Writing Question

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<h1>12 Section 10 Test 1 BB</h1>

<p>...Steve and Rick shared a determination to become a singing duo
...Steve and Rick shared a determination of becoming a singing duo </p>

<p>Why is the first one right? and the second one wrong? I'm looking for a rule I can use for the future. Is there an idiom involved?</p>

2

<p>I think that question could be reported to collegeboard. Steve and Rick are plural when there is more than 1 person, either way if one of them is the right answer, it should be singing duoS.</p>

3

<p>HopefulEagle, “duo” means pair.</p>

4

<p>From [Gerunds</a> and Infinitives: Their Noun Roles](<a href=“http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/gerunds.htm]Gerunds”>http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/gerunds.htm),</p>

<p>“The infinitive is often a complement used to help define an abstract noun. Here is a very partial list of abstract nouns, enough to suggest their nature. Try following these adjectives with an infinitive phrase (their desire to play in the championship game, a motivation to pass all their courses, her permission to stay up late, a gentle reminder to do your work) to see how the phrase modifies and focuses the noun.”</p>

<p>“determination” is one of those abstract nouns requiring an infinitive complement. Of course, most native English speakers would just rely on their ears and be correct.</p>

5

<p>Wow this is more complex than I expected. Thanks Silverturtle. Would say that when in doubt, go infinitive? is the infinitive ever wrong?</p>

6

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<p>I’m not sure exactly what situation you’re referring to; there are plenty of times when the infinitive is wrong. </p>

<p>Are you a native English speaker? If so, these types of questions are best solved by ear.</p>

7

<p>I started speaking english at age 4. While it does occur to me that the infinitive sounds better, it’s not blatantly obvious in my mind. </p>

<p>Whatever, I’ll remember this rule. abstract noun + infinitive. Thanks.</p>

8

<p>determination to i checked the answer in a practice booklet exact same question</p>

<p>those question keeping recurring in tests</p>

<p>bob and joe shared attempts of becoming actors</p>

<p>bob and joe shared attempts to become actors</p>

9

<p>When in doubt, go with what seems more active. “Of becoming” is more passive in this situation.</p>

10

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</p>

<p>The distinction isn’t a continuum.</p>