NYC NYC Civil Service Written Expression and Grammar Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

She lay on the couch all afternoon.

Answer

She laid on the couch all afternoon.

Answer

She lain on the couch all afternoon.

Answer

She has laid on the couch all afternoon.

Question 2

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

The officer caught the suspect running quickly.

Answer

Running quickly, the officer caught the suspect.

Answer

The officer, running quickly, caught the suspect.

Answer

Quickly running, the officer caught the suspect.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of passive voice?

Accepted Answer

The report was reviewed by the supervisor.

Answer

The supervisor reviewed the report.

Answer

The supervisor will review the report tomorrow.

Answer

The supervisor has reviewed several reports.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

is

Answer

are

Answer

were

Answer

have been

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

principle

Answer

reason

Answer

delay

Answer

funding

Question 6

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The deadline passed; however, we requested an extension.

Answer

The meeting was postponed; because the director was absent.

Answer

We completed the audit; and submitted our findings.

Answer

She filed the report; quickly.