Writing & Grammar Proficiency Flashcards

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Answer: She studied hard; she passed the exam.

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Identify the error: 'Between you and I, the project was poorly managed.'

Answer: 'I' should be 'me' because it follows a preposition.

Prepositions require object pronouns, so 'between you and me' is correct.

Which option correctly completes the sentence? 'Neither the manager nor the employees ___ aware of the change.'

Answer: were

With 'neither/nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it — 'employees' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Which word best replaces the underlined word to improve precision? 'The CEO made a very good speech at the conference.'

Answer: compelling

'Compelling' is more precise and professional than the vague modifier 'very good.'

Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

Answer: Walking to the office, she was caught in sudden rain.

The participial phrase 'Walking to the office' must modify the subject 'she,' which immediately follows it.

Which sentence uses the Oxford (serial) comma correctly?

Answer: I bought milk, eggs, and butter.

The Oxford comma is placed before the final 'and' in a list of three or more items.

Which revision makes this sentence more concise? 'Due to the fact that it was raining, the game was cancelled.'

Answer: Because it was raining, the game was cancelled.

'Because' replaces the wordy phrase 'due to the fact that' with a single, clear conjunction.