This placement test is designed to give students and teachers of English a quick way of assessing the approximate level of a student's knowledge of English grammar and usage. The test should take around 45 minutes to complete.
1) Did you ……… anywhere interesting last weekend?
a) go
b) going
c) was
d) went
2) I work as a teacher and my wife ………, too.
a) do
b) is
c) work
d) does
3) I think ……… taxi driver
a) her job is
b) she's a
c) her job is an
d) she's
4) What is your home town ……… ?
a) situated
b) age
c) like
d) located
5) I’m afraid I ……… here for your birthday party.
a) have not to be
b) am not being
c) will be not
d) can't be
6) How ……… are you?
a) high
b) wide
c) long
d) heavy
7) How long ……… married?
a) have you been
b) are you
c) have you
d) been
8) Would you like ……… help?
a) a
b) some
c) me
d) I
9) They ……… go to the cinema
a) tomorrow
b) much
c) rare
d) seldom
10) He hasn’t played since he ……… the accident.
a) had
b) has had
c) has
c) had had
11) This is the best tea I’ve ……… tasted.
a) never
b) ever
c) already
d) still
12) I’m looking ……… the summer holidays.
a) before
b) forward
c) for
d) forward to
13) My girlfriend ……… born on the 2nd of September 1974.
a) is
b) was
c) had
d) has been
14) This beer tastes ……… .
a) badly
b) lovely
c) well
d) normally
15) In life ……… can make a mistake; we’re all human.
a) anyone
b) some people
c) not anybody
d) someone
16) She knows that she ……… to pay now.
a) had better
b) needn't
c) should
d) ought
17) If he ……… about it, I’m sure he’d help.
a) had know
b) knew
c) has known
d) knows
18) I'll return the newspaper when I ……… through it.
a) will have looked
b) looked
c) have looked
d) look
19) They said they ……… come, but they didn’t.
a) can
b) will
c) may
d) might
20) They were ……… hard questions that I had no chance.
a) so
b) some
c) such
d) quite
21) I don't have a cent to give you. I ...... bought a new computer.
a) just buy
b) had just bought
c) 've just
d) soon will
22) Mum gave ……… her job when I was born.
a) in
b) up
c) off
d) away
23) It's all right, we ……… hurry. We have plenty of time.
a) mustn't
b) shouldn't
c) can't
d) needn't
24) You have a terrible fever! ……… call a doctor?
a) Shall I
b) Do I
c) Must I
d) Will I
25) Joanna looks ……… in her new dress.
a) nice
b) nicely
c) like nice
d) such nice
26) Mr Haines wants ……… to his office.
a) that you come
b) you come to
c) you come
d) you to come
27) There are ……… around to start a cricket team
a) enough young boys
b) boys enough young
c) young boys enough
d) enough youngest boys
28) These bottles ……… of plastic.
a) are making
b) are make
c) are made
d) made are
29) Do you know where ……… ?
a) did I put the keys
b) put I the keys
c) I put the keys
d) I the keys put
30) Magda knows a lot about badgers, but she ……… a live one.
a) doesn't ever see
b) hasn't ever seen
c) hasn't ever saw
d) didn't ever see
31) We wash the curtains ……… year.
a) three times a
b) once
c) three every
d) every couple
32) The loudspeakers won't work unless you ……… those cables.
a) connected
b) connect
c) don't connect
d) can't connect
33) You should give ……… .
a) to your mother this letter
b) this letter your mother
c) letter this to your mother
d) this letter to your mother
34) Marian has ……… old books.
a) very much
b) a lot of
c) lots
d) a very lot
35) Hania has got two children, ....... ?
a) hasn't she
b) has she got
c) has she
d) haven't she
36) Let's think ……… something nice.
a) after
b) about
c) for
d) to
37) A Jaguar is ……… than a Fiat.
a) more expensive
b) expensiver
c) much expensive
d) expensive
38) The TV's too loud. Please, ……… .
a) it turn down
b) turn it up
c) turn it down
d) turn down it
39) It's a pity you ……… here last night.
a) weren't
b) aren't
c) 'll not be
d) 'd not be
40) What about ……… for a walk?
