C1 Use Of English Practice 3
DETERMINERS & PRONOUNS
Exam objective: Understand how determiners and pronouns function before nouns, as subjects or objects of verbs, and independently as substitutes for noun phrases.
Focus areas:
Determiners used with nouns.
Pronouns used with verbs.
Determiners functioning as pronouns.
Cambridge-style open cloze, multiple choice, error correction and key word transformations.
1. DETERMINERS USED WITH NOUNS
Core rule: Determiners come before nouns and establish quantity, possession, reference or distribution.
A. Quantifiers
ALL / BOTH / HALF
all + plural or uncountable noun
both + plural countable noun
half + a/the/possessive + noun
Examples:
All employees were informed.
Both proposals were rejected.
Half the population supported the changes.
EACH / EVERY
each + singular countable noun
every + singular countable noun
Examples:
Each candidate received individual feedback.
Every application must be submitted before Friday.
Important distinction:
Each of the candidates was interviewed.
Every one of the candidates was interviewed.
EITHER / NEITHER
either + singular countable noun
neither + singular countable noun
either/neither of + determiner + plural noun/pronoun
Examples:
Either option would be acceptable.
Neither proposal was convincing.
Neither of the candidates was suitable.
FEW / A FEW / LITTLE / A LITTLE
few + plural countable noun = hardly any
a few + plural countable noun = some
little + uncountable noun = hardly any
a little + uncountable noun = some
Examples:
Few employees understood the changes.
A few employees raised concerns.
There is little evidence to support the claim.
There is a little evidence worth considering.
LESS / FEWER
fewer + countable plural nouns
less + uncountable nouns
Examples:
Fewer applicants attended the interview.
Less money was allocated to research.
B. Other important determiners
MUCH / MANY
much + uncountable noun
many + plural countable noun
ANOTHER / OTHER / THE OTHER
another + singular countable noun
other + plural or uncountable noun
the other = the remaining one or group
SUCH / WHAT / RATHER
such + a/an + adjective + singular noun
such + adjective + plural/uncountable noun
what + a/an + adjective + singular noun
rather + a/an + adjective + singular noun
Examples:
It was such a complicated issue.
Such behaviour is unacceptable.
What an extraordinary achievement!
It was rather a difficult decision.
WHOLE / ENTIRE
the whole + singular countable noun
the entire + singular countable noun
Examples:
The whole department was affected.
The entire process took several months.
C. Exam practice – Open cloze
Complete each gap with ONE word.
_____ employee is expected to comply with the new regulations.
Neither _____ the proposed solutions was considered satisfactory.
There is very _____ evidence to support the allegations.
_____ of the two candidates was particularly impressive.
The organisation has received considerably _____ applications this year than last year.
We need to consider _____ possible consequences before making a decision.
Only _____ members of staff were aware of the changes.
The entire department was affected, not just _____ section.
_____ applicant must provide evidence of their qualifications.
The committee rejected _____ proposals because neither was financially viable.
There were too _____ objections for the proposal to be approved.
It was _____ an extraordinary achievement that nobody expected it.
D. Exam practice – Multiple choice
13. _____ of the information provided was relevant to the investigation.
A. Many
B. Several
C. Much
D. Few
14. There is _____ chance that the government will reverse its decision.
A. few
B. little
C. a few
D. several
15. The company has opened _____ branch in Manchester.
A. other
B. another
C. the other
D. others
16. _____ the employees were informed of the proposed changes.
A. Every
B. Every of
C. Each of
D. All
17. We have received _____ complaints than anticipated.
A. less
B. little
C. fewer
D. fewest
18. _____ a complicated issue requires careful consideration.
A. Such
B. Such as
C. Such a
D. So
2. PRONOUNS USED WITH VERBS
Core rule: Pronouns can replace nouns and function as subjects, objects or complements of verbs.
A. Subject and object pronouns
Subject: I, you, he, she, it, we, they.
Object: me, you, him, her, it, us, them.
Examples:
She informed them about the decision.
They invited us to participate.
He disagreed with her.
Reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Use them when the subject and object refer to the same person or thing.
Examples:
She blamed herself for the mistake.
The company has established itself as a market leader.
