THE PHRASE B.
VERB PHRASES
A phrase is two or more words that do not contain the subject-verb pair necessary to
form a clause. Phrases can be very short or quite long. Here are two examples:
After lunch
After slithering down the stairs and across the road to scare
nearly to death Mrs. Philpot busy pruning her rose bu shes
Certain phrases have specific names based on the type of word that begins or governs
the word group: noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase,infinitive
phrase, participle phrase, gerund phrase, and absolute phrase.
A. NOUN PHRASES
A noun phrase includes a nouna person, place, or thingand themodifierseither
before or afterwhich distinguish it. The pattern looks like this:
OPTIONAL MODIFIER(S) + NOUN + OPTIONAL MODIFIER(S)
Here are some examples:
The shoplifted pair of jeans
Pair = noun; the, shoplifted, of jeans = modifiers.
A cat that refused to meow
Cat = noun; a, that refused to meow = modifiers.
A great English teacher
Teacher = noun; a, great, English = modifiers.
Noun phrases function as subjects, objects, and complements:
The shoplifted pair of jeans caused Nathaniel so much
guilt that he couldn't wear them.
The shoplifted pair of jeans = subject.
Jerome adopted a cat that refused to meow .
A cat that refused to meow = direct object.
With her love of Shakespeare and knowledge of grammar,
Jasmine will someday be a great English teacher .
A great English teacher = subject complement.
Sometimes a sentence can communicate its meaning with a one-wordverb. Other times,
however, a sentence will use a verb phrase, a multi-word verb, to express more
nuanced action or condition. A verb phrase can have up to four parts. The pattern looks
like this:
AUXILIARY VERB(S) + MAIN VERB + VERB ENDING WHEN
NECESSARY
Here are some examples:
Had cleaned
Had = auxiliary verb; clean = main verb; ed = verb ending.
Should have been writing
Should, have, been = auxiliary verbs; write = main verb; ing= verb
ending.
Must wash
Must = auxiliary verb; wash = main verb.
Here are the verb phrases in action:
Mom had just cleaned the refrigerator shelves when
Lawrence knocked over the pitcher of orange juice.
Sarah should have been writing her research essay, but
she couldn't resist another short chapter in her Stephen King
novel.
If guests are coming for dinner, we must wash our
smelly dog!
C. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
At the minimum, a prepositional phrase will begin with apreposition and end with
a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause, the "object" of the preposition.
The object of the preposition will often have one or more modifiersto describe it.
These are the patterns for a prepositional phrase:
PREPOSITION + NOUN, PRONOUN, GERUND, OR CLAUSE
PREPOSITION + MODIFIER(S) + NOUN, PRONOUN, GERUND, OR
CLAUSE
Here are some examples:
On time
On = preposition; time = noun.
Underneath the sagging yellow couch
Underneath = preposition; the, sagging, yellow =
modifiers; couch = noun.
From eating too much
From = preposition; eating = gerund; too, much = modifiers.
A prepositional phrase will function as an adjective or adverb. As an adjective, the
prepositional phrase will answer the question Which one?
Read these examples:
The spider above the kitchen sink has just caught a fat fly.
Which spider? The one above the kitchen sink!
The librarian at the check-out desk smiles whenever she
collects a late fee.
Which librarian? The one at the check-out desk!
The vegetables on Noel's plate lay untouched the entire meal.
Which vegetables? The ones on Noel's plate!
As an adverb, a prepositional phrase will answer questions such as How?
When? or Where?
While sitting in the cafeteria, Jack catapulted peas with a
spoon.
How did Jack launch those peas? With a spoon!
After breakfast, we piled the dirty dishes in the sink.
When did we ignore the dirty dishes? After breakfast!
Amber finally found the umbrella wedged under the
passenger's front seat.
Where did Amber locate the umbrella? Under the passenger's front seat!
D. INFINITIVE PHRASES
An infinitive phrase will begin with an infinitive [to + simple form of the verb]. It will
often include objects and/or modifiers that complete the thought. The pattern looks
like this:
INFINITIVE + OBJECT(S) AND/OR MODIFIER(S)
Here are some examples:
To slurp spaghetti
To send the document before the deadline
To gulp the glass of water with such thirst that streams of
liquid ran down his chin and wet the front of his already sweat -
soaked shirt
Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Look at these
examples:
To avoid another lecture from Michelle on the
