
How to do transformational grammar exercises
Transformational grammar is a theory of language that explains how sentences are structured and how they can be changed into different forms. Transformational grammar exercises are a type of test where you have to transform one sentence into another one that has the same meaning, using a given word or phrase. For example:
- She is too young to drive. (not old enough)
- She is not old enough to drive.
Here are some tips on how to do transformational grammar exercises well:
- Read the instructions carefully. Make sure you know how many words you can use to complete the second sentence, and if you have to include a given word or phrase.
- Identify the main difference between the two sentences. What grammar point is being tested? For example, it could be passive voice, reported speech, modal verbs, etc.
- Use the appropriate grammar rules to transform the first sentence into the second one. Make sure you keep the meaning and tense of the original sentence.
- Check your spelling and punctuation carefully. Don’t forget capital letters and full stops.
- Compare your answer with the original sentence and make sure they have the same meaning.
Transformational grammar exercises can help you improve your grammar skills and awareness. They can also prepare you for exams that test this type of question. You can find many examples and practice exercises online, such as [^1^], [^2^] and [^3^].
What is transformational grammar?
Transformational grammar is a theory of language that was developed by Noam Chomsky in the 1950s. It is based on the idea that language is a mental system that consists of two levels: the deep structure and the surface structure. The deep structure is the abstract and logical representation of the meaning of a sentence, while the surface structure is the actual form of the sentence that is spoken or written. The two levels are connected by transformational rules, which are operations that change or rearrange the elements of the deep structure to produce the surface structure.
Transformational grammar aims to explain how humans can produce and understand an infinite number of sentences with a finite set of rules and words. It also tries to identify the universal principles and structures that are common to all languages, as well as the variations that are specific to each language. Transformational grammar is also known as transformational-generative grammar or T-G or TGG.
Why do transformational grammar exercises?

Transformational grammar exercises are a useful way to practice and improve your grammar skills and awareness. They can help you learn how to manipulate different forms and structures of sentences, and how to express the same meaning in different ways. They can also help you prepare for exams that test this type of question, such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc.
Transformational grammar exercises can also be fun and challenging, as they require you to think creatively and logically about language. They can expose you to different styles and registers of language, and help you expand your vocabulary and knowledge. They can also stimulate your curiosity and interest in language and linguistics.
Leave a Reply