Mastering Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement & Tenses
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement in the third-person singular?

  • It is raining outside. (correct)
  • She are a talented musician.
  • They is going to the park.
  • He were studying for the exam.

In passive voice, the subject performs the action, while in active voice, the subject is acted upon.

False (B)

Define 'voice' in the context of grammar.

Voice indicates whether the subject of a sentence is performing an action (active voice) or being acted upon (passive voice).

A well-formed sentence must contain a subject and a ______ and should express a complete thought.

<p>verb</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the person with the correct verb form in the present tense:

<p>I = am You = are He/She/It = is We/You/They = are</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is in the active voice?

<p>The chef prepared a delicious meal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a plural subject?

<p>The teams are practicing hard for the championship. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding subject-verb agreement important?

<p>Understanding subject-verb agreement is important because it ensures clarity and correctness in writing, making sentences grammatically sound and easier to understand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which verb tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still happening now?

<p>Present perfect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The future progressive tense describes an action that was completed before another action in the past.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The tense used to describe actions that occurred regularly in the past is the __________.

<p>habitual past</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses the past perfect tense correctly?

<p>They had finished their homework before they went to the park. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Common nouns always begin with an uppercase letter.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence, 'The dog wagged its tail,' what type of pronoun is 'its'?

<p>Possessive determiner (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a reflexive pronoun?

<p>To rename the subject in the object position</p> Signup and view all the answers

You, Sarah, and ____ are going to the concert. (Please use the correct pronoun)

<p>I</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a subject pronoun in a compound subject?

<p>She and Mark went to the movies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the pronoun type with its function:

<p>Subject pronoun = Renames nouns in subject position Possessive determiner = Assigns possession Object pronoun = Renames nouns in object position Reflexive pronoun = Renames the subject in object position</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pronoun correctly completes the following sentence: 'The cat cleaned ________ fur.'

<p>its (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The pronoun 'I' is only capitalized when it begins a sentence.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a reflexive pronoun?

<p>She bought herself a new car. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

That blue car is _______. (Please use the correct pronoun)

<p>mine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between a possessive determiner and a possessive pronoun, providing an example of each.

<p>A possessive determiner modifies a noun to show ownership (e.g., 'my car'), while a possessive pronoun replaces the noun entirely (e.g., 'the car is mine').</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences demonstrates a comma splice?

<p>The sun was shining brightly, birds were singing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A sentence fragment can stand alone as a complete sentence.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the error in the following sentence: 'Running quickly, the bus was caught.'

<p>misplaced modifier</p> Signup and view all the answers

To show clarity, a sentence should maintain the same grammatical structure; this is called ________.

<p>parallelism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the misused word with its correct meaning or usage:

<p>Accept = To agree to receive something Except = Excluding Affect = To influence Effect = Result or force</p> Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence with correct parallel structure:

<p>He likes swimming, biking, and playing tennis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'Among' should be used when referring to only two items.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Correct the following sentence fragment: 'Because it was raining.'

<p>Because it was raining, we stayed inside.</p> Signup and view all the answers

I can ________ you that the package will arrive on time.

<p>assure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses 'bring' correctly?

<p>Bring this to your mother. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'capital' of a state refers only to its wealth.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the misplaced modifier: 'Covered in chocolate, he ate the ice cream.'

<p>Covered in chocolate</p> Signup and view all the answers

To make certain the door is locked, you must ________ it.

<p>ensure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses 'already'?

<p>They are already late. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the word with its appropriate context:

<p>Amount = Quantity of something that cannot be divided Number = Discrete objects that can be counted Insure = Guard against loss Ensure = To make Certain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct use of a subject pronoun in a comparative construction?

<p>We are more dedicated than they. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using 'me' instead of 'I' as the subject of a comparative clause is grammatically correct in formal writing.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The audience appreciated ______ playing the violin.

<p>her</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which relative pronoun should be used to refer to a person in the objective case?

<p>Whom (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence, 'The car that John drives is very old,' what is the role of the relative pronoun 'that'?

<p>Object (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author ______ book won the award is known for ______ insightful narratives.

<p>whose; her</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is grammatically correct to use plural pronouns to refer to singular nouns to avoid specifying gender in formal writing.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun-antecedent agreement, avoiding the common error of using a plural pronoun for a singular antecedent?

