Watch Your Language Text 1 (Wat - Brian Schenk

INSTRUCTIONAL BOOK FOR
WATCH
YOUR
LANGUAGE
Book 1
A grammar and usage program for adults

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012
http://archive.org/details/watchyourlanguagOObria
WATCH
YOUR
LANGUAGE
Book 1
'mm CAMBRIDGE Adult Education

Prentice Hall Regents, Englewood Cliffs, N) 07632
WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE
Book 1
Executive Editor: Brian Schenk

Project Editors: Laura Daly
Catherine Hulbert
Consultants: Jerry Long
Jeffrey Tenzer
£ 1984 by Prentice Hall Regents

Published by Prentice-Hall, Inc.
A Division of Simon & Schuster
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632
All rights No part of this book may be

reserved
reproduced, any form or by any means,
in
without permission in writing from the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5
ISBN 0-8428-9700-3
Prentice-Hall International (UK) Limited, London

Prentice-Hall of Australia Pty. Limited, Sydney
Prentice-Hall Canada Inc., Toronto
Prentice-Hall Hispanoamencana, S.A., Mexico
Prentice-Hall of India Private Limited, New Delhi
Prentice-Hall of Japan, Inc Tokyo
,
Simon & Schuster Asia Pte. Ltd., Singapore

Editora Prentice-Hall do Brasil, Ltda., Rio de Janeiro
CONTENTS
Unit 1. THE SENTENCE
Lesson 1. The Subject 2
Lesson 2. The Predicate 5
Lesson 3. Fragments 8
Lesson 4. Questions 10
Lesson 5. Here/There Sentences 12
Lesson 6. Commands 14
Lesson 7. Ways to Begin and End Sentences 16
Review 19
Mastery Test 22
Unit 2. THE SUBJECT 24

Lesson 1. The Simple Subject 25
Lesson 2. Nouns 29
Lesson 3. A and An 31
Lesson 4. Singular and Plural 32
Lesson 5. Proper Nouns 37
Lesson 6. Subjects with And 39
Lesson 7. Subject Pronouns 41
Review 44
Mastery Test 46
Unit 3. THE VERB 48

Lesson 1. Action Verbs 49
Lesson 2. Linking Verbs 52
Lesson 3. The Present Tense 55
Lesson 4. Matching Subjects and Verbs 56
Lesson 5. The Verb Be 61
Lesson 6. Contractions with the Verb Be 64
Lesson 7. The Verb Have 66
Lesson 9. Negatives 72
Review 76
Mastery Test 79
Unit 4. THE PAST TENSE 82

Lesson 1. Recognizing the Past Tense 83
Lesson 2. Regular Verbs 85
in
iv / Contents
Lesson 3. The Verb Be 90

Lesson 4. Irregular Verbs 93
Lesson 6. Negatives 103
Review 107
Mastery Test 110
Unit 5. SHOWING POSSESSION 112
Lesson 1. Possessive Forms of Singular Nouns 113

Lesson 2. Possessive Forms of Plural Nouns
That End in s 117
Lesson 3. Possessive Forms of Plural Nouns
That Don't End in s 121
Lesson 4. Review of Possessive Nouns 123
Lesson 5. Possessive Pronouns 131
Lesson 6. Possessive Pronouns That Stand Alone 135
Lesson 7. Review of Possessive Pronouns 137
Review 141
Mastery Test 143
Unit 6. ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS 146
Lesson 1. Adjectives 147

Lesson 2. This That These and Those
, , , 151
Lesson 3. Adjectives after Linking Verbs 156
Lesson 4. Adverbs 160
Lesson 5. Adverbs That Describe Adjectives and
Other Adverbs 166
Lesson 6. Adding ly 170
Lesson 7. Review of Uses of Adjectives and
Adverbs 172
Review 177
Mastery Test 178
Spelling and Grammar Guide 180

UNIT1. THE SENTENCE
What does this group of words tell you?
worked overtime
What does this group of words tell you?
Tony Jones
Each group of words doesn't tell you very much. They both don't
give you enough information to complete an idea.
The first group doesn't tell you who worked overtime. The second
group doesn't tell you what Tony Jones did or who he is. These groups
of words aren't complete.
If you put the two groups together, they give a complete idea. They
become a sentence:
Tony Jones worked overtime.
A sentence is a group of words. A sentence gives a complete idea.

In this unit, you'll look at sentences. You'll see the parts of a
sentence. You'll learn about different kinds of sentences.
Lesson 1. The Subject
Read these groups of words. Does any group give you a complete
idea?Check yes or no:
YES NO
(1) worked hard
(2) lives in Virginia
(3) is expensive
(4) is a mechanic
You are right if you checked no for all four groups of words. None
of these groups of words is complete. None of them tells you
(1) who worked hard
(2) who lives in Virginia
(3) what is expensive
(4) who is a mechanic
Each group of words is missing a subject. A subject tells who or

what is doing something. Or it tells who or what is being described.
Now, read these same groups of words with subjects. Answer the
questions below each group.
(1) The janitors worked hard.
Who worked hard?
(2) David lives in Virginia.
Who lives in Virginia?

The Subject / 3
(3) That fur coat is expensive.
What is expensive?
(4) His father is a mechanic.
Who is a mechanic?
The answers you wrote are the subjects. The janitors David that , ,
fur coat and his father are subjects.

,
These groups of words now give you complete ideas. They are
sentences. A sentence has a subject. The subject tells who or what is
doing something. The subject tells who or what is being described.
How do you find the subject?
(1) Ask or is doing something.
(2) Ask or is being described.
TRY IT: Find the Subject
Underline the subject in each sentence.
Remember: Ask who or what is doing something. Ask who or what

is being described.
example: The two men went to the game.
Who went to the game? the two men
1. The bus drivers went on strike.
2. Those bananas aren't ripe yet.
3. The speech was too long.
4. Fred lost his wallet.
5. I love chocolate!
4 / THE SENTENCE
6. Tom is skinny.
7. Lydia had a baby.
8. Those black shoes don't fit me.
9. This coffee is too strong.
10. The Orioles won the ball game.
TRY IT: Write Your Own Subjects
Make each group of words a sentence. Add a subject. There are many
possible sentences you can make.
example: The old man lived on the th
OR
Leon lived on the th
1. saner.
2. cleaned the floor.
a. is loud!
4. fell off the shelf.
S. is a plumber.
fi. bought a new stereo.
7. slept on the sofa.
8. moved to Panama.
Lesson 2. The Predicate
Read these groups of words. Does any group give a complete idea?
Check yes or no:
YES NO
(1) Tony Jones
(2) The back door
(3) My wife
(4) The supermarket
You are if you checked no for all four groups of words. None
right
of these groups of words gives you a complete idea. They don't tell you
anything about Tony Jones, the back door, my wife, or the supermarket.
These words could be subjects, but subjects all alone are not complete
ideas. Subjects by themselves cannot be sentences.
Each group of words is missing a predicate. The predicate tells
about the subject. The predicate can show action. It can tell what the
subject does or did. It can describe the subject. It can tell what the
subject is or was .
Now read these same groups of words with predicates. Answer the
questions below each group.
(1) Tony Jones scored two touchdowns.
What did Tony Jones do?
(2) The back door locks by itself.
What does the back door do?

6 / THE SENTENCE
(3) My wife is angry.
What is my wife?
(4) The supermarket stays open late.
What does the supermarket do?
The answers you wrote are predicates. Scored two touchdowns ,
locks by itself is angry and stays open late are predicates.

, ,
These groups of words now give you complete ideas. They are
sentences. A sentence has a subject and a predicate. The predicate
tells something about the subject. It tells what the subject does or did.
It tells what the subject is or was .
How do you find the predicate?
(1) Find the subject.
(2) Ask what the subject or

(ACTION)
(3) Ask what the subject or

(DESCRIPTION)
The predicate is what is left after you find the subject.
TRY IT: Find the Predicate
Underline each subject once. Underline the predicate in each

sentence twice.
Remember: Ask what the subject does or did. Ask what the subject
is or was .
example: The bank is closed on weekends.
1. Those men work hard.
2. Pete drives a taxi.
3. Her arm is broken.

The Predicate / 7
4. The mayor gave a boring speech.
5. Irving watched TV.
6. Larry is a great drummer.
7. Chris runs three miles every day.
8. I bought some chicken.
9. The child was scared.
10. We ate dinner late.
TRY IT: Practice Writing Sentences
Use the words to complete the sentences.
is does works
eats watches takes
leaves
Carl the same thing every day. He
the bus at 7:00. He from 8 to 4. He
lunch from 12 to 12:30. He work at 4. He
TV from 7 to 11. Every day the same for Carl.

Lesson 3. Fragments
Read these groups of words:
(1) is fat
(2) walked to work
(3) won't start
None of these groups of words gives you a complete idea. They are
all missing a
Read these groups of words:
(4) Jake
(5) I
(6) The car
None of these groups of words gives you a complete idea. They are
all missing a
Each of these groups of words is a fragment. A fragment is a part
of a sentence. It doesn't giveyou a complete idea. A fragment can be
missing a subject. Or it can be missing a predicate. You can turn a
fragment into a sentence by adding the missing part.
Read these sentences. Underline the subject in each sentence once.
Underline the predicate twice:
Jake is fat.
I walked to work.
The car won't start.
Remember:
A gives a complete idea,
A is an incomplete sentence.
A sentence has two main parts: a
and a .
8
Fragments / 9
TRY IT: Change Fragments into Sentences

Each of the following groups of words is a fragment. Read each
fragment and decide what it needs to become a sentence. If the
fragment needs a subject, put an S in the blank next to it. If it needs
a predicate, put a P in the blank next to it.
example: S left work early yesterday
1. the gas tank 2. has wavy hair
3. hates carrots 4. Diana Ross
5. visits us often 6. fell off
7. walks fast 8. Linda and Troy
9. the phone bill 10. shouted
TRY IT: Complete an Idea — Build a Sentence

Practice forming sentences. Match these parts to form sentences.
There are many possible sentences you can make. There is no right
match for each subject.
SUBJECTS PREDICATES
An old mar guarded the gate,
The children worried about the bills,
Andrea pulled the dog's tail,
The lonely widow believed the candidate.
Two soldiers with rifles s

sat on the park bench,
Larry and Moe cried softly,
Many people hid in the closet.
example: An old man sat on the park bench.

Lesson 4. Questions
Some sentences are questions. They ask about something. They

ask about a subject. Read these questions:
What is your name?
Where does Al live?
Did the shoes fit?
How do you find the subject of a question?
(1) Change the words in a question around to make a

sentence that tells something.
(2) Ask who or what the new sentence is about.
(3) The subject of the new sentence is the subject of the

question.
example 1: Change What is your name? to Your name is what .
(Use only the words in the question to make the new sentence. It
may not always sound right.)
This sentence is about your name Your name is the subject of the
question.
example 2: Change Where does Al live? to Al does live where .
This sentence is about Al. Al is the subject of the question.
example 3: Change Did the shoes fit ? to The shoes did fit .
This sentence is about the shoes. The shoes is the subject of the
question.
10
Questions / 11
TRY IT: Find the Subject of a Question
Find the subject of each question. First, change the question to a

sentence that tells something. Write this new sentence below the
question. Underline the subject of the new sentence. Then underline
the subject of the question.
example: Do you like ham?
You do like ham.
1. Is that story true?
2. Does Lisa need some help?
3. When does the show start?
4. Did you feed the baby?
5. Is our dinner ready yet?
6. What is the date?
7. Do you like basketball?
8. How is your family?
9. Is that brown station wagon on sale?
10. Why is Kim upset?
11. Did he take your pocketbook?
12. Who is that pretty girl?

Lesson 5. Here/There Sentences
Some sentences begin with here or there Here and there are never .
subjects. They only help you point out where the subject is or was or
help you make a sentence about the subject.
What are the subjects of these sentences? Circle the words that
you think are the subjects:
Here are the pictures.
There is your pipe.
There was a fire yesterday.
How do you find the subject of a sentence that begins with here or
there ?
(1) Switch the words around. Put the words here are or
there are at the end of the sentence.
(2) Put are in front of here or there .
(3) Ask who or what the new sentence is about.
(4) The subject of the new sentence is the subject of the

sentence that begins with here or there .
In a sentence that begins with here or there the subject usually ,
comes after words like is, are was or were , , .
Here are the pictures. > The pictures are here.
The pictures is the subject. The word here only tells where they are.
There is your pipe. > Your pipe is there.
Your pipe is the subject. The word there only tells you where it is.
There was a fire yesterday. > A fire yesterday was there.
A the subject. The word there only helps you make a sentence
fire is
about The word yesterday tells you when. Yesterday is part of the
it. (
predicate. But it is not necessary to move it to find the subject.)
12
Here and There / 13
TRY IT: Find the Subject of a Here/There Sentence
Find the subject of each sentence. First, switch the words around.
Put words like here are or there are at the end of the sentence. Put
are in front of here or there Underline the subject of the new
.
sentence. Then underline the subject of the here/there sentence.
example: Here is Bonnie's sweater .
Bonnie's sweater is here.
1. Here are the answers.
2. There is your car.
3. Here is the map of Nevada.
4. There was a parade on Sunday.
5. There goes our best runner.
6. Here is your money order.
7. Here are the scissors.
8. There is some chicken in the refrigerator.
9. There is a telephone upstairs.
10. Here comes the train.
11. Here is your paycheck.
12. There was a strike at the plant.

Lesson 6. Commands
Some sentences are commands. Commands tell you to do
something. Read these commands:
Park the car here.
Pick up your jacket.
Answer the phone, please.
What are the subjects of these command sentences?

A command doesn't seem to have a subject. But it does have a
subject. The subject is the word you It is not written in the command.
.
But people understand that the sentence means you do something.
(You) park the car here.
(You) pick up your jacket.
(You) answer the phone, please.
How can you tell if a group of words is a command?
(1) If the group of words tells you to do something, it is a

command.
(2) The subject of a command is always the word you .
TRY IT: Find the Commands

Read each sentence. If the sentence is a command, put a C next to
it.
example: C Read each sentence.
Tracy reads each sentence.
1. Call us on Tuesday night.
2. Leave that pie in the oven.
14
Commands / 15
3. That new chair is too hard.
4. The gates are locked after midnight.
5. Don't sit there!
6. One of the headlights is broken.
7. Wake me up at 7:30.
8. Here is your order.
9. Kathleen got a haircut.
10. Please hand me that towel.
11. Wait for me!
12. Don't forget your umbrella.
TRY IT: Rewrite the Commands

Choose five of the sentences in the last exercise that are commands.
Write them below. Add the subject (You) to each command and
underline it.
example: C Read each sentence.
(You) read each sentence.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lesson 7. Ways to Begin and End
Sentences
Every sentence has to begin with a capital letter Every sentence .
has to end with an end mark .
There are three kinds of end marks:
(1) A period (.) ends a sentence that tells something.
Kim likes raw fish^
There is a sign in the window.
A period can also end a command.
Come here^
Please pass the butte^
(2) A question mark (?) ends a sentence that asks something.
How are you?
Did you call Dennis?
(3) An exclamation point (!) can end a sentence that shows

surprise or strong feeling. It can also end a command.
I won the contest]
Watch out!
16
Begin and End Sentences / 17
TRY IT: Write Sentences
Make each group of words look like a sentence. Rewrite each

sentence so that it begins with a capital letter and ends with an end
mark. Some of the sentences have two possible end marks.
example: did you iron my shirt
Did you iron my shirt?
1. are you ready
2. eddie joined the army
3. look out for that car
4. what time is it
5. give me your telephone number
6. get to your room now
7. carlos is a messenger
8. this movie stinks
9. who has the bottle opener
10. wanda made potato salad
11. he works on the night shift
12. did you get some beer

18 / THE SENTENCE
TRY IT: Practice Writing Sentences
Use the parts below toform sentences. Write the sentences on the
blank lines. Add capital letters and end marks.
example: did you buy a newspaper Did you buy a newspaper?
finish eating Did you finish eating?
like Fred Did you like Fred?
1. the boots hurt
are muddy
didn't fit
2. i played chess
the old men
joe and Al
3. is he the boss
lonely
cooking dinner
4. watch out
the baby for me
me do this trick
5. here is the rent money
my best shirt
a menu
Begin and End Sentences / 19
REVIEW: Find Fragments
Read each group of words. If the group is a sentence, write S. If the

group is a fragment, write F. Then read each fragment again. If the
fragment needs a predicate to be a sentence, write predicate . If the
fragment needs a subject to be a sentence, write subject .
example: F A man from the store. predicate
1. Open the door.
2. David and Tracy moved to Chicago.
3. A letter from my mother.
4. Was early.
5. Worked on a puzzle.
6. Turn off the light. .
7. Come here.
8. The alarm clock rang.
9. A gold trumpet.
10. Smokes a lot.
11. Pass the potatoes.
12. Jackie Carter.
13. Need special care.
14. Got ready for the party.
15. Marvin plays the guitar.

20 / THE SENTENCE
REVIEW: Find Subjects and Predicates
Read each sentence. Write the subject. Then write the predicate.
example: The young man wanted a raise.
subject: the young man
predicate: wanted a raise
1. The black sports car has a flat tire.
subject:
predicate:
2. Sarah and Julio work downtown.
subject:
predicate:
3. Did you answer her letter?
subject:
predicate:
4. How is Burt feeling?
subject:
predicate:
5. Cats have nine lives.
subject:
predicate:
Review / 21
6. Where is North Avenue?
subject:
predicate:
7. Here is our son-in-law.
subject:
predicate:
8. Kim has wide, brown eyes.
subject:
predicate:
9. There is the new manager.
subject:
predicate:
10. Do you know Yvette?
subject:
predicate:
11. Is that man a travel agent?
subject:
predicate:
12. The police found the lost child.
subject:
predicate:
MASTERY TEST
Read each sentence. Underline the subject once. Underline the

predicate twice.
example: The people waited in the rain .
1. Cheryl and Paul have two children.
2. There is the steel factory.
3. Life is short.
4. Are you ready?
5. That new computer is amazing!
6. Isabel ran to the bus stop.
7. When does the program start?
8. Here is my camera.
9. The beach ball rolled down the stairs.
10. Where is the town hall?
Are these sentences commands or questions? In the first blank,

write C if the sentence is a command. Write Q if the sentence is a
question. Then write the sentence with the correct capital letters
and end marks.
example: Q is John an engineer
Is John an engineer?
11. take this with you
12. buy a quart of milk
22
Mattery Test / 23
13. do Ralph and Marie own a car
14. don't touch that
15. how do you say this word
16. please be quiet
17. when does the store close
18. are the papers in this folder
19. show me your license
20. where is East Elm Street

UNIT 2. THE SUBJECT
A sentence gives a complete idea. It has a subject. The subject tells
who or what the sentence is about.
Read these sentences. They are about three brothers.
(1) One brother lives in Miami.
(2) Two brothers live in New York.
Sentence 1 tells about one brother One brother is the subject. It

.
is about one person.

