Identifying Grammatical Errors Flashcards

Choose the sentence containing an error: (A) The sergeant major spoke very clearly to the troops. (B) He did not hardly understand the briefing. (C) She performed her duties exceptionally well. (D) The commander has not yet received the orders.

Answer: He did not hardly understand the briefing.

'Did not hardly' is a double negative. 'Hardly' is a negative adverb, so combining it with 'did not' creates an error. The correct form is 'He hardly understood the briefing' or 'He did not understand the briefing.'

Identify the error in: 'Between you and I, the mission was a success.' (A) Between (B) you and I (C) the mission (D) was a success

Answer: you and I

Prepositions like 'between' require object pronouns. The correct form is 'between you and me,' not 'between you and I.' 'I' is a subject pronoun and cannot be the object of a preposition.

Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement? (A) Mathematics are considered a difficult subject. (B) The news are broadcast at nine o'clock. (C) Statistics is a required course for analysts. (D) Physics are taught at the military academy.

Answer: Statistics is a required course for analysts.

'Statistics,' like other subject names ending in '-ics' (mathematics, physics), takes a singular verb when referring to the field of study. 'Statistics is' is correct.

Find the dangling modifier: 'Walking through the base, the new equipment was impressive.' (A) Walking through the base (B) the new equipment (C) was impressive (D) There is no error.

Answer: Walking through the base

'Walking through the base' is a dangling modifier. It implies that 'the new equipment' was walking, which is illogical. The sentence should specify who was walking: 'Walking through the base, we found the new equipment impressive.'

Choose the correct sentence: (A) The data shows that our approach is effective. (B) The criteria for promotion is well-defined. (C) The phenomenon are occurring frequently. (D) The media reports conflicting information.

Answer: The media reports conflicting information.

In American English journalism and media contexts, 'the media' is treated as a singular collective noun. 'The media reports' is grammatically acceptable in standard American English usage.

Select the sentence WITHOUT a grammatical error: (A) She has less experience than he does in combat operations. (B) There are less soldiers available for the mission. (C) We need less resources than originally requested. (D) Less than ten personnel were assigned to the detail.

Answer: She has less experience than he does in combat operations.

'Experience' is an uncountable noun, so 'less' is correct. 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns (less water, less time, less experience), while 'fewer' is used with countable nouns (fewer soldiers, fewer resources).