ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Applicable for terminal and internal exams
FOR FYJC AND SYJC STUDENTS MINDFACES
List of Grammar topics
(As per the new grammar syllabus for junior college effective from June 2019)
• Tenses
• Non-finite Verbs
• Clauses
• Types of sentences
• Synthesis of sentences
• Modal Auxiliaries
• Articles
• Direct – Indirect speech
• Prepositions
• Active – Passive voice
• Degrees of comparison
• Transformation of sentences ...
• (Activities based on transformations and corrections of errors)
• Use of ‘too’ and ‘enough’ o Frame ‘wh’ question
• Change part of speech of the word in sentence
• Use of ‘as well as’, ‘either – or’, ‘not only – but also’
• If not – unless
• Add a question tag
• Grammar topics useful for correction of the errors
Tenses ⍟
Play this game to practise Tenses.
FORMS OF VERBS
1. main verb in original form or ‘- s/-es’ added to the verb with the 3rd person singular subject
2. main verb in the 2nd form, past form or ‘– ed’ form
3. main verb in the 3rd form, perfect form or ‘– en’ form
4. main verb in the 4th form or ‘– ing’ form
STRUCTURE AND USES
Simple Present Tense
Verb phrase - V1, no helping verb
• For a state of being in present time
o Ex. He is very happy today.
• To mention regular /habitual activities
o Ex. My mother helps me with my studies.
• For the universal truths and quotes
o Ex. The sun gives us light and warmth.
• For a fixed future event
o Ex. The match starts at 5 o’clock tomorrow.
Present Continuous Tense
Verb phrase – am/is/are + V4
• For an action in progress at the time of speaking Ex. I am writing an essay.
• For any action happening temporarily in the present time
o Ex. I am learning various new skills these days.
• For a planned future action
o Ex. I am visiting that site in the evening.
Present Perfect Tense
Verb phrase – have/ has + V3
• For a past action which has created an impact, or which is relevant in the present as well (an experience)
o Ex. I have watched that movie many times.
• For a recently completed activity
o Ex. I have spoken to her about it today in the morning.
• For an action, started in the past and continued till the moment of speaking
o Ex. I have not seen him since morning.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Verb phrase – have/has +been +V4
• For an action which has started in the past, is going on now and may continue
o Ex. I have been working on the project since January.
o Ex. Someone has been stealing my money.
Simple Past Tense
Verb phrase - V2, no helping verb
• For a fully completed activity in the past
o Ex. He danced with great enthusiasm.
• For the recent past action out of the two past activities
o Ex. When he reached there, most of the guests had already arrived at the venue.
Past Continuous Tense
Verb phrase – was /were + V4
• For the activity in progress for some time in the past
o Ex. He was helping her in her project.
Past Perfect Tense
Verb phrase – had + V3
• For an action which got over long ago
o Ex. We had visited many places to find a particular venue for the function.
• For the previous past action out of the two past activities
o Ex. The train had left when I entered the station.
Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Verb phrase – had + been + V4
• For the previous past action which was in progress for some time period, in case of two past actions
• Ex. I was very nervous about my first live performance even though I had been practicing for it for the last few months.
• To show the middle point of action in the past
• Ex. I had been working with them for a few years at that time.
Simple Future Tense
Verb phrase – shall / will +V1
• For an action which is to take place in future
• Ex. They will join us tomorrow.
• Ex. I shall work on the solutions.
Future Continuous Tense
Verb phrase – shall /will + be + V4
• For a future activity which will certainly happen /strongly possible Ex.
• My mother will be waiting for me.
• For a future action which will be going on for some time period Ex. He will be working on the project for the next couple of weeks.
Future Perfect Tense
Verb phrase – shall / will +have + V3
• For an action which will get completed at a certain time in future
• Ex. I shall have completed this assignment by tomorrow.
• For the previous action in case of two future actions happening in connection
• Ex. I shall have escaped before you catch me.
Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Verb phrase – shall /will + have + been + V4
• To mention the middle point of an action in future
• Ex. They will have been working on the project in 2030.
