Analyze the following scheme, point out the elements of the sentence and the predicative construction. Compare it to the scheme of the same construction with the Infinitive

(Reason 3) Use "if" and "whether" correctly.

Writers are sometimes unsure whether to use "if" or "whether" after a preposition. Use "whether."

• 
  It's a moral question about whether we have the right to exterminate species. (Naturalist Sir David Attenborough)
  

(Put another way: Use "whether," not "if," to head up a noun clause that's the object of a preposition.)

Read more about if and whether.

Key Points

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  "Who is like "he," and "whom" is like "him." Use "whom" for an object. Use "who" for a subject.
  
  • 
    Who shot whom? He shot him. 
    
• 
  Just because the object of your preposition is close to the verb, don't treat it as the verb's subject.
  
  • 
    A long list of issues were considered. 
    

(This should be "was considered." The subject is "list" not "issues.")

• 
  With expressions "like half of," "the majority of," and "a percentage of," the object of the preposition determines the verb.
  
  • 
    The majority of the cake has been eaten. 
    
  • 
    The majority of the cakes have been eaten. 
    

Interactive Exercise

Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students. 

Q1 Select the indirect object: Tell them nothing.

Q2 Select the indirect object: I'll give you my tickets to the show.

Q3 Select the indirect object: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. (Abraham Lincoln)

How to print and send this test