Problem 7 : Classification ~ kind and type
Remember that kind and type express classification.
Quote:
Structure : kinds / types + of + noun (plural & non-count)
Expression : Cable TV has many different kinds of shows
OR
Dr. Idress gives several types of homework
AND
Structure : one + kind / type + of + noun (singular & non-count)
Expression : one kind of show is news
OR
One type of homework is a lab report
|
Avoid using kind of and type of with a plural count noun. Avoid using kind and type without of.
Examples :
Incorrect : There are two kind of Coke now.
Correct : There are two kinds of Coke now.
Incorrect : Are you looking for a special kinds of car ?
Correct : Are you looking for a special kind of car ?
Problem 8 : -ing and infinitive subjects
Remember that either an -ing form or an infinitive may be used as the subject of a sentence or a clause.
Quote:
Structure : S (ing) + V
Expression : Reading quickly and well requires practice
AND
Structure : S (infinitive) + V
Expression : To read a foreign language is even more difficult.
|
Avoid using a verb word instead of an -ing or an infinitive in the subject.Avoid using to with an -ing form .
Examples :
Incorrect : The sneeze spreads germs.
Correct : To sneeze spreads germs.
OR
sneezing spreads germs.
Incorrect : Shoplift is considered a serious crime.
Correct : To shoplift is considered a serious crime.
OR
Shoplifting is considered a serious crime.
Problem 9 : Qualifying phrases with -ing nouns
Remember that an -ing form may be used as a noun. In some grammar books, this -ing form is called a gerund.
We have already classified most -ing forms as non-count nouns, but there is one pattern in which the is used with a non-count -ing noun. When a prepositional phrase qualifies the noun, that is, adds specific information, the may be used with an -ing noun subject.
Quote:
Structure : the + -ing + of noun (qualifying phrase)
Expression : The reading of technical material requires knowledge of technical terms.
|
Remember that -ing forms are usually non-count nouns adn that non-count nouns are not preceded by the unless followed by a qualifiying phrase.
Examples :
Incorrect : Correcting of errors in a language class can be embarrassing.
Correct : The correcting of errors in a language class can be embarrassing.
Incorrect : Direct dialing of overseas numbers is now common.
Correct : The direct dialing of overseas numbers is now common.
Problem 10 : Nominal that clause
Remember that sometimes the subject of a verb is a single noun. Other times it is a long noun phrase or a long noun clause.
One example of a long noun clause is the nominal that clause. Like all clauses, the nominal that clause has a subject and verb. The nominal that clause functions as the main subject of the main verb which follow it.
Quote:
Structure : Nominal that Clause S + V
Expression : That Vitamin C prevents colds is well known.
|
Examples :
Incorrect : It is that we need to move is sure.
Correct : That we need to move is sure.
Incorrect : That is not fair seems obvious.
Correct : That it is not fair seems obvious.
Incorrect : That it is that she has known him for a long time influenced her decision.
Correct : That she has known him for a long time influenced her decision.