Ë SEQUENCE OF TENSES
1. Present Perfect Continuous + Present Perfect
o Ex. I have been working on my assignment from the last couple of days but I have not finished it yet.
2. Present Perfect +Simple Present
o Ex. I have not watched that movie yet but I am interested in watching it.
3. Past Perfect + Simple Past
o Ex. They had already handled the situation successfully when we reached there to help them.
4. Past Perfect Continuous + Simple Past
o Ex. We had been struggling for a long time when some people finally came to help us.
5. Future Perfect + Simple Present
o Ex. They will have completed their work before we go to pick them up.
Infinitive, Gerund and Participles
• The main verbs which function as noun, adjective or adverb.
• They do not change their form as per the tense or subject.
• They do not indicate any particular tense.
INFINITIVE
Form: V1 /original form of the main verb (with or without ‘to’)
Function: noun or adjective
1. He loves to dance. (noun)
2. This is not the time to play. (Part of the noun phrase)
3. To err is human but to forgive is divine. (noun)
4. Dry fruits are good to eat. (Part of the adjective phrase)
5. It is necessary to discuss things openly. (Part of the noun phrase)
6. It requires great strength to change the wrong habits. (Part of the noun phrase)
7. His greatest desire is to perform live. (Part of the noun phrase working as a complement)
8. The children were eager to go home. (Part of the adjective phrase)
GERUND
Form: V4 / ‘- ing’ form of the main verb
Function: noun
1. The beginning of the movie was promising but the ending was disappointing. (nouns)
2. Cheating will never be tolerated here. (noun)
3. He loves dancing. (noun)
4. We were prevented from playing cricket there. (Part of the noun phrase)
5. Marketing helps to increase the sale. (noun)
• PARTICIPLES
Ë TYPES
I. Present participle
Form: V4 / ‘- ing’ form of the main verb
Function: adjective or adverb
1. Ex. 1. Working women need the skill of time management. (adjective)
2. Developing countries face many issues due to lack of sufficient resources.
3. (adjective)
4. Disturbing facts can not be ignored. (adjective)
5. Thinking it’s safe, he crossed the road. (adverb)
6. Playing various games, he gained health. (adverb)
7. Playing cricket, he gained popularity. (adverb)
II. Past participle
Form: V3 /perfect form of the main verb
Function: adjective or adverb
1. Advanced information will help you to perform well. (adjective)
2. Well connected network is the need of the day. (adjective)
3. Self created problems need self analysis to solve them. (adjective)
4. Recycled material will decrease the burden on the earth. (adjective)
5. A drunk man was driving the car. (adjective)
6. The documents should be signed by an authorised person. (adjective)
7. Armed forces were sent to rescue them. (adjective)
8. Fried food is not good for health. (adjective)
9. Driven by hunger, he stole a piece of bread. (adverb)
Ë EXERCISES FOR CONVERSION
1. He loves to play football. (Remove the Infinitive and rewrite the sentence.)
2. Working with you is an honour. (Remove the gerund and rewrite the sentence.)
3. Dealing with you is difficult. (Use an Infinitive and rewrite the sentence.)
1. He loves playing football.
2. It is an honour to work with you. / To work with you is an honour.
3. It is difficult to deal with you.
Clauses
Clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb which is usually a part of a sentence.
Types
• Main Clause:
• Subordinate Clause:
Subordinate Clause is further divided into the following types.
NOUN CLAUSE:
1. As a subject: Ex. What he said was true.
2. As an object: Ex. He says that he won’t leave me alone.
3. As an object of the preposition: Ex. There is no point in what you are doing
4. As a complement of the verb: Ex. His greatest fear is that he may get arrested there.
ADJECTIVE CLAUSE:
o Ex. He’s the man whom I can trust completely.
o Ex. They are looking for a hero who will save them from their miseries.
o Ex. He wants to play a role that will change his image
o Ex. He is trying to get a job which will tap his true potential
ADVERB CLAUSE:
1. Time
• Ex. He will complete the work when the equipment is available
2. Place
• Ex. They should invest their money in a scheme where it will grow faster.
