([Please don't] [tell] anyone)
- (please don't): please don't
- (verb word): tell
- anyone
Avoid using an infinitive instead of a verb word.
([would you please not] [tell] anyone).
- (would you please not): would you please not
- (verb word): tell
- anyone
Avoid using an infinitive instead of a verb word. Avoid using (don't) after (would you please.
Examples:
Incorrect: (Would you please don't smoke?)
Correct: (Please don't smoke).
[OR]
Correct: (Would you please not smoke?)
Incorrect: (Please don't to park) here.
Correct: (Please don't park) here.
[OR]
correct: (Would you please not park) here?
Incorrect: (Would you please not to be) late?
correct: (please don't be) late.
[OR]
Correct: (Would you please not be) late?
Incorrect: (Please don't to go) yet.
Correct: (Please don't go) yet.
[OR]
correct: (Would you please not to go) yet?
Incorrect: (Would you please don't worry?)
Correct: (please don't worry).
[OR]
Correct: (Would you please not worry?)
Showing posts with label Problems With Verbs.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Problems With Verbs.. Show all posts
Problems With Verbs (21): Negative agreement.
(My roommate won't go, and neither will I)
- (S): My roommate
- (MODAL): won't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (MODAL): will
- (S): I
(My roommate hasn't gone, and neither have I)
- (S): My roommate
- (HAVE): hasn't
- (participle): gone,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (HAVE): have
- (S): I
(My roommate doesn't go, and neither do I)
- (S): My roommate
- (DO): doesn't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (DO): do
- (S): I
(My roommate isn't going, and neither am I)
- (S): My roommate
- (BE not): isn't
- (- ing form): going,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (BE): am
- (S): I
Avoid using (either) instead of neither. Avoid using the subject before (BE), (DO), (HAVE), or the modal in a clause with (neither).
(My roommate won't go, and I won't either)
- (S): My roommate
- (MODAL): won't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (MODAL): won't
- (either): either
(My roommate hasn't gone, and I haven't either)
- (S): My roommate
- (HAVE): hasn't
- (participle): gone,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (HAVE): haven't
- (Either): either
(My roommate doesn't go, and I don't either)
- (S): My roommate
- (DO): doesn't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (DO): don't
- (Either): either
(My roommate isn't going, and I'm not either)
- (S): My roommate
- (BE not): isn't
- (- ing form,): going,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (BE not): 'm not
- (either): either
Avoid using (neither) instead of (either).
Examples:
Incorrect: (She hasn't finished) the assignment yet, and (neither I have).
Correct: (She hasn't finished) the assignment yet, and (neither have I).
[OR]
Correct: (She hasn't finished) the assignment yet, and (I haven't either).
Incorrect: (I didn't know) the answer, and (he didn't neither)
Correct: (I didn't know) the answer, and (neither did he).
[OR]
Correct: (I didn't know) the answer, and (he didn't either)
Incorrect: If (Jane won't go) to the party, (either will he).
Correct: If (Jane won't go) to the party, (neither will he).
[OR]
correct: If (Jane won't go) to the party, (he won't either).
Incorrect: (She is not) in agreement, and (neither do I).
Correct: (She is not) in agreement, and (neither am I).
[OR]
Correct: (She is not) in agreement, and (I'm not either).
Incorrect: (He won't be) here today, and (either his sister will).
Correct: (He won't be) here today, and (neither will his sister).
[OR]
correct: (He won't be) here today, and (his sister won't either).
- (S): My roommate
- (MODAL): won't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (MODAL): will
- (S): I
(My roommate hasn't gone, and neither have I)
- (S): My roommate
- (HAVE): hasn't
- (participle): gone,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (HAVE): have
- (S): I
(My roommate doesn't go, and neither do I)
- (S): My roommate
- (DO): doesn't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (DO): do
- (S): I
(My roommate isn't going, and neither am I)
- (S): My roommate
- (BE not): isn't
- (- ing form): going,
- (and): and
- (neither): neither
- (BE): am
- (S): I
Avoid using (either) instead of neither. Avoid using the subject before (BE), (DO), (HAVE), or the modal in a clause with (neither).
(My roommate won't go, and I won't either)
- (S): My roommate
- (MODAL): won't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (MODAL): won't
- (either): either
(My roommate hasn't gone, and I haven't either)
- (S): My roommate
- (HAVE): hasn't
- (participle): gone,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (HAVE): haven't
- (Either): either
(My roommate doesn't go, and I don't either)
- (S): My roommate
- (DO): doesn't
- (verb word): go,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (DO): don't
- (Either): either
(My roommate isn't going, and I'm not either)
- (S): My roommate
- (BE not): isn't
- (- ing form,): going,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (BE not): 'm not
- (either): either
Avoid using (neither) instead of (either).
Examples:
Incorrect: (She hasn't finished) the assignment yet, and (neither I have).
Correct: (She hasn't finished) the assignment yet, and (neither have I).
[OR]
Correct: (She hasn't finished) the assignment yet, and (I haven't either).
Incorrect: (I didn't know) the answer, and (he didn't neither)
Correct: (I didn't know) the answer, and (neither did he).
[OR]
Correct: (I didn't know) the answer, and (he didn't either)
Incorrect: If (Jane won't go) to the party, (either will he).
Correct: If (Jane won't go) to the party, (neither will he).
[OR]
correct: If (Jane won't go) to the party, (he won't either).
Incorrect: (She is not) in agreement, and (neither do I).
Correct: (She is not) in agreement, and (neither am I).
[OR]
Correct: (She is not) in agreement, and (I'm not either).
Incorrect: (He won't be) here today, and (either his sister will).
Correct: (He won't be) here today, and (neither will his sister).
[OR]
correct: (He won't be) here today, and (his sister won't either).
Problems With Verbs (20): Affirmative Agreement.
(They were surprised, and so were we)
- (S): They
- (BE): were
- ( , ): surprised,
- (and): and
- (so): so
- (BE): were
- (S): we
Avoid using (also) instead of (so). Avoid using the incorrect pattern:
(They were surprised, and we were so)
- (S): They
- (BE): were
- ( , ): surprised,
- (and): and
- (S): we
- (BE): were
- (so): so
(My wife talked to him about it, and so did I)
- (S): My wife
- (V): talked
- ( , ): to him about it
- (and): and
- (so): so
- (DO): did
- (S): I
Avoid using (BE) instead of (DO). Avoid using the verb again instead of (DO). Avoid using the incorrect pattern:
(My wife talked to him about it, and I did so)
- (S): My wife
- (V): talked
- ( , ): to him about it,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (DO): did
- (so): so
Examples:
Incorrect: (We are going) to the concert, and (so do they).
Correct: (We are going) to the concert, and (so are they).
Incorrect: (He likes) to travel, and (so is she).
Correct: (He likes) to travel, and (so does she).