benefits of vegetarianism was Aaron's hope for their date at a
nice restaurant.
To avoid another lecture from Michelle on the benefits of
vegetarianism functions as a noun because it is the subject of the sentence.
Cheryl plans to take microbiology next semester when
Professor Crum, a pushover, is teaching the course.
To take microbiology next semester functions as a noun because it is the
direct object for the verb plans.
The worst thing to happen during the severe
thunderstorm was a lightning strike that fried Clara's
computer.
To happen during the severe thunderstorm functions as an adjective
because it modifies thing.
Ryan decided to mow the long grass on the front lawn to
keep his neighbors from complaining to the homeowners
association.
To keep his neighbors from complaining to the homeowners
association functions as an adverb because it explains why Ryan mowed the
lawn.
 E. PARTICIPLE PHRASES
A participle phrase will begin with a present or past participle. If the participle is
present, it will dependably end in ing. Likewise, a regular past participle will end in a
consistent ed. Irregular past participles, unfortunately, conclude in all kinds of ways
[although this list will help].
Since all phrases require two or more words, a participle phrase will often include
objects and/or modifiers that complete the thought. The pattern looks like this:
PARTICIPLE + OBJECT(S) AND/OR MODIFIER(S)
Here are some examples:
Flexing his muscles in front of the bathroom mirror
Ripped from a spiral-ring notebook
Driven crazy by Grandma's endless questions
Participle phrases always function as adjectives, adding description to the sentence.
Read these examples:
The stock clerk lining up cartons of orange juice made
sure the expiration date faced the back of the cooler.
Lining up cartons of orange juice modifies the noun clerk.
Elijah likes his eggs smothered in cheese sauce.
Smothered in cheese sauce modifies the noun eggs.
Shrunk in the dryer, the jeans hung above John's
ankles.
Shrunk in the dryer modifies the noun jeans.
F. GERUND PHRASES
A gerund phrase will begin with a gerund, an ing word, and will often include
other modifiers and/or objects. The pattern looks like this:
GERUND + OBJECT(S) AND/OR MODIFIER(S)
Gerund phrases look exactly like present participle phrases. How do you tell the
difference? You must determine the function of the phrase.
Gerund phrases always function as nouns, so they will be subjects,subject
complements, or objects in the sentence. Read these examples:
Washing our dog Gizmo requires strong arms to keep
the squirming, unhappy puppy in the tub.
Washing our dog Gizmo = subject of the verb requires.
A good strategy for avoiding dirty dishes is eating every
meal off of paper towels.
Eating every meal off of paper towels = subject complement of
the verb is.
Susie tried holding the slippery trout, but the fish
flipped out of her hands and splashed back into the stream.
Holding the slippery trout = direct object of the verb tried.
G. ABSOLUTE PHRASES
An absolute phrase combines a noun and a participle with any accompanying
modifiers or objects. The pattern looks like this:
NOUN + PARTICIPLE + OPTIONAL MODIFIER(S) AND/OR
OBJECT(S)
Here are some examples:
His brow knitted in frustration
Brow = noun; knitted = participle; his, in frustration = modifiers.
Her fingers flying over the piano keys
Fingers = noun; flying = participle; her, over the piano keys =
modifiers.
Our eyes following the arc of the ball
Eyes = noun; following = participle; arc = direct object; our,the, of
the ball = modifiers.
Rather than modifying a specific word, an absolute phrase will describe the whole
clause:
His brow knitted in frustration , Thomas tried again to iron a
perfect crease in his dress pants.
Francine played the difficult concerto, her fingers flying over
the piano keys.
 TYPES OF CLAUSES John hit his sister
Examples For Compound Sentences Made Of Two Independent Clauses
Clause
I am a doctor, and my wife is a lawyer.
By definition, "a clause is the smallest grammatical unit that can express a complete I want to be a nurse, but I need to receive my science degree.
meaning". Take the following example: "He lives in America". This is a Clause, which is Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
built around the verb "lives". I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the
station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived.
Types Of Clauses Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the
bus before I arrived.
Clauses are broadly categorized into two major types:
Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at
1. Independent Clause the bus station.

