” has the force of possibility and permission. In the past tense “might” is used.
i. He may come here.
ii. You may go now.
iii. I believed that he might be honest.
i. You shall not go out without my permission.
ii. He shall get my help.
iii. She shall be punished for his mistake.
iv. He shall apologize for his behavior.
v. No man shall take this way.
WILL:
When “will” is used in the first person, it can express (in addition to the future tense) willingness,
a promise, a threat, determination…
i. I will help you.
ii. I will be there in your wedding.
iii. I will not allow him to go.
iv. I will not miss this opportunity.
MAY:
“May” has the force of possibility and permission. In the past tense “might” is used.
i. He may come here.
ii. You may go now.
iii. I believed that he might be honest.
CAN:
“Can” has the force of ability and permission.
i. He can do this work easily.
ii. She can go home.
iii. Everyone can learn this subject.
MUST:
“Must” has the force of compulsion, necessity, determination, duty, certainty of belief, inevitability…
i. Everybody must attend this function.
ii. I must go urgently.
iii. I must have full freedom.
iv. A minister must be honest.
v. She must be made to talk like this.
vi. This building must be demolished in near future.
OUGHT:
“Ought” indicated duty or moral obligation.
i. You ought to be careful.
ii. As the secretary I ought to have attended that meeting.
This verb “ought” must be followed by “to”.
DARE:
“Dare” conveys the force of challenge or the courage to do a thing.
i. He dare not oppose me.
ii. The prime Minister dared the opposition to prove the charge.
NEED:
“Need” has the force of necessity or obligation.
“Can” has the force of ability and permission.
i. He can do this work easily.
ii. She can go home.
iii. Everyone can learn this subject.
MUST:
“Must” has the force of compulsion, necessity, determination, duty, certainty of belief, inevitability…
i. Everybody must attend this function.
ii. I must go urgently.
iii. I must have full freedom.
iv. A minister must be honest.
v. She must be made to talk like this.
vi. This building must be demolished in near future.
OUGHT:
“Ought” indicated duty or moral obligation.
i. You ought to be careful.
ii. As the secretary I ought to have attended that meeting.
This verb “ought” must be followed by “to”.
DARE:
“Dare” conveys the force of challenge or the courage to do a thing.
i. He dare not oppose me.
ii. The prime Minister dared the opposition to prove the charge.
NEED:
“Need” has the force of necessity or obligation.
When this verb “need” is used to mean obligation in the negative or interrogative form,
‘s’ is not added to need in the third person singular(present tense).
i. She need not come here.
ii. It need not be white in the Shirt.
iii. He need not have educational qualifications.
For you attention please:
‘s’ is not added to need in the third person singular(present tense).
i. She need not come here.
ii. It need not be white in the Shirt.
iii. He need not have educational qualifications.
For you attention please:
The list of verbs is long one.
Every sentence will have a noun and a verb(predicate as well).
For your kind attention, few verbs have been given below.
1. arise 2. bear 3. beat 4. behold 5. bid 6. bite
Grammar : The Verb Be
The Verb Be is a very important but peculiar verb in English.
The Verb Be is a very important but peculiar verb in English.
The Verb Be can be used as a main verb as well as an “auxiliary verb.
Examples:
• I am in London.
In this sentence, the verb “am” has been used as a main verb.
• I am a qualified candidate.
In this sentence, the verb 'am' has been used as an auxiliart verb.Whereas the main verb is “qualify”.
It has other forms when it is used as an indicator of tense of the verb.
They are:
Is, was, am, are and were.
Examples:
• He is a teacher. (main verb)
• He was sent out of the meeting hall for his ill-behaviors. ( was” is auxiliary verb and the main verb is “send”)
The Verb Be is a very important but peculiar verb in English. It takes the following forms in the Principal forms.
Present tense …………………….Past tense………………..Past Participle
Be................................................................Been
Am.......................................was.................
Is.......................................was.................
Are......................................were................
So, “be”, “been”, “is”, “was”, “are” and “were” are the only different forms of the verb “be”.
Examples:
Many forms of the Verb-Be have beed used here. i. Be careful.
ii. Be kind to others.
iii. I am the secretary of the association.
iv. He is a kind man.
v. They are social workers.
vi. She was a good companion.
vii. The books were available.
viii. She has been the secretary for two years.
ix. You are not a member of this organization.
You can form your own sentences using the various forms of the Verb-Be.
Note:
The Verb Be can be used as a main verb and as an “auxiliary verb.
Main verb:
Examples:
i. The child is very cute. ii. It was six o’clock.
• I am in London.
In this sentence, the verb “am” has been used as a main verb.
• I am a qualified candidate.
In this sentence, the verb 'am' has been used as an auxiliart verb.Whereas the main verb is “qualify”.
It has other forms when it is used as an indicator of tense of the verb.
They are:
Is, was, am, are and were.
Examples:
• He is a teacher. (main verb)
• He was sent out of the meeting hall for his ill-behaviors. ( was” is auxiliary verb and the main verb is “send”)
The Verb Be is a very important but peculiar verb in English. It takes the following forms in the Principal forms.
Present tense …………………….Past tense………………..Past Participle
Be................................................................Been
Am.......................................was.................
Is.......................................was.................
Are......................................were................
So, “be”, “been”, “is”, “was”, “are” and “were” are the only different forms of the verb “be”.
Examples:
Many forms of the Verb-Be have beed used here. i. Be careful.
ii. Be kind to others.
iii. I am the secretary of the association.
iv. He is a kind man.
v. They are social workers.
vi. She was a good companion.
vii. The books were available.
viii. She has been the secretary for two years.
ix. You are not a member of this organization.
You can form your own sentences using the various forms of the Verb-Be.
Note:
The Verb Be can be used as a main verb and as an “auxiliary verb.
Main verb:
Examples:
i. The child is very cute. ii. It was six o’clock.
iii. There were many people.
iv. They are the people whom we are looking after.
v. I am a student of that college. vi. Be careful.
Auxiliary verb:
Examples:
The Verb Be is used as auxiliary verb as follows.
i. I am working here.
ii. She is doing her work quietly.
iii. The train was running late.
iv. The women were working in the field.
Note:
Unlike the other verbs, the verb “be” can not be split in the interrogative and negative forms of sentences. We use it as follows.
Negative:
Examples:
i. I am not your enemy. ii. He was not responsible for the accident.
iii. The people were not excited.
Interrogative:
Examples:
i. Where is the building? ii. How was the film?
iii. Were all the materials available?
Note:
The verbs “do” and “have” can be used as main verb and auxiliary verb.
Main verb:
Examples:
i. I do a lot of exercises. ii. He does his work rather carelessly.
iii. I have no difficulty. iv. They had a solution to this problem.
v. She has no compassion for others.
Auxiliary verb:
Examples:
i. I do not know anybody here. ii. She does not love him.
iii. I have seen this film. iv. A plan has been prepared.