<p>A student should always do his or her best on every assignment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each verb form with its corresponding example:

<p>Simple Present = I write every day. Simple Past = I wrote yesterday. Present Participle = I am writing now. Past Participle = I have written a book.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses the past participle form of the verb 'to eat'?

<p>She has eaten her dinner. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Yesterday, I ______ a bird, but I had ______ one before.

<p>saw; seen</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses correct parallel verb forms?

<p>They went to the store, bought some milk, and returned home. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses a conditional construction?

<p>If I were to know, I would tell you promptly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A run-on sentence can always be corrected by simply adding a comma between the independent clauses.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most effective revision to correct the run-on sentence: 'The dog barked loudly it woke up the neighbors'?

<p>The dog barked loudly; it woke up the neighbors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should you use 'compare to' rather than 'compare with'?

<p>When asserting a likeness between two things. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word 'compliment' can function as both a noun and a verb.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone 'implies' something, the listener is likely to _____ something from that statement.

<p>infer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' or 'less'?

<p>She spent less time on the project than he did. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide a sentence that correctly uses the word 'its'.

<p>The cat licked its paw.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that correctly uses the word 'lie' or 'lay'.

<p>He has lain in bed all day. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The words 'borrow' and 'lend' are interchangeable and mean the same thing.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To _____ means to move forward, while to _____ means to go before.

<p>proceed, precede</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences is 'principal' used correctly?

<p>The principal dancer was injured, resulting in the show being canceled . (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following words with their correct definitions:

<p>Than = A conjunction used in comparative constructions. Then = Adverb denoting time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses 'that' and 'which' correctly?

<p>This is the house that Jack built. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'There,' 'their,' and 'they're' all have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Please send the letter (to/too/two) _____ my house, but not (to/too/two) _____ late. I need it in (to/too/two) _____ days.

<p>to, too, two</p> Signup and view all the answers

Write one sentence using the word 'eager' and one sentence using the word 'anxious' to demonstrate correct usage.

<p>She was eager to start her new project. He was anxious about the upcoming test.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the U.S. context, what does 'capitol' typically refer to when capitalized?

<p>The building in which the U.S. Congress is housed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Grammar

The study of how words combine to form sentences.

Subject and Verb

A complete sentence needs these two essential parts.

Subject/Verb Agreement

When a verb matches its subject in form.

Person (in grammar)

Indicates who is performing the action.

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Number (in grammar)

Singular or plural form of a subject or verb.

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Active Voice

Subject performs the action.

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Passive Voice

Subject is acted upon.

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Verb Tense

When the action takes place (past, present, future).

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Simple Past Tense

Action completed in the past.

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Past Progressive Tense

Ongoing action in the past, interrupted by another action.

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Past Perfect Tense

Action completed before another action in the past.

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Simple Present Tense

Action happens regularly or repeatedly.

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Present Progressive Tense

Action happening right now.

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Present Perfect Tense

Action started in the past and continues now.

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Future Tense

Action will happen in the future.

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Future Progressive Tense

Action will be ongoing when another future action occurs.

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Future Perfect Tense

Action will be completed before a future time or action.

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Common Nouns

Terms for people, places, or things that are NOT specific.

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Proper Nouns

Terms for specific people, places, or things

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Pronoun Definition

Replaces a noun (person, place, or thing).

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Personal Pronouns

Forms include subject, possessive, object, and reflexive.

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Subject Pronoun

Renames the noun performing the action.

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Compound Subjects

Use subject pronouns in compound subjects.

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Comma Splice

Two independent clauses joined incorrectly with only a comma.

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Sentence Fragment

A group of words that does not express a complete thought.

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Misplaced Modifier

A modifier that is placed too far from the word it describes, causing confusion.

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Parallelism

Using the same grammatical structure for elements with the same function.

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Accept

Agree to receive

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Except

Excluding

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Affect

To influence

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Effect

Result or force

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All ready

Completely ready

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Already

By or before a specified time

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Among

Used with more than two items

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Between

Used with two items

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Amount

For uncountable quantities

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Number

For countable items

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Assure

To convince, to guarantee

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Pronouns in Comparisons

Use subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they) as subjects in comparative clauses.

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Possessives before Gerunds

Use possessive determiners (her, his, their, my, your, our, its) before gerunds.

