possessive pronouns and adjectives

8/4/2019 Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives

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Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives

1. Forms of Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives

Person Pronoun Adjective

1st singular mine my

2nd yours your

3rd (female) hers her

3rd (male) his his

3rd (neutral) its its

1st plural ours our

3rd plural theirs their

2. Using Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives

A possessive pronoun is used instead ofa noun:

Julie's car is red. Mine is blue.

A possessive adjective is usually used to describe a noun, and it comes before it, like otheradjectives:

My car is bigger than her car.

Remember:

There are no apostrophes in possessive pronouns and adjectives.

The dog wagged its tail.

It's is not a possessive pronoun or adjective it means it is:

It's not my dog.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/poss.htm
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I like your flowers. Do you like mine? (object = my flowers)

I looked everywhere for your key. I found John's key but I couldn't find yours. (object= your key) My flowers are dying. Yours are lovely. (subject = Your flowers)

All the essays were good but his was the best. (subject = his essay) John found his passport but Mary couldn't find hers. (object = her passport) John found his clothes but Mary couldn't find hers. (object = her clothes)

Here is your car. Ours is over there, where we left it. (subject = Our car) Your photos are good. Ours are terrible. (subject = Our photos)

Each couple's books are colour-coded. Yours are red. (subject = Your books) I don't like this family's garden but I like yours. (subject = your garden)

These aren't John and Mary's children. Theirs have black hair. (subject = Theirchildren)

John and Mary don't like your car. Do you like theirs? (object = their car)

Notice that the following (with apostrophe [']) do NOT exist: her's, your's, their's

Notice that the interrogative pronounwhose can also be a possessive pronoun (aninterrogative possessive pronoun). Look at these examples:

There was $100 on the table and Tara wondered whose it was.

This car hasn't moved for two months. Whose is it?

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/pronouns-possessive.htm

Possessive determiners - Exercise

Possessive determiners
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Simple Present Tense

I

sing

How do we make the Simple Present Tense?subje

ct+

auxiliary

verb+

main

verb

do base

There are three important exceptions:

1. For positive sentences, we do not normally use the auxiliary.2. For the 3rd person singular (he, she, it), we add s to the main verb or es

to the auxiliary.3. For the verb to be, we do not use an auxiliary, even for questions and

negatives.

Look at these examples with the main verb like:

subject auxiliary main

Choose the correct possessive determiners.

Example: I have got a sister. ___ name is Susan.

Answer: I have got a sister.Hername is Susan.

Hi Daniel,

name is John. This is friend Jason. He's 12. sister is

nine. pet is a budgie. name is Dickens. Jason and I go to the same

school. There are 450 boys and girls in school. Jason's form teacher is Mrs.

Peterson. She has got a pet, too. pet is a tortoise. Our form teacher is Mr.

Smith. I like lessons. He has two dogs. The dogs love to play in

garden. Now I have a question for you. What's pet?

Yours,John


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verb verb

+

I, you, we,

theylike coffee.

He, she, it likes coffee.

-

I, you, we,

theydo

no

tlike coffee.

He, she, it doesno

tlike coffee.

?

DoI, you, we,

theylike

coffee

?

Does he, she, it likecoffee

?

Look at these examples with the main verb be. Notice that there is no auxiliary:

subjectmain

verb

+

I amFrench

.

You, we,

theyare

French

.

He, she, it isFrench

.

-I am

no

told.

You, we,

they

are no

t

old.


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He, she, it isno

told.

?

Am I late?

Areyou, we,

theylate?

Is he, she, it late?

How do we use the Simple Present Tense?

We use the simple present tense when:

the action is general the action happens all the time, or habitually, in the past, present and

future the action is not only happening now the statement is always true

John drives a taxi.

past present future

It is John's job to drive a taxi. He does it every day. Past, present and

future.

Look at these examples:

I live in New York. The Moon goes round the Earth. John drives a taxi. He does not drive a bus. We meet every Thursday. We do not work at night. Do you play football?

Note that with the verb to be, we can also use the simple present tense for situations that arenot general. We can use the simple present tense to talk about now. Look at these examplesof the verb "to be" in the simple present tense - some of them are general, some of them are

now:


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Am I right?

Tara is not at home.

You are happy.

pastprese

ntfutur

e

The situation is now.

I am not fat.Why are you so beautiful?

Ram is tall.

past present future

The situation is general. Past, present and

future.