a) to go
b) I going
c) going
d) go
41) I made one or two mistakes, but ……… of my answers were correct.
a) much
b) most
c) more
d) few
42) You can't cross the road when the light ……… red.
a) 'll be
b) was
c) were
d) is
43) I have a problem. ……… help me please?
a) Could you
b) Should you
c) Were you able to
d) Will you able to
44) Our neighbour is ……… to Ireland.
a) going travel
b) going to travelling
c) go
d) going to travel
45) Do penguins fly? No, they ……… .
a) aren't
b) haven't
c) don't
d) won't
46) ……… train are you taking, the express to Poznan or to Skwierzyna?
a) Which
b) How
c) Whose
d) Who
47) This is ……… story.
a) a very interesting
b) very an interesting
c) very interesting
d) very interested
48) Marta takes the dog for a walk ……… the evening.
a) in
b) at
c) on
d) to
49) We haven't got ……… Polish friends.
a) no
b) any
c) none
d) some
50) Simon can't ……… to you now. He's busy.
a) talked
b) to talk
c) talking
d) talk
51) Have they finished working yet? I don't think ……… .
a) it
b) this
c) so
d) that
52) Somebody stole his wallet so he ……… money from a friend.
a) lent
b) earned
c) borrowed
d) lended
53) We must go now. Call the waitress and ask for the ……… .
a) bill
b) invoice
c) price
d) cost
54) He's a friend of ……… .
a) them
b) theres
c) theirs
d) their
55) Have you had ……… to eat?
a) too many
b) some more
c) to many
d) enough
56) I ……… my boyfriend since Christmas.
a) didn't see
b) haven't seen
c) don't see
d) hasn't seen
57) Who was the woman ……… ?
a) spoke to you
b) that you were speaking to
c) that you spoke
d) that you were speaked to
58) Is ……… than his father?
a) Matt taller
b) taller Matt
c) Matt more tall
d) Matt as tall as
59) She was 29 on her birthday, ……… she?
a) didn't
b) hadn't
c) hasn't
d) wasn't
60) ……… is it from here to Berlin?
a) How long way
b) How long
c) How far
d) How many
61) Good ……… ! I hope you get the job.
a) chance
b) fortune
c) luck
d) wish
62) The doctor has told her that she must give ……… drinking.
a) from
b) to
c) off
d) up
63) There was a lot of noise so I didn't understand what she was ……… .
a) saying
b) telling
c) speaking
d) talking
64) I ……… drink beer than wine.
a) would like more
b) prefer
c) had better
d) would rather
65) I gave her ……… earrings for Christmas.
a) a pair of
b) a set of
c) two
d) a
66) Would you like some more tea? There's still ……… left.
a) few
b) a few
c) a little
d) little
67) She didn't want the job, ……… .
a) however well paid was it
b) however well paid it was
c) for how good pay might it be
d) however good pay it was
68) He has been ……… for armed robbery.
a) blamed
b) accused
c) charged
d) arrested
69) The financial director ……… for almost an hour.
a) kept us to wait
b) kept us waiting
c) made us to wait
d) made us waiting
70) I've often ……… at the Wiejce Palace Hotel.
a) stayed
b) sleeped
c) remained
d) rested
71) I didn't realise that the coffee shop was ……… the other side of the road.
a) by
b) for
c) on
d) in
72) We have ……… for a receptionist but haven't appointed anyone yet.
a) advertised
b) announced
c) advised
d) noticed
73) She's very beautiful but that kind of woman doesn't ……… to me.
a) fancy
b) appeal
c) attract
d) turn on
74) The language school that I attend is 20 kilometres ……… .
a) far
b) away
c) distance
d) long
75) "I'm going to the cinema on Saturday." "So ……… ."
a) I am
b) do I
c) I do
d) am I
76) They ……… him of scratching the car.
a) blamed
b) accused
c) punished
d) arrested
77) They had to leave the flat because they couldn't pay the ……… .
a) fare
b) hire
c) rent
d) salary
78) She ……… at me and then turned away.
a) viewed
b) regarded
c) responded
d) glanced
79) The book shop rang ……… that the dictionary you ordered has arrived.