Sentence 2 tells about two brothers Two brothers is the subject.
.
It is about more than one person.
In this unit, you'll take a closer look at the subject. You'll find the
main word in the subject. You'll see that the main word can be singular
(one) or plural (more than one). You'll learn about different kinds of
who and what words.
24
Lesson 1. The Simple Subject
The simple subject is the most important word in the subject. It

is the main word that tells who or what the sentence is about.
Read this sentence. Underline the subject:
Your new blue shirt is in the closet.
Your new blue shirt is the complete subject of this sentence. But
what is the main word in the complete subject?
The main word is shirt The other words in the subject your new
. ( , ,
blue tell more about the shirt. They describe the shirt. They help you
)
know exactly which shirt the sentence is about. Shirt is the simple
subject of this sentence. The simple subject is always part of the
complete subject.
Underline the simple subject of this sentence:
Two buildings across the street are for sale.
What is this sentence about? This sentence is about two buildings

across the street . What is the main word
The main in this subject?
word is buildings Buildings is the simple subject. The other words tell
.
more about the buildings. They help you know exactly which buildings
the sentence is about.
How do you find the simple subject?
(1) Find the complete subject. Ask who or what is doing

something. Or ask who or what is being described.
(2) Check your answer by looking at the predicate.

Remember, the predicate tells what the subject does or
did. Or it tells what the subject is or was .
(3) Now that you're sure you have found the complete subject,
look at it again. What main word that is doing the
is the
action? What is the main word that is being described?
The main word is the simple subject.
(4) Check the simple Do all the other

subject you have found.
words in the complete subject only tell more about that
main word? Do the other words only answer questions
such as which one or what kind or how many ? If so, you
have found the simple subject.
25
26 / THE SUBJECT
What is the simple subject of this sentence:
The candy store on Broadway sells comic books.
(1) Find the complete subject.
The complete subject is The candy store on Broadway
This is the answer to the question: Who or what is doing

something?
(2) Check your answer. Find the predicate.
The predicate is sells comic books
These words tell what the candy store on Broadway does.
(3) Find the main word in the complete subject. What one
word tells what sells comic books?
The main word in the complete subject is store
(4) Check your answer. Do the other words in the complete

subject only tell more about the main word?
The words candy and on Broadway only tell which store

the sentence is about.
The simple subject is store
TRY IT: Find the Simple Subject
Underline the complete subject of each sentence. Circle the simple

subject.
example: The(ciock)in the kitchen ticks loudly.
1. The brown paint dried very quickly.
2. The letter from my mother is six pages long.

The Simple Subject / 27
3. Most dogs need plenty of exercise.
4. The tall oak tree has lost its leaves.
5. Some shingles on the roof are loose.
6. That striped dress fits perfectly.
7. The back door doesn't lock.
8. My younger brother is a plumber.
9. The women at the factory were working overtime.
10. That old car is leaking gas.
11. Two sailors were arrested.
12. Some angry customers wanted their money back.
Remember:
To find the complete subject of a question, first change the question

to a statement. To find the simple subject, look for the main word in
the subject.
example:
Did the mechanic fix your car?
Change to:
The mechanic did fix your car.
This sentence is about the mechanic. Mechanic is the simple

subject of the question.
Remember:
Tofind the simple subject in a sentence that begins with here or

there, put the here or there part at the end of the sentence. Then ask
who or what the sentence is about.
Here comes the express bus. > The express bus comes here.
This sentence is about the express bus. Bus is the simple subject
of this sentence because it is the main word in the subject. The word
express tells you exactly which bus the sentence is about.
28 / THE SUBJECT
TRY IT: Find the Simple Subject in Questions

and Here/There Sentences
Underline the simple subject in each sentence.
example: Here are your keys .
1. Does Cynthia like her new job?
2. There is some fried chicken in the refrigerator.
3. Where are your glasses?
4. Did Alfredo watch the news?
5. Here is a stamp for your letter.
6. Is the new diner open all night?
7. There won't be a soccer game today.
8. Where is your license?
9. There is a fly in my soup!
10. Here are her torn sneakers.
11. Here comes my husband.
12. There goes the last bus.
13. Can I help you?
14. Did the charter airplane crash?
15. Where is the nearest emergency phone?
16. There are the heads of state.
17. How is your headache?
18. Here is the real reason.
19. There is food on the table.
20. When does the game start?

Lesson 2. Nouns
A noun a word that names a person, place, animal, thing, or

is
idea. It is a who
or what word.
Most sentences have at least one noun. The simple subject of a
sentence is often a noun.
Read this sentence:
A woman in my office won the lottery .
V '
v
SUBJECT
The underlined words in this sentence are nouns. Woman is the

simple subject. It is a noun. A noun can be a simple subject if it is the
main word in the subject. Not all nouns in sentences are simple
subjects.
TRY IT: Get to Know Nouns

Put each of the nouns below under the right heading: Person, Place,
Animal, Thing, or Idea.
soldier rocket uncle
Kansas truth giraffe
soda husband Jamaica
love China camera
horse doctor anger
freedom lion blanket
PERSON PLACE ANIMAL THING IDEA
29
30 / THE SUBJECT
Remember:
Some nouns name people, places, animals, and things:
swimmer factory ape grass
Some nouns name ideas and feelings:
beauty fear loneliness
TRY IT: Write Your Own Nouns

Write five nouns for each of the groups.
PERSON PLACE ANIMAL THING IDEA

Lesson 3. A and An
A and an are words that often come before nouns. They are used
only with singular nouns. Use an before nouns that begin with vowels
(a, e, i, o, and u) and silent h:
an apple an exam an idea
an order an umbrella an hour
Sometimes one or more words come between a and an and the

noun. Use an if the word begins with a vowel:
an interesting story an exact copy an angry, noisy crowd
Use a before words that begin with the other letters of the alphabet
( consonants ):
a letter a family a house
Use a before words that begin with consonant sounds :
a union a use
TRY IT: Use A and An

Fill in the blanks. Use a or an .
example: Do you have an answer for me?
1. The prisoners made narrow escape.
2. She told exciting story.
3. That's good idea!
4. large truck was parked in our yard.
5. I'll meet you in hour.
6. The drill sergeant gave order.
7. Mario is union member.
8. Cooking is art.
31
Lesson 4. Singular and Plural
Most nouns have two forms: singular and plural. Singular means
one. Plural means more than one.
Read these sentences:
(1) The car on the street blocked traffic.
(2) The cars on the street blocked traffic.
How are these sentences different?

Sentence 1 tells about one car. Only one car blocked traffic. Car is
singular.
Sentence 2 tells about more than one car. More than one car
blocked traffic. Cars is plural.
For most nouns, the plural is formed by adding an s to the word:
car, cars.
TRY IT: Make Singular Subjects Plural
Underline the simple subject of each sentence. Then rewrite the

sentence to make the subject plural.
example: Her friend worked in the hospital.
Her friends worked in the hospital.
1. The diamond ring belonged to her aunt.
2. The grocery store stayed open late.
3. The nurse looked worried.
4. Did the suitcase fit in the trunk?
32
Singular and Plural / 33
5. Did the house painter finish the kitchen?
6. Her cousin will be at the wedding.
7. The headache pill made me sick.
8. Where did the cat go?
9. The monkey ate some bananas.
10. Will the package be delivered tomorrow?
11. The old desk had many drawers.
12. The foreign tourist visited the movie studio.
Sometimes, the spelling of the noun changes when the s is added.

Read the following examples. Underline the letters that make each
word plural.
Singular Plural
glass glasses
box boxes
dish dishes
watch watches
army armies
leaf leaves
hero heroes
34 / THE SUBJECT
Some plurals are formed in special ways. Read the following

examples. Underline the plural words:
Singular Plural
man men
child children
foot feet
mouse mice
person people
In some cases, the plural is the same as the singular:
Singular Plural
deer deer
fish fish
The spelling tips on pages 180-182 can help you form the plural
of nouns.
TRY IT: Spell Plural Words

Change these nouns to make them plural. Use the spelling tips on
pages 180-182 to help you form the plural.
woman tax
mystery cry
wish _ echo
Singular and Plural / 35
knife cliff _
crutch shelf
glass child
potato belief
foot family
duty life _
sheep peach
TRY IT: Form Plurals
Fill in the blank with the correct plural form of the noun in
parentheses.
example: We had some sandwiches for lunch, (sandwich)
1. Seat belts have saved many (life)
2. We invited some for dinner, (guest)
3. The were speeding on the highway, (car)
4. Do you need any ? (penny)
5. There are three on that block, (church)
6. The trees were filled with (bird)
7. Many applied for the jobs, (woman)
8. He used some to start the fire, (match)
9. Who were those ? (man)
10. Those love peanuts! (monkey)
11. Many paint beautiful pictures, (artist)
12. The money was kept in two (safe)

36 / THE SUBJECT
13. The children have many (toy)
14. She bought a dozen red, juicy (tomato)
15. A stunt man takes many (risk)
16. There are four in their family, (child)
17. Some are very powerful, (radio)
18. The two were at war. (country)
19. Some went right past us. (bus)
20. Put those in the cabinet, (glass)
TRY IT: Find Mistakes in Plurals
Read this paragraph. There are 12 mistakes in it. Underline the

mistakes. Then rewrite the paragraph.
example: Husbands and wifes don't always agree.
Husbands and wives don't always agree .
Do you have childs? Do they go to public schooles? Some persons
don't have familys. They don't like to pay school taxs. But these
mans and womans file taxs anyway. They know that countrys are
run with money. Even if they don't use schools, they do use public
roads, parks, and beachs. Tax-paid services enrich the lifes of all
persons.
Lesson 5. Proper Nouns
Read these sentences:
(1) A boxer entered the ring.
(2) Muhammad Ali entered the ring.
How are the two sentences different?

In sentence 1, a boxer entered the ring. You don't know exactly
who entered the ring. You don't know the specific boxer. He could be
any boxer. You don't know his name.
In sentence 2,Muhammad Ali entered the ring. You know exactly
who entered the ring. Muhammad Ali is a specific boxer. He couldn't
be confused with other boxers. You know his name. Muhammad Ali is
a specific person.
In sentence 1, boxer is a noun. In sentence 2, Muhammad Ali is a
proper noun. A proper noun names a specific person, place, or thing.
A proper noun always begins with a capital letter.
TRY IT: Label Proper Nouns
Read the following examples. Underline the capital letters. Write

whether the word with capital letters names a specific person, specific
place, or specific thing.
example: a river Colorado River specific thing
a woman Audrey
a doctor Doctor Ward
a country England
an ocean Pacific Ocean
a restaurant Mel's Diner .
a company Xerox Corporation
37
38 / THE SUBJECT
a team White Sox
a car Ford Mustang _

a newspaper The Boston Globe
a holiday Thanksgiving
a street Valley Road
a relative Uncle Ted
a school Union College
a day Tuesday
a month August
TRY IT: Capitalize Proper Nouns

Underline the words in which the first letter should be capitalized.
example: Al went to the park last week.
Al went to central park last week.
1. Turn right on elm street. 2. Ask your doctor about it.
Turn right on the next street. Ask doctor smith about it.
3. I moved here last month. 4. He was busy on monday.
I moved here last april. He was busy that day.
5. I gave my aunt a present. 6. Is colfax on the red river?
I gave aunt sally a present. Is the city on the river?
7. I've never been to that city. 8. Can you help me, uncle ed?
I've never been to boston. I asked my uncle for help.

Lesson 6. Subjects with And
The simple subject is usually one word. That word can be singular
or plural:
singular: The record is in the small cabinet.
plural: The records are in the small cabinet.
Sometimes, the simple subject is made up of more than one word.

These words are joined by and .
Read this sentence:
The record and the tape are in the small cabinet.
What is the simple subject of this sentence? The simple subject is

made up of two words: record and tape Each word stands for only one
.
thing —one record and one tape. But the word and joins these two
words together. One record and one tape are two things. The simple
subject is two things. The simple subject is plural.
Underline the simple subject of this sentence:
The records and tapes are in the small cabinet.
The simple subject of this sentence is records and tapes . The simple
subject is plural.
TRY IT: Tell If the Subject Is Singular or Plural
Underline the simple subject in each sentence. If the simple subject

is singular, put an S in the blank. If the simple subject is plural, put a
P in the blank.
example: P John and my uncle work together.
1. Where are Howard and Melvin?
2. The steel plant closed last month.
3. Here is your coat.
39
40 / THE SUBJECT
4. Did your horse win the race?
5. Sheila and Michael are good dancers.
6. Tuesday is my birthday.
7. Electricians and plumbers can earn a lot of money.
8. Two brown mice scampered across the floor.
9. Is your watch broken?
10. There are some dishes in the sink.
11. His shirt and tie don't match.
12. Is Raul sick?
13. The baseball players went on strike.
14. Columbus Avenue has many restaurants.
15. Oregon and Washington are on the Pacific Ocean.

Lesson 7. Subject Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. A pronoun

can do the same jobs that a noun does in a sentence.
Read the following sentences. Circle the underlined words:
I like that sweater. We went to the baseball game.
He lost his umbrella. You are late.
She has a new car. They painted the apartment.
It is closed today.
The words you circled in these sentences are pronouns. They are
all simple subjects. They are the main words that tell who or what
each sentence is about.
Read the following sentences. Circle the pronouns that take the
place of the underlined noun subjects:
Irving lost his umbrella.
He lost his umbrella.
Joanne has a new car.
She has a new car.
The supermarket is closed today.
It is closed today.
Nick and I went to the baseball game.
We went to the baseball game.
The men painted the apartment. Paco and Ed painted the apartment.
They painted the apartment. They painted the apartment.
41
42 / THE SUBJECT
The dishes are on the table.
They are on the table.
Your shirt and tie are wrinkled.
They are wrinkled.
Some pronouns
are singular, some are plural. If the pronoun takes
the place of a singular noun subject, the pronoun is singular. If the
pronoun takes the place of a plural noun subject, the pronoun is plural.
Subject Pronouns
Singular Plural
I we
you you
he, she, it they
You can mean either one or

more than one.
TRY IT: Use Subject Pronouns

Underline the complete subject in each sentence. Then use the
correct pronoun in place of the subject. If the pronoun is singular,
put an S in the blank. If the pronoun is plural, put a P in the blank.
example: Maria and Norman were married last week.
They were married last week. P
1. Rita thinks Alberto is very handsome.
thinks Alberto is very handsome.
2. January and February are cold months.
are cold months.

Subject Pronouns / 43
3. Can Jim and I come with you?
Can come with you?
4. Your brother looks like you.
looks like you.
5. Does their car have power steering?
Does have power steering?
6. Mark and I will be late for your party.
and I will be late for your party.
7. Spring is my favorite season.
is my favorite season.
8. Is today your birthday?
Is your birthday?
9. Darlene and I are good friends.
and I are good friends.
10. The pipes in the bathroom leak.
leak.
44 / THE SUBJECT
REVIEW: Make Singular Nouns Plural
Fill the blanks with

in the correct plural form of the noun in
parentheses.
example: The cats caught .. (mouse)
The cats caught mice.
1. The asked for federal aid. (city)
2. Those like their privacy, (person)
3. The injured man was on (crutch)
4. The frying hung on the wall, (pan)
5. Do you have any ? (hobby)
6. The liked each other, (woman)
7. She served with the stew, (potato)
8. The handsome were actors, (man)
9. Where are my _? (key)
10. Fill our again, (glass)
11. Where did your go? (child)
12. His old rusted in the backyard, (car)
REVIEW: A, An, Proper Nouns

Rewrite each sentence. Capitalize the proper nouns. Then fill in the
blanks with a or an.
example: Did doctor kyle give you eye exam?
Did Doctor Kyle give you an eye exam?

Review / 45
1. Is senator hicks candidate?
2. Haiti is island in the Caribbean sea.
3. Clyde spent hour with uncle joe.
4. Wanda met old friend in Chicago.
5. The xerox corporation is big employer.
6. The clerk filled order on tuesday.
7. I think father smith has good idea.
8. The red cross is international service.
REVIEW: Subject Pronouns
Read this paragraph. Rewrite the paragraph. Change the underlined

words to pronouns.
example: The White Coach is a fine restaurant.
It is a fine restaurant.
Lisa is a waitress. Lisa works at a restaurant. The restaurant
opened a month ago. The customers like Lisa. The customers know
Lisa serves them fast. The chef is named Wayne. Wayne burns
everything he cooks. Wayne said to Lisa, "If you and I changed
places, you and I would serve slower but better food."

MASTERY TEST
Underline the simple subject in each sentence. If the simple subject

issingular, put an S in the blank. If the simple subject is plural, put
a P in the blank.
example: P Todd and Mick like to bowl.
1. He studies computing.
2. Barbados and Trinidad are islands.
3. Here is the key to the city.
4. Pearl's parents are divorced.
5. Fifty men at the plant were rehired.
Underline the simple subject in each sentence. Then rewrite the

sentence. Change the subject from singular to plural.
example: The man complained loudly.
The men complained loudly.
6. The person lodged a protest.
7. Her noisy child woke her at six o'clock.
8. The burning match fell in the fire.
9. The fly flew through the open door.
10. The apartment cost too much.
46
Mastery Test / 47
Rewrite each sentence capitalizing the proper nouns.
example: The sergeant spoke to general adams.
The sergeant spoke to General Adams.
11. Aunt June is my father's sister.
12. Is austin the capital of texas?
13. Nurse Johnson talked with a doctor.
14. They work for westinghouse company.
15. Sam is free every day except Sunday.
Rewrite each sentence. Change the subject to a subject pronoun.

Fill in the blanks with a or an.
example: The door has lock.
It has a lock.
16. Jennifer was hour late.
17. The leaders gave order.
18. Eric and I went on date.
19. That tall man has awful temper.
20. Does this calculator have memory?

UNIT 3. THE VERB
You know that a sentence gives a complete idea. It has a complete
subjectand a predicate. The complete subject tells who or what is doing
something or who or what is being described. The predicate tells you
what the subject does or did. Or the predicate tells you what the subject
is or was.
Read these sentences. Underline the simple subjects.
(1) The dog next door runs after passing cars.
(2) The dogs next door run after passing cars.
In sentence 1, the simple subject is the singular noun dog In sentence

.
2, the simple subject is the plural noun dogs .
Now, reread the sentences. What other word changed?