Examples:
i. I do not have an answer to your question. (auxiliary verb)
ii. The committee has submitted the report. (auxiliary verb)
iii. They are investigating into the matter. (auxiliary verb)
iv. The matter is urgent. ( main verb)
v. He has done a lot of research. (auxiliary verb)
vi. All the candidates were present. ( main verb)
vii. She does all the work herself. ( main verb)
viii. The boy did not bring his book. (auxiliary verb)
ix. I had applied for the job. (auxiliary verb)
x. Our manager has been ill for quite some time. (auxiliary verb)
Auxiliary verb:
Examples:
The Verb Be is used as auxiliary verb as follows.
i. I am working here.
ii. She is doing her work quietly.
iii. The train was running late.
iv. The women were working in the field.
Note:
Unlike the other verbs, the verb “be” can not be split in the interrogative and negative forms of sentences. We use it as follows.
Negative:
Examples:
i. I am not your enemy. ii. He was not responsible for the accident.
iii. The people were not excited.
Interrogative:
Examples:
i. Where is the building? ii. How was the film?
iii. Were all the materials available?
Note:
The verbs “do” and “have” can be used as main verb and auxiliary verb.
Main verb:
Examples:
i. I do a lot of exercises. ii. He does his work rather carelessly.
iii. I have no difficulty. iv. They had a solution to this problem.
v. She has no compassion for others.
Auxiliary verb:
Examples:
i. I do not know anybody here. ii. She does not love him.
iii. I have seen this film. iv. A plan has been prepared.
Examples:
i. I do not have an answer to your question. (auxiliary verb)
ii. The committee has submitted the report. (auxiliary verb)
iii. They are investigating into the matter. (auxiliary verb)
iv. The matter is urgent. ( main verb)
v. He has done a lot of research. (auxiliary verb)
vi. All the candidates were present. ( main verb)
vii. She does all the work herself. ( main verb)
viii. The boy did not bring his book. (auxiliary verb)
ix. I had applied for the job. (auxiliary verb)
x. Our manager has been ill for quite some time. (auxiliary verb)
Adjective
An adjective is a word that tells us something about a noun.
A noun may have many attributes.
Boy is a noun.
That boy may be tall or short, intelligent or fool, educated or uneducated, rich or poor.
What is the quality of that boy?
In order to express the quality of that boy, we have to use an adjective.
"That boy is a rich boy".
In this sentence, the word “rich” indicates that the boy is a rich boy.
That means that the boy has a lot of money.
Those words which tell us about the quality of the nouns (which might have been used either as the subject or the object) are called adjectives.
• America is a country.
• America is a rich country. (“rich” is an adjective)
• Nile is a river.
• Nile is a long river.(“long” is an adjective)
• Harvard is the name of a university.
• Harvard is the name of the oldest university. (“Oldest” is an adjective)
• She is a student.
• She is a beautiful student. (“Beautiful” is an adjective)
• Water is an element.
• Water is one of the essential elements. (“essential” is an adjective)
Other sentences written with adjectives:
• London is a large city.
• Jacob is an honest man.
• We have had enough exercises.
• There has not been sufficient rain this year.
• The hand has five fingers.
• Most boys like cricket.
A noun may have many attributes.
Boy is a noun.
That boy may be tall or short, intelligent or fool, educated or uneducated, rich or poor.
What is the quality of that boy?
In order to express the quality of that boy, we have to use an adjective.
"That boy is a rich boy".
In this sentence, the word “rich” indicates that the boy is a rich boy.
That means that the boy has a lot of money.
Those words which tell us about the quality of the nouns (which might have been used either as the subject or the object) are called adjectives.
• America is a country.
• America is a rich country. (“rich” is an adjective)
• Nile is a river.
• Nile is a long river.(“long” is an adjective)
• Harvard is the name of a university.
• Harvard is the name of the oldest university. (“Oldest” is an adjective)
• She is a student.
• She is a beautiful student. (“Beautiful” is an adjective)
• Water is an element.
• Water is one of the essential elements. (“essential” is an adjective)
Other sentences written with adjectives:
• London is a large city.
• Jacob is an honest man.
• We have had enough exercises.
• There has not been sufficient rain this year.
• The hand has five fingers.
• Most boys like cricket.
An adjective will come before a noun. It will not come before a verb.
1. Adjectives of quality:
Good, honest, old, big etc…
Examples :
• Their good performance in their final examinations gave them what they expected.
• Mr. Antonio is an honest policeman.
• Our Chairman is an old man.
• The big temple might have been constructed a long time back.
• Their excellent presentation bagged them the first prize.
2. Adjectives of quantity:
Little, some, much, enough etc…
Examples :
• I know little about music.
• Adding some sugar will make the coffee tastier.
• We have enough study-materials for the forth-coming examinations.
Good, honest, old, big etc…
Examples :
• Their good performance in their final examinations gave them what they expected.
• Mr. Antonio is an honest policeman.
• Our Chairman is an old man.
• The big temple might have been constructed a long time back.
• Their excellent presentation bagged them the first prize.
2. Adjectives of quantity:
Little, some, much, enough etc…
Examples :
• I know little about music.
• Adding some sugar will make the coffee tastier.
• We have enough study-materials for the forth-coming examinations.
3. Definitive numeral adjectives:
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven etc..
Examples :
• One student came forward to become a leader of this class.
• Two children make a perfect family.
• Four subjects of “Management Studies” are very difficult.
• Ten employees have resigned their jobs.
4. Indefinite numeral adjectives:
All, no, many, few, several etc…
Examples :
• All the employees have to be here by 10am tomorrow.
• No one will be exempted from paying the monthly due.
• Few birds have become extinct.
• It rained several days continuously.
5. Distributive numeral adjectives:
Each, every, either, neither etc…
Examples :
• Each one of you should support this cause.
• I mean that every employee has stake in the growth of this company.
• Either of you should take care of your child.
• Neither of you can go away from other.
6. Demonstrative adjectives:
This, that, these, those, such etc…
Examples :
• This dog is ours.
• That gentleman donated his fortunes to a charitable trust.
• These flowers are not for sales.
7. Interrogative adjectives :
What, which, whose, when etc…
Examples :
• What happened after I came out of the house is not known to me.
• Which team won the match is not our problem.
• Whose child is this is a mystery.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven etc..
Examples :
• One student came forward to become a leader of this class.
• Two children make a perfect family.
• Four subjects of “Management Studies” are very difficult.
• Ten employees have resigned their jobs.
4. Indefinite numeral adjectives:
All, no, many, few, several etc…
Examples :
• All the employees have to be here by 10am tomorrow.
• No one will be exempted from paying the monthly due.
• Few birds have become extinct.
• It rained several days continuously.
5. Distributive numeral adjectives:
Each, every, either, neither etc…
Examples :
• Each one of you should support this cause.
• I mean that every employee has stake in the growth of this company.
• Either of you should take care of your child.
• Neither of you can go away from other.
6. Demonstrative adjectives:
This, that, these, those, such etc…
Examples :
• This dog is ours.
• That gentleman donated his fortunes to a charitable trust.
• These flowers are not for sales.
7. Interrogative adjectives :
What, which, whose, when etc…
Examples :
• What happened after I came out of the house is not known to me.
• Which team won the match is not our problem.
• Whose child is this is a mystery.
8. Adjectival Phrase:
Sometimes a phrase may be used as an adjective. In that case the phrase is called adjectival phrase.
Very often this adjectival phrase appears after the noun that it qualifies.
In the following sentences, the adjectival phrases are colored blue.
Examples :
• The chief lived in house built-of-stone.