They introduced themselves to the committee.
Also use reflexive pronouns for emphasis:
The director himself approved the proposal.
I completed the investigation myself.
B. Reciprocal pronouns
EACH OTHER / ONE ANOTHER
Both express mutual actions.
Examples:
The two departments support each other.
The participants exchanged ideas with one another.
Generally, each other is associated with two participants and one another with larger groups, although modern usage often treats them interchangeably.
C. Indefinite pronouns
These are particularly important in C1 examinations.
SOMEONE / ANYONE / NO ONE / EVERYONE
Someone has left their belongings here.
Anyone can apply for the position.
No one was prepared to accept responsibility.
Everyone was informed.
SOMETHING / ANYTHING / NOTHING / EVERYTHING
Something needs to be done.
I couldn't find anything relevant.
Nothing was overlooked.
Everything has been carefully examined.
IMPORTANT AGREEMENT RULE
Indefinite pronouns ending in -one, -body and -thing normally take singular verbs.
Everyone is responsible.
Nobody knows the answer.
Something has changed.
However, possessive and reference pronouns can use singular they:
- Everyone should bring their identification.
D. Exam practice – Open cloze
Complete each gap with ONE word.
19. The manager blamed _____ for the failure to meet the deadline.
20. Everyone was expected to introduce _____ before the meeting began.
21. The two departments have consistently supported _____ throughout the restructuring process.
22. Nobody was willing to admit that _____ had made a mistake.
23. The organisation has established _____ as a leading provider of educational services.
24. The employees were asked to familiarise _____ with the new procedures.
25. Someone has left _____ personal belongings in the conference room.
26. The two candidates congratulated _____ after the announcement.
27. The company has managed to distinguish _____ from its competitors.
28. Everyone must take responsibility for _____ own decisions.
E. Exam practice – Error correction
Each sentence contains ONE mistake.
29. Everyone have been informed about the proposed changes.
30. The two managers blamed themselves for each other's mistakes.
31. The organisation has established him as a market leader.
32. Nobody were prepared to accept responsibility.
33. The employees introduced them before the presentation.
34. Each participant should bring his own identification.
3. DETERMINERS FUNCTIONING AS PRONOUNS
Core rule: Some determiners can stand alone and replace an entire noun phrase. When they do this, they function as pronouns.
Compare:
Determiner: Some employees disagreed.
Pronoun: Some disagreed.
The noun is understood and does not need to be repeated.
A. EACH / EVERY
Each employee received a certificate. (Determiner)
Each received a certificate. (Pronoun)
Important: Every cannot normally function independently.
Incorrect: Every received a certificate.
Correct: Every one received a certificate.
B. BOTH / EITHER / NEITHER
Both candidates were interviewed.
Both were interviewed.
Neither proposal was accepted.
Neither was accepted.
Either option would be suitable.
Either would be suitable.
Agreement:
Both were.
Either is.
Neither is.
C. SOME / ANY / NONE
Some employees left early.
Some left early.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any?
None of the proposals was acceptable.
None was acceptable.
None can take a singular or plural verb depending on the intended meaning and emphasis, although singular agreement is particularly common in formal writing when treating the quantity as a whole.
D. OTHER / OTHERS / THE OTHER / ANOTHER
These are frequently tested.
other + noun: Other employees disagreed.
others: Others disagreed.
the other + noun: The other candidate withdrew.
the other: The other withdrew.
another + singular noun: Another candidate applied.
another: Another applied.
Remember:
Don't use others employees.
Don't use another employees.
Don't use the others employees.
E. MUCH / MANY / LITTLE / FEW
These can also function independently.
Many applied, but few were successful.
Much has changed since then.
Little remains to be done.
Few were willing to participate.
F. Exam practice – Choose the correct option
35. Both candidates were qualified, but _____ was selected.
A. neither
B. none
C. either
D. every
36. Some employees supported the proposal, while _____ opposed it.
A. another
B. others
C. other
D. the other
37. There were several applications, but _____ met the requirements.
A. few
B. little
C. much
D. another
38. I have already read two reports, but I haven't examined _____ yet.
A. other
B. another
C. the others
D. the other
39. _____ of the information was particularly useful.
