Problem 1

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

1. Has
   
2. Being
   
3. Having
   
4. 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)