• A friend in need is a friend indeed.
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• He was a student of great promise.
9. Adjectival Clause:
Often a full-clause may add meaning to a noun in which case it is known as an adjectival clause.
In the following sentences the adjectival clauses are colored blue.
Examples :
• Nehru was a statesman whom everyone responded.
• The house which caught fire is in the street.
• John is the boy who broke the window.
Sometimes a phrase may be used as an adjective. In that case the phrase is called adjectival phrase.
Very often this adjectival phrase appears after the noun that it qualifies.
In the following sentences, the adjectival phrases are colored blue.
Examples :
• The chief lived in house built-of-stone.
• A friend in need is a friend indeed.
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• He was a student of great promise.
9. Adjectival Clause:
Often a full-clause may add meaning to a noun in which case it is known as an adjectival clause.
In the following sentences the adjectival clauses are colored blue.
Examples :
• Nehru was a statesman whom everyone responded.
• The house which caught fire is in the street.
• John is the boy who broke the window.
Grammar: Preposition
Preposition is a word that is used with a noun or a pronoun or a verb to explain their relation with another noun or pronoun. There are two types.
1. Simple prepositions:
Examples:
1. A bird is on the tree.
2. I am fond of music.
3. The man was standing under the tree.
4. He runs after money.
5. I have to go to London to meet him.
6. Do not look at Sun at noon.
7. He is from your office.
8. One of you has to attend the meeting.
9. Go out.
10. You have to study English till you become a master of it.
11. He, with his friends, has gone to hotel to celebrate his birthday.
In the above sentences, the simple ones are colored red.
Few others are:
By, in, of, off, on, through, up, with, from, after, about, above, across, amidst, among, around, before, behind, below, within, between, inside, outside, without, beside, etc…
. Phrasal prepositions:
A phrasal verb is formed by combining a verb with a preposition
Preposition is a word that is used with a noun or a pronoun or a verb to explain their relation with another noun or pronoun. There are two types.
1. Simple prepositions:
Examples:
1. A bird is on the tree.
2. I am fond of music.
3. The man was standing under the tree.
4. He runs after money.
5. I have to go to London to meet him.
6. Do not look at Sun at noon.
7. He is from your office.
8. One of you has to attend the meeting.
9. Go out.
10. You have to study English till you become a master of it.
11. He, with his friends, has gone to hotel to celebrate his birthday.
In the above sentences, the simple ones are colored red.
Few others are:
By, in, of, off, on, through, up, with, from, after, about, above, across, amidst, among, around, before, behind, below, within, between, inside, outside, without, beside, etc…
. Phrasal prepositions:
A phrasal verb is formed by combining a verb with a preposition
. According to, agreeable to, along with, away from, in addition to,
in course of, in favor of, in honor of, in order to,
in spite of, with reference to, with regard etc…
Nouns, verbs, adjectives and participles are often combined with
prepositions such as Noun + Preposition, Verb + Preposition,
Adjective + Preposition, and Participle + Preposition.
Each combination has a separate meaning, sometimes totally different from the meaning of the main verb.
Examples:
1. Every citizen should abide by the laws of his country.
2. This lake abounds in fish.
3. Rajeev Gandhi started his Prime Ministership with abundance of goodwill of Indians.
4. Why were you absent from class yester day?
5. When I entered the room, I found my grandfather absorbed in deep thought.
6. The Judge refused to accede to the request of the accused to release him on bail.
7. I regret that your proposal is acceptable to me.
8. Gupta is well-known to politicians and has a ready access to a number of ministers.
9. The Engineer was accused of taking a bribe from the contractor.
10. Are you acquainted with this neighborhood?
11. The accused was acquitted of the charge of perjury?
12. You have to adapt yourself to changing times.
The Phrasal ones in the above sentences are colored blue.
(Quite often as in this case-12, the main verb and the preposition may be separated by other intervening words)
NOTE: One can give thousands of examples. There is no grammatical rule to describe why a particular preposition is used along with a particular word to convey a particular meaning.
These combinations have come out of mere conventions and usages.
You would yourself be using such phrases in your writings and speeches without your even being aware of them.
There are two ways, a preposition can be used.
The first is as in the following phrases:
Examples:
1. On the table 2. In the year 3. With his friend
in course of, in favor of, in honor of, in order to,
in spite of, with reference to, with regard etc…
Nouns, verbs, adjectives and participles are often combined with
prepositions such as Noun + Preposition, Verb + Preposition,
Adjective + Preposition, and Participle + Preposition.
Each combination has a separate meaning, sometimes totally different from the meaning of the main verb.
Examples:
1. Every citizen should abide by the laws of his country.
2. This lake abounds in fish.
3. Rajeev Gandhi started his Prime Ministership with abundance of goodwill of Indians.
4. Why were you absent from class yester day?
5. When I entered the room, I found my grandfather absorbed in deep thought.
6. The Judge refused to accede to the request of the accused to release him on bail.
7. I regret that your proposal is acceptable to me.
8. Gupta is well-known to politicians and has a ready access to a number of ministers.
9. The Engineer was accused of taking a bribe from the contractor.
10. Are you acquainted with this neighborhood?
11. The accused was acquitted of the charge of perjury?
12. You have to adapt yourself to changing times.
The Phrasal ones in the above sentences are colored blue.
(Quite often as in this case-12, the main verb and the preposition may be separated by other intervening words)
NOTE: One can give thousands of examples. There is no grammatical rule to describe why a particular preposition is used along with a particular word to convey a particular meaning.
These combinations have come out of mere conventions and usages.
You would yourself be using such phrases in your writings and speeches without your even being aware of them.
There are two ways, a preposition can be used.
The first is as in the following phrases:
Examples:
1. On the table 2. In the year 3. With his friend
4. From the village 5. At the post office 6. Between the books
7. Underneath the table’s
In sentences such as mentioned above, the preposition is written before the noun that governs it.
That is why it is called pre-position. Few prepositions are in the forms of two-words, three-words, four-words. According to, in addition to, The second way in which a preposition is used is after a verb, adjective or adverb. Few are followed by or preceded by a certain words to provide a fixed meaning.
Examples:
1. Go after 2. Endow with 3. Participate in 4. Divide into 5. Confine to 6. Abstain from 7. Conform to 8. Affection for 9. Pity towards 10. Alliance with 11. Acquaintance with 2. Distrust of 13. Result of 4. Access to 15. Opposition to 16. Incidental to 17. Deficient in 18. Acquainted with 19. Delighted with 20. Accused of 21. Fond of 22. Anxious about 23. Grateful for 24. Tantamount to 25. Sympathy for 26. Sure of 27. Surrender to 28. Suspect of 29. Stick to 30. Ready for
In sentences such as mentioned above, the preposition is written before the noun that governs it.
That is why it is called pre-position. Few prepositions are in the forms of two-words, three-words, four-words. According to, in addition to, The second way in which a preposition is used is after a verb, adjective or adverb. Few are followed by or preceded by a certain words to provide a fixed meaning.
