TOEIC Grammar

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u

Every sentence has a subject and a main verb. Verbs describe what the subject is doing. To be Every sentence has a subject and a main verb. Verbs describe what the subject is doing. To be able to show exactly what the subject does at any time, verbs have different forms and tenses. able to show exactly what the subject does at any time, verbs have different forms and tenses. In order to speak and

In order to speak and write English correctly, you must learn the various verb forms and write English correctly, you must learn the various verb forms and tenses.tenses.

Lear

Learningning HinHint:t:

To use verbs accurately, learn the standard verb forms and tenses. Memorize common irregular To use verbs accurately, learn the standard verb forms and tenses. Memorize common irregular verb forms that do not follow standard forms.

verb forms that do not follow standard forms.

Verb Forms Verb Forms

Verbs have five forms: Verbs have five forms:

F

Foorrmm VVeerrb b EExxaammppllee IIrrrreegguullaar r VVeerrb b EExxaammppllee

IInnffiinniittiivvee wwaallkk rruunn

P

Paasstttteennssee wwaallkkeedd rraann P

Paassttppaarrttiicciippllee wwaallkkeedd rruunn P

Prreesseennt t ppaarrttiicciippllee wwaallkkiinngg rruunnnniinngg --ssoorr--eessffoorrmm wwaallkkss rruunnss

The only verb with more than

The only verb with more than 5 forms is5 forms isbebe

F

Foorrmm VVeerrbb

IInnffiinniittiivvee bbee P

Paasst t tteennssee wwaas s ((ffoor r I I / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iitt)); ; wweerre e ((ffoor r wwe e / / yyoou u / / tthheeyy)) P

Paasst t ppaarrttiicciippllee bbee, , bbeeeenn P

Prreesseennt t ppaarrttiicciippllee bbeeiinngg --s s / / --ees s ffoorrmm

----c 1

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u The verb

The verbbebe also has 3 present tense forms (also has 3 present tense forms (am, is, aream, is, are) while all other verbs have one.) while all other verbs have one.

Infinitive Form Infinitive Form

The infinitive form is the plain or dictionary form. It is used when the verb's action happens in The infinitive form is the plain or dictionary form. It is used when the verb's action happens in the present and the subject is

the present and the subject is a plural noun or the pronouns Ia plural noun or the pronouns I, we, you,, we, you, or they:or they:

IIgogo to work.to work.

You

Youcook cook very well.very well. We

Welivelivedowntown.downtown.

They

Theyhelphelp me.me.

Past Tense Form Past Tense Form

The past tense shows the verb's action happened in the past. It is usually made by adding

The past tense shows the verb's action happened in the past. It is usually made by adding-d-d or or -ed

-edto the infinitive. The past tense is formed dto the infinitive. The past tense is formed differently for most irregular verbs:ifferently for most irregular verbs:

We

Welivedliveddowntown.downtown.

They

Theyhelpedhelped me.me.

IIwentwent to work. (to work. (Irregular verbIrregular verb))

Past Participle and Present Participle Form Past Participle and Present Participle Form The past participle is used with the verb

The past participle is used with the verb havehave (have / has / had) to create the present and past(have / has / had) to create the present and past perfect tenses. The past participle form is also used to modify nouns and pronouns. One perfect tenses. The past participle form is also used to modify nouns and pronouns. One

example is the phrase sliced bread. example is the phrase sliced bread.

The past participle is usually

The past participle is usually the same as the past tense fthe same as the past tense form. Only some irregularorm. Only some irregular verbs have averbs have a past participle that is different than their past tense form.

past participle that is different than their past tense form.

We

Wehave livedhave liveddowntown.downtown.

They

Theyhave helpedhave helped me.me.

IIhave gonehave gone to work. (to work. (Irregular verbIrregular verb))

The present participle is made by add

The present participle is made by addinging-ing-ing to a verbs infinitive form:to a verbs infinitive form:

Working Working

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u Buying Buying Eating Eating

The present participle can modify nouns and pronouns. One example is the phrase running The present participle can modify nouns and pronouns. One example is the phrase running water. When used as a noun (example: smoking is bad), the present participle is known as a water. When used as a noun (example: smoking is bad), the present participle is known as a gerund

gerund. The present participle is also used to . The present participle is also used to create the progressive tense.create the progressive tense.

-S Form -S Form The

The -s-s form of a verb is made from the infinitive of the verb. This form is used when the verb'sform of a verb is made from the infinitive of the verb. This form is used when the verb's action is in the present and the subject is third-person singular. Third-person singular is a action is in the present and the subject is third-person singular. Third-person singular is a singular noun (examples: desk, John), or a singular indefinite pronoun (examples: everybody, singular noun (examples: desk, John), or a singular indefinite pronoun (examples: everybody, someone), or the personal pronouns he / she / it.

someone), or the personal pronouns he / she / it.

How the -s form is made depend

How the -s form is made depends on the last letter of the verb:s on the last letter of the verb:

V

Veerrb b EEnnddiinngg TTo o MMaakke e TThhiirrd d PPeerrssoon n SSiinngguullaarr EExxaammppllee

ss aadddd--eses PaPass ss -- ItItpassespasses

sshh aadddd--eses Wish Wish -- EveryEveryoneonewisheswishes

cchh aadddd--eses WatWatch ch -- SheShewatcheswatches

ccoonnssoonnaannt t + + yy cchhaanngge e y y tto o i i aannd d aaddd d --eses TrTry -y - HeHetriestries

A

Anny y ootthheer r lleetttteerr aaddd d --ss DriDrink -nk - HeHedrinksdrinks

Verb Types Verb Types

Irregular Verbs Irregular Verbs

Many verbs do not follow the rules to make the different forms. They are called irregular Many verbs do not follow the rules to make the different forms. They are called irregular verbs. No single rule explains how to make their past tense and past participle forms. The verbs. No single rule explains how to make their past tense and past participle forms. The irregular verbs must be memorized. These are

irregular verbs must be memorized. These are some of the common irregular verbs:some of the common irregular verbs:

IInnffiinniittiivvee PPaasst t TTeennssee PPaasst t PPaarrttiicciippllee

cchhoooossee cchhoossee cchhoosseenn d

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u d

drriinnkk ddrruunnkk ddrraannkk

e

eaatt aattee eeaatteenn

g

giivvee ggaavvee ggiivveenn

ffoorrggeett ffoorrggoott ffoorrggootttteenn

lliiee llaayy llaaiinn

lleett lleett lleett

sseeee ssaaww sseeeenn

sslleeeepp sslleepptt sslleepptt

tthhrrooww tthhrreeww tthhrroowwnn

w

wrriittee wwrroottee wwrriitttteenn

Helping Verbs Helping Verbs

Another important type of verb is the helping or

Another important type of verb is the helping or auxiliaryauxiliary verb. Helping verbs show tense andverb. Helping verbs show tense and can show person, number, voice or mood. These verbs combine with a main verb to form a can show person, number, voice or mood. These verbs combine with a main verb to form a verb phrase. A main verb is an infinitive, a present participle or past participle. These are verb verb phrase. A main verb is an infinitive, a present participle or past participle. These are verb phrase examples:

phrase examples:

will give will give

has been working has been working

can go can go

Some helping verbs combine with main verbs to show time and voice. These helping verbs are Some helping verbs combine with main verbs to show time and voice. These helping verbs are shall, will, have (has

shall, will, have (has // had), do (doeshad), do (does // did)did) and the forms of and the forms of bebe ((amam // isis // areare // waswas // werewere // been

been// beingbeing):):

We

Wewill livewill liveddoowwnnttoowwnn.. WWeedid not livedid not livedowntown.downtown. They

Theyshall helpshall helpmmee.. TThheeyywere helpedwere helped.. IIhave been workinghave been working.. IIhad workedhad worked..

Modal Verbs Modal Verbs

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Helping verbs such as

Helping verbs such as can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, willcan, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, and, and wouldwould are used to add extra meaning to main verbs. These helping verbs are called

are used to add extra meaning to main verbs. These helping verbs are called modalsmodals. They. They show a nece

show a necessity, possibility, ability, permission, prediction or responsibility:ssity, possibility, ability, permission, prediction or responsibility:

You

Youshould writeshould writetthhaat t rreeppoorrtt.. WWeemust gomust go.. He

Hecan carrycan carryhheeaavvy y oobbjjeeccttss.. IImight leavemight leave..

The helping verb

The helping verb dodo ((doesdoes) or its past tense) or its past tense diddid is used together with the infinitive of a verb tois used together with the infinitive of a verb to ask questions, make the negative form, or to show added importance:

ask questions, make the negative form, or to show added importance:

Does

Doesshe work this week?she work this week? DoDothey go to school?they go to school? Where

Wheredoesdoeshheelliivvee?? WWhheerreediddidthey live?they live? She

Shedoesdoesnnoot t sslleeeep p wweellll.. SShheediddidnot sleep well.not sleep well. You

Youdodowwoorrk k eevveerry y ddaayy.. HHeedoesdoesrun on weekends.run on weekends.

Verbals Verbals

A verbal (nonfinite verb) is no longer a verb. It is a verb form used as a noun, an adjective, or A verbal (nonfinite verb) is no longer a verb. It is a verb form used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. A verbal can never be a main verb.

an adverb. A verbal can never be a main verb.

V

Veerrbbaall EExxaammppllee VVeerrbbFFoorrmm

Noun

Noun RunningRunningiis s ggrreeaat t eexxeerrcciissee.. pprreesseennt t ppaarrttiicciippllee Adjective

Adjective BlockedBlockedpprriinntteers rs ccaannnnoot pt prriinntt.. ppaasst tt teennssee A

Addvveerrbb WWe e wweerre e rreeaaddyyto workto work.. tto o + + iinnffiinniittiivvee

Verb Tenses Verb Tenses

Tense shows the time of a verbs action or being. There are three verb tenses:

Tense shows the time of a verbs action or being. There are three verb tenses:simplesimple,, perfectperfect,, and

andprogressiveprogressive. Each tense has. Each tense has paspast,t, prespresentent andandfuturefuture forms.forms.

Note:

Note: Because tense shows time, a time word in a sentence helps to decide what tense is beingBecause tense shows time, a time word in a sentence helps to decide what tense is being used. Most time words can only go with a certain tense. These are some examples:

used. Most time words can only go with a certain tense. These are some examples:

P

Prreesseenntt PPaasstt FFuuttuurree PPrrooggrreessssiivvee

o

offtteenn yyeesstteerrddaayy ttoommoorrrrooww nnooww every hour / day /

every hour / day / week

week

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u e

evveerry y mmoonntthh//yyeeaarr llaasst t yyeeaarr nneexxt t yyeeaarr tthhiis s mmoonntthh u

ussuuaallllyy aammoouunnt t oof f ttiimme e + + aaggoo iin n + + aammoouunnt t oof f ttiimmee ffoor r + + aammoouunnt t oof f ttiimmee sometimes

sometimes today today

for + amount of time for + amount of time

Simple Tense Simple Tense

The simple

The simple tenses show that an action or stenses show that an action or state of being is past, present, or tate of being is past, present, or future. The presentfuture. The present tense shows action that is happening

tense shows action that is happening now as a person speaks onow as a person speaks or writes. The present tense is alsor writes. The present tense is also used to describe acti

used to describe actions that are factual ons that are factual or habitual (commonly repeatedor habitual (commonly repeated over a period of over a period of time).time). The present tense uses the verbs

The present tense uses the verbs infinitive or theinfinitive or the-s-s form for third person singular subject.form for third person singular subject.

The past tense shows action that has finished as a person speaks or writes. The past tense uses The past tense shows action that has finished as a person speaks or writes. The past tense uses the verbs past tense form.

the verbs past tense form.

The future tense shows action that has not happened yet as a person speaks or writes. The The future tense shows action that has not happened yet as a person speaks or writes. The future tense uses the helping verb

future tense uses the helping verbwillwill or or shallshall plus the verbs infinitive. plus the verbs infinitive.

T

Teennssee RReegguullaar r VVeerrbb: : WaWallkk IIrrrreegguullaar r VVeerrbb: : RRuunn

Present

Present I / you / we / theyI / you / we / theywalkwalk.. He / she / it

He / she / itwalkswalks..