Incorrect: (I am worried) about it, and (also is he)
Correct: (I am worried) about it, and (so is he)
Incorrect: (Mary wants) to go home, and (so want we).
Correct: (Mary wants) to go home, and (so do we).
Incorrect: (She took) pictures, and (I did so.)
Correct: (She took) pictures, and (so did I.)
- (S): They
- (BE): were
- ( , ): surprised,
- (and): and
- (so): so
- (BE): were
- (S): we
Avoid using (also) instead of (so). Avoid using the incorrect pattern:
(They were surprised, and we were so)
- (S): They
- (BE): were
- ( , ): surprised,
- (and): and
- (S): we
- (BE): were
- (so): so
(My wife talked to him about it, and so did I)
- (S): My wife
- (V): talked
- ( , ): to him about it
- (and): and
- (so): so
- (DO): did
- (S): I
Avoid using (BE) instead of (DO). Avoid using the verb again instead of (DO). Avoid using the incorrect pattern:
(My wife talked to him about it, and I did so)
- (S): My wife
- (V): talked
- ( , ): to him about it,
- (and): and
- (S): I
- (DO): did
- (so): so
Examples:
Incorrect: (We are going) to the concert, and (so do they).
Correct: (We are going) to the concert, and (so are they).
Incorrect: (He likes) to travel, and (so is she).
Correct: (He likes) to travel, and (so does she).
Incorrect: (I am worried) about it, and (also is he)
Correct: (I am worried) about it, and (so is he)
Incorrect: (Mary wants) to go home, and (so want we).
Correct: (Mary wants) to go home, and (so do we).
Incorrect: (She took) pictures, and (I did so.)
Correct: (She took) pictures, and (so did I.)
Problems With Verbs (19): Ambiguous Tag Questions.
The abbreviation ('s) may refer to either (is) or (has).
(She's doing her best isn't she?)
- (S's): She's
- (- ing form): doing
- ( , ): her best,
- (isn't): Isn't
- (S): she?
Avoid using (hasn't) instead of (isn't) when the abbreviation is followed by an (- ing) form.
- (S's): She's
- (participle): done
- ( , ): her best,
- (hasn't): hasn't
- (S): she?
Avoid using (isn't) instead of (hasn't) when the abbreviation is followed by a participle.
The abbreviation ('d) may refer to either (would) or (had).
(He'd work overtime, wouldn't he?)
- (S'd): He'd
- (verb word): work
- ( , ): overtime,
- (wouldn't): wouldn't
- (S): he?
Avoid using (hadn't) instead of (wouldn't) when the abbreviation is followed by a verb word.
(He'd worked overtime, hadn't he?)
- (S'd): He'd
- (participle): worked
- ( , ): overtime,
- (hadn't): hadn't
- (S): he?
Avoid using (wouldn't) instead of (hadn't) when the abbreviation is followed by a participle.
Examples
Incorrect: (She's taken) the test already, (isn't she?)
Correct: (She's taken) the test already, (hasn't she?)
Incorrect: (They'd go) with us, (hadn't they?)
Correct: (They'd go) with us, (wouldn't they?)
Incorrect: (He's writing) her another letter, (hasn't he?)
Correct: (He's writing) her another letter, (isn't he?)
Incorrect: (We'd decided) to open a joint account, (wouldn't we?)
Correct: (We'd decided) to open a joint account, (hadn't we?)
Incorrect: (He's been) elected, (isn't he?)
Correct: (He's been) elected, (hasn't he?)
(She's doing her best isn't she?)
- (S's): She's
- (- ing form): doing
- ( , ): her best,
- (isn't): Isn't
- (S): she?
Avoid using (hasn't) instead of (isn't) when the abbreviation is followed by an (- ing) form.
- (S's): She's
- (participle): done
- ( , ): her best,
- (hasn't): hasn't
- (S): she?
Avoid using (isn't) instead of (hasn't) when the abbreviation is followed by a participle.
The abbreviation ('d) may refer to either (would) or (had).
(He'd work overtime, wouldn't he?)
- (S'd): He'd
- (verb word): work
- ( , ): overtime,
- (wouldn't): wouldn't
- (S): he?
Avoid using (hadn't) instead of (wouldn't) when the abbreviation is followed by a verb word.
(He'd worked overtime, hadn't he?)
- (S'd): He'd
- (participle): worked
- ( , ): overtime,
- (hadn't): hadn't
- (S): he?
Avoid using (wouldn't) instead of (hadn't) when the abbreviation is followed by a participle.
Examples
Incorrect: (She's taken) the test already, (isn't she?)
Correct: (She's taken) the test already, (hasn't she?)
Incorrect: (They'd go) with us, (hadn't they?)
Correct: (They'd go) with us, (wouldn't they?)
Incorrect: (He's writing) her another letter, (hasn't he?)
Correct: (He's writing) her another letter, (isn't he?)
Incorrect: (We'd decided) to open a joint account, (wouldn't we?)
Correct: (We'd decided) to open a joint account, (hadn't we?)
Incorrect: (He's been) elected, (isn't he?)
Correct: (He's been) elected, (hasn't he?)
Problems With Verbs (18): More Tag Questions.
(You will help, won't you?)
- (S): you
- (will): will
- (verb word,): help,
- (won't): won't
- (S): you?
Avoid using (will) instead of (won't).
(He can swim, can't he?)
- (S): He
- (can): can
- (verb word,): swim,
- (can't): can't
- (S): he?
Avoid using (can) instead of (can't).
(We have to hurry, don't we?)
- (S): We
- (HAVE to): have to
- (verb word,): hurry,
- (DO not): don't
- (S): we?
Avoid using (HAVE not) instead of (DO not).
(She had to leave, didn't she?)
- (S): She
- (had to): had to
- (verb word,): leave,
- (didn't): didn't
- (S): She?
Avoid using (hadn't) instead of (didn't).
(I ought to complain, shouldn't I?)
- (S): I
- (ought to): ought to
- (verb word,): complain,
- (shouldn't): shouldn't
- (S): I?
Avoid using the incorrect form (oughtn't) instead of (shouldn't).
(Let's talk about it, shall we?)
- (Let's): Let's
- (verb word): talk
- ( , ): about it,
- (shall): shall
- (we): we?
Avoid using (doesn't) or (don't) instead of (shall).
Examples:
Incorrect: (We have to) sign this, (have we?)
Correct: (We have to) sign this, (don't we?)
Incorrect: (Let's go) home, (don't we?)
Correct: (Let's go) home, (shall we?)
Incorrect: (You can) buy almost anything in a drug store, (can you?)
Correct: (You can) buy almost anything in a drug store, (can't you?)
Incorrect: (She ought to) go by plane, (oughtn't she?)
Correct: (She ought to) go by plane, (shouldn't she?)
Incorrect: (He will meet) us there, (will he?)
Correct: (He will meet) us there, (won't he?)