Examples:
1. Go after 2. Endow with 3. Participate in 4. Divide into 5. Confine to 6. Abstain from 7. Conform to 8. Affection for 9. Pity towards 10. Alliance with 11. Acquaintance with 2. Distrust of 13. Result of 4. Access to 15. Opposition to 16. Incidental to 17. Deficient in 18. Acquainted with 19. Delighted with 20. Accused of 21. Fond of 22. Anxious about 23. Grateful for 24. Tantamount to 25. Sympathy for 26. Sure of 27. Surrender to 28. Suspect of 29. Stick to 30. Ready for
'In', 'at', and 'on' have similar meanings, but there are conventions about their usages. “IN” is used before large places such as a country, state or city.
Examples:
1. In India 2. In Texas 3. In New York
“ON” is used before middle sized places such as a road, train, plane, ship etc…
Examples:
1. On Mount road 2. On Parliament road 3. On the East coast
Examples:
1. In India 2. In Texas 3. In New York
“ON” is used before middle sized places such as a road, train, plane, ship etc…
Examples:
1. On Mount road 2. On Parliament road 3. On the East coast
“AT” is used to denote an exact spot.
Examples:
1. At the door 2. At 7 O’clock
“IN” is also used to denote a very small place
I was staying in a room at Door No.43 on Anderson Street in Boston on East coast in Massachusetts State in USA.
There are three conventional uses of these three ones in regard to time also.
“IN” is used before the year and month.
“ON” is used before the day and date.
“AT” is used before actual time.
That accident happened at 7.30pm on 7th March in 1989.
The correct phrasal forms to denote specific times of the day are:
Examples:
1. At dawn 2. In the morning 3. At noon
4. In the afternoon 5. At dusk 6. At night
The preposition “between” must be used when referring to two things or persons.
Examples:
1. The problem between Jack and Jill was solved by their parents.
2. This train is playing between New York and Chicago.
When more than two things or persons are involved, the correct preposition to be used is “among”.
Examples:
1. Among all the students in this class, John is the most intelligent.
2. He dose not show partiality among his three children
3. There is not a good understanding among the Parliamentarians of the ruling party.
Examples:
1. Buttercups are avoided by the grazing animals because of the bitter juices.
2. By the time Columbus arrived at America in 1492, other Europeans had already reached the New York.
3. In times of war, people must take precautions against not only actual violence but also acts of sabotage.
4. Between Stephen and his sister, the latter is the taller one.
5. Despite the road block, the police allowed us to enter the restricted area to search for our friends.
Examples:
1. At the door 2. At 7 O’clock
“IN” is also used to denote a very small place
I was staying in a room at Door No.43 on Anderson Street in Boston on East coast in Massachusetts State in USA.
There are three conventional uses of these three ones in regard to time also.
“IN” is used before the year and month.
“ON” is used before the day and date.
“AT” is used before actual time.
That accident happened at 7.30pm on 7th March in 1989.
The correct phrasal forms to denote specific times of the day are:
Examples:
1. At dawn 2. In the morning 3. At noon
4. In the afternoon 5. At dusk 6. At night
The preposition “between” must be used when referring to two things or persons.
Examples:
1. The problem between Jack and Jill was solved by their parents.
2. This train is playing between New York and Chicago.
When more than two things or persons are involved, the correct preposition to be used is “among”.
Examples:
1. Among all the students in this class, John is the most intelligent.
2. He dose not show partiality among his three children
3. There is not a good understanding among the Parliamentarians of the ruling party.
Examples:
1. Buttercups are avoided by the grazing animals because of the bitter juices.
2. By the time Columbus arrived at America in 1492, other Europeans had already reached the New York.
3. In times of war, people must take precautions against not only actual violence but also acts of sabotage.
4. Between Stephen and his sister, the latter is the taller one.
5. Despite the road block, the police allowed us to enter the restricted area to search for our friends.
Articles
Three words are used as articles. They are:
1. a 2. an 3. the
Of these, a and an are indefinite articles.
Because, the indefinite-articles are used to indicate not any specific object or subject in the sentence.
“The” is the only definite article
The definite article is used to indicate a specific object or subject in the sentence.
1. Indefinite articles:
Examples:
• A man is standing at the corner of the road.
• An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• He demolished a temple in the next town.
• What he needed was an umbrella.
• We need a building to set an office for our company.
• He gave me an onion.
• An honor of this type is what everybody dreams to get.
Uses of the Indefinite articles:
I. The indefinite articles are used before a singular countable noun.
Examples:
• We want to construct a house for us.
• A ball costs only few cents.
• A boy was born to the couples two days back.
1. a 2. an 3. the
Of these, a and an are indefinite articles.
Because, the indefinite-articles are used to indicate not any specific object or subject in the sentence.
“The” is the only definite article
The definite article is used to indicate a specific object or subject in the sentence.
1. Indefinite articles:
Examples:
• A man is standing at the corner of the road.
• An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• He demolished a temple in the next town.
• What he needed was an umbrella.
• We need a building to set an office for our company.
• He gave me an onion.
• An honor of this type is what everybody dreams to get.
Uses of the Indefinite articles:
I. The indefinite articles are used before a singular countable noun.
Examples:
• We want to construct a house for us.
• A ball costs only few cents.
• A boy was born to the couples two days back.
II. “An” is used before a word beginning with a vowel (or a vowel sound).
Examples:
• He gave me an onion.
• An ass is leaping into your field.
• An enemy need not be far away from you. He may be beside you.
• An orange is what you have to take to overcome thirsty.
• Before you go out in the winter season, please remember to take an umbrella with you.
III. “A” is used before a word beginning with a consonant.
Examples:
• A cat is running behind the rat.
• We need a man to safeguard our car.
• A hole in the boat will endanger its safety.
Examples:
• He gave me an onion.
• An ass is leaping into your field.
• An enemy need not be far away from you. He may be beside you.
• An orange is what you have to take to overcome thirsty.
• Before you go out in the winter season, please remember to take an umbrella with you.
III. “A” is used before a word beginning with a consonant.
Examples:
• A cat is running behind the rat.
• We need a man to safeguard our car.
• A hole in the boat will endanger its safety.
IV. “An” is used before the word beginning with ‘h’ in case the ‘h’ is silent in pronunciation.
Examples:
• An hour is a long time for the students who take this examination.
• An honor of this type is what everybody dreams to get. (A vowel sound)
• It is difficult to find an honest policeman.
• The train was late by an hour.
Examples:
• An hour is a long time for the students who take this examination.
• An honor of this type is what everybody dreams to get. (A vowel sound)
• It is difficult to find an honest policeman.
• The train was late by an hour.
V. “A” is used before the words beginning with a vowel which is pronounced like the ‘y’ in young.
Examples:
• The employees of this company formed a union.
• A European is better placed to reach the Oxford University than an Asian.
• The government decided to set a university in this area of the country.
• The ornithologist has written about a unique bird.
VI. When the word ‘such’ is applied to countable things, the indefinite article is used after ‘such’.
Examples:
• Mr. Ram is an honest man. You can not find such a man.
• He confused everybody with his witty talk. Such a blunder is rare to find in our lives.
VII. “A” is used in expression like:
Examples:
• A few students came forward to organize this function.
• A little sugar should be added to this coffee.
• A certain number of books have been sold off by the authorities of this library.
Examples:
• The employees of this company formed a union.
• A European is better placed to reach the Oxford University than an Asian.
• The government decided to set a university in this area of the country.