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verb-tenses_present.htm

The PRESENT TENSE uses the verb's base form (write, work), or, for third-personsingular subjects, the base form plus an -s ending (he writes, she works).

The PRESENT TENSE indicates that an action is present, now, relative to the speaker

or writer. Generally, it is used to describe actions that are factual or habitual -- things

that occur in the present but that are not necessarily happening right now: "It rains a

lot in Portland" is a kind of timeless statement. Compare that to the present progressive-- "It is raining in Portland" -- which means that something is, in fact, going on right

now. "I use my bike to get around town." is in the present, but I'm not actually on my

bike right now. An instantaneous sense of the present can be conveyed with either the

simple present or the progressive: "Watch him now: he holds [is holding] down the

control key at the same time that he presses [is pressing] the letter d."

The present tense is used to describe events that are scheduled (by nature or by people):

"High tide is at 3:15 p.m. The Super Bowl starts at 6:15 p.m."

The present tense can be used to suggest the past with what is sometimes called the

fictional (or historic) present: "We were watching the back door when, all of a sudden,in walks Dierdre." With verbs of communicating, the present tense can also suggest a


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past action: "Dierdre tells me that she took her brother to the dentist." Most oddly, the

present tense can convey a sense of the future, especially with verbs such as arrive,

come, and leave that suggest a kind of plan or schedule: "The train from Boston arrives

this afternoon at two o'clock."

Authority for this section:A University Grammar of English by Randolph Quirk and SidneyGreenbaum. Longman Group: Essex, England. 1993. Used with permission.

Present tense habitual activities are frequently signaled by time expressions such as the

following:

all the timealwaysevery classevery dayevery holiday

every hour

every montheverysemesterevery weekevery year

most of thetimenever

oftenrarelysometimesusually

Singular Plural

I walk we walk

you walk you walk

he/she/it walks they walk

Singular Plural

I sleep we sleep

you sleep you sleep

he/she/it sleeps they sleep

Singular Plural

I am we are

you are you are

he/she/it is they are

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/tenses/simple_present.htm
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/tenses/simple_present.htmhttp://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/tenses/simple_present.htm


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Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns represent specific people or things. We use them depending on:

number: singular (eg: I) or plural (eg: we) person: 1st person (eg: I), 2nd person (eg: you) or 3rd person (eg: he) gender: male (eg: he), female (eg: she) or neuter (eg: it) case: subject (eg: we) or object (eg: us)

We use personal pronouns in place of the person or people that we are talking about. Myname is Josef but when I am talking about myself I almost always use "I" or "me", not"Josef". When I am talking direct to you, I almost always use "you", not your name. When Iam talking about another person, say John, I may start with "John" but then use "he" or"him". And so on.

Here are the personal pronouns, followed by some example sentences:

number person gender

personal pronouns

subject object

singular

1st male/female I me

2nd male/female you you

3rd

male he him

female she her

neuter it it

plural

1st male/female we us

2nd male/female you you

3rd male/female/neuter they them

Examples (in each case, the first example shows a subject pronoun, the second an objectpronoun):

I like coffee. John helped me.

Do you like coffee? John loves you.

He runs fast. Did Ram beat him?


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She is clever. Does Mary know her?

It doesn't work. Can the engineer repairit?

We went home. Anthony drove us.

Do you need a table for three? Did John and Mary beat you at doubles?

They played doubles. John and Mary beat them.

When we are talking about a single thing, we almost always use it. However, there are a few

exceptions. We may sometimes refer to an animal as he/him orshe/her, especially if theanimal is domesticated or a pet. Ships (and some other vessels or vehicles) as well as somecountries are often treated as female and referred to as she/her. Here are some examples:

This is our dog Rusty. He's an Alsation. The Titanic was a great ship but she sank on her first voyage. My first car was a Mini and I treated her like my wife. Thailand has now opened her border with Cambodia.

For a single person, sometimes we don't know whether to use he orshe. There are severalsolutions to this:

If a teacher needs help, he or she should see the principal. If a teacher needs help, he should see the principal. If a teacher needs help, they should see the principal.

We often use it to introduce a remark:

It is nice to have a holiday sometimes. It is important to dress well. It's difficult to find a job. Is it normal to see them together? It didn't take long to walk here.

We also often use it to talk about the weather, temperature, time and distance:

It's raining. It will probably be hot tomorrow. Is it nine o'clock yet? It's 50 kilometres from here to Cambridge.

