Beginning to Write

Sentence Completion

In Chapter 1 you manipulated the sentences provided for you by changing the

tense of the verb, changing the subject or object of the sentence, or adding

words, such as auxiliaries and modifiers. And you dealt with these things separately

in categories: verbs, pronouns, adjectives, passive voice, and so on. Upon

completing that kind of practice, you are ready to write more creatively.

But before you begin to write original sentences, you should practice completing

different kinds of sentences to test your skill with the things you practiced

in Chapter 1. In this chapter’s exercises you need to decide what word or

phrase makes the most sense for completing each sentence. In each case you

want to be sure that the grammar and the meaning of the words are appropriate.

A variety of elements is missing from the sentences in these exercises. Some

require a subject, others a direct object or the object of a preposition. And still

others are missing a verb or a modifier. Look at each sentence carefully, and

decide what kind of element is missing and what meaning is required to make

a good sentence.

Exercise 2.1 Write in the phrase that best completes each sentence.

1. It to understand the problem.

a. can’t

b. can’t be able

c. isn’t difficult

d. won’t happen

2. I finally met the inventor, changed how our

company works.
a. when he invented

b. whose machine

c. the idea of

d. that concept

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