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SUBJECT AND VERB AGREEMENT

What is Subject–Verb Agreement?

Key : The subject of the sentence and the verb of the sentence must agree with each other
in number. If the subject is a plural noun, then the verb must match the plural noun. If the
subject is singular, then the verb must match the number of subject (singular). That’s why we
call it agreement. Perhaps the most critical thing for you to know is that in present-tense, the
third person-singular subject (she; he; it) always goes with a singular verb which ends in
“-s /-es”. While other subject pronouns (I / you / we / they) always go with verb without “-s/-
es” ending. Take a look at these examples:

Masha goes fishing with Miskha.

In this sentence, the subject is Masha (she / a third person singular subject), so that the verb
must be singular verb with “-s /-es” ending. Since the base word verb is ended with “o” -sound,
the verb is then ended with -es.
Most Students in my classroom are diligent.

Most Students in my classroom go fishing with Miskha.

In this two sentences, the subject is most students (they / a plural subject), so that the verb must
be in plural verb form “are” or without “-s /-es” ending “go”.

Therefore, in order to support your understanding of Subject and Verb agreement, you need
to know both subject and predicate makers. In these following tables are presented kinds of
subjects, kinds of verbs, and the summary of basic grammar rule to support your Subject &
Verb Agreement skill.

Table a. Subject Makers

Subject Makers Examples Sentence Examples

1. Noun A Car, Masha, people Masha buys a car
(can function a Cow, love, sadness, S P O
as a Subject or an water, length, news Water in our village is abundant.
Object) Government, etc. S P
I; You; She; He; It • We love Masha very much.
We; You; They • Every student is taking online courses.
2. Pronoun One, Each, every, • Each of my students is here.
few, a little, a number • Both Dewi and Desi are medical
(Kata ganti org, of, some, Whoever,…
benda/binatang) doctors.
(See table skill #15 for • A number of people are infected.
definite pronouns )
a. A good student • A good student reads module regularly.
3. Noun Phrase b. Beautiful girls • Beautiful girls were coming to party.
(can function c. A Washing machine • A washing machine needs to be fixed.
as a subject or an d. A fried chicken • A fried chicken is yummy.
Object)

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 Singing, Reading, • Swimming is my hobby.
swimming, loving, • Loving you requires a lot of money, so
4. Gerund Leaving, etc. • Leaving you is the best solution.
A verb which functions
as a Noun.(Verb1+ing) • Learning English needs a lot of efforts.
• Doing regular practices makes perfect.

To + Verb1 • To swim in Sungai Kapuas may be

5. To Infinitive and as dangerous.
A noun infinitive which
• To make mistakes is human.
is located at the
beginning.
a Subject Complement • My main goal is to graduate this year.

6. Clause • Noun Clause • What our president said makes sense.

A unit of grammatical • Whoever comes to my house must eat.
organization next • Adj. Clause using • That Corona Virus is so dangerous
below the sentence in subject- relative makes a global panic.
rank, traditionally it pronoun.
consists of a Subject
and a predicate. • That clause

Table b. Predicate Makers (Kinds of Verbs)

Predicate Makers Structure Patterns Sentence Examples

1. To Be / be Subject + To be + adjective • She is beautiful.
Subject + to be + noun • Jane was a teacher 2 years ago
Is / am / are Subject + to be + V-ing (Sedang) • We are taking online classes.
Was / were Subject + to be + V3 (passive) • Shane was elected a president.
Subject + to be + OP (obj of • Now, he is in White House ☺.
prep.)
2.Auxiliary Verb *Present Tense (S + Verb1) • (+) Jane eats an apple everyday.
Do / Does / Did She/He/it -- Does (-)She does not eat an apple.
Have /Has / Had I /You/They/We – Do (?) Does she eat an apple?

*Past (S + Verb2) all Sub. – DID • (+) Jane ate an apple.

(-) Jane did not eaten an apple.
*Present Perfect Tense (?)Did Jane eat an apple?
She/He/It + has + V3
I/you/They/We + have + V3 • (+) She has eaten five apples.
(+)We have eaten five apples.
*Past Perfect Tense (?) Had you eaten five apples?
All Sub. + had + V3
3. Linking Verb A verb that links (connects) the • Ugh! Your voice sounds awful.
subject of the sentence • Well, I can be your date.
Always LV: to information about the subject.
(is/am/are/was/were) • She looked so pretty last night.
(has /have/ had, S + LV + Information about the • Anna proves me wrong.
has/have/had subject (e.g., adjective, noun or
+been), complement). • Susi and Sue now become
friends.
(Be, being, been)

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 e.g. appear, become, feel, grow, • The flower smells so fragrant.
look, remain, seem, smell, sound, • UPT Bahasa May be open next
stay, taste, turn, prove. summer.

Plus Verb Phrases:

Can be, could be, may be, should
be, etc.
4. Action Verb / A verb that describes an action. Masha cleans her house every
Verb Word e.g., run, jump, eat, cry, walk, morning, but yesterday she woke
smile, think, kick, swim, etc. up late and rushed to school, so she
(penggunaannya menyesuaikan did not clean her house until she
dengan Tenses & bentuk came back from school.
structure)
5. Modals * Modal + Verb1(Murni Tanpa -s) • Our govt will cancel National
Will / would/ can * Modal + be + Verb1 -ing Exam.
Could / must * Modal + be + adjective • She must be sleeping now.
/shall/should / * Modal + be + Noun / OP • We must be aware of the Virus
may/ might / * Modal + be + Verb3 spread.
Ought to • This might be love ☺/ in love.
• Homeless ought to be provided
shelters.

Table c. Properties of Pronoun and their respective verbs

Subject Auxiliary Verb:
Person

To Be Ob.Pron Poss.Adj Poss.

Pronoun (aux) Have
(whom) (Whose) Pron
(Who) Pres Past Pre. Past Pre. Past
I (Saya) Am Was Do Did Have Had Me My Mine
Singular

You (Kamu) Are Were Do Did Have Had You Your Yours
She (Dia, F) Is Was Does Did Has Had Her Her Hers
He (Dia, M) Is Was Does Did Has Had Him His His
It (B’nda/b’tng Is Was Does Did Has Had It Its Its
Plural ( lebih dari 1)
Plural

We(K’mi/k’ta) Are Were Do Did Have Had Us Our Ours

You (Kalian) Are Were Do Did Have Had You Your Yours
They (Mereka) Are Were Do Did Have Had Them Their Theirs

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. She is known for

narrative songs about her personal life. Her songs always have received
widespread media coverage, and both teenagers and adults are so crazy
about them, due to their crazy lyrics. At age 14, she became the youngest
artist signed by the Sony/ATV Music publishing house and, at age 15, she signed her first
record deal that made her a famous singer.

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Exercise Subject & Verb Agreement:
Now let’s look at some simple sentences and underline the subjects
once and the verbs twice in each of these following sentences. Do
these following steps:
a. Decide the subject of the sentence, and determine whether it is
singular or plural.
b. Find the verb of the sentence; does it suit the subject?
c. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)

___ 1. My best friend always helpful with problems.

___ 2. The bus schedule have changed since last week
___ 3. Accidentally dropped the glass on the floor.
___ 4. The customer paying the clerk for the clothes.
___ 5. The professor handed the syllabus to the students.

A. SENTENCE WITH ONE CLAUSE _________ One Subject + One Predicate _____

There are certain structure that can confuse us to locate the subject and verb since each of
these structures can look like a subject or a verb. Therefore, you must be sure about:

(1) make sure that a sentence has a subject and a verb,

(2) be careful of objects of prepositions and appositives,
(3) be careful of participial adjective: present participles, and
(4) be careful of participial adjective: past participles.

Skill 1: BE SURE THE SENTENCE HAS A SUBJECT AND A VERB

The most common types of problems that you will encounter in the Structure section of the
TOEFL test have to do with subjects and verbs: perhaps the sentence is missing either the
subject or the verb or both, or perhaps the sentence has an extra subject or verb.

Exercise skill.1. Now let’s look at some simple sentences and underline the subjects once and
the verbs twice in each of these following sentences. Do these following steps:

a. Decide the subject of the sentence, and determine whether it is singular or plural.
b. Find the verb of the sentence; does it suit the subject?
c. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)

___ 1. That man painted our house last summer.

___ 2. Those children was arranged according to height.
___ 3. James asks a lot of questions.
___ 4. All our geese swim in the pond adjacent to our property.
___ 5. Some boys runs much faster than others.

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Skill 2: BE CAREFUL OF EXTRA INFORMATION: OBJECT OF PREPOSITION &
APPOSITIVE

a. Object of Preposition

An object of a preposition can cause confusion in the structure section of the TOEFL test
because it can be mistaken for the subject of a sentence. An object of a preposition is a noun
or a pronoun that comes after a preposition.

OP = Preposition + Noun, where an OP  a subject.

Near, inside, throughout, concerning, regarding, by, , in, at, of, to, by, behind, on, under,
between, beside, in front of, by, up, about, after, from, for, during, including, around, as,
out, into, onto, over, before, upon, beyond, within, with, without, against, down, according
to, relate to, in accordance with, with regard to, with respect to, because of, …

The car with many riders was speeding around the curve.
S OP V OP
The first thing you need to do is to find the subject of the sentence, a subject should be
independent/free (no preposition that comes before the subject).

The subject of the first sentence is “The car” while many riders is the object of preposition
with, and the curve is the object of preposition around.

The windows of that house need to be repaired soon.

S OP V

While, In the second sentence, “The windows” is the subject of the sentence, and that house is
the object of preposition of. Briefly, one noun cannot be both a subject and an object at the
same time.

Exercise skill.2.1. Please determine the subject (S), predicate (P), and Object of Preposition
(OP) of each sentence. Indicate if each sentence is correct (C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. To Mr. Jose Mujica his Blue VW Beetle a symbol of his humble lifestyle.
___ 2. The leader wanted to offer $1m for the humble car.
___ 3. Laundry outside the house are strung next to Mr. Mujica’s small garden.
___ 4. The water comes from a well in a yard, overgrown with weeds.
___ 5. In his house only two police officers and a dog keeps watch outside.