- (S): you
- (will): will
- (verb word,): help,
- (won't): won't
- (S): you?
Avoid using (will) instead of (won't).
(He can swim, can't he?)
- (S): He
- (can): can
- (verb word,): swim,
- (can't): can't
- (S): he?
Avoid using (can) instead of (can't).
(We have to hurry, don't we?)
- (S): We
- (HAVE to): have to
- (verb word,): hurry,
- (DO not): don't
- (S): we?
Avoid using (HAVE not) instead of (DO not).
(She had to leave, didn't she?)
- (S): She
- (had to): had to
- (verb word,): leave,
- (didn't): didn't
- (S): She?
Avoid using (hadn't) instead of (didn't).
(I ought to complain, shouldn't I?)
- (S): I
- (ought to): ought to
- (verb word,): complain,
- (shouldn't): shouldn't
- (S): I?
Avoid using the incorrect form (oughtn't) instead of (shouldn't).
(Let's talk about it, shall we?)
- (Let's): Let's
- (verb word): talk
- ( , ): about it,
- (shall): shall
- (we): we?
Avoid using (doesn't) or (don't) instead of (shall).
Examples:
Incorrect: (We have to) sign this, (have we?)
Correct: (We have to) sign this, (don't we?)
Incorrect: (Let's go) home, (don't we?)
Correct: (Let's go) home, (shall we?)
Incorrect: (You can) buy almost anything in a drug store, (can you?)
Correct: (You can) buy almost anything in a drug store, (can't you?)
Incorrect: (She ought to) go by plane, (oughtn't she?)
Correct: (She ought to) go by plane, (shouldn't she?)
Incorrect: (He will meet) us there, (will he?)
Correct: (He will meet) us there, (won't he?)
Problems With Verbs (17): Tag Questions.
Tag question are used frequently in conversation to encourage agreement or to verify a statement.
Remember that the subject in the main clause and the subject in the tag question must refer to the same person or thing. The tag question is separated from the main clause by a comma.
(The mail is late, isn't it?)
- (S): the mail
- (BE): is
- ( , ): late,
- (BE not): isn't
- (S): it?
(The mail isn't late again, is it?)
- (S): The mail
- (BE not): isn't
- ( , ): late again,
- (BE): is
- (S): it?
Avoid using a negative in both the main clause and the tag question.
(They agree with us, don't they?)
- (S): They
- (V[present]): agree
- ( , ): with us,
- (DO not): don't
- (S)
Avoid using (won't) instead of (don't) or (doesn't). Avoid using did.
(They agreed with us, didn't they?)
- (S): they
- (V[past]): agreed
- ( , ): with us,
- (did not): didn't
- (S): they?
Avoid using (don't) or (doesn't) instead of (didn't).
Examples:
Incorrect: (I owe) you twenty dollars, (won't I?)
Correct: (I owe) you twenty dollars, (don't I?)
Incorrect: (It isn't) as hot as it was yesterday, (isn't it?)
Correct: (It isn't) as hot as it was yesterday, (is it?)
Incorrect: (He played) very well, (doesn't he?)
Correct: (He played) very well, (didn't he?)
Incorrect: (It isn't) far from the university, (isn't it?)
Correct: (It isn't) far from the university, (is it?)
Incorrect: (She understood) the question, (doesn't she?)
Correct: (She understood) the question, (didn't she?)
Remember that the subject in the main clause and the subject in the tag question must refer to the same person or thing. The tag question is separated from the main clause by a comma.
(The mail is late, isn't it?)
- (S): the mail
- (BE): is
- ( , ): late,
- (BE not): isn't
- (S): it?
(The mail isn't late again, is it?)
- (S): The mail
- (BE not): isn't
- ( , ): late again,
- (BE): is
- (S): it?
Avoid using a negative in both the main clause and the tag question.
(They agree with us, don't they?)
- (S): They
- (V[present]): agree
- ( , ): with us,
- (DO not): don't
- (S)
Avoid using (won't) instead of (don't) or (doesn't). Avoid using did.
(They agreed with us, didn't they?)
- (S): they
- (V[past]): agreed
- ( , ): with us,
- (did not): didn't
- (S): they?
Avoid using (don't) or (doesn't) instead of (didn't).
Examples:
Incorrect: (I owe) you twenty dollars, (won't I?)
Correct: (I owe) you twenty dollars, (don't I?)
Incorrect: (It isn't) as hot as it was yesterday, (isn't it?)
Correct: (It isn't) as hot as it was yesterday, (is it?)
Incorrect: (He played) very well, (doesn't he?)
Correct: (He played) very well, (didn't he?)
Incorrect: (It isn't) far from the university, (isn't it?)
Correct: (It isn't) far from the university, (is it?)
Incorrect: (She understood) the question, (doesn't she?)
Correct: (She understood) the question, (didn't she?)
Problems With Verbs (16): Causatives.
([My English teacher] [had] [us] [give] oral reports.)
- (S): My English teacher
- (HAVE): had
- (someone): us
- (verb word): give
- oral reports
Avoid using an infinitive or an (- ing) form instead of a verb word before a person in patterns of cause.
([His mother] [made] [him] [take] his medicine)
- (S): His mother
- (MAKE): made
- (some one): him
- (verb word): take
- his medicine
Avoid using an infinitive or an (- ing) form instead of a verb word before a person in patterns of cause.
([I] want [to have] [this book] [renewed,] please.)
- (S): I
- want
- (HAVE): to have
- (something): this book
- (participle): renewed,
- please
Avoid using a verb word an infinitive of a participle before a thing in patterns of cause.
Examples:
Incorrect: Hery (had a tooth fill).
Correct: Hery (had a tooth filled).
Incorrect: She (made the baby to take) a nap.
correct: She (made the baby take) a nap.
Incorrect: Professor Hery (had us to write) a paper instead of taking a final exam.
Correct: Professor Hery (had us write) a paper instead of taking a final exam.
Incorrect: Have you (had your temperature taking) yet?
Correct: Have you (had your temperature taken) yet?
Incorrect: They (had their lawyer to change) their will.
correct: They (had their lawyer change) their will.
- (S): My English teacher
- (HAVE): had
- (someone): us
- (verb word): give
- oral reports
Avoid using an infinitive or an (- ing) form instead of a verb word before a person in patterns of cause.
([His mother] [made] [him] [take] his medicine)
- (S): His mother
- (MAKE): made
- (some one): him
- (verb word): take
- his medicine
Avoid using an infinitive or an (- ing) form instead of a verb word before a person in patterns of cause.
([I] want [to have] [this book] [renewed,] please.)
- (S): I
- want
- (HAVE): to have
- (something): this book
- (participle): renewed,
- please
Avoid using a verb word an infinitive of a participle before a thing in patterns of cause.
Examples:
Incorrect: Hery (had a tooth fill).
Correct: Hery (had a tooth filled).
