Page 89 - Grammar for Great Writing B

Common Error 6.2 Is the negative form correct?

should not water
When there is a water shortage, homeowners do not should water their plants every day.
do not have to water
You have not to water some plants more than once a week.

RemembeR: For negative single-word modals, put not between the modal and the base form of the
verb. For phrasal modals, add do, does, or did.

ACTIVITY 6 Common Error 6.2

Fill in the blanks with the correct negative forms of the modals in parentheses.

1. The pockets in women’s clothing have always been smaller than those
in men’s clothing. This may be because designers believed that women
(need to) carry important things like wallets
with them. Also, they often carried purses. Times have changed, though. I believe

women (should have to) carry purses
anymore. Women’s pockets (should be)
smaller than men’s pockets anymore.

2. Occasionally, drivers cause accidents by driving the wrong way on highways.
Although wrong way driving (may be)

the biggest cause of accidents, it usually results in death. Scientists have created
new sensors to put on cars to help solve this problem. Unfortunately, though, this
technology (may be) affordable for all.

3. You (have to know) a lot about

photography to take good pictures. However, knowing a few basic rules is helpful.
One rule is that you (should center) the
subject of your photo. You should put the subject of your photo off-center and
preferably in the top third of the photo instead.

4. Parents in many cultures often teach their children that they

(should interrupt) when adults are talking.
However, in cultures where interrupting is very common, if you do not interrupt,
you (may ever get) a chance to talk.

Common Errors 79

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