3. Purpose
• Ex. I will give you guidelines so that you can complete the work on your own.
4. Reason / Cause
• Ex. They worked hard because they wanted to achieve success.
5. Condition:
• Ex. If it rains, we will have to cancel our plan.
6. Result
• Ex. He is such a good man that all respect him.
7. Comparison
• Ex. He is taller than his brother.
8. Concession
• Ex. Though he was angry, he kept quiet.
• Manner:
• Ex. She behaves as if she’s a queen.
Types of Sentences
SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND COMPLEX
• Simple sentence – A sentence which has only one subject and predicate/ only one main clause
o Ex. He works hard on every aspect of the plan.
• Compound sentence – A sentence which has two or more main /principal clauses
o Ex. He is new here and wants to know this place more.
• Complex sentence – A sentence which has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
o Ex. If you don’t work hard, you cannot survive here.
CONVERSIONS
Simple ↦ Compound
• Convert the non-finite verb into a finite verb in appropriate tense and frame a main clause. Use a suitable coordinating conjunction.
o Ex. You must work hard to create a place for yourself in the organisation.
o Ans. You must work hard and create a place for yourself in the organisation.
• Expand a word or phrase into a main clause and use a suitable coordinating conjunction
o Ex. In an exciting match, they won by 3 wickets.
o Ans. It was an exiting match and they won by 3 wickets.
Compound ↦ Simple
• Frame the sentence, using a non finite form of any of the main verbs.
• Remove the conjunction.
• Use any suitable phrase
o (Ex. In spite of..., in case of..., in the event of..., along with..., besides... etc.) or a suitable preposition (on, despite etc.) if necessary to retain the meaning.
• A negative word might be necessary to balance the meaning of the sentence.
• Ex. She completed her work and left for her home.
o Ans. Completing her work, she left for her home.
• Ex. She tried to help her friends but she could not.
o Ans. In spite of /Despite trying to help her friends, she could not.
• Ex. You need to complete the assignment today or you will fail in the examination.
o Ans. In case of not completing the assignment today, you will fail in the examination.
• Ex. He not only helped the boy to find shelter but also gave him some money.
o Ans. Besides / Along with helping the boy to find shelter, he also gave him some money.
• Ex. The solders arrived and the people were rescued.
o Ans. The soldiers having arrived, the people were rescued. /On arrival of the soldiers, the people were rescued.
Simple ↦ complex
• Expand any word or phrase into a subordinate clause
o Ex. A dangerous looking man was staring at them.
o Ans. A man who looked / was looking dangerous, was staring at them.
• Use any suitable dummy subject and frame the sentence.
o Ex. I wanted to buy this book.
o Ans. This is the book I wanted to buy. /This is the book which I wanted to buy.
Complex ↦ Simple
• Convert the subordinate clause into a phrase or a word.
o Ex. Great leaders have something in them that gives motivation to people.
o Ans. Great leaders have something in them, giving motivation to people.
• Remove the dummy subject and rewrite the sentence.
o Ex. It is the consumer who pays for the advertisement.
o Ans. The consumer pays for the advertisement.
• Convert any appropriate main verb into a non-finite verb and frame the sentence.
o Ex. Birds use different sounds which indicate different emotions.
o Ans. Birds use different sounds indicating different emotions.
Compound
= Complex
• Interchange the conjunctions or use a connecting word with similar meaning as per the type of sentence.
• Rearrange the sentence if necessary.
• Use the following table for reference.
Coordinating conjunctions Subordinating conjunctions / connecting words
And As, when, as soon as, since, because, so... that, who, whom, that, which etc.
But Though, if, even if, than etc.
Or If... not, unless
• Ex. He was very good in sports and he has won the first prize in all the races.
o Ans. As/ Since he was very good in sports, he has won the first prize in all the races.