When the simple subject changed from singular to plural, the main
action word in the predicate changed. The word runs changed to run .
This main word is the verb.

The verb is the word that tells you the action the subject does or
did. Or it is a word like is or was that links the subject to a description.
In this unit, you'll take a closer look at the verb. You'll learn about
different kinds of verbs. You'll see how and why verbs change as they
did in the example sentences on this page.
48
Lesson 1. Action Verbs
Sometimes the predicate of a sentence shows action. The verb is

the word that tells you what action the subject does or did.
Read sentences 1 and 2. The predicate in each sentence is
underlined. Circle the word in each predicate that you think shows the
main action. That main word will be the verb.
(1) My friend John runs five miles every night .
(2) They drive too fast .
In sentences 1 and 2, you words runs and drive These

circled the .
are actions that you can see. You can see John run or see people drive.
Many verbs show actions you can see or hear.
Read these examples of verbs. Then choose any three of the verbs.
Write three sentences using the three verbs you chose.
jump fly hit
blink sit grab
scratch shout breathe
Read sentences and 4. The predicate in each sentence is

3
underlined. Circle the word in each predicate that you think shows the
main action.
(3) Manny likes Julia .
(4) Ramona believes in hard work .
In sentences 3 and you circled likes and believes Like and

4, .
believe are not actions you can see, but they are still actions. They are
still verbs. The verb likes describes how Manny feels about Julia. The
verb believes describes something that goes on in Ramona's mind.

These verbs show actions of the mind or of the emotions.
49
50 / THE VERB
Read these examples of verbs. Then choose any three of the verbs.
Write three sentences using the three verbs you chose.
remember love think
forget hate know

need want hope
Now, read sentence 5:
(5) Sam reads the comics .
What is the main action word in the predicate?

The main action word is reads Reads is the verb. You know reads
.
is the verb because it is the word that tells you what action the subject
(Sam) does.
Underline the verbs in these sentences:
People waited for the bus.
They postponed the game until Monday.
The lights went out.
Randy watches the time.
I changed my mind.
Your shoes fit me.
You underlined the words waited , postponed , went , watches

,
changed and, fit. These words are all verbs. They all tell you what
action the subject did or does.
Action Verbs / 51
Read this sentence. How do you find the action verb?
My older brother bought a new house.
(1) Find the simple subject of the sentence. Ask who or what
is or was doing something.
The simple subject is brother . The words my and

older only tell you exactly which brother the sentence
is about.
(2) Now look at the predicate. Ask what main word tells what
the subject does or did. That main word that tells the
action is the verb.
The main word in the predicate that tells what the

subject did bought The words a new house only
is .
tell what was bought. The action verb is bought .
TRY IT: Find the Action Verb
Underline the predicate. Circle the action verb in each sentence.
example: Joanne and Matt (bought) a new car .
1. Jim walks fast. 2. Annie likes old clothes.
3. Clarke scored two goals. 4. My neighbor ran in the race.
5. The dog leaped for the stick. 6. We grew corn last year.
7. My children go to school. 8. She knows about the party.
9. Singh forgot my birthday. 10. That song reminds me of you.
11. Ivan worries about his job. 12. I ate too much.
13. We fried some trout. 14. The batter slammed a home run.
15. I believe you. 16. Marta speaks Spanish.

Lesson 2. Linking Verbs
Not all verbs show action. Some verbs help to describe the subject.
They help show what the subject is or was. These verbs are called
linking verbs. A linking verb links the subject to one or more
describing words.
Read these sentences. Circle the underlined words:
(1) My cousin is a lawyer.
(2) I feel tired.
(3) Luis seemed very angry.
The underlined words in the sentences are linking verbs. What

words are they linking?
In sentence 1, is links my cousin to a lawyer . My cousin and a
lawyer are the same person.
My cousin is a lawyer.
In sentence 2, feel links I to tired. Tired describes I.
I feel tired.
In sentence 3, seemed links Luis to very angry . Very angry

describes Luis.
Luis seemed very angry.
Here are some examples of linking verbs:
seem look be
taste feel smell
grow sound become
Look is a linking verb only when it means seem :
linking verb: Joe looks confident.

action verb: Pam looked at the painting.
52
Linking Verbs / 53
Read this sentence. How do you find the linking verb?
My mother's soup always smells good.
(1) Find the simple subject. Ask who or what is being

described.
The simple subject is soup Soup is what is

being described. The words my mother's only tell
you exactly which soup the sentence is about.
(2) Find the description of the subject. Ask, "What is or was

the subject? The subject is or was ."
The description of the soup is good "The

soup is or was good."
(3) Ask what word links the subject to the description. That
word is the linking verb.
The word that links the subject soup to the

description good is the word smells The word
smells the linking verb. The word always only tells
is
you more about the verb. It tells you how often the
soup smells good.
TRY IT: Find the Linking Verb
Draw an arrow from the subject

Circle the subject. to the describing
word or words. Underline the linking verb.
example: The(guard)was very helpful.
1. You look happy.
2. This room smells funny.
3. They are our neighbors.
4. Lyle is a farmer.
54 / THE VERB
5. This chili tastes great!
6. She seems very lonely.
7. The players grew confident.
8. That band sounds lousy.
9. Ralph was a bus driver.
10. Tony and I were sick.
11. He feels nervous.
12. The students looked bored.
13. I am a waiter.
14. The judge became angry.
15. Brenda looks very scared.
TRY IT: Use Verbs to Make Sentences

Practice writing sentences. Use the verbs beiow to complete the
sentences.
runs leaps looks stretches
pounds is stares skims
Annette ready for the high jump. She
her leg muscles. Her heart She
at the bar down the lane. It cold
and unreachable. Annette toward it. Then she
high into the air and over the bar.

Lesson 3. The Present Tense
Some verbs show action. Other verbs link the subject to a

description. All verbs show time They show when something happens.
.
A verb can show past, present, or future time. A verb has different
forms to show different times. These different forms are called tenses.
Verbs in the present tense usually show something happening

now .
I see their car across the street.
Verbs in the present tense sometimes show something that often

happens.
We practice every Friday.
Verbs in the present tense can also show something that is always
true.
There are 60 minutes in an hour.
TRY IT: Practice Using the Present Tense

Use a verb showing present tense in each of these sentences. The
answers are your own.
example: I eat a big breakfast every day.
1. I old movies.
2. They gospel hymns.
3. Many people in ghosts.
4. The children in the street.
5. I always people's names.
6. Babies a lot.
55
Lesson 4. Matching Subjects and Verbs
Verbs in the present tense can be singular or plural. Subjects and

verbs in the present tense must match each other. This means both
must be singular or both must be plural:
A singular subject has a singular verb .
A plural subject has a plural verb .
Read these sentences. Underline the verbs:
(1) Irving eats Chinese food.
(2) Irving and Ellen eat Chinese food.
Sentence 1 has a singular subject: Irving . It also has a singular

verb: eats .
Sentence 2 has a plural subject: Irving and Ellen . It also has a

plural verb: eat.
A singular present tense verb ends in s.
A plural present tense verb does not end in s.
Here are some examples. Circle the final s in each singular verb:
Singular Plural
My son dances My sons dance

believes believe
drinks drink
needs need
gives give
56
Subjects and Verbs / 57
TRY IT: Match Subjects and Verbs

Find the subject of each sentence. If the subject is singular, put an S
in the blank next to the sentence. If the subject is plural, put a P in
the blank. Then fill in the blank with the present tense form of the
verb. Make sure that the verb matches the subject.
Remember: A singular verb ends in s. A plural verb does not end

in s.
example: S His new car gets good gas mileage, (to get)
1. My tires air. (to need)
2. These parking meters only dimes, (to take)
3. My husband often his glasses, (to forget)
4. Those red plums ripe, (to look)
5. Carlos Teresa flowers, (to bring)
6. Uncle Floyd cattle, (to raise)
7. The coffee shop pancakes, (to serve)
8. Mike and Lou weights, (to lift)
9. The dogs outside, (to stay)
10. That dancer _ high, (to jump)
11. Those women our office, (to clean)
12. The phone _ loudly, (to ring)
13. Kim and Lee _ passports, (to have)
14. Marc's parents a trailer, (to own)
15. That truck _ diesel fuel, (to use)

58 / THE VERB
Sometimes, the spelling of the verb changes when the s is added. Here
are some examples:
Singular Plural
son watches My sons watch
passes pass
wishes wish
tries try
carries carry
studies study
goes go
does do
The spelling tips on pages 182-183 can help you spell words.
TRY IT: Match More Subjects and Verbs

Fill in the blank with the correct present tense form of the verb. Use
the spelling tips on pages 182-183 to help you spell the verbs. Make
sure that the verb matches the subject.
example: A waitress carries heavy trays, (to carry)
1. A security guard customers, (to watch)
2. Mr. Gold a lot of work, (to do)
3. Juan and Chita English, (to study)
4. Helicopters low. (to fly)
5. Tyrone to the gym on Tuesdays, (to go)
6. An outfielder fly balls, (to catch)
7. Judy hard, (to try)
8. Plumbers a lot of tools, (to carry)

Subjects and Verbs / 59
9. The juggler the balls, (to toss)
10. My kids for snow, (to wish)
11. Sarah and Mabel the laundry, (to do)
12. The boys next door skating, (to go)
Remember:
A singular subject has a singular verb.

The pronouns he, she and it have singular verbs.
,
In the present tense, a singular verb ends in s.
The dog runs.

Carmen runs.
He runs.
She runs.
It runs.
A plural subject has a plural verb.

The pronouns we and they have plural verbs.
In the present tense, a plural verb does not end in s.
The dogs run.

Carmen and Anthony run.
We run.
They run.
The pronouns you and I have plural verbs.
You run.
I run.
60 / THE VERB
TRY IT: Choose the Correct Verb

Find the subject. the subject is singular, write S in the blank. If the
If
subject is plural, write P in the blank. Then underline the correct form
of the verb.
example: P We swim — swims)

( in the river.
1. He —plays) drums.
(play
2. You always (win — wins) at poker.
3. Marc and Selma (ride —rides) to work with Linda.
4. I(leave— leaves) the windows open.
5. Mr. Bradley (wear— wears) flashy ties.
6. She — goes) to the movies every week.

(go
7. You never — me anymore.

(call calls)
8. We (worry — worries) about our kids.
9. It(look— looks) like rain.
10. The chicken soup (taste— tastes) salty.
11. I —
(like jazz music.
likes)
12. They (know— knows) how to get here.
13. You (do—does) too much work.
14. Louise (watch— watches) soap operas.
15. He and (work— works) together.

I
16. Those students always (come —comes) to class late.
17. Kim (keep — keeps) her money in her pocket.

18. The local bus (go —goes) down this street.
19. Harry and I (think —thinks) alike.

20. We (try — tries) to save money.
Lesson 5. The Verb Be
There are three forms of the verb be in the present tense: am, is,
and are:
(1) Use am only with I:
I am really cold.
(2) Use is with singular subjects.
Use is with he, she and , it.
The car is out of gas.
He is a bank teller.
She is on the phone.
It is sunny today.
(3) Use are with plural subjects.
Use are with you we and they , , .
The dishes are in the sink.
The sofa and rug are old.
You are late.
We are hungry.
They are never home.

She and I are twins.
When the forms of the verb be are used alone, they are always
linking verbs.
61
62 / THE VERB
TRY IT: Use the Verb Be

Fill the blanks. Use the correct form of the verb be. Use am,
in is, or
are. Make sure that the verb matches the subject.
example: Frank is very lucky.
1. You in my seat.
2. I almost ready.
3. Terry a lifeguard.
4. Your hat and coat in the closet.
5. Broad Street two blocks away.
6. Lan and I partners.
7. Whales endangered animals.
8. Mel's Diner cheap.
9. I 30 years old.
10. Roscoe and Wilbert wide receivers.
11. Gold earrings expensive.
12. Los Angeles crowded.
The verb be is often used in sentences starting with here or there .
A here/there sentence in the present tense uses is or are .
Read this sentence:
Here the can of peaches.
Do you use is or are to complete the sentence?
(1) Find the simple subject.
The simple subject is can .

The Verb Be / 63
(2) Ask if the simple subject is singular or plural.
The simple subject can is singular.
(3) If the simple subject is singular, use is. If the simple

subject is plural, use are .
Use is with the singular subject can .
Here is the can of peaches.
Underline the simple subjects in these sentences:
Here is the box of cards. There is a map of Texas.
Here are my gifts for Craig. There are the secret papers.
TRY IT: Using Be in Here/There Sentences
Find the simple subject of each sentence. If the subject is singular,

put an S in the blank next to the sentence. If the subject is plural, put
a P in the blank. Then fill in the blanks in the sentences. Use is if the
subject is singular. Use are if the subject is plural.
example: P Here are the letters from your lawyer.
1. Here our new car.
2. There my mother's favorite sweater.
3. There the cups of fresh coffee,
4. Here the producer of the shows.
5. There their youngest daughter.
6. There Claude and Fernando,
7. Here the key to the lockers.
8. There many potholes in this street.

Lesson 6. Contractions with the Verb Be
A contraction is a short way to write two words as one word. An
apostrophe (') takes the place of a letter that is left out of the
contraction.
Here are some contractions with subject pronouns (I, you he she , , ,
it, we, and they ) and the verb be (am, is, and are). Underline the
contractions:
I + am = I'm you + are = you're
he + is = he's she + is = she's it + is = it's
we + are = we're they + are = they're
You can also make contractions with here is and there is:
here + is = here's there + is = there's
TRY IT: Use Contractions

the correct present tense form of the verb be in these sentences.
Fill in
Then rewrite each sentence using a contraction (rm, you're he's , ,
she's it's we're they're here's or there's ).

, , , , ,
example: She is a nurse. There is the door.
She's a nurse. There's the door.
1. It cloudy.
2. They in Germany.
3. We glad to see you.
4. Here a list of verbs.
64
Contractions with Be / 65
5. I hungry.
6. Here my favorite dress.
7. You in my way.
8. We in the wrong line.
9. She fat.
10. They from Sacramento.
11. I sorry about last night.
12. There the parking lot.
13. It a grand slam!
14. He Moslem.
15. You wrong.
16. It too big on you.
17. You a great bowler.
18. There Pat's address book.
19. He Romero's nephew.
20. Here the winner of the races.

Lesson 7. The Verb Have
There are two forms of the verb have in the present tense: has and
have.
(1) Use has with singular subjects. Use has with he, she, and it:
Our dog has fleas. He has time. She has red hair. It has a battery.
(2) Use have with plural subjects. Use have with we and they :
Tenants have rights. We have no children. They have a lot of bills.
(3) Use have with I and you :
I have a question. You have beautiful eyes.
TRY IT: Use the Verb Have

Fill in the blanks. Use has or have .
example: The roof has a leak.
1. We enough food for the party.
2. Angelo a twelve-string guitar.
3. I a toothache.
4. Wendy and Sam three children.
5. They tickets for the concert.
6. Many cities pollution problems.
7. Baltimore a lot of rowhouses.
66
Lesson 8. Questions
Read these questions:
Where does Maxine work? Do those shoes fit?
To form most questions in the present tense, use do or does . Do

not use an s on the verb.
Use does with singular subjects.
Where does Maxine work?
Maxine is the subject of the sentence. (Notice there is no s on the

verb work even though the subject is singular.)
Use do with plural subjects. Use do with you and I.
(1) Do those shoes fit? (2) Do you like country music?
In sentence 1, shoes is the subject. In sentence 2, you is the subject.

Read this sentence. How do you change it to a question?
The bus stops at this corner.
(1) Ask if the subject is singular or plural.
Bus is singular.
(2) Use does if the subject is singular. Use do if the subject

is plural.
Use does with the singular subject bus .
(3) Do not use an s on the verb.
Drop the s from stops.
Does the bus stop at this corner?
67
68 / THE VERB
The verb has changes to have in questions. Use have with both
singular and plural subjects in questions.
Sam has a fishing license.
Sam is singular.
(2) Use does if the subject is singular. Use do if the subject

is plural.
Use does with the singular subject Sam .
(3) Change has to have .
Does Sam have a fishing license?
TRY IT: Form Questions with Do and Does

First, circle the simple subject. Then fill in the blank with do or does .
example: Do (you)want a sandwich?
1- Kwang speak English?
2. Where you live?
3. they live on Ninth Street?
4« Ed have his own apartment?
5- this milk smell sour to you?
6. Hov, Carla get to work?
7. Janine like the wallpaper?
8. this train have a smoking car?

Questions / 69
9. your parents live with you?
10. How I get to the bridge?
11. we need some rice?
12. Jill and Marvin have a used car?
13. you have a dime?
14. What that sign say?
15. How she spell her name?
To form a question in the present tense with the verb be, do not
use do or does Make sure am, is, or are matches the subject.
.
Are you ready yet?

Is Wally in the basement?
Am I next?
Look at this sentence:
It's time to go.
How do you change this sentence to a question?
Put the verb be before the subject: Put is before it (it's = it is).
Is it time to go?
TRY IT: Form Questions with the Verb Be

Fill in the missing word. Use am, is, or are.
example: Is dinner ready yet?
1. she from Puerto Rico?
2. the windows open?
3. Andre your boyfriend?

70 / THE VERB
4. I late?
5. Where your ticket?
6. Jimmy still afraid of lightning?
7. What your address?
8. Who your boss?
9. How you?
10. John and Setsuko in Tokyo?
11. I in the right line?
12. we near the airport?
TRY IT: Practice Forming Questions
Read each sentence. Change each sentence to a question.
example: He feels sick.
Does he feel sick?
1. The bus stops near our house.
2. These cookies are homemade.
3. You like olives on pizza.
4. These pants match my plaid jacket.
5. The back door is unlocked.
6. I'm next.
7. She's the new manager.

Questions / 71
8. The drugstore stays open late.
9. Those sweaters come in large sizes.
10. Barbara is pregnant.
11. The president has a new advisor.
12. Brian has the flu.
13. We're your only customers.
14. He plays for the Steelers.
15. Bombay is in India.
16. We have the wrong address.
17. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
18. The winters get cold up here.
19. The shirt fits him.
20. It's Brenda's birthday.