An Independent clause is capable of making or can make a sentence by itself, as it 2. Dependent Clause
comprises of subject and verb and conveys a complete thought. Independent clause is
an essential component in every sentence. And the absence of the same makes a group A. NOUN CLAUSES
of words a mere fragment which is a major error in writing. Consider the example given
below: A noun clause performs the same functions of a noun. It can be the subject of a verb,
object of a verb, subject complement, object of a preposition, adjective complement:
Tom works - This is an Independent clause as it contains a subject (Tom) and a verb
(works) and also communicates a complete thought. As per English grammar rules, 1. Subjects
there should be at least one independent clause in a sentence. This indicates that there - Always at the beginning
can be more than one independent clause in a sentence.
A subject is a word, phrase, or clause that performs the action of or acts upon the verb.
He is poor - This is an independent clause. Now consider another independent clause: For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as subjects:
He is unemployed. Now, these two independent clauses can be part of a sentence: He is
poor because he is unemployed. Here, the two independent clauses are joined by the Whoever ate my lunch is in big trouble.
conjunction "because".
How you will finish all your homework on time is beyond me.
Independent Clause Examples
That the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me.
Diane kicked the soda machine.
A giant spider has made its home behind the shampoo bottle in Neil's For you to not graduate from college now is such as shame.
bathroom.
Both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as subjects.
Jenna and Michele are skipping their chemistry class to sit by the lake and
watch the sun sparkle on the water. 2. Predicate / Subject Complements
I love penguins. - after the linking verb.
I drive a bus.
He memorized a poem last night A subject complement is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular, or linking,
Mary will read narrate a story now verb and describes the subject of a clause. The terms predicate
nominative and predicate nounare also used for noun clauses that function as subject
Many people enjoyed the party.
complements. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as subject
The assistant weighed the samples. complements:
Our supervisor submitted the proposal.
The computer has two parallel ports. The truth was that the moving company lost all your furniture.
Phyllis is one of our best engineers.
The cat is in the room My question is whether you will sue the company for losses.
 The first place winner will be whoever swims the farthest in an hour.
That noise is the baby whimpering in her crib.
Both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as subject complements.
3. Direct Objects
A direct object is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a transitive verb and answers the
question who? or what? receives the action of the verb. For example, the following
italicized noun clauses function as direct objects:
The counselor has been wondering if she chose the right career.
Do you know when the train should arrive?
Our dog eats whatever we put in his bowl.
I would hate for you to get hurt.
Both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as direct objects.
4. Object Complements
Object complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow and
modify the direct object. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as
object complements:
Her grandfather considers his biggest mistake that he did not finish college.
The committee has announced the winner whoever wrote the essay on noun clauses.
You may call your husband whatever you wish.
The assessment committee announced the problem us refusing to try new
procedures.
Although rare, both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as object
complements although nonfinite noun clauses perform the function infrequently.
5. Indirect Objects
An indirect object is word, phrase, or clause that indicates to or for whom or what the
action of a ditransitive verb is performed. For example, the following italicized noun
clauses function as indirect objects:
The judge will give what you said some deliberation during her decision.
The group has given that most Americans do not support their cause little
consideration.
My parents gave that my brother wants his own car much thought.
My classmates gave me singing the school song a gold star.
Although rare, both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as direct objects
although nonfinite noun clauses again perform the function infrequently.
6. Object of the Preposition
- On, at, where, from
A prepositional complement is a word, phrase, or clause that directly follows a
preposition and completes the meaning of the prepositional phrase. For example, the
following italicized noun clauses function as prepositional complements:
Some people believe in whatever organized religion tells them.
We have been waiting for whoever will pick us up from the party.
My husband did not think about that I wanted some nice jewelry for my birthday.
My dog is always begging for me to give him a treat.
Both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as prepositional complements.
7. Object of the Infinitive
- To + main verb (Beng shall try to collect what the community needs)
8. Object of the Gerund
- Object of the ing functioning as noun
- The reporting is about whatever the mayor has accomplished
9. Object of the Participle
- Object of the ing/-ed/-en functioning as adjective
- Asking the doctor whatever ails me is my purpose of going to the hospital.
10. Appositives
- Give another name to the noun phrase.
An appositive is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or explains another noun
phrase. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as appositives:
That man, whoever is he, tried to steal some library books.
The problem, that the storm knocked out power, is affecting the entire town.
 Your question, whether you should wear the blue dress or pink one, is frivolous in the 2. Adverb Clauses Of Place
situation.
It gives information on the place of action. Usually, it is indicated by the subordinating
That terrible noise, my husband singing in the shower, annoys the neighbors every conjunctions like where, wherever etc.
night.
Put the keys where you can find them easily.
Both finite and nonfinite noun clauses can function as appositives. This is the house where my family lives.