• Ex. They reached there as early as possible but they were late for the function.
o Ans. Though they reached there as early as possible, they were late for the function.
• Ex. You should come with us or you will miss out the fun.
o Ans. Unless you come with us, you will miss out the fun.
Assertive, Interrogative, Imperative, Exclamatory
ASSERTIVE SENTENCE/ STATEMENT:
• Used for giving information, describing or narrating something, conveying emotions
o Ex. We watched an interesting movie.
o Ex. He is interested in reading novels.
INTERROGATIVE SENTENCE/ QUESTION:
• Used for asking information or creating dramatic effect
‘Wh’ question
Starts with a ‘Wh’ word usually followed by the helping verb Ex. What are you doing here?
How many students are participating in the quiz?
Verbal question /yes-no question
Starts with a helping verb
Ex. Are you interested in joining our team?
Rhetorical question
• A question where answer is not expected, it is used to give emotional or dramatic effect. It can be a verbal or ‘Wh’ question.
• The meaning of a rhetorical question can be given in an assertive sentence.
o Ex. Shouldn’t you pay attention?
o Ans. You should pay attention.
Exercises: Conversion of a rhetorical question into an assertive sentence
1. What is the use of helping these ungrateful people?
2. Isn’t it your responsibility to take care of your health?
3. Why should we waste so much time on social media?
4. Who can deny their contribution in our success?
Answers:
1. There is no use of helping these ungrateful people. / Helping these ungrateful people is of no use.
2. It is your responsibility to take care of your health.
3. We should not waste so much time on social media.
4. No one can deny their contribution in our success.
IMPERATIVE SENTENCE:
• It starts with a main verb, the subject of the imperative sentence is, ‘you’, using the subject is avoided and the subject is called ‘understood you’. It is used for requests, commands or suggestions etc.
o Ex. Start working on the project.
o Take a left turn after 2 km.
o Come in.
o Come here quickly.
o Please help me in finding a new job.
EXCLAMATORY SENTENCE:
• Used to show excitement or emotional expression like anger, fear, joy, surprise etc.
o Ex. What a beautiful picture it is!
o Ans. It is a very beautiful picture.
o Ex. How impressive the work is!
o Ans. The work is very impressive.
Affirmative – Negative
• Use opposite words in conversion of sentences.
• Words like hardly, almost, rarely, but, too, except, as soon as, in vain, unable, as well as etc. can be used when Opposite words cannot be used while framing an affirmative sentence.
o Ex. He is always on time. (Affirmative)
o Ans. He is never late. (Negative)
EXERCISES FOR PRACTICE. (REWRITE AS A NEGATIVE/ AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCE.)
1. We wanted to stay back.
2. He couldn’t break the wall.
3. Not many students are there in the class.
4. He’s not only smart but also kind.
Answers:
1. We didn’t want to leave. (Negative)
2. He was unable to break the wall. (Affirmative)
3. There are only a few students in the class or There are hardly any students in the class. (Affirmative)
4. He’s smart and/ as well as kind. (Affirmative)
Synthesis of Sentences
Combination of two or more sentences into a simple, complex or compound sentence
For a simple sentence
Ë BY USING A NON-FINITE VERB TO FRAME THE SENTENCE
• Ex. He jumped off the window. He ran away.
o Ans. Jumping off the window, he ran away.
• Ex. He completed her work. He wanted to help her.
o Ans. He completed her work in order to help her.
• Ex. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow. I need to get my check up done.
o Ans. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow to get my check up done.
• Ex. The doctor reached there. The patient was treated in time.
o Ans. The doctor having reached there, the patient was treated in time.
• Ex. The game was very interesting. We all enjoyed it a lot.
o Ans. The game being very interesting, we all enjoyed it a lot.
Ë BY USING A NOUN OR NOUN PHRASE IN APPOSITION
• Ex. She is my friend. Her name is Namrata.
o Ans. She is my friend, Namrata.
• Ex. I have seen Paris. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
o Ans. I have seen Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Ë BY USING A PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.