• The ornithologist has written about a unique bird.
VI. When the word ‘such’ is applied to countable things, the indefinite article is used after ‘such’.
Examples:
• Mr. Ram is an honest man. You can not find such a man.
• He confused everybody with his witty talk. Such a blunder is rare to find in our lives.
VII. “A” is used in expression like:
Examples:
• A few students came forward to organize this function.
• A little sugar should be added to this coffee.
• A certain number of books have been sold off by the authorities of this library.
VIII. The indefinite article is used when a singular noun stands for a whole group or species.
Examples:
• A cow is a useful animal. • A dog is a faithful animal.
Examples:
• A cow is a useful animal. • A dog is a faithful animal.
NOTE:
Countable noun is the noun which can be counted as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6….
Five animals, seven students, eight stars, ten countries etc…
So, animals, stars, students, colleges, computers, countries, books and boats are countable nouns.
Uncountable nouns are the nouns which can not be counted.
Time, rice, sky, sugar, soil, water, honesty, virtue and wisdom are the nouns which can not be counted.
So, they are called uncountable nouns.
2. Definite articles:
Examples:
• The lion is a majestic animal.
• The boy who is standing there is my nephew.
• The Andamans belong to India.
• The book that you wanted is not in this book-stall.
• The girl is not an Indian.
• You are welcome to the function.
Uses of definite articles:
The definite articles “the” is used as follows.
Examples:
i. To refer to both countable nouns and uncountable nouns.
• The book is costly one.
• The pen is what He sells in his shop.
• The news is not sweet for our ears.
• The river is going through our city.
Countable noun is the noun which can be counted as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6….
Five animals, seven students, eight stars, ten countries etc…
So, animals, stars, students, colleges, computers, countries, books and boats are countable nouns.
Uncountable nouns are the nouns which can not be counted.
Time, rice, sky, sugar, soil, water, honesty, virtue and wisdom are the nouns which can not be counted.
So, they are called uncountable nouns.
2. Definite articles:
Examples:
• The lion is a majestic animal.
• The boy who is standing there is my nephew.
• The Andamans belong to India.
• The book that you wanted is not in this book-stall.
• The girl is not an Indian.
• You are welcome to the function.
Uses of definite articles:
The definite articles “the” is used as follows.
Examples:
i. To refer to both countable nouns and uncountable nouns.
• The book is costly one.
• The pen is what He sells in his shop.
• The news is not sweet for our ears.
• The river is going through our city.
ii. To refer to a particular person or thing or one already mentioned in the sentence.
Examples:
• There is a chair but the chair is broken.
• The book that you want is not available in this library.
• The President arrived by a special plane.
iii. To refer to a singular noun that represents a whole class.
Examples:
• The elephant is a huge animal.
• The scientist is a useful person to the society.
The definite article “the” is used:
iv. With superlatives:
Examples:
• The highest mountain is Mount Everest.
• This is the best book on Ornithology.
• The darkest night has its own dawn.
v. With ordinals:
Examples:
• The tenth student in the last row has to stand up.
• The first man who arrives will be given a prize.
vi. Before musical instruments:
Examples:
• He can play the flute.
• We have master the key-board at the early stage.
vii. Before the adjective when the noun is implied:
Examples:
• The downtrodden (people) will vote him to power.
• The intelligent (students) will answer this question.
• The poor (people) will not agree to this policy.
viii. Before names of unique of their kind.
Examples:
• The Sun is the source of all forms of energies.
• The Sky looks beautiful every night.
• The earth is the example of patience.
• The sea is the birth-place of many rare fishes.
NOTE:
Examples:
• There is a chair but the chair is broken.
• The book that you want is not available in this library.
• The President arrived by a special plane.
iii. To refer to a singular noun that represents a whole class.
Examples:
• The elephant is a huge animal.
• The scientist is a useful person to the society.
The definite article “the” is used:
iv. With superlatives:
Examples:
• The highest mountain is Mount Everest.
• This is the best book on Ornithology.
• The darkest night has its own dawn.
v. With ordinals:
Examples:
• The tenth student in the last row has to stand up.
• The first man who arrives will be given a prize.
vi. Before musical instruments:
Examples:
• He can play the flute.
• We have master the key-board at the early stage.
vii. Before the adjective when the noun is implied:
Examples:
• The downtrodden (people) will vote him to power.
• The intelligent (students) will answer this question.
• The poor (people) will not agree to this policy.
viii. Before names of unique of their kind.
Examples:
• The Sun is the source of all forms of energies.
• The Sky looks beautiful every night.
• The earth is the example of patience.
• The sea is the birth-place of many rare fishes.
NOTE:
The two words “Man” and “Woman” in the general sense do not take any article.
Man (not “The Man”) is the only animal that has intelligence.
ix. To refer to rivers, seas, oceans, groups of islands, mountains, ranges trains etc…
Examples:
• The Frontier mail will arrive in time.
• The Bay of Bengal is tsunami affected ocean.
• The Andaman is a part of India.
x. To refer to Holy books.
Examples:
• The Bhaghavat Gita is the sacred book of Indian.
• The Koran is a book of wisdom.
• The Bible is an age-old book.
NOTE:
“The” is not used when the author name of the book is used as follows.
Examples:
• Valmiki’s Ramayana is one of the Epics of Hindus. (Not “Valmiki’s the Ramayana)
Man (not “The Man”) is the only animal that has intelligence.
ix. To refer to rivers, seas, oceans, groups of islands, mountains, ranges trains etc…
Examples:
• The Frontier mail will arrive in time.
• The Bay of Bengal is tsunami affected ocean.
• The Andaman is a part of India.
x. To refer to Holy books.
Examples:
• The Bhaghavat Gita is the sacred book of Indian.
• The Koran is a book of wisdom.
• The Bible is an age-old book.
NOTE:
“The” is not used when the author name of the book is used as follows.
Examples:
• Valmiki’s Ramayana is one of the Epics of Hindus. (Not “Valmiki’s the Ramayana)
xi. To refer to a noun when it is preceded by an adjective.
Examples:
• The immortal Keats has created many books of their own classes.
• The great Alexander followed Buddhism.
xii. To refer to the superlative degrees.
Examples:
• The highest mountain is Mount Everest.
• The tallest man in our class is Mr. Oats.
• Ms. Sharma is the most beautiful girl in this state.
xiii. To refer to the people of a Country but not to their language.
Examples:
o The French people are civilized people.
o The English Men are sensitive to this issue.
Examples:
• The immortal Keats has created many books of their own classes.
• The great Alexander followed Buddhism.
xii. To refer to the superlative degrees.
Examples:
• The highest mountain is Mount Everest.
• The tallest man in our class is Mr. Oats.
• Ms. Sharma is the most beautiful girl in this state.
xiii. To refer to the people of a Country but not to their language.
Examples:
o The French people are civilized people.
o The English Men are sensitive to this issue.
xiv. Before an adjective when the qualified noun is not mentioned.
Examples:
• The strong should not oppress the weak.
• He works for the down-trodden.
xv. In certain expression like…
Examples:
• The more you work, the more you earn.
The omission of articles:
The uses of articles should be avoided in few sentences to make the sentences meaningful.
