CCE Word Usage and Diction Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of 'affect' versus 'effect'?

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.

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?

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.

Which is the correct use of 'disinterested' in an editorial context?

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).

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?

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.

Which sentence correctly uses 'continual' versus 'continuous'?

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.

A copyeditor sees 'the suspect was comprised of three individuals.' What is the error?

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.