Lesson 9. Negatives
Negatives are sentences with not Read these examples: .
He does not speak Spanish. or
He doesn't speak Spanish, (doesn't = does + not)
The brakes do not work . or
The brakes don't work , (don't = do + not)
I do not eat meat, or I don't eat meat.
To form most negatives in the present tense, use do not ( don't ) or

does not ( doesn't ). Do not use an s on the verb.
Use does not ( doesn't ) with singular subjects.
He does not ( doesn't ) speak Spanish.
Use do not ( don't ) with plural subjects and with you and I.
The brakes do not ( don't ) work. I do not ( don't ) eat meat.
Read this sentence. How do you change it to a negative?
Eva drives to work.
Eva is singular.
(2) Use does not or doesn't if the subject is singular.

Use do not or don't if the subject is plural.
Use does not or doesn't with the singular subject Eva .
72
Negatives / 73
(3) Do not use s on the verb.
Drop the s from drives.
Eva does not drive to work. OR

Eva doesn't drive to work.
The verb has changes to have in the negative. Use have with both
singular and plural subjects in the negative.
This man has an account here.
The simple subject of the sentence is man Man is a singular .
subject, so you use does not or doesn't Change has to have . .
This man does not have an account here. OR

This man doesn't have an account here.
TRY IT: Use Pont and Doesn't

Fill in the missing word. Use don't or doesn't .
example: He doesn't hear you.
1. This plane go to Las Vegas.
2. They live here anymore.
3. This drawer open.
4. The front tires need air.
5. Juan have a car.
6. We smoke.
7. Some men like to shave.
8. Tony feel well.
9. Cabbage smell good.

74 / THE VERB
10. You have enough money.
11. Some people pay taxes.
12. Chris have a paid vacation.
13. I _ know how to swim.
14. She remember you.
15. My brothers know how to cook.
16. Those children listen to me.
17. Marcus and I drink.
18. You scare me.
19. Some companies have pension plans,
20. Harvey and Melba go out very often.
To form a negative in present time with the verb be, just add not
after am, is, or are .
I am (Fin) not ready yet.
The store is not ( isn't ) open, (isn't = is not)
The lights are not ( aren't ) on. (aren't - are not)
Look at this sentence:
He's our coach.
How do you change this sentence to a negative?
Put not after the verb be: Put not after is (he's = he is).
He is not ( isn't ) our coach. or

He's not our coach.
Negatives / 75
TRY IT: Practice Forming Negatives
Fill in the missing word. Use isn't or aren't .
example: The meat isn't defrosted yet.
1. His bills paid.
2. The table set for dinner.
3. The parking lot full.
4. The beach crowded.
5. Those jackets too expensive.
6. Phil and Mickey here.
7. You alone.
8. This salad fresh.
9. It fair.
10. That coat too warm.
TRY IT: Form Negatives

Read this paragraph. Then rewrite it. Change each sentence to a
negative.
example: Carl is selfish.
Carl isn't selfish .
Carl is a lucky man. He enjoys good health. His boss likes him.
Carl has a lot of money. He knows many people. But Carl spends
much time alone. He closes his door to other people. He worries
about his life. He feels unhappy.

76 / THE VERB
REVIEW: Singular and Plural
Fill in the blanks with the correct present tense form of the verb in
parentheses.
example: That TV set has a good picture, (to have)
1. She a big appetite, (to have)
2. Luisa and Pepe about their bills, (to worry)
3. Ken people around, (to boss)
4. children like ghost stories? (to do)
5. These cars bucket seats, (to have)
6. He home once a year, (to fly)
7. Elsa the girls' soccer team, (to coach)
8. I a pain in my side, (to have)
9. Most students hard, (to try)
10. Walter have a part-time job? (to do)
11. Hal to his girlfriend every week, (to write)
12. Those men police records, (to have)
13. I to the dentist twice a year, (to go)
14. Roberto own a motorcycle? (to do)
15. Drew and Malcolm poker, (play)
16. We time on our hands, (to have)
17. My nose (to itch)
18. This car 120 miles per hour, (to go)
19. Jason never (to hurry)
20. You the right of way. (to have)

Review / 77
REVIEW: Using the Verb Be
Rewrite each sentence. Fill in the correct form of the verb be. Use
contractions where possible.
example: Here the folder. Kay a baker, (not)
Here's the folder. Kay isn't a baker.
1. The people in that car my neighbors.
2. Here the facts.
3. I dressed for work, (not)
4. you hungry? (not)
5. There the pencil sharpener.
6. The box of cereal empty, (not)
7. Bob and Lorna engineers.
8. It a beautiful day.
9. she a good cook? (not)
10. You and I tied for first.
11. we alone?
12. there an energy shortage? (not)

78 / THE VERB
REVIEW: Verbs
Read paragraph. There are 13 mistakes

this in it. Rewrite
the paragraph. Correct the mistakes.
example: He be a cab driver.
He is a cab driver.
Here be Juan and his family. Juan be a doorman during the day.
There be Juan's taxi. Juan drive the cab at night. He carry
passengers to the airport. It be a tiring job. Juan is'nt paid much. Do
he worry about money? Yes, but he worrys about his family more. He
don't have much time for his wife and son. They doesn't see each
other often. His son cry sometimes because he miss his father.
MASTERY TEST
Read each sentence. See if the verb matches the subject. If the
subject and verb aren't both singular or both plural, rewrite the
sentence. Change the verb to match the subject.
example: I works hard at my job.
I work hard at my job.
1. Lewis study word processors. 2. Here is the keys to the car.
3. She have a fine reputation. 4. The pipe don't leak.
5. Do Carmen like jazz? 6. That man don't have a

coat.
7. Is Anna and Vito home? 8. There are my pen.
9. We watches the time. 10. It be late.
Rewrite each sentence making the simple subject and verb plural.
example: Her cat has ear mites.
Her cats have ear mites.
11. Fred's child does well in school.
12. The chair has matching pillows.
79
80 / THE VERB
13. The man feels afraid.
14. The law isn't fair.
15. Doesn't the train run on time?
Rewrite each sentence. Change the underlined words to contractions.
example: I am thirty years old.
I'm thirty years old .
16. He is a halfback.
17. There is a hole in my sweater.
18. It is time to go now.
19. Ralph does not agree with you.
20. Here is my hairbrush.
21. Some plants do not like shade.
22. You are next!
80
Mastery Test / 81
Read each sentence. Change each sentence to a negative.
example: You seem happy.
You don't seem happy.
23. This station wagon is for sale.
24. I know her address.
25. The baby sounds hungry.
26. The workers are angry at the foreman.
27. Jesse has children.
Read each sentence. Change each sentence to a question.
example: Oscar is a dockworker.
Is Oscar a dockworker?
28. His brother does the chores.
29. Those people are tourists.
30. Peggy catches cold easily.
31. Frances and Vera play cards.
32. She has life insurance.

UNIT 4. PAST TENSE
Some verbs show action, what the subject does or did. Other verbs
help describe something, what the subject is or was. All verbs show
time.
Read these sentences. Underline the verbs:
I saw Rodney yesterday.
He wanted some advice.
The words you should have underlined are saw and wanted These .
verbs have something in common. They both tell you that the sentences
are about the past. These are the past tense of the verbs see and want
.
In this unit, you'll look at how verbs show past time. You'll see
how to form the past tense. You'll see how and when to use the past
tense.
82
Lesson 1. Recognizing the Past Tense
Verbs in the past tense show actions or descriptions that began

and ended in the past.
(1) The team played a good game last Sunday.
(2) The coffee was too strong.
The underlined words in sentences 1 and 2 are verbs in the past

tense. Sentence 1 gives you a clue about most verbs in the past tense:
Most verbs in the past tense end in d or ed.
Read the words below. Underline the d or ed that is added to form

the past tense of each word.
present: ask want open decide
past: asked wanted opened decided
TRY IT: Recognize the Present and the Past
Some of the verbs in these sentences are in the past tense. Other
verbs are in the present tense. Underline the verb. Write present if
the verb is in the present tense. Write past if it is in the past tense (d
or ed ending).
example: I worked late last night. past
1. The puzzle looks easy to solve.
2. The fire fighters risked their lives.
3. The stock car drivers raced to the finish line.
4. Suddenly, the door opened.
83
84 / PAST TENSE
5. They follow directions carefully.
6. I locked the door behind me. _
7. My husband never remembers my birthday.
8. His car stereo sounds good.
9. Most people desire peace.
10. We talked on the phone for an hour.
11. They argued about everything.
12. The dogs next door barked all night.
13. Those new shoes seem expensive. _
14. We liked your suggestion.
15. Keep the change.
TRY IT: Practice Using the Past Tense

Practice writing sentences. Use the verbs below to complete the
sentences.
grabbed said rang
heard waited was

jumped
The phone Tracy from her
chair. She the receiver.
"Hello," she uncertainly. There
no answer. Tracy Then she a
low moan.
Lesson 2. Regular Verbs
Verbs that end in d or ed in the past tense are called regular verbs.
Read these regular present tense verbs:
like notice
look finish
How do you change these verbs to the past tense?
(1) You add a d when the regular verb ends with an e:
like + d = liked
notice + d = noticed
(2) You add ed to all other regular verbs:
look + ed = looked
finish + ed = finished
Remember:
Most verbs in the past tense end in or
TRY IT: Find the Present Tense Form
Read the words below. Underline the present tense form of the verb
in each word.
example: crushed
1. believed 2. seemed 3. skated
4. filled 5. crashed 6. enjoyed
7. followed 8. called 9. argued
10. danced 11. mixed 12. answered
13. played 14. twisted 15. lived
85
86 / PAST TENSE
TRY IT: Spell Past Tense Verbs

Fill in the blanks with the past tense forms of the verbs in parentheses.
Add d or ed.
example: The vegetable soup tasted salty, (to taste)
1. They me to help, (to ask)
2. The mechanics the transmission, (to repair)
3. We to adopt a child, (to decide)
4. Clyde his suitcase for the trip, (to pack)
5. The secretaries the company's mail, (to open)
6. The weather from day to day. (to change)
7. Sue down the stairs, (to rush)
8. The quarterback the ball to Riggins. (to pass)
9. I my favorite show last night, (to miss)
10. Hector and Ricardo downtown, (to live)
11. They empty bottles for the deposits, (to return)
12. The movie two hours, (to last)
Read these sentences with verbs in the present tense. Underline

the simple subject and verb in each one:
(1) A dockworker loads cargo on ships.
(2) The dockworkers load cargo on ships.
Notice that the subjects and verbs in the present tense match each
other. In the first sentence, the singular subject dockworker has a ( )
singular verb loads ). In the second sentence, the plural subject

(
(dockworkers ) has a plural verb (load).

Regular Verbs / 87
Now read these sentences and underline the simple subjects and
verbs:
(1) A dockworker loaded cargo on ships.
(2) The dock workers loaded cargo on ships.
Notice that singular and plural verbs in the past tense have the
same form. They don't change their spelling. Both singular and plural
subjects have the same form of the verb in the past tense.
Remember:
Singular and plural subjects have the same of the

in the past tense.
TRY IT: Change the Present to the Past
Each sentence is in the present tense. Rewrite the sentence in the

past tense.
example: Paul cooks Mexican food.
Paul cooked Mexican food.
1. It rains every day.
2. He always piles his dirty clothes in a corner.
3. The butchers slice meat all day.
4. Some people cheat on their taxes.
5. Terry blames me for the accident.
6. I smell smoke!
88 / PAST TENSE
7. They never pick the winning number.
8. Early frost kills the orange trees.
9. The new rug matches the furniture.
10. The stunt driver crashes into buildings.
11. A tired waitress slowly wipes the counter.
12. A clever magician tricks the audience.
The spelling of a few verbs changes when the ed is added.
Most verbs that end in a consonant plus y change their spelling:
PRESENT PAST
carry carried
try tried
study studied
These verbs change y to before adding ed.
Some verbs have a different kind of spelling change:
PRESENT PAST
rub rubbed
drop dropped
slam slammed
e the final before adding ed
The
spelling tips on pages 182-183 can help you decide when to
make spelling changes before adding ed to verbs. Study these pages
before doing the next TRY IT.
Regular Verbs / 89
TRY IT: Spell Past Tense Verbs

Use the tips on pages 182-183 to help you.
example: He gently rubbed my back, (to rub)
1. Jim into a parked car. (to slam)
2. They only cable TV. (to watch)
3. The baby contentedly, (to grin)
4. Someone to break into the house, (to try)
5. We _ the dog on the head, (to pat)
6. Ron _ with his cousins last week, (to stay)
7. I my mustache, (to trim)
8. The trucks too much weight, (to carry)
9. Gayle her grandchildren, (to love)
10. I just my shirt, (to rip)
11. Melba for a job at the store, (to apply)
12. We the map. (to study)
13. It finally snowing, (to stop)
14. Cynthia to catch a bus. (to hurry)
15. She some bananas, (to fry)
16. They _ their home movies, (to enjoy)
17. The receiver . the ball, (to drop)
18. A lot of people during that movie, (to cry)
19. The horses on the racetrack, (to trot)
20. Bob the trumpet, (to play)

Lesson 3. The Verb Be
Not verbs in the past tense end in d or ed.

all
You have learned that the verb be has three present forms: am,
is, and are. The verb be also has two past tense forms: was and were .
(1) Use was with singular subjects.

Use was with I, he, she, and it.
My apartment was really cold.
I was the best bowler on the team.

He was next in line.
She was in the hospital.
It was too late to go to the party.
(2) Use were with plural subjects.

Use were with you we and they
, , .
The players were mad at the umpire.
Harriet and Gloria were at the party.
You were right.
We were out late last night.
They were hurt in a car accident.
The verb be is the only verb that has a singular and plural form
in the past tense.
Remember:
Use with singular subjects, including I, he, she , and it.
Use with plural subjects, including you we and they

, , .
90
The Verb Be / 91
TRY IT: Use Was and Were

Underline the simple subject. Write S for singular or P for plural in
the blank at the end of the sentence. Then fill in the blanks for the
verbs. Use the correct form of the verb be. Use was or were Make .
example: Jack was at work today.
1. Gandhi a peaceful man.
2. Sylvia and Alice at home.
3. The plane to Miami hijacked.
4. The prices at that store too high.
5. That drink really strong.
6. The avocado ripe.
7. Her mother a model.
8. Kathleen and I in Italy last month.
9. Yesterday Juan's birthday.
10. Lester Young a jazz musician.
11. He afraid of heights.
12. You really drunk last night.
13. The colored leaves beautiful.
14. The breakfast dishes in the sink.
15. I sick last week.
16. They on duty.
17. Mark and he partners.
18. The sandwiches _ stale.
19. She an expert mechanic.
20. Lovely flowers on the table.

92 / PAST TENSE
Practice changing the present to the past form. First, fill in the blanks
with the present form of be.Then rewrite the sentences in the past.
example: You are in my way.
You were in my way.
1. That man a security guard.
2. Gum on the sidewalk.
3. Both clerks on their lunch break.
4. The job advertised in the paper.
5. The lights on in her apartment.
6. Mr. and Mrs. Brett in Georgia.
7. The muggers under arrest.
8. Rodney depressed.
9. The line still busy.
10. Rhoda and Marge business partners.
11. I with Steve.
12. The scientists unsure.

Lesson 4. Irregular Verbs
Verbs that do not end in d or ed in the past tense are called

many different ways.
irregular verbs. Irregular verbs form the past in
Here are some examples. Underline the verb in each sentence:
present: The wind blows from the south.
past: The wind blew from the south.
present: Many men at work grow beards.
past: Many men at work grew beards.
To form the past, you change blows to

To form the past, you change grow to _
present: Wayne buys fresh vegetables at a nearby farm.
past: Wayne bought fresh vegetables at a nearby farm.
present: I always think about you.
past: I always thought about you.
To form the past, you change buys to _

To form the past, you change think to
present: I cut my own hair.
past: I cut my own hair yesterday.
present: I bet on the World Series.
past: I bet on the World Series last year.
To form the past, you keep cut as

To form the past, you keep bet as
93
94 / PAST TENSE
Here is a list of some common irregular verbs. Use the tips on

pages 183-185 to help you remember these past forms.
PRESENT PAST PRESENT PAST
be was, were lead led

beat beat leave left
become became let let

begin began lose lost
bet bet
make made
bite bit
meet met
blow blew
break broke pay paid
bring brought put put
build built
quit quit
buy bought
read read
catch caught
ride rode
choose chose
rise rose
cut cut
run ran
do did
say said
draw drew
see saw
drink drank
sell sold
drive drove
send sent
eat ate shake shook
shine shone
fall fell
sing sang
feed fed
sit sat
feel felt
sleep slept
fight fought
speak spoke
find found
spend spent
fly flew
stand stood
forget forgot
forgive forgave
swim swam
freeze froze take took
teach taught
get got
tear tore
give gave
tell told
go went
think thought
grow grew
throw threw
have, has had
understand understood
hear heard
hide hid wake woke
hit hit wear wore
hold held win won
hurt hurt write wrote
keep kept
know knew
Irregular Verbs / 95
TRY IT: Recognize the Past Tense
Practice recognizing verbs in the past tense. Underline the past tense
verbs in these sentences.
example: He thought about the heating bills.
The Johnsons spent a lot of money on their heating bills. Frank

Johnson decided to do something about it. He crawled into the attic
and found a problem there. Heat escaped through the attic. Frank
went to a lumber store and bought some rolls of insulation. He put
the sheets of insulation on the attic floor.
Next, Frank checked the windows for drafts. Cold air came
through cracks around the window frames. Frank sealed the cracks.
Finally, he set the thermostat on 68°. Then he told his family to
wear sweaters in the house.
TRY IT: Spell Irregular Past Tense Verbs

Use the list on page 94 and the tips on pages 183-185 to help you
form the past.
example: She drank a quart of milk, (to drink)
1. I him your phone number, (to give)
2. Roger a new stereo, (to buy)
3. My brother Rob in Vietnam, (to fight)
4. The fashion models a lot of makeup, (to wear)
5. They their house last week, (to sell)
6. Loretta in the church choir, (to sing)
7. Jill and Fred me a postcard, (to send)

96 / PAST TENSE
8. Our cat on top of the piano, (to sleep)
9. The house painter off the ladder, (to fall)
10. We pork chops for dinner, (to make)
11. Our plane over the Rocky Mountains, (to fly)
12. The new mother her baby, (to hold)
13. We about your accident, (to hear)
14. I the comics section, (to read)
15. He his knee playing basketball, (to hurt)
with the present tense form of the verbs in parentheses. Then rewrite
the sentences in the past.
example: Claude gives good directions, (to give)
Claude gave good directions.
1. Jackie the laundry, (to do)
2. She to the clinic once a month, (to go)
3. I a bad toothache, (to have)
4. Marvin three cheeseburgers, (to eat)
5. They a movie every week, (to see)
6. Ramon a bull in the rodeo, (to ride)
7. My grandchild on my lap. (to sit)

Irregular Verbs / 97
8. You me lies, (to tell)
9. We always up at 6 o'clock, (to wake)
10. Aunt Ellie me how to knit, (to teach)
11. Those poodles everyone's fingers, (to bite)
12. He a hotdog for lunch, (to buy)
TRY IT: Test Your Memory

Give the past tense form of each verb.
1. be 2. do _
3. have 4. ask
5. say _ 6. pick
7. feel _ 8. go _
9. carry 10. fall .
11. jump 12. get _
13. think 14. play
15. decide 16. live
17. take . 18. rob .
19. argue 20. stop
21. read . 22. stand
23. bring 24. see _
25. wipe 26. drop
27. try _ 28. put _

Lesson 5. Questions
Read these questions:
Did you see my jacket?

