Exercise 56

Correct the following sentences:

  1. I went last week and have gone again this week.
  2. I have heard of his being here, but not saw him.
  3. I saw John, but I have not seen Henry.
  4. He desired to see John, but has not wished to see Henry.
  5. John was sent for, but has not yet arrived.
  6. I endeavored to find a way of avoiding that, but have not succeeded.
  7. I have never seen its superior, and, in fact, never saw its equal.
  8. She has succeeded in getting his promise, but did not succeed in getting his money.
  9. I hoped and have prayed for your coming.
  10. I have believed and usually taught that theory.
  11. I intended to and have endeavored to finish the work.
  12. No one has wished to see so much and saw so little of the world as I.
  13. He has gained the favor of the king and was sent to Italy.
  14. We have needed you and did our best to find you.

76. Omission of the Verb or Parts of the Verb. The verb or some of its parts are often omitted. This omission sometimes makes the sentence ungrammatical or doubtful in its meaning.

I like him better than John. This sentence may have the meaning shown in either of its following corrected forms: I like him better than John does, or I like him better than I like John.

As a matter of good usage, the verb or any other part of speech should be repeated wherever its omission either makes the sentence ambiguous or gives it an incomplete sound.

Bad: He was told to go where he ought not.
Good: He was told to go where he ought not to go.
Good: He was told to go where he should not go.

Exercise 57

Correct the following sentences:

  1. I admire Mary more than John.
  2. I think she is older than John.
  3. He should have succeeded in gaining the end he tried.
  4. I asked him to do what I should not have.
  5. I did what I ought not.
  6. We wish him better luck than Mary.
  7. We want to see him more than Henry.
  8. I should hate him worse than you.
  9. He wanted me to do what I didn't care to.
  10. You may, as you please, do it or not.
  11. She may go if she wishes or not.
  12. We think of you oftener than mother.