Question

chapter 12: a glossary of usage
usage glossary c
review the glossary entries on pages 315 - 317 of elements of language for information on correct usage of the following terms.
he, she, it, they; himself; how come; its, its; kind, sort, type; kind of, sort of; learn, teach; leave, let; like, as; like, as if, as though
exercise two choices appear in parentheses in each of the following sentences. circle the correct choice.
example 1. why dont you do your homework like, as i do, right after school?

1. perry convinced (himself, hisself) that he was going to win the match.
2. the peacock spread (its, its) feathers and strutted away from the turkey.
3. abraham lincoln was a quiet man but his words can (teach, learn) us a lot.
4. the man looked (like, as though) he had a guilty conscience, but he was later proven innocent.
5. the poet was (kind of, somewhat) disappointed when the publisher misunderstood her latest poem.
6. do you know (how come, why) we got chosen to wash dishes tonight?
7. although (its, its) not right to do so, some salespeople make exaggerated claims.
8. the pumpkin was (kind of, rather) small, but we made wonderful bread with it.
9. the old general looked (like, as if) he might cry when he talked about the war.
10. the small boy wanted to take the toy, but his cousin convinced him to (leave, let) it there.
11. david robinson (is, he is) one of uncle genes favorite basketball players.
12. will the lifeguard at camp this summer (learn, teach) us how to swim the butterfly stroke?
13. the professional photographer uses (these type, this type) of film more than any other.
14. id like to find out (why, how come) this batch of mashed potatoes turned out so lumpy.
15. because i am good at math problems, i like to (learn, teach) other students how to do them.
16. the frantic baby - sitter wished that the toddlers would (let, leave) her have peace for just one moment.
17. model airplanes (they are, are) are all over the desk in my nephews room.
18. by the end of the boat ride, i was feeling (kind of, slightly) sick to my stomach.
19. (these sorts, these sort) of test questions are difficult until you get the chance to practice them.
20. the soccer forward decided to shoot right under the post, just (like, as) coach weinberg had told the players to do.

Explanation:

1. "himself" is the correct reflexive - pronoun for "Perry".
2. "its" shows possession; "it's" is a contraction of "it is". Here, "its" feathers is correct.
3. Words can "teach" us something; "learn" is what a person does.
4. "as though" is used to introduce a clause of manner or condition.
5. "kind of" is an informal way to say "somewhat".
6. "why" is the more standard and formal way to ask for a reason.
7. "it's" is a contraction of "it is"; "its" is a possessive. Here, "it's not right" is correct.
8. "rather" is more formal than "kind of" in this context.
9. "as if" is used to introduce a clause of manner or condition.
10. "leave" means to let remain; "let" has a different meaning related to permission.
11. "is" is the correct verb form; "he is" would be redundant here.
12. A lifeguard "teaches" people to swim.
13. "this type" is the correct singular form.
14. "why" is the more formal and standard way to ask for a reason.
15. If good at math, one "teaches" others.
16. "let" is used to mean allow; "leave" has a different meaning.
17. "are" is the correct verb form; "they are" would be redundant.
18. "slightly" is more formal than "kind of".
19. "These sort" is incorrect; "These sorts" is the correct plural form.
20. "as" is used to introduce a clause of manner.

Answer:

1. himself
2. its
3. teach
4. as though
5. kind of
6. why
7. it's
8. rather
9. as if
10. leave
11. is
12. teach
13. this type
14. why
15. teach
16. let
17. are
18. slightly
19. These sorts
20. as