Where did the dog go?
Did those shoes fit?
To form most questions in the past tense, use did and the present
form of the main verb.
Read these questions. Put one line under the simple subject. Put
two lines under did and the main verb:
(1) Did that driver ask for directions?
(2) Did you practice yet?
(3) Did they have an appointment?
In sentence 1, driver is the simple subject, did ask is the verb. In

sentence 2, you is the simple subject, did practice is the verb. In
sentence 3, they is the simple subject, did have is the verb.
They went to Puerto Rico.
(1) Find the subject. The subject is they .
(2) Put did in front of the subject. did they
(3) Change the verb to the present. Do not add s. go
(4) Put the verb after the subject. they go
Did they go to Puerto Rico?
98
Questions / 99
TRY IT: Recognize Questions in the Past Tense
Underline the subject once. Underline did and the main verb twice.
example: Did you go to the game?
1. Did Mel sleep late this morning?
2. Did we disturb you?
3. Did Pam feel better today?
4. Did the car start this morning?
5. Did Carol bring her boyfriend to the party?
6. Did you lose something?
7. Did the children eat yet?
8. Did Lyle drive to work?
9. Did Holmes and Frazier fight each other?
10. Did I get any mail?
11. Did they see the Statue of Liberty?
12. Did those blue pants fit?
TRY IT: Form Questions with Did

Change each sentence to a question.
example: The dog brought some fleas into the house.
Did the dog bring some fleas into the house?
1. The phone rang only once.
2. The president spoke on TV last night.

100 / PAST TENSE
3. The Yankees won the pennant.
4. He swam ten laps.
5. She marched in a protest rally.
6. The electric company turned our power off.
7. They visited you in the hospital.
8. Rita called a lawyer.
9. The photographer took their pictures.
10. Sam broke his leg.
11. Charlie and Rhonda moved to Texas.
12. Tom's uncle had a heart attack.
To form a question in the past tense with the verb be, you do not
need to use did. You use was or were . Make sure was or were matches
the subject.
Underline the complete subjects in these sentences:
(1) Were you late?
(2) Was the new supermarket open?
(3) Were Antonio and Felipe at the party?
In sentence 1, you underlined the word you You is a plural subject .
and matches the plural verb were In sentence 2, you underlined the
.
new supermarket The new supermarket is singular and matches the

.
singular verb was In sentence 3, you underlined Antonio and Felipe

. .
Antonio and Felipe is a plural subject and matches the plural verb
were.
Questions / 101
Their anniversary was last week.
(1) Find the verb.
The verb is was .
(2) Find the complete subject.
The complete subject is their anniversary .
(3) Check the subject and verb. Are they both singular? Are
they both plural?
Their anniversary and was are both singular.
(4) Put the verb before the complete subject.
was their anniversary
Was their anniversary last week?
TRY IT: Form Questions with Was and Were

Underline the simple subject. Write S for singular or P for plural in
the blank at the end of the sentence. Then fill in the blanks for the
verbs. Use the correct form of the verb be. Use was or were Make .
example: Was that show on TV last night? S
1. the keys to the front door on the table?
2. that tall woman your wife?
3. Uncle Vince a band leader?

102 / PAST TENSE
4. the new nations of Africa on the map?
5. their new pitcher in the lineup?
6. the fans excited?
7. the men in the office happy?
8. Gil and Harry with the boss?
9. her frozen dinner in the garbage?
10. the birds' nest on the roof?
with the present tense form of be. Then rewrite the questions in the
past.
example: Is he your boss?
Was he your boss?
1. When the concert?
2. How your grandparents?
3. Howard a lab technician?
I in your way?
5. Where North Weaver Street?
6. you ready to go?
7. she the team captain?
8. Where the emergency door?

Lesson 6. Negatives
Read these negative sentences:
The alarm clock did not ring . OR

The alarm didn't ring , ( did + not = didn't )
To form most negatives in the past tense, use did not or didn't .
Always use the present form of the main verb.

Underline did not (didn't) and the main verb in each sentence:
Mark didn't go to work this morning.
My children didn't have the flu this year.
I did not know the answer.
The baby drank her whole bottle of milk.
(1) Find the verb.
The verb is drank .
(2) Change the verb to the present form. Do not add an s.
Change drank to drink .
(3) Put did not or didn't in front of the verb.
did not drink or didn't drink .
The baby did not drink her whole bottle of milk.
OR
The baby didn't drink her whole bottle of milk.
103
104 / PAST TENSE
TRY IT: Practice Forming Negatives
Change these sentences to negatives.
example: Mrs. Jones played bingo.
Mrs. Jones didn't play bingo.
1. The company closed early for the holiday.
2. The team of explorers climbed Mt. Everest.
3. I believed in Santa Claus.
4. We ate the whole pizza.
5. Don won at the casino.
6. We waited for you.
7. Pat and Tim went to Santa Monica.
8. Joe liked my haircut.
9. Many people in the audience applauded.
10. I had enough money to buy a new turntable.
11. The white sports car stopped at the red light.
12. She cried at the funeral.
13. You seemed nervous.

Negatives / 105
14. Claudia changed her mind.
15. Manuel read the want ads.
16. I understood the directions.
17. We grew soybeans last year.
18. I tried to call you last night.
19. He forgot my birthday.
20. He quit his job.
To form a negative in the past tense with the verb be, you do not
need to use the word did. You just add not after was or were .
Remember, with these words you can make contractions:
was not = wasn't were not = weren't
Make sure was or were (or wasn't or weren't ) matches the subject.
Underline the complete subjects in these sentences:
(1) Sophie's sister wasn't on the train.
(2) I was not angry with you.
(3) The children were not in school today.
(4) You weren't chosen captain of the team.
In sentences 1 and 2, you underlined the singular subjects Sophie's

sister and I. Singular subjects match the singular verb was not or
wasn't In sentences 3 and 4, you underlined the plural subjects the
.
children and you Plural subjects match the plural verb were not or
.
weren't.
106 / PAST TENSE
Change these present tense verbs to the past tense.
example: Fred isn't mad at you.
Fred wasn't mad at you.
1. He isn't an astronaut.
2. Aren't you hungry?
3. My eye isn't swollen.
4. The scissors aren't on the table.
5. There isn't a cloud in the sky.
6. Betty and Ana aren't on the list.
7. Our pets aren't in the kennel.
8. Jeff isn't paid by the hour.
9. Isn't he your old boyfriend?
10. There aren't any potato chips left.
11. The U.S. and Japan aren't at the conference.
12. I'm not nervous at all.

———
Review / 107
REVIEW: Recognize Verbs
Practice recognizing verbs in the past tense. Underline the correct

past tense verbs in these sentences. Then rewrite the story.
example: He was
( —were) a proud man.
—were) born in Poland. When he (come— came) to

Kazimir (was
America, no one (say— said) his name right. People (called— caled)
him Kaz for short. Kaz (am — was) a welder. He (found— finded) a job
in an iron factory.
Kaz — doesn't) talk much. The other workers (laughed

(didn't
laugh) when he (speaked— spoke). He (turned— turn) words around.
He (says — said), "On the chair instead of "Sit on the chair." Kaz
sit,"
(wasn't— weren't) quiet about though. When the other

politics,
workers (joked —-joke) about the government, Kaz almost (shoutted

shouted). He (say —said) they (doesn't—didn't) understand. He (said
says) he (was—be) happy to be able to work in his new country. Kaz
(shows — showed) photos of his home. He (read— readed) letters from
his family in Poland.
The other workers (change—changed) their minds about Kaz.

They (laughs — laughed) at how he (say— said) things, but not at
still
what he (say— said).

108 / PAST TENSE
REVIEW: Form Past Tense Verbs

Give the past tense form of each word in parentheses.
example: Toni was (be) a mother.
She wanted (want) care for her son.
Toni's baby, Jason, (be) three years old.
Toni (want) to go back to work. She
(call) a babysitter. The babysitter (say) she
(be + not) free every day. Toni (call) a day care
center. A receptionist (answer). She
(tell) Toni that they (have) no openings. Toni
(phone) another center. That center
(have) room, but it (be) several miles away.
Toni (get) two job offers. She
(turn) them down. She (do + not) want to leave
Jason alone.
At last, Toni (find) the perfect job. The pay
(be + not) much, but it (do + not)
matter. The company (offer) free day care. She
(see) Jason on her coffee breaks and on her lunch
hour. She (feel) relieved. She
(do + not) have to worry about Jason.

Review / 109
REVIEW: Change Verbs from Present to Past
Practice changing the present to the past form. First, read this story.
Underline the present tense verbs. Then rewrite the story in the past.
Make sure you change the verbs to the past.
example: He goes to a bar.
He went to a bar.
Darren drinks two beers. He drives his car fast. He runs a red
light. Another car in the intersection doesn't stop in time. The cars
crash. Who is responsible?
A police officer arrives. He looks at Darren's driver's license.
Darren is an experienced driver. But the other driver is barely
seventeen.
"Is there a witness?" asks the officer. There are a few people
around. They don't say anything. They go away.
Does Darren take the blame for the accident? No. The officer
gives the younger man a ticket.

MASTERY TEST
Give the contractions for these words.
1. was not 2. I am
3. did not 4. does not
5. do not 6. she is _
7. we are 8. were not
9. you are 10. it is
Fill in the blanks with the past tense forms of the verbs in
parentheses.
example: We bought a VCR. (to buy)
11. The boxers for the bell, (to wait)
12. Chris smoking, (to stop)
13. She the bills in installments, (to pay)
14. Jerry the fire alarm, (to hear)
15. The lawyers about the case, (to argue)
16. He a deal with his brother, (to make)
17. It confusing, (to be)
18. The doctor iodine to the cut. (to apply)
19. I my fingers in the car door, (to jam)
20. Rosa Parks for civil rights, (to fight)
21. Hector his record albums, (to sell)
22. Thirty people evacuated, (to be)
110
Mastery Test / 111
Fill in the blanks with the past tense forms of the verbs in
parentheses. Then change each sentence to a question.
example: You were at the party last night, (to be)
Were you at the party last night?
23. She a blood transfusion, (to need)
24. Today Jim's birthday, (to be)
25. Antonio us together, (to see)
26. They glad to see him. (to be)
27. He jealous, (to seem)
Change each sentence to a negative.
example: I liked his beard.
I didn't like his beard.
28. We paid our taxes last year.
29. Those comedians were very funny.
30. Her boss was happy with her work.
31. I understood the question.
32. They worried about their bills.

UNIT 5. SHOWING
POSSESSION
People often talk about what they have or possess. They talk about
ownership. They talk about possession. Read these sentences:
That hat belongs to Janice.
Where is your license?
BilFs horse won the race.
Those books are hers.
All of these sentences give examples of talking about ownership

or possession. In this unit, you'll learn about the different ways to show
possession.
112
Lesson 1. Possessive Forms of
Singular Nouns
Read these sentences. Answer the questions about them.
This is the dog's collar.
Whose collar is it? It is the
Chris's blue shirt is in the locker.
Whose blue shirt is it? It is
The hotel's address is in the phone book.
Whose address is it? It is the
The words dog's Chris's and hotel's show possession. They are the
, ,
possessive forms of the singular nouns dog Chris and hotel , , .
How do you make a singular noun possessive?
(1) Read the sentence. Ask: Does one noun own or possess
something else in the sentence?
This book belongs to Sam.
possesses
owns
Sam has this book
(2) Check the noun that owns or possesses something. Is it a

singular noun?
Sam names only one person.

The noun Sam is singular.
(3) To make the possessive form of a singular noun, add [s.

The mark (') is called an apostrophe. For singular nouns,
it comes before the s.
Sam + 's = Sam's
113
114 / SHOWING POSSESSION
(4) Write your new sentence using the possessive noun.
This book is Sam's.
OR
This is Sam's book.
(5) Check the subject and verb. Do they match? Remember,

the verb must match the simple subject. The possessive
noun is never the subject.
This is Sam's book.
simple subject: book (a singular noun)
verb: is (a singular verb)
Using [s
Many people forget that they

must add 's to all singular
nouns. When the singular noun

already has s as its final letter,
you still add 's.
Charles's job
NOT
Charles' job
Charles is singular. Add ^s.
Read it as "Charles-ez."
Possessive Singular Nouns / 115
TRY IT: Use Possessive Forms of Singular Nouns

Underline the singular noun in the first sentence that owns or
possesses something. Then fill in the blank with the possessive form
of the noun.
example: Hold the hand of Jody .
Hold Jody's hand.
1. This ball-point pen belongs to Sam.
This is ball-point pen.
2. My uncle owns this home.
This is my home.
3. These pliers belong to the electrician.
These pliers are the
4. Those are the little problems of life.
Those are little problems.
5. Does this down jacket belong to Ruiz?
Is this down jacket?
6. Where is the capital of the nation?
Where is the capital?
7. That gift belongs to the boss.
That is the gift.

8. Pam owns this apartment.
This apartment is
9. There is the flag of the country.
There is the flag.
10. That voice belongs to Tess.
That is voice.
TRY IT: Use Verbs with Singular Possessive Nouns

Read each sentence. The first blank is after a singular noun that
possesses or owns something. Add ^s to that noun.
To the second blank, find the subject (the thing that is
fill in
owned). Put is in the blank after the subject if the subject is singular.
Put are in the blank after the subject if the subject is plural.
example: The chilcTs toys are put away.
1. This car engine brand new.
2. Lois temperature _ normal.
3. That reporter views slanted.
4. The waitress tips _ small,
5. My son vacation _ in March.
6. The carpenter tools _ in the box.
7. Our town roads . unsafe,
8. Diego friends mad at him.
9. The boss secretary out to lunch.
10. The challenger hopes crushed.

Lesson 2. Possessive Forms of Plural
Nouns That End in s
You learned that plural nouns often end in s. These nouns can also
show possession. Read these sentences. Underline the plural nouns
that show possession:
(1) These are the hotels' addresses.
(2) The players' shirts are in their lockers.
(3) Here are the bosses' offices.
The addresses in sentence 1 belong to more than one hotel. The

shirts in sentence 2 belong to more than one player. The offices in
sentence 3 belong to more than one boss.
Hotels' ,
players' , and bosses' show possession. They are the
possessive forms of these plural nouns.
Read this sentence. How do you make the plural noun waitresses
possessive?
These uniforms belong to the waitresses.
The waitresses possess the uniforms.
(2) Check the noun that owns or possesses something. Is it a

plural noun that ends in s?
Waitresses is a plural noun that ends in s.
(3) To make the possessive form of a plural noun that ends

in s, add only an apostrophe (') after thes. Do not add
another s.
waitresses + '
= waitresses'
117
(4) Write your new sentence using the possessive noun.
These are the waitresses' uniforms.

OR
These uniforms are the waitresses'.
(5) Check the subject and verb. Do they match? Remember,

the verb must match the simple subject. The possessive
noun is never the subject.
These are the waitresses' uniforms.
simple subject: uniforms (a plural noun)
verb: are (a plural verb)
TRY IT: Form Possessives of Plural Nouns That

End in s
Write the plural of each word listed on the left. Use the spelling tips
on page 180 to help you form the plurals. Then give the possessive
of the plural form.
example: tree trees trees' roots
1. soldier rifles
2. twin carriage
3. country problems
4. class schedules
5. tenant rights
6. leaf colors
7. customer complaints
8. family possessions
9. radio prices
10. potato skins

Possessive Plural Nouns That End in s / 119
TRY IT: Find the Plural Possessive Nouns

Read this paragraph. Some of the nouns in the paragraph are singular
possessive. Some of the nouns are plural. Other nouns are plural
possessive.
Underline only the plural possessive nouns. There are 5 plural
possessive nouns in the paragraph.
example: The workers' bonuses were small.
The employees' pay wasn't good. There were few benefits. The
workers' hours were long. The employees decided to strike. They
picketed at the plant's gates. The boss's machines came to a
standstill. Other unions' members joined the walkout. The strikers'
chances for a settlement looked good. The other unions' help made
the difference.
TRY IT: Form Singular and Plural Possessives
Fill in the blanks with the possessive form of the noun in parentheses.
Some of the nouns are singular. Some of the nouns are plural.
example: That girl's hair is long, (girl)
1. The role was cut from the film, (actress)
2. Five lives were lost, (soldiers)
3. That antenna is broken, (radio)
4. Our medical bills are high, (family)
5. That tires look flat, (bus)
6. The names are Peter and Lisa, (babies)
7. colors change in the fall, (leaves)
8. The decision was final, (panel)

9. Both mayors ran for reelection, (cities)
10. That face looks familiar, (boy)
11. The uniforms are white, (nurses)
12. The feet hurt, (waitresses)
TRY IT: Form Possessives and Match

Plural
Subjects with Verbs
Read each sentence. Each sentence has a plural noun ending in s

that possesses something. Rewrite the sentence. Make the noun
possessive.
Then check the subject and verb. Match the verb to the simple
subject. Fill in the blank with is or are .
example: The soldiers uniforms spotless.
The soldiers' uniforms are spotless.
1. The teachers union on strike.
2. The bosses decisions final.
3. Those fire fighters pay very low.
4. The viewers choice channel 5.
5. The players new coach Sam DiBosco.
6. Those countries treaty broken.
7. The spies secret messages in code.
8. The wives careers important.

Lesson 3. Possessive Forms of Plural
Nouns That Don't End in s
You learned that some plural nouns do not end in s. Write the
plural form of each of these nouns:
man woman
child sheep
Read these sentences. Underline the plural nouns that show

possession:
(1) The children's faces are red.
(2) Sheep's wool is warm.
(3) My grandmother worked for women's rights.
Children's sheep's and women's show possession. They are the

, ,
possessive forms of these plural nouns.