A. Many
B. Few
C. Much
D. Several
40. The two proposals were considered, but _____ was accepted.
A. neither
B. none
C. every
D. others
41. Some of the participants arrived early, while _____ arrived considerably later.
A. another
B. the others
C. other
D. the other
42. The committee considered several alternatives, but _____ seemed practical.
A. none
B. neither
C. every
D. another
G. Exam practice – Complete the sentences
Use an appropriate determiner or pronoun.
43. Both proposals were considered, but _____ was ultimately rejected.
44. Some employees accepted the changes, whereas _____ refused to cooperate.
45. There were numerous complaints, although only _____ were considered justified.
46. I have already reviewed several applications, but _____ remains to be examined.
47. Every applicant was interviewed individually, and _____ was given an opportunity to ask questions.
48. The two departments have different responsibilities, but _____ work towards the same objectives.
4. MIXED CAE EXAM PRACTICE
This section combines all three areas. Pay attention to whether the gap requires a determiner before a noun, a pronoun with a verb or a determiner functioning independently.
A. Open cloze
ONE word per gap.
The recruitment process had initially attracted a considerable number of applicants. However, only a (49) _____ were considered sufficiently qualified to proceed to the next stage.
Each (50) _____ the shortlisted candidates was interviewed by a different member of the management team. Both were subsequently asked to complete a written assessment.
Although some candidates performed exceptionally well, (51) _____ of them managed to demonstrate all the qualities required for the position.
The interviewers were particularly interested in how candidates evaluated (52) _____ own strengths and weaknesses.
Everyone was also expected to familiarise (53) _____ with the organisation's policies before attending the final interview.
The two strongest applicants were considered equally suitable. Nevertheless, neither (54) _____ ultimately offered the position because the organisation decided to reconsider its recruitment requirements.
(55) _____ candidates who had reached the final stage were informed personally.
B. Key word transformations
Use the word given. Write between 3 and 6 words.
56. Not a single employee was prepared to accept responsibility.
NONE
________________________ prepared to accept responsibility.
57. Both candidates were unsuitable for the position.
NEITHER
________________________ suitable for the position.
58. Several employees disagreed with the proposed changes.
SOME
________________________ disagreed with the proposed changes.
59. The two managers criticised one another.
EACH
The two managers ________________________.
60. Every single applicant was required to provide identification.
EACH
________________________ required to provide identification.
61. The company has become an established market leader through its own efforts.
ITSELF
The company ________________________ as a market leader.
5. ANSWER KEY
1. Determiners with nouns
1. Each
2. of
3. little
4. Neither
5. fewer
6. all
7. a few
8. one
9. Every
10. both
11. many
12. such
13. C – Much
14. B – little
15. B – another
16. D – All
17. C – fewer
18. C – Such a
2. Pronouns with verbs
19. himself / herself / themselves (depending on the manager's reference)
20. themselves
21. each other / one another
22. they
23. itself
24. themselves
25. their
26. each other / one another
27. itself
28. their
29. Everyone has been informed.
30. The two managers blamed each other for their mistakes.
31. The organisation has established itself as a market leader.
32. Nobody was prepared to accept responsibility.
33. The employees introduced themselves before the presentation.
34. Each participant should bring their own identification.
3. Determiners as pronouns
35. A – neither
36. B – others
37. A – few
38. D – the other
39. C – Much
40. A – neither
41. B – the others
42. A – none
43. one
44. others
45. a few
46. one
47. each
48. both
4. Mixed exam practice
49. few
50. of
51. none
52. their
53. themselves
54. was
55. All the
56. None of the employees was / were
57. Neither candidate was
58. Some employees
59. criticised each other
60. Each applicant was
61. has established itself
C1 exam reminders
Each takes a singular noun and singular verb.
Every requires a noun or one after it.
Both refers to two; neither means not one or the other.
Few/little have a negative implication; a few/a little indicate some.
Others replaces a plural noun; another replaces a singular countable noun.
None can refer to people, things or quantities.
Themselves / itself must agree with the subject.
Everyone / nobody / someone normally take singular verbs, but can take singular they for subsequent reference.