B. ADJECTIVE CLAUSES 3. Adverb Clauses Of Purpose

Adjective pronoun usually contains subject, verb and a relative pronoun. It modifies a It gives information about the purpose of action. It is usually indicated by subordinating
noun and can be used to combine two sentences to form one sentence. Adjective conjunctions like that, lest, so that, in order that etc.
clauses usually begin with relative pronouns like who, which, that or whom or relative
adverbs like when or where. We eat so that we may live.
He ran fast lest he should miss the train.
Examples:
4. Adverb Clauses Of Cause Or Reason
The student who answered the question was John.
Miss Wong, whom you met at our house, is going to marry Mr. Chan. It talks about the reason for the action and is usually introduced by subordinating
I remember the day when we visited Paris. conjunctions like as, since, because, that etc.
Omitting The Relative Pronoun Or Adverb From The Adjective Clause
It should be noted that the relative pronoun or adverb introducing an adjective I like John because he is sincere.
clause can be omitted sometimes. Look at the examples given below. As he was not feeling well, he left early.
I could not answer the question which you asked - I could not answer the I am sorry that I missed the concert.
question you asked.
I have read all the books which you gave me - I have read all the books you
gave me.
The plan which I proposed was accepted by all - The plan I proposed was
accepted by all
That is the reason why he does not want to come here - That is the reason he
does not want to come here

C. ADVERB CLAUSES

An adverb clause serves the same function as that of an adverb. It explains about or
modifies the main verb of the sentence giving inputs on when, where, why, under what
conditions. Different types of adverb clauses are given below:

1. Adverb Clauses Of Time

It gives information on the time of action. Usually, it is indicated by the subordinating

conjunctions like when, as soon as, while, before, until, after, since, till, as long as, etc.

Do not get off the train until it stops.

I will go abroad after I finish my studies.
I always switch the lights off before I step out of the room.
 KINDS OF SENTENCES ACCORDING TO STRUCTURE a comma is use after dependent clause in a complex sentence. See the following
example.
A sentence may consist of one clause (independent clause) or more clauses
(independent and dependent clauses). An independent clause is also called main clause. He is playing well although he is ill.
A dependent clause is also called subordinate clause. Although he is ill, he is playing well.

On the basis of numbers of clause and types of clauses present in a sentence, sentences D. Complex - Compound Sentence
are divided in to four kinds.
A complex-compound sentence consists of at least two independents and one or
A. SIMPLE SENTENCE more dependent clauses. It is also sometimes called compound-complex Sentence.