To form the possessive of a plural noun that doesn't end in s, you
must add 's.
121
TRY IT: Form Possessives for Plural Nouns That

Don't End in s
Change these singular possessive nouns to plural possessive nouns
example: The child's toys are in the box.
The children's toys are in the box.
1. That man's pants don't fit.
Those pants don't fit.
2. The mouse's ears are pink.
The ears are pink.
3. That goose's eggs hatched.
Those eggs hatched.
4. Does one person's vote count?
Do all votes count?
5. The child's eyes glowed.
The eyes glowed.
6. One sheep's wool is enough for a coat.
wool is soft.
7. That woman's hands are rough.
Those hands are rough.
8. That fish's tail is beautiful.
Those tails are beautiful.

Lesson 4. Review of Possessive Nouns
This lesson helps you remember the possessive forms of singular

nouns, plural nouns that end in s, and plural nouns that don't end in
s. You will also review the use of apostrophes in possessives and
contractions.
Remember:
To make a noun possessive . . .
(2) Check the noun that owns or possesses something.
Ask: Is it a singular noun? Then add
Ask: Is it a plural noun that ends in s? Then add
The comes after the s.
Ask: Is it a plural noun that doesn't end in s? Then
add
(3) Write your new sentence using the possessive form.
(4) Check the subject and verb. Do they match? The verb
must match the simple subject.
Remember, the possessive noun is never the
123
TRY IT: Remember Possessive Forms

Read each fragment. Find the noun that owns or possesses
something. Ask: Is it a singular noun, a plural noun that ends in s, or
a plural noun that doesn't end in s? Then write the possessive form.
example: tooth tooth's size
1. factory products
2. team goal
3. wives opinions
4. Mr. Clark office
5. buses schedules
6. Kim sister
7. Washington politics
8. people confidence
9. enemies _ list
10. plants colors
11. Dennis _ birthday
12. Brazil capital
13. class homework
14. mouse hole
15. Gloria decision
16. Japan leaders
17. countries laws
18. men room
19. South Korea borders
20. heroes medals

Review of Possessive Nouns / 125
TRY IT: Write Possessive Forms
Underline the noun in the first sentence that owns or possesses

something. Fill in the blank with the correct possessive form of each
noun.
example: Those shoes belong to Sandra .
Those are Sandra's shoes.
1. Those keys belong to Luis.
Those are keys.
2. Those tips belong to the waitresses.
Those are the tips.
3. Listen to the roar of the ocean.
Listen to the roar.
4. Do those books belong to the students?
Are those the books?
5. Those things don't belong to Yoko.
Those aren't things.
6. Those are the fingerprints of the burglar.
Those are the fingerprints.
7. That apartment belongs to Mr. Jackson.
That's apartment.
8. That room belongs to the children.
That's the room.
9. Those instructions are for the stereos.
Those are the instructions.
10. Those hoofprints belong to deer.
Those are hoofprints.
TRY IT: Form Possessives and Match Subjects

with Verbs
Read each sentence. Each sentence has a noun that possesses

something. Ask: Is it a singular noun, a plural noun that ends in s, or
a plural noun that doesn't end in s? Make the noun possessive. Then
check the subject and verb. Match the verb to the simple subject. Fill
in the blank with is or are.
example: The world 's future _ is _ uncertain.
1. Luis wife at the laundromat.
2. The children room a mess.
3. The kidnappers ransom a million dollars.
4. Bess eyes dark brown.
5. The waitresses coffee breaks over.
6. The plant leaves brown.
7. The women friendship strong.
8. Her sister boyfriend a welder.
9. The city water supply low.
10. The men ideas foolish.

Remember:
Not all apostrophes show possession. Read this sentence:
I don't know how to swim.
Don't has an apostrophe because it is a contraction.
Don't = +
When you see an apostrophe, ask these questions:
(1) Is the word with the apostrophe showing possession?
(2) Is the word with the apostrophe a contraction?
TRY IT: Use Apostrophes

Read each sentence. Put one line under each possessive. Put two
under each contraction.
lines
example: She doesn't like Fred's beard.
1. That isn't Todd's address.
2. The tree's shadow grew longer.
3. That plumber's fees weren't high.

r
4. Lewis's trip is over.
5. This bus's windows don't open.
6. Eva's heart was broken.
7. Don't touch Irving's tools.
8. The waiters' tips aren't big.
9. Mother's Day is in May.
10. It's time for the baby's bottle.
11. She's my brother's fiancee.
12. That knife's blade isn't very sharp.

Read the sentence below. There is a mistake in the sentence.

Underline the mistake.
Two clerks' helped the woman.
In this sentence, clerks is a plural noun, but it is not possessive.

The clerks do not possess or own anything. The word clerks does not
need an apostrophe in this sentence.
Don't confuse possessives with plural nouns. Look at the
differences in the words:
plural noun: These voters want changes,
singular possessive noun: One voter's ballot made the difference,
plural possessive noun: Those voters' opinions are important.
TRY IT: Recognize the Forms of Words
Read these sentences. Tell what the underlined word is. Use these
letters:
A — the word is a singular noun in the possessive form

B — the word is a plural noun in the possessive form
C — the word is a plural noun BUT NOT possessive
example: C Our neighbors own a watchdog.
1. Four carpenters repaired the roof.
2. The employees' paychecks were late.
3. Ross's name isn't on the list.
4. The shoes didn't fit.
5. It's a dog's life.
6. The people's court is now in session.
7. Her son's grades went up.
8. Some adults like children's books.

TRY IT: Correct the Mistakes
Read these sentences. There is a mistake in the way one word in each
sentence is formed. Rewrite the sentences correctly.
example: That schools playground is unsafe.
That school's playground is unsafe.
1. This mans' wallet is missing.
2. Those peoples lives are in danger.
3. These girls mother is at work.
4. Those cats claws are clipped.
5. This stores' shirts are on sale.
6. This buildings elevators are out of order.
7. These workers's lunch hour is too short.
8. That companys' employees are well paid.
9. This class' teacher is absent today.
10. That boys arms are bruised.
11. These customers complaints are expected.
12. That woman' husband is in the navy.

TRY IT: Find the Mistakes
Read paragraph. Underline the mistakes in it. They are mistakes

this
in using apostrophes. There are 11 mistakes. Then rewrite the
paragraph making the correct changes.
example: The childs' name is Stephanie.
The child's name is Stephanie.
Lee works in a department store. He runs the stores information
desk. Lees' job is'nt easy. He answers all customers questions, big or
small. He tells where the womens' department is and where the
men's sporting goods' are. He tells buyers' where childrens' clothes
are. Some peoples's questions are funny. One little girl asked Lee
where baby's came from. Lee told her they did'nt have a babies'
department.
Lesson 5. Possessive Pronouns
You learned that pronouns take the place of nouns. Pronouns also
have forms to show ownership or possession. Read these sentences. See
how pronouns take the place of nouns:
Laura has an easy job. Laura's job is easy.
t t
"
She has an easy job. Her job is easy.
Her took the place of the possessive noun
Her is the possessive form of the subject pronoun
Here are the possessive forms of pronouns. They are called

possessive pronouns. Underline the pronouns in each sentence:
Possessive
Pronoun Pronoun
I my I have a pen. That is my pen.
he his He has an award. That is his award.
she her She has a letter. It is her letter.
it its It has a dial. Its dial is broken,
we our We have an old car. That is our old car.
you your You have a good job. Your job is good,
they their They pay a high rent. Their rent is high.
Notice that possessive pronouns never use apostrophes.
131
TRY IT: Write the Possessive Forms of Pronouns
Fill in the blank with the correct possessive form of the pronoun in
parentheses.
example: Jack lost his keys yesterday, (he)
1. I watered plants this morning. (I)
2. They wrote down phone number, (we)
3. Stu and Arnie combined money, (they)
4. Where is husband? (you)
5. I am having shoes re-soled. (I)
6. . explanation made sense, (she)
7. The cat was licking paws, (it)
8. He left umbrella here, (he)
9. apartment is too small, (we)
10. They hate jobs, (they)
11. Call doctor right away, (you)
12. rear tire is flat, (it)
Read this sentence:
Kitty liked Kitty's present.
This sentence sounds awkward. What can you change to make it
sound better?
KUty liked present.
You can change Kitty's to her. Her refers to Kitty . The present
belongs to Kitty .
Possessive Pronouns / 133
Read these sentences. What does the pronoun refer to in each

sentence?
(1) Rita and Carlos sold their stereo. Their refers to
(2) I read my horoscope every day. My refers to
(3) Did your TV lose its picture? Its refers to
In sentence 1, their refers to Rita and Carlos The stereo belongs

.
to Rita and Carlos In sentence

. 2, my refers to I. In sentence 3, its
refers to TV.
TRY IT: Use Possessive Pronouns

Rewrite each sentence. Replace the underlined words with the correct
possessive pronoun.
example: Carlotta drove Carlotta's car.
Carlotta drove her car.
1. Liz wrote in Liz's diary.
2. Paul and Mick traded Paul's and Mick's old baseball cards.
3. The rat ran to the rat's nest.
4. The man wore the man's wristwatch.
5. Ford and General Motors compared Ford's and General Motors'

sales figures.
6. The TV lost the TV's picture.

7. Paco put on Paco's sunglasses.
8. Mom and Aunt Sue shared Mom's and Aunt Sue's recipes.
9. The woman kept the woman's temper.
10. Charles blew Charles's nose.
TRY IT: Practice Possessive Pronouns
Read each sentence. Underline the simple subject in each sentence.

Then fill in the blank with a possessive pronoun that refers to the
subject.
example: Jack lost his keys yesterday.
1. We shared desserts.
2. Do you know way around town?
3. He wrote will.
4. Aunt Bella doesn't dye hair.
5. Mexico welcomes tourists.
6. The long-distance runners beat own records.
7. My husband and I adopted three children.
8. Do those trees shed leaves?
9. I don't like neighborhood.
10. Cleavon and I rode bicycles.
11. The lawyers argued cases.
12. You need rest.

Lesson 6. Possessive Pronouns That
Stand Alone
Read these sentences. Circle the thing in each sentence that is

owned:
(1) He r alarm clock just went off.
(2) I can't find nr^ ticket.
(3) Gina needs your help.
In sentence 1, alarm clock is owned. In sentence 2, ticket is owned.

In sentence help
3, is owned. Help is from you.
My ,
your her, , its our and their always come before the thing
, ,
that is owned.
Other possessive pronouns stand alone. They never come before
the thing that is owned.
Here are the possessive forms of pronouns. Underline the pronouns
in each sentence:
my mine That is my pen. That pen is mine.
Notice that there is no such form as mines .
her hers It is her letter. This letter is hers,
our ours That is our car. That car is ours,
your yours This is your seat. This seat is yours,
their theirs It is their cat. This cat is theirs.
His can stand alone or before the thing that is owned:
That is his apartment. That apartment is his.
135
TRY IT: Use Possessive Pronouns That Stand Alone
Read the first sentence of each pair. Then fill in the blank in the
second sentence with the correct possessive pronoun.
example: That is her necklace. That necklace is hers
1. That is my shirt. That shirt is
2. Those aren't our tickets. Those tickets aren't
3. Is that your sandwich? Is that sandwich
4. Those are her scissors. Those scissors are
5. That is their garden. That garden is
6. Here is your reward. This reward is
7. That is not his mug. That mug is not
8. This is our country. This country is
9. Those are their fishing rods. Those fishing rods are
10. That is her uniform. That uniform is
11. That is their mail. That mail is
12. These are his fingerprints. These fingerprints are
13. Are those my socks? Are those socks
14. That is not our boat. That boat is not
15. That is his money. That money is

Lesson 7. Review of Possessive
Pronouns
You have learned about two kinds of possessive pronouns. One

kind of possessive pronoun comes before the thing that is owned. The
other kind of possessive pronoun stands alone.
Study this chart. It shows you the subject pronouns and the two
different kinds of possessive pronouns.
PRONOUNS
Subject Possessive
I my mine
you your yours
he his his
she her hers
it its
we our ours
they their theirs
TRY IT: Remember Possessive Pronouns

Underline the correct pronoun in each sentence.
example: The customers wanted —their) money back.

(its
1. We —ours) parking space.

lost (our
2. Amy sews (their—her) own clothes.

3. Those children love (their—theirs) parents.
4. The notebook with the blue cover is (mines— mine).
5. The people demanded (your— their) rights.
137
6. Do —their) needles?
pine trees shed (his
7. The United States guards —their) shores.

(its
8. Is that motorcycle (your —yours)?

9. We moved —our) new home.
into (its
10. That suitcase (hers— her).

isn't
11. The city paved (their— its) streets.
12. Those seats are (theirs— their).
13. You hurt (our—your) hand.
14. That chair (my— mine).

is
15. We share (our—ours) things.
16. They don't use (their— theirs) credit cards.
17. Rick stubbed (their— his) toes.
18. That player does (his—our) best.
19. Joyce and Gail have (her—their) lunch together.
20. The waiters counted (their— its) tips.
Read these sentences out loud:
You're a good singer.
I love your voice.
Which words sounded the same in both sentences?
You're and your are homonyms. Homonyms are words that sound
alike but are spelled differently. They have different meanings, too.
Review of Possessive Pronouns / 139
Read these homonyms out loud. Then see how they are spelled
differently. Think about their different meanings.
it's/its
it's: contraction of it is It's a terrific car.
its: shows possession Its engine is new.
you're/your
you're: contraction of you are You're a good singer.
your: shows possession I love your voice.
their/they're/there
their: shows possession Their son is home.
they're: contraction of they are They're with him now.
there: shows place Phone them there.
Remember:
You never use an apostrophe (') with the possessive forms of

pronouns.
wrong: That guitar is her's .
right: That guitar is hers .

—
TRY IT: Choose the Correct Word

Read each sentence. Read each pair of words in parentheses. Some
word pairs are different pronouns. Some word pairs are homonyms.
Some words are spelled incorrectly. Underline the word in each pair
that makes the sentence correct.
example: Are these keys (your yours )?
1. They went to (they —their) parents' house for Christmas.

2. That raincoat is (mine— mine's).
3. (It's — Its) ten miles to the nearest gas station.
4. (Your's— Yours) was the last application.

5. Andy (her— hers) friend from high school.
is
6. The cat hurt — paw. (it's its)
7. (Our— Ours) the last house on the block.

is
8. —My) clothes are really

(I dirty.
9. (Their— They're) my children.

sister's
10. Harry and Charlie are saving (they're — their) money.
11. (She— Her) a photographer.

is
12. The United States sent — representative to the talks.

(its it's)
13. I gave (you —your) old coat to the Salvation Army.
14. The first name called was (his — his's).
15. Athletes watch (there —their) diets.

Review / 141
REVIEW: Possessive Forms of Nouns
Give the possessive form of each of these nouns.
example: men men's
1. Ruiz 2. employees
3. president 4. Sherlock Holmes
5. movie 6. children
7. countries 8. cook
9. deer 10. Ross
REVIEW: Form Sentences with Possessive Nouns

Rewrite each pair of sentences as one sentence. Use a possessive
noun.
example: Tony has a cousin. His cousin is in the air force.
Tony's cousin is in the air force.
1. Jessica had a purse. Her purse was stolen.
2. Larry has a car. His car has front- wheel drive.
3. The clerks have uniforms. Their uniforms are ugly.
4. That woman has a sister. Her sister is a beautician.
5. Clive had a camera. His camera was expensive.

6. My grandmother has recipes. Her recipes are good.
7. Our neighbors have a baby. Their baby cries all day.
8. The man has a beard. His beard is gray.
9. The kitchen sink has a drain. Its drain is clogged.
10. Her friend has a trailer. His trailer is parked outside.
REVIEW: Find Mistakes with Apostrophes and

Homonyms
Underline the mistakes in this paragraph. There are 10 mistakes. Then
rewrite the paragraph. Correct the mistakes.
example: They're ideas are good.
Their ideas are good.
Do you forget you're childs' birthdays? Do you forget they're
names? Some peoples' memories are that bad. Charles Bacon studies
memory loss. Charles' memory is good. Its easy for him to remember
phone numbers'. He says people forget because their too nervous.
Bacon tells people that his memory is no better than theres. "You
need to relax you're mind," he says.

MASTERY TEST
Underline the noun in each sentence that owns or possesses

something. Then rewrite the sentence. Use the possessive form of
the noun.
example: The fever of George is rising.
George's fever is rising.
1. The vacation of the boss starts Friday.
2. The toys of the children are on the floor.
3. The glasses of Dennis are on the table.
4. The demands of the employees aren't met.
5. The capital of the country is quiet tonight.
Read each sentence. Find the noun that possesses or owns

something. Make that noun possessive. Then check the subject and
verb. Match the verb to the simple subject. Fill in the blank with is
or are .
example: This woman checks no good.
This woman's checks are no good.
6. That store big sale over.
7. Those actresses costumes beautiful.
8. The children swim class canceled.
9. This dress sleeves too short.
10. That man tie on crooked.

143
Find the mistakes in each sentence. Some sentences have more

than one mistake. Rewrite the sentences. Correct the mistakes.
example: Anns husband writes childs' books.
Ann's husband writes children's books.
11. Those peoples' lives are'nt easy.
12. Gail works for her fathers company.
13. Her twin babys names are Miguel and Fernando.
14. Bens car is'nt in the repair shop.
15. You left you're wallet on the sofa.
Underline the noun in each sentence that owns or possesses

something. Then rewrite the sentence. Use a possessive pronoun.
example: Karen's doctor is out of town.
Her doctor is out of town.
16. The students' grades are falling.
17. My family's roots are in Africa.
18. Roberto's car is in the garage.
19. Thai woman's coat looks expensive.
20. The computer's display screen is blank.

