College Composition

College Composition Study Guide

Technically, both voices are correct. However, Standard Written English prefers the active voice to the passive voice. Active voice is more clear and concise. Passive voice is wordier and harder for the reader to understand. When you write your responses for the Excelsior College Examination, the evaluators will be looking for overuse of the passive voice in your writing. Subject/predicate agreement: The noun and verb should agree in number. • Wrong: Chase and Sarah (plural compound subject) often rides (singular verb) ATVs together. • Right: Chase and Sarah (plural compound subject) often ride (plural verb) ATVs together. • Wrong: The number of dogs in the obedience class (singular noun) are (plural verb) growing each day. • Right: The number of dogs in the obedience class (singular noun) is (singular verb) growing each day. Infinitive phrases: Infinitive phrases can function as an adjective, adverb, or a noun. These phrases use the infinitive form of a verb (to +simple form of the verb). • To leave • To have bought • To win Participle phrases: A participle phrase functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It is formed by combining the present participle or past participle of a verb with adverbs, nouns, and their modifiers. • Looking at her busy schedule • Planned as a quiet picnic • Seen by the teacher Participle phrase using the present participle: • Reid, looking at the display, questioned the salesperson about the televisions. • The salesperson, talking about the televisions, attracted lots of attention. Participle phrase using the past participle: • The paper airplane, watched by the class, flew onto the teacher’s desk. • The teacher, angered by his misbehavior, asked Michael to stay after class. Gerund phrases: Gerund phrases are used as nouns. These phrases are formed by combining the ing form of a verb with its modifiers. • Reading a mystery story is Sam’s favorite hobby. • The student finished his homework by working steadily through the night.

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