I / you / we / they I / you / we / theyrunrun.. He / she / it

He / she / itrunsruns.. P

Paasstt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheey y / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iittwalkedwalked.. I / you / we / they / he / she / itI / you / we / they / he / she / it

ran ran.. F

Fuuttuurree I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheey y / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iittwill walkwill walk.. I / you / we / they / he / she / itI / you / we / they / he / she / it will

will runrun..

Perfect Tense Perfect Tense

The perfect tenses show that an action was or will be finished BEFORE another time or action The perfect tenses show that an action was or will be finished BEFORE another time or action happens. The perfect tenses are made with the helping verb

happens. The perfect tenses are made with the helping verbhavehave ((have / has / hadhave / has / had) plus the) plus the verbs past participle. All subjects use

verbs past participle. All subjects use hadhad for the past perfect tense. All subjects usefor the past perfect tense. All subjects usewill havewill have or

or shall haveshall have for the future perfect tense. The infinitivefor the future perfect tense. The infinitive havehave or or hashasfor singular third person isfor singular third person is used for the perfect present tense.

used for the perfect present tense.

Examples: Examples:

T

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u P

Prreesseennt t PPeerrffeecctt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheeyyhave walkedhave walked.. He / she / it

He / she / ithas walkedhas walked.. P

Paasst t PPeerrffeecctt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheey y / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iitthad walkedhad walked.. F

Fuuttuurre e PPeerrffeecctt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheey y / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iittwill have walkedwill have walked..

T

Teennssee IIrrrreegguullaar r VVeerrbb: : RRuunn

P

Prreesseennt t PPeerrffeecctt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe / e / tthheeyyhave runhave run.. He / she / it

He / she / ithas runhas run.. P

Paasst t PPeerrffeecctt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheey y / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iitthad runhad run.. F

Fuuttuurre e PPeerrffeecctt I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheey y / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iittwill have runwill have run..

The present perfect tense can also show that an action started in the past and is still going on in The present perfect tense can also show that an action started in the past and is still going on in the present.

the present.

Examples: Examples: He

Hehas livedhas liveddowntown. (downtown. (Action is finished at the time it is writtenAction is finished at the time it is written.).)

He

Hehas workedhas worked for three hours. (for three hours. (Action started in the past and is still going onAction started in the past and is still going on.).)

She

Shehas always writtenhas always written in a diary. (in a diary. (Action started in the past but continues nowAction started in the past but continues now.).)

Progressive Tense Progressive Tense

The progressive tenses show continuing action. They can also show how long an action has The progressive tenses show continuing action. They can also show how long an action has been going on for an amount of time in the present, past, or future. A verb's present participle been going on for an amount of time in the present, past, or future. A verb's present participle joins with some forms of the verb

joins with some forms of the verb bebe ((am, is, are, was, weream, is, are, was, were) to make the simple progressive) to make the simple progressive tenses.

tenses.

T

Teennssee EExxaammppllee

Pr

Preesesennt Pt Prorogrgresessisivvee I aI am wm wororkikingng. Y. Yoou / u / we we / t/ thehey ay arre we woorkrkining.g. He / she / it is working.

He / she / it is working. P

Paasst t PPrrooggrreessssiivvee I I / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iit t wwaas s wwoorrkkiinngg.. You / we /

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u Fu

Fututure re PrProgogreressssivivee I / I / he he / s/ she he / i/ it / t / ththeey y / / we we / y/ you ou wiwill ll bbe e woworkrkining.g.

The past progressive can show an action that happened in the past and was not finished: The past progressive can show an action that happened in the past and was not finished:

He

Hewas doingwas doinghis work. (He was working, but he may not have finished the work his work. (He was working, but he may not have finished the work .).)

The perfect tense form plus

The perfect tense form plus beenbeen plus the verbs present participle makes the perfect plus the verbs present participle makes the perfect progressive tenses:

progressive tenses:

T

Teennssee EExxaammppllee

P

Prreesseennt t PPeerrffeecct t PPrrooggrreessssiivvee I I / / yyoou u / / wwe e / / tthheeyyhave been workinghave been working.. He

He / she / she / it/ ithas been workinghas been working.. P

Paasst t PPeerrffeecct t PPrrooggrreessssiivvee I I / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iit t / / tthheeyy / / wwe e / / yyoouuhad been workinghad been working.. F

Fuuttuurre e PPeerrffeecct t PPrrooggrreessssiivvee I I / / hhe e / / sshhe e / / iit t / / tthheey y / / wwe e / / yyoouuwill have been workingwill have been working..

Not all verbs can make a progressive tense. Verbs that have qualities not able to show change Not all verbs can make a progressive tense. Verbs that have qualities not able to show change

cannot make the progressive tense. These are some of the verbs: cannot make the progressive tense. These are some of the verbs:

b

bee gguueessss sseeeemm sseeee b

beelliieevvee iinncclluuddee tthhiinnkk ssmmeellll ccoosstt lliikkee uunnddeerrssttaanndd ttaassttee d

deessiirree lloovvee wwaanntt nneeeedd

Examples: Examples:

Incorrect: She

Incorrect: Sheis being pretty.is being pretty.

Correct: She

Correct: She isis pretty. pretty.

Incorrect: That

Incorrect: Thatis owningis owning to him.to him.

Correct: He

Correct: Heownsownsthat.that.

Incorrect: They

Incorrect: Theyare wantingare wanting a raise.a raise.

Correct: They

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Proper sentences must have subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement means the subject Proper sentences must have subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb match. A singular subject must have a singular verb. A plural subject must have a and verb match. A singular subject must have a singular verb. A plural subject must have a plural verb.

plural verb.

S

Siinngguullaarr PPlluurraall

The

Theemployeeemployeeggooees s tto o wwoorrkk.. TThheeemployeesemployeesgogo to to worwork.k. The

Theemployeeemployeeiis s ggooiinng g tto o woworrkk.. TThheeemployeesemployeesare goare goinging to woto work.rk. The

Theemployeeemployeehhaas s ggoonne e tto o wwoorrkk.. TThheeemployeesemployeeshave ghave goneone to workto work.. The

Theemployeeemployeewweenntt tto o wwoorrkk.. TThheeemployeesemployeeswenwentt to woto work.rk.