Exercise 2.2. Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.
1. One of the many cultures studied by 2. This group of Indians __ in the
anthropologists__ Indians. Canadian Coast.
A. are the Kwakiutl A. living
B. the Kwakiutl B. Lives
C. is the Kwakiutl C. Live
D. Kwakiutl D. is live

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*Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

5. No one of all of the singers in town give finer lessons.

A B C D
6. The former President of Uruguay dubbed ‘the world’s poorest president.
A B C D
7. Mr. Mujica donate a huge chunk of his salary to charity while maintaining a small portion
A B
just enough to live by.
C D

b. Appositive

Like Object of a preposition, an appositive can also cause confusion as it can be mistaken for
the subject of a sentence. An appositive is a noun that comes before or after another noun and
has the same meaning or functions as the explanation and extra information. It can be in a
form of a word or a phrase and it should be in correct structure form. If a word or phrase is an
appositive, it is NOT the subject. An appositive is generally set off from the noun with:

a. Commas , ___, : Masha, the most beautiful girl in her village, is very naughty.
b. Parenthesis ( ___ ): Masha (the most beautiful girl in her village) is very naughty.
c. Dashes –xxxx– : Masha – the most beautiful girl in her village– is very naughty.
Examples:

Tom, a really good mechanic, is fixing the car.

S Appositive (App) V
A really good mechanic, Tom is fixing the car
App. S V
Tom is fixing the car, a really good mechanic.
S V App

Exercise 2.3. Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

1. ____, George, is attending the lecture. 2. The tetracyclines, ____antibiotics, are

(A) Right now. used to treat infections.
(B) Happily (A) are a family of
(C) Because of the time (B) being a family
(D) My friend (C) a family of
(D) their family is

*Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

3. South Korea, which previously has the second biggest infectant number, have used mostly
A B
PCR-based testing to aggressively trace and isolate infected patients.
C D

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4. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, extremely well educated.
A B C D
5. The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, have been globally spread since the end of December
A B C D
2019.

Skill 3: BE CAREFUL OF PARTICIPIAL ADJECTIVE: PRESENT PARTICIPLE

A present participle is the -ing form of the verb (e.g., talking, playing) which functions as an
adjective when it is not preceded by a verb to be (is/am/are/was/were). Verb-ing can be either
a part of the verb when it is preceded by verb to be.

John is talking to me at the moment. He is my lab partner.

Verb

➢ John who is talking to me at the moment is my lab partner.

Adj (reduced) V

-ING ADJECTIVE
TYPE MEANING USE EXAMPLE
- ING Subject is Subject does the In 1066, a bright comet appearing in
Active (Subjek action of the verb S adj
bersifat aktif) the sky attracted much attention.
Verb

In this sentence appearing is an adjective and NOT a verb because it is not accompanied by
verb to be (is/am/are/was/were). While the verb of this sentence is attracted. The adjective
“appearing” indicates that the subject “a bright comet” has a character of an active player here
(muncul).

PRESENT PARTICIPLE
A present is the -ing form of the verb. The present participle can be (1) part of the verb or (2)
an adjective. It is part of the verb when it is accompanied by some form of the verb be. It is an
adjective when it is not accompanied by some form of the verb be.
1. The boy is standing in the comer.
S V
2. The boy standing in the corner was naughty.
S adj V

Exercise. 3: Circle the present participles, and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
C 1. The crying baby needs to be picked up.
___ 2. For her birthday, the child is getting a talk doll.
___ 3. The ship is sailing to Mexico is leaving tonight.
___ 4. The setting sun creating a rainbow of colors in the sky.
___ 5. Most workers working at the restaurant are friendly but her.
___ 6. The clothes are lying on the floor should go into the washing machine.

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Skill 4: BE CAREFUL OF PARTICIPIAL ADJECTIVE: PAST PARTICIPLE.

Past participles can cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because a past
participle can be either an adjective or a part of a verb. The past participle is the form of the
verb that appears with have or to be. It often ends in -ed,/ Verb3 but there are also many
irregular past participles in English.
-ED / V3 as ADJECTIVES
TYPE MEANING USE EXAMPLE
- ED / Subject is Subject receives The Earth’s plates meet each other at
V3 Passive the action of the S V
verb cracks in the earth called faults.
Adj

Initial: The earth’s plates meet each other at cracks in the earth. They are called faults.
S V S V(passive)

➢ The earth’s plates which are called faults meet each other at cracks in the earth.

Reduced: The earth’s plates called faults meet each other at cracks in the earth.
S adj V

In this sentence “called” is an adjective and NOT a verb because it is not accompanied by verb
‘have’ or ‘to be’ (is/am/are/was/were). While the verb of this sentence is meet. The adjective
“called” indicates that the subject “The earth’s plates” has a character of a passive object which
is given an action (yang dinamai).

PAST PARTICIPLE
A past participle often ends in -ed but there are also many irregular past participle. For
many verbs, including -ed verbs, the simple past and the past participle are the same and
can be easily confused. The -ed form of the verb can be (1) the simple past, (2) the past
participle of a verb, or (3) an adjective.

1. She painted this picture,

S V
2. She has painted this picture.
S V
3. The picture painted by Karen is now in a museum.
S adj V

Exercise .4. Past Participle

Circle the past participles, and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then indicate if the
sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C 1. The food served in this restaurant is delicious.

___ 2. The unexpected guests arrived just at dinnertime.
___ 3. The courses are listed in the catalogue are required courses.
___ 4. The tree was blown over in the storm was cut into logs.
___ 5. The students registered in this course are listed on that sheet of paper.
___ 6. Some Covid-19 rapid test kits were imported from China have poor accuracy rate.

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Exercise Skills. 3 - 4. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the
following sentences. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C 1. We walked by the damaging bridge.

___ 2. The news was damaged to his reputation.
___ 3. Some people find documentary films are boring.
___ 4. The students were annoying by the boring lecture.
___ 5. It seems that the online courses giving by most lecturers are online assignments.
___ 6. The ladies living in the apartment next to my patio is planning to look for another job.

GENERAL REVIEW Skills 1-4 Part #1: Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in
each of the following sentences. Indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C 1. For three weeks at the beginning of the semester students with fewer than the
maximum number of units can add additional courses.
____ 2. On her lunch hour went to a nearby department store to purchase a wedding gift.
____ 3. The fir trees were grown for the holiday season were harvested in November.
____ 4. In the grove the overripe oranges were falling on the ground.
____ 5. The papers being delivered at 4:00 will contain the announcement of the president’s
resignation.

*Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the sentence.

6. The North Platte River____from 9. ____tea plant are small and white.
Wyoming into Nebraska. (A) The
(A) it flowed (B) On the
(B) flows (C) Having flowers the
(C) flowing (D) The flowers of the
(D) with flowing water

7. ____Biloxi received its name from a 10. Any possible academic assistance from
Sioux word meaning “first people.” taking stimulants __marginal at best.
(A) The city of (A) it is
(B) Located in (B) there is
(C) It is in (C) is
(D) The tour included (D) as

8. A pride of lions____up to forty lions, 11. Henry Adams, born in Boston,___

including one to three males, several famous as a historian and novelist.
females, and cubs. (A) became
(A) can contain (B) and became
(B) it contains (C) he was
(C) contain (D) and he became
(D) containing
(

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B. SENTENCE WITH MULTIPLE CLAUSES (Common pattern ‘CSV’)

S + P Connector S + V or Connector S + P, S + P

She will sign the check before you go

S V Con S V

John loves wild animals, but his sister dislikes them.

S V Con S V

Common Pattern to remember: CSV, SV or SV CSV

Many sentences in English have more than one clause. (A clause is a group of words
containing a subject and a verb.)

• Whenever you find a sentence on the TOEFL test with more than one clause, you
need to make sure that every subject has a verb and every verb has a subject.
• Next you need to check that the various clauses in the sentence are correctly joined.
There are various ways to join clauses in English.

Skill 5: USE COORDINATE CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

When you have two clauses in an English sentence, you must connect the two clauses
correctly. One way to connect two clauses is to use Conjunction Connectors: FANBOYS
(For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) or BANYO (but, and, nor, yet, or) between the clauses.

Tom is tall , but Paul is short. Tom must write the letter, or Paul will do it.
Clause con. Clause
Clause(s)

Tom told a joke, so Paul laughed. Tom is tired, yet he is not going to sleep.

In each of these examples, there are two clauses that are correctly joined with a coordinate
conjunction and, but, or, so, or yet, and a comma (,). Coordinate Conjunction only can be
placed in the middle between clauses.

EXERCISE 5: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the
subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct ‘(C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. The lawn needs water every day, or it will turn brown.
___ 2. The book was not long, it difficult to read.
___ 3. It was raining, so decided not to go camping.
___ 4. The material has been cut, and the pieces have been sewn together.
___ 5. The patient took all the medicine, he did not feel much better.

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___ 6. The bill must be paid immediately, or the electricity will be turned off.
___ 7. The furnace broke so the house got quite cold.
___ 8. The dress did not cost too much, but the quality it seemed excellent.
___ 9. The leaves kept falling off the trees, and the boys kept raking them up, but the yard
was still covered.
___ 10. The mail carrier has already delivered the mail, so the letter is not going to arrive
today, it probably will arrive tomorrow.

SKILL 6. ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb. That is, the
entire clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. As with all clauses, it contains
a subject and predicate, though the subject as well as the (predicate) verb may sometimes be
omitted and implied. There are some types of Adverbial clause as listed in this following table.

6.A. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF TIME CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

Types of Clause Connectors

After, before, as, as long as, once, as soon as,
Time (to answer the question When) just as, whenever, by the time, when, while,
Show how ideas are related in time. Until, till, since, every time, …

Examples: I took a long vacation after we broke up.

Main Clause time clause

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.

Time clause Main clause

Exercise 6.a. Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best
answer
1. I always take a bath ____ go 3. I was not at home when __ to see me.
to bed. (A) he came
(A) after (B) he
(B) I as (C) came
(C) before (D) after he came
(D) before I

2. Will you wait here ____ ready? 4. Do not disturb me __ I am busy with
(A) before I my work.
(B) until (A) after
(C) until I am (B) before
(D) until I (C) when
(D) until

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5. As soon as she finished that project, __ 6. Whenever __ of this global pandemic,
working on the next. my eyes get misty.
(A) started (A) I
(B) she started (B) I think
(C) after that she started (C) think
(D) once she started (D) every time I think

*Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

7. When digested food reaches the cells of the body, is oxidized or slowly burned.
A B C D

8. Our life will get back to normal the vaccine for COVID-19 is found and issued
A B C
globally.
D

6.B. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF CAUSE & REASON CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

Cause & Reason ( to answer the question why) Connectors:

(Show that one idea is a cause, effect or as, because, since, now that,
consequence of another) for, so, inasmuch as

Example: Because the study sample is small, additional research is needed.

Teresa went inside because it was raining

Exercise 6.b. Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not
correct.

1. As it raining again, we will have to cancel going to Pasir Panjang beach .

A B C D

2. Aming had not paid the bill, the electricity were cut off.
A B C D

3. Since we have to study from home due to Covid-19, get a long three-month-break from
A B C
studying on campus
D
4. As don’t live in London anymore, I can’t see Tower Bridge from small bedroom window.
A B C D

5. The epidemic since has been entering the second month, the White House has issued specific
A B C
social distancing guidance.
D

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6.C. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF PLACE CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

Place Connectors:
(to answer the question Where) Where, wherever, everywhere, anywhere
Examples: Wherever I go, I always see McDonald’s.
I am not sure where she lives.
The government will track COVIC-19 infected people wherever they go.

