abstract nouns, there + verb'to be'
Look at the A and B sentences below. Find out why B is correct and A is wrong in the Grammar Points section.
i\ -r
A " t
, JGRAMIVIAR PoINTS
E We use singularverbs with abstract nouns.
EXAMPLE: Integrity is an important quality in leadership.
GRAMMAR POINTS
R E M E M B E R !
r An abstract noun refers to a feeling, an idea or a quality. It may be something that cannot be seen or touched.
EXAMPLES: excitement, freedom, intelligence, joy, wisdom, youth r Abstract nouns can be used:
(a) as subjects by themselves (b) as head words in noun phrases
EXAMPLES: noun phrase - subject
is required for a gymnast to gain international status.
" " " ' f ' - - ' -
@
noun phrase - subjecl
ffi has won her several awards.
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( head word ) $]rtC!'al:ga -/
We can use the words there + verb'to be' when we want to state that something exists or happens. lVhen the subject that comes after the verb 'to
be' is singular or uncountable, we use the singular form of 'to
be'. lVhen the subject is plural, we use the plural form.
His wealth have not caused him to forget the needs ofothers.
His wealth has not caused him to forget the needs ofothers.
2A There were severe famine in some parts of Africa last year.
28 There was severe famine in some parts of Africa last vear.
1 8
E){AMPLES: present tense form of 'to be'
There is I new grocertsto,re lnear the junction.
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ele$ls!, Gle!l:l'"!rg,
past tense form of 'to be' There was
@ @
present perfect tense form of 'to be' There havrc.bgen
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@4J Underline the correct words in the brackets.
I The truth about the situation in those two rival companies ( is / are ) going to be exposed.
2 His gentle manner of speaking ( make / makes ) everyone feel at ease.
3 There ( was / were ) public anger against the change in the tax laws.
4 There has been great ( improvement / improvements ) in that child's reading ability.
5 Bitterness between two departments often ( cause / causes ) problems in an organisation.
6 Gratitude ( has / have ) been conveyed to all those who donated to the charity.
7 The country's security ( is / are ) greatly threatened by foreign armies on the border.
B There have been significant ( change / changes ) in the education system recently.
9 The tranquil surroundings of the 200-year-old palace ( give / gives ) us a glimpse into the past.
l0 There ( was / were ) genuine loyalty among the troops who fought to protect the president.
@ j J C r o s s o u t t h e i n c o r r e c t V e r b f o r m S t o c o m p l e t e t h e s e n t e n c e s '
I There trasFer€ I a moment of silence to honour all those who had given their lives for the nation.
2 The speed at which the cheetah chases its prey [a*l-i! remarkable.
The power of the ruling party was challenged lwere challe by a popular uprising.
Iohn's ability to read other people's minds f"* [ii_l truly amazing.
There has been I have been great concern over the rise in the number of traffic accidents.
discourage I discourages 3
4
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6 Bad weather on public holidays people from going out.
7 Approval for the playground project has been I have been granted by the city council.
B There ["*It large numbers of pigeons nesting in this area.
9 The scent of roses I fill I fills I the air as the morning breeze drifts into the room.
l0 Dave's wish to become a test pilot tra.l*"*l squashed when he failed his eye test.
@ Tickthe correct sentences.
I His generous donations to the charities has helped them greatly.
2 Iack's management of the financial crisis has saved the company from ruin.
3 Kelly's calm and sensible attitude makes her easy to work with.
4 There were a crowd of spectators waiting for the motor car rally to begin.
5 The new waiter's efficiency was quickly noted by the manager.
6 The beautiful beaches of that island attract many visitors each year.
7 There were great relief among us when MrWellington arrived.
B The majesty of the snow-covered peaks are unforgettable.
I Temporary shelter was provided for all those who had lost their homes in the fire.
l0 The stressful work environment have caused many people to leave the firm.
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YOUR SCORE I
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@DlCircletlrecorrectwordsintheboxestocompletethesentences. - There is some - that I bought for tonight's barbecue in the
kitchen.
That awful noise - all of us in the office.
Brian's theories of management - a lot of sense.
Low self-esteem _been discussed in many magazine articles.
There - hundreds of passengers waiting in the departure Iounge because of the sudden cancellation of flights.
3 4
6 Fatigue sometimes - to a breakdown in the body's immune syslem.
7 There a number of details that have been deleted from this report.
Several of the discounted items here actually - more than in the other outlets.
There interest among health-conscious people in aromatherapy oils.
The renewal of one's youth -what the advertisement offers.
chicken chickens distract distracts
make makes
has have
Iead leads are I S C O S I C O S T S
has been have been - . . -
YOUR SCORE I
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@4JFillintheblankswiththecorreCtformsoftheverbsinthebrackets.
(be) an obstacle in the (contribute) to a person's health and vitality.
(be) extensive damage to the roof because of high winds this.
(lead) to accidents on the road.
(be) so many qpes of fruits at the stall that it was difficult to make a (go) a long way towards (prevent) them from (be) a great deal of curiosity about Lisa's fiance. We only know
(help) to build character.
@ F l R e w r i t e t h e s e n t e n c e s u s i n g c o r r e c t v e r b f o r m s . I There are something on the table. Does it belong to you?
2 The weather have been so hot in the last few days that many people have suffered sunburn.
3 Tolerance play an important role in making a happy community.
For many decades already, illiteracy development of many countries.
Plenty of exercise There
morning.
Carelessness There
choice.
The good attitude of this hotel staff always making their guests feel welcome.
Rivalry among the villagers still persists. It cooperating for mutual benefit.
that he comes from Cyprus.
Challenges in life Anxiety
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(grip) people before job interviews.
4 His obsession with house prices are often hard for his friends to bear.
5 The talents of the young musician was recognised by the music school.