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Relative Pronoun

A pronoun that introduces a relative clause, modifying a noun.

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Relative Pronouns: Function

Links a noun to a following description. Examples of relative pronouns include: that, which, who, whom, whose.

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Relative Pronoun for Non-Human Subject

which/that. Example: Bob loves dogs that can catch Frisbees

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Relative Pronoun for Human Subject

Indicates that the subject of the dependent clause is human. Common relative pronoun examples include: who.

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Relative Pronoun for Non-Human Object

Indicates that the object of the dependent clause is non-human. Common relative pronoun examples include: which/that

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Relative Pronoun for Human Object

Indicates that the object of the dependent clause is human. Common relative pronoun examples include: whom.

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Possessive Relative Pronoun

Indicates possession by a noun, can be either non-human or human. Common relative pronoun examples include: whose.

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Indefinite Pronouns

Pronouns that refer to nonspecific persons, places, or things.

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Pronoun Consistency

Maintain consistent pronoun person (I, you, he) and number (singular/plural).

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Verb

Describes an action or state of being.

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Four Principle Verb Forms

simple present, simple past, present participle, past participle

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Run-on Sentence

A sentence with multiple main ideas without proper punctuation or connecting words.

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Capitol

Building where the government meets or the U.S. Congress is housed (when capitalized).

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Compare to

To assert a likeness.

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Compare with

Analyzes similarities and differences.

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Complement

Something that completes or adds to something else.

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Compliment

Flattery or praise.

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Eager

Implies intense desire (positive).

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Anxious

Indicates worry or apprehension (negative).

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Farther

Refers to distance.

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Further

Indicates additional degree, time, or quantity.

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Fewer

Refers to units or individuals.

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Less

Refers to mass or bulk (not countable).

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Imply

To suggest (the speaker does this).

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Infer

To deduce or conclude (the listener does this).

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Its

Possessive form of 'it'.

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It's

Contraction of 'it is'.

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Study Notes

Grammar Basics

  • Grammar involves combining words to create sentences.
  • A sentence needs a subject, a verb, and must express a complete thought.

Subject-Verb Agreement

  • Sentences require a subject and a verb.
  • The subject is what the sentence is about.
  • The verb describes the subject's action and links to its state of being.
  • Agreement in person, number, and voice between subject and verb is crucial.
  • Voice and tense consistency should be maintained across successive clauses.

Person

  • Verbs must match subjects in person: first person ("I"), second person ("You"), or third person ("She").
  • Example: I am eating lunch, You are eating lunch, She is eating lunch.

Number

  • Agreement in number is essential; subjects and verbs must both be singular or plural.
  • Example: I have a headache today signifies first person singular.
  • Example: They enjoy suspense novels exemplifies third person plural.

Voice

  • Active voice: Subject performs the action.
  • Passive voice: The subject is acted upon.
  • Active voice is often preferred.

Tense

  • Verb tense indicates when an action occurs (past, present, future).
  • Simple Past: Action completed in the past. Example: Jenny worked a double shift yesterday.
  • Past Progressive: Action in progress in the past when another action occurred. Example: Jenny was working when the fire alarm sounded.
  • Past Perfect: Action completed before another point or action in the past. Example: Jenny had worked at the mall before college.
  • Simple Present: Regular or repeated action. Example: Jenny works at the mall after school.
  • Present Progressive: Action happening currently. Example: Jenny is working at the mall until 9.
  • Present Perfect: Action started in the past and continues. Example: Jenny has worked at the mall for two years.
  • Future: Action that will occur later. Example: Jenny will work more hours next summer.
  • Future Progressive: Action will be in progress in the future when another action occurs. Example: Jenny will be working when friends gather for her party.
  • Future Perfect: Action will be completed before a specified future action. Example: Jenny will have worked over 3 years when she graduates.
  • Past habitual actions use "would" and "used to". Example: When I was a boy, I would buy a root beer float.
  • Near future is expressed using progressive tenses of "go". Example: I was going to call you.

Nouns and Pronouns

  • Proper nouns: Specific names, capitalized.
  • Common nouns: Non-specific, not capitalized.
  • Pronouns replace nouns.
  • Pronouns generally start with a capital letter only at the beginning of a sentence, except "I".
  • Pronoun placement should clearly indicate the noun it represents.
  • Unclear pronoun antecedents are a common error.