Exercise 6.c. Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best
answer

1. The beach __ a small villa two years 4. Pulau Lemukutan ___ destination
ago is Pantai Kura-Kura. where tourists can do snorkelling and
(A). family built diving in West Kalimantan because
(B). my family built other beaches are not clean.
(C). where my family (A) the only oceanic
(D). where my family built (B) to be the only oceanic
(C) seems to be the only oceanic
(D) it seems to be the only oceanic
2. Windsor Castle is a royal residence
where __ Easter along with other 5. Hundreds of people come to Wisma
members of her family. Atlet Jakarta to have a rapid test for
(A) the Royal Family usually celebrate COVID-19 __ treated and observed.
(B) the Royal Family usually (A) where patients positive COVID-19
(C) usually the Royal Family (B) patients positive COVID-19 are
(D) the Royal Family (C) patients positive COVID-19
(D) where patients positive COVID-19
3. During this global pandemic there will are
be a social distancing banner ___ , and 6. People are gathering in a market close
you need to obey it. to my house where some traders ____.
(A) where (A) sell fresh and organic vegetables
(B) whenever you go (B) fresh and organic vegetables
(C) wherever you (C) they sell fresh and organic
(D) wherever you go vegetables
(D) sells fresh and organic vegetables

*Please choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

7. The leaves quickly fell to the ground forming a thick layer everywheres.
A B C D

8. Electronic transfers mean the money of a government, business, or individual might be

A B C
where at any time.
D
9. He later established a private paediatric practice, taught at medical school and volunteered
A B
at a hospital where comforted parents of dying children.
C D
10. This use of taboo terms can appear anywhere the appropriate intensifiers.
A B C D

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6.D. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF CONTRAST/CONCESSION CONNECTORS
CORRECTLY

Contrast / Concession Connectors:

Although, Even though, Though, While, Whereas,
Nevertheless, Nonetheless, However.
Example: Although the tests were done in a Wuhan lab, the findings should be applicable
to the real world.

Pak Saloy speaks French and Arabic fluently whereas his wife is not good at
languages at all.

Exercise 6.d. *Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not
correct.

1. The parents left a phone number with the baby-sitter in case a problem with the children.
A B C D
2. The director is ready to start the meeting not all of his staff members is in the room.
A B C D
3. Whereas most of the students ready to study, the teacher still has not come to campus yet.
A B C D
4. It is impossible for the airplane to take off while is snowing so hard.
A B C D
5. We did not go out to dinner tonight even though would have preferred not to cook.
A B C D
6. Although nevertheless they reflect a strong social conscience, Arthur Miller's stage works
A B C
are typical more concerned with individuals than with systems.
D

*Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best answer

7. While in reality Alpha Centauri is a (A) than sound waves do

triple star,___ to the naked eye to be a (B) do sound waves
single star. (C) than sound waves are
(A) it appears
(B) but it appears (D) sound waves
(C) appears
(D) despite it 10 . Some snakes lay eggs, but others
_____ birth to live offspring.
8. ____creation of such a community was (A) give
a desirable step, the requisite political (B) giving
upheaval had to be accepted. (C) they give
(A) Since the (D) to have given
(B) The
(C) Later, the
(D) It was the

9. Although thunder and lightning are

produced at the same time, light waves
travel faster _____, so we see the
lightening before we hear the thunder.

14
6.E. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF CONDITION CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

Condition Connectors:
It shows that something will occur if certain If, In case, Unless, Providing / Provided,
conditions are met. Provided that, whatever, whether
Example: You will get a high TOEFL score provided you study hard.

Unless you practice frequently, you will fail the exam.

Exercise 6.e. Part 1. Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is
not correct.

1. Cold air hovers near the earth because is heavier than hot air.
A B C D
2. Now that Masha finally caught up on her work, can go on vacation and visit her cousin.
A B C D
3. Because our TV set is broken, cannot watch the breaking news on COVID-19 update, so
A B C
we then listen to the news on the radio.
D
4. Many young people move to the cities in search of employment since there few jobs
A B C
available in their kampongs.
D
5. Students have to hand in their assignment through google classroom even if are not finished.
A B C D

*Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best answer!

6. If it rains, __ to swim in the beach. 9. We cannot travel abroad __ .

(A) we going (A) unless if this global pandemic ends
(B) we will not (B) If this global pandemic ends
(C) will not go (C) unless this global pandemic ends
(D) we will not go (D) this global pandemic ends

7. Masha will come to your ___ you invite 10. We will have plenty to eat during this
her. city lockdown due to COVID-19
(A) if birthday party pandemic___ five boxes of Indomie and
(B) to birthday party three kilo grams of dried fish.
(C) birthday party if (A) that we buy ten sacks of rice,
(D) birthday party (B) we buy ten sacks of rice,
(C) provided that we ten sacks of rice,
8. You will never pass this test unless __ (D) provided that we buy ten sacks of
hard and practice frequently. rice,
(A) you study
(B) to study
(C) if you study
(D) you to study

17
 6.F. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF MANNER CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

Manner Connectors:
show us how something happens As though; As if;
As; In that; like
Examples: Seolah-olah & seperti
a. She looked as though she was in pain. (yakin memang itu yang terjadi/dilakukannya)
b. Icha walked past as if she hadn’t seen us. (guessing/tak yakin benar/tidak begitu)
c. She treated me like I was a child. (seperti)
d. Our government first responded to Covid 19 as if it would not spread to our country.

Exercise 6.f. Place the appropriate connector word in the gap using the words provided in the
box.
as, in that, as though, as if, like

1. During my vacation I spent my money as if I was a millionaire.

2. The secretary typed the letter _____________ it was requested by the manager.
3. When you have a lot of money, you may do ___________ you are the owner of this globe.
4. We do not like when she treats us _______________ her slaves.
5. The salesman behaved ___________________ he owned the company.
6. The plastic flowers looked ___________they were real. I had to touch them just to be sure.
7. You need to do ____________ she says and stop arguing with her, or she will cut you off.
8. We watched in amazement when the strong man carried the heavy box _____________ it was
empty.
9. Why do you look at me _____________________ I was someone else?
10. Jakarta coronavirus death toll increases _______________ cases spike.

Note:
• Subordinators and coordinators connect clauses within a single sentence.
• A connector is always followed by One subject and One predicate (→ CSV).
• Subordinators join two clauses and de-emphasize the clause they are attached to.
• Coordinators (e.g., but, yet) : Join two independent clauses and give equal emphasis
to the idea they join. A comma should be placed before the coordinator.

The study’s design has some flaw, but the results are promising

17
6.G. USE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF DEGREE of COMPARISON CONNECTORS
CORRECTLY. (This topic will be discussed further in Skill #19)

Degree of Comparison Connectors: As,

Answer the question How much, how As … as
little, how many. So… as
Than
Correlative comparison: The … the
Examples:
a. I love her very much as you do.
b. Masha is as intelligent as she is beautiful. ( as adjective / adverb as)
c. During this lockdown I am so bored as you (are).
d. Nobody loves you better than I do.
e. She is older than
f. The older you grow the wiser you become.

*In adverb clauses of degree or comparison, the verb is often understood and not expressed.

It is obvious that Mira is more beautiful than Susanti (is).

Exercise 6.g. Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best answer

1. New York State has more COVID-19 4. Masha, the most famous girl in her
cases ___ in that country. village, is ___ is active.
(A) any states (A) as naughty she
(B) than any states (B) as naughty as she
(C) any states than (C) naughty as she
(D) instead than any states (D) she as naughty as

2. I think Queen Elizabeth II ___ looks. 5. Central Park in New York ___ big as it
(A) is older than she sounds, but it is obvious that it is bigger
(B) she is older than than Monaco.
(C) older than she (A) not look as
(D) older than she is (B) does not look as
(C) does not look
3. You will regret what you did to me since (D) not look as
___ than I do.
(A) no one loves 6. The number of Coronavirus victims in
(B) no one loves you Italy is not as many ___.
(C) no one loves you best (A) it is in the US
(D) no one loves you better (B) as is in the US
(C) as it in the US
(D) as it is in the US

17
*Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

7. I always come home from campus early than my brother does.

A B C D
8. Saffron has been linked to health benefits, such as improved mood, libido, and sexual
A B
function, as well reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss.
C D
9. As many 36 prisoners in Iran are feared dead after security forces used lethal force to
A B C
control protests triggered by fears of Covid-19.
D
10. Life is a journey, the more mistakes we make, than more we learn.
A B C D

EXERCISE. skills 5-6 : Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the
following sentences. Circle the connectors. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).

___ 1. Until the registrar makes a decision about your status, you must stay in
an unclassified category.
___ 2. Or the bills can be paid by mail by the first of the month.
___ 3. The furniture will be delivered as soon it is paid for.
___ 4. Whenever you want to hold the meeting, we will schedule it.
___ 5. The government was overthrown in a revolution, the king has not returned to his
homeland.
___ 6. Whereas most of the documents are complete, this form still needs to be notarized.
___ 7. Trash will be collected in the morning, so you should put the trash cans out tonight.
___ 8. It is impossible for the airplane to take off while is snowing so hard.
___ 9. The more people disobey the covid-19 protocol, the many people may get infected.
___10. So the local government proposes to get the police department defunded, the
number of crimes in NYC has increased by more than 100%

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

18
SKILL 7: USE NOUN CLAUSE CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun.

Because the noun clause is a noun, it is used in a sentence as either
an object of a verb, an object of a preposition, or the subject of the
sentence. Noun clauses often begin with relative pronouns,
subordinating conjunctions, or other words. The introductory
word generally has a grammatical function in the sentence.

Relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, whose, what

Indefinite relative pronouns: whoever, whomever, whatever, whichever, whether, if
Subordinating conjunctions: how, if, when, whenever, where, whether, why

How to identify a Noun Clause in a sentence:

- NC Pattern: Introductory word/ WH-word + S + V
- It Contains a subject and a verb.
- NC is a Dependent clause, and It functions as a noun (S/O/OP)
- It begins with words (e.g., what, when, that, …) as listed in this following table.

Noun Connector as Object

Example: I don’t know why he went home earlier.

Noun Clause as Object of verb

In this example, there are two clauses, I don’t know and why he went home earlier.
These two clauses are joined with the connector why. Why changes the clause why he
went home earlier into a noun clause which functions as the object of the verb don’t
know.

I am thinking about why he went home earlier.