Mastery Test / 145
Read each sentence. Then rewrite the sentence using the correct
possessive pronoun as the last word of the sentence.
example: That is my razor.
That razor is mine.
21. Is that your checkbook?
22. That is their mailbox.
23. Is that his grocery list?
24. This is our Bill of Rights.
25. That is not her passport.
Rewrite each pair of sentences as one sentence. Use a possessive

noun.
example: Paul has a headache. It is very bad.
Paul's headache is very bad.
26. That man has a daughter. His daughter is a floor manager.
27. The workers have a contract. Their contract expires soon.
28. My Aunt Louise had a walker. Her walker was very helpful.
29. Barry has a radio. His radio is for sale.
30. The girls had new shoes. Their new shoes were too small.
UNIT 6. ADJECTIVES
AND ADVERBS
You know that a sentence gives a complete idea. You know that a
sentence has a subject and a verb.
Read this sentence:
The women ran.
What is the subject of this sentence?
What is the verb?
tells you who ( the women ) did what ( ran ). But it

This sentence
you any other information. It doesn't tell you which women
doesn't give
or how many women. It doesn't tell you how they ran or where they
ran.
Read these sentences. Underline the new word that is added in
each sentence:
(1) The young women ran. (4) The women ran quickly.
(2) The healthy women ran. (5) The women often ran.
(3) Many women ran. (6) The women ran outside.
In sentences 1, 2, and 3, the words young healthy and many tell

, ,
you more about the noun women These words are adjectives.
.
In sentences 4, 5, and 6, the words quickly often and outside tell

, ,
you mors about the verb ran These words are adverbs.
.
In this unit, you will learn about different kinds of adjectives and
adverbs. You will see how adjectives and adverbs can be used to give
more information in a sentence.
146
Lesson 1. Adjectives
An adjective is a word that tells more about a noun. An adjective

describes a noun.
Here are some examples. Circle the nouns.
black hair heavy jacket strong athletes
one minute many shoppers warm weather
You circled the words hair jacket athletes minute shoppers and
, , , , ,
weather These words name people and things. They are all nouns.
.
What do the words black heavy strong one many and warm do?
, , , , ,
These words seem different from each other, but they have one thing
in common. They all describe nouns. They are all adjectives. The
following pages will show how adjectives describe nouns.
Many adjectives answer the question What kind ? Read these nouns
and adjectives.
old furniture What kind of furniture?
dusty shelves What kind of shelves?
worn carpet What kind of carpet?
The words old, dusty and worn are

,
adjectives. They describe the
nouns furniture, shelves, and carpet.
Suppose you wanted to describe a person that you know. What are
some adjectives you could use to describe what kind of person he or
she is? Here are a few adjectives. Add your own:
friendly strong mean attractive
short old patient nervous
147
148 / ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS
Some adjectives look like verbs in the past because they end in ed.
Look at these examples. Underline each adjective:
a bored student the tired workers
the defeated team an excited crowd
To find these adjectives, ask the question: What kind ? You underlined
the words bored tired defeated and excited These words are all ad-
, , , .
jectives. They describe the nouns student workers team and crowd
, , , .
They tell what kind of student, what kind of workers, what kind of
team, and what kind of crowd.
TRY IT: Find What Kind Adjectives

Underline the adjectives in these sentences. Circle the noun each
adjective describes.
Remember: Ask the question What kind? after the noun.
example: Greta wore a striped (îirO
1. He has gray hair.
2. Tomatoes grow in warm weather.
3. A heavy rain drenched the city.
4. My green sweater shrank in the dryer.
5. I felt a sharp knife against my back.
6. That was a great concert!
7. She eats spicy food.
8. The dog always sits in my favorite chair.
9. The excited crowd yelled for a touchdown.
10. An eerie sound came from the basement.
11. We looked at the faded pictures in the album.
12. The president gave a boring speech.

Adjectives / 149
TRY IT: Write Adjectives
Write an adjective to describe each noun.
example: blue sky
1. cat 2. memory
3. idea 4. party
5. movie 6. war
7. beard 8. river
9. women 10. eyes
TRY IT: Write Sentences with Adjectives
Write a sentence with each of these adjectives. Circle the noun that
the adjective describes.
example: crazy That's a crazyGdea
1. young
2. brown
3. noisy
4. frightened
5. lonely
6. proud
7. fat
8. delicate
9. cracked
10. cool _
Some adjectives answer the question How much? or How many?

Read these nouns and adjectives:
twelve children How many children?
all people How many people?
some rest How much rest?
Here are some other examples. Underline each adjective:
both employees twenty dollars many calories
few mistakes a dozen rolls several people
You underlined the adjectives both twenty

, , many few dozen and
, , ,
several These words are all adjectives.

. They answer the question How
much? or How many? They describe the nouns employees , dollars ,
calories mistakes rolls

, , , and people .
TRY IT: Use How Many Adjectives

Fill in the blanks with adjectives from this list. There may be more
than one correct choice for each sentence.
some all many a dozen
twenty three several few
1. We have grandchildren.
2. Do you want coffee?
3. workers liked the new contract.
4. stores are closed on Sundays.
5. The TV star signed autographs.
6. I have dollars left.

Lesson 2. This That These and Those
, , ,
This that these and those can be used to point things out.
, , ,
These words are special adjectives. They can be singular or plural.

This and that are used with singular nouns. These and those are
used with plural nouns.
This and these are used to point out things nearby. That and those
are used to point out things far away.
Read this sentence. It is about one dish on a table across the room.
Bring me that dish.
There isonly one dish. The noun dish is singular. And the dish is across
the room. It is far away. The word that tells you there is only one dish.
The word that also tells you the dish is far away.
Read each of these pairs of sentences. The first sentence is a clue
to tell you where something is. The second sentence uses an adjective
to point to the same thing. In the second sentence of each pair,
underline the simple subject. Circle the adjective used to point to it.
Then fill in the blanks. Write whether the adjective tells you that the
subject is singular or plural. Write whether the adjective tells you that
the subject is nearby or far away.
The Subject Is
Singular Nearby
or or
Plural Far Away
(1) (The chair is next to me.)
This chair is broken.
(2) (The coats are on the other

side of the store.)
Those coats are on sale.
(3) (I am wearing the shoes.)

I bought these shoes yesterday.
You found that the word this in sentence 1 points out a singular
noun that is nearby. The word those in sentence 2 points out a plural
noun that is far away. And the word these in sentence 3 points out a
plural noun that is close by.
151
Now, read this sentence:
I will always remember this day.
Is this day in the present or the past? This can point out something
near in time. This day is in the present. It is happening now.
I will always remember that day.
That can point out something far in time. That day is in the past.
TRY IT: Use This That These and Those

, , ,
Fill in the blanks with one of these adjectives: this that , , these , or
those .
example: (I am holding the record.)
I like this record.
1. (I am wearing the jacket.)
jacket is too big.
2. (The desk is over there.)
Put the mail on desk.
3. (I got the bills months ago. They are not in the room with me.)
I didn't pay bills.
4. (The tire is in front of me.)
I think tire needs air.
5. (The plants are here on the windowsill.)
plants need water.

Adjectives / 153
6. (I am having soup.)
soup is too hot!
7. (Someone said a name. I heard the name a while ago.)
name sounds familiar.
8. (The bus is across the street.)
bus is an express.
9. (I am talking about cars in a showroom window.)
cars are really expensive.
10. (I am talking about tools that I am holding.)
Do tools belong to Juan?
There are three special rules to remember about this that these , , ,
and those Read each of these rules. Read the examples that follow.
.
RULE 1
Don't use here or there when you use this that these or those
, , , .
EXAMPLE
Read these two sentences. One sentence uses a word you don't
really need. Circle the sentence that uses only the words you need.
(1) This here man is lost.
(2) This man is lost.
You circled sentence 2. The word here in sentence 1 is not needed.

The word this already points out the man. This shows that the man is
close by. This does the job of here by itself. You don't need the words
here or there with the pointing words this that these or those, , ,
.
RULE 2
Don't use them when you mean these or those .
EXAMPLE
Read this sentence:
children are polite.
Underline the words that can fill the blank in the sentence. Only two
of the three words fit in the sentence.
These Them Those
These children are polite, or Those children are polite. Them is not a
pointing word. You can't use them when you mean these or those .
RULE 3
Don't use this when you mean a, an, or the .
EXAMPLE
Read this sentence. Circle the word in the parentheses that makes
the sentence correct.
I know (this — a) man who can help you.
You circled the word a. You are not pointing out a man. You are
only talking about a man. You can't use this if you are not pointing.
Use a, an, or the instead of this.
Adjectives / 155
TRY IT: Follow Special Rules for This That These , , ,
and Those
Each sentence has a word that is incorrect. Change the word or

remove the word from the sentence. Rewrite the sentence correctly.
examples: That there car has recliner seats.
That car has recliner seats.
Buy them paper towels.
Buy these paper towels, or Buy those paper towels.
1. Jason found this here key.
2. She saw this movie which scared her.
3. My daughter wants them toys.
4. That there elevator is out of order.
5. I know this barber who gives good haircuts.
6. We used that there map of Florida.
7. Hold them pliers.
8. This there wire is hot.
9. Benita likes these here sweaters.
10. Are them glasses yours?

Lesson 3. Adjectives after Linking Verbs
Read these sentences. Underline the adjectives. Circle the nouns

that the adjectives describe.
(1) The tired man took a rest.
(2) Angry fans booed the pitcher.
(3) A helpful guard opened the door.
In sentence the adjective tired describes the noun man In sentence

1, .
2, the adjective angry describes the noun fans In sentence 3, the .
adjective helpful describes the noun guard Each adjective came before
.
the noun it described.

Adjectives are often found right before nouns. But sometimes,
adjectives come after verbs.
In Unit 3, you learned about linking verbs. Remember, linking
verbs link the subject to a description. And adjectives are words that
describe nouns. Therefore, adjectives can come after linking verbs.
Read these sentences. Circle the simple subject. Underline the
adjective that describes the subject.
(4) That man looks tired.
(5) The fans seemed angry.
(6) The guard is helpful.
In sentence 4, the verb looks links the subject man (a noun) to the
adjective tired Tired describes the
. man.
That man looks tired.
In sentence 5, the verb seemed links the subject fans (a noun) to

the adjective angry Angry describes the fans
. .
The fans seemed angry.
In sentence 6, the verb is links the subject guard (a noun) to the

adjective helpful Helpful describes guard
. .
The guard is helpful.
156
Adjectives after Linking Verbs / 157
When adjectives are used after linking verbs, they can describe
pronouns. Read these sentences. Underline the adjective after the
linking verb. Circle the word the adjective describes.
(7) I feel lazy.
(8) He became angry.
In sentence 7, the adjective lazy describes the pronoun I. In sentence

8, the adjective angry describes the pronoun he.
How do you find adjectives in sentences with linking verbs?
(1) Find the subject and the verb.
The guard was helpful.
subject: guard
verb: was
(2) Ask What? after the verb.
The guard was what ? helpful
(3) Does the answer to the What? question describe the

subject? Then it is an adjective.
helpful is an adjective describing the guard
Be careful: If a word you

think is an a
adjective is
person, place, or thing, then it

isn't an adjective. It is a noun.
The noun will not answer the
questions what kind how much , ,
or how many .
My cousin is a lawyer.
The noun lawyer describes the

subject cousin It . is in noun
form because it is the name of a
kind of person.
TRY IT: Find Adjectives after Linking Verbs
Underline the linking verb in each sentence. Draw an arrow between

the subject and the adjective.
example: My belt is tight.
1. You sound worried.
2. The baby looks healthy.
3. This milk smells sour.
4. The tour guides were friendly.
5. He feels nervous.
6. That shower was relaxing.
7. Oscar and Felix are confident.
8. This soup tastes salty.
9. She grew impatient with the cashier.
10. The children looked scared.
Find out how much you now know about all the adjectives in Lessons
1, 2, and 3. Try the REVIEW exercises on the next few pages.
REVIEW: Find Nouns and Their Adjectives

Underline the adjectives in these sentences. Write what words the
adjectives describein the blanks.
example: She seems angry . She
1. Some stores have sales in January. .
2. The sweater costs twenty dollars.
3. My car is old and rusty.

Review / 159
4. Joe seems confused.
5. The boys looked lost in their coats.
6. A small group stood on the corner.
7. Martin Luther King was a great leader.
8. Gentle snow fell on the town.
9. Frank wore his favorite shirt.
10. The boots were shiny and fancy.
11. She cried silent tears.
12. A slow song came on the jukebox.
13. The lace on her dress was delicate.
14. The sky was clear and blue.
15. The city seemed crowded and noisy.
REVIEW: Write a Story with Adjectives
Write your own story. First, read this story. Decide what adjectives
you want to use. Write the adjectives in the blanks. Then rewrite the
story with your adjectives.
June was David was here. She hadn't seen him
for months.
David was a/an man. His smile was always
He wore a/an shirt and size
shoes. He talked fast, but in a
voice. He was enough to scare a man, but he didn't
scare June. His hands were When he touched
her, she felt

Lesson 4. Adverbs
In Units 3 and 4 you looked at verbs. A verb tells you what

happens. But a verb doesn't tell you how a thing happens. It doesn't
tellyou exactly when a thing happens.
An adverb helps tell how or when or where An adverb . is a word
that tells more about a verb. An adverb describes a verb.
Here are three sentences. Circle the verbs.
Julie ran quickly.
He never works.
The cats went outside.
You circled the words ran works and went These words are
, , . verbs.
They tell what the subject does or did.
What do the words quickly never and outside do? These words
, ,
seem different from each other, but they have one thing in common.
They all describe verbs. The word quickly tells how Julie ran The .
word never tells when he works The word outside tells where the cats
.
went The words quickly never and outside are adverbs. The following
. , ,
pages will show how adverbs describe verbs.
Many adverbs answer the question How? Read these verbs and
adverbs:
moves slowly Moves how?
waited impatiently Waited how?
softly spoke Spoke how?
The words slowly impatiently and softly are adverbs.

, , They
describe the verbs moves waited and spoke
, , .
160
Adverbs / 161
Suppose you wanted to describe how people work. What are some
adverbs you could use? Here are some adverbs. Add your own:
work carefully
quickly
Notice that many adverbs that answer the question How? end in ly.
TRY IT: Find Verbs and How Adverbs

Circle the verbs in these sentences. Underline the adverbs.
Remember: Ask the question How? after the verb. This will help you
find the adverb.
example: The truck drivers(ôve)slowly through the snow.
1. We carefully read the lease.
2. Tina skates beautifully.
3. She easily jumped over the high bar.
4. The supervisor shouted angrily.
5. The child grinned shyly at me.
6. They quietly entered the church.
7. He smiled slyly.
8. Do you eat slowly?
9. Lee sat bravely in the dentist's chair.
10. He spoke sharply to his son.

TRY IT: Use How Adverbs

Fill in the blanks with adverbs from this list. There may be more than
one correct choice for each sentence.
slowly quietly shyly wildly
patiently eagerly angrily suddenly
gracefully gently sharply roughly
1. They looked at the camera.
2. Tony listened to their story.
3. The coach yelled at the players.
4. Do you always talk so ?
5. He pushed me
6. You dance
7. I opened the package.
8. The crowd cheered
9. They opened the door.
10. The storm stopped
11. She squeezed my hand.
12. Darryl hit the ball into left field.
Some adverbs answer the question When? These adverbs

sometimes tell how often or how long .
Read these verbs and adverbs:
go now Go when?
never eats Eats how often?
stays forever Stays how long?

Adverbs / 163
Here are some other examples. Underline each adverb:
come soon often called always works
ran daily go later pays yearly
You underlined the adverbs soon often always daily later and
, , , , ,
yearly These words are all adverbs. They answer the question how
.
often or how long They describe the verbs come called works ran,
. , , ,
go and pays
, .
TRY IT: Use When Adverbs

Fill in the blanks with When? adverbs from this list. There may be
more than one correct choice for each sentence.
later sometimes seldom again
often daily never now
1. Joanne forgets her keys.
2. My mother exercises
3. I will see them
4. We visit our relatives.
5. Go to your room !
6. Ralph pays his club dues.
Some adverbs answer the question Where? Read these verbs and
adverbs:
ran downstairs Ran where?
turned right Turned where?
come here Come where?

Here are some other examples. Underline each adverb:
stood there go away moved forward
look everywhere stay inside walks backward
You underlined the adverbs there away forward everywhere

, , , ,
inside and backward These words are all adverbs. They answer the
,
.
question Where ? They describe the verbs stood go, moved look stay , , , ,
and walks.
TRY IT: Use Where Adverbs

Fill in the blanks with adverbs from this list. There may be more than
one correct choice for each sentence.
away here outside everywhere

there inside backward where
1. Please come
2. Tom goes with his dog.
3. were you yesterday?
4. The children played
5. Who lives ?
6. Bring the packages
7. She drove from the accident.
8. He took a step
See how much you know about adverbs. Try the REVIEW exercises
on the next page.
Review / 165
REVIEW: Use How When and Where Adverbs

, ,
Write an adverb for each verb.
example: walk quickly
1. shouted 2. hit
3. cry — 4. marches
5. play 6. looked
7. go 8. grabbed
9. whispers 10. read
REVIEW: Write Sentences with How When and

, ,
Where Adverbs
Write a sentence with each of these adverbs. Circle the verb that the
adverb describes.
example: carefully She carefully carved the turkey.
1. loudly
2. peacefully
3. later
4. never
5. here
6. everywhere
7. suddenly _
8. sadly
9. sometimes
10. forward _
Lesson 5. Adverbs That Describe
Adjectives and Other Adverbs
Read these sentences. Underline the adverbs. Circle the verbs the
adverbs describe.
He quietly entered the room.
Maria never forgets her keys.
Is he there?
Quietly is an adverb that tells how he entered the room. Never is an

adverb that tells when or how often Maria forgets her keys. There is
an adverb that tells where he is.
Adverbs can describe verbs to tell how, when, or where. They are
usually found before or after verbs. Sometimes one adverb isn't enough
by itself. Read these sentences. They are the same as the first three
sentences you read, but one word has been added. Circle the word that
was added.
He very quietly entered the room.
Maria almost never forgets her keys.

Is he really there?
The words very almost and really are adverbs. They help you tell
, ,
more about the adverbs quietly never and there

, , .
Adverbs can also help you tell more about an adjective. An

adjective describes a noun or pronoun. But sometimes the adjective by
itself isn't enough. Read these sentences. Underline the adjectives.
Circle the words that help describe the adjectives.
Remember:
Adjectives can come after a linking verb.
I feel awfully tired.
That dinner was extremely good.
The story was basically true.
166
Adverbs Describing Adjectives/Adverbs / 167
The adjective tired describes the pronoun I. The adjective good

describes the noun dinner The . adjective true describes the noun story .
The words that are in front of these adjectives are adverbs. Notice
that all these adverbs end with ly. The adverb awfully describes the
adjective tired The adverb extremely describes the adjective good The
. .
adverb basically describes the adjective true .
When an adverb or adjective by

strong enough, you can
itself isn't
use an adverb to help. Here are some examples. Underline the adverbs.
so dirty usually cold thoroughly rotten
too smart awfully loud entirely correct
You underlined the words so, usually thoroughly too awfully and
, , , ,
entirely These words are adverbs.