• Ex. He was planning to go for a movie. He didn’t want to take his younger sister with him.
o Ans. He was planning to go for a movie without his younger sister.
Ë BY USING A WORD OR PHRASE MADE FROM THE KEY WORD OF THE OTHER SENTENCE.
• Ex. He achieved success. He deserved it.
o Ans. He achieved success deservedly. / He achieved well deserved success.
FOR A COMPOUND SENTENCE
Ë BY USING A SUITABLE COORDINATING CONJUNCTION
• Ex. And, not only... but also, for, so, but, still, yet, nevertheless, or, either...or, neither... nor, as well as, else etc.
• Ex. We went to market. We bought some vegetables. o Ans. We went to market and bought some vegetables.
FOR A COMPLEX SENTENCE
Ë BY USING A SUBORDINATE CLAUSE, MADE OUT OF ANOTHER SENTENCE I.E., Exercises
1. He was worried about his job. I didn’t know about it.
2. She has a good collection of paintings at home. The paintings are very expensive.
3. He took his daughter to a garden. His daughter enjoyed a lot there.
4. I watched my favourite movie last night. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Answers
1. I didn’t know that he was worried about his job. (Noun clause)
2. At her home she has a good collection of paintings which are very expensive. (Adjective clause)
3. He took his daughter to a garden where his daughter enjoyed a lot. (Adverb clause)
4. Last night I watched my favourite movie which I enjoyed thoroughly. (Adjective clause)
Modal Auxiliaries
Modal Auxiliaries are the helping verbs which are always followed by the main verb in its original form, and they support the meaning of the main verb. They have only one form and do not change the form as per the subject or tense.
Modal Auxiliary Uses / meanings
1. Can
• Ability
Ex. I can easily break these sticks.
• Possibility
Ex. It can rain today as the sky is cloudy.
2. Could
3. May
• Ability in the past
Ex. I could easily walk 10 kms. at a stretch when I was young.
• Polite request in a question
Ex. Could you please give me some information?
• Weak possibility
Ex. It may rain today even if it’s not so clouded.
• Permission Ex. May I come in, ma’am?
Ex. You may go now.
• Wish / blessings Ex. May all your dreams come true.
• Offer to help Ex. May I carry your bags for you?
4. Might
• Weaker possibility
Ex. It might rain today even if it’s sunny out there because it’s the rainy season.
5. Must
• Obligation/ compulsion
Ex. You must show your I card at the entry gate.
• Certainty
Ex. He must be busy now.
6. Ought to
7. Shall
• Moral obligation
Ex. We ought to respect the elders.
• Future time
Ex. I shall complete the work tomorrow.
• Formal suggestion in a question
Ex. Shall we proceed to the next round of the competition?
8. Should
9. Will
• Advice
Ex. You should take your medicines on time.
• Future time
Ex. He will join us tomorrow.
• Certainty
Ex. It will rain today as the sky is heavily clouded.
• Determination
Ex. I will complete my work in time.
10 Would
• Habitual action in the past Ex. We would visit my grandparents every year during our summer holidays.
• Weakest possibility in a hopeless situation Ex. It would be possible only if all are ready to work together.
OTHER MODAL AUXILIARIES
o Ex. Dare – Courage
• Mostly used with negative meaning in a question form.
o Ex. How dare you...?
• Need – Necessity
o Use: Needn’t = was not needed but done
• Don’t / didn’t need = was not needed so wasn’t done
• Semi-modals
• The main verbs which have the features of the modals
o Ex. Used to, have to, able to, wish to, want to etc.
Direct – Indirect speech
Direct speech
Indirect speech
1 Present + Present Present + Present
2 Present + Past Present + Past
3 Past + Present Past + Past
4 Past + Past Past + Past Perfect
RULES AS PER THE TYPE OF SENTENCE
Assertive sentences
• Say to = Tell (Reporting Verb)
• *Connecting word = that
o Ex. He says, “I’m always happy.”
o Ans. He says that he is always happy.
