Archive for the ‘English Learning’ Category

Misplaced modifiers

May 14th, 2013 in English Learning

As the name itself indicates a modifier is a word used to modify another word. A modifier should come close to the word it modifies. If it doesn’t, the result might be funny. Modifiers that seem to modify the wrong word are often called misplaced or dangling modifiers. This is a very common mistake.

Conversion of a simple sentence into a complex sentence

April 16th, 2013 in English Learning

Convert the following simple sentences into complex sentences, each containing a noun clause.

Sequence of tenses

April 1st, 2013 in English Learning

If the verb in the principal clause is in the past tense, the verb in the subordinate clauses, too, will be in the past tense.

Changing a compound sentence into a complex sentence

March 7th, 2013 in English Learning

Change the following compound sentences into complex sentences.

Using while and whereas

March 4th, 2013 in English Learning

Although the conjunctions while and whereas have similar uses, there are some differences too. While, for example, can be used to introduce a time-clause. Whereas cannot be used to introduce a time-clause.

Reporting questions

March 1st, 2013 in English Learning

While reporting questions we use a verb like ask. Note that reported questions are not inverted. That means in a reported question the subject comes before the verb whereas in a direct question the verb comes before the subject. Other rules will remain the same.

Using then

February 20th, 2013 in English Learning

The word then can be used as an adverb and a conjunction. Then means at that time. It can refer to both past and future. Note that then is not used to refer to the present.