CCE CCE Word Usage and Diction Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of 'affect' versus 'effect'?
- The new policy will affect the outcome. (Correct answer)
- The new policy will effect the outcome.
- The side effects will affect positively.
- The medication effected her mood.
Correct answer: The new policy will affect the outcome.
'Affect' is most commonly a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is most commonly a noun meaning result.
Question 2: A copyeditor sees 'she inferred that he meant to insult her' in a context where the speaker is the one making the suggestion. What is the issue?
- 'Inferred' should be 'implied'; the speaker implies, the listener infers. (Correct answer)
- 'Inferred' is correct when the subject draws a conclusion.
- Both 'imply' and 'infer' can be used interchangeably by the speaker.
- There is no issue; 'inferred' is standard usage here.
Correct answer: 'Inferred' should be 'implied'; the speaker implies, the listener infers.
To imply is to suggest something indirectly; to infer is to draw a conclusion from evidence — a speaker implies, a listener infers.
Question 3: Which is the correct use of 'disinterested' in an editorial context?
- 'Disinterested' means impartial or unbiased, not the same as 'uninterested.' (Correct answer)
- 'Disinterested' means lacking interest or bored.
- 'Disinterested' and 'uninterested' are exact synonyms.
- 'Disinterested' is an archaic term that should be avoided.
Correct answer: 'Disinterested' means impartial or unbiased, not the same as 'uninterested.'
Traditional usage distinguishes 'disinterested' (having no personal stake, impartial) from 'uninterested' (not interested, bored).
Question 4: A manuscript reads 'she was fulsome in her praise.' The author intends to say the praise was lavish and generous. What should the copyeditor note?
- Flag it: 'fulsome' traditionally means excessive to the point of being insincere or offensive, not simply generous. (Correct answer)
- Accept it: 'fulsome' means abundant and generous in modern usage.
- Delete 'fulsome' and replace with 'full.'
- Mark it as a spelling error.
Correct answer: Flag it: 'fulsome' traditionally means excessive to the point of being insincere or offensive, not simply generous.
Traditional editorial usage warns that 'fulsome' means excessively flattering or insincerely complimentary, which may be the opposite of what the author intends.
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses 'continual' versus 'continuous'?
- The machine ran continuously for 48 hours without stopping. (Correct answer)
- The machine ran continually for 48 hours without stopping.
- The interruptions were continuous throughout the meeting.
- Continuous rain fell every few hours throughout the week.
Correct answer: The machine ran continuously for 48 hours without stopping.
'Continuous' means uninterrupted, while 'continual' means recurring at intervals; a machine running without pause is continuous.
Question 6: A copyeditor sees 'the suspect was comprised of three individuals.' What is the error?
- 'Comprised of' is nonstandard; write 'composed of' or 'consisting of.' (Correct answer)
- There is no error; 'comprised of' is standard in legal writing.
- 'Was comprised' should be 'is comprised' for present tense.
- Replace 'comprised' with 'compounded.'
Correct answer: 'Comprised of' is nonstandard; write 'composed of' or 'consisting of.'
Traditional grammar holds that 'comprise' means 'to include,' so 'comprised of' is redundant and incorrect; use 'composed of' or 'consisting of' instead.
CCE CCE Word Usage and Diction Questions and Answers 2
Which sentence demonstrates correct use of 'affect' versus 'effect'?