Grammatical Structure Analysis Flashcards

In 'The data suggest that the hypothesis is correct,' why is 'suggest' used instead of 'suggests'?

Answer: 'Data' is the Latin plural of 'datum' and takes a plural verb in formal usage

In formal academic English, 'data' is treated as a plural noun (plural of 'datum'), so it takes the plural verb 'suggest.'

Which sentence contains a noun clause functioning as the direct object?

Answer: I believe that honesty matters.

In option B, 'that honesty matters' is a noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb 'believe.'

What is the term for a verb form that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb rather than as the main verb of a sentence?

Answer: Non-finite verb (verbal)

Non-finite verbs (verbals) include infinitives, gerunds, and participles, and they serve grammatical roles other than main verbs.

Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive relative clause (no commas)?

Answer: The student who studies hardest usually succeeds.

A restrictive clause, like 'who studies hardest,' limits the noun to a specific group and is not set off by commas.

In the sentence 'The professor, along with her students, is presenting today,' why is 'is' correct?

Answer: The true subject is 'professor' (singular); 'along with' is a preposition, not a conjunction

'Along with' introduces a prepositional phrase, not a compound subject, so the singular 'professor' governs the verb.

What grammatical error appears in 'Between you and I, the decision was wrong'?

Answer: Pronoun case error—'I' should be 'me' after a preposition

Prepositions require object pronouns; 'between you and me' is correct because 'me' is the objective case.

Which of the following is an example of faulty parallelism?

Answer: The job requires dedication, working hard, and to be patient.

Option C mixes a noun ('dedication'), a gerund ('working hard'), and an infinitive ('to be patient'), violating parallel structure.