MLAT Identifying Grammatical Functions 5

Question 1

In 'There are three options available,' what grammatical function does 'There' serve?

Accepted Answer

Expletive (dummy subject)

Answer

'There' is an expletive that fills the subject position while the true subject 'three options' follows the verb.

Question 2

Identify the function of 'whose argument was flawed' in 'The philosopher whose argument was flawed later revised it.'

Accepted Answer

Relative clause modifying 'philosopher'

Answer

'Whose argument was flawed' is a relative (adjective) clause modifying the antecedent 'philosopher.'

Question 3

In 'She asked whether the report was ready,' what function does 'whether the report was ready' serve?

Accepted Answer

Noun clause as direct object

Answer

The noun clause 'whether the report was ready' is the direct object of the verb 'asked.'

Question 4

What function does 'a celebrated architect' serve in 'Frank Lloyd Wright, a celebrated architect, changed American design'?

Accepted Answer

Appositive renaming 'Frank Lloyd Wright'

Answer

'A celebrated architect' is an appositive phrase that renames the proper noun 'Frank Lloyd Wright.'

Question 5

In 'He studied hard, hoping to pass the exam,' what function does 'hoping to pass the exam' serve?

Accepted Answer

Participial phrase modifying 'He'

Answer

'Hoping to pass the exam' is a participial phrase that modifies the subject 'He,' indicating his state while studying.

(MLAT) Modern Language Aptitude Test Practice Test