Interrogative sentences
• Say = ask/ inquire / Question (Reporting Verbs)
• *Connecting words = verbal questions – if /whether
• No connecting word for ‘Wh’ questions
• *Rule– Convert the question form to statement in indirect speech.
o Ex. He said to her, “Why are you so worried today?”
o Ans. He asked her why she was so worried that day.
o Ex. They said to him, “Are you hungry?”
o Ans. They asked him if he was hungry.
Imperative sentences
• Say = ask /order /request /command/ tell / suggest/ advise etc.
• (Reporting Verbs)
• Say to = tell
• *Connecting word = to
o Ex. Rita said to her daughter, “Take your medicines on time.”
o Ans. Rita advised her daughter to take her medicines on time.
o Ex. Sam said to them, “Don’t worry about me.”
o Ans. Sam told them not to worry about him.
Exclamatory sentences
• Say = exclaim /cry or utter in wonder etc. (Reporting Verbs)
• *Connecting word = that
• *Rule – Convert the exclamation into a statement using very/ a very
o Ex. Sonia said, “What a beautiful painting it is!”
o Ans. Sonia exclaimed that it was a very beautiful painting.
o Ex. Ronnie said, “How exciting the offer is!”
o Ans. Ronnie exclaimed that the offer was very exciting.
*Note: 1. Words expressing ‘nearness’ in direct speech are converted to words expressing ‘distance’ in Indirect speech.
Ë PRONOUNS
This – That These – Those
Ë ADVERBS Now – Then Here – There Ago – Before Thus – So So – that
Today - That day
Tonight - That night
Tomorrow – Next day / the day after
Yesterday – Previous day / the day before
Ë POINTS TO FOCUS IN CONVERSION OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH
• Change in the reporting verb as per the situation.
• Change in the tense of the main verb in the inverted commas if necessary.
• Use of the connecting word if needed.
• Change in the structure of the sentence given inside the inverted commas if needed.
• Change in the pronouns, adverbs etc. If needed.
Prepositions
The words which are used to show connection or relation between two things, people etc. are called Prepositions.
PREPOSITIONS OF TIME
• At – to show a definite point of time
o Ex. Let us meet at 7 pm.
• On – to show a more general period of time
o Ex. I met her on Friday.
• In – to mention months, year, seasons or parts of the day or to mention the period of time in future when some action will happen
o Ex. I saw a newly bloomed flower in the morning.
o Ex. We usually visit new places in summer.
o Ex. They come to India in December every year.
o Ex. I will finish reading this book in a week.
• By – to show a point of future time at which an action will be over.
o Ex. The work will be submitted by Monday morning.
• For – to show the duration of action for mostly an incomplete action
o Ex. I have been working here for the last few years.
• Since – to indicate the starting point of an action which has continued till the point of speaking
o Ex. I’m working with this firm since 2010.
• From – to show the starting point of the action started in the past and is over now
o Ex. He started working with us from 2015.
• Other Prepositions of time: After, during, till, before, between etc.
PREPOSITIONS OF POSITION / PLACE
• In – to indicate a large space, big town or cities and countries
o Ex. I stay in Mumbai
• At – to indicate smaller spaces or small towns, villages or suburbs of a city
o Ex. I am waiting for you at the gate.
• Among – to show the position surrounded by many
o Ex. She’s standing among the students.
• Above – to show the position higher than something
o Ex. To get distinction in the examination, you need to score above 75%.
• Over – to indicate the vertically above position
o Ex. The lamp was hanging over his head.
• Below – to show the position lower than something
o Ex. He got hurt below the knees.
• Under – to indicate the vertically below position
o Ex. The box lying under the table.
• Other Prepositions of place / position: between, from, to etc.
PREPOSITIONS OF DIRECTION
• To – to show the destination
o Ex. They went to the station.
• Towards – to show the direction
o Ex. He pointed towards the tree.
• Into – to show movement towards interior
o Ex. The train was going into the tunnel.
