Choose The Correct Intensive Pronoun To Complete The Sentence.It Takes More Time To Prepare The Room Than It Takes For The Actual Paint Job __________.

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Understanding Intensive Pronouns

Intensive pronouns are words that emphasize or intensify the meaning of a noun or pronoun in a sentence. They are used to draw attention to the subject or object of a sentence, making it clear that the speaker is referring to a specific person, place, or thing. In this article, we will explore the correct use of intensive pronouns in sentences, focusing on the example sentence: "It takes more time to prepare the room than it takes for the actual paint job __________."

The Importance of Intensive Pronouns

Intensive pronouns are a crucial part of the English language, and using them correctly can make a significant difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your writing and speaking. They help to avoid ambiguity and ensure that your message is conveyed accurately. In the example sentence, the intensive pronoun is used to emphasize the comparison between the time it takes to prepare the room and the time it takes for the actual paint job.

Choosing the Correct Intensive Pronoun

In the example sentence, the correct intensive pronoun to use is it. This is because the sentence is comparing two times, and the intensive pronoun is used to emphasize the comparison. The correct sentence would be: "It takes more time to prepare the room than it takes for the actual paint job."

Why Not "Them"?

You may be wondering why the intensive pronoun them is not used in this sentence. The reason is that them is an object pronoun, not an intensive pronoun. Object pronouns are used as the object of a verb or preposition, whereas intensive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject or object of a sentence. In this case, the sentence is comparing two times, and the intensive pronoun it is used to emphasize the comparison.

Why Not "Itself"?

Another option you may consider is the intensive pronoun itself. However, itself is not the correct choice in this sentence. Itself is used to emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence, whereas in this case, the sentence is comparing two times. The correct sentence would be: "It takes more time to prepare the room than it takes for the actual paint job."

Why Not "They"?

You may also consider the intensive pronoun they. However, they is not the correct choice in this sentence. They is a plural pronoun, and the sentence is comparing two singular times. The correct sentence would be: "It takes more time to prepare the room than it takes for the actual paint job."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct intensive pronoun to use in the example sentence is it. This is because the sentence is comparing two times, and the intensive pronoun is used to emphasize the comparison. Using the correct intensive pronoun can make a significant difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your writing and speaking.

Common Intensive Pronouns

Here are some common intensive pronouns that you may use in your writing and speaking:

  • It (used to emphasize a singular noun or pronoun)
  • They (used to emphasize a plural noun or pronoun)
  • Them (used to emphasize a plural noun or pronoun, but not as an intensive pronoun)
  • Himself (used to emphasize a male noun or pronoun)
  • Herself (used to emphasize a female noun or pronoun)
  • Itself (used to emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence)

Tips for Using Intensive Pronouns

Here are some tips for using intensive pronouns correctly:

  • Use intensive pronouns to emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence.
  • Use intensive pronouns to compare two or more things.
  • Use intensive pronouns to draw attention to a specific person, place, or thing.
  • Avoid using intensive pronouns as object pronouns.
  • Avoid using intensive pronouns as plural pronouns.

Examples of Intensive Pronouns in Sentences

Here are some examples of intensive pronouns in sentences:

  • "It takes more time to prepare the room than it takes for the actual paint job."
  • "They are more interested in the movie than they are in the book."
  • "It is more difficult to learn a new language than it is to learn a new skill."
  • "Himself is responsible for the success of the project."
  • "Herself is the one who made the decision to quit her job."

Conclusion

Q&A: Intensive Pronouns

Q: What is the difference between an intensive pronoun and a reflexive pronoun? A: An intensive pronoun is used to emphasize a noun or pronoun, whereas a reflexive pronoun is used to refer back to the subject of a sentence. For example: "I cut myself" (reflexive pronoun) vs. "It is a beautiful painting, itself" (intensive pronoun).

Q: Can I use an intensive pronoun as an object pronoun? A: No, you should not use an intensive pronoun as an object pronoun. Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize a noun or pronoun, whereas object pronouns are used as the object of a verb or preposition. For example: "I gave it to them" (object pronoun) vs. "It is a beautiful painting, itself" (intensive pronoun).

Q: Can I use an intensive pronoun as a plural pronoun? A: No, you should not use an intensive pronoun as a plural pronoun. Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize a singular noun or pronoun, whereas plural pronouns are used to refer to multiple nouns or pronouns. For example: "They are more interested in the movie than they are in the book" (plural pronoun) vs. "It is a beautiful painting, itself" (intensive pronoun).

Q: Can I use an intensive pronoun to refer back to a noun or pronoun that is not mentioned in the sentence? A: No, you should not use an intensive pronoun to refer back to a noun or pronoun that is not mentioned in the sentence. Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence. For example: "It is a beautiful painting, itself" (intensive pronoun) vs. "The painting is beautiful, but I don't know who made it" (reflexive pronoun).

Q: Can I use an intensive pronoun to compare two or more things? A: Yes, you can use an intensive pronoun to compare two or more things. For example: "It takes more time to prepare the room than it takes for the actual paint job" (intensive pronoun).

Q: Can I use an intensive pronoun to draw attention to a specific person, place, or thing? A: Yes, you can use an intensive pronoun to draw attention to a specific person, place, or thing. For example: "It is a beautiful painting, itself" (intensive pronoun).

Q: What are some common intensive pronouns that I can use in my writing and speaking? A: Some common intensive pronouns that you can use in your writing and speaking include:

  • It (used to emphasize a singular noun or pronoun)
  • They (used to emphasize a plural noun or pronoun)
  • Himself (used to emphasize a male noun or pronoun)
  • Herself (used to emphasize a female noun or pronoun)
  • Itself (used to emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence)

Q: How can I use intensive pronouns correctly in my writing and speaking? A: To use intensive pronouns correctly in your writing and speaking, follow these tips:

  • Use intensive pronouns to emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence.
  • Use intensive pronouns to compare two or more things.
  • Use intensive pronouns to draw attention to a specific person, place, or thing.
  • Avoid using intensive pronouns as object pronouns.
  • Avoid using intensive pronouns as plural pronouns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, intensive pronouns are an important part of the English language, and using them correctly can make a significant difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your writing and speaking. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can master the use of intensive pronouns and improve your writing and speaking skills.