Personal Pronouns

  • Subject pronouns rename nouns in the subject position (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
  • Possessive determiners assign possession (my, your, his, her, its, our, their).
  • Possessive pronouns replace nouns and show possession (mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs); do not use apostrophes.
  • Object pronouns rename nouns in the object position (me, you, him, her, it, us, them); used as direct/indirect objects or objects of prepositions.
  • Reflexive pronouns rename the subject in the object position (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves).

Common Traps with Personal Pronouns

  • Use subject pronouns in compound subjects (Paul, you, and I).
  • Employ subject pronouns in comparative clauses (as surprised as I was).
  • Use possessive determiners before gerunds (Her singing has often been admired).

Relative Pronouns

  • Used to identify nouns at the start of relative clauses.
  • Subject pronouns: who (human), which/that (non-human).
  • Object pronouns: whom (human), which/that (non-human).
  • Possessive pronoun: whose (human or non-human).

Indefinite Pronouns

  • Represent an unspecified number of persons, places, or things (everyone, each, one).
  • Maintain consistency in pronoun person and number.
  • Avoid using plural pronouns like "their" to represent neutral gender nouns.

Verbs and Verb Forms

  • Verbs indicate action in a sentence.
  • All verbs have four principal forms: simple present, simple past, present participle, and past participle.

Simple Past vs. Past Participle

  • Most past tenses add "-ed" to the word.
  • Irregular verbs have unique past tense forms.
  • Perfect tenses require a form of "have" (auxiliary verb) and a past participle.
  • Maintain parallel verb forms in sentences.

Hypothetical/Conditional

  • Sentences typically use "if" and a subjunctive verb or a conditional ("would") verb construction. Example: If I were to buy tickets, would you go?

Sentence Structure

Run-on Sentences

  • Run-on sentences combine multiple main ideas without correct punctuation or connectors.
  • Correct by adding punctuation or connectors.
  • Comma splices (using a comma instead of a semicolon or period) are incorrect.

Sentence Fragments

  • Sentence fragments are dependent clauses that need to be part of a full sentence.
  • Correct by adding necessary subjects or verbs, or connecting it to another independent clause.

Misplaced Modifiers

  • Modifiers should be near the words they modify.
  • Misplaced modifiers cause confusion.

Parallelism

  • Parallelism uses the same grammatical structure for elements with the same function.
  • Example: Amy enjoyed running and horseback riding.

Commonly Misused Words

  • Accept (to receive) vs. Except (excluding).
  • Affect (to influence) vs. Effect (result).
  • All ready (completely ready) vs. Already (by a specified time).
  • Among (more than two) vs. Between (two).
  • Amount (non-divisible) vs. Number (countable).
  • Assure (to convince) vs. Ensure (to make certain) vs. Insure (guard against loss).
  • Bring (towards you) vs. Take (away from you).
  • Capital (government seat/money/excellent) vs. Capitol (government building).
  • Compare to (assert likeness) vs. Compare with (analyze similarities/differences).
  • Complement (completes) vs. Compliment (flattery).
  • Eager (intense desire) vs. Anxious (worry).
  • Farther (distance) vs. Further (additional).
  • Fewer (units/individuals) vs. Less (mass/bulk).
  • Imply (suggest) vs. Infer (deduce).
  • Its (possessive of it) vs. It’s (it is).
  • Lay (to put/place; takes direct object) vs. Lie (to recline/rest; no direct object).
  • Learn (gain knowledge) vs. Teach (impart knowledge).
  • Lend (give/loan) vs. Borrow (receive temporarily).
  • Precede (go before) vs. Proceed (move forward).
  • Principal (head of school/money/leading) vs. Principle (basic truth/law).
  • Set (takes direct object) vs. Sit (no direct object).
  • Than (comparative) vs. Then (time).
  • That (essential clause; no comma) vs. Which (nonessential; commas).
  • There (location) vs. Their (possessive) vs. They’re (they are).
  • To (preposition) vs. Too (also/excessively) vs. Two (number).
  • Your (possessive) vs. You’re (you are).

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Explore subject-verb agreement, active/passive voice, and verb tenses. Test your knowledge of sentence structure and verb forms. Improve grammar skills with this comprehensive review.

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