A simple sentence consists of only one independent clause containing a subject and a Examples
verb and it expresses complete thought. There is no dependent clause. 1. He went to college and I went to a market where I bought a book.
An independent clause (also called main clause) is called a simple sentence. 2. I like Mathematics but my bother likes Biology
because he wants to be a doctor.
Examples.
He laughed. In the first sentence of above sentence, there are two independent clauses he went to
She ate an apple. college and I went to a market, and one dependent clause where I bought a book.
They are sleeping.
I bought a book. KINDS OF SENTENCES ACCORDING TO USE

B. Compound Sentence A. DECLARATIVE SENTENCES

A compound sentence consists of at least two independent clauses joined by The first type of sentence in the English language is the declarative sentence.
coordinating conjunctions. There is no dependent clause in compound sentence. The Declarative sentences, or declarations, convey information or make statements. For
coordinating conjunctions use to join independent clauses are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, example:
so. Independent clauses can also be joined by a semicolon (;). A comma may or may
not be used before the conjunction in compound sentence. My cat chases rabbits.
Harry Potter is the boy who lived.
Examples Her brother has lived in Alabama for seven years.
I like an apple but my brother likes a mango. A tornado destroyed the grain bins.
I helped him and he became happy. Duck and Goose were arguing over the ball.
He failed two times yet he is not disappointed.
The trains leaves tomorrow promptly at noon.
I asked him a question; he replied correctly.
Periods indicate declarative sentences in written English.
C. Complex Sentence
B. INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause joined by subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, when, unless etc) or The second type of sentence in the English language is the interrogative sentence.
relative pronoun (that, who, which etc). Interrogative sentences, or questions, request information or ask questions. For
example:
Examples
I met the boy who had helped me.
When does the train leave?
She is wearing a shirt which looks nice.
You cant pass the test unless you study for it. Do your dogs like peanut butter?
How old is your daughter?
If a complex sentence begins with an independent clause, a comma is not used between Is your husband a firefighter?
clauses in a complex sentence. If a complex sentence begins with dependent clause then Have you brushed your teeth today?
 Would you like some more tea? The four types of sentence purposes in the English language are declarative sentences,
interrogative sentences, imperative sentences, and exclamatory sentences.
A tag question, or question tag or tail question, is a grammatical structure that converts
a declarative or imperative sentence into a question through the addition of an
interrogative fragment on the end of the sentence. For example:

He didnt take the train, did he?

She has finished her degree, hasnt she?
You could wash the dishes, couldnt you?
I am going with you, arent I?
Run to the store, will you?
Lets have some ice cream, shall we?

Question marks indicate declarative sentences in written English.

C. IMPERATIVE SENTENCES

The third type of sentence in the English language is the imperative sentence.
Imperative sentences, or imperatives, make commands or requests. For example:

Bring me some sugar.

Buy some bread and milk on your way home.
Shut the door please.
Turn right at the park.
Stop talking so loudly!
Open the windows to let the smoke out!

Periods indicate imperative sentences in written English.

D. EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES

The fourth type of sentence in the English language is the exclamatory sentence.
Exclamatory sentences, or exclamations, show emphasis. Unlike the other three
sentences purposes, exclamatory sentences are not a distinct sentence type. Instead,
declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences become exclamatory through added
emphasis. For example:

You broke the lamp! (declarative)

The train left an hour ago! (declarative)
How did you break your leg?! (interrogative)
What the heck was that?! (interrogative)
Stop chewing with your mouth open! (imperative)
Do not open the presents until the morning! (imperative)

Exclamation marks and interrobangs indicate exclamatory forms of sentences in

written English.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT 4. As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they
are connected by and.
Basic Rule. A singular subject (she, Bill, car) takes a singular verb (is, goes, shines),
whereas a plural subject takes a plural verb. Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

