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Home arrow Web Icons arrow Using Commas arrow Web Icons arrow 34.2 Unusual Word Order and There is/There are Constructions

34.2 Unusual Word Order and There is/There are Constructions

Writers often reverse the usual word order when posing questions or striving for special effects or emphasis. When you encounter such constructions, check the verb form by locating the subject.

For practice with these constructions, take the following quiz.

This activity contains 10 questions.

Question 1.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

There [is/are] thrills for the tourist on safari in Africa. 

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End of Question 1


Question 2.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

From such adventures [springs/spring] stories, if not wisdom. 

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End of Question 2


Question 3.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

There [is/are] also danger for those who are careless or unlucky. 

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End of Question 3


Question 4.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

Near the tourist lodge [hunts/hunt] a pride of lions 

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End of Question 4


Question 5.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

Here [is/are] a whistle and a pair of binoculars for your safari. 

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End of Question 5


Question 6.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

[Is/Are] excitement and adventure possible without danger? 

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End of Question 6


Question 7.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

Here [is/are] some brave tourists determined to see something other than the usual zebras. 

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End of Question 7


Question 8.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

Out of the jungle [storms/storm] a herd of elephants. 

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End of Question 8


Question 9.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

There [is/are] the tour guide in a panic, fumbling for keys to the Land Rover. 

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End of Question 9


Question 10.
Within the question text below, there is one text entry field where you can enter your answer.

Here [is/are] the furious mother elephant and her young charging the Land Rover. 

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End of Question 10





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