Noun Clause as Object of Preposition

In the second example, the two clauses I am thinking about and he went home earlier are also
joined by the connector why. Why changes the clause why he went home earlier into a noun
clause which functions as the object of the preposition about.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure
section of the TOEFL test.

Example
Everybody worries about ……….disappears.
A. when Covid-19
B. Covid-19
C. when
D. when Covid-19 it

In this example, the sentence contains the main subject and verb, everybody worries, and it also
contains an additional verb disappears. The sentence needs a subject for the verb disappears

19
and a connector to join the two clauses. The best answer is (A) because it has the connector
when and the subject Covid-19. Answer (B) is incorrect because it has no connector. Answer
(C) is also incorrect because it has no subject for the verb disappears. Answer (D) is incorrect
because it has two subjects for disappears.

Table d. Noun clause introductory words and Use

Noun Clause Connectors
What, when, where, why, why, how, whether, if, that

Example:
S V Connector S V
I will tell you where I live

Exercise 7.1. Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Find the subjects
and the verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
___ 1. It is unfortunate that the meal is not ready yet.
___ 2. She told me when should pick up the children.
___ 3. We could not believe what he did to us
___ 4. Can you tell me why was the mail not delivered today?
___ 5. The map showed where the party would be held.

Noun Clause as Connector/Subject

Example: I know what happened yesterday

Noun Clause as Object of verb

I am thinking about what happened yesterday

Noun Clause as Object of Preposition

In the first example, the two clauses are joined by connector what. In the second example, what
is a subject of happened. What is also the connector of two clauses I am thinking and happened
yesterday.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure
section of the TOEFL test.

Example
I know ………. called me last night.
A. Mira
B. someone
C. who
D. what
E. Covid-19
In this example, the sentence contains the main clause I know and another verb called. The
sentence needs a subject for the verb called and a connector to join the two clauses. The best
answer is (C) because who is both a connector and a subject. Answer (A) is incorrect because
it has a subject but no connector. Answer (B) is also incorrect because someone is a subject,
but there is no connector. Answer (D) is incorrect because what is a connector, but it is not a
subject.

20
Noun clause introductory words and Use
Noun Clause Connectors/Subjects
What whatever who whoever which

Example:
S V Connector V
Ann told me what happened

Exercise 7.2. Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Find the subjects
and the verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. The teacher heard who answered the questions.

___ 2. She saw what in the box in the closet
___ 3. We thought about who would be the best vice president
___ 4. I am not sure which it is the most important courses in the program.
___ 5. Do you know what caused the plants to die?

Noun Clause as Subject

Example: What she said makes me happy.
NC as subject V

Table d. Noun clause introductory words and Use

Intro.Words Examples
What What you did last summer was terrible. (NC as a subject )
Whatever You can buy whatever you need. (NC as a direct Object )
How How the waitress behaved was very polite. (NC as a subject)
When We all asked when you will get married. (NC as a direct Object)
Where I know where you went on your last vacation.(NC as an Object of Verb)
Whether We don’t know whether (or not) this pandemic ends in July.(NC as dirt.O)
Which Which car is yours is not important, I need a ride soon! (NC as a Subject)
Whichever You may sleep in whichever bed you like. (NC as an OP)
Who It is who we are. (NC as a Subject complement)
Whoever I will tell whoever will listen to my love story.(C/S, NC as an indrect.Obj)
Whomever My love life is a business between you and with whomever I’m. (NC—OP)
Why That is why most kids adore Barbie. ( NC as a Subject complement)
That I didn’t realize that the directions were wrong ( NC as an Object)
The fact that The fact that we were late to class really upset the teacher. (NC as a Subj.)
• Lots of these words are flexible. They do different things in different sentences.
• Noun Clause Connector / Subject (In this case a connector also functions as a
subject). Wh-word + Verb

21
 a. I know what is in your mind. (*What functions as a connector and a subject in
the same time.)
b. Whoever comes to my party must bring a gift.
S/C
c. We know who stole our cats.
S/C

Exercise 7.3. Instruction: Please identify each noun clause. Is it used as a subject, a direct
object, an indirect object, a subject complement, or an object of a preposition?

You know that the telephone uses electricity.

S V NC / O (direct object)

1. Basically, this is how a telephone operates.

2. What you said on the phone to my parents creates chaos.
3. An electric current carries the sound to whoever is listening.
4. You can talk to whomever you like and say whatever you think.
5. Campaign workers use whatever helps them to win the election.

Exercise 7.2. Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not
correct.

1. I know what it happened yesterday in front of UPT Bahasa Untan between the girl and you.
A B C D
2. She is prepared for what that will happen with her household after she caught her husband
A B C
red-handed cheating on her with their maid.
D
3. We finally found out which what are her favorite things, and we know what to buy
A B C
for her birthday.
D
4. Jane saw what in the box inside my closet, a doll, which I have prepared for her B-day gift.
A B C D
5. I knew who she came to my room last night, and I could not recognize her, a woman
A B
with apparently long hair, since it was so dark
C D

*Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best answer.

6. She had an accident and took her car to 7. The old lady next door must have a lot
the garage. Her husband then asked her of cats. I don’t know how many __ .
where ___. (A) cats does she have
(A) is her car (B) does she has cats
(B) her car was (C) she has cats
(C) her car is (D) cats she has
(D) was her car

22
8. Do you know ___ from the earth? 13. ___ made me angry most was that our
government did not bother to do lockdown
(A) how far the moon is our airport for China airplane once the
(B) how far is the moon China Coronavirus broke out.
(C) how the moon is far (A) It
(D) how long far is the moon (B) Which
(C) The fact
9. Masha is playing her music too loud, (D) What
that Piggy cannot concentrate on what
___ . 14. __ he learned English in one year was a
(A) is he reading. great success.
(B) he is reading. (A) What
(C) reading he is (B) Who
(D) reading (C) Which
(D) That
10. __ is long holiday after passing your
exam.
15. The fact that a dozen detainees in
(A) you need
Indonesia ___ due to the Corona
(B) why you needed
pandemic worried members of the
(C) it is needed
community.
(D) what you need
A. released from prison
B. were released from prison
11. I didn’t understand __
C. they released from prison
(A) why he did it
D. they were released from prison
(B) why he does it
(C) he did it
(D) why does he do it

12. Upik didn’t want to go to the car show.

Her husband insisted that __ with him.
(A) she had come
(B) she came
(C) she come
(D) she comes

23
Skill 8 : USE ADJECTIVE CLAUSE CONNECTORS CORRECTLY

An adjective clause is a dependent clause that describes or modifies a noun or a pronoun

providing a description or further information. It does not change the basic meaning of a
sentence but rather clarify the writer’s intent.

Initial Clauses: Masha is filling the glass. She put the glass on the table.
O
➢ Masha is filling the glass that she put on the table.
Adjective Clause

Initial Clauses: The man asked me to be his wife. I met him last night.

➢ The man whom I met last night asked me to be his wife.

In the first example, Masha is the subject of the verb is filling. While she is the subject of the
verb ‘put’. That is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective
clause that she put on the table describes the noun glass.

The following chart lists the adjective clause connectors and sentence patterns used with them

Adjective Clause Connectors

Whom which that
(for people) (for things) (for people/things)
S V Connector S V
I like the dress that you are wearing
S Connector S V V
The dress that you are wearing is beautiful.

Exercise 8.1. Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Find the subjects
and the verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
__ 1. I did not believe the story he told me.
__ 2. The teacher whom the students like the most is their English teacher.
__ 3. Did you forget the promise whom you made?
__ 4. Next week I am going to visit my cousins, whom have not seen in several years
__5. She is able to solve the problems which did she cause.

Adjective Clause as Connectors/Subjects

Examples:
Initial Sentences: The notebook has four sections. It is on the table.
S S

The notebook which is on the table has four sections.

Adjective clause

In this sentence notebook is the subject of the verb has, and which is the subject of the verb
is. Which is also the connector that joins the two clauses.

24
 Initial Sentences: The boy is a travel agent. He is checking some tickets.

The boy who is checking some tickets is a travel agent.

Adjective clause

Exercise 8.2. Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Find the subjects
and the verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
___ 1. The children built a house in the tree that in the backyard.
___ 2. The boat that hit the underwater rock sank.
___ 3. After dinner she went to visit her parents, who were living down the street.
___ 4. She forgot to attend the meeting that it began at 9.00
___ 5. Any student who does not turn in the paper by Friday will fail the class.

Table e. Adjective Clause Relative words & Patterns to remember ☺

Relative Structure
Function Examples
Words Pattern
Yang,
Jane is my sister. she has 2 babies
Who Kata ganti orang
Who + verb
(Relative untuk Subjek.
Pronoun) (she/he/they …)
➢ Jane who has 2 babies is my sister
adj. clause
Whom Yang, Jane is a singer. I like her
(Relative Kata ganti orang Whom+ S+P Jane whom I like is a singer.
Pronoun) Untuk Objek adj. clause
(her/him/them…)
Whose Yang … -nya, Jane is a singer. Her voice is hoarse.
(Relative Kata ganti untuk Whose + Noun ➢ Jane whose voice is hoarse is a
Pronoun) kepunyaan singer
(her/his/its/their,…)
That Yang, The house stands firmly. It is built on
(Relative Kata ganti the cliff.
Pronoun) that + verb
orang/benda untuk
Or ➢ The house that is built on the cliff
Subjek/Objek
That + S + P stands firmly.

Which Yang mana A white house, which is built on the

(Relative (spesifik) Kata which + verb cliff, belongs to Jo. (Non-restrictive)
Pronoun) ganti benda Or
Untuk Objek / which + S + P A house which Jo bought last year is
subjek built on the cliff.
Where Dimana (a) Waikiki is next to DH.
(relative (2) I always spend my free time in
Adverb) Kata ganti untuk Waikiki / there.
tempat where + S + P
➢ The Waikiki beach where I always
(there / here) spend my free time is next to
Diamond Head.

25
 When Waktu/ ketika The baby woke up when her mom
(Relative Adding detail about turned on the lamp.
adverb) When + S + P
the noun &
pronoun, using I can remember when you proposed
adverb of time) me for a marriage.
Why (mengapa) (a) I want to buy Urus SUV Lambo.
(Relative The clause modifies (b) The reason is you.
adverb) the noun reason. Why + S + P
➢ The reason why I want to buy
Urus SUV Lamborghini is you.
Note: Things to remember about An adjective clause:

• It is positioned directly after the noun or pronoun that it describes.

• It is dependent or subordinate clause that contains a subject and a verb or verb phrase
but does not express a complete thought.
• It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
• An adjective clause begin with words such as , who, whom, whose, that, which,
and why, when, where.
• Adjective Clause Connector/Subject
Some Adjective Clause’ relative words can act as a Connector or a Subject in the same
time.(C/S), if the pattern is Wh-word + Verb

*Essential (restrictive) adjective Clauses

A restrictive adjective clause provides information that is necessary for identifying the word
it modifies.