Incorrect: She (made the baby to take) a nap.
correct: She (made the baby take) a nap.
Incorrect: Professor Hery (had us to write) a paper instead of taking a final exam.
Correct: Professor Hery (had us write) a paper instead of taking a final exam.
Incorrect: Have you (had your temperature taking) yet?
Correct: Have you (had your temperature taken) yet?
Incorrect: They (had their lawyer to change) their will.
correct: They (had their lawyer change) their will.
Problems With Verbs (15): Impersonal Expressions.
([It is] [important] [to verify] the data.)
- (it is): It is
- (adjective): important
- (infinitive): to verify
- the data
[OR]
([It is] [important] [that] [the data] [be] verified)
- (it is): It is
- (adjective): important
- (that): that
- (S): the data
- (verb word): be
- verified
Remember that the following adjectives are used in this pattern:
- essential
- imperative
- important
- necessary
Avoid using a present verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
Examples:
Incorrect: (It is not necessary that you must take) an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
Correct: (It is not necessary to take) an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
[OR]
Correct: (It is not necessary) that you (take) an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
Incorrect: (It is imperative) (that you are) on time.
Correct: (It is imperative) (to be) on time.
[OR]
correct: (It is imperative) that you (be) on time.
Incorrect: (It is important) (that I will speak) with Mr. Hery immediately.
Correct: (It is important) (to speak) with Mr. Hery immediately.
[OR]
Correct: (It is important) that (I speak) with Mr. Hery immediately.
Incorrect: (It is imperative) (that your signature appears) on your indentification card.
correct: (It is imperative) (to sign) your indentification card.
[OR]
correct: (It is imperative) that your signature (appear) on your indentification card.
Incorrect: (It is essential) (that) all applications and transcripts (are filed) no later than july 1.
Correct: (It is essential) (to file) all applications and transcripts no later than july 1.
[OR]
Correct: (It is essential) that all applications and transcripts (be) filed no later than july 1.
- (it is): It is
- (adjective): important
- (infinitive): to verify
- the data
[OR]
([It is] [important] [that] [the data] [be] verified)
- (it is): It is
- (adjective): important
- (that): that
- (S): the data
- (verb word): be
- verified
Remember that the following adjectives are used in this pattern:
- essential
- imperative
- important
- necessary
Avoid using a present verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
Examples:
Incorrect: (It is not necessary that you must take) an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
Correct: (It is not necessary to take) an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
[OR]
Correct: (It is not necessary) that you (take) an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
Incorrect: (It is imperative) (that you are) on time.
Correct: (It is imperative) (to be) on time.
[OR]
correct: (It is imperative) that you (be) on time.
Incorrect: (It is important) (that I will speak) with Mr. Hery immediately.
Correct: (It is important) (to speak) with Mr. Hery immediately.
[OR]
Correct: (It is important) that (I speak) with Mr. Hery immediately.
Incorrect: (It is imperative) (that your signature appears) on your indentification card.
correct: (It is imperative) (to sign) your indentification card.
[OR]
correct: (It is imperative) that your signature (appear) on your indentification card.
Incorrect: (It is essential) (that) all applications and transcripts (are filed) no later than july 1.
Correct: (It is essential) (to file) all applications and transcripts no later than july 1.
[OR]
Correct: (It is essential) that all applications and transcripts (be) filed no later than july 1.
Problems With Verbs (14): Subjunctive.
([Mr.hery] [prefers] [that] [she] [speak] with him personally)
- (S): Mr.hery
- (V): prefers
- (that): that
- (S): she
- (verb word): speak
- with him personally
Remember that the following verbs are used before (that) and the verb word clause:
- ask
- demand
- desire
- insist
- prefer
- recommend
- require
- suggest
Avoid using a present or past verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
([The recommendation] [that] [we] [be] evaluated was approved.)
- (noun): The recommendation
- (that): that
- (S): we
- (verb word): be
- evaluated was approved.
Remember that the following nouns are used in this pattern:
- recommendation
- requirement
- suggestion
Avoid using a present or past verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
Examples:
Incorrect: The doctor (suggested) that she (will not smoke)
Correct: The doctor (suggested) that she (not smoke)
Incorrect: He complied with the (requirement) that all graduate students in education (should write) a thesis.
Correct: He complied with the (requirement) that all graduate students in education (write) a thesis.
Incorrect: The foreign student advisor (recommended) that she (studied) more English before enrolling at the university.
Correct: The foreign student advisor (recommended) that she (study) more English before enrolling at the university.
Incorrect: The law (requires) that everyone (has) his car checked at least once a year.
Correct: The law (requires) that everyone (have) his car checked at least once a year.
Incorrect: She (insisted) that they (should give) her a receipt.
Correct: She (insisted) that they (give) her a receipt.
- (S): Mr.hery
- (V): prefers
- (that): that
- (S): she
- (verb word): speak
- with him personally
Remember that the following verbs are used before (that) and the verb word clause:
- ask
- demand
- desire
- insist
- prefer
- recommend
- require
- suggest
Avoid using a present or past verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
([The recommendation] [that] [we] [be] evaluated was approved.)
- (noun): The recommendation
- (that): that
- (S): we
- (verb word): be
- evaluated was approved.
Remember that the following nouns are used in this pattern:
- recommendation
- requirement
- suggestion
Avoid using a present or past verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
Examples:
Incorrect: The doctor (suggested) that she (will not smoke)
Correct: The doctor (suggested) that she (not smoke)
Incorrect: He complied with the (requirement) that all graduate students in education (should write) a thesis.
Correct: He complied with the (requirement) that all graduate students in education (write) a thesis.
Incorrect: The foreign student advisor (recommended) that she (studied) more English before enrolling at the university.
Correct: The foreign student advisor (recommended) that she (study) more English before enrolling at the university.
Incorrect: The law (requires) that everyone (has) his car checked at least once a year.
Correct: The law (requires) that everyone (have) his car checked at least once a year.
Incorrect: She (insisted) that they (should give) her a receipt.
Correct: She (insisted) that they (give) her a receipt.
Problems With Verbs (13): Contrary-to-fact Statements.
([If] [the party] [were] on Friday,we could go.)
- (if): If
- (S): the party
- (were): were
- on Friday, we could go.
Avoid changing (were) to agree with the subject in contrary-to-fact statements.
([I] [wish] [that] [the party] [were] on Friday.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): the party
- (were): were
- on Friday
Avoid changing (were to agree with the subject.
Examples:
Incorrect: If I ( was) you, I would not go.
Correct: If I (were) you, I would not go.
Incorrect: I wish that it (was) true.
Correct: I wish that it (were) true.
Incorrect: Bill wishes that she (is) more interested in his work.
Correct: Bill wishes that she (were) more interested in his work.
Incorrect: If it (is) not so far, we could go for the weekend.
