Chapter 2c Flashcards
What is one way to make verb usage clearer?
Keep the verb and subject close together
Which one?
SENTENCE 1: Only one of the company executives is fully insured.
SENTENCE 2: Only one of the company executives are fully insured.
SENTENCE 1: Only one of the company executives is fully insured.
REVISED SENTENCE 1: Of the company executives, only one is fully insured.
What are some indefinite pronouns that are always singular?
Anyone Either* Everything Nothing Anybody Every Many a Someone Anything Everyone Neither* Somebody Each Everybody Nobody Something
What are some indefinite pronouns that are always plural?
Both
Few
Several
Many
Are singular or plural verb forms used in parallel connectives (E.g. Either/or; neither/nor; not only/but also)?
The subject closer to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural. If both subjects are singular, so is the verb.
Neither the consultants nor the regulator is knowledgeable about the industry.
Either the coach or the players are not working hard enough.
When are “All, Most, Any, None, More, Some” accompanied by a singular or plural verb?
If the quantity is countable, then the indefinite pronoun takes a plural verb; if you can’t count it, then use the singular verb.
Some managers prefer face-to-face performance reviews.
None of the coupons were redeemed.
All of the work is finished.
Some patience is required to complete this task.
What makes a verb tense perfect (Past, present, or future)?
Using the verb has with the verb
I had been sick for three days.
I have been sick for three days.
I will have been sick three days.
Permanent truths or conditions should be expressed in what tense?
Present.
What did you say your name is?
NOT: What did you say your name was?
Clean or flawed? I would have liked to have seen the movie.
Flawed. I would have liked to see the movie.
Which is preferable, active or passive voice?
Active voice > passive voice
When is passive voice preferred?
In order to tactfully minimize a negative situation, and to spotlight a person’s achievements.
What are the three most common moods our sentences express?
Indicative (Statements)
Imperative (Orders)
Subjunctive (Uncertainty) (Possibility, hope, hypothetical)
What form of the verb to be should be used in the hypothetical of the subjunctive mood?
Were
Ex. If I were in charge, I’d make some changes.