I don’t like the children who eat ice cream with their hands.

The person whom I called last night is my mother.

*Non-essential (non-restrictive) adjective clause

It gives extra or additional description that is not strictly required to understand the writer’s
intent.
Example:

Bang Lapok, who was the oldest member of our gang, finally got married yesterday.

The adjective clause gives extra information, but it isn’t necessary to get the gist of the sentence
about Bang Lapok getting married, if you remember skill #2, it has a similar pattern as an
Appositive set in the middle by commas (,).

The house on the left, which belongs to Jamilah, is up for sale.

(Which belongs to Jamila is a nonessential adjective clause. It contains the subject which and
the verb belongs. The clause modifies the noun house, providing additional, nonessential
information about it.)

26
Exercise 8.3. Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not
correct.

1. I don’t know a girl in pink gown who you invited to our wedding party last night,
A B C
can you give me an explanation.
D
2. The gardener’s wife who she has been married for six years has just had her third baby last
A B C D
night.

3. The man whom daughter you fall in love with teaches at our university, and he is strict
A B C
and demanding.
D
4. Implanting Microchips in humans has gained some popularity in Sweden who already has
A B C
a robust digital society.
D
5. The newspapers who were piled up on the front porch were an indication that the residents
A B C
had not been home in some time.
D

Exercise 8.4. Read each question and answer choice carefully and choose the ONE best
answer.

1. I didn't know __, and I was too 4. I visited my grandmotehr __ lives in a

confused to different city.
decide.
(A) which job I (A) who
(B) job I wanted (B) which
(C) which job that I (C) when
(D) which job I wanted (D) where

2. Susanti whom Indah __ is the smartest 5. The movie … we saw last night in Mega
student in her class. Mall XXI won three awards.
(A) that she bullies everyday (A) who
(B) she bullies everyday (B) when
(C) that bullies everyday (C) which
(D) bullies everyday (D) where

3. Due to Coronavirus pandemic, students 6. Do you know the reason ___ there are no
___ have online class. penguins at the North Pole?
(A) who enrol TUTEP training will (A) where
(B) who they enrol TUTEP training (B) why
will (C) whose
(C) whom enrol TUTEP training will (D) what
(D) whose enrol TUTEP training will

27
7. The students__ names are not on the live- 9. Can you find the girl __ you talked to last
presence list will be considered absent. night? Hmm, I think I like her.
(A) whose (A) who
(B) where (B) what
(C) that (C) which
(D) why (D) whom

8. Most of people __ I know will be invited 10. Some countries reported that COVID-
to my wedding party, but you! 19 Rapid test-kits ___ are imported
(A) who from China are some damaged and
(B) what infected by the virus itself.
(C) whom (A) that
(D) where (B) who
(C) where
(D) whose

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1 – 8):

Choose the letter of the words or group of words that best complete the sentence.

1. ____ loom high above the north and 3. The same symptoms that occur_____
north-eastern boundaries of the occur with cocaine.
expanding city of Tucson. (A) amphetamines can
(A) The Santa Catalina mountains (B) with amphetamines can
(B) Because the Santa Catalina (C) so amphetamines
mountains (D) with amphetamines they
(C) The Santa Catalina mountains are
(D) That the Santa Catalina mountains 4. If a food label indicates that a food is
mostly carbohydrate, it does not mean
2. The benefit___the study is that it ____is a good food to eat.
provides necessary information to (A) and it
anyone who needs it. (B) and
(A) of (C) that it
(B) which (D) when
(C) that
(D) house

28
5. A total of 470 boxes of surgical masks 6. _____in the first draft of the budget will
___ stolen from Pagelaran General not necessarily be in the final draft.
Hospital in Cianjur, West Java. (A) Although it appears
A. have reportedly been (B) It appears
B. has reportedly been (C) What appears
C. reportedly been (D) Despite its appearance
D. They have reportedly been

*Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

7. Everyone in the surrounding towns were warned about the epidemic.

A B C D
8. Of the new three cases one have been solved, but the others are impossible to solve.
A B C D
9. Although several students in the group doubt the ending of pandemic, am sure that this
A B C
circumstance will end soon.
D
10. She is so beautiful and kind if she is so adored and loved by many people.
A B C D

SKILL 9. COMPARATIVE DEGREES

9.a. Comparative and Superlative

The problem with some of the comparative and superlative sentences on the TOEFL test is
that the comparative or superlative is formed incorrectly. You should therefore understand
how to form the comparative and superlative to answer such questions correctly.
The comparative is formed with either -er (for short adjective) or More (forlong
adjective) and than. While in the superlative is formed with the, either -est or most, and is
followed by in, of, or a that- clause
Upin is strong. (adjective)
Mas Jarwo is Stronger than Upin. (Comparative)
Miskha is the strongest of all. (superlative)
Miskha is the tallest man in the room.
Mas Jarwo is the most handsome of all the men at the Gym.
The spider over there is the largest one that I have ever seen.
The fastest runner wins the race. (No in, of, or that-clause)

29
The following chart outlines the possible forms of comparatives and superlatives:
THE FORM OF COMPARTIVES AND
SUPERLATIVES
COMPARTIVE
(it is used to compare More + (long adjective)
Than (dari)
two equal things.) (short adjective) + -er

SUPERLATIVE
(it is used to show which one of many Most + (long adjective)
(more than two) is in some way the most The in / of / that- clause.
outstanding) (Short adjective) + -est

However, there are some adjectives which take irregular forms for both comparative and
superlative, for example, Masha is a good swimmer, but PingPing is better.

Table f. Irregular Comparison

Positive Comparative (+ than) (The +) Superlative
Good (adj) Better Best
Well (adv, health) Better Best
Bad (adj) Worse Worst
Many (CTN) More Most
Much (UCTN) More Most
Little (adj/adv, size) Littler / more little Littlest / most little
Little (amount) Less Least
Late Later Last
Far (adj/adv, extent) Further Furthest
Far (distance) Farther Farthest

The comparative and superlative also have different uses, and you should understand these
different uses to answer such questions correctly. The comparative is used to compare two
equal things. Take a look at this following example:

(a). The Math class is 30 M2, (b) The History class is 422, (c) The English class is 48 M2

→ The history class is larger than the math class, but the English class is the biggest of all.

→ The history class is smaller than the English class, but the Math class is the smallest of all.

In the first example the history class is being compared with the math class, while the
English class is compared with both Math and History classes and the most outstanding
of all.

Look at this second example, Comparative degrees with long adjective

(a). Adelia got a C on English 101 class;
(b) Rahmawati got an A on English 101 class;
(b) Rabudin got an A+ on English 101 class.

28
 ➢ Rahmawati is more intelligent than Adelia, but Rabudin is the most intelligent of all.
➢ Rahmawati is more unintelligent than Rabudin, but Adelia is the most unintelligent
of all.

The superlative is used when there are more than two items to compare and you want to
show the one that is the best, the biggest, or in some way the most outstanding.
The history class is the largest in the school.
Mary is the most intelligent of all the students in the class.

Exercise 9. 1: Circle the comparatives and superlatives in the following sentences.

Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
I 1. The coffee is more stronger today than it was yesterday.
___ 2. The tree that was struck by lightning had been the tallest of the trees we had in
the yard.
___ 3. He will buy the most fuel-efficient car that he can afford.
___ 4. Cheetahs run more faster than any other animals.
___ 5. The business department is bigger of the departments in the university.
___ 6. Urus SUV Lamborghini is expensive than Lexus RX.

9.b. Use the Correlative comparison/Double Comparative

The comparative, The comparative Structure Correctly.

A double comparative structure that has been appearing frequently on the TOEFL test consists
of two parallel comparatives introduced by the. Double comparatives are phrases commonly
used in English to express increasing or decreasing returns, see the patterns in the following
table and the examples below.

THE -ER, -ER STRUCTURE

-er -er

This type of sentence may or may not include a verb.

The harder he tried, the further he fell behind.

The older the children are, the more their parents expect from them.
The first example contains the two parallel comparatives the harder and the further.
29
 The second example contains the two parallel comparatives the older and the more.
In this type of sentence, correlative comparison can be followed by any structures.
(a) The more children you have, the bigger the house you need.
S V S V
the comparative – the comparative

In the first example, the more is followed by the noun children and the subject and
verb you have, while the bigger is followed by the noun the house and the subject and verb
you need.
(b) The harder you work, the more you accomplish.

In the second example, the harder is followed by the subject and verb you work,
while the more is followed by the subject and verb you accomplish.
(c) The greater the experience, the higher the salary.

In the third example, the greater is followed only by the noun the experience, while
the higher is followed only by the noun the salary. You should note that this last example
does not even contain a verb, yet it is a correct structure in English.

Exercise 9.2. Circle the comparatives and superlatives in the following sentences. Then,
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
___ 1. The more we expect the situation to get better, the worst it turns.
___ 2. The closest it gets to summer, the longer the days are.
___ 3. The later it got, the colder it became.
___ 4. The best the car is, the more expensive it is.
___ 5. The more I practice, the easy I understand the lesson.

9.c. Comparison of Equality (… as … as…; the same … as… )

➢ If two things are equal in some ways, we can use a comparison with as…as … The
comparison may involve adjectives (adj) or adverbs (adv) after the first as, and noun
phrases after the second as.
Examples:
He has grown so much, he is as tall as his father now. (adj + Noun phrase)
You are still as beautiful as you were 20 years ago. (adj + clause)
The second game did not go as well as the first one. (adv + noun phrase)
Jane’s company is not performing as successfully as she did when she was still my GF.
(adv + clause)
The figures for May are more or less the same as the figures for June.

➢ When the second part of the comparison is a clause, the clause is often a reduced clause.
If the sales figures are as bad as predicted, the company will probably go bankrupt.
(… as bad as economists have predicted …)

30
➢ If we use as …as .. with a noun phrase, we must use much or little with uncountable noun
or many or few with Plural Noun.
o I have as much money as I need right now and don't want to do anything, I
just want to lie in my bed.
o During this Covid-19 quarantine, I will spend as little money as I can.
o There are as many students in 2A class as there are in 2B.

➢ Negative forms.
o He did not run as fast as he did two years ago.
o The company didn’t pay as much tax this year as last year because it earned less.
o You don’t love her as well as I do.

TOEFL EXERCISE skill 9. Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best
completes the sentence.

