The Structure of American English    Quiz #1  
Date________________                                          Name_____________________

Variability in Native Speakers' Speech

In the following pairs, identify the sentence that you perceive (believe, feel, know) to be grammatical:

1.     ____    I am adamant that he is appointed chair.

        ____    I am adamant that he be appointed chair.

2.    ____    It is necessary that every member inform himself/herself of these rules.

        ____    It is necessary that every member informs himself/herself of these rules.

3.    ____    He spoke to me as if I were deaf.

        ____    He spoke to me as if I was deaf.   

4.    ____    I wish I was rich and powerful.

        ____    I wish I were rich and powerful.

5.    ____    If she were to do something like that, I would leave.

        ____    If she was to do something like that, I would leave.

6.    ____    Congress has decreed that the present law be maintained.

        ____    Congress has decreed that the present law is maintained.

7.    ____    We suggest that he resigns immediately!

        ____    We suggest that he resign immediately!

8.    ____    I am opposed to your entering that school!

        ____    I am opposed to you entering that school!

9.    ____    Was there a report of the product being recalled?

        ____    Was there a report of the product's being recalled?

10.   ____    If you need me, I shall be at the dentist.

        ____    If you need me, I shall be at the dentist's.

11.   ____    I found his driving my car.

        ____    I found him driving my car.

12.   ____    I dislike his driving my car.

        ____    I dislike him driving my car.

Could you explain the rules (if any) governing your choices?      

Identify the parts of speech (or lexical categories) in the sentences that follow.  Next, use parentheses to mark the major constituents and explain their function:

Example:  (The boy) (hit the dog with a stick.)
                     subject                                  predicate
                 art.       noun       verb    art     noun    prep.     art.     noun

1.  Fritz saw the ocean from his apartment in Venice beach.

2.  On the boardwalk, the skater moved in unnatural rhythms.

3.  Macarena made a reservation at the Cubana Club for dinner.

4.  Fred thought about the hot salsa band and the exotic food.

5.  The swimmers arrived at the beach just after sunrise.