Learning Hint: Learning Hint:

To make sure you use

To make sure you use the correct verb form with the subject, use the correct verb form with the subject, use the following steps:the following steps:



 Figure out what the subject is.Figure out what the subject is. 

 Decide if theDecide if the subjecsubject is single or plurat is single or plural.l. 

 Identify which verb goes with the subject.Identify which verb goes with the subject. 

 Check that the verb form matches the subject.Check that the verb form matches the subject.

Subjects Subjects

There are rules to follow to help decide what form the subject or verb is in. The subject of a There are rules to follow to help decide what form the subject or verb is in. The subject of a sentence is usually a noun or pronoun.

sentence is usually a noun or pronoun.

Singular and Plural Noun Forms Singular and Plural Noun Forms

The plural form for most nouns is made by adding

-The plural form for most nouns is made by adding - s s or -or -eses..

Some nouns plural form is irregular. The irregular ones have to be remembered. Common ones Some nouns plural form is irregular. The irregular ones have to be remembered. Common ones include:

include:

S

Siinngguullaarr PPlluurraall

m

maann mmeenn

cchhiilldd cchhiillddrreenn

op

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ccrriitteerriioonn ccrriitteerriiaa m

meeddiiuumm mmeeddiiaa

Some nouns with plural form are usually regarded as singular in meaning. Such words include Some nouns with plural form are usually regarded as singular in meaning. Such words include athletics, economics, news, politics, mathematics and statistics.

athletics, economics, news, politics, mathematics and statistics.

Example: Example: The

The newsnews tonightonight hast has to be gto be good.ood.

Measurements and figures ending in

-Measurements and figures ending in - s s may be singular when the amounmay be singular when the amount they refer to is a unit:t they refer to is a unit:

Examples: Examples:

Three years

Three yearsisis a long tia long time to wame to wait.it.

One-third of the lunchroom

One-third of the lunchroom hashas new cnew chaihairs.rs.

Note

Note: These words and amounts are : These words and amounts are plural when they describe single items instead of a plural when they describe single items instead of a whole:whole: The

The statisticsstatistics showshow the markethe market will impt will improve.rove.

One-third of the computers

One-third of the computers in the offiin the office havece have new memory cnew memory cards.ards.

Compound Subjects Compound Subjects

A compound subject, two or more subjects joined by

A compound subject, two or more subjects joined by and and , takes a plural verb., takes a plural verb.

Examples: Examples: Coffee and tea

Coffee and tea areare serserved hotved hot..

The president, the CEO and the sale manager

The president, the CEO and the sale manager areare having having a mea meeting.eting.

Exception: Exception:

When the parts of the subject form a

When the parts of the subject form a single idea or refer to a single thing, single idea or refer to a single thing, the verb is singular.the verb is singular.

Examples: Examples:

Ham and cheese

Ham and cheeseisis his favhis favorite sorite sandwicandwich.h.

The new president and CEO

The new president and CEO arriarrivesves in an in an hour.hour.

(The subject is one person who is both the new president and CEO (The subject is one person who is both the new president and CEO.).)

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The new president and his CEO

The new president and his CEO arriarriveve in ain an houn hour.r.

((TheThe subject is twsubject is two people so the verb has to be pluo people so the verb has to be plural ral .).)

Collective Nouns Collective Nouns

A collect

A collective noun namive noun names a group of es a group of people or thpeople or things. Exings. Examples aramples are army,e army, audiencaudience,e, government, family, group, team, and public. Although a collective noun looks plural, its government, family, group, team, and public. Although a collective noun looks plural, its considered to be one

considered to be one unit, a whole, so it is singular.unit, a whole, so it is singular.

Examples: Examples: The

The groupgroupagreesagrees that actthat action is neion is needed.eded.

The

The publicpublic receivreceiveses weather waweather warnings on the radirnings on the radio and on TV.o and on TV.

Exception

Exception: Number as a collective noun can be singular or plural. When: Number as a collective noun can be singular or plural. When aa comes beforecomes before number, it is always plural. When

number, it is always plural. When thethe comes before number, it is always singular.comes before number, it is always singular.

Examples: Examples:

A number

A numberof employof employees have decidees have decideded to car pool.to car pool.

The number

The numberof people wiof people without jobthout jobs iss is droppidropping.ng.

Always Singular or Plural Words Always Singular or Plural Words

Some words that can be part of the subject need to be remembered as always being singular or Some words that can be part of the subject need to be remembered as always being singular or always plural.

always plural.



 Words that are always singular:Words that are always singular: anyoneanyone,, anything anything ,, no oneno one,, nothing nothing ,, neither neither ,, either either ,,

what

what ,, whatever whatever ,, whoever whoever ,, somebody somebody,, something something ,, someone someone,, eacheach,, everyoneeveryone,, everything everything ,, and

and everybodyeverybody. All of these words are known as. All of these words are known asindefinite pronounsindefinite pronouns. These words do. These words do not refer to a specific person or thing.

not refer to a specific person or thing.

Examples: Examples:

Something

Something isis wrowrong heng here.re.

Neither

Neither isis ririghght.t.

Each employee

Each employee getsgets 2 weeks 2 weeks paid vacpaid vacation.ation.

Everyone

Everyone deserdeservesves to be to be happy.happy.

Exception:

Exception: WhenWhen eacheach follows a compound subject, the verb is plural:follows a compound subject, the verb is plural:

The courier and the mailman

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u 

 Words that are always plural:Words that are always plural: few few,, bothboth,, several several ,, manymany..

Examples: Examples:

Few people

Few peoplegogo to thto the annual e annual picnic.picnic.

Several of his friends

Several of his friends workwork in the accountiin the accounting departmng department.ent.

Both of them

Both of them desdeservervee a raisa raise.e.

Many of the senior staff

Many of the senior staff plan plan to retto retire earire early.ly.

Singular or Plural Indefinite Pronouns Singular or Plural Indefinite Pronouns

Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on what comes after them:

Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on what comes after them: some some,, all

all ,, most most ,, anyany, and, and nonenone. Whether they are singular or plural depends on the meaning of the. Whether they are singular or plural depends on the meaning of the nouns they refer to.

nouns they refer to.