1. The speed of light is___ the speed of 3. ____in Stevenson’s landscapes, the
sound. more vitality and character the
(A) faster paintings seem to possess.
(B) faster than (A) The brushwork is loose
(C) the fastest (B) The looser brushwork
(D) as fast (C) The loose brushwork is
(D) The looser the brushwork is
2. The use of detail is____ method of
developing a controlling idea, and 4. The grizzly bear, which can grow up to
almost all students employ this method eight feet tall, has been called ____ of
(A) more common North America.
(B) common (A) a dangerouser animal
(C) most common (B) a more dangerous animal
(D) the most common (C) the dangerousest animal
(D) the most dangerous animal
*Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

___ 5. Peter Abelard, a logician and theologian, was the controversialist teacher of his age.
A B C D
___ 6. Protein molecules are the most complex than the molecules of carbohydrates.
A B C D
___ 7. Good quality socks are almost important as your running shoes
A B C D
___ 8. Tonight’s dinner was delicious than last night’s.
A B C D
___ 9. The sooner the exam is scheduled, the little time you have to prepare.
A B C D
___ 10. My grandma’s cakes still taste exactly the same when I was a child.
A B C D

31
SKILL 10. AGREEMENT AFTER PREPOSTIONAL PHRASES

Sometimes prepositional phrases (or OP) can come between the subject and the verb (please
remember the lesson you have learned previously in skill #2).

The key (to the doors) are* in the drawer.

Singular plural

The keys (to the door) is* in the drawer.

Plural singular
(* indicates an error)

In the first example you might think that doors is the subject because it comes directly in
front of the verb are. However, doors is not the subject because it is the object of the
preposition to. The subject of the sentence is key, so the verb should be is. In the second
example you might think that door is the subject because it comes directly in front of the
verb is. You should recognize in this example that door is not the subject because it is the
object of the preposition to. Because the subject of the sentence is keys, the verb should
be are.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should understand about
subject/verb agreement with prepositional phrases:

SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT AFTER PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

Subject (Prepositional Phrase) Verb

When a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and the verb, be sure that the
verb agrees with the subject. This rule is similar to the use of object of a preposition in
skill 2.

Exercise 10. Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
___ 1. To the Kwakiutl, one of the copper pieces equal a thousand cedar bark blankets.
A B C D

___ 2. The exhibit of the artist’s paintings were very interesting.

A B C D

___ 3. Some Polynesian divers in Hawaii descends almost forty-five feet without special
A B C D
equipment.

___ 4. The special effect in the movie were particularly original.

A B C D

___ 5. The girls from Sungai Jawi is arriving early for English 101 class.
A B C D

32
Exercise 9 – 10. Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes the
sentence.

1. Each of cars in my garage ___ some countries manufacturing 15 world-famous car

Brands.
(A) imported from
(B) are importing from
(C) is imported from
(D) is importing from

2. One of the 15 brands, Aston Martin, ___ from the name of its founder, Lionel Martin and
Aston Hill where he lived.
(A) derived partly
(B) it is derived partly
(C) are derived partly
(D) is derived partly

3. The history of the Audi brand ___ of Martin Hill brand,

both derived from the names of their respective
founders.
(A) is the same as that
(B) are the same as that
(C) the same as that
(D) it is the same as that

4. Cadillac is one of __ in the US.

(A) the earlier car brands
(B) earliest car brands
(C) the most earliest car brands
(D) the earliest car brands

SKILL 11. AGREEMENT AFTER EXPRESSIONS OF QUANTITY

A particular agreement problem occurs when the subject is an expression of quantity, such
as all, most, or some, followed by the preposition of. In this situation, the subject (all, most,
some, half, either, and neither) can be either singular or plural, depending on a Noun that
follows the preposition of.

All (of the book) was interesting.

SINGULAR
All (of the books) were interesting.
PLURAL
All (of the information) was interesting.
SINGULAR

33
 The following chart outlines the key information that you should understand about
subject/verb agreement after expressions of quantity:

SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT AFTER EXPRESSIONS OF QUANTITY

All
Most
some Of the Object (sing./plural) Verb (adapted to the Obj)
half
either
neither
When an expression of quantity is the subject, the verb MUST agree with the number
(either singular/plural) of the Noun/ object following of.

Exercise 11. Please determine the subject (S), predicate (P), and Object of Preposition (OP) of
each sentence. Indicate if each sentence is correct (C) or incorrect (I).
___1. Some of the water in West Kalimantan are impure or contaminated by Mercury.
___2. Either Mrs. Smith or her kids were at my wedding party, I am so happy for their coming.
___3. Oops! Half of the cakes is frosted, we need to put it in the microwave.
___4. All of the milk in my refrigerator are sour now, I don’t think I can drink them.
___5. After stealing some bananas from my kitchen all of the monkeys falls asleep.

SKILL 12. AGREEMENT AFTER CERTAIN WORDS

Certain words in English are always grammatically singular, even though they might have
plural meanings.
Everybody are going* to the theater.
S
Even though we understand from this example that a lot of people are going to the theater,
everybody is singular and requires a singular verb. The plural verb are going should be
changed to the singular verb is going.

Table g. Indefinite Pronouns & Always Singular Words

SUBJECT / VERB AGREEMENT AFTER CERTAIN WORDS
These words These words
Always singular words
Always take singular verb Always take plural verb
Everybody (person) Both Information,
Somebody (person) Many advice,
Anybody (person) others leisure,
Nobody (person) Several (PN) architecture,
Everyone (person) A variety of (PN) assistance,
Someone (person) A number of (PN) mail,
Anyone (person) A total of (PN) blame,
No one (person) Few luggage,
baggage,
Everything (thing) A few
clothing,
Something (thing) Those recreation,
Anything (thing) These news,
None There are courage,
No one There were

34
 Nobody No + PN enjoyment,
Nothing traffic,
No + SN / No + UCTN evidence,
A / An furniture
One fame, pride,
Each + sing. Noun (SN) prestige,
Every + sing.noun (SN) trouble,
Each of (PN) music,
relaxation,
Every of (PN)
research,
One of (PN) reliability,
Lots of sadness,
Much (UCTN) safety,
Another (sing. CTN) scenery,
An amount of (UCTN) significance,
A little / Little (UCTN) software,
wealth,
wisdom, etc.
*SN (Singular Noun); PN (Plural Noun); CTN (Countable Noun); UCTN (Uncountable noun)

Exercise 12. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the following
sentences. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. Each of my friends are looking for a part-time employment in Transmart Mall.
___ 2. A number of scientists says that children inherit their intelligence from their mother.
___ 3. Everyone in the auditorium were startled by the announcement.
___ 4. None of the Miss Indonesia nominees come from West Kalimantan this year.
___ 5. Every of the students were sleeping while the instructor was delivering her lesson
online last week.
___ 6. Each package that is not properly wrapped have to be returned to the sender.
___ 7. The proposal brought so much new work to the partnership that there were not enough
hours to complete all of it.
___ 8. Each number in a binary system are formed from only two symbols.

SKILL 13. PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS

Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have
the same level of importance. Parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel
construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have
the same grammatical structure.
Some coordinate conjunctions such as and, but, or, can join together nouns, verbs,
adjectives, phrases, or clauses as long as they are in the same structure, meaning what is on one
side of the sentence must be parallel to what is on the other side.
➢ Here are examples of two or more nouns joined by a coordinate conjunction:

I need to talk to the manager or the assistant manager.

She is not a teacher but a nurse.
You can choose from activities such as hiking and kayaking.

35
 ➢ Here are examples of two or more verbs joined by a coordinate conjunction
He eats and sleeps only when he takes a vacation
She invites us to her home but never talks with us
You can stay at home or go to the movies with us

➢ Here are examples of adjectives joined by a coordinate conjunction :

My boss is sincere and nice
Class can be interesting or boring

➢ Here are examples of object of a preposition / prepositional phrase joined by a

coordinate conjunction :

There are students in the classroom and in front of the building.

The papers are on my desk or in the drawer.
The checks will be ready not at noon but at 1:00.

➢ Here are examples of two clauses or more joined by a coordinate conjunction

What you think is important to express, what you say is important to do, and what
you do needs to be recognized.

Mr. Brown likes to go home early, but his wife prefers to stay late

PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS

Exercise 13. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the following
sentences. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

___ 2. The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and
thorough.
___ 3. Eating healthy food during this pandemic will help you feel better, healthier, and
strongly.
___ 4. I don’t care about what you said and how you treated me in the past, let’s move on.
___ 5. In the rain she drives slowly, carefully, and cautiously.

36
SKILL 14. PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH PAIRED CONJUNCTIONS

Parallel structure must also occur in the use of paired conjunctions both... and;
either… or; neither…nor; and not only ... but also require parallel structure.

I know both where you went and what you did.

Either Mark or Andy has the book.
The tickets are neither in my pocket nor in my purse.
He is not only an excellent student but also an outstanding athlete.

The following is not parallel and must be corrected:

He wants either to go by train or by plane

It is not correct because to go by train is not parallel to by plane. It can be corrected in
several ways.
He wants to go either by train or by plane
He wants either to go by train or to go by plane

➢ When you are using these paired conjunctions, be sure that the correct parts are used
together. The following are incorrect:

I want both this book or* that one.

Either Sam nor* Sue is taking the course.

These sentences are incorrect because the wrong parts of the paired conjunctions are used
together. In the first example, and should be used with both. In the second example, or
should be used with either.
The following chart outlines the use of parallel structure with paired conjunctions:

PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH PAIRED CONJUNCTIOS

both
either

but also

Exercise 14. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the following
sentences. Then, indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
___ 1. You are either for us or you are against us.
___ 2. Mary is neither a Democrat nor is she a Republican.
___ 3. The show is both enjoyable and it is educational.
___ 4. The author not only wants fame but also wants money.
___ 5. Bert will meet us either at the restaurant or he will be at the taxi stand.

37
EXERCISE. Skills 12 -14. Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best
completes the sentence.

1. We debated between two options 4. Bill not only runs five miles every day
immigration had given us: going back ___ eight thousand calories.
to Nicaragua or __ no hope of ever (A) he but also consumes
going back. (B) but also consumes
(A) to stay in the US with (C) he also consumes
(B) staying in the US with (D) he consumes
(C) to staying in the US with
(D) we stay in the US with 5. She is both happy about the raise __
responsibility.
2. My uncle Julius likes bagels, lox, and (A) nervous about the extra
____. (B) and she is nervous about the extra
(A) eat chicken salad. (C) she is nervous about the extra
(B) to eat chicken salad. (D) and nervous about the extra
(C) eating chicken salad.
(D) chicken salad. 6. The doctor promised neither ___ the
procedure nor to leave a scar.
3. There are many frequently mentioned (A) to cause pain during
reasons why one out of four arrests __. (B) he causes pain during
(A) it involves a juvenile. (C) causing pain during
(B) involve a juvenile. (D) cause pain during
(C) involves a juvenile.
(D) involving a juvenile.

* Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

7. He was really handsome, bravery, and helpful that all of his co-workers like him.
A B C D
8. Students need to wear uniforms, arrive before 8 a.m. and they cannot bring their
A B C
Smartphone to school.
C
9. It is dangerous to be living in this world today because of war, unemployment and
A B C
not enough money.
D
10. Cooking and eat at home is a good idea for students because it saves time and money.
A B C D

38
SKILL 15. PAST PARTICIPLES AFTER HAVE

Whenever you see the verb ‘have’ in any of its forms (have, has, having, had) be sure that
the verb that follows it is in the past participle form. (Refer table b. for predicate makers).

They had walk* to school (should be had walked)

We have see* the dhow (should be have seen)
He has took* the test (should be has taken)
Having eat*, he went to school (should be having eaten)

These following patterns are common with the use of p

Subject + has / have / had + V3 (Active)
Subject + has / have + had + been + V3 (Passive)
Subject + had/have / had + been + Verb-ing (progressive)
Having + Past Participle (V3, active voice)
Having + been + Past Participle (V3, passive voice)

Look at these two examples:

(a) After finishing our work, we may go home;

(b) Having finished our work, we went home.

These two sentences have similar meaning. However, “After finishing” denotes a specific
time depending on what tense comes after. While “Having finished” only tells you for sure
that it was in the past.

Exercise 15. Each of the following sentences contain a verb in the past or a past participle.
Underline the verbs or past participle twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).
___ 1. The young girl drunk a glass of milk.
___ 2. Before she left, she had asked her mother for permission
___ 3. Having finished the term paper, he began studying for the exam.
___ 4. The secretary has broke her typewriter
___ 5. the Installer should have completes the task more quickly.
___ 6. The man who got an accident two hours ago has taken to UNTAN hospital.
___ 7. He memorized all dialogs in the movie because he has watch it more than five times.
___ 8. Jane has working in the company since five years ago.
___ 9. Having marry to the tycoon she moved out from her village and took all her family
members with her.
___10 . The tallest building in front of the Untan Nursing Campus has abandoned.

39
SKILL 16. PAST PARTICIPLE AFTER BE
The verb "be" in any of its form (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) can be followed by
another verb. This verb should be in the present participle or the past participle form. (See
predicate makers on page 2)

We are do* our homework (should be are doing)

The homework was do* early (should be was done)
Tom is take* the book (should be is taking)
The book was take* by Tom (should be was taken)

Exercise 16. Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with be. Underline the
verb twice. Then indicate if the sentences are Correct (C) or incorrect (I)
____ 1. At 12:00 Sam is eat his lunch .
____ 2. We are meeting them later today .
____ 3. The message was took by the telephone.
____ 4. Being heard was extremely important to him .
____ 5. The Smiths are build their house on some property that they own in the desert .

* Please Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

6. In particular the city of Palermo have seen an epidemic of crime since the lockdown of the
A B C D
country was ordered.

7. A specialty shop with various blends from around the world are opened in the shopping mall.
A B C D
8. Several portraits of UPT Bahasa Untan taken by a professional photographer exhibited in
A B C D
the Auditorium last month.

9. When taken to the hospital by some health workers the man were given an immediate CPR.
A B C D
10. The tour guides in the Tour & Travel office is checking the tour members’ data.
A B C D

Skill 17. USING THE BASE FORM OF THE VERBS AFTER MODALS

Whenever you see a modal such as will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, or
might, you should be sure that the verb that follows it is in its base form. (Please refer to
‘table b’ on page 2 for the patterns of modals use.)

The boat will leaving* at 3 o’clock. (should be will leave)

The doctor may arrives* soon. (should be may arrive)
(* indicates an error)

40
The following chart outlines the use of verbs forms after modals
VERB FORMS AFTER MODALS
Modal + base form of the verb (verb1) She should come to the market every day.
Modal + be + Verb1 -ing He is not here. He must be going out.
Modal + be + adjective You should not be shy.
Modal + be + Noun / OP He might be a president next year.
3
Modal + be + Verb We will be asked to turn in the homework soon.

Exercise 17: Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with a modal. Underline
the verb. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. You should try to respond politely.

___ 2. Everyone must leaves the rooms immediately.
___ 3. I could sat on the beach for hours.
___ 4. He may lie to you because he is not very truthful.
___ 5. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.

SKILL 18. USE THE CORRECT SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS

A problem that is common in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test is a singular
noun used where a plural noun is needed, or a plural noun used where a singular noun is
needed. (Please refer to table f. on page 34 for definite pronouns).

He just finished several book*.

She studied each chapters*.

In the first example, several indicates that the plural books is needed. In the second example,
each indicates that the singular chapter is needed.
The following chart lists the key words that indicate to you whether a noun should be singular
or plural.
KEY WORDS FOR SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS
For singular nouns each every single one an amount of an / an
For plural nouns both two many a number of several various

Exercise 18: Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct (C) or incorrect (I).

_I_ 1. She talked to each people in the room.

___ 2. Every receipt must be removed from the cashier’s drawer and tallied.
___ 3. The salesclerk demonstrated various additional way that the machine could be used.
___ 4. The woman found it difficult to believe that both of the piece of jewellery had
disappeared.
___ 5. The unhappy man became more and more discouraged with each passing days.

41
SKILL 19. DISTINGUISH COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

In English, nouns are classified as countable (dapat dihitung) or uncountable (Tak dapat
dihitung). For certain questions on the TOEFL test, it is necessary to distinguish a countable
and uncountable noun in order to use the correct modifiers with them.

a. Countable noun

Countable nouns are nouns that can be counted. Therefore, it can be singular or plural. Singular
count nouns refer to one person or thing while plural count nouns refer to more than one
person or thing. For most nouns, add –s/-es /-ies to the singular noun. A desk / desks; a toy /
toys; A watch/ watches; an apple / apples, and so forth. Many nouns in English have irregular
plurals. The following chart lists the irregular plurals.

Table h. List of singular-plural forms & Irregular Plurals

Singular / Plural Singular → Plural Singular → Plural
A child / Children A deer / Deer An analysis / Analyses
A mouse / Mice A fish / Fish An Axis / Axes
A man / Men A sheep / Sheep A crisis / crises
A woman / Women A salmon / salmon A diagnosis / diagnoses
An ox / Oxen Offspring / offspring A hypothesis / hypotheses
A foot / Feet A trout / trout A parenthesis / parentheses
A tooth / Teeth A Swine / Swine A synthesis / syntheses
A Louse / Lice An Aircraft / Aircraft A thesis / theses
A goose / Geese A tuna / Tuna An oasis / oases
A leaf / Leaves A bison / Bison
A wolf /wolves A series / Series A bacterium / bacteria
A shelf / shelves A datum / data
A thief / Thieves A radio / Radios A curriculum / curricula
A knife / Knives A Piano / Pianos A phenomenon / Phenomena
A Wife / wives A criterion / Criteria
A scarf / Scarves An Alumnus / alumni A genus / Genera
A dwarf / Dwarves A bacillus / bacilli A vita / Vitae
A calf / Calves A cactus / cacti
A candy / Candies A fungus / fungi An Apex /Apices
A boy / Boys A nucleus / nuclei An index / Indices
A tomato / Tomatoes A radius / Radii A half / Halves
A watch / Watches A stimulus / stimuli A belief / Beliefs
A Brush / Brushes A syllabus / syllabi
A class / Classes A Focus / Foci /ˈfəʊsʌɪ/
A Box / Boxes
A quiz / Quizzes

b. Uncountable Noun (Always singular)

Uncountable nouns are for the things that cannot be counted with numbers (indeterminate
quantity). Uncountable nouns could be substances, concepts, liquids, powders, gases,
abstract nouns or mass nouns. For examples, water, oil, milk, security, happiness, hope, etc.
(Please refer to table f. on page 34 for words that are always Uncountable nouns).

He has seen much* foreign films (should be many foreign films).

He didn’t have many* fun at the movies. (should be much fun).

42
Exercise 19. Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a
noun should be countable or uncountable. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns
they describe. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C 1. He received little notice that the bill would have to be paid in full.

____ 2. The police had few opportunities to catch the thief who had committed a large
number of crime.
____ 3. You will have fewer problem with your income taxes if you get professional help.
____ 4. After the strike, the company dismissed many employees.
____ 5. Because the bottom corner of the pocket was torn, much sugars fell out.

* Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

6. Ms. Thompson discovered many head louse in six children in her class yesterday.
A B C D
7. We have many data concerning the four crisis facing the local government.
A B C D
8. Rain is a rather rare phenomena in the Sahara region as it is once in a blue moon.
A B C D
9. Mas Penewi Surakso Hargo, better known as Mbah Maridjan, was a spiritual guardian
A B
whose advices was always heard was killed by pyroclastic flow in 2010.
C D
10. I saw several deers trying to cross the highway yesterday, and some vehicles stopped to
A B C
give them a way.
D

Exercise (Skill 17-19). Study the modal and nouns in the following sentences. Then indicate
if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

___ 1. The professor does not give many exam in chemistry class but the ones she gives are
difficult.
___ 2. It was his dream to be a musical in the New York Philharmonic.
___ 3. For the reception, the caterers prepared a large amount of food to serve a large number
of people.
___ 4. Many job opportunities exist in the field of nurse if you will accept a low-paying
position.
___5. For each business trip you make, you can choose from many different airlines.
___6. She wants to undergo a series of treatments, but she thinks it costs a little too much
money.
___ 7. The television producer that was shown last night on the CBS network from 9:00 to
11:00 was one of the best shows of the season.
___ 8. Various sight-seeing excursion were available from the tourist agency.
___ 9. The deposit will has to be paid before the apartment can be rented.
___ 10. The machine may clicks off if it is overused.

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Written Expression Exercise (Skill 17-19).

Choose the letter of the underline word or group of words that is not correct.

1. A patient suffering from amnesia may had partial or total loss of memory.
A B C D
2. The advisor told himself, while listening to the speech, that a dozen other reporters
A B
would has already asked that question
C D
3. As a compilation of useful details, a weekly magazine commends itself in several
A B C
respect.
D
4. Through aquaculture, or fish farming, more than 500 million tons of fishare produced
A B C
Each years.
D
5. The legal system has much safeguards to protect the right of a defendant to an impartial
A B C
jury.
D

6. The Song of Hiawatha, by Longfellow, tells the story of the Indian heroic who
A B C
Married Minehaha.
D

7. Uranus is the seventh planets from the Sun.

A B C D

8. The first of two such investigation requires the students to read continuously over a
A B
period of four hours.
C D.

9. The sycamore has broadleaves with a large amount of pointed teeth.

A B C D

10. A quantitative analysis, using both the computer and quantitative techniques, are used
A B C
to optimize financial decisions.
D

44
PROBLEMS WITH PRONOUNS

Pronouns are words, such as he, she, or it, that take the place of nouns. When you see a
pronoun in written expression questions on the TOEFL test, you need to check that it serves
the correct function in the sentence (as a subject or object, for example) and that it agrees
with the noun it is replacing.

