Syntax Exercises ~ Rubba                                                                         © Copyright Johanna Rubba 2006

 

EXERCISES IN SENTENCE COMBINING

 

SENTENCE COMBINING: CLAUSES IN CONSTITUENT ROLES

 

Make these into single sentences with a clause as subject:

 

Model:

It is sad that so many parents spend little "quality time" with their children.

Answer: That so many parents spend little "quality time" with their children is sad.

 

1.   The witness is telling the truth. That is obvious.

2.   Toronto is on the SARS list again. This is unfortunate.

3.   It is criminal that some parents neglect their children.

4.   This is clear: Future teachers have to study hard.

KEY

 

Make these into single sentences with a clause as direct object:

 

5.   I can't believe it! My parents lied to me!

6.   Imagine it: You're on a desert island with your dream mate.

7.   My friend is going to Europe. She told me.

8.   This is a difficult time for you. I understand that.

KEY

 

 

SENTENCE COMPRESSION: PARTICIPIAL PHRASES

 

Reduce the underlined sentences to an infinitive (base verb form) or participial clause (present or past participle) inserted into the other sentence. Delete words if needed, but be sure to preserve the subject of the inner clause.

 

Models:

- Joshua paid for the meal. We feel obliged to take him out next time.

Answer: Joshua having paid for the meal, we feel obliged to treat him next time.

- I saw her. She was stealing the man's wallet while her baby distracted him.

Answer: I saw her stealing the man's wallet while her baby distracted him.

 

  1.  I have never seen your brother. It is unlikely that I would recognize him.
  2.  The previous owner has trained my new horse. So I don't have to worry about it.
  3. The tornado ripped several trailers to bits. I watched.
  4. I clearly saw him. He copied answers from his neighbor's test.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEY

 

 

SENTENCE COMPRESSION: PARTICIPLE MODIFIERS

 

In the following sentences, replacing the underlined verb with its -ing form. Make any other necessary changes/additions.

 

Model: Sarah tried to open the can of beans. She poked at it with a penknife.

Sarah tried to open the can of beans by poking at it with a penknife. (Gerund)

 

1) Peter lies to his wife about his 'evening meetings' with his supervisor. This won't work for very long.

2) Marciela carefully inserted the probe into the tiny open vein. It was amazing to watch her.

3) President Clinton was caught on videotape. He was entertaining fat cats at White House coffees.

4) You have to come in to my office. That is the best way to get help with your project.

5) You can cure yourself of hay fever. Buy some local organic honey and eat a teaspoonful every day for a month.

 

KEY

 

 

 

Syntax Exercises ~ Rubba                                                                       © Copyright Johanna Rubba 2006

 

EXERCISES IN SENTENCE COMBINING   KEY

 

SENTENCE COMBINING: CLAUSES IN CONSTITUENT ROLES

 

Make these into single sentences with a clause as subject:

 

Model:

It is sad that so many parents spend little "quality time" with their children.

Answer: That so many parents spend little "quality time" with their children is sad.

 

1. That witness is telling the truth is obvious.

2. That Toronto is on the SARS list again is unfortunate.

3. That that some parents neglect their children is criminal.

4. Future teachers have to study hard is clear:.

 

Make these into single sentences with a clause as direct object:

That is optional in all sentences.

 

5.   I can't believe (that) my parents lied to me!

6.   Imagine (that) you're on a desert island with your dream mate.

7.   My friend told me that she is going to Europe.

8. I understand (that) this is a difficult time for you.

 

SENTENCE COMPRESSION: PARTICIPIAL PHRASES

 

Reduce the underlined sentences to an infinitive (base verb form) or participial clause (present or past participle) inserted into the other sentence. Delete words if needed, but be sure to preserve the subject of the inner clause.

 

Models:

- Joshua paid for the meal. We feel obliged to take him out next time.

Answer: Joshua having paid for the meal, we feel obliged to treat him next time.

- I saw her. She was stealing the man's wallet while her baby distracted him.

Answer: I saw her stealing the man's wallet while her baby distracted him.

 

  1.  Having never seen your brother, it is unlikely that I would recognize him.
  2.  The previous owner having trained my new horse, I don't have to worry about it.
  3. I watched the tornado ripping several trailers to bits.
  4. I clearly saw him copying answers from his neighbor's test.

 

SENTENCE COMPRESSION: PARTICIPLE MODIFIERS

 

In the following sentences, replacing the underlined verb with its -ing form. Make any other necessary changes/additions.

 

Model: Sarah tried to open the can of beans. She poked at it with a penknife.

Sarah tried to open the can of beans by poking at it with a penknife. (Gerund)

 

1) PeterŐs liying to his wife about his 'evening meetings' with his supervisor won't work for very long.

2) It was amazing to watch Marciela carefully inserting the probe into the tiny open vein.

3) President McGuire was caught on videotape entertaining fat cats at White House coffees.

4) Coming in to my office is the best way to get help with your project.

5) You can cure yourself of hay fever by buying some local organic honey and eating a teaspoonful every day for a month.