Examples: Examples: All

Allof the money is kept for emergof the money iskept for emergenciesencies..

(All

(All refers to the singular nounrefers to the singular noun money,money, so the verb is singular so the verb is singular .).)

All

Allof the of the reports were reports were finishedfinished this afternoon.this afternoon. (All

(All refers to the plural nounrefers to the plural noun reports,reports, so the verb is plural so the verb is plural .).)

None

Noneof the parceof the parcels ever arrls ever arriveive on Monday.on Monday. (Parcels

(Parcels is plural is plural ,, making making nonenone plural plural .).)

Some

Someof the team needsof the team needs more timmore time to prepare.e to prepare. (Team

(Team is singular is singular ,, making making somesome singular singular .).)

Relative Pronouns Relative Pronouns The relative pronouns

The relative pronouns whowho,, whichwhich andand that that do not have different singular and plural forms.do not have different singular and plural forms. When used as a subject,

When used as a subject, its verb should agree with the noun its verb should agree with the noun it refers to.it refers to.

Examples: Examples:

The manager should listen to the people

The manager should listen to the peoplewhowhoworworkk for for himhim..

(Who

(Who refers to the plural refers to the plural people, people, so the verb is plural so the verb is plural .).) Justin is the person

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u (Who

(Who refers to the singular refers to the singular person, person, so the verb is singular so the verb is singular .).)

Conjunctions Or and Nor Conjunctions Or and Nor

When parts of a subject are joined by

When parts of a subject are joined by or or or or nor nor , the verb agrees with the part closest to it. If the, the verb agrees with the part closest to it. If the closest part is singular, the verb is singular. If the closest part is p

closest part is singular, the verb is singular. If the closest part is p lural, the verb is plural.lural, the verb is plural.

Examples: Examples:

Neither the secretary

Neither the secretary nornor the receptthe receptionisionist knowst knows the phone numberthe phone number..

The engineers

The engineersoror the mechthe mechanics havanics havee the can of oithe can of oil.l.

Neither the manager

Neither the manager nornor the empthe employees loyees werewere late.late.

((Manager is singular but employees is plural Manager is singular but employees is plural .. Employees is closest to the verb so the verb is Employees is closest to the verb so the verb is plural

plural .).)

Either he

Either heoror thethey arey are earearly.ly.

(( He is singular but they is plural He is singular but they is plural .. They is closest to the verb so the verb is plural They is closest to the verb so the verb is plural .).)

Verbs Verbs

Knowing whether the verb is in its singular or plural form shows which form the subject must Knowing whether the verb is in its singular or plural form shows which form the subject must be in. The s

be in. The singular present tense ingular present tense of many verbs of many verbs is formed byis formed by adding -adding - s s or or --eses. Irregular verb. Irregular verb forms have to be remembered.

forms have to be remembered.

S

Siinngguullaar Pr Prreesseennt t TTeennssee PPlluurraal Pl Prreesseennt Tt Teennssee

e eaattss eeaatt a amm//iiss aarree b brriinngg bbrriinnggss S

Siinngguullaar r PPaasst t TTeennssee PPlluurraal l PPaasst t TTeennssee

a attee aattee w waass wweerree b brroouugghhtt bbrroouugghhtt

The subject and verb still need to match when other words come between them. Such words The subject and verb still need to match when other words come between them. Such words are usually a phrase that starts with a preposition like

are usually a phrase that starts with a preposition like of of ,, byby,, withwith,, from from, and, and toto..

Examples: Examples:

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u A

Aweb siteweb site of new goods and seof new goods and services irvices iss being madebeing made..

((Web site is the subject Web site is the subject ,, not servicesnot services.. Web site is singular Web site is singular .).) The

The profitsprofits earned by the earned by the computer industry computer industry have droppedhave dropped in the past in the past year.year.

((The subject is profitsThe subject is profits,, not industrynot industry.. Profits is plural Profits is plural .).)

Subject-Verb Agreement Example Questions Subject-Verb Agreement Example Questions When doing a question,

When doing a question, first figure out what is the subject of the sentence.first figure out what is the subject of the sentence.

Then decide if the subject is singular or plural. Use the rules. Lastly, decide which verb form Then decide if the subject is singular or plural. Use the rules. Lastly, decide which verb form will match with the subject.

will match with the subject.

Note 1:

Note 1: When two verb answers agree with the subject, then the verb TENSE must be lookedWhen two verb answers agree with the subject, then the verb TENSE must be looked at. Check for time words to he

at. Check for time words to help decide what verb tense lp decide what verb tense is correct for the sentence.is correct for the sentence.

Example: Example:

He _____ his desk yesterday. He _____ his desk yesterday. (A) cleaned (A) cleaned (B) cleans (B) cleans (C) clean (C) clean (D) cleaner (D) cleaner

He is a singular subject so a singlular verb is needed. Both (A) and (B) are singular verbs. (A), He is a singular subject so a singlular verb is needed. Both (A) and (B) are singular verbs. (A), not (B), is the correct answer. The word yesterday shows that the action is in the past so the not (B), is the correct answer. The word yesterday shows that the action is in the past so the verb must be in the past tense.

verb must be in the past tense.

Note 2

Note 2: When two verb answers match the subject and both are the correct tense, then decide: When two verb answers match the subject and both are the correct tense, then decide which verb makes sense.

which verb makes sense.