Table i. Properties of Pronoun

Subject Object Possessive adjective
Possessive Pronoun
Pronoun Pronoun (Placed before a noun)
I Me My Mine
Singular

You You Your Yours

She Her Her Hers
He Him His His
It It Its Its
Plural

We Us Our Ours
You You Your Yours
They Them Their Theirs

As discussed previously a subject pronoun is only used as the subject of a verb. While, an
object pronoun can be only used as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Compare
the following two sentences.

Sally gave the book to John.

She gave it to hìm.

In the second sentence the subject pronoun she is replacing the noun Sally. The object of the
verb it is replacing the noun book, and the object of the preposition him is replacing the noun
John. The following are examples of the types of subject or object pronoun errors that you
might see on the TOEFL test. Look at these following

Him* and the girl are going shopping.

(Him* should be He because it functions as a subject)
The gift was intended for you and I*.
(I* should be me because it functions as an object)

EXERCISE 20: Each of the following sentences contains at least one subject or object
pronoun. Circle the pronouns. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C 1. The worst problem with it is that he cannot afford it.

I
—— 2. They saw Steve and I at thet movies last night after class.
____ 3. Perhaps you would like to go to the seminar with they and their friends.
____ 4. The mother took her son to the doctor’s office because he was feeling sick.
_____5. I did not know that you and her were working together on the projecit.

45
SKILL 21: DISTINGUISH POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES AND PRONOUNS
Possessive adjectives and pronouns both show who or what “owns” a noun. (Please refer to
table h. for properties of pronoun on page 44). Look at these following examples:

They lent me their book.

Possessive adjective

They lent me theirs.

Possessive Pronoun

EXERCISE 21: Each of the following sentences contains at least one possessive pronoun or
adjective. Circle the possessives in these sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct
(C) or incorrect (I).

_I_ 1. If she borrows your coat, then you should be able to borrow her.
___ 2. Each pot and pan in her kitchen has ìts own place on the shelf.
___ 3. Mary and Mark invited theirs parents to see their new apartment.
___ 4. When my roommate paid her half of the rent, I paid mine.
___ 5. All students need to bring theirs own pencils and answer sheets to the exam.

Skill 22: CHECK PRONOUN REFERENCE FOR AGREEMENT

In the beginning of this module has Subject and Verb agreement been discussed. In this
section, you are reminded to always check whether the pronoun properties match each other
and their predicate (Please refer to ‘table h.’ for properties of pronoun on page 44).

The boys will cause trouble if you let him*.

The singular pronoun him is incorrect because it refers to the plural noun boys. This pronoun
should be replaced with the plural pronoun them.

Everyone must give their* name.

The plural possessive adjective their is incorrect because it refers to the singular everyone.
This adjective should be replaced with the singular his or her.

EXERCISE 22: Each of the following sentences contains at least one pronoun or posses- sive.
Circle the pronouns and possessives. Draw arrows to the nouns they refer to. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

I 1. If a person really wants to succeed, they must always work hard.

___ 2. If you see the students from the math class, could you return their exam papers to
them?
___ 3. Some friends and I went to see a movie, and afterwards we wrote a critique about
them.
___ 4. If you have a problem, you are welcome to discuss it with me before you try to
resolve them.
____ 5. I know you had a terrible time last week, but you must try to forget about it.

46
EXERCISE (Skills 20-22): Circle the pronouns and possessives in the following sentences.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. Helicopters are being used more and more in emergency situations because of íts
ability to reach out-of-the-way places.
2. The worker was fìred by the chemical company because his refused to work with
certain dangerous chemicals.
3. If you have car trouble while driving on the freeway, you should pull your car over to
the side of the freeway and wait for help.
4. The administration will not install the new security system because they cost so much.
5. Some parents prefer to send their children to private schools because they believe the
children will be better educated.
TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 20-22): Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of
words that is not correct.

1. Superman made their comic debut in 1938 in Action Comics.

A B C D
2. Commercial letters of credit are often used to finance export trade, but them can
A B C
have other uses.
D
3. When children experience too much frustration, its behavior ceases to be integrated.
A B C D
4. On March 30,1981, President Reagan was shot as his was leaving a Washington hotel.
A B C D
5. Although the destruction that it causes is often terrible, cyclones benefit a
A B
much wider belt than they devastate.
C D
6. President Andrew Jackson had an official cabinet, but him preferred the advice of his
A B C D
informal advisors, the Kitchen Cabinet.

7. After Clarence Day’s book Life with Father was rewritten as a play, they ran for six years
Á B C D
on Broadway.

8. Almost half of the Pilgrims did not survive theirs first winter in the New World.
À B C D
9. There was no indication from the Senate that he would agree with the decision made
A B C D
in the House.

10. A baby learns the meanings of words as they are spoken by others and later uses him
A B C D
in sentences.

47
Skill 23: USE BASIC ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS CORRECTLY

Adjectives and adverbs have very different uses. Adjectives have only one job: they describe
nouns or pronouns. Look at the examples below:

She is a beautiful woman.

ADJ. NOUN

She is beautiful.
. V ADJ.
In the first example, the adjective beautiful describes the noun woman. In the second example,
the adjective beautiful describes the pronoun she.

Adverbs do three different things. They describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

She sings beautifully

V ADV

She is a beautifully dressed woman.

ADV ADJ NOUN

She is a truly beautifully dressed woman.

ADV ADV ADJ NOUN

In the first example, the adverb beautifully describes the verb sings. In the second example, the
adverb beautifully describes the adjective dressed (which describes the noun woman). In the
third example, the adverb truly describes the adverb beautifully, which describes the adjective
dressed (which describes the noun woman) .

The following are examples of incorrect sentences as they might appear on the TOEFL
test.

They were seated at a largely* table. (Largely* should be large)

ADV N

The child talked quick* to her mother (Quick* should be quickly)

VERB ADJ.

We read an extreme* long story. (Extreme* should be extremely)

ADJ ADJ
The following chart outlines the important information that you should remember about the
basic use of adjectives and adverbs:
Pattern Example
Adjective + Noun A beautiful girl
To be / Be + adjective She is beautiful, I will be happy if you come.
Linking Verb + adjective She looks beautiful
Verb Phrase + Adjective She might be sad
Adverb + adjective I am very happy
Verb + Adverb She works quickly
Adverb + Verb He has recently taken an English course.
Adverb + Adverb She walks really quickly

48
EXERCISE 23: Each of the following sentences has at least one adjective or adverb. Circle
the adjectives and adverbs, and label them. Draw arrows to the words they describe. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

C 1. The mother was pleasantly surprised when her daughter came to visit.
NOUN ADV ADJ
____ 2. The salespeople frequently visit the East Coast for trade shows.
____ 3. He was driving an expensively sports can
____ 4. There is a special program on television this evening.
____ 5. She was chosen for the leading part because she sings so well.

SKILL 24: USE ADJECTIVES AFTER LINKING VERBS

Similarly, as previously discussed in ‘table b’ for predicate makers on page 2, linking Verb is
a verb that links or connects the subject of the sentence to information about the subject.

Subject + LV + Information about the subject

(e.g., adjective, noun, or complement).

LV: appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, stay, taste, turn, prove.

Look at these following examples:

She looks nice.
S LV ADJ

You must be very careful if the verb is a linking verb, it is followed by an adjective rather than
an adverb.
In this example, the linking verb looks is followed by the adjective nice. This adjective
describes the subject she. You should be sure to use an adjective rather than an adverb after a
linking verb. Be careful, however, because the adjective that goes with the linking verb does
not always directly follow the linking verb.

He seems (unusually) nice.

Subject LV ADV ADJ.

In this example, the adjective nice, which describes the subject he, is itself described by the
adverb unusually. From this example, you should notice that it is possible to have an adverb
directly after a linking verb, but only if the adverb describes an adjective that follows.

49
EXERCISE 24: Each of the following sentences contains at least one adjective or adverb.
Circle the adjectives and adverbs, and label them. Draw arrows to the words they describe.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I),

I 1. The parents seem angrily about the child's report card.

Subject Verb ADV
____ 2. The speaker talked knowingly about prehistoric fossils.
____ 3. After she drank the lemonade, the cake tasted too sweetly to hen
____ 4. Throughout dinner we were bored because he spoke incessantly.
____ 5. Sam felt terribly depressed after the accident.

TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 23 - 24): Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of
words that is not correct.
1. Modern art is on display at the Guggenheim Museum, a building with an unusually
À B C D
design.

2. By the beginning of the 1980s fifteen states had adopted already no-fault insurance laws.
A B C D
3. Heart attacks are fatally in 75 percent of occurrences.
A B C D
4. In spite of a tremendous amount of electronic gadgetry, air traffic control still depends
A B C
heavy on people.
D
5. Only recently have Gooden’s industrially designers and engineers been able to optimize
A B
Watertred’s unusual tread patterns for mass production.
C D
6. A baboon’s arms appear as lengthily as its legs.
A B C D
7. A serious problem is how to communicate reliable with a submerged submarine.
A B C D
8. Americans are destroying rapidly wetlands, faster than an acre every two minutes.
A B C D
9. The central banking system of the United States consists of twelve banks district.
A B C D
10. Telegraph service across the Atlantic was successful established in 1866.
A B D D

50
TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-24): Choose the letter of the word or group of words
that best completes the sentence.

1. Patty Berg, the top tournament winner in 2. ___with about fifteen times its weight in
women’s golf ____eighty-three golf air does gasoline allow the carburetor to
tournaments from 1935 through 1964. run smoothly.
(A) she won (A) It is mixed
(B) winning (B) To mix it
(C) won (C) When mixed
(D) who won (D) Only when mixed

*Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

3. The Colorado River reaches their maximum height during April and May.
A B C D

4. Plant proteins tend to have few amino acids than proteins from animal sources.
A B C D

5. The Viking spacecraft has landed on Mars in July of 1976.

A B C D

6. Admiral Byrd commanded airplane expeditions over both the Arctic or the Antarctic.
A B C D

7. The advertising campaign will be based on the recent completed study.

À B C D

8. Coronary occlusion results from a disease in which fatty substances with a large amount
A B C
of cholesterol is deposited in the arteries.
D

9. Her money gave back as soon as she threatened to take the matter to court.
A B C D

10. Other sites of fossil discoveries throughout Wyoming, ranging from the fiery
A B
Tyrannosaurus rex to the milder Trìceratops, have proven equally excite.
C D

51