Grammar and Usage Flashcards

Which option best replaces the underlined word for parallel structure? 'She enjoys hiking, to swim, and cycling.' A) swam B) swimming C) to be swimming D) having swum

Answer: swimming

Parallel structure requires matching grammatical forms; 'swimming' matches 'hiking' and 'cycling' (gerunds).

Identify the error: 'The data clearly shows that fewer people are using public transportation.' A) 'data' should take a plural verb B) 'fewer' should be 'less' C) 'clearly' is misplaced D) No error in standard American English

Answer: No error in standard American English

In contemporary American English, 'data' is commonly treated as singular, and 'fewer' correctly modifies countable nouns like 'people.'

Which sentence uses the colon correctly? A) She brought: apples, oranges, and grapes. B) She needed to buy: milk. C) She had one goal: to graduate with honors. D) She studied: and then took the test.

Answer: She had one goal: to graduate with honors.

A colon should follow a complete independent clause before introducing additional information.

Choose the correct pronoun case: '_____ students scored highest on the exam — Maria and I.' A) We B) Us C) Our D) Ourselves

Answer: We

'We students' is the subject of the sentence, so the nominative case 'we' is required.

Which version of the sentence is grammatically correct? A) The teacher, along with her students, were excited. B) The teacher, along with her students, was excited. C) The teacher along with her students were excited. D) The teacher along with her students, was excited.

Answer: The teacher, along with her students, was excited.

Phrases beginning with 'along with' are parenthetical and don't change the subject; 'teacher' is singular, so 'was' is correct.

Select the sentence free of wordiness: A) At this point in time, we need to make a decision. B) Currently, we need to decide. C) Now, at this current moment, we must make a decisive decision. D) In the present time period, a decision needs to be made by us.

Answer: Currently, we need to decide.

'Currently, we need to decide' is concise and direct, avoiding redundancy and passive voice.

Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive clause? A) My sister, who lives in Boston, is a doctor. B) Students who study consistently tend to perform better. C) The car, that I borrowed, broke down. D) The book, which won the award was inspiring.

Answer: Students who study consistently tend to perform better.

'Who study consistently' is a restrictive clause essential to identifying which students, so no commas are used.