. They describe the adjectives dirty ,
cold rotten smart loud

, , , , and correct .
Remember:
Use an adverb not an adjective when you
—describe an adverb
—describe an adjective
To test a sentence, ask yourself:
(1) Is the word being described an adjective?
Rex is shy.
The adjective shy describes the noun Rex .
Rex is terribly shy.
The adverb terribly describes the adjective shy .
(2) Is the word being described an adverb?
He sang that song loudly.
The adverb loudly describes the verb sang .
He sang that song awfully loudly.
The adverb awfully describes the adverb loudly .

TRY IT: Find Adverbs That Describe Adjectives

and Other Adverbs
Underline the adverbs these sentences. Then write which word

in
each adverb describes. Some sentences have more than one adverb.
example: You drive awfully slowly .
The adverb _ slowly _ describes the verb drive
The adverb awfully describes the adverb slowly
1. It's terribly cold!
The adverb describes the adjective
2. He walks unusually quickly.
The adverb describes the verb
The adverb describes the adverb
3. Bessie Smith was a very popular singer.
4. You snore really loudly.
5. Lana dances awfully badly.
The adverb describes the verb _

Adverbs Describing Adjectives/Adverbs / 169
6. They are extremely happy about the news.
7. That little girl is really selfish.
8. She speaks so softly in class.
9. Burt lives awfully dangerously.
10. My children sing really well.
11. Sophie seems basically honest.
12. I feel barely awake.

Lesson 6. Adding ly
Read these sentences. Underline the adjective and adverb:
adjective: Fernando is a careful driver.
adverb: Fernando drives carefully.
The adjective in the first sentence is careful . The adverb is
carefully . How are these words alike?
careful
carefully
To form the adverb, you add ly to the adjective: careful, carefully.

Many ly adverbs can be formed from adjectives. Here are some
examples. Underline the ly in each adverb:
ADJECTIVE ADVERB
quiet quietly
clear clearly
sharp sharply
beautiful beautifully
Sometimes, you have to change the ending of the adjective before

adding ly. Here are some examples:
ADJECTIVE ADVERB
gentle gently
true truly
easy easily
sleepy sleepily
automatic automatically
170
Adding ly / 171
TRY IT: Change Adjectives into Adverbs

Change each adjective into its adverb form. Use the spelling tips on
page 186 to help you.
example: I am careful. I read carefully
ADJECTIVE ADVERB
1. The cat is quiet . The cat moves
2. She was a warm person. She smiled
3. He seems patient . He listens
4. That job was easy . I did that job
5. That's a happy song. They sang _
6. He is a gentle man. He touched

me.
7. She's a graceful dancer. She dances
8. His answer was automatic .

He answered
9. The boy felt sleepy .

He yawned
10. She was a true friend. She cared.
11. The baby seemed impatient .

He rried
12. She looks beautiful . She dresses
13. There was a sharp wind. Tt hlpw
14. The ghost was invisible . It moved
15. The sky was clear . The sun shone

Lesson 7. Review Uses of
of
Adjectives and Adverbs
In Lesson 1, you learned that an adjective describes a noun. And

in Lesson 3, you learned that adjectives can come after linking verbs.
Underline the adjective in this sentence. Circle the noun.
The boy is sleepy.
You underlined the adjective sleepy and circled the noun boy .
In Lesson 4, you found that an adverb describes a verb. Underline

the adverb in this sentence. Circle the verb.
The boy sleepily shut his eyes.
You underlined the adverb sleepily and circled the verb shut .
Lesson 5 told you about adverbs that describe adjectives and other
adverbs. Underline the adjective in this sentence. Circle the adverbs.
The sleepy boy shut his eyes very quickly.
You underlined the adjective sleepy You circled the adverbs very and
.
quickly Quickly describes the verb shut Very describes the adverb
. .
quickly.
Sometimes people confuse adjectives with adverbs. Read this

sentence:
Maria dances
Do you complete the sentence with an adverb or an adjective? You

must use an adverb because you are describing the verb dance .
Maria dances beautifully,

wonderfully
strangely
Add two adverbs

of your own:
172
Review Adjectives and Adverbs / 173
Now, read this sentence:
Maria is a woman.
Does the sentence need an adjective or an adverb? You must use an

adjective because you are describing the noun woman .
Maria is a beautiful woman,

wonderful
strange
Add two
adjectives of your
own:
Read this sentence. Do you complete it with an adjective or an

adverb?
I feel tired.
Feela linking verb and tired is an adjective. You must use an

is
adverb because you are describing the adjective tired .
I feel very tired,

really
Add two adverbs

of your own:
Do you use an adjective or an adverb to complete this sentence?
I walked home slowly.
You must use an adverb because you are describing the adverb
slowly .
I walked home very slowly,

really
Add two adverbs

of your own:
If you don't know if the word to use should be an adjective or an

adverb:
(1) Ask: Does the word describe a noun? Does the word
answer What kind ? or How many ? Then the describing
word must be an adjective .
(2) Ask: Does the word describe a verb? Does the word
answer How ? When ? or Where ? Then the describing word
must be an adverb .
(3) Does the word describe an adjective? Does the word

describe an adverb? Then the word must be an adverb.
Remember:
Adjectives come before nouns except when there is a linking verb,

when the adjective comes after the linking verb.
The young women ran.
The women are young .
Some adverbs can go in more than one place in a sentence.
Suddenly , Adam sneezed.
Adam suddenly sneezed.
Adam sneezed suddenly .
Sometimes it won't be hard to choose the

right form because the adjective and the
adverb are the same.
adjective: Fast drivers must be stopped.
adverb: You drive too fast .
Other examples of words that don't change

are:
hard long late
high low straight

Review Adjectives and Adverbs / 175
TRY IT: Find Adjectives and Adverbs
Tell whether the underlined word is an adjective or an adverb. Circle

the word that is being described.
example: Jeff(âited) patiently in line. adverb
(He)is patient . adjective
1. Yvette plays the piano beautifully .
2. The music was beautiful.
3. The family had a warm home.
4. They greeted us warmly .
5. She's terrific .
6. She's terrifically funny.
7. That's a really pretty necklace.
8. Those jewels can't be real .
9. Pete threw a wild party.
10. We all danced wildly .
11. Her child felt sleepy .
12. He sleepily kissed her good night.
13. Garth seemed cold.
14. He was coldly impolite.
15. Our team won easily .
16. That sport looks easy .
17. Alfonso is a quick learner.
18. He quickly understood the computer.
19. You are very gentle .

20. She gently stroked his hair.
21. The girl felt bad.
22. She danced badly .
23. My husband is very jealou s.
24. He watches me jealously . .
25. Was the umpire angry ?
TRY IT: Review Choice of Adverb or Adjective

Read each sentence. Choose the word in parentheses that makes the
sentence correct.
example: The streets seemed too ( silent — silently).
1. Diego (impatient — impatiently) hung up the phone.

2. Give me those letters (quick —quickly).
3. The —cleverly) reporter disguised her voice.
(clever
4. Your telephone rings (terrible— terribly) loudly.
5. The lovely bride (happy — happily).

felt
6. The hero was (grateful — gratefully) the reward. for
7. That man drives (dangerous — dangerously).
8. A friendly neighbor watched their home (careful —carefully).

9. Sarah (brief— briefly) left the room.
10. That — frantically) mother found her child.

(frantic
11. My boyfriend calls (extreme— extremely) often.

12. Mike has a (wonderful — wonderfully) sense of humor.
13. Paula spoke (clear—clearly) into the microphone.

Review / 177
14. Cars passed the wreck very (slow —slowly).

15. Sam —foolishly) asked for a raise.
(foolish
16. He feels (awful — awfully) sorry.
17. They talked (over —overly) loudly.

18. Evita looks (basic —basically) fine.
19. The chef cooks (bad— badly).
20. The (jealous —jealously) partner stole the money.
REVIEW: Write a Story with Adjectives and Adverbs
Write your own story. First, read this story. Decide what adjectives
and adverbs you want to use. Then write the words in the blanks.
I walked down the street. I passed

ADVERB ADJECTIVE
people looking at me. The city seemed

ADVERB ADJECTIVE
and I felt I came

ADJECTIVE ADJECTIVE ADVERB
to the river that ran along the edge of the city.

ADJECTIVE
The river looked I walked out

ADJECTIVE ADVERB
to a pier and sat down. waves broke against the

ADJECTIVE
pier. The sun shone on the water. I watched some

ADVERB
gulls flying over the water. I
ADJECTIVE ADVERB
sat on the pier and watched time go by.

ADVERB
MASTERY TEST
Change these adjectives into adverbs.
example: quiet quietly
1. sleepy
2. gentle
3. frantic
4. wonderful
5. easy
Tellwhether the underlined word is an adjective or an adverb. Circle

the word that is being described.
example: Ramona (watche|) her children carefully . adverb
She is a careful (mother?) adjective
6. There was a peaceful march,
7. The people left peacefully . .
8. Juan is a very fine dancer. .
9. The room looked sloppy . _

10. He mopped the floor sloppily .
11. Mary laughed really loudly. _
12. She shook her fist angrily . _
13. Beth gave an angry speech.
14. We said a silent prayer.
15. The minister rose silently . _

178
Mastery Test / 179
Fill in the blanks with this that these or those

, , , .
example: (The ashtray is far away.)
Bring me that ashtray.
16. (I am holding a ring.)
Take ring.
17. (The students are in another room.)
students study Spanish.
18. (I am wearing the socks.)
socks are too small.
19. (The store is across the street.)
store is still open.
20. (I am having pie.)
pie is delicious.
Read each sentence. Choose the word in parentheses that makes

the sentence correct.
example: He is (usual usually ) wrong.
21. I play basketball (bad— badly).
22. Matt (impatient — impatiently) rang the bell.
23. Ella feels (happy— happily).
24. He sings (awful — awfully) loudly.
25. Time passed — slowly.

(real really)
SPELLING AND
GRAMMAR GUIDE
Adding s to Words
1. If a word ends in s, x, z, ch, or sh, add es to the word:
class classes
box boxes
buzz buzzes
watch watches
dish dishes
2. If a word ends in y, change the 1 to i and add es:
fly flies
carry carries
country countries
Some words don't follow this rule. These have an a or o before

the y. They don't change when s is added:
day days
trays trays
decoy decoys
3. If a word ends in f or fe, change the f to y and add es:
leaf leaves
life lives
180
Spelling and Grammar Guide / 181
Some words don't follow this rule. These words end in f, but they
don't change when s is added. Here are some examples:
belief beliefs
roof roofs
chief chiefs
4. If a word ends in a consonant plus o, add es to the word:
echo echoes
hero heroes
potato potatoes
Some words don't follow this rule. These words end in a conso-
nant plus o, but they just add s. Here are some examples:
piano pianos
silo silos
photo photos
5. If a word ends in a vowel plus o, just add s:
radio radios
zoo zoos
6. Some words change to form the plural. Here are some examples:
man men
woman women
child children
person people
foot feet
mouse mice
182 / WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE
7. Some words stay the same to form the plural. Here are some
examples:
sheep sheep
deer deer
fish fish
8. Some words are singular even though they look plural. Here are
some examples:
pants scissors
news measles
politics mathematics
Adding ed to Words
1. If a word ends in an e, just add d:
notice noticed
argue argued
move moved
change changed
2. If a word ends in an o, add ed:
veto vetoed
radio radioed
echo echoed
3. If a word ends in a vowel plus y, just add ed:
play played
destroy destroyed
enjoy enjoyed
4. If a word ends in a consonant plus y_, change the y to i and add

ed:
try tried
dry dried
apply applied
5. If a word ends in a vowel and a consonant, double the final

consonant and add ed:
plan planned
admit admitted
drop dropped
drag dragged
low this rule. Never d
tax taxed
row rowed
6. Don't double the final consonant if another consonant or two

vowels comes before it:
wish wished
burn burned
look looked
peel peeled
7. Some words are irregular in the past form. Here are some tips to
help you remember these words:
PRESENT PAST
change to -ew:
blow blew
draw drew
fly flew
grow grew
know knew
throw threw
PRESENT PAST
change to -a-:
become became
begin began
come came
drink drank
forgive forgave
give gave
run ran
sing sang
sit sat
swim swam
change to o sound:
break broke
drive drove
find found
forget forgot
freeze froze
get got
ride rode
rise rose
sell sold
shake shook
shine shone
speak spoke
stand stood
take took
tear tore
tell told
understand understood
wake woke
wear wore
win won
write wrote
change to -aught:
catch caught
teach taught
change to -ought:
bring brought
buy bought
fight fought
think thought
PRESENT PAST
change the ending:

bite bit
build built
hear heard
hide hid
lose lost
make made
pay paid
say said
send sent
spend spent
change the vowels:

choose chose
fall fell
feed fed
feel felt
hold held
keep kept
lead led
meet met
sleep slept
keep the same:

beat beat
bet bet
cut cut
hit hit
hurt hurt
let let
put put
quit quit
read read (sounds
like "red")
other words:
be was, were
do did
eat ate
go went
have, has had
leave left
see saw
Forming Contractions
A contraction is a short way to write two words. An apostrophe (')

takes the place of a letter that is left out of the contraction. Here are
some examples:
I am I'm it is it's
you are you're we are we're

he is he's they are they're
she is she's John is John's
isnot isn't was not wasn't

are not aren't were not weren't
do not don't did not didn't

does not doesn't
what is what's here is here's

that is that's there is there's
Adding ly to Words
1. If an adjective ends in I, the adverb has II:
careful carefully
peaceful peacefully
2. If an adjective ends in le, drop the e and add y:
gentle gently
reasonable reasonably
3. If an adjective ends in y, change the y to i and add ly:
happy happily
heavy heavily
exception: shy shyly

4. If an adjective ends in ic, add ally :
automatic automatically
basic basically
Showing Possession
1. Add an ^s to singular nouns.
doctor's Charles's team's
2. Add an '
to plural nouns that end in s.
wives' countries' dogs'
3. Add an ^s to plural nouns that don't end in s.
men's children's people's
Using Capital Letters
1. Every sentence begins with a capital letter:
Here are your keys.

Watch out!
Did you lose something?
2. Every proper noun begins with a capital letter. A proper noun

names a specific person, place, or thing. Here are some examples:
• the name of a specific month, day, or holiday
What day is this? Monday?

Is this
Imet that man last month. Imet that man in September.
Tomorrow is a holiday. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.
• a specific person's name
There she is. There is Jennifer Bailey.

He was a minister. Martin Luther King was a minister.
• such words as mother, father, aunt, and uncle, when they are
used as a persons name
I will ask my dad. Can I use the car, Dad?

His uncle is a mechanic. Uncle George is a mechanic.
She visited her aunt. She visited Aunt Rita.
• the name of a specific place — country, city, state, street, river,
ocean, park
He likes this country. He likes the United States.

Do you live in a city? Do you live in New York City?
I was born in that state. Iwas born in California.
The hotel is down the street. The hotel is on Plaza Street.
The river is wide. The Ohio River is wide.
The ship crossed the ocean. It crossed the Pacific Ocean.
Let's go to the park. Let's go to Central Park.
• a person's when
title it is used with a person's name or in place of
a person's name
Salute the captain. Salute Captain Ortega.

Call a doctor! Call Doctor Johnson!
Forgive me, father. Forgive me, Father O'Brien.
He met the president.
He met President Kennedy.
• the name of a specific company, school, building, or

organization
Phone the gas company. Phone Associated Gas Company.

Al is in high school. He goes to Central High School.
Look at that building. Look at the Empire State Building.
Join a scout troop. Join the Girl Scouts of America.
• the name of a religion, language, or nationality and the adjectives

that are made from these names
I practice my religion. I practice Islam.
Hindu Christian Jewish
Indian Polish Italian

CAMBRIDGE
THE ADULT EDUCATION COMPANY
PRESENTS
WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE
A complete system of instruction and exercises .
-
in grammar and usage for adults
(1) A separate Diagnostic/Prescriptive Test to pinpoint specific

instructional needs within the two student texts
(2) Two student texts to provide detailed explanations of grammar

and usage skills with exercises to develop recognition and application
of standard English
(3) Two student exercise books directly correlated to the lessons in
the student texts to provide additional skill practice
(4) Four special Student Answer Booklets— one for each text and
each exercise book—to provide answers as well as explanations that
reinforce instructional points
(5) A separate Evaluative Test to measure the success of the

instructional program
Prentice Hall Regents. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

888 Seventh Avenue New York NY 10106

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INSTRUCTIONAL BOOK FOR

A grammar and usage program for adults

'mm CAMBRIDGE Adult Education

Executive Editor: Brian Schenk

£ 1984 by Prentice Hall Regents

All rights No part of this book may be

without permission in writing from the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

Prentice-Hall International (UK) Limited, London

Simon & Schuster Asia Pte. Ltd., Singapore

Unit 2. THE SUBJECT 24

Unit 3. THE VERB 48

Unit 4. THE PAST TENSE 82

Lesson 3. The Verb Be 90

Unit 5. SHOWING POSSESSION 112

Lesson 1. Possessive Forms of Singular Nouns 113

Unit 6. ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS 146

Lesson 1. Adjectives 147

Spelling and Grammar Guide 180

What does this group of words tell you?

Tony Jones worked overtime.

A sentence is a group of words. A sentence gives a complete idea.

(2) lives in Virginia

(1) who worked hard

(2) who lives in Virginia

(3) what is expensive

(4) who is a mechanic

Each group of words is missing a subject. A subject tells who or

(1) The janitors worked hard.

Who worked hard?

(2) David lives in Virginia.

Who lives in Virginia?

(3) That fur coat is expensive.

(4) His father is a mechanic.

fur coat and his father are subjects.

How do you find the subject?

(1) Ask or is doing something.

(2) Ask or is being described.

TRY IT: Find the Subject

Underline the subject in each sentence.

Remember: Ask who or what is doing something. Ask who or what

example: The two men went to the game.

Who went to the game? the two men

1. The bus drivers went on strike.

2. Those bananas aren't ripe yet.

3. The speech was too long.

4. Fred lost his wallet.

7. Lydia had a baby.

8. Those black shoes don't fit me.

9. This coffee is too strong.

10. The Orioles won the ball game.

TRY IT: Write Your Own Subjects

example: The old man lived on the th

Leon lived on the th

2. cleaned the floor.

4. fell off the shelf.

fi. bought a new stereo.

7. slept on the sofa.

(2) The back door

(4) The supermarket

(1) Tony Jones scored two touchdowns.

What did Tony Jones do?

(2) The back door locks by itself.

What does the back door do?