Question

He walks to work, just ____________ I do.

Short answer

The correct word to complete the sentence is 'as'. The sentence is 'He walks to work, just as I do.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Structure

In the sentence 'He walks to work, just ____________ I do', there is a verb 'do' after 'I'. Hence, it forms a clause (a group of words that includes a subject 'I' and a verb 'do')

Choose Between 'Like' and 'As'

The word 'like' is used before a noun or pronoun for comparisons but there is no verb involved. The word 'as' is used before a clause (a group of words that includes a subject and a verb). Given that our sentence does involve a verb 'do', we fill the blank with 'as'.

Key concepts

Understanding Sentence Structure

Grasping sentence structure is crucial in forming coherent sentences that convey the intended message. A basic sentence structure is made up of a subject and a verb, and possibly an object. For instance, in the sentence "He walks to work," "He" is the subject and "walks" is the verb. The object, in this case, "to work," further explains the action. Sentence structure can become more complex when additional components like clauses or phrases are added. A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. For example, "I do" in the sentence "just as I do" forms a separate clause that adds more information to the main clause. Understanding these elements helps in constructing well-formed sentences.

Effective Verb Usage

Verbs are vital as they express actions or states of being in a sentence. Correct verb usage is fundamental in ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy. Verbs need to agree with their subjects in number and person. For instance, "he walks" is correct while "he walk" is not, because the singular subject "he" requires the singular form of the verb "walk". Additionally, verb tense is essential as it informs the reader about the timing of the action. Using the correct verb tense helps maintain consistency throughout the sentence and the overall narrative. Regularly practice identifying and choosing the right forms of verbs for different subjects and contexts.

Choosing Between 'Like' and 'As'

"Like" and "as" are often mistaken, but each serves a unique purpose in sentence construction. The word "like" is used for making comparisons and typically precedes a noun or pronoun, without involving a verb. An example would be "He sings like a bird." In this case, "like" is used correctly before the noun "a bird." Conversely, "as" is used when what follows is a clause, meaning it has both a subject and a verb. For instance, in the sentence "He walks to work, just as I do," the phrase "as I do" involves both the subject "I" and the verb "do," making it a clause that correctly accompanies "as." Understanding when to use each term enhances the clarity and accuracy of your comparisons.

Clause Identification

Recognizing clauses is a pivotal skill in understanding sentence structure. A clause is defined as a group of words containing a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent, meaning they can stand alone as a sentence, or dependent, meaning they need additional information to form a complete thought. In the example "He walks to work, just as I do," "He walks to work" is an independent clause as it conveys a complete thought by itself. However, "as I do" is a dependent clause because it relies on the main clause for context. By being able to identify these constructions, you can enhance your writing and comprehension skills, making better choices in crafting complex yet clear sentences.