a) to say
b) to tell
c) for saying
d) for telling
80) If he hadn't drunk so much, he ……… sick.
a) didn't feel
b) wouldn't feel
c) hadn't felt
d) hasn't felt
81) Maria has two sisters, but she doesn't speak to ……… of them.
a) both
b) any
c) either
d) neither
82) Hubert is an uncle of ……… .
a) Kim
b) Kims
c) Kim's
d) Kims'
83) We discussed the house plans ……… our way to the shops.
a) by
b) on
c) in
d) to
84) George goes to ……… by car.
a) a work
b) the work
c) an work
d) work
85) Have you found a job ……… ?
a) soon
b) still
c) longer
d) yet
86) My boots are dirty. I'd better take them ……… before I come in.
a) off
b) away
c) on
d) up
87) What did the man say ……… ?
a) at you
b) to you
c) for you
d) you
88) Do you think I should move to Ireland? You shouldn't do anything ……… you think it's the right thing to do.
a) when
b) unless
c) in case
d) if
89) We can finish the rest of the eggs for ……… .
a) a breakfast
b) the breakfast
c) breakfast
d) a breakfasts
90) If she doesn't ……… my sight at once, I'll scream!
a) go out from
b) go off
c) get away from
d) get out of
E.S.P. INSTITUTE
CREANDO OPORTUNIDADES EN QUILICHAO
20090913
20090902
WHAT IS A PRONOUN?
What is a Pronoun?
A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun. You use pronouns like "he," "which," "none," and "you" to make your sentences less cumbersome and less repetitive.
Grammarians classify pronouns into several types, including the personal pronoun, the demonstrative pronoun, the interrogative pronoun, the indefinite pronoun, the relative pronoun, the reflexive pronoun, and the intensive pronoun.
Personal Pronouns
A personal pronoun refers to a specific person or thing and changes its form to indicate person, number, gender, and case.
Subjective Personal Pronouns
A subjective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as the subject of the sentence. The subjective personal pronouns are "I," "you," "she," "he," "it," "we," "you," "they."
In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a subjective personal pronoun and acts as the subject of the sentence:
I was glad to find the bus pass in the bottom of the green knapsack.
You are surely the strangest child I have ever met.
He stole the selkie's skin and forced her to live with him.
When she was a young woman, she earned her living as a coal miner.
After many years, they returned to their homeland.
We will meet at the library at 3:30 p.m.
It is on the counter.
Are you the delegates from Malagawatch?
Objective Personal Pronouns
An objective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as an object of a verb, compound verb, preposition, or infinitive phrase. The objective personal pronouns are: "me," "you," "her," "him," "it," "us," "you," and "them."
In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is an objective personal pronoun:
Seamus stole the selkie's skin and forced her to live with him.
The objective personal pronoun "her" is the direct object of the verb "forced" and the objective personal pronoun "him" is the object of the preposition "with."
After reading the pamphlet, Judy threw it into the garbage can.
The pronoun "it" is the direct object of the verb "threw."
The agitated assistant stood up and faced the angry delegates and said, "Our leader will address you in five minutes."
In this sentence, the pronoun "you" is the direct object of the verb "address."
Deborah and Roberta will meet us at the newest café in the market.
Here the objective personal pronoun "us" is the direct object of the compound verb "will meet."
Give the list to me.
Here the objective personal pronoun "me" is the object of the preposition "to."
I'm not sure that my contact will talk to you.
Similarly in this example, the objective personal pronoun "you" is the object of the preposition "to."
Christopher was surprised to see her at the drag races.
Here the objective personal pronoun "her" is the object of the infinitive phrase "to see."
Possessive Personal Pronouns
A possessive pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as a marker of possession and defines who owns a particular object or person. The possessive personal pronouns are "mine," "yours," "hers," "his," "its," "ours," and "theirs." Note that possessive personal pronouns are very similar to possessive adjectives like "my," "her," and "their."
In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a possessive personal pronoun:
The smallest gift is mine.
Here the possessive pronoun "mine" functions as a subject complement.
This is yours.
Here too the possessive pronoun "yours" functions as a subject complement.
His is on the kitchen counter.