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/pronouns-personal.htm
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What is a Pronoun?

A pronoun can replace a nounor another pronoun. You use pronouns like "he," "which,""none," and "you" to make yoursentences less cumbersome and less repetitive.

Grammarians classify pronouns into several types, including the personal pronoun, thedemonstrative 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 indicateperson, number, gender, and case.

Subjective Personal Pronouns

A subjective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as the subjectof thesentence. 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 pronounand 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 anobject of a verb,compound verb,preposition, orinfinitive 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.
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The objective personal pronoun "her" is the direct object of the verb "forced" and theobjective 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 caf 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 thepreposition "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 anddefines 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 topossessive 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 asubject complement.

This is yours.

Here too the possessive pronoun "yours" functions as a subject complement.

His is on the kitchen counter.
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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 tothings that are farther away in space or time.

The demonstrative pronouns are "this," "that," "these," and "those." "This" and "that" areused to refer to singularnouns ornoun phrases and "these" and "those" are used to refer to

plural nouns and noun phrases. Note that the demonstrative pronouns are identical todemonstrative adjectives, though, obviously, you use them differently. It is also important tonote 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. Thedemonstrative pronoun "that" is also a subject but refers to something farther away from thespeaker.

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 beused as an interrogative adjective, and that "who," "whom," or "which" can also be used as arelative 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.
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"Who" acts as the subject of a verb, while "whom" acts as the object of a verb, preposition, oraverbal.

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 "willmeet."

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 onephrase orclause to another phrase orclause. 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 orsentence, 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."
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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 thesubordinate clause "who wins the greatest popular vote." This subordinate clause acts as anadjectivemodifying "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 thesubordinate clause "whom she believes to be the most efficient". This subordinate clausemodifies 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 introducesthe subordinate clause "which was left in the corridor." The subordinate clause acts as anadjective 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 ofthe compound verb "will read."

Indefinite Pronouns

An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun referring to an identifiable but not specified person orthing. 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 indefinitepronouns 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."
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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, theyfound 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 theindirect object of the verb "give" -- the direct object is thenoun 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 herselfso that the secretaries can

do more important work.

After the party, I asked myselfwhy 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 areidentical in form to reflexive pronouns.

The highlighted words in the following sentences are intensive pronouns:

I myselfbelieve that aliens should abduct my sister.
http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/objcompl.html#indirect%20objecthttp://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/objcompl.html#indirect%20objecthttp://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/pronref.html#antecedentshttp://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/pronref.html#antecedentshttp://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/objcompl.html#indirect%20objecthttp://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/pronref.html#antecedents


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The Prime Minister himselfsaid that he would lower taxes.

They themselves promised to come to the party even though they had a

final exam at the same time.

http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/hypergrammar/pronouns.html

We use both/neither/eitherfortwo things. You can use these words with anoun (both books, neither book etc.).

For example, you are talking about going out to eat this evening. There are tworestaurants where you can go. You say:

Bothrestaurants are very good. (not the both restaurants).

Neitherrestaurant is expensive.

We can go to eitherrestaurant. I dont mind. ( either=one or the other, itdoesnt matter which one)

Both of... / neither of/ either of

When we use both/neither/either + of, you always need the/ these/those/ my/ yours/ his/ Toms. (etc.). You cannot say both of restaurants.You have to say both ofthe restaurants, both ofthose restaurants etc. :

Both ofthese restaurants are very good.

Neither ofthe restaurants we went to was (or were) expensive.

I havent been to be either ofthose restaurants. (= I havent been to one or

the other)

You dont need ofafterboth. So you can say:

Both my parents are from London. or Bothofmy parents.

You can use both of / neither of / either of + us/you/them:

(talking to two people) Can either ofyou speaking Spanish?

I asked two people the way to the station but neither ofthem knew.


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You must say both of before us/you/them (ofis necessary):

Both ofus were very tired. (not Bothus were)

Afterneither of... a singular or a plural verb is possible:

Neither ofthe children wants ( orwant) to go to bed.

You can also use both/neither/either alone:

I couldnt decide which of the two shirts to buy. I liked both. ( orI likedboth ofthem. )

Is your friend British or American? Neither. Shes Australian.

Do you want tea or coffee? Either. I dont mind.

You can say: Both and:

Both Sara and Abdullah were late.

I was both tired and hungry when I arrived home.

Neither .nor:

Neither Ali nor Omer came to the party.

