Toefl Symbols

(Abbreviations)

An abbreviation is a shortened form. In the patterns, there are five abbreviations used.

(S) is an abbreviation for Subject.

(V) is an abbreviation for Verb.

(VPh) is an abbreviation for Verb Phrase.

(C) is an abbreviation for Complement.

(M) is an abbrevition for Modifier.

(Small Letters)

Small letters are lower-case letters. In the patterns, a verb written in small letters may not change form. For example, the verb (have) may not change to (has) or (had) when it is written in small letters.

(Capital Letters)

Capital letters are upper-case letters. In the patterns, a verb written in capital letters may change form. For example, the verb (HAVE) may remain as (have), or may change to (has) or (had), depending upon agreement with the subject and choice of tense.

(Parentheses)

Parentheses are curved lines used as punctuation marks. The following marks are parentheses: ( ). In the patterns, the words in parenthese give specific information about the abbreviation or word which precedes them. For example, V (present) means that the verb in the pattern must be a present verb. Noun (count) means that the noun in the pattern must be a countable noun.

(Alternative).

Alternatives are different ways to express the same idea. In the patterns, alternatives are written. For example, in the following pattern, there are three alternatives:

(Had)
(Would have): ---->Participle
(Could have)



The alternative are had, would have, and could have. Any one of the alternative may be used with the participle. All three alternatives are correct.

PATTERNS

- Problems with Verbs
- Problems with Pronouns
- Problems with Nouns
- Problems with Modifiers
- Problems with Comparatives
- Problems with Connectors

STYLE

- Problems with Point of View
- Problems with Agreement
- Problems with Introductory Verbal Modifiers
- Problems with Parallel Structure
- Problems with Wordiness
- Problems with Word Choice