3. Do not mistake a noun modifier for the noun subject. In the sentence, The sale of boxes was increased, sale, not boxes, is the subject of the verb.

4. When the subject is a relative pronoun, the number and the person of the antecedent determine the number and the person of the verb. Both of the following sentences are correct: He is the only one of the men that is to be trusted, He is one of those men that are to be trusted. It is to be remembered that the singulars and the plurals of the relative pronouns are alike in form; that, who, etc., may refer to one or more than one.

5. Do not use incorrect contractions of the verb with not. Don't cannot be used with he or she or it, or with any other singular subject in the third person. One should say, He doesn't, not he don't; it doesn't, not it don't; man doesn't, not man don't. The proper form of the verb that is being contracted in these instances is does, not do. Ain't and hain't are always wrong; no such contractions are recognized. Such colloquial contractions as don't, can't, etc., should not be used at all in formal composition.

Exercise 43

Correct such of the following sentences as are wrong:

  1. The ship, with all her crew, were lost.
  2. You was there, John, was you not?
  3. They was never known to do that before.
  4. A barrel of apples were sold
  5. How many were there who was there?
  6. This is one of the books that is always read.
  7. He don't know his own relatives.
  8. I ain't coming to-night.
  9. The art gallery, with all its pictures, was destroyed.
  10. John, when was you in the city?
  11. The book, with all its errors, is valuable.
  12. Who they was, I couldn't tell.
  13. This is one of the mountains which are called "The Triplets."
  14. This is one of the eleven pictures that has gained prizes.
  15. The hands of the clock is wrong.
  16. The gallery of pictures are splendid.
  17. This is one of those four metals that is valuable.
  18. This is the one of those four metals that are valuable.
  19. That answer, as you will see, hain't right.
  20. The whole box of books were shipped.

Exercise 44

In the following sentences correct such as are wrong:

  1. "Cows" are a common noun.
  2. Such crises seldom occurs.
  3. Fifty dollars were given him as a present.
  4. There were four men, each of which were sent by a different bank.
  5. At that time the morals of men were very low.
  6. Mathematics are my most interesting study.
  7. There was once two boys who was imprisoned in the Tower.
  8. The jury is delivering its verdict.
  9. The "Virginians" is a famous book.
  10. Ten minutes were given him in which to answer.
  11. Everyone of these farms are mine.
  12. Lee, with his whole army, surrender.
  13. Farm after farm were passed by the train.
  14. He is one of the greatest men that has ever been president.
  15. Three hundred miles of wires were cut down.
  16. Three fourths of his time are wasted.
  17. Three quarts of oats is all that is needed.
  18. A variety of sounds charms the ear.
  19. A variety of recitations were given.
  20. The committee have adjourned.
  21. Washington was one of the greatest generals that has ever lived.
  22. Take one of the books that is lying on the table.
  23. The house is one of those that overlooks the bay.
  24. Question after question were propounded to him.
  25. He was one of the best orators that has been produced by the school.
  26. He is one of those persons who are quick to learn.
  27. A black and white horse were in the ring.
  28. A black and a white horse was in the ring.
  29. The committee disagree on some points.
  30. Mary, where was you yesterday?
  31. The end and aim of his life are to get money.
  32. All the crop were lost.
  33. One of them are gone.
  34. There comes the children.
  35. Were either of these men elected?
  36. The alumni of this school is not very loyal.
  37. There seem to be few here.
  38. There seems to be a few here.
  39. Neither of the letters were received.
  40. In all those songs there are a sprightliness and charm.
  41. The Association of Engineers are still flourishing.
  42. Neither John nor Henry have come.
  43. Either this book or that are wrong.
  44. This book and that is wrong.
  45. This book, not that, is wrong.
  46. Either this book or those students is wrong.
  47. Either those students, or this book is wrong.
  48. This chemical with its compounds were the agents used in tanning.

65. Use of Shall and Will. The use of the auxiliaries, shall and will, with their past tenses, is a source of very many errors. The following outline will show the correct use of shall and will, except in dependent clauses and questions: