Written Expression and Grammar Flashcards

Choose the version of the sentence that is grammatically correct and most clearly written.

Answer: Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, is controversial.

The subject of the sentence is 'Each,' which is a singular pronoun. Therefore, it requires a singular verb, 'is.' The phrases 'of the proposed city ordinances' and 'which address issues...' modify the subject but do not change its number.

A city inspector is writing a report. Which of the following sentences uses correct parallel structure?

Answer: The new policy requires employees to attend a safety seminar, complete a follow-up quiz, and submit a signed acknowledgment form.

This sentence correctly uses parallel structure by making all three items in the series infinitive verbs ('to attend,' '[to] complete,' and '[to] submit'). The other options mix different grammatical forms (gerunds, infinitives, clauses), which violates the rule of parallelism.

Read the following sentence and determine if there is a grammatical error in the underlined portions. 'The director gave the new assignment to my colleague and I (A) because the project required (B) someone with our (C) specific set of skills (D).'

Answer: A

The error is in section (A). The pronoun 'I' is used as an object of the preposition 'to.' The objective case pronoun, 'me,' should be used instead. A simple way to check is to remove 'my colleague and,' which leaves the incorrect phrase 'gave the new assignment to I.'

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

Answer: The sanitation department purchased new trucks; however, they will not be in service until next month.

This sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses connected by a conjunctive adverb ('however'). A comma must also follow the conjunctive adverb. Using only a comma before 'however' creates a comma splice.

Which of the following sentences is the clearest and most logical combination of the ideas below? 'The city is launching a new recycling program. It aims to reduce landfill waste. The program will begin on June 1st.'

Answer: To reduce landfill waste, the city is launching a new recycling program, which will begin on June 1st.

This option correctly subordinates the information, creating a clear and concise sentence. It establishes the main idea (launching the program) and uses clauses to explain the purpose ('to reduce...') and the start date ('which will begin...'). Option A is a comma splice, while C and D are awkwardly constructed.

Which of the following sentences contains a dangling or misplaced modifier?

Answer: To apply for the permit, a completed form must be submitted by the applicant.

This sentence contains a dangling modifier. The introductory phrase 'To apply for the permit' has no subject to logically modify. It implies that the 'completed form' is the one applying for the permit. A correct version would be: 'To apply for the permit, the applicant must submit a completed form.'