Possible
Revisions:
a. I can be standing in front of a Xerox machine, with parts scattered around my feet, and someone will ask me for permission to make a copy. (Or: "someone will ask me to let him/her make a copy")
b.
Correct ("Sophomore class" is a collective noun, considered an
object, even though there are implied people involved.)
c.
The instructor has asked students to bring their own tools to carpentry class.
(Or: "everyone
to bring his/her
own tools")
d.
An eighteenth-century architect was also a classical scholar who was often at
the forefront of archaeological research. (Or: "he/she was oftenÉ")
e.
Anyone caught smoking on the premises will be severely reprimanded. (Or: "he/she will be severely
reprimanded."
Mr.
Russell's two cents: You'll
notice in these revisions that Diana Hacker prefers to pluralize the
antecedents to avoid sexist language and that awkward "he/she"
singular pronoun predicament.
1. Drivers who refuse to take a blood or breath test will have their licenses suspended for six months.
2.
Why should we care about the timber wolf? One answer is that it has proven beneficial
to humans by killing off weakened prey. (Again, collective noun.)
3.
When clients are
going to be late or cannot make an appointment, half the time they fail to
inform us.
4.
Seven qualified Hispanic agents applied, all hoping for a career move that would let them
use their language and cultural training on more than just translations and
drug deals; the job went to a non-Hispanic who was taking a crash course in
Spanish.
5.
Anyone who notices
any suspicious activity should report it to the police. (Or: "he/she should report itÉ")
6.
The troop was
expected to operate as a unit and carry out its orders without discussion. (collective noun)
7.
David lent his motorcycle to someone who allowed a friend to use it.
8.
The crowd danced through the streets of Rio, wearing elaborate hats, crowns,
and garlands on their heads. (In this case, even though a crowd might be
considered collective, they wouldn't have one giant head on which to wear a
crown: it is understood that there are many people with many heads dancing
through the streets.)
9.
Applicants should
be bilingual if they want to qualify for this position.
10.
Graduate students
need to be willing to take on sizable debts unless they have wealthy families.
a. My Ethiopian neighbor was puzzled by the dedication of us joggers.
b.
Correct ("to be" verb takes the subjective pronoun case
"he")
c.
Sue's husband is ten years older than she. (is)
d.
Everyone laughed whenever Sandra described how her brother and she had seen the Loch Ness monster
and fed it sandwiches. (Oh, Sandra!)
e.
We appreciate your
bringing this problem to our attention. (We appreciate the act you've done, but not
you yourself.
See?)
1. Correct
2.
Correct
3.
The patient began suffering from the delusion that he and his family were constantly being
followed
and observed.
4.
A professional counselor advised the division chief that Marco, Fidelia, and I should be allowed to
apply
for the opening.
5.
My adjustment to a new career was compounded by my becoming a single parent. (Again,
ownership/possession of the act.)
6.
For a moment, I thought the farmer's dogs were going to attack Danny and me.
7.
The swirling cyclone caused him
and his horse to race for shelter.
8.
Correct
9.
During the testimony, the witness pointed directly at the defendant and
announced that the thief was he.
(Again, subjective pronoun case before and after "to be" verb.)
10.
Despite our different backgrounds, a close friendship developed between
Esperanza and me.