In this example, the possessive pronoun "his" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Theirs will be delivered tomorrow.
In this sentence, the possessive pronoun "theirs" is the subject of the sentence.
Ours is the green one on the corner.
Here too the possessive pronoun "ours" function as the subject of the sentence.
Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative pronoun points to and identifies a noun or a pronoun. "This" and "these" refer to things that are nearby either in space or in time, while "that" and "those" refer to things that are farther away in space or time.
The demonstrative pronouns are "this," "that," "these," and "those." "This" and "that" are used to refer to singular nouns or noun phrases and "these" and "those" are used to refer to plural nouns and noun phrases. Note that the demonstrative pronouns are identical to demonstrative adjectives, though, obviously, you use them differently. It is also important to note that "that" can also be used as a relative pronoun.
In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a demonstrative pronoun:
This must not continue.
Here "this" is used as the subject of the compound verb "must not continue."
This is puny; that is the tree I want.
In this example "this" is used as subject and refers to something close to the speaker. The demonstrative pronoun "that" is also a subject but refers to something farther away from the speaker.
Three customers wanted these.
Here "these" is the direct object of the verb "wanted."
Interrogative Pronouns
An interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions. The interrogative pronouns are "who," "whom," "which," "what" and the compounds formed with the suffix "ever" ("whoever," "whomever," "whichever," and "whatever"). Note that either "which" or "what" can also be used as an interrogative adjective, and that "who," "whom," or "which" can also be used as a relative pronoun.
You will find "who," "whom," and occasionally "which" used to refer to people, and "which" and "what" used to refer to things and to animals.
"Who" acts as the subject of a verb, while "whom" acts as the object of a verb, preposition, or a verbal.
The highlighted word in each of the following sentences is an interrogative pronoun:
Which wants to see the dentist first?
"Which" is the subject of the sentence.
Who wrote the novel Rockbound?
Similarly "who" is the subject of the sentence.
Whom do you think we should invite?
In this sentence, "whom" is the object of the verb "invite."
To whom do you wish to speak?
Here the interrogative pronoun "whom " is the object of the preposition "to."
Who will meet the delegates at the train station?
In this sentence, the interrogative pronoun "who" is the subject of the compound verb "will meet."
To whom did you give the paper?
In this example the interrogative pronoun "whom" is the object of the preposition "to."
What did she say?
Here the interrogative pronoun "what" is the direct object of the verb "say."
Relative Pronouns
You can use a relative pronoun is used to link one phrase or clause to another phrase or clause. The relative pronouns are "who," "whom," "that," and "which." The compounds "whoever," "whomever," and "whichever" are also relative pronouns.
You can use the relative pronouns "who" and "whoever" to refer to the subject of a clause or sentence, and "whom" and "whomever" to refer to the objects of a verb, a verbal or a preposition.
In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a relative pronoun.
You may invite whomever you like to the party.
The relative pronoun "whomever" is the direct object of the compound verb "may invite."
The candidate who wins the greatest popular vote is not always elected.
In this sentence, the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb "wins" and introduces the subordinate clause "who wins the greatest popular vote." This subordinate clause acts as an adjective modifying "candidate."
In a time of crisis, the manager asks the workers whom she believes to be the most efficient to arrive an hour earlier than usual.
In this sentence "whom" is the direct object of the verb "believes" and introduces the subordinate clause "whom she believes to be the most efficient". This subordinate clause modifies the noun "workers."
Whoever broke the window will have to replace it.
Here "whoever" functions as the subject of the verb "broke."
The crate which was left in the corridor has now been moved into the storage closet.
In this example "which" acts as the subject of the compound verb "was left" and introduces the subordinate clause "which was left in the corridor." The subordinate clause acts as an adjective modifying the noun "crate."
I will read whichever manuscript arrives first.
Here "whichever" modifies the noun "manuscript" and introduces the subordinate clause "whichever manuscript arrives first." The subordinate clause functions as the direct object of the compound verb "will read."
Indefinite Pronouns
An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun referring to an identifiable but not specified person or thing. An indefinite pronoun conveys the idea of all, any, none, or some.