I. To refer to proper noun.
Examples:
• New Delhi is the capital of India. (Not “The New Delhi”)
• Nile is one of the longest rivers. (Not “The Nile”)
II. Before Abstract nouns when they are used in a general sense.
Examples:
o Truth always triumphs. (Not “The Truth”)
o Suspicion should be based on evidence. (Not “The Suspicion”)
o Honesty is the best policy.
o Wisdom is the gift of heaven.
o Virtue is its own reward
III. Before material nouns.
Examples:
o Silver is not as costly as Gold. (Not “The Silver”)
o Cotton is grown in several parts of India. (Not “The Cotton”)
IV. Before languages:
Examples:
• We are learning English.
• He has planned to study French.
• They speak Hindi at home.
V. Before plural countable nouns when they are used in general sense.
Examples:
o Children prefer playtimes.
o Computers offer various job-opportunities.
o Cars are sold like hot-cakes.
VI. Before names of relations:
Examples:
• Father is the head a family.
• Son should shoulder the responsibility of the family.
• Daughter-in-law is nothing but a daughter.
Examples:
o Truth always triumphs. (Not “The Truth”)
o Suspicion should be based on evidence. (Not “The Suspicion”)
o Honesty is the best policy.
o Wisdom is the gift of heaven.
o Virtue is its own reward
III. Before material nouns.
Examples:
o Silver is not as costly as Gold. (Not “The Silver”)
o Cotton is grown in several parts of India. (Not “The Cotton”)
IV. Before languages:
Examples:
• We are learning English.
• He has planned to study French.
• They speak Hindi at home.
V. Before plural countable nouns when they are used in general sense.
Examples:
o Children prefer playtimes.
o Computers offer various job-opportunities.
o Cars are sold like hot-cakes.
VI. Before names of relations:
Examples:
• Father is the head a family.
• Son should shoulder the responsibility of the family.
• Daughter-in-law is nothing but a daughter.
Infinitive
Eat, read, write, go, get, speak, walk, smile, cry and laugh are few of the verbs in the "infinitive" forms. When the preposition “to” is placed before such a verb, that verb is called “full infinitive”.
To eat, to read, to write, to go, to get, to speak, to walk, to smile, to cry and to laugh are few of the "full-infinitive" forms. This type of the noun is called verbal-noun. This verbal-noun is called “Infinitive” which has the features of both a verb and a noun. There is another type of verbal-noun. That type is called “Gerund” which we have seen in another section.
An “infinitive” can be used differently.
1. It can be used as the subject of the verb.
Examples:
To swim is good for health.
To eat too much makes one fat.
To go for walk early in the morning is advised by the doctors.
To read means to grow.
2.It can be used as the object of the verb.
Examples:
I forget to tell you an important matter.
All of you begin to work.
The doctor has come to check you up for blood-pressure.
3. The following verbs take only the infinitive as the object.
Afford, appear, arrange, care, chance, come, dare, decide, fail, determine, happen, hurry, manage, mean, offer, pretend, promise, prove, refuse, seem, trouble, undertake, wish etc…
Examples:
I can not afford to pay so much.
The man pretended to be innocent.
The thief managed to escape.
We have undertaken to do the job.
How dare you do it?
They refused to pay the bill.
She offered to go alone.
We are determined to complete the project.
4. The following verbs take only an infinitive as an object,
but also are used in the ways as given below.
Ask, like, choose, want, intent, mean, hate, beg, love, expect, wish etc…
a. Subject + verb + infinitive
Examples:
My sister loves to sing. I like to view few television shows.
They hate to borrow money form the bank.
Mr. Ramah expected us to help him when he was in London.
She chose to stay away from the program.
Our Professor asked us to come back after 6pm today.
To eat, to read, to write, to go, to get, to speak, to walk, to smile, to cry and to laugh are few of the "full-infinitive" forms. This type of the noun is called verbal-noun. This verbal-noun is called “Infinitive” which has the features of both a verb and a noun. There is another type of verbal-noun. That type is called “Gerund” which we have seen in another section.
An “infinitive” can be used differently.
1. It can be used as the subject of the verb.
Examples:
To swim is good for health.
To eat too much makes one fat.
To go for walk early in the morning is advised by the doctors.
To read means to grow.
2.It can be used as the object of the verb.
Examples:
I forget to tell you an important matter.
All of you begin to work.
The doctor has come to check you up for blood-pressure.
3. The following verbs take only the infinitive as the object.
Afford, appear, arrange, care, chance, come, dare, decide, fail, determine, happen, hurry, manage, mean, offer, pretend, promise, prove, refuse, seem, trouble, undertake, wish etc…
Examples:
I can not afford to pay so much.
The man pretended to be innocent.
The thief managed to escape.
We have undertaken to do the job.
How dare you do it?
They refused to pay the bill.
She offered to go alone.
We are determined to complete the project.
4. The following verbs take only an infinitive as an object,
but also are used in the ways as given below.
Ask, like, choose, want, intent, mean, hate, beg, love, expect, wish etc…
a. Subject + verb + infinitive
Examples:
My sister loves to sing. I like to view few television shows.
They hate to borrow money form the bank.
Mr. Ramah expected us to help him when he was in London.
She chose to stay away from the program.
Our Professor asked us to come back after 6pm today.
b. Subject + verb + object + infinitive
Examples:
My sister likes my mother to sing.
They begged me to help him.
The committee chose me to sing in the function.
My father wished me to succeed in the competition.
5. The following verbs take only the verb + object + infinitive construction.
Allow, advice, cause, compel, encourage, force, instruct, invite, oblige, order, permit, persuade, press, request, teach, tell, tempt, warn etc…
Examples:
Do not allow him to interfere with his work.
The circumstances forced him to tell a lie.
I warned him not to take up that job.
They permitted me to take the exam without my hall-ticket.
My teacher taught us how to calculate the profit.
Our father forced us to continue our studies.
He was tempted to take sweets every day.
6. The infinitive without “to” is used after the verbs “make” and “let”.
Examples:
Let him go. Make them do the job very well.
7. The full infinitive is used with the “be” verb to indicate commands or agreements or plans.
Examples:
Everybody is to wear a full suit.
Nobody is to touch these things without permission.
They are to be married next week.
The committee is to meet next month to discuss this matter.
8.It is used in the following construction. For + object + infinitive
Examples:
It is not for me to advice you.
Is the road safe enough for the driver to take the bus on it?
9.It is used in the place of clauses.
Examples:
Tell him what to do?
She does not know who to approach? Can you tell me how to stop the bleeding?
So in these ways the infinitives can be used as nouns in the sentences.
Note-1
The word ‘to’ is frequently used with an infinitive. But ‘to’ is not the essential part or sign of an infinitive verb. After few verbs (let, need, make, see, bid, hear, dare), we use the infinitive without ‘to’.
Examples:
• You need not come to the function.
• The Doctor can make him walk in a month of time.
• How dare you open the door!
• I did not see him do that.
• They will not let you go out.
• She bade me go.
• I have not heard a bird sing.
Note-2
The word ‘to’ need not be added after 'had better', 'had rather', 'would rather', 'sooner than' and 'rather than'.
Examples:
• You had better leave now.
• I had rather walk than take rest.
• They would rather leave the show than see the dull-movie.
