Instructions: Read each rule and correct the sentences that follow.
1. The subject of the sentence must answer the question posed by the introductory aside.
-On his way to tutoring, Sarah received a call from Jake.
-Enjoying riding on the beach rather than in the country, horseback riding was loved by Samantha.
-Featuring a new touch screen, Apple promoted the new Iphone.
-After deciding to study for three hours per day, Tom improved his ACT score.
-Thinking about the question for some time, no answer could be found.
2. Avoid the passive voice
The ball was thrown from Abigail to Rachel.
Abigail threw the ball to Rachel.
3. Plu-Perfect/Subjunctive Case
These sentences are all grammatically correct:
Had I known my student was sick, I would have canceled the session.
If it were a nice day, I would go outside.
We would go to the city if we were able to get a ride.
If Alan had saved money, he would have traveled to Mexico.
If Bob were better at math, he would have become an Economist.
Explanation:
This form is for events that did not happen…Bob is not good at math and is not an economist….Alan
didn’t save enough money and did not travel to Mexico.
In this form, always use “were” not “was” with I.
It is correct to say…If I were a better athlete, I would run a marathon.
It is wrong to say…If I was a better athlete, I would run a marathon.
In this form, do not use would have twice.
It is correct to say…If I were smarter, I would have bought an iPhone two years ago.
It is wrong to say…If I would have been smarter, I would have bought an iPhone two years ago.
Example
If an alternative method would have been mentioned before we began the experiment, we would have
been able to use that method and save money.
4. Comparative vs. Superlative
Good-better- best
Bad-worse- worst
Out of the three options, salad is the healthier one.
The dog runs fastest, when compared to the cat.
er is for comparative (2 only)
est is for superlative (3 or more)
5. They-plural
His or her-singular
All students should complete his or her homework.
Each child took their own toys.
Each-always use singular
6. Some verbs can only be followed by a gerund (ing words)
- Admit
- Escape
- Put off
- Tolerate
- Appreciate
- Finish
- Quit
- Avoid
- Imagine
- Recall
- Deny
- Miss
- Resist
- Discuss
- Postpone
- Risk
- Enjoy
- Practice
- Suggest
Explanation:
It is fine to say…He can resist eating.
It is wrong to say…He can resist to eat.
It is fine to say…I enjoy swimming.
It is wrong to say…I enjoy to swim.
7.Some verbs can only be followed by an infinitive (to..words)
- Agree
- Have
- Plan
- Wish
- Ask
- Hope
- Pretend
- Beg
- Manage
- Promise
- Claim
- Mean
- Refuse
- Decide
- Need
- Wait
- Expect
- Offer
- Want
Explanation:
It is fine to say…I expect to win.
It is wrong to say….I expect winning.
It is fine to say…Sam needs to exercise.
It is wrong to say…Sam needs exercising.
8. Miscellaneous
That I am a great SAT tutor is known by many people.
He is a great student, for his mom does homework with him each night.
Because she is regarded as an expert, many clients trust her.
Never use a comma before that
-The dog that I bought from the pet store is starting to exhibit sickness.
-The computer, which I purchased from TigerDirect, broke down this week.
That versus which
That-definition
Which-by the way statement
Practice:
1. If I was better at Science, I would have taken the ACT.
2. Each year, I go to my families’ farm in Connecticut.
3. It is not fair to avoid to meet with friends.
4. If Rebecca would have known better, she would not have stayed up so late.
5. The dog, itself, works every day, daily herding the sheep.
6. The two principal types of kayaks are; the easily maneuverable white-water kayak and the
largest sea kayak.
7. The next morning, using twigs, for kindling she starts a small blaze in the firebox, located directly
below the main chamber.
8. Hoping to score higher on the ACT, the tutor gave the student a few new strategies.
9. Each animal has their own ability to perceive.
10. Hoping to avoid the flu, the flu shot is recommended to all adults.
11. The Iphone was purchased by Sarah a few weeks ago.
12. When deciding between kale and lettuce, Tom chose kale, the healthiest option.
13. The dog who I love is named Kyle.