She said she would contact me but she neither wrote nor phoned.

Either or:

Im not sure where hes from. Hes either Arabic or Italian.

Either you apologies or Ill never speak to you again.

Compare either/neither/both (two things) and any/none/all (more than two):

There are two good hotels in the town. You can stay at either of them.

There are many good hotels in the town. You can stay at any of them.

We tried two hotels. Neither ofthem had any rooms. / Both ofthem werefull.


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We tried a lot of hotels. None of them had any rooms. / All of them werefull.

http://www.englishbaby.com/lessons/3941/member_submitted/both_bot

h_of_neither_neither_of_either_either_of_!!

BOTH/ EITHER/ NEITHER

We can use these words in noun phrases. We use them when we are talking about exactly two(not one and not more than two). Both is plural (Both girls are married); either and neitherare singular (Neither of them has children).

Meaning

* AND *

There were cars parked on both sides of the road.I have two sons. Both of them are engineers.

* OR *

There was no space to park on either side of the road.I've got two cars, but I don't really like either of them.

NOT * and NOT *

Neither side of the street was lit. It was very dark.Neither of my two sons is married yet.

With and, or and norTo show clearly that two things are the same:

Both Argentina and West Germany have won the World Cup twice.

(Argentina has won the World Cup twice and West Germany has won it twice.)

Either Argentina or Brazil will win the next World Cup.(Argentina might win or Brazil might win; I don't think another team will win.)

Neither Scotland nor Wales has ever won the World Cup.(Scotland has never won it and Wales has never won it.)

NOTICE: In speaking only, we often use a plural verb with neither.

Neither of my sons are married yet.Neither Scotland nor Wales have ever w


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Both and

Subjects connected by 'both and' take the a plural conjugation.

Examples:

Both Alice and Janice attended USC.Both Jim and Peter are attending the conference in New York this weekend.

Either or

'Either or' is used in sentences in a positive sense meaning "one or the other, this or that,he or she, etc." Verb conjugation depends on the subject (singular or plural) closest to theconjugated verb.

Examples:

Either Peter or the girls need to attend the course. (second subject plural)

Either Jane or Matt is going to visit next weekend. (second subject singular)

Neither nor

'Neither nor' is used in sentences in a negative sense meaning "not this one nor the other,not this nor that, not he nor she, etc.". Verb conjugation depends on the subject (singular or

plural) closest to the conjugated verb.

Examples:

Neither Frank nor Lilly lives in Eugene. (second subject singular)

Neither Axel nor my other friends care about their future. (second subject plural)

Do you understand the rules? Test your knowledge with thisboth ... and, neither ... nor, either... or quiz.

Unit 16. Both, either, neither

( both,either, neither)

Main points

You use "both", "either", and "neither" to talk about two people or things that havebeen mentioned or are known to the hearer.

You use "both" with plural nouns, and "either" and "neither" with singular nouns. You use "both of", "either of", and "neither of" with plural nouns or pronouns.

1. You use "both", "either", and "neither" when you are saying something about two peopleor things that have been mentioned, or are known to the person you are talking to.
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_bothand.htmhttp://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_bothand.htmhttp://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_bothand.htmhttp://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_bothand.htmhttp://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_bothand.htm


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There were excellent performances from both actresses.

Denis held his cocoa in both hands.

No argument could move either man from this decision.

Neither report mentioned the Americans.

2. You use "both" when you think of the two people or things as a group. You use "both"with a plural noun.

Both children were happy with their presents.

Both policies make good sense.

3. You use "either" when you think of the two people or things as individuals. You use

"either" with a singular noun.

Either way is acceptable.

She could not see either man.

4. You use "neither" when you are thinking of the two people or things as individuals and youare making a negative statement about them. You use "neither" with a singular noun.

In reality, neither party was enthusiastic.

Neither man knew what he was doing.

5. You can use "both" with a specific determiner such as "the", "these", or "my".

Both the young men agreed to come.

Both these books have been recommended to us.

Both her parents were dead.

WARNING: You cannot use "either" or "neither" with a specific determiner.

6. You can use "both of", "either of", or "neither of" with a plural noun or pronoun. Note thatwhen "both of", "either of", and "neither of" are followed by a noun rather than a pronoun,you must use a specific determiner such as "the", "these", or "her" before the noun.

Both of these restaurants are excellent.

Either of them could have done the job.

Neither of our boys was involved.


