Vincent Teo

“Can I say,

(a) John wrote his name in capital letters.

(b) The house is surrounded by bricks. I don't think that is what you mean. Here are some alternatives:

The  house's walls are brick. 

The house has brick walls.

The house is made of brick.

The house is surrounded by a brick wall.

The house is enclosed in a brick wall.

(c) She knocked on the door before entering the headmaster's room.

(d) The twins are alike. OK, but usually we say: The twins look alike.

(e) John is a winner in the drawing contest. OK, that means that there were several winners. or "John is the winner of the drawing contest." (one winner)

(f) She throws the rubbish in / into the garbage. Either "in" or "into" is ok.

(g) She opened the gate to let the dog come in. OK.

(h) He rears chickens and ducks on his farm.

”