The most common indefinite pronouns are "all," "another," "any," "anybody," "anyone," "anything," "each," "everybody," "everyone," "everything," "few," "many," "nobody," "none," "one," "several," "some," "somebody," and "someone." Note that some indefinite pronouns can also be used as indefinite adjectives.
The highlighted words in the following sentences are indefinite pronouns:
Many were invited to the lunch but only twelve showed up.
Here "many" acts as the subject of the compound verb "were invited."
The office had been searched and everything was thrown onto the floor.
In this example, "everything" acts as a subject of the compound verb "was thrown."
We donated everything we found in the attic to the woman's shelter garage sale.
In this sentence, "everything" is the direct object of theverb "donated."
Although they looked everywhere for extra copies of the magazine, they found none.
Here too the indefinite pronoun functions as a direct object: "none" is the direct object of "found."
Make sure you give everyone a copy of the amended bylaws.
In this example, "everyone" is the indirect object of the verb "give" -- the direct object is the noun phrase "a copy of the amended bylaws."
Give a registration package to each.
Here "each" is the object of the preposition "to."
Reflexive Pronouns
You can use a reflexive pronoun to refer back to the subject of the clause or sentence.
The reflexive pronouns are "myself," "yourself," "herself," "himself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves." Note each of these can also act as an intensive pronoun.
Each of the highlighted words in the following sentences is a reflexive pronoun:
Diabetics give themselves insulin shots several times a day.
The Dean often does the photocopying herself so that the secretaries can do more important work.
After the party, I asked myself why I had faxed invitations to everyone in my office building.
Richard usually remembered to send a copy of his e-mail to himself.
Although the landlord promised to paint the apartment, we ended up doing it ourselves.
Intensive Pronouns
An intensive pronoun is a pronoun used to emphasise its antecedent. Intensive pronouns are identical in form to reflexive pronouns.
The highlighted words in the following sentences are intensive pronouns:
I myself believe that aliens should abduct my sister.
The Prime Minister himself said that he would lower taxes.
They themselves promised to come to the party even though they had a final exam at the same time.
A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun. You use pronouns like "he," "which," "none," and "you" to make your sentences less cumbersome and less repetitive.
Grammarians classify pronouns into several types, including the personal pronoun, the demonstrative pronoun, the interrogative pronoun, the indefinite pronoun, the relative pronoun, the reflexive pronoun, and the intensive pronoun.
Personal Pronouns
A personal pronoun refers to a specific person or thing and changes its form to indicate person, number, gender, and case.
Subjective Personal Pronouns
A subjective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as the subject of the sentence. The subjective personal pronouns are "I," "you," "she," "he," "it," "we," "you," "they."
In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a subjective personal pronoun and acts as the subject of the sentence:
I was glad to find the bus pass in the bottom of the green knapsack.
You are surely the strangest child I have ever met.
He stole the selkie's skin and forced her to live with him.
When she was a young woman, she earned her living as a coal miner.
After many years, they returned to their homeland.
We will meet at the library at 3:30 p.m.
It is on the counter.
Are you the delegates from Malagawatch?
Objective Personal Pronouns
An objective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as an object of a verb, compound verb, preposition, or infinitive phrase. The objective personal pronouns are: "me," "you," "her," "him," "it," "us," "you," and "them."
In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is an objective personal pronoun:
Seamus stole the selkie's skin and forced her to live with him.
The objective personal pronoun "her" is the direct object of the verb "forced" and the objective personal pronoun "him" is the object of the preposition "with."
After reading the pamphlet, Judy threw it into the garbage can.
The pronoun "it" is the direct object of the verb "threw."
The agitated assistant stood up and faced the angry delegates and said, "Our leader will address you in five minutes."
In this sentence, the pronoun "you" is the direct object of the verb "address."
Deborah and Roberta will meet us at the newest café in the market.
Here the objective personal pronoun "us" is the direct object of the compound verb "will meet."
Give the list to me.
Here the objective personal pronoun "me" is the object of the preposition "to."
I'm not sure that my contact will talk to you.
Similarly in this example, the objective personal pronoun "you" is the object of the preposition "to."
Christopher was surprised to see her at the drag races.