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Note that "neither of" is normally used with a singular verb but it can be used with a pluralverb.

Neither of us was having any luck.

Neither of the children were there.

7. Remember that you can also use "both", "either", and "neither" as conjunctions. You use"both and" to give two alternatives and say that each of them is possible or true.

I am looking for opportunities both in this country and abroad.

Both I and my wife were surprised to see you there.

You use "either or" to give two alternatives and say that only one of them is possible ortrue.

You can have either fruit or ice cream.

I was expecting you either today or tomorrow.

You either love him or hate him.

You also use "neither nor" to give two alternatives and say that each of them is notpossible or is not true.

Neither Margaret nor John was there.

He did it neither quickly nor well.

http://www.langust.ru/unit_co/unit016c.shtml

Present Progressive

Notes:


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1. The written lesson is below.2. Links to quizzes, tests, etc. are to the left.

The present progressive is formed by combining the verb "to be" with the present participle.(The present participle is merely the "-ing" form of a verb.)

I am studying.I am studying with Mara.

In English, present progressive can be used to describe what is happening now, or what willhappen in the future.

I am studying now.I am studying with Mara tonight.

In Spanish, the present progressive is only used to describe an action that is in the process oftaking place. It is not used for future actions.

I am studying now.

(use present progressive)

I am studying with Mara tonight.

(do not use present progressive)

To form the present progressive in Spanish, combine a form of "estar" with the presentparticiple.

Estoy hablando.

I am speaking.

Juan est comiendo.

John is eating.

Mara est escribiendo una carta.

Mary is writing a letter.

In order to form the present progressive, you must know how to conjugate the verb estar, andhow to form the present participle. You already know how to conjugate the verb estar:

estar


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estoyestsestestamosestis

estn

To form the present participle of regular -ar verbs, add -ando to the stem of the verb.

hablar: hablando(hablar - ar + ando)

trabajar: trabajando(trabajar - ar + ando)

estudiar: estudiando(estudiar - ar + ando)

To form the present participle of regular -er and -ir verbs, add -iendo to the stem of the verb.

comer: comiendo(comer - er + iendo)

hacer: haciendo(hacer - er + iendo)

vivir: viviendo(vivir - ir + iendo)

escribir: escribiendo(escribir - ir + iendo)

To form the present participle of -ir stem changing verbs, change e:i and o:u in the stem, andthen add -iendo to the stem of the verb.

servir: sirviendopedir: pidiendodecir: diciendo

dormir: durmiendomorir: muriendo

poder: pudiendo


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Sometimes when forming the present participle it is necessary to change the spelling of aword so that it agrees with the way it is pronounced. We call this an "orthographic" change.Here are some common examples:

caer: cayendo

creer: creyendohuir: huyendoir: yendoinfluir: influyendoor: oyendotraer: trayendoleer: leyendoseguir: siguiendo

The following examples illustrate the rules for forming the present participle.

hablar: hablando (-ar)comer: comiendo (-er)vivir: viviendo (-ir)decir: diciendo (e:i)dormir: durmiendo (o:u)leer: leyendo (orthographic)seguir: siguiendo (orthographic)

To form the present progressive, simply conjugate the verb estar to agree with the subject ofthe sentence, and follow it with the present participle.

Juan est comiendo pan.John is eating bread.

Mara y Carmen estn hablando con nosotros.Mary and Carmen are speaking with us.

Remember, only use the present progressive for actions that are "in progress." Compare theuses of the present indicative with the uses of the present progressive.

Estudio espaol. (Present Indicative)

I study Spanish.I am studying Spanish (these days).I do study Spanish.

Estoy estudiando espaol. (Present Progressive)


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I am studying (right now, at this moment) Spanish.

It is important to remember that you would never use the present progressive to saysomething like "We are going to Spain this summer." Use present progressive only foractions that are "in progress."

Let's add two more verb flashcards: one for present progressive and one for practice informing the present participle:

Verb Flashcards

Complete List

Present Progressive

estar + present participleI am speaking (right now, at this moment)Never use present progressive for something that will occur in the future.

Present Participle (-ando, -iendo, yendo)

hablar - hablando (-ar)comer - comiendo (-er)vivir - viviendo (-ir)decir - diciendo (e:i)

dormir - durmiendo (o:u)leer - leyendo (orthographic)seguir: siguiendo (orthographic)

Present Continuous

FORM

[am/is/are + present participle]

Examples:

You are watching TV. Are you watching TV? You are not watching TV.

