Grammar, Punctuation & Syntax Flashcards
7 cards from real CPP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Grammar, Punctuation & Syntax flashcards as text
What is the correct possessive form for a singular noun ending in 's'?
Answer: Both A and B are acceptable depending on style guide
Chicago style prefers 'James's,' while AP style accepts 'James''; both are correct depending on the guide followed.
Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?
Answer: She enjoys reading, writing, and editing.
Parallel structure requires that all items in a series use the same grammatical form; here, all gerunds are correct.
In which sentence is the colon used correctly?
Answer: The checklist included three items: spelling, grammar, and style.
A colon should follow a complete independent clause; the first three options interrupt the verb or linking structure.
Which is the correct way to write a sentence using 'fewer' vs. 'less'?
Answer: The document has fewer pages than expected.
'Fewer' is used with countable nouns (pages, errors, editors), while 'less' applies to uncountable quantities.
Which sentence correctly uses an em dash?
Answer: The manuscript—long overdue—was finally submitted.
Em dashes set off parenthetical information within a sentence without extra spaces in most American style guides.
Which is an example of a fused (run-on) sentence?
Answer: The editor caught the error she flagged it immediately.
A fused sentence joins two independent clauses with no punctuation or conjunction between them.
Which sentence correctly uses 'who' vs. 'whom'?
Answer: To whom should I address this query?
'Whom' is used as the object of a preposition or verb; 'to whom' is correct because it functions as the object of 'to.'