Here the objective personal pronoun "her" is the object of the infinitive phrase "to see."
Possessive Personal Pronouns
A possessive pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as a marker of possession and defines who owns a particular object or person. The possessive personal pronouns are "mine," "yours," "hers," "his," "its," "ours," and "theirs." Note that possessive personal pronouns are very similar to possessive adjectives like "my," "her," and "their."
In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a possessive personal pronoun:
The smallest gift is mine.
Here the possessive pronoun "mine" functions as a subject complement.
This is yours.
Here too the possessive pronoun "yours" functions as a subject complement.
His is on the kitchen counter.
In this example, the possessive pronoun "his" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Theirs will be delivered tomorrow.
In this sentence, the possessive pronoun "theirs" is the subject of the sentence.
Ours is the green one on the corner.
Here too the possessive pronoun "ours" function as the subject of the sentence.
Demonstrative Pronouns
A demonstrative pronoun points to and identifies a noun or a pronoun. "This" and "these" refer to things that are nearby either in space or in time, while "that" and "those" refer to things that are farther away in space or time.
The demonstrative pronouns are "this," "that," "these," and "those." "This" and "that" are used to refer to singular nouns or noun phrases and "these" and "those" are used to refer to plural nouns and noun phrases. Note that the demonstrative pronouns are identical to demonstrative adjectives, though, obviously, you use them differently. It is also important to note that "that" can also be used as a relative pronoun.
In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a demonstrative pronoun:
This must not continue.
Here "this" is used as the subject of the compound verb "must not continue."
This is puny; that is the tree I want.
In this example "this" is used as subject and refers to something close to the speaker. The demonstrative pronoun "that" is also a subject but refers to something farther away from the speaker.
Three customers wanted these.
Here "these" is the direct object of the verb "wanted."
Interrogative Pronouns
An interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions. The interrogative pronouns are "who," "whom," "which," "what" and the compounds formed with the suffix "ever" ("whoever," "whomever," "whichever," and "whatever"). Note that either "which" or "what" can also be used as an interrogative adjective, and that "who," "whom," or "which" can also be used as a relative pronoun.
You will find "who," "whom," and occasionally "which" used to refer to people, and "which" and "what" used to refer to things and to animals.
"Who" acts as the subject of a verb, while "whom" acts as the object of a verb, preposition, or a verbal.
The highlighted word in each of the following sentences is an interrogative pronoun:
Which wants to see the dentist first?
"Which" is the subject of the sentence.
Who wrote the novel Rockbound?
Similarly "who" is the subject of the sentence.
Whom do you think we should invite?
In this sentence, "whom" is the object of the verb "invite."
To whom do you wish to speak?
Here the interrogative pronoun "whom " is the object of the preposition "to."
Who will meet the delegates at the train station?
In this sentence, the interrogative pronoun "who" is the subject of the compound verb "will meet."
To whom did you give the paper?
In this example the interrogative pronoun "whom" is the object of the preposition "to."
What did she say?
Here the interrogative pronoun "what" is the direct object of the verb "say."
Relative Pronouns
You can use a relative pronoun is used to link one phrase or clause to another phrase or clause. The relative pronouns are "who," "whom," "that," and "which." The compounds "whoever," "whomever," and "whichever" are also relative pronouns.
You can use the relative pronouns "who" and "whoever" to refer to the subject of a clause or sentence, and "whom" and "whomever" to refer to the objects of a verb, a verbal or a preposition.
In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a relative pronoun.
You may invite whomever you like to the party.
The relative pronoun "whomever" is the direct object of the compound verb "may invite."
The candidate who wins the greatest popular vote is not always elected.
In this sentence, the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb "wins" and introduces the subordinate clause "who wins the greatest popular vote." This subordinate clause acts as an adjective modifying "candidate."
In a time of crisis, the manager asks the workers whom she believes to be the most efficient to arrive an hour earlier than usual.
In this sentence "whom" is the direct object of the verb "believes" and introduces the subordinate clause "whom she believes to be the most efficient". This subordinate clause modifies the noun "workers."
Whoever broke the window will have to replace it.
Here "whoever" functions as the subject of the verb "broke."