Complete List of Present Continuous Forms

USE 1 Now
http://www.studyspanish.com/lessons/verb-flashcards.htmhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/presentcontinuousforms.htmlhttp://www.studyspanish.com/lessons/verb-flashcards.htmhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/presentcontinuousforms.html


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Use the Present Continuous withNormal Verbs to express the idea that something is

happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is nothappening now.

Examples:

You are learning English now. You are not swimming now. Are you sleeping? I am sitting. I am not standing. Is he sitting orstanding?

They are reading their books. They are not watching television. What are you doing? Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on.Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longeraction which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.

Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)

I am studying to become a doctor. I am not studying to become a dentist. I am reading the bookTom Sawyer. I am not reading any books right now. Are you working on any special projects at work? Aren't you teaching at the university now?

USE 3 Near Future

Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will nothappen in the near future.

Examples:
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.html


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I am meeting some friends after work. I am not going to the party tonight. Is he visiting his parents next weekend? Isn't he coming with us tonight?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"

The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea thatsomething irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like SimplePresent, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly"

between "be" and "verb+ing."

Examples:

She is always coming to class late. He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up. I don't like them because they are always complaining.

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember thatNon-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuoustenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings forMixed Verbs cannot be used in continuoustenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.

Examples:

She is loving this chocolate ice cream.Not Correct She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The Coordinating Conjunction

Recognize a coordinating conjunction when you see one.

And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yetthese are the seven coordinating conjunctions. Toremember all seven, you might want to learn one of these acronyms: FANBOYS,YAFNOBS, or FONYBAS.

F = forA = and

Y = yetA = and

F = forO = or
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/types.htmlhttp://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.html


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N = norB = butO = orY = yetS = so

F = forN = norO = orB = butS = so

N = norY = yetB = butA = andS = so

Coordinating conjunctions connect words,phrases, and clauses. Look at the examples thatfollow:

The bowl of squid eyeball stew is hot and delicious.

The squid eyeball stew is so thick that you can eat it with a fork or spoon.

Rocky, my orange tomcat, loves having his head scratched but hates getting his clawstrimmed.

Rocky terrorizes the poodles next door yet adores the German shepherd across the street.

Rocky refuses to eat dry cat food, nor will he touch a saucer of squid eyeball stew.

I hate to waste a single drop of squid eyeball stew, for it is expensive and time-consuming tomake.

Even though I added cream to the squid eyeball stew, Rocky ignored his serving, so I got aspoon and ate it myself.

Understand the difference between coordination and subordination.

A coordinating conjunction can join two main clauses that a writer wants to emphasizeequally. The pattern for coordination looks like this:

main Clause + , + coordinating conjunction + main Clause.

Subordination, however, emphasizes the idea in the main clause more than the one in thesubordinate clause. Generally, the patterns look like these:

main clause + + subordinate clause.

subordinate Clause + , + main Clause.

Read the pairs of sentences that follow. The first version coordinates the two ideas. Thesecond version subordinates one idea to emphasize the other.

To survive the fetal pig dissection, Rinalda agreed to make all of the incisions, and Francespromised to remove and label the organs.
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/phrase.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/phrase.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/clause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/clause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/mainclause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/phrase.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/clause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/mainclause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htm


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To survive the fetal pig dissection, Rinalda agreed to make all of the incisions if Franceswould promise to remove and label the organs.

Diana stared dreamily at the handsome Mr. McKenzie, but Olivia, who hated economics,furiously jiggled her foot, impatient to escape the boring class.

While Diana was staring dreamily at the handsome Mr. McKenzie, Olivia furiously jiggledher foot, impatient to escape the boring economics class that she hated.

At a red light, Maria jumped out of Gino's car and slammed the door, for she could nottolerate one more minute of the heavy metal music that Gino insisted on blasting from thestereo.

At a red light, Maria jumped out of Gino's car and slammed the door because she could nottolerate one more minute of the heavy metal music that Gino insisted on blasting from thestereo.

Making anA in Anatomy and Physiology has not helped Sima choose a career. She mightdecide to make her parents happy and go to medical school, or she might use her knowledgeof the human body to become a sculptor.

Making anA in Anatomy and Physiology has not helped Sima choose a career. Although shemight decide to make her parents happy and go to medical school, she might also use herknowledge of the human body to become a sculptor.

Kyle refused to eat the salad served with the meal, nor would he touch any green vegetable

put on his plate.

