Grammar & Syntax Flashcards

Which option uses parallel structure correctly?

Answer: She enjoys reading, swimming, and cooking.

Parallel structure requires all items in a series to have the same grammatical form; here all three are gerunds.

Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect tense?

Answer: They have completed the assignment already.

'Have completed' uses the correct present perfect form (have/has + past participle) with the adverb 'already.'

Identify the sentence with the correct use of a semicolon:

Answer: She submitted the report; however, it was late.

A semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb ('however') and a comma correctly joins two independent clauses.

Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Answer: Everyone must submit his or her application by Friday.

In formal writing, 'everyone' takes 'his or her' to maintain singular agreement with a gender-neutral antecedent.

Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

Answer: The results were inconclusive, and further testing is needed.

Adding the coordinating conjunction 'and' after the comma correctly joins two independent clauses without a comma splice.

Which option represents the correct use of an infinitive phrase as a noun?

Answer: To sleep late is a bad habit.

'To sleep' is a correctly formed infinitive phrase functioning as the subject noun of the sentence.

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Answer: It is essential that he be present at the hearing.

After expressions of necessity like 'it is essential that,' the subjunctive uses the base form 'be,' regardless of subject.