The crate which was left in the corridor has now been moved into the storage closet.
In this example "which" acts as the subject of the compound verb "was left" and introduces the subordinate clause "which was left in the corridor." The subordinate clause acts as an adjective modifying the noun "crate."
I will read whichever manuscript arrives first.
Here "whichever" modifies the noun "manuscript" and introduces the subordinate clause "whichever manuscript arrives first." The subordinate clause functions as the direct object of the compound verb "will read."
Indefinite Pronouns
An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun referring to an identifiable but not specified person or thing. An indefinite pronoun conveys the idea of all, any, none, or some.
The most common indefinite pronouns are "all," "another," "any," "anybody," "anyone," "anything," "each," "everybody," "everyone," "everything," "few," "many," "nobody," "none," "one," "several," "some," "somebody," and "someone." Note that some indefinite pronouns can also be used as indefinite adjectives.
The highlighted words in the following sentences are indefinite pronouns:
Many were invited to the lunch but only twelve showed up.
Here "many" acts as the subject of the compound verb "were invited."
The office had been searched and everything was thrown onto the floor.
In this example, "everything" acts as a subject of the compound verb "was thrown."
We donated everything we found in the attic to the woman's shelter garage sale.
In this sentence, "everything" is the direct object of theverb "donated."
Although they looked everywhere for extra copies of the magazine, they found none.
Here too the indefinite pronoun functions as a direct object: "none" is the direct object of "found."
Make sure you give everyone a copy of the amended bylaws.
In this example, "everyone" is the indirect object of the verb "give" -- the direct object is the noun phrase "a copy of the amended bylaws."
Give a registration package to each.
Here "each" is the object of the preposition "to."
Reflexive Pronouns
You can use a reflexive pronoun to refer back to the subject of the clause or sentence.
The reflexive pronouns are "myself," "yourself," "herself," "himself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves." Note each of these can also act as an intensive pronoun.
Each of the highlighted words in the following sentences is a reflexive pronoun:
Diabetics give themselves insulin shots several times a day.
The Dean often does the photocopying herself so that the secretaries can do more important work.
After the party, I asked myself why I had faxed invitations to everyone in my office building.
Richard usually remembered to send a copy of his e-mail to himself.
Although the landlord promised to paint the apartment, we ended up doing it ourselves.
Intensive Pronouns
An intensive pronoun is a pronoun used to emphasise its antecedent. Intensive pronouns are identical in form to reflexive pronouns.
The highlighted words in the following sentences are intensive pronouns:
I myself believe that aliens should abduct my sister.
The Prime Minister himself said that he would lower taxes.
They themselves promised to come to the party even though they had a final exam at the same time.
20090824
GRAMMAR QUESTIONS E.S.P. INSTITUTE
1. Which of these is a noun? It is ..........
(a) thing
(b) think
(c) that
(d) there
2.Which of these is a passive sentence? It is ..........
(a) He's been there
(b) He's been taken there
(c) He's been going there
(d) He will have been there
3. Which of these is a preposition? It is ..........
(a) thorough
(b) trough
(c) through
(d) throng
4. Which of these tenses is Past Perfect Simple? It is ..........
(a) She had laughed
(b) She has been laughing
(c) She laughed
(d) She was laughing
5. Which of these is an adverb? It is ..........
(a) quickly
(b) sly
(c) quicker
(d) quickest
6. Which of these tenses is Present Simple? It is ..........
(a) He spoke
(b) He is speaking
(c) He speaks
(d) He will speak
7. Which of these is an adjective? It is ..........
(a) hard
(b) hardly
(c) harden
(d) hardship
8. Which of these is a personal pronoun? It is ..........
(a) their
(b) they
(c) there
(d) theirs
9. Which of these is a gerund? It is ..........
(a) go
(b) goes
(c) going
(d) gone
10. Which of these is a past participle? It is ..........
(a) believing
(b) believed
(c) believes
(d) belief
(a) thing
(b) think
(c) that
(d) there
2.Which of these is a passive sentence? It is ..........
