Problems With Verbs
A verb is a word or phrase that expresses existence, action, or experience.
There are two kinds or verb in English. They are the main verb and the auxiliary verb. In some grammar books, the auxiliary verb is called a helping verb because it is used with a main verb.
Every verb in English can be described by the following formula :
VERB = tense + (modal) + (have + participle) + (be + -ing) + verb word
Each of the parts of this formula will be summarized in one or more of the problems in this review. Don't spend time studying it now. Just refer to it as you progress through this review section.
PROBLEMS WITH MAIN VERBS
in English, a sentence must have a main verb. A sentence may or may not have an auxiliary verb.
PROBLEM 1
Missing Main Verb
Remember that every English sentence must have a subject and a main verb
S | V | |
The sound of the dryer | bothers | My concentration |
Avoid using an –ing form, an infinitive, an auxiliary verb, or another part of speech instead of a main verb.
Examples
Incorrect : the prettiest girl in our class with long brown hair and brown eyes
Correct : the prettiest girl in our class has long brown hair and brown eyes
Incorrect : in my opinion, too soon to make a decision.
Correct : in my opinion, it is
too soon to make a decision.
Incorrect : Do you know whether the movie that starts at seven?
Correct : Do you know whether the movie that starts at seven is good?
Or
Do you know whether the movie starts at seven?
Incorrect : Sam almost always a lot of fun
Correct : Sam is almost always a lot of fun
Incorrect : The book that I lent you having a good bibliography.
Correct : The book that I lent you has a good bibliography.
EXERCISES
Part A : choose the correct answer.
Arizona ………. A very dry climate
- Has
- Being
- Having
- With
Part B : choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.
Venomous snakes with modified teeth connected to poison glands
in which the
(A) (B) (C)
venom is secreted and stored.
(D)