Correct: If it (were) not so far, we could go for the weekend.
Incorrect: I wish that he (was) here.
Correct: I wish that he (were) here.
- (if): If
- (S): the party
- (were): were
- on Friday, we could go.
Avoid changing (were) to agree with the subject in contrary-to-fact statements.
([I] [wish] [that] [the party] [were] on Friday.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): the party
- (were): were
- on Friday
Avoid changing (were to agree with the subject.
Examples:
Incorrect: If I ( was) you, I would not go.
Correct: If I (were) you, I would not go.
Incorrect: I wish that it (was) true.
Correct: I wish that it (were) true.
Incorrect: Bill wishes that she (is) more interested in his work.
Correct: Bill wishes that she (were) more interested in his work.
Incorrect: If it (is) not so far, we could go for the weekend.
Correct: If it (were) not so far, we could go for the weekend.
Incorrect: I wish that he (was) here.
Correct: I wish that he (were) here.
Problems With Verbs (12): Desires
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [had] [called] yesterday)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (had): had
- (participle): called
- yesterday
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [could have] [called] yesterday.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (could have): could have
- (participle): called
- yesterday
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [would have] [called] yesterday.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (would have): could have
- (participle): called
- yesterday
Remember that although the verb (WISH) is in present tense, this pattern refers to desires in the past.
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [called] every day.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (V[past]): called
- every day
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [could call] tomorrow.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (Could verb word): could call
- tomorrow
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [would call] tomorrow.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (Would verb word): would call
- tomorrow
Remember that although the verb (WISH) is in present tense, this pattern refers to desires for customs and future events.
Avoid using this pattern to express desires in the past. Avoid using (will) instead of (could) and (would).
Examples:
Incorrect: I wish that I (received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
Correct: I wish that I (had received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (could have received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (would have received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
Incorrect: We wish that you (will change) your mind about leaving tomorrow.
Correct: We wish that you (could change) your mind about leaving tomorrow.
[OR]
Correct: We wish that you (would change) your mind about leaving tomorrow.
Incorrect: Mary wishes that she (has studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
Correct: Mary wishes that she (had studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
[OR]
Correct: Mary wishes that she (could have studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
[OR]
Correct: Mary wishes that she (would have studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
Incorrect: I wish that I (could meet) your father last night.
Correct: I wish that I (had met) your father last night.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (could have met) your father last night.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (would have met) your father last night.
Incorrect: I wish that the snow (will stop) soon.
Correct: I wish that the snow (would stop) soon.
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (had): had
- (participle): called
- yesterday
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [could have] [called] yesterday.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (could have): could have
- (participle): called
- yesterday
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [would have] [called] yesterday.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (would have): could have
- (participle): called
- yesterday
Remember that although the verb (WISH) is in present tense, this pattern refers to desires in the past.
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [called] every day.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (V[past]): called
- every day
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [could call] tomorrow.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (Could verb word): could call
- tomorrow
([I] [wish] [that] [you] [would call] tomorrow.)
- (S): I
- (WISH[present]): wish
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (Would verb word): would call
- tomorrow
Remember that although the verb (WISH) is in present tense, this pattern refers to desires for customs and future events.
Avoid using this pattern to express desires in the past. Avoid using (will) instead of (could) and (would).
Examples:
Incorrect: I wish that I (received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
Correct: I wish that I (had received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (could have received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (would have received) this letter before the office closed for the day.
Incorrect: We wish that you (will change) your mind about leaving tomorrow.
Correct: We wish that you (could change) your mind about leaving tomorrow.
[OR]
Correct: We wish that you (would change) your mind about leaving tomorrow.
Incorrect: Mary wishes that she (has studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
Correct: Mary wishes that she (had studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
[OR]
Correct: Mary wishes that she (could have studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
[OR]
Correct: Mary wishes that she (would have studied) law instead of history when she was in college.
Incorrect: I wish that I (could meet) your father last night.
Correct: I wish that I (had met) your father last night.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (could have met) your father last night.
[OR]
Correct: I wish that I (would have met) your father last night.
Incorrect: I wish that the snow (will stop) soon.
Correct: I wish that the snow (would stop) soon.
Problems With Verbs (11): Conditions.
([If] [we] [find] [her address,] [we] [will] [write] her)
- (if): If
- (S): we
- (V[present]): Find
- ( , ): her address,
- (S): we
- (will): will
- (verb word): write
- her
[OR]
([We] [will] [write] her [if] [we] [find] her address)
- (S): we
- (will): will
- (verb word): write
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (V[present]): find
- her address
Avoid using a present verb instead of will and a verb word.
([If] [we] [found] [her address,] [we] [would] [write] her)
- (if): If
- (S): we
- (V[past]): Found
- ( , ): her address,
- (S): we
- (would): would
- (verb word): write
- her
[OR]
([We] [would] [write] her [if] [we] [found] her address)
- (S): we
- (would): would
- (verb word): write
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (V[past]): found
- her address
([If] [we] [had] [found] [her address,] [we] [would have] [written] her)
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- ( , ): her addres,
- (S): we
- (would have): would have
- (participle): written
- her
([If] [we] [had] [found] [her address,] [we] [could have] [written] her)
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- ( , ): her addres,
- (S): we
- (could have): could have
- (participle): written
- her
[OR]
([We] [would have] [written] her [if] [we] [had] [found] her address).
- (S): we
- (would have): would have
- (participle): written
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- her address
([We] [could have] [written] her [if] [we] [had] [found] her address).
- (S): we
- (could have): could have
- (participle): written
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- her address
Avoid using (would have) and a participle instead of (had) and a participle. Avoid using (have) as a participle.
Example:
Incorrect: (If you listen) to the questions carefully,( you answer) them easily.
Correct: (If you listen) to the questions carefully, (you will answer) them easily.
[OR]
Correct: (You will answer) them easily (if you listen) to the questions carefully.
Incorrect: (If we would have known) that she had planned to arrive today, (we could have me) her at the bus station.
Correct: (If we had known) that she had planned to arrive today, (we could have me) her at the bus station.
[OR]
Correct: (we could have met) her at the bus station (if we had known) that she had planned to arrive today.
Incorrect: (If you would go) to bed earlier, (you would not) be so sleepy in the morning.
Correct: (If you went) to bed earlier, (you wouldn't) be so sleepy in the morning.
[OR]
Correct: (You wouldn't be) so sleepy in the morning (if you went) to bed earlier.
Incorrect: (If i had have) more time, (I would have checked) my paper again.
Correct: (If i had had) more time, (I would have checked) my paper again.
[OR]
Correct: (I would have checked) my paper again (if I had had) more time.
Incorrect: (If we finished) our work a little early today, (we'll attend) the lecture at the art museum.
Correct: (If we finish) our work a little early today, (we'll attend) the lecture at the art museum.
[OR]
Correct: (We'll attend) the lecture at the art museum (if we finish) our work a little early today.