Example: Example:

She _____ made a backup of her data. She _____ made a backup of her data. (A) have (A) have (B) do (B) do (C) is (C) is (D) should have (D) should have

She is a singular subject so a singlular verb is needed. Both (C) and (D) are singular verbs. She is a singular subject so a singlular verb is needed. Both (C) and (D) are singular verbs. Only (D) can complete the sentence

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How well you understand many kinds of grammar are tested. Your knowledge of vocabulary is also How well you understand many kinds of grammar are tested. Your knowledge of vocabulary is also tested. For this section, the correct answer may

tested. For this section, the correct answer may be a be a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. The correct choicenoun, verb, adjective, or adverb. The correct choice may also depend on its form. Should it be singular or plural? Is it the right tense for the sentence? may also depend on its form. Should it be singular or plural? Is it the right tense for the sentence? Should it be

Should it be comparacomparative or tive or superlative? These are some things to think superlative? These are some things to think about. Finally, does the choiceabout. Finally, does the choice you pick make sense? Read through the sentence with your answer.

you pick make sense? Read through the sentence with your answer. Learning Hint:

Learning Hint: With word

With word families, the possible anfamilies, the possible answers are four forms of the SAME word. Memorize commswers are four forms of the SAME word. Memorize common nounon noun forms, adjectives, adverbs, and verb forms.

forms, adjectives, adverbs, and verb forms. Word Forms

Word Forms

Word families tests how well you know the various types of words that can be made from one word. A Word families tests how well you know the various types of words that can be made from one word. A word can go from

word can go from noun to verb to adjective to advnoun to verb to adjective to adverb by changing the enderb by changing the ending of the word.ing of the word. Example:

Example:

Finale (noun, thing) -> finalist (noun, person) -> finalize (verb) -> final (adjective) -> finally (adverb) Finale (noun, thing) -> finalist (noun, person) -> finalize (verb) -> final (adjective) -> finally (adverb) Remember the common word endings used to make the different kinds of words:

Remember the common word endings used to make the different kinds of words:

N

Noouunn VVeerrbb AAddjjeeccttiivvee AAddvveerrbb

--aannccee --eenn --aabbllee --llyy

--aannccyy --iiffyy --iibbllee --wwaarrdd

--eennccee --iizzee --aall --wwiissee

--aattiioonn --ffuull

--iiaann --iisshh --iissmm --iivvee --mmeenntt --oouuss -ness -ness -ship -ship

op

ic

Wo

rd

Fa

mi

li

es

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u -or -or -er -er

Typical Question Examples Found in Word Families Typical Question Examples Found in Word Families 1) The manager read the report _____.

1) The manager read the report _____. (A)

(A) cacarefrefulul (B)

(B) cacarefrefullullyy (C

(C)) cacarere (D)

(D) cacarinringg

The correct answer is (B). An adverb is needed to complete the sentence. Carefully is the only adverb. The correct answer is (B). An adverb is needed to complete the sentence. Carefully is the only adverb. Adverbs modify verbs

Adverbs modify verbs. How did the manag. How did the manager read the report? He read it carefullyer read the report? He read it carefully.. Answer (A) is anAnswer (A) is an adjective. Answer (C) and (D) are verb forms.

adjective. Answer (C) and (D) are verb forms.

2) The procedure was _____ properly to the new employee. 2) The procedure was _____ properly to the new employee. (A) explain

(A) explain (B)

(B) explexplanatanationion (C)

(C) explexplanatanatoryory (D)

(D) explexplaineainedd

The correct answer is (D). There is no main verb in

The correct answer is (D). There is no main verb in this sentencethis sentence. Was is only acting as a . Was is only acting as a helping verb.helping verb. The correct verb form must have a past tense form to agree with was. Only explained is both a main The correct verb form must have a past tense form to agree with was. Only explained is both a main verb and in the past tense. Answer (A) is the present tense verb form. Answer (B) is a noun. Answer (C) verb and in the past tense. Answer (A) is the present tense verb form. Answer (B) is a noun. Answer (C) is an adjective.

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Every noun can be counted, but not all nouns are counted the same way. There are two main Every noun can be counted, but not all nouns are counted the same way. There are two main types of nouns: count nouns and non-count nouns.

types of nouns: count nouns and non-count nouns.

Memorize the most

Memorize the most common non-count nouns and remember common non-count nouns and remember toto use singular verbs use singular verbs with thesewith these nouns.

nouns.

Count Nouns Count Nouns

All count nouns have a singular and plural form and are used in agreement with singular or All count nouns have a singular and plural form and are used in agreement with singular or plural verbs. Count nouns are things that exist as separate and distinct individual units. Count plural verbs. Count nouns are things that exist as separate and distinct individual units. Count

nouns are generally individual persons, places or objects that can be recognized by our senses. nouns are generally individual persons, places or objects that can be recognized by our senses.

C

Coouunnt t NNoouun n TyTyppee EExxaammpplleess

Names of persons, their r

Names of persons, their relationships and theirelationships and their occupations

occupations

friend, girl, accountant friend, girl, accountant

N

Naammees s oof f ssppeecciieess, , ppllaannttss, , iinnsseeccttss ccaatt, , ddoollpphhiinn, , ttrreeee, , ffllyy Names

Names of oof objects bjects with with a a finitfinite ane and spd specifiecific shc shapeape bottlebottle, com, computer, puter, tabletable, of, office, fice, builbuildingding U

Unniitts s oof f mmeeaassuurreemmeenntt cceennttiimmeetteerr, , iinncchh, , mmeetteerr, , kkiillooggrraamm, , ppoouunndd, , ddeeggrreeee U

Unniitts s oof f ssoocciiaal l ccllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonn ffaammiillyy, , llaanngguuaaggee, , ccoouunnttrryy S

Soomme e aabbssttrraacct t ccoonncceeppttss iiddeeaa, , iinnvveennttiioonn, , ppllaann

Examples: Examples:

There will be two

There will be two proposalsproposals submitted to the manager by 2pm.submitted to the manager by 2pm.

Each

Eachofficeoffice comes equiped with a computer, a desk and two chairs.comes equiped with a computer, a desk and two chairs.

Not all great

Not all greatideasideas lead to successful inventions.lead to successful inventions.

op

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T T O O E E I I C C P P r r e e p p a a r r a a t t i i o o n n S S e e r r i i e e s s – – C C o o n n t t e e n n t t s s b b y y L L y y V V a a n n V V u u Non-Count Nouns Non-Count Nouns

Non-count nouns only have one form and are always used in agreement with singular verbs. Non-count nouns only have one form and are always used in agreement with singular verbs. Many non-count nouns are wholes that cannot be cut into parts or counted individually. Many non-count nouns are wholes that cannot be cut into parts or counted individually. Non-count nouns also include most

count nouns also include most shapeless objects and abstract ideas.shapeless objects and abstract ideas.

