1.
Split Infinitive
Definition: A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is inserted between "to"
and the verb. While often debated, it can clarify meaning.
Examples:
• To boldly go where no one has gone before.
• To quickly finish the assignment.
Exercise: Rewrite the following sentences to avoid split infinitives:
1. She wants to really understand the topic.
2. He plans to completely overhaul his car.
2. Direct and Indirect (Reported Speech)
Definition: Direct speech quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect speech conveys the
meaning without quoting directly.
Examples:
• Direct: She said, “I will join you.”
• Indirect: She said that she would join us.
Exercise: Convert the direct speech to indirect speech:
1. He said, “I am learning French.”
2. “Can you help me?” she asked.
3. Synonyms and Antonyms
Definitions:
• Synonym: A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
• Antonym: A word that has the opposite meaning of another word.
Examples:
• Happy (Synonym: Joyful)
• Difficult (Antonym: Easy)
Exercise: Provide a synonym or antonym for each word:
1. Strong (Synonym)
2. Sad (Antonym)
4. Redundancy
Definition: Redundancy occurs when unnecessary repetition is used in speech or writing,
making it less concise.
Examples:
• Free gift (All gifts are free)
• Close proximity (Proximity means closeness)
Exercise: Identify and correct the redundancy in the sentences:
1. He returned back to his home.
2. The reason is because...
5. Subject-Verb Agreement
Definition: Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match
in number (singular or plural).
Examples:
• The cat (is) sleeping.
• The cats (are) playing.
Exercise: Choose the correct verb form:
1. The group (is/are) meeting today.
2. Each student (has/have) their own desk.
6. Words Easily Confused
Definition: Certain words sound alike or look alike but have different meanings (often called
homophones or commonly confused words).
Examples:
• Their/There/They’re
• Affect/Effect
Exercise: Choose the correct word:
1. (Your/You're) going to love this movie.
2. The (principal/principle) of the school addressed the students.
7. Parts of Speech
Definition: Parts of speech are categories of words based on their function in a sentence (e.g.,
nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs).
Examples:
• Noun: Dog
• Verb: Run
• Adjective: Beautiful
Exercise: Identify the part of speech for the underlined word:
1. The cat (jumped) over the fence.
2. She is very (kind).
8. Changing Words to Adjectival Form
Definition: Many nouns can be transformed into adjectives by adding suffixes or making
slight alterations.
Examples:
• Create → Creative
• Beauty → Beautiful
Exercise: Change the following words into their adjectival forms:
1. Create (Adjective)
2. Danger (Adjective)