- (if): If
- (S): we
- (V[present]): Find
- ( , ): her address,
- (S): we
- (will): will
- (verb word): write
- her
[OR]
([We] [will] [write] her [if] [we] [find] her address)
- (S): we
- (will): will
- (verb word): write
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (V[present]): find
- her address
Avoid using a present verb instead of will and a verb word.
([If] [we] [found] [her address,] [we] [would] [write] her)
- (if): If
- (S): we
- (V[past]): Found
- ( , ): her address,
- (S): we
- (would): would
- (verb word): write
- her
[OR]
([We] [would] [write] her [if] [we] [found] her address)
- (S): we
- (would): would
- (verb word): write
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (V[past]): found
- her address
([If] [we] [had] [found] [her address,] [we] [would have] [written] her)
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- ( , ): her addres,
- (S): we
- (would have): would have
- (participle): written
- her
([If] [we] [had] [found] [her address,] [we] [could have] [written] her)
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- ( , ): her addres,
- (S): we
- (could have): could have
- (participle): written
- her
[OR]
([We] [would have] [written] her [if] [we] [had] [found] her address).
- (S): we
- (would have): would have
- (participle): written
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- her address
([We] [could have] [written] her [if] [we] [had] [found] her address).
- (S): we
- (could have): could have
- (participle): written
- her
- (if): if
- (S): we
- (had): had
- (participle): found
- her address
Avoid using (would have) and a participle instead of (had) and a participle. Avoid using (have) as a participle.
Example:
Incorrect: (If you listen) to the questions carefully,( you answer) them easily.
Correct: (If you listen) to the questions carefully, (you will answer) them easily.
[OR]
Correct: (You will answer) them easily (if you listen) to the questions carefully.
Incorrect: (If we would have known) that she had planned to arrive today, (we could have me) her at the bus station.
Correct: (If we had known) that she had planned to arrive today, (we could have me) her at the bus station.
[OR]
Correct: (we could have met) her at the bus station (if we had known) that she had planned to arrive today.
Incorrect: (If you would go) to bed earlier, (you would not) be so sleepy in the morning.
Correct: (If you went) to bed earlier, (you wouldn't) be so sleepy in the morning.
[OR]
Correct: (You wouldn't be) so sleepy in the morning (if you went) to bed earlier.
Incorrect: (If i had have) more time, (I would have checked) my paper again.
Correct: (If i had had) more time, (I would have checked) my paper again.
[OR]
Correct: (I would have checked) my paper again (if I had had) more time.
Incorrect: (If we finished) our work a little early today, (we'll attend) the lecture at the art museum.
Correct: (If we finish) our work a little early today, (we'll attend) the lecture at the art museum.
[OR]
Correct: (We'll attend) the lecture at the art museum (if we finish) our work a little early today.
Problems With Verbs (10): Unfulfilled Desires in the Past.
([We] [had hoped] [that] [she] [would] [change] he mind.)
- (S): We
- (had hoped): had hoped
- (that): that
- (S): she
- (would): would
- (verb word): change
- her mind
Avoid using a verb word instead of (would) and a verb word. [Avoid using the incorrect pattern]:
([we] [had hoped] [her] [changing] her mind)
- (S): We
- (had hoped): had hoped
- (object pronoun): her
- (- ing form): changing
- her mind
Examples:
Incorrect: He had hoped (that he graduate) this semester, but he couldn't finish his thesis in time.
Correct: He had hoped (that he would graduate) this semester, but he couldn't finish his thesis in time.
Incorrect: We had hoped (him staying) longer.
Correct: We had hoped (that he would stay) longer.
Incorrect: They had hoped (that she not find out) about it.
Correct: They had hoped (that she would not find out) about it.
Incorrect: I had hoped (her coming) to the party.
Correct: I had hoped (that she would come) to the party.
Incorrect: His father had hoped (that he go) into business with him.
Correct: His father had hoped (that he would go) into business with him.
- (S): We
- (had hoped): had hoped
- (that): that
- (S): she
- (would): would
- (verb word): change
- her mind
Avoid using a verb word instead of (would) and a verb word. [Avoid using the incorrect pattern]:
([we] [had hoped] [her] [changing] her mind)
- (S): We
- (had hoped): had hoped
- (object pronoun): her
- (- ing form): changing
- her mind
Examples:
Incorrect: He had hoped (that he graduate) this semester, but he couldn't finish his thesis in time.
Correct: He had hoped (that he would graduate) this semester, but he couldn't finish his thesis in time.
Incorrect: We had hoped (him staying) longer.
Correct: We had hoped (that he would stay) longer.
Incorrect: They had hoped (that she not find out) about it.
Correct: They had hoped (that she would not find out) about it.
Incorrect: I had hoped (her coming) to the party.
Correct: I had hoped (that she would come) to the party.
Incorrect: His father had hoped (that he go) into business with him.
Correct: His father had hoped (that he would go) into business with him.
Problems With Verbs (9): Preference.
(I would rather drive)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (Verb word): drive
( I would rather not drive)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (not): not
- (Verb word): drive
Avoid using an infinitive or an (- ing) form instead of a verb word.
(I would rather that you drove)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (V[past]): drove
Avoid using present verb or a verb word instead of a past verb. Avoid using (should) and a verb word instead of a past verb.
(I would rather that you didn't drive)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (didn't): didn't
- (verb word): drive
Avoid using (don't) or (doesn't) instead of (didn't).
Examples:
Incorrect: (I'd rather that you don't do) that.
Correct: (I'd rather that you didn't do) that.
Incorrect: She told me that (she'd rather not to serve) on the committee.
Correct: she told me that (she'd rather not serve) on the committee.
Incorrect: If you don't mind, (I'd rather not going).
Correct: If you don't mind, (I'd rather not go).
Incorrect: He said that (he'd rather went) to a small college instead of to a large university.
Correct: He said that (he'd rather go) to a small college instead of to a large university.
Incorrect: (We'd rather that you should come) tomorrow.
Correct: (We'd rather that you came) tomorrow.
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (Verb word): drive
( I would rather not drive)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (not): not
- (Verb word): drive
Avoid using an infinitive or an (- ing) form instead of a verb word.
(I would rather that you drove)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (V[past]): drove
Avoid using present verb or a verb word instead of a past verb. Avoid using (should) and a verb word instead of a past verb.
(I would rather that you didn't drive)
- (S): I
- (would rather): would rather
- (that): that
- (S): you
- (didn't): didn't
- (verb word): drive
Avoid using (don't) or (doesn't) instead of (didn't).
Examples:
Incorrect: (I'd rather that you don't do) that.
Correct: (I'd rather that you didn't do) that.
Incorrect: She told me that (she'd rather not to serve) on the committee.
Correct: she told me that (she'd rather not serve) on the committee.
Incorrect: If you don't mind, (I'd rather not going).
