III. Answer. (10x4)
1. In English, more and more people use plural pronouns to refer back to indefinite pronouns like anyone, nobody or everyone. Explain this trend in terms of sexism in language and gender-neutral language. (You need to do some research to answer this problem).
2. Explain the use of ‘any’ based on the following sentences.
(1) *She knows anything.
(2) She doesn’t know anything.
(3) Would you like anything/something to drink?
(4) She went out without any money.
(5) There was hardly any snow this winter.
(6) If anyone has any questions, I'll be pleased to answer them.
(7) I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused.
3. a. Most English adjectives can appear either before nouns or after link verbs. However, some adjectives appear only in one position. Explain this based on the following adjectives. (You should provide relevant example sentences).
tall, former, awake, utter, content, intelligent
b. Some adjective have different meanings depending on the position. Explain this based on the following adjectives.
involved, present, ill
4. The following –ing and –ed forms are generally considered as adjectives, not as verbal participles. Explain what the basis for this is.
amazing/ amazed, convincing/convinced, depressing/depressed, embarrassing/embarrassed