Example: The list of items is/are on the desk. Exceptions: In those sentences, breaking and entering and bed and breakfast are
compound nouns.
If you know that list is the subject, then you will choose is for the verb.
Breaking and entering is against the law.
1. A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of. This is a key rule The bed and breakfast was charming.
for understanding subjects. The word of is the culprit in many, perhaps
most, subject-verb mistakes. 5. Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as
along with, as well as, besides, not, etc. These words and phrases are
Hasty writers, speakers, readers, and listeners might miss the all-too-common mistake in
not part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the
the following sentence:
subject is singular.
Incorrect: A bouquet of yellow roses lend color and fragrance to the room.
Examples:
Correct: A bouquet of yellow roses lends . . . (bouquet lends, not roses lend)
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
2. Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
require a singular verb.
6. Parentheses are not part of the subject.
Examples:
Example: Joe (and his trusty mutt) was always welcome.
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
Neither Juan nor Carmen is available. If this seems awkward, try rewriting the sentence.
Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations. 7. In sentences beginning with here or there, the true subject follows the
verb.
3. The verb in an or, either/or, or neither/nor sentence agrees with the
noun or pronoun closest to it. Examples:
Examples: There are four hurdles to jump.
There is a high hurdle to jump.
Neither the plates nor the serving bowl goes on that shelf.
Here are the keys.
Neither the serving bowl nor the plates go on that shelf.
NOTE: The word there's, a contraction of there is, leads to bad habits in informal
This rule can lead to bumps in the road. For example, if I is one of two (or more)
sentences like There's a lot of people here today, because it's easier to say "there's" than
subjects, it could lead to this odd sentence:
"there are." Take care never to use there's with a plural subject.
Awkward: Neither she, my friends, nor I am going to the festival.
8. Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of money,
If possible, it's best to reword such grammatically correct but awkward sentences. etc., when considered as a unit.

Better: Neither she, I, nor my friends are going to the festival. Examples:

OR: She, my friends, and I are not going to the festival. Three miles is too far to walk.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
BUT Careful speakers and writers would avoid assigning the singular is and the plural they to
staff in the same sentence.
Ten dollars (i.e., dollar bills) were scattered on the floor.
Consistent: The staff are deciding how they want to vote.
9. With words that indicate portionse.g., a lot, a majority, some, all
Rule 1 given earlier in this section is reversed, and we are guided by the Rewriting such sentences is recommended whenever possible. The preceding sentence
noun after of. If the noun after of is singular, use a singular verb. If it is would read even better as:
plural, use a plural verb.
The staff members are deciding how they want to vote.
Examples:
11. The word were replaces was in sentences that express a wish or are
A lot of the pie has disappeared. contrary to fact:
A lot of the pies have disappeared.
Example: If Joe were here, you'd be sorry.
A third of the city is unemployed.
A third of the people are unemployed. Shouldn't Joe be followed by was, not were, given that Joe is singular? But Joe isn't
All of the pie is gone. actually here, so we say were, not was. The sentence demonstrates the subjunctive
All of the pies are gone. mood, which is used to express things that are hypothetical, wishful, imaginary, or
Some of the pie is missing. factually contradictory. The subjunctive mood pairs singular subjects with what we
Some of the pies are missing. usually think of as plural verbs.

NOTE Examples:

In recent years, the SAT testing service has considered none to be strictly singular.
However, according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage: "Clearly none
has been both singular and plural since Old English and still is. The notion that it is
singular only is a myth of unknown origin that appears to have arisen in the 19th
century. If in context it seems like a singular to you, use a singular verb; if it seems like a
plural, use a plural verb. Both are acceptable beyond serious criticism." When none is
clearly intended to mean "not one," it is followed by a singular verb.
10. With collective nouns such as group, jury, family, audience, population,
the verb might be singular or plural, depending on the writer's intent.
Examples:
I wish it were Friday.
She requested that he raise his hand.
In the first example, a wishful statement, not a fact, is being expressed; therefore, were,
which we usually think of as a plural verb, is used with the singular subject I.
Normally, he raise would sound terrible to us. However, in the second example, where a
request is being expressed, the subjunctive mood is correct.
Note: The subjunctive mood is losing ground in spoken English but should still be used
in formal speech and writing.

All of my family has arrived OR have arrived.

Most of the jury is here OR are here.
A third of the population was not in favor OR were not in favor of the bill.

NOTE

Anyone who uses a plural verb with a collective noun must take care to be accurate
and also consistent. It must not be done carelessly. The following is the sort of flawed
sentence one sees and hears a lot these days:

The staff is deciding how they want to vote.