Grammar problems 01:40 PM Oct 28 2007 Hi! 1.) I am having difficulty using "there is" and "there are. Example: There's some slipper in the shoe rack. Should it be -> There are some slippers in the shoe rack? (because of the word "some", slippers automatically becomes plural therefore we use "there are"(?) Yes, the correct sentence should be "There are some slipppers in the shoe rack" You would normally talk about slippers-plural, and using the word "some" means you are talking about more than one. You have to make sure the verb agrees in number with the subject. In this sentence the subject is plural (slippers) so the verb must be also (are) Example: There are a lot of things I must do now. Should it be -> There are lots of things i must do now? (Delete "a" and put "s" after lot(s) because the things = plural(?) Both forms would be correct. The important thing is that you use there are, not there is, because the subject (things) is plural. "a lot" and "lots" are equal in meaning
2.) What comes before and after… Example: I have also some apartments that are occupied now but will be available soon. or—> I also have some apartments that are….. What is the correct one? the second sentence is correct. also is an adverb, and usually they go BEFORE verbs, except the verb "to be" when they go AFTER the verb Examples: I usually take the bus to work. I am usually on time for work. Pete also takes the bus. Pete is also my boss.
3.) Singular or plural for the verb? Example : She often make mistakes. She often makes mistakes. CORRECT After 3rd person singular (he she it) use form of the verb ending in "s" it's not really plural. I know it's confusing that plural nouns and some singular verbs both have the "s" ending.
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