Subjectivization Exercise

SUBJECTIVIZATION EXERCISE

Subjectivization is another exercise that employs the lexicalist approach to grammar on the sentence level. This time, the underlined word is made to occupy subject position and all other changes called for have likewise to be made as shown in this example taken from Keith Mitchell.

It is lovely in Morocco in June.

• Morocco is lovely in June.• June is a lovely time to be in Morocco.

Exercises:Rewrite each of the sentences w/ the phrase underlined as subject. Make all the necessary grammatical changes but do not make any lexical change.

1. The quality of their products has improved.2. The length of the bridge is one and a half miles.3. It happened that John and I arrived at the same time.4. A taxi will get you there much quicker.5. Walking to work saves him ₱200 a week.6. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.7-8. It may well be that someone has already informed the police.9-10. They presented a medal to each of the lifeboat men.

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Answers:1. Their products have improved in quality.2. The bridge is one and a half mile long.3. John and I happened to arrive at the same time.4. You will get there much quicker by taxi.5. He saves ₱200 a week by walking to work.6. Her cheeks had tears streaming down.7. Someone may well have informed the police already.8. The police may well have already been informed.9. A medal was presented to each of the lifeboat men.10. Each of the lifeboat men was presented a medal.