Grammar & Sentence Structure Flashcards
7 cards from real ELSA 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 & Sentence Structure flashcards as text
Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
Answer: She brought the following fruits: apples, oranges, and grapes.
A colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces a list, explanation, or quotation.
Identify the sentence that correctly avoids a split infinitive in formal writing.
Answer: She wanted to finish the project quickly.
In formal writing, adverbs should not split infinitives; placing 'quickly' after the full infinitive phrase avoids this.
Which sentence uses the gerund correctly as a subject?
Answer: Swimming every morning is her routine.
A gerund (verb + -ing) functions as a noun and can serve as the subject of a sentence.
Choose the sentence with correct use of 'affect' vs. 'effect'.
Answer: The new policy affected employee morale.
'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is typically a noun meaning a result.
Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction?
Answer: Because she was late, the meeting started without her.
When a subordinate clause introduced by 'because' begins the sentence, it is followed by a comma before the main clause.
Which option shows correct use of pronoun-antecedent agreement?
Answer: Each student must submit his or her assignment by Friday.
'Each' is singular, so it formally agrees with 'his or her'; option A (singular 'they') is also increasingly accepted but option B is the traditional formal choice.
Identify the sentence that uses an absolute phrase correctly.
Answer: Her hands trembling, she opened the letter.
An absolute phrase (noun + participle) modifies the entire main clause and is set off by a comma.