CCE CCE Word Usage and Diction Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' versus 'less'?

Accepted Answer

He has fewer mistakes than before.

Answer

He has less mistakes than before.

Answer

He has fewer money than before.

Answer

He has less items than before.

Question 2

A copyeditor encounters 'the data shows a trend.' What is the traditional editorial concern?

Accepted Answer

'Data' is traditionally plural, so 'show' is preferred in formal contexts.

Answer

'Data' is always singular in American English.

Answer

'Shows' is correct because 'data' is a collective noun.

Answer

There is no concern; either form is always acceptable.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct usage of 'that' versus 'which'?

Accepted Answer

Use 'that' for restrictive clauses and 'which' for nonrestrictive clauses.

Answer

Use 'which' for restrictive clauses and 'that' for nonrestrictive clauses.

Answer

'That' and 'which' are always interchangeable.

Answer

Use 'which' only when referring to inanimate objects.

Question 4

The word 'enormity' is used in a manuscript to mean 'enormous size.' What should the copyeditor do?

Accepted Answer

Flag it, because 'enormity' traditionally means great wickedness or moral outrageousness, not large size.

Answer

Accept it, since 'enormity' is a synonym for 'enormousness.'

Answer

Replace it silently with 'enormousness.'

Answer

Delete the word entirely as redundant.

Question 5

Which word choice is correct: 'The committee will comprise/compose the new board members'?

Accepted Answer

'Compose': the members compose (make up) the committee.

Answer

'Comprise': the members comprise the committee.

Answer

Either word is correct in this context.

Answer

'Comprise' is correct when referring to people.

Question 6

A manuscript uses 'hopefully' to mean 'it is hoped that.' What is the traditional editorial stance?

Accepted Answer

It is a disputed usage; formal style guides often restrict 'hopefully' to mean 'in a hopeful manner.'

Answer

It is universally accepted and requires no flag.

Answer

The word should be deleted as redundant.

Answer

'Hopefully' may only be used in informal writing.