(a) He's been there
(b) He's been taken there
(c) He's been going there
(d) He will have been there
3. Which of these is a preposition? It is ..........
(a) thorough
(b) trough
(c) through
(d) throng
4. Which of these tenses is Past Perfect Simple? It is ..........
(a) She had laughed
(b) She has been laughing
(c) She laughed
(d) She was laughing
5. Which of these is an adverb? It is ..........
(a) quickly
(b) sly
(c) quicker
(d) quickest
6. Which of these tenses is Present Simple? It is ..........
(a) He spoke
(b) He is speaking
(c) He speaks
(d) He will speak
7. Which of these is an adjective? It is ..........
(a) hard
(b) hardly
(c) harden
(d) hardship
8. Which of these is a personal pronoun? It is ..........
(a) their
(b) they
(c) there
(d) theirs
9. Which of these is a gerund? It is ..........
(a) go
(b) goes
(c) going
(d) gone
10. Which of these is a past participle? It is ..........
(a) believing
(b) believed
(c) believes
(d) belief
20090819
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO USE ENGLISH?
Elementary
Choose the correct answer to go in the gap.
Example:
My boyfriend .... to the pub every night.
go
goes
goed
1. Simon .... very tall.
is
are
has
2. She .... like football very much.
don't
doesn't
hasn't
3. How .... does one lesson cost?
many
much
is
4. There .... a big supermarket next to my house.
is
are
have
5. I .... agree with you.
doesn't
haven't
don't
6. Neil can't .... tennis. He's broken his arm.
to play
playing
play
7. .... some more tea?
Would you like
Do you like
You'd like
Choose the correct answer to go in the gap.
Example:
My boyfriend .... to the pub every night.
go
goes
goed
1. Simon .... very tall.
is
are
has
2. She .... like football very much.
don't
doesn't
hasn't
3. How .... does one lesson cost?
many
much
is
4. There .... a big supermarket next to my house.
is
are
have
5. I .... agree with you.
doesn't
haven't
don't
6. Neil can't .... tennis. He's broken his arm.
to play
playing
play
7. .... some more tea?
Would you like
Do you like
You'd like
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMERICAN AND BRITISH ENGLISH
While there are certainly many more varieties of English, American and British English are the two varieties that are taught in most ESL/EFL programs. Generally, it is agreed that no one version is "correct" however, there are certainly preferences in use. The most important rule of thumb is to try to be consistent in your usage. If you decide that you want to use American English spellings then be consistent in your spelling (i.e. The color of the orange is also its flavour - color is American spelling and flavour is British), this is of course not always easy - or possible. The following guide is meant to point out the principal differences between these two varieties of English.
Use of the Present Perfect
In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example:
I've lost my key. Can you help me look for it?
In American English the following is also possible:
I lost my key. Can you help me look for it?
In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of the present perfect in British English and simple past in American English include already, just and yet.
British English:
I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film
Have you finished your homework yet?
American English:
I just had lunch OR I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film OR I already saw that film.
Have your finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet?
Possession
There are two forms to express possession in English. Have or Have got
Do you have a car?
Have you got a car?
He hasn't got any friends.
He doesn't have any friends.
She has a beautiful new home.
She's got a beautiful new home.
While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and American English), have got (have you got, he hasn't got, etc.) is generally the preferred form in British English while most speakers of American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn't have etc.)
The Verb Get
The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English. Example He's gotten much better at playing tennis. British English - He's got much better at playing tennis.
Use of the Present Perfect
In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example:
I've lost my key. Can you help me look for it?
In American English the following is also possible:
I lost my key. Can you help me look for it?
In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of the present perfect in British English and simple past in American English include already, just and yet.
British English:
I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film
Have you finished your homework yet?
American English:
I just had lunch OR I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film OR I already saw that film.
Have your finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet?
Possession
There are two forms to express possession in English. Have or Have got
Do you have a car?
Have you got a car?
He hasn't got any friends.
He doesn't have any friends.
She has a beautiful new home.
She's got a beautiful new home.
While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and American English), have got (have you got, he hasn't got, etc.) is generally the preferred form in British English while most speakers of American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn't have etc.)
The Verb Get
The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English. Example He's gotten much better at playing tennis. British English - He's got much better at playing tennis.
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