• They will come late rather than stay at home.
Examples:
My sister likes my mother to sing.
They begged me to help him.
The committee chose me to sing in the function.
My father wished me to succeed in the competition.
5. The following verbs take only the verb + object + infinitive construction.
Allow, advice, cause, compel, encourage, force, instruct, invite, oblige, order, permit, persuade, press, request, teach, tell, tempt, warn etc…
Examples:
Do not allow him to interfere with his work.
The circumstances forced him to tell a lie.
I warned him not to take up that job.
They permitted me to take the exam without my hall-ticket.
My teacher taught us how to calculate the profit.
Our father forced us to continue our studies.
He was tempted to take sweets every day.
6. The infinitive without “to” is used after the verbs “make” and “let”.
Examples:
Let him go. Make them do the job very well.
7. The full infinitive is used with the “be” verb to indicate commands or agreements or plans.
Examples:
Everybody is to wear a full suit.
Nobody is to touch these things without permission.
They are to be married next week.
The committee is to meet next month to discuss this matter.
8.It is used in the following construction. For + object + infinitive
Examples:
It is not for me to advice you.
Is the road safe enough for the driver to take the bus on it?
9.It is used in the place of clauses.
Examples:
Tell him what to do?
She does not know who to approach? Can you tell me how to stop the bleeding?
So in these ways the infinitives can be used as nouns in the sentences.
Note-1
The word ‘to’ is frequently used with an infinitive. But ‘to’ is not the essential part or sign of an infinitive verb. After few verbs (let, need, make, see, bid, hear, dare), we use the infinitive without ‘to’.
Examples:
• You need not come to the function.
• The Doctor can make him walk in a month of time.
• How dare you open the door!
• I did not see him do that.
• They will not let you go out.
• She bade me go.
• I have not heard a bird sing.
Note-2
The word ‘to’ need not be added after 'had better', 'had rather', 'would rather', 'sooner than' and 'rather than'.
Examples:
• You had better leave now.
• I had rather walk than take rest.
• They would rather leave the show than see the dull-movie.
• They will come late rather than stay at home.
Grammar : Passive Voice
There will be two Passive Voice sentences for the sentences with two nouns.
There are few verbs which take two objects, a Direct object and an Indirect object.
For such sentences, there will be two forms in Passive Voice sentences.
1. Verbs with two objects:
Examples:
• I gave him five rupees. (Active voice)
• Five rupees were given to him by me. (Passive Voice)
• He was given five rupees by me. (Passive Voice)
• She has told me the truth. (Active voice)
• I was told the truth by her. (Passive Voice)
• The truth was told to me by her. (Passive Voice)
• They lent me their car. (Active voice)
• I was lent a car by them. (Passive Voice)
• A car was lent to me by them. (Passive Voice)
• The Government has sent him a message. (Active voice)
• He was sent a message by the government. (Passive Voice)
• A message was sent to him by the government. (Passive Voice)
2. Imperative sentences (Commands and requests)
There is special formula for changing the imperative sentence into passive voice.
• Please open the door. (Active voice)
• Let the door be opened by you. (Passive Voice)
Here the sentence in active-voice has been changed into a sentence in passive-voice. Please understand the formula which has been followed to change the active-voice to passive-voice.
There are few verbs which take two objects, a Direct object and an Indirect object.
For such sentences, there will be two forms in Passive Voice sentences.
1. Verbs with two objects:
Examples:
• I gave him five rupees. (Active voice)
• Five rupees were given to him by me. (Passive Voice)
• He was given five rupees by me. (Passive Voice)
• She has told me the truth. (Active voice)
• I was told the truth by her. (Passive Voice)
• The truth was told to me by her. (Passive Voice)
• They lent me their car. (Active voice)
• I was lent a car by them. (Passive Voice)
• A car was lent to me by them. (Passive Voice)
• The Government has sent him a message. (Active voice)
• He was sent a message by the government. (Passive Voice)
• A message was sent to him by the government. (Passive Voice)
2. Imperative sentences (Commands and requests)
There is special formula for changing the imperative sentence into passive voice.
• Please open the door. (Active voice)
• Let the door be opened by you. (Passive Voice)
Here the sentence in active-voice has been changed into a sentence in passive-voice. Please understand the formula which has been followed to change the active-voice to passive-voice.
“Let” is used to convert the active voice sentence into a passive voice sentence.
Examples:
• Do not mistake me. (Active voice)
• Let me not be mistaken. (Passive Voice)
• Cut your nails. (Active voice)
• Let your nails be cut. (Passive Voice)
• Do not ignore my suggestions. (Active voice)
• Let not my suggestions be ignored. (Passive Voice).
These sentences have been changed into passive voice sentences by adding "let".
3. With Modal verbs:
The verbs can, could, may, might, and must are known modal verbs. As per the following methods these sentences with these verbs are changed into passive voice.
Examples:
• You can take the book. (Active voice)
• The book can be taken by you. (Passive Voice).
• Everybody must obey the rules. (Active voice)
• The rules must be obeyed by everybody. (Passive Voice).
• They might have studied their lessons. (Active voice)
• Their lessons might have been studied by them. (Passive Voice).
• He may not accept this plan. (Active voice)
• This lesson may not be accepted by him. (Passive Voice).
Examples:
• Do not mistake me. (Active voice)
• Let me not be mistaken. (Passive Voice)
• Cut your nails. (Active voice)
• Let your nails be cut. (Passive Voice)
• Do not ignore my suggestions. (Active voice)
• Let not my suggestions be ignored. (Passive Voice).
These sentences have been changed into passive voice sentences by adding "let".
3. With Modal verbs:
The verbs can, could, may, might, and must are known modal verbs. As per the following methods these sentences with these verbs are changed into passive voice.
Examples:
• You can take the book. (Active voice)
• The book can be taken by you. (Passive Voice).
• Everybody must obey the rules. (Active voice)
• The rules must be obeyed by everybody. (Passive Voice).
• They might have studied their lessons. (Active voice)
• Their lessons might have been studied by them. (Passive Voice).
• He may not accept this plan. (Active voice)
• This lesson may not be accepted by him. (Passive Voice).
4. Phrasal verbs: Few verbs, with certain meanings are always used with prepositions. In such situations the prepositions should not be omitted in the sentences.
Examples:
• We are looking at the game. (Active voice)
• The game is being looked at by us. (Passive Voice).
• The fire-brigade put out the fire. (Active voice)
• The fire was put out by the fire-brigade. (Passive Voice).
• The Government will set up a factory. (Active voice)
• A factory will be set up by the government. (Passive Voice).
5. With IT:
In few sentences, instead of a word or a phrase, a clause may be the object of a verb.
In such cases there are two ways of changing the sentences into the passive voice.
A. By making the clause itself as the subject in the passive voice.
Examples:
• I hope that he will realize his mistake. (Active voice)
• That his mistake will be realized is hoped by us. (Passive Voice).
• I expected that they would take up the matter. (Active voice)
• That the matter would be taken up by them was expected by me. (Passive Voice).
B. By substituting the clause with pronoun it.
Examples:
• The Romans expected that they would conquer Carthage. (Active voice)
• It was expected by the Romans that Carthage would be conquered by them. (Passive Voice).