N

Noonn--CCoouunnt t NNoouun n TTyyppee EExxaammpplleess

No

Noununs ths that aat are wre whohole le anandd mamade ude up of sp of smamallller per parartsts sasandnd, ri, ricece, su, sugagarr Fo

Fooodds ts thhaat ct caan bn be pe puurcrchhaasseed id in vn vaaririoouus fs foorrmmss mmeeaat, t, bbrreeaadd, f, fruruiit, t, cocoffffeeee Substances that can change shape or have various

Substances that can change shape or have various forms

forms

oil, tea, milk, wood, iron, glass,

oil, tea, milk, wood, iron, glass, water, wind,water, wind, rain, fire, ice

rain, fire, ice Groups o

Groups of thingf things that hs that have dave differeifferent sizent sizes and ss and shapehapess clothiclothing, furng, furnitureniture, lug, luggage, cagage, cashsh LLaanngguuaaggeess IIttaalliiaann, , FFrreenncchh, , JJaappaanneessee

Most

Most-ing-ingffoorrmmss lleeaarrnniinngg, , wwoorrkkiinngg, , ssppeeaakkiinngg Abstract concepts, often with endings

Abstract concepts, often with endings-ness-ness,,-ance-ance,, --ence

ence,,-ity-ity

efficiency, progress, intelligence, beauty efficiency, progress, intelligence, beauty

Examples: Examples:

Clothing

Clothing is one of the common things collected to give to charity.is one of the common things collected to give to charity.

Water

Water boils to become steam or freezes to become ice. boils to become steam or freezes to become ice.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a characteristic in employees that managers admire.is a characteristic in employees that managers admire.

Although non-count nouns are considered uncountable, there are times when it is necessary to Although non-count nouns are considered uncountable, there are times when it is necessary to explain how much of it there is or to be able to quantify it in some way. This can be done by explain how much of it there is or to be able to quantify it in some way. This can be done by using a measurement word or counter in combination with the non-count noun. The most using a measurement word or counter in combination with the non-count noun. The most common measurement words are

common measurement words arebarbar,,sliceslice,,piecepiece,, glassglass,,gamegame andandcubecube..

Examples: Examples: I bought

I boughttwtwoo babarsrsof of chocolatechocolate..

He had

He hadfofourur slislicecess of of meatmeat in his sandwich.in his sandwich.

This recipe requires

This recipe requires one glassone glass of of milk milk ..

There are

There arefive piecesfive piecesof of luggageluggagein the trunk.in the trunk.

We played

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Some nouns can be

Some nouns can be a count or non-coua count or non-count noun dependint noun depending on the meaning of the noun useng on the meaning of the noun used.d. Normally the non-count meaning is abstract and general while the count meaning is concrete Normally the non-count meaning is abstract and general while the count meaning is concrete

and specific. Nouns that can be both include

and specific. Nouns that can be both include lightlight,, glassglass,, soundsound,, businessbusiness,, firefire,, lifelife,, noisenoise,, space

space,,thoughtthought,,successsuccess,,work work ,,warwar,,pleasurepleasure..

Examples: Examples:

C

Coouunnt t MMeeaanniinng g UUssaaggee NoNonn--ccoouunnt t MMeeaanniinng g UUssaaggee

The city at night is

The city at night is full of brightfull of brightlightslights.. SSoouunnd d ttrraavveells s tthhrroouuggh h ssppaacce e sslloowweer r tthhaannlightlight.. He has two

He has twopaperspapersdduue e nneexxt t wweeeekk.. WWe e wwiilll l wwrraap p tthhe e ggiifft t wwiitthhpaperpaper..

Noun Type Indicators Noun Type Indicators

Indications of what kind of noun is in a sentence can be determined by the quantity term or Indications of what kind of noun is in a sentence can be determined by the quantity term or article used with the noun:

article used with the noun:



 Only the articleOnly the articleaa // anancan be used with singular count nouns.can be used with singular count nouns. 

 The termsThe termseacheach,,everyevery,,anyanyandand oneonecan only becan only be used with sinused with singular count nougular count nouns.ns. 

 The wordsThe words thesethese,, thosethose,, manymany,, bothboth,, severalseveral,, fewfew // fewerfewer // fewestfewest and the phrasesand the phrases aa

few

few,,one of theone of the, and, anda couple of a couple of can only be used with plural count nouncan only be used with plural count nouns.s.



 ThisThis andand thatthatcan be used with either singular count nouns or non-count nouns.can be used with either singular count nouns or non-count nouns. 

 SomeSome,, anyany,, most,,most moremore,, all,,all alot of alot of ,, nono,, none of thenone of the can be used with plural countcan be used with plural count

nouns or non-count nouns. nouns or non-count nouns.



 The articleThe article thethe is not a useful indicator since it can be used with both types of countis not a useful indicator since it can be used with both types of count

nouns and non-count nouns. nouns and non-count nouns.

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Adjectives and adverbs can be used to make comparisons. They are used to show what is Adjectives and adverbs can be used to make comparisons. They are used to show what is different or similar about two or more things. There are three kinds of possible comparisons: different or similar about two or more things. There are three kinds of possible comparisons: equal, comparative and superlative.

equal, comparative and superlative.

Forming the comparative and superlative forms usually depends on the number of syllables in Forming the comparative and superlative forms usually depends on the number of syllables in the adjective. Learn the rules for each type of adjective and adverb. Do not combine the two the adjective. Learn the rules for each type of adjective and adverb. Do not combine the two ways of forming comparisons in a single sentence.

ways of forming comparisons in a single sentence.

Equal Comparison Equal Comparison

An adjective or adverb is used to show that two things share a quality in the same amount. A An adjective or adverb is used to show that two things share a quality in the same amount. A quality shared in the same amount means that the two things are equal is some way. The form quality shared in the same amount means that the two things are equal is some way. The form used to make this kind of comparison is as adjective / adverb as. The as as comparison is better used to make this kind of comparison is as adjective / adverb as. The as as comparison is better known as a

known as acorrelative conjunctioncorrelative conjunction..

Adjective Examples: Adjective Examples:

Our boss is

Our boss isas friendly asas friendly as yours.yours.

Her vacation lasted

Her vacation lastedas long asas long as her boyfriends vacation.her boyfriends vacation.