After Kyle refused the salad served with the meal, he then would not touch the greenvegetables put on his plate.

Joe spent seven hours studying calculus at the Mexican diner, so now he can set his mathbook on fire with his salsa breath.

Since Joe spent seven hours studying calculus at Taco Bell, he can now set his math book onfire with his salsa breath.

Because she gets seasick, Danielle is dreading the spring break cruise, yet she might enjoyherself once she realizes how many cute guys in skimpy bathing suits parade the decks.

Even though Danielle is dreading getting seasick on the spring break cruise, she will probablyenjoy herself once she realizes how many cute guys in skimpy bathing suits parade the decks.

Punctuate coordinating conjunctions correctly.

Three patterns in writing use coordinating conjunctions. Add commas when required.

Pattern 1 Connecting two main clauses


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When you connect two main clauses with a coordinating conjunction, use a comma. Thepattern looks like this:

main clause + , + coordinating conjunction + main clause.

Here is an example:

While I am at work, my dog Floyd sleeps on the bed , and my cat Buster naps in the bathtub.

Pattern 2 Connecting two items

You can also use a coordinating conjunction to connect any two items. These items can beany grammatical unit exceptmain clauses. The pattern looks like this:

item + + coordinating conjunction + item

Here are some examples:

My dog Floyd has too many fleas and too much hair.

My cat Buster has beautiful blue eyes but a destructive personality.

Pattern 3 Connecting three or more items in a series

When you have three or more items in a series, you generally use a comma before thecoordinating conjunction. Some handbooks and style guides will tell you that this comma isoptional, but my advice is to put it in. The pattern looks like this:

item + , + item + , + coordinating conjunction + item

Here is an example:

Swatting olives off the kitchen counter, dragging toilet paper streamers through the house,and terrorizing Jacques Cousteau, the parakeet, has consumed another of Buster's days.

Yes, you can begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction!

Some teachers warn that beginning a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is wrong.Teachers will typically tell you this because they are trying to help you avoid writingfragments. Other times teachers give this advice because theirpreference is that a sentencenot begin with a coordinating conjunction.

What you should remember is that you break nogrammarrule if you begin a sentence with acoordinating conjunction. Because you might be breaking your instructors' rules, however,you should ask what theirpreferences are.
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/mainclause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/iteminaseries.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/fragment.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/mainclause.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/iteminaseries.htmhttp://www.chompchomp.com/terms/fragment.htm


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If you decide to begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, keep these three things inmind:

Be sure that a main clause follows the coordinating conjunction. Do not use a coordinating conjunction to begin every sentence. Use

this option only when it makes the flow of your ideas more effective. Do notuse a comma afterthe coordinating conjunction. Coordinatingconjunctions are not transitional expressions likefor example orfirst of all.You will rarely use punctuation after them.

Here are some examples:

While I was answering the telephone, Buster, my cat, jumped onto the kitchen counter andswatted all of my jalapeo-stuffed olives onto the dirty kitchen floor. So I had to rinse off thecat hair and crumbs sticking to these delicacies before I could add them to the salad.

Flying down the bumpy path, Genette hit a rock with the front wheel of her mountain bike,flew over the handlebars, and crashed into a clump of prickly palmetto bushes. Yet even thisaccident would not deter her from completing the race.

Only when an interrupter immediately follows the coordinating conjunction do you need touse commas. Read this example:

We hoped that decorating the top of Christine's cupcake with a dead grasshopper would freakher out. But, to our amazement, she just popped the whole thing in her mouth, chewed, andswallowed.

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/coordinatingconjunction.htm

Coordinating Conjunctions

The short, simple conjunctions are called "coordinating conjunctions":

and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so

A coordinating conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example words or independent

clauses) that are grammatically equal or similar. A coordinating conjunction shows that theelements it joins are similar in importance and structure:

+

Look at these examples - the two elements that the coordinating conjunction joins are shownin square brackets [ ]:

I like [tea] and [coffee]. [Ram likes tea], but [Anthony likes coffee].

Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join.


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When a coordinating conjunction joins independent clauses, it is always correct to place acomma before the conjunction:

I want to work as an interpreter in the future, so I am studying Russian at university.

However, if the independent clauses are short and well-balanced, a comma is not reallyessential:

She is kind so she helps people.

When "and" is used with the last word of a list, a comma is optional:

He drinks beer, whisky, wine, and rum. He drinks beer, whisky, wine and rum.