Correct: If you don't mind, (I'd rather not go).
Incorrect: He said that (he'd rather went) to a small college instead of to a large university.
Correct: He said that (he'd rather go) to a small college instead of to a large university.
Incorrect: (We'd rather that you should come) tomorrow.
Correct: (We'd rather that you came) tomorrow.
Problems With Verbs (8): Question Forms for Invitations and Customs.
([Would you like] [to watch] the news today?)
- (Would you like): Would you like
- (infinitive): to watch
- the news today?
Remember that (would like) means to want. It is used in a question form for an invitation. A specific date such as (today). Is usually included.
Avoid using (will) and (won't) instead of (would). Avoid using (do) instead of (would for invitations.
([Do you like] [to watch] the news every day?)
- (do you like): Do you like
- (infinitive): to watch
- the news every day?
Remember that (like) means to enjoy. It is used with (do) in a question form for asking about costoms. A word or phrase indicating habitual action such as (every day) is usually included.
Avoid using would instead of (do) for customs.
Examples:
Incorrect: (Do you like) to come to a party (on saturday) at the International House?
Correct: (Would you like) to come to a party (on saturday) at the International House?
Incorrect: (Won't you like) to go swimming with us (tomorrow)?
Correct: (Would you like) to go swimming with us (tomorrow)?
Incorrect: (Should you like) to have tea every (afternoon)?
Correct: (Do you like) to have tea every (afternoon)?
Incorrect: (Will you like) to go to the movies (this weekend)?
Correct: (Would you like) to go to the movies (this weekend)?
Incorrect: (Do you like) to have dinner with us (tonight)?
Correct: (Would you like) to have dinner with us (tonight)?
- (Would you like): Would you like
- (infinitive): to watch
- the news today?
Remember that (would like) means to want. It is used in a question form for an invitation. A specific date such as (today). Is usually included.
Avoid using (will) and (won't) instead of (would). Avoid using (do) instead of (would for invitations.
([Do you like] [to watch] the news every day?)
- (do you like): Do you like
- (infinitive): to watch
- the news every day?
Remember that (like) means to enjoy. It is used with (do) in a question form for asking about costoms. A word or phrase indicating habitual action such as (every day) is usually included.
Avoid using would instead of (do) for customs.
Examples:
Incorrect: (Do you like) to come to a party (on saturday) at the International House?
Correct: (Would you like) to come to a party (on saturday) at the International House?
Incorrect: (Won't you like) to go swimming with us (tomorrow)?
Correct: (Would you like) to go swimming with us (tomorrow)?
Incorrect: (Should you like) to have tea every (afternoon)?
Correct: (Do you like) to have tea every (afternoon)?
Incorrect: (Will you like) to go to the movies (this weekend)?
Correct: (Would you like) to go to the movies (this weekend)?
Incorrect: (Do you like) to have dinner with us (tonight)?
Correct: (Would you like) to have dinner with us (tonight)?
Problems With Verbs (7): Advisability.
([You] [had better] [take] chemistry 600 this semester)
- (S): You
- (had better): had better
- (verb word): take
- Chemistry 600 this semester
([You] [had better] [not] [take] Chemistry 600 this semester).
- (S): You
- (had better): had better
- (not): not
- (verb word): take
- chemistry 600 this semester
Remember that although (had) is a past form, it refers to future time in this pattern.
Avoid using an infinitive or a past form of a verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using (don't) instead of (not).
Examples:
Incorrect: You (had better to hurry) if you don't want to miss the bus.
Correct: You (had better hurry) if you don't want to miss the bus.
Incorrect: We (had better made) reservations so that we will be sure of getting a good table.
Correct: We (had better make) reservations so that we will be sure of getting a good table.
Incorrect: We (had better to check) the schedule.
Correct: We (had better check) the schedule.
Incorrect: You (had better don't quit) your job until you find another one.
Correct: You (had better not quit) your job until you find another one.
Incorrect: You (had better don't go) alone.
Correct: You (had better not go) alone.
- (S): You
- (had better): had better
- (verb word): take
- Chemistry 600 this semester
([You] [had better] [not] [take] Chemistry 600 this semester).
- (S): You
- (had better): had better
- (not): not
- (verb word): take
- chemistry 600 this semester
Remember that although (had) is a past form, it refers to future time in this pattern.
Avoid using an infinitive or a past form of a verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using (don't) instead of (not).
Examples:
Incorrect: You (had better to hurry) if you don't want to miss the bus.
Correct: You (had better hurry) if you don't want to miss the bus.
Incorrect: We (had better made) reservations so that we will be sure of getting a good table.
Correct: We (had better make) reservations so that we will be sure of getting a good table.
Incorrect: We (had better to check) the schedule.
Correct: We (had better check) the schedule.
Incorrect: You (had better don't quit) your job until you find another one.
Correct: You (had better not quit) your job until you find another one.
Incorrect: You (had better don't go) alone.
Correct: You (had better not go) alone.
Problems With Verbs (6): Logical Conclusions About Past Occurrences.
([My watch] [must have] [stopped] because it couldn't be two o'clock)
- (S): My watch
- (must have): must have
- (participle): stopped
-because it couldn't two o'clock
Remember that an observation in the present may serve as the basis for a conclusion about something which happened in the past. For example, ''it couldn't be two o'clock now.'' it may be concluded that ''my watch must have stopped in the past.''
Avoid using (should) or (can) instead of (must). Avoid using a verb word instead of (have) and a participle when referring to a past occurrence.
Example:
Incorrect: The streets are wet; it (should have rained).
Correct: The streets are wet; it (must have rained)
Incorrect: The light (is) out in her room; she (must go) to bed.
Correct: The light (is) out in her room; she (must have gone) to bed.
Incorrect: This pen (won't) write; it (can have run out) of ink
Correct: This pen (won't) write; it (must have run out) of ink.
Incorrect: The line was busy; someone (must be using) the telephone.
Correct: The line was busy; someone (must have been using) the telephone.
Incorrect: Hery was absent last week; he (must be) sick.
Correct: Hery was absent last week; he (must have been) sick.
- (S): My watch
- (must have): must have
- (participle): stopped
-because it couldn't two o'clock
Remember that an observation in the present may serve as the basis for a conclusion about something which happened in the past. For example, ''it couldn't be two o'clock now.'' it may be concluded that ''my watch must have stopped in the past.''
Avoid using (should) or (can) instead of (must). Avoid using a verb word instead of (have) and a participle when referring to a past occurrence.
Example:
Incorrect: The streets are wet; it (should have rained).
Correct: The streets are wet; it (must have rained)
Incorrect: The light (is) out in her room; she (must go) to bed.
Correct: The light (is) out in her room; she (must have gone) to bed.
Incorrect: This pen (won't) write; it (can have run out) of ink
Correct: This pen (won't) write; it (must have run out) of ink.
