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Confusing verbs |
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In all patterns, words should be chosen to express the exact meaning that the
writer wishes to convey. |
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Structure 1 |
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S = Subject; C = Complement;
M = Modifier |
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S
RAISE
C
M |
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Heavy rain raises the water level of the reservoir every
spring
Heavy rain raised the water level of the reservoir last week |
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S = Subject; C = Complement;
M = Modifier |
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S
RAISE C
M |
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The water level rises
when it rains every spring
The water level rose
when it rained last week |
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Remember that to raise means to move to a higher place or to cause to rise.
To
rise means to go up or to increase. |
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Structure 2 |
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S = Subject; C = Complement;
M = Modifier |
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S
LAY
C
M |
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The postman lays the mail on the table every day
The postman laid
the mail on the table yesterday |
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S = Subject; C = Complement;
M = Modifier |
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S
LIE C
M |
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He lies
on the sofa to rest every day after work
He lay
on the sofa to rest yesterday after work |
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Remember that to lay means to put, to place or to cause to lie.
To lie means to
recline or to occupy a place.
The past form of the verb to lie is lay. |
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Structure 3 |
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S = Subject; C = Complement;
M = Modifier |
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S
LET C
M |
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Their mother lets them stay up
late every night
Their mother let them
stay up late last night |
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S = Subject; C = Complement;
M = Modifier |
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S LEAVE
C
M |
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She leaves work to pick up the children at
2 pm every day
She left work to pick up the children at
2 pm yesterday |
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Remember that to let means to allow or to permit.
To leave
means to depart or to go. |
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EXAMPLE: |
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Incorrect: |
The cost of living in Argentina has raised over twenty percent
in the past year. |
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Correct: |
The cost of living in Argentina has risen over
twenty percent in the past year. |
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