Error Identification & Correction Flashcards

Find the error: 'The number of applicants for the position are increasing every year.'

Answer: 'are' should be 'is'

'The number of' takes a singular verb; only 'a number of' takes a plural verb.

Select the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.

Answer: He was tired; however, he finished the project.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially when used with a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'

Identify the error: 'Each of the students must submit their assignment by Friday.'

Answer: No error; singular 'they' is acceptable here

Modern usage accepts singular 'they' as a gender-neutral pronoun, making 'their' acceptable with 'each.'

Which sentence has a run-on error?

Answer: The meeting ran long it ended at nine o'clock.

Two independent clauses ('The meeting ran long' and 'it ended at nine o'clock') are fused without proper punctuation or a conjunction.

Find the error: 'She has less than ten year's experience in marketing.'

Answer: 'year's' should be 'years'

'Years' here is a plural noun used as a modifier, not a possessive, so no apostrophe is needed.

Choose the correctly written sentence.

Answer: She assured me that the package would arrive on time.

'Assure' means to tell someone something confidently to remove doubt; it takes a person as its object.

Identify the error in: 'The CEO, along with her advisors, were present at the meeting.'

Answer: 'were' should be 'was'

Phrases introduced by 'along with,' 'as well as,' or 'in addition to' do not change the subject's number; 'CEO' is singular, requiring 'was.'