NYC Civil Service Written Expression and Grammar Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb 'to lie'?

Answer: She lay on the couch all afternoon.

'Lay' is the past tense of 'lie' (to recline), so 'she lay on the couch' is correct.

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Answer: The officer caught the suspect running quickly.

In 'The officer caught the suspect running quickly,' it is unclear whether the officer or the suspect was running quickly.

Which of the following is an example of passive voice?

Answer: The report was reviewed by the supervisor.

'The report was reviewed by the supervisor' is passive voice because the subject receives the action rather than performing it.

Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement: A collection of reports _____ on the desk.

Answer: is

'Collection' is a singular noun, so it takes the singular verb 'is.'

Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence? 'The principle reason for the delay was a lack of funding.'

Answer: principle

'Principal' (meaning main or primary) should be used instead of 'principle' (meaning a rule or belief).

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Answer: The deadline passed; however, we requested an extension.

A semicolon can connect two independent clauses, especially when using a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'