• We have learned that you have secured the first rank. (Active voice)
• It has been learned by us that the first rank has been secured by you. (Passive Voice).
Exercises:
• The grandmother was telling her grandchildren an interesting story. (Active voice)
• An interesting story was being told by the grandmother to her grand children. (Passive Voice).
• Her grand children were being told an interesting story by their grandmother. (Passive Voice).
• The postman brought you a parcel. (Active voice)
• A parcel was brought to you by a postman. (Passive Voice).
• You were brought a parcel by the postman. (Passive Voice).
• I have taught the class the first lesson. (Active voice)
• The first lesson was taught by me to the class. (Passive Voice).
• The class was taught the first lesson by me. (Passive Voice).
• The office has sent her a message. (Active voice)
• A message has been sent to her by the office. (Passive Voice).
• She has been sent a message by her office. (Passive Voice).
• The waiter brought us the menu card. (Active voice)
• The menu card was brought to us by the waiter. (Passive Voice).
• We were brought the menu card by the waiter. (Passive Voice).
• They are offering you another chance. (Active voice)
• You are being offered another chance by them. (Passive Voice).
• Another chance is being offered to you by them. (Passive Voice).
• He had told me a lie. (Active voice)
• I had been told a lie by him. (Passive Voice).
• A lie had been told to me by him. (Passive Voice).
• I gave her your message. (Active voice)
• She was given your message by me. (Passive Voice).
• Your message was given to her by me. (Passive Voice).
• Who taught you Sanskrit? (Active voice)
• Sanskrit was taught to you by whom? (Passive Voice).
• You were taught Sanskrit by whom? (Passive Voice).
• Sign these documents. (Active voice)
• Let these documents be signed. (Passive Voice).
• We are looking at the game. (Active voice)
• The game is being looked at by us. (Passive Voice).
• The fire-brigade put out the fire. (Active voice)
• The fire was put out by the fire-brigade. (Passive Voice).
• The Government will set up a factory. (Active voice)
• A factory will be set up by the government. (Passive Voice).
5. With IT:
In few sentences, instead of a word or a phrase, a clause may be the object of a verb.
In such cases there are two ways of changing the sentences into the passive voice.
A. By making the clause itself as the subject in the passive voice.
Examples:
• I hope that he will realize his mistake. (Active voice)
• That his mistake will be realized is hoped by us. (Passive Voice).
• I expected that they would take up the matter. (Active voice)
• That the matter would be taken up by them was expected by me. (Passive Voice).
B. By substituting the clause with pronoun it.
Examples:
• The Romans expected that they would conquer Carthage. (Active voice)
• It was expected by the Romans that Carthage would be conquered by them. (Passive Voice).
• We have learned that you have secured the first rank. (Active voice)
• It has been learned by us that the first rank has been secured by you. (Passive Voice).
Exercises:
• The grandmother was telling her grandchildren an interesting story. (Active voice)
• An interesting story was being told by the grandmother to her grand children. (Passive Voice).
• Her grand children were being told an interesting story by their grandmother. (Passive Voice).
• The postman brought you a parcel. (Active voice)
• A parcel was brought to you by a postman. (Passive Voice).
• You were brought a parcel by the postman. (Passive Voice).
• I have taught the class the first lesson. (Active voice)
• The first lesson was taught by me to the class. (Passive Voice).
• The class was taught the first lesson by me. (Passive Voice).
• The office has sent her a message. (Active voice)
• A message has been sent to her by the office. (Passive Voice).
• She has been sent a message by her office. (Passive Voice).
• The waiter brought us the menu card. (Active voice)
• The menu card was brought to us by the waiter. (Passive Voice).
• We were brought the menu card by the waiter. (Passive Voice).
• They are offering you another chance. (Active voice)
• You are being offered another chance by them. (Passive Voice).
• Another chance is being offered to you by them. (Passive Voice).
• He had told me a lie. (Active voice)
• I had been told a lie by him. (Passive Voice).
• A lie had been told to me by him. (Passive Voice).
• I gave her your message. (Active voice)
• She was given your message by me. (Passive Voice).
• Your message was given to her by me. (Passive Voice).
• Who taught you Sanskrit? (Active voice)
• Sanskrit was taught to you by whom? (Passive Voice).
• You were taught Sanskrit by whom? (Passive Voice).
• Sign these documents. (Active voice)
• Let these documents be signed. (Passive Voice).
REPORTING VERBS
Report each of these statements, using an appropriate verb from the following list.
Accuse, apologise, blame, admit, consider, congratulate, encourage, reassure, recommend, refuse, regret, remind (2), suggest, warn, volunteer, invite,
1. My wife: “Don’t worry about the arrangements for the reception. They are all under control.
My wife reassured me that the arrangements for the reception were all under control.
2. Geraldine: “I will not take part in the new play.”
3. My best friend: “Don’t you ever discuss my problems behind my back again!”
4. Pete: “You should think about going to the new Thai restaurant. It’s excellen 5. The department manager: “It was your fault that we lost the Siemens contract.”
6. The disc jockey: “Oasis were definitely the best band of the nineties.”
7. The fan: “I’m terribly sorry about confusing you with George Michael.”
8. The police officer: “We believe that you have been making obscene phone calls to this office.”
9. My friends: “Come on – you can take part in the competition with us. You are just as good as we are.”
10. Mike’s brother: “I don’t mind organising the reception for Mike and Sarah’s wedding.”
11. The team manager: “I feel terrible now about contradicting Julie in front of the whole team.”
12. The director: “Let’s try this scene a different way, shall we?”
13. My mother: “You had your tonsils taken out when you were about nine, remember?”
14. John: “You are both more than welcome to spend the night at my house.
15. Peter: “The news of your engagement is marvellous.”
16. Sarah: “Ok, so it’s true. I did go out with Matthew for the evening.”
17. My mother: “Whatever you do, do not forget to get your grandmother a birthday card.”
Reporting Verbs Exercise at Auto-English
Fill the gaps using the verbs in the box. Use each verb once only.
|
| 1 | "I didn't do it," she said. |
| She ________________ doing it. | |
| 2 | "Have lunch with me," she said. |
| She ________________ me to have lunch with her. | |
| 3 | "Why don't you buy one?" said Tom. |
| Tom ________________ I buy one. | |
| 4 | "I promise I'll take you to Prague," said Mary. |
| Mary ________________ to take me to Prague. | |
| 5 | "I hope Andy phones tonight," said Clare. |
| Clare ________________ Andy would phone that night. | |
| 6 | "Please, please don't tell anyone!" he said. |
| He ________________ me not to tell anyone. | |
| 7 | "I won't do it," he said. |
| He ________________ to do it. | |
| 8 | "You should have lessons," she said. |
| She ________________ me to have lessons. | |
| 9 | "We really must go with you," they said. |
| They ________________ on going with me. | |
| 10 | "Don't forget to phone Granny," said Mum. |
| Mum ________________ me to phone Granny. | |
| 11 | "If you wear my T-shirt again, I'll pinch you very hard," said Maggy. |
| Maggie ________________ to pinch me very hard if I wore her T-shirt again. | |
| 12 | "Don't fly kites near electric overhead cables," said my father. |
| My father ________________ me not to fly kites near electric overhead cables. | |
S.Surya Prakash
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