Incorrect: The line was busy; someone (must be using) the telephone.
Correct: The line was busy; someone (must have been using) the telephone.
Incorrect: Hery was absent last week; he (must be) sick.
Correct: Hery was absent last week; he (must have been) sick.
Problems With Verbs (5): Past custom
([He] [used to] [live] in the country)
- (S): He
- (used to): used to
- (verb word): live
- in the country
Avoid using a form of (be) after the subject. Avoid using the incorrect form (use to).
([He] [was] [used to] [living] in the country)
- (S): He
- (BE): was
- (used to): used to
- (- ing form): living
- in the country
Avoid using a form of (be) after (used to). Avoid using a verb word instead of an (- ing) form. Avoid using the incorrect form use to.
Examples:
Incorrect: I (used to was studying) at the University of Southern California before I transferred here.
Correct: I (used to study) at the University of Southern California before I transferred here.
[OR]
I (was used to studying) at the University of Southern California before I transferred here.
Incorrect: We (use to go) to the movies quite frequently.
Correct: We (used to go) to the movies quite frequently.
[OR]
Correct: We (were used to going) to the movies quite frequently.
Incorrect: She (was used to get) up early.
Correct: She (used to get) up early.
[OR]
Correct: She (was used to getting up early.
Incorrect: He (was used to drink) too much.
Correct: He (used to drink) too much.
[OR]
He (was used to drinking) too much.
Incorrect: She (used to speaking) in public.
Correct: She (used to speak) in public.
[OR]
Correct: She (was used to speaking) in public.
- (S): He
- (used to): used to
- (verb word): live
- in the country
Avoid using a form of (be) after the subject. Avoid using the incorrect form (use to).
([He] [was] [used to] [living] in the country)
- (S): He
- (BE): was
- (used to): used to
- (- ing form): living
- in the country
Avoid using a form of (be) after (used to). Avoid using a verb word instead of an (- ing) form. Avoid using the incorrect form use to.
Examples:
Incorrect: I (used to was studying) at the University of Southern California before I transferred here.
Correct: I (used to study) at the University of Southern California before I transferred here.
[OR]
I (was used to studying) at the University of Southern California before I transferred here.
Incorrect: We (use to go) to the movies quite frequently.
Correct: We (used to go) to the movies quite frequently.
[OR]
Correct: We (were used to going) to the movies quite frequently.
Incorrect: She (was used to get) up early.
Correct: She (used to get) up early.
[OR]
Correct: She (was used to getting up early.
Incorrect: He (was used to drink) too much.
Correct: He (used to drink) too much.
[OR]
He (was used to drinking) too much.
Incorrect: She (used to speaking) in public.
Correct: She (used to speak) in public.
[OR]
Correct: She (was used to speaking) in public.
Problems With Verbs (4): Ability
(I know the answers)
- (S): I
- (KNOW): Know
- (noun): the answers
Avoid using an infinitive after (know).
(I know how to answer the question)
Remember that (how) must be used with an infinitive.
Examples:
Incorrect: If she (knew to drive), he would lend her his car.
Correct: If she (knew how to drive), he would lend her his car.
Incorrect: I don't (know to use) the card catalog in the library.
Correct: I don't (know how to use) the card catalog in the library.
Incorrect: Until he came to the United States to study, he didn't (know to cook).
Correct: Until he came to the United States to study, he didn't ( know how to cook).
Incorrect: Do you (know to type)?
Correct: Do you (know how to type)?
Incorrect: You'll have to help her because she doesn't (know to do)it.
Correct: You'll have to help her because she doesn't ( know how to do) it.
- (S): I
- (KNOW): Know
- (noun): the answers
Avoid using an infinitive after (know).
(I know how to answer the question)
Remember that (how) must be used with an infinitive.
Examples:
Incorrect: If she (knew to drive), he would lend her his car.
Correct: If she (knew how to drive), he would lend her his car.
Incorrect: I don't (know to use) the card catalog in the library.
Correct: I don't (know how to use) the card catalog in the library.
Incorrect: Until he came to the United States to study, he didn't (know to cook).
Correct: Until he came to the United States to study, he didn't ( know how to cook).
Incorrect: Do you (know to type)?
Correct: Do you (know how to type)?
Incorrect: You'll have to help her because she doesn't (know to do)it.
Correct: You'll have to help her because she doesn't ( know how to do) it.
Problems With Verbs (3): Necessity, Usually for Repair or Improvement.
(This paragraph needs revising)
- (S): This paragraph
- (NEED): needs
- (- ing form): revising
Avoid using an infinitive or a participle instead of an (- ing) form.
[OR]
(This paragraph to be revised)
- (S): This paragraph
- (NEED): needs
- (to be): to be
- (participle): revised
Avoid using an (- ing) form instead of a participle.
Examples:
Incorrect: His car needs (to fix).
Correct: His car needs (fixing).
[OR]
Correct: His car needs (to be fixed)
Incorrect: The rug needs (cleaned) before we move in.
Correct: The rug needs (cleaning) before we move in.
[OR]
Correct: The rug needs (to be cleaned) before we move in.
Incorrect: The house needs (to paint), but we plan to wait until next summer to do it.
Correct: The house needs (painting), but we plan to wait until next summer to do it.
[OR]
Correct: The house needs (to be painted), but we plan to wait until next summer to do it.
Incorrect: Her watch needed (repaired).
Correct: Her watch needed (repairing)
[OR]
Her watch needed (to be repaired)
Incorrect: The hem of this dress needs (mended) before i wear it again.
Correct: The hem of this dress needs (mending) before i wear it again.
[OR]
The hen of this dress needs (to be mended) before i wear it again.
- (S): This paragraph
- (NEED): needs
- (- ing form): revising
Avoid using an infinitive or a participle instead of an (- ing) form.
[OR]
(This paragraph to be revised)
- (S): This paragraph
- (NEED): needs
- (to be): to be
- (participle): revised
Avoid using an (- ing) form instead of a participle.
Examples:
Incorrect: His car needs (to fix).
Correct: His car needs (fixing).
[OR]
Correct: His car needs (to be fixed)
Incorrect: The rug needs (cleaned) before we move in.
Correct: The rug needs (cleaning) before we move in.
[OR]
Correct: The rug needs (to be cleaned) before we move in.
Incorrect: The house needs (to paint), but we plan to wait until next summer to do it.
Correct: The house needs (painting), but we plan to wait until next summer to do it.
[OR]
Correct: The house needs (to be painted), but we plan to wait until next summer to do it.
Incorrect: Her watch needed (repaired).
Correct: Her watch needed (repairing)
[OR]
Her watch needed (to be repaired)
Incorrect: The hem of this dress needs (mended) before i wear it again.
Correct: The hem of this dress needs (mending) before i wear it again.
[OR]
The hen of this dress needs (to be mended) before i wear it again.
