TOEFL 1.1.1 Missing Main Verb

1. Patterns

Patterns are the parts of a sentence. In some books, patterns are called structures. In patterns, the words have the same order most of the time.

1.1 Problems with Main Verbs

A verb is a word or phrase that expresses existence, action, or experience.

There are two kinds of verbs in English. They are the main verb and the auxiliary verb. In some grammar books, the auxiliary verb is called a helping verb because it is used with a main verb.

Every verb in English can be described by the following formula:

VERB = tense + (modal) + (have + participle) + (be-ing) + verb word

1.1.1 Missing Main Verb

Remember that every English sentence must have a subject and a main verb.

S	V
The sound of the dryer	bothers	my concentration

Avoid using an -ing form, an infinitive, an auxiliary verb, or another part of speech instead of a main verb.

Examples:

Incorrect	: The prettiest girl in our class with long brown hair and brown eyes.
Correct	: The prettiest girl in our class has long brown hair and brown eyes.
Incorrect	: In my opinion, too soon to make a decision.
Correct	: In my opinion, it is too soon to make a decision.
Incorrect	: Do you know whether the movie that starts at seven?
Correct	: Do you know whether the movie that starts at seven is good?
	or
	: Do you know whether the movie starts at seven?
Incorrect	: Sam almost always a lot of fun.
Correct	: Sam is almost always a lot of fun.
Incorrect	: The book that I lent you having a good bibliography.
Correct	: The book that I lent you has a good bibliography.

Exercises:

Part A: Choose the correct answer.

Arizona __________ a very dry climate.

a. has

b. being

c. having

d. with

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Venomous snakes (a) with modified teeth connected to (b) to poison glands (c) in which the venom (d) is secreted and stored.

Source:
Picture - Reuploaded by me, original picture HERE.

Baron's How to Prepare for the TOEFL