• Out of – to show movement away from the interior
o Ex. He took the books out of the cupboard.
• At – to indicate the point of aim
o Ex. Don’t throw stones at the dog.
• For - to show the direction of the movement
o Ex. He left for Delhi in the morning.
• Against – to show two surfaces where one is using the other for support
o Ex. Keep the ladder against the wall.
• Off – to show separation from a surface
o Ex. He fell off the roof.
• Other types of prepositions
PREPOSITIONS OF AGENCY OR MEDIUM
• At – She wanted to buy that bungalow at any cost.
• By- We went by bus.
• Through – We got the booking done through the app.
• With – He opened the lock with a pin.
• Without – He managed the work without any help.
PREPOSITIONS OF MANNER
• By – He achieved success by working hard.
• With – They worked together with great determination.
• Prepositions of reason or purpose
• For – She is working for a good cause.
• Of – They were tired of his excuses.
• From – She felt sick from tiredness.
• Through – They achieved success through hard work.
PREPOSITIONS OF POSSESSION
• On – She is on our side.
• Of – This statue is of 15th century.
• With – He worked with great enthusiasm.
Active – Passive Voice
PASSIVE VOICE IS USED WHEN...
• We don’t know who the doer of the action is
• It’s not important to know who the doer of the action is
• The action happened is more important than the doer of the action
• When the focus is on the outcome or the result
• When the object is more important than the subject
ACTIVE VOICE IS USED WHEN...
• The subject / doer of the action is important
SENTENCE STRUCTURES
• Active voice: Subject + verb phrase + object /complement +....
• Passive voice: Object + helping verb + form of ‘to be’ if any + main verb in the 3rd form/ ‘- en’ form/ perfect form + by + subject +...
Rules of conversion
• If there are two objects in the given active voice sentence, it is preferable to use the indirect object (living) as a subject in the passive voice sentence.
• Change the form of the pronoun interchanging the subject and object during the conversion.
o Ex. I = me, he = him etc.
• Main verb in passive voice is always in perfect form/ - en form
• Use the following table for verb phrase conversion into passive voice
Tense
Helping verb (passive voice)
Simple Present Tense am/is / are
Simple Past Tense Was/ were
Form of ‘to be’ (passive voice)
Present Continuous Tense Am /is /are Being
Past Continuous Tense Was/ were Being
Present Perfect Tense Have/ has Been
Past Perfect Tense Had Been
Future tense or Modal Auxiliary sentence Will/ shall/ can/ could/ may/ might/ must/... etc. Whichever is used in active voice Be
EXERCISES FOR PRACTICE
1. Roma helped the children by funding their education.
2. Rajan gave them a lot of work to complete.
3. They helped each other to overcome the problems.
4. Rakesh did not invite Suresh for the party.
5. They decided it on their own.
6. Manali supported Arjun during the difficult phase of his life.
7. Leena trained the kids to solve their difficulties on their own.
8. Many activities were planned for the children.
9. Many solutions were rejected due to the limitations in implementing them.
10. Well calculated risks reduce the possible damage. Answers
1. The children were helped by Roma by funding their education.
2. They were given a lot of work to complete by Rajan. / A lot of work was given to them by Rajan to complete.
3. They were helped by each other to overcome the problems.
4. Suresh was not invited for the party by Rakesh.
5. It was decided by them on their own.
6. Arjun was supported by Manali during the difficult phase of his life.
7. The kids were trained by Leena to solve their difficulties on their own.
8. They planned many activities for the children.
9. They rejected many solutions due to the limitations in implementing them.
10. The possible damage is reduced by the well calculated risks.
Frame a ‘wh’ question
• Ex. There are 100 peacocks in the garden.
• Ans. How many peacocks are there in the garden?
EXERCISES FOR PRACTICE
1. The Identity cards were distributed on Monday.
2. They decided to meet at the cafe.
3. Rajani respected her grandfather for his principles and values.
4. People like to be praised for their good work
5. Instructions were written in five languages
Answers
1. When were the identity card distributed?
2. Where did they decide to meet?
3. Why did Rajani respect her grandfather? What did Rajani respect her grandfather for?
4. What do people like?
5. In how many languages were the instructions written?
Rewrite the underlined
• Ex. Many people were freed from the jails. (Rewrite the sentence using the noun form of the underlined word.)
• Ans. Many people were given freedom from the jails.
EXERCISES FOR PRACTICE
• I like to discuss various issues. (Rewrite the sentence using the noun form of the underlined word.)
• The doctor gave a detail clarification of the doubts. (Rewrite the sentence using the verb form of the underlined word.)
Answers
• I like to discuss a variety of issues.
• The doctor clarified the doubts in detail.
Add a Question Tag
• A question tag is a small question that is attached or ‘tagged’ to the end of a sentence.
• Question tags are most often used in spoken language to confirm something that is said and also to encourage the listener to give an answer.
• A question tag is added to a sentence to seek confirmation of the statement.
• In the added part, the helping verb or the auxiliary verb used in the sentence is used in the tag.
• If the statement is positive or affirmative, the question tag should be negative, and if the statement is negative, the question tag used should be positive.
• If a pronoun is used as the subject, use the same pronoun in the question tag.
• If a noun or a noun phrase is the subject in the statement, use a pronoun based on the gender/number in the question tag.
QUESTIONS:
1. Sunaina is our new leader.
2. They have confirmed the information.
3. Arun and Varun are on their way to the airport.
4. Her father is a doctor.
5. The baby elephant that fell into the well was rescued by the locals.
6. Arranging transport and accommodation for the guests had been their first priority.
7. You like cookies.
8. Bring me some tissue papers.
9. They bought a new LED television.
10. You have been looking for an apartment.
Answers
1. Sunaina is our new leader, isn’t she?
2. They have confirmed the information, haven’t they?
3. Arun and Varun are on their way to the airport, aren’t they?
4. Her father is a doctor, isn’t he?
5. The baby elephant that fell into the well was rescued by the locals, wasn’t it?
6. Arranging transport and accommodation for the guests had been their first priority, hadn’t it?
7. You like cookies, don’t you?
8. Bring me some tissue papers, will you?
9. They bought a new LED television, didn’t they?
10. You have been looking for an apartment, haven’t you?
Grammar topics useful for correction of the errors
COLLOCATION
• Some pairs of words are always used together in English. The pairing is not replicable. It can be a noun +noun, adjective + noun, noun +verb, verb + preposition or any such combination
o Ex. If weather permits, we can go for a picnic. (Not allows)
o Ex.
§ Strong coffee,
§ commit - crime/sin/suicide,
§ make - mistake,
§ handsome payment,
§ kith and kin,
§ power nap,
§ congratulate – on,
§ heavy snow,
§ unique creation,
§ home appliances,
§ office staff,
§ house keeping,
§ sky walk,
§ nail polish,
§ mouth watering, rash driving, speak fluently, feel deeply, read rapidly, prematurely born, gently touched etc.
VERBS OF PERCEPTION
The main verbs associated with the five senses and the natural functions of brain are called as verbs of perception. They are normally not used in ‘-ing’ form or any type of continuous tense if used for their original meaning. ‘Can’ is used to show that it ’s current activity if necessary. (Ex. See, hear, smell, feel, taste, know, believe, understand etc.)
Ex. I can hear some noise from outside. (Not, ‘am hearing’)
Ex. I can smell something burning. (Not, ‘am smelling’)
Ex. I know her from her childhood. (Not, ‘am knowing’)
VERBS OF POSSESSION
The main verbs showing possession are generally not used in ‘– ing’ form or continuous tense.
Ex. I have an excellent collection of books. (Not, ‘am having’)
If clause – The ‘if clause’ cannot be in future tense of any type. It can be in simple or perfect tense.
Ex. If I am free, I will join you for the movie. (Not, ‘if I will be free...’)