Adverb Examples: Adverb Examples:

He works

He worksas efficiently asas efficiently as you.you.

His computer can download files

His computer can download filesas fast asas fast as their computer does.their computer does.

Comparative Comparative

To show a difference or to show that there is only a similarity between two things, the To show a difference or to show that there is only a similarity between two things, the comparative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is made into the comparative form in comparative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is made into the comparative form in

op

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one of two ways. The way that is used depends on the number of syllables the adjective or one of two ways. The way that is used depends on the number of syllables the adjective or adverb has:

adverb has:



 Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the eMost one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the e nding -nding -erer.. 

 Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the comparative by taking Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the comparative by taking the ending -the ending -erer.. 

 Other two-syllable adjectives use more + regular form to make the Other two-syllable adjectives use more + regular form to make the comparative.comparative. 

 Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use more + regular form to make theMost adverbs of two or more syllables must use more + regular form to make the

comparative. comparative.



 All three or more syllable adjectives must use more + regular form to make theAll three or more syllable adjectives must use more + regular form to make the

comparative. comparative.

Adjectives: Adjectives:

R

Reegguullaarr CCoommppaarraattiivvee NuNummbbeer r oof f SSyyllllaabblleess

n

neeww nneewweerr 11

h

hoott hhootttteerr 11

ccuuttee ccuutteerr 11

p

prreettttyy pprreettttiieerr 22

lloonneellyy lloonneelliieerr 22

b

beeaauuttiiffuull mmoorreebbeeaauuttiiffuull 33 p

pooppuullaarr mmoorreeppooppuullaarr 33

Examples: Examples: She is the

She is theshortershorter of the two sisters.of the two sisters.

She is

She isshortershorterthan her sister.than her sister.

This fax machine is

This fax machine is newernewerthan that one.than that one.

The manager wants to be

The manager wants to bemore popularmore popular than the previous one.than the previous one.

Adverbs: Adverbs:

R

Reegguullaarr CCoommppaarraattiivvee NuNummbbeer r oof f SSyyllllaabblleess

ffaasstt ffaasstteerr 11

q

quuiicckkllyy mmoorreeqquuiicckkllyy 22

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tthhoouugghhttffuullllyy mmoorre e tthhoouugghhttffuullllyy 33 p

poolliitteellyy mmoorreeppoolliitteellyy 33

Examples: Examples:

We finished our project

We finished our projectfasterfaster than they finished theirs.than they finished theirs.

The new copier prints pages

The new copier prints pagesmore quicklymore quickly than the old one.than the old one.

He understands the course

He understands the coursemore easilymore easily than her.than her.

The word

The wordthanthan is usually used following the comparative form in a sentenceis usually used following the comparative form in a sentence ..

Note:

Note: Never mix the two ways to Never mix the two ways to form the comparative.form the comparative.

Incorrect:

Incorrect: She She gets gets lots lots of of benefits benefits because because she's she's been been hereheremore longermore longer..

Correct:

Correct: She She gets gets lots lots of of benefits benefits because because she's she's been been hereherelongerlonger..

Incorrect:

Incorrect: He He worksworksmore quickliermore quicklierthan us.than us.

Correct:

Correct: He He worksworksmore quicklymore quickly than us.than us.

Superlative Superlative

If the comparison is between three or more things then the superlative form must be used. An If the comparison is between three or more things then the superlative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is m

adjective or adverb is made into the superlative form ade into the superlative form in one of two wayin one of two ways. The ways. The way that is usedthat is used depends on the number of syllables contained in the adjective or adverb:

depends on the number of syllables contained in the adjective or adverb:



 Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the eMost one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the e nding -nding -estest.. 

 Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the superlative by taking the Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the superlative by taking the ending -ending -estest.. 

 Other two-syllable adjectives use most + regular form to make the Other two-syllable adjectives use most + regular form to make the superlative.superlative. 

 Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use most + regular form to make theMost adverbs of two or more syllables must use most + regular form to make the

superlative. superlative.



 All three or more syllable adjectives must use most + regular form to make theAll three or more syllable adjectives must use most + regular form to make the

superlative. superlative.

Adjectives: Adjectives:

R

Reegguullaarr SSuuppeerrllaattiivvee NuNummbbeer r oof f SSyyllllaabblleess

n

neeww nneewweesstt 11

h

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ccuuttee ccuutteesstt 11

p

prreettttyy pprreettttiieesstt 22

m

mooddeerrnn mmoossttmmooddeerrnn 22 b

beeaauuttiiffuull mmoossttbbeeaauuttiiffuull 33 p

pooppuullaarr mmoossttppooppuullaarr 33

Examples: Examples:

This office is the

This office is the most modernmost modern one in the building.one in the building.

She is the

She is theyoungestyoungest employee in the company to be promoted.employee in the company to be promoted.

((Note:Note: She is being compared to all oShe is being compared to all other employees at the company.)ther employees at the company.)

Adverbs: Adverbs:

R

Reegguullaarr SSuuppeerrllaattiivvee NuNummbbeer r oof f SSyyllllaabblleess

ffaasstt ffaasstteesstt 11

q

quuiicckkllyy mmoossttqquuiicckkllyy 22

ssaaddllyy mmoossttssaaddllyy 22

tthhoouugghhttffuullllyy mmoosst t tthhoouugghhttffuullllyy 33 p

poolliitteellyy mmoossttppoolliitteellyy 33

Examples: Examples:

She can find files the most quickly. She can find files the most quickly.

He spoke the most forcefully at the meeting. He spoke the most forcefully at the meeting.

The word

The wordthetheis always used before the superlative form in a is always used before the superlative form in a sentence.sentence.

Note:

Note: Never mix the two ways to Never mix the two ways to form the superlative.form the superlative.

Incorrect:

Incorrect: He He was was thethemost wisestmost wisestman I ever knew.man I ever knew.

Correct:

Correct: He He was was thethewisestwisest man I ever knew.man I ever knew.

Incorrect:

TOEIC Grammar

Table of contents

Table of contents

----c 1

op

op

op

ic

ic

Wo

Wo

rd

rd

Fa

Fa

mi

mi

li

li

es

es

op

op