Grammar Skills

 

Gerunds and Infinitives

The following sentences will be written in gerund, then infinitive, and finally it in the subject position.

1. She takes a math course every semester. This is difficult.

• Taking a math course every semester is difficult.
• To take a math course every semester is difficult.
• It is difficult to take a math course every semester.

     2.  During the semester, she goes to class every day. This is a good idea.

• Going to class every day of the semester is a good idea.
• To go to class every day of the semester is a good idea.
• It is a good idea going to class every day of the semester.

     3.  She takes notes as the professor does the sample problems on the board. This is useful.

• Taking notes as the professor does examples on the board is useful.
• To take notes as the professor does examples on the board is useful.
• It is useful to take notes as the professor does examples on the board.

     4.  She does the homework problems regularly. This takes time.

• Doing the homework problems regularly takes time.
• To do the homework problems regularly takes time.
• It takes time to do the homework problems regularly.

     5.  She turns the homework in every day. This gives her a sense of satisfaction.

• Turning the homework every day gives a sense of satisfaction.
• To turn in the homework every day gives a sense of satisfaction.
• It gives a sense of satisfaction to turn in the homework every day.

     6.  She gets good grades. This is the best reward.

• Getting good grades is the best reward.
• To get good grades is the best reward.
• It is the best reward to get good grades.

Correlative Conjunctions

The following sentences are being combined by correlative conjunctions.

1. Physics is classified as a physical science. Chemistry is classified as a physical science.

                 Both Physics and Chemistry are classified as a physical science.

     2.  We cannot classify mathematics as a biological science. We cannot classify psychology as a physical science.

                We cannot classify neither mathematics nor psychology as a physical science.

     3.   Botany and zoology are normally considered biological sciences. They are generally requirements for a B.S. degree.

                Not only botany and zoology are considered biological sciences, but also the are generally requirements for a B.S. degree.

     4.   All liberal arts majors have to take two physical science courses. Instead, all liberal arts majors could take two biological science courses.

                All liberal arts mayors have to take either two physical science courses or two biological science courses.

    5.   In order to graduate, all students in college must take certain required courses. They have to take some electives.

                In order to graduate, all students in college not only must take certain required courses but also they have to take some electives.