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/conjunctions-coordinating.htm

Coordinating conjunctions are some of the handiest, dandiest words in the English language.Essentially, they help us string our thoughts together in a way that is complex andmeaningful, and without them writing would be very short and choppy.

You can remember the coordinating conjunctions by memorizing the word:

FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Coordinating conjunctions are used between independent clauses, and paired with a comma.For example, the following sentences can be combined with a coordinating conjunction:

This place has the worst food I have ever tasted. I will never eat here again.

Combined with a comma and coordinating conjunction:

This place has the worst food I have ever tasted, so I will never eat here again.

Some other examples:

I love you, but I can not marry you. I want to go to the store, and I want to go to her birthday party. He had not known her long, yet he felt very close to her.

Coordinating conjunctions are some of the most commonly used words and very easilymisused by leaving out a comma or putting it in the wrong place. Be mindful that the partsyou join are complete sentences that can stand alone.


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A noun can be countable or uncountable. Countable nouns can be "counted", they have asingular and plural form .

For example:

A book, two books, three books ..... An apple, two apples, three apples ....

Uncountable nouns (also called mass nouns or noncount nouns) cannot be counted, they arenot seperate objects. This means you cannot make them plural by adding -s, because theyonly have a singular form. It also means that they do not take a/an or a number in front ofthem.

For example:

Water Work Information Coffee Sand

Countable

(use a/an or a number in front

of countable nouns)

Uncountable

(there is no a/an or number with

uncountable nouns)

An Apple / 1 Apple Rice

I eat an apple every day.I eat rice every day. (not I eat a riceevery day.)

Add (s) to make a countable

noun plural

There is no plural form for an

uncountable noun

apples rice

I eatan apple every day.Apples

are good for you.

I eatrice every day. Rice is good

for you.

A computer= Computers are fun.

To make uncountable nouns

countable add a counting word, such

as a unit of measurement, or the

general word piece. We use the form

"a ....... of ......."

An elephant=Elephants are large. Rice=a grain of rice

Water=a glass of water

Rain=a drop of rain
http://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/nountext.htmhttp://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/nountext.htm


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Music=a piece of music

You can use some and any with

countable nouns.

Some dogs can be dangerous.

I don't use any computers at work.

You can use some and any with

uncountable nouns.

I usually drink some wine with my

meal.

I don't usually drink any water with

my wine.

You only use many and few with

plural countable nouns.

So many elephants have been

hunted that they are an endangered

species.

There are few elephants in England.

You only use much and little

with uncountable nouns.

I don't usually drink much coffee.

Little wine is undrinkable though.

You can use a lot of and no with

plural countable nouns.

No computers were bought last

week.

A lot of computers were reported

broken the week before.

You can use a lot of and no with

uncountable nouns.

A lot of wine is drunk in France.

No wine is drunk in Iran.

Making uncountable nouns countable

You can make most uncountable noun countable by putting a countable expression in front ofthe noun.

For example:-

A piece of information. 2 glasses of water. 10 litres of coffee. Three grains of sand. A pane of glass.

Sources of confusion with countable and uncountable nouns

The notion of countable and uncountable can be confusing.

Some nouns can be countable or uncountable depending on their meaning. Usually a noun isuncountable when used in a general, abstract meaning (when you don't think of it as aseparate object) and countable when used in a particular meaning (when you can think of it asa separate object).

For example:-

glass - A glass of water. (Countable) | A window made of glass. (Uncountable)


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Some supposedly uncountable nouns can behave like countable nouns if we think of them asbeing in containers, or one of several types.

This is because 'containers' and 'types' can be counted.

Believe it or not each of these sentences is correct:-

Doctors recommend limiting consumption to two coffees a day.(Here coffees refers to the number of cups of coffee)You could write; "Doctors recommend limiting consumption to two cups of coffee a day."

The coffees I prefer are Arabica and Brazilian.(Here coffees refers to different types of coffee)You could write; "The types of coffee I prefer are Arabica and Brazilian."

!Note - In good monolingual dictionaries, uncountable nouns are identified by [U] and

countable nouns by [C].

Countable / Uncountable Lesson

http://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/noununcount.htm
http://www.learn-english-online.org/Lesson37/Lesson37.htmhttp://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/noununcount.htm#tophttp://www.learn-english-online.org/Lesson37/Lesson37.htm

possessive pronouns and adjectives

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