Special sentence structures (advanced)

Which two sentences would it be better to use in a formal written report?

• The people who live next door reported a disturbance.

• The people that live next door reported a disturbance.

• This is the room the two burglars were caught in.

• This is the room in which the two burglars were caught.

Which of the sentence endings is/are possible? I can’t think of anybody …

• ... to invite.

• ... whom to invite.

• ... to play tennis with.

• ... whom to play tennis with.

• ... with whom to play tennis.

Which sounds more natural: A or B?

• Have you got something which belongs to me?

• Have you got something that belongs to me?

Is this sentence right or wrong? If it’s wrong, correct it. It is essential for the papers to be ready before Thursday.

• Right

• Wrong

Which sentence sounds more natural: A or B?

• How many unhappy marriages there are is very surprising.

• It is very surprising how many unhappy marriages there are.

Right or wrong? It looks as if we’re going to have trouble with Ann again.

• Right

• Wrong

Which of these sentences is/are possible (in a formal written style)?

• A. She was very religious, as were most of her friends.

• B. I felt very nervous, but were not worried my friends.

• C. So ridiculous did she look that everybody burst out laughing.

Which of these sentences is/are right?

• A. We cannot cash cheques under any circumstances.

• B. Under no circumstances we can cash cheques.

• C. Under no circumstances can we cash cheques.

Which of these is more likely to be used in a children's story?

• A. A great castle stood in front of the children.

• B. In front of the children stood a great castle.

Right or wrong (when telling a story)?

• A. I stopped the car and up walked a policeman.

• B. The door opened and out came Angela’s boyfriend.