Structure 1
Structure 1
Structure 1
Sentences that follow this rule may be simple or complex. Additional words and
phrases can appear in these sentences without violating the basic rule.
Subjects
The subject performs the action in an active sentence. Every sentence and every
clause must have a subject. The subject is usually a noun or noun phrase (ex-
plained in the following section), although it may consist of something else.
Usually when a TOEFL test question asks you to identify the subject of a sen-
tence, the sentence begins with a dependent clause or phrase, and you must recog-
nize that the sentence subject is located in the independent clause.
Incorrect: Being a very abrupt and unfriendly man, did not have many
friends.
Correct: Being a very abrupt and unfriendly man, Professor Stanley did not
have many friends.
The first example is incorrect because the subject, Professor Stanley, is missing.
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Part III: Detailed Review of Items Tested
A verb phrase has an auxiliary in addition to the main verb. In general, the auxil-
iaries are :
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Structure
■ A modal (will, would, can, could, may, might, or must); in an active sen-
tence, it is followed by a verb in simple form
Example: The team must practice more.
Keep in mind that the passive sentence construction is different. A sentence isn’t
correct if any of the three verb forms above appear without the auxiliary. Verbs
are dealt with in more detail later in this chapter in the section “Form of Verb.”
Complements
A complement completes the verb. Some verbs require a direct object; some may
be followed by an object, although it’s not required; and some can’t be followed
by an object. A verb that requires a direct object is a transitive verb. A verb that
doesn’t require a direct object is an intransitive verb. Most dictionaries indicate
whether a verb is transitive or intransitive before the definition of the word by in-
cluding “tr,” “intr,” or some such abbreviation. Sometimes a dictionary will show
one definition as transitive and another as intransitive.
A complement may also consist of something other than a noun or noun phrase,
such as a verb in the infinitive form or in the gerund (verb+ing) form.
They will probably consider Atlanta as the location for next year’s meeting.
noun as complement
They will probably consider calling another meeting.
gerund as complement
They plan to call another meeting.
infinitive as complement
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Part III: Detailed Review of Items Tested
Modifiers
A modifier is not required in a basic standard English sentence, but if one appears,
it generally follows the complement in the sentence.
The modifier can also appear between two parts of a verb; that is, after the
auxiliary and before the main verb.
Clauses are groups of words that do contain subjects and verbs. Independent
clauses can stand alone as complete sentences. Dependent clauses cannot stand
alone because they contain words that make them dependent. If you remove the
word that makes a clause dependent, the clause can stand alone as a sentence.
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Structure
Although the bear is able to sprint rapidly, it tires easily due to its weight.
clause
The underlined words in this example represent a dependent clause. On its own,
Although the bear is able to sprint rapidly is not a complete sentence. However,
the clause does contain a subject, the bear, and a verb phrase, is able. The word
Although is the only thing preventing this clause from being independent.
Structure Quiz 1
Directions: The first type of question consists of incomplete sentences, with a
blank line showing where information is to be filled in. Choose the word or
phrase that most correctly completes the sentence. The second type of question
consists of sentences with four underlined words or phrases. Choose the one word
or phrase that is incorrect in standard written English. Mark your answer choices
in the book or on a separate piece of paper.
1. The rain forest, __________ large trees that provide shade to the vegetation
below, is home to unique flora and fauna.
A. has
B. with its
C. and
D. although has
A. it is capable
B. is capable
C. it is able
D. ability
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Part III: Detailed Review of Items Tested
6. After it had conclude work on the budget, the legislature adjourned until the
A B C D
next session.
7. Even when awarded a scholarship, a student generally must still paying for
A B
books, living expenses, and other costs.
C D
10. The teachers are expecting to call tomorrow a meeting in order to review the
A B C
disciplinary problems.
D
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