Grammar and Written Expression Flashcards
7 cards from real Ohio Civil Service Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Grammar and Written Expression flashcards as text
Which sentence uses the correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?
Answer: Everyone must submit his or her report by Friday.
The indefinite pronoun 'everyone' is singular; in formal writing, 'his or her' is the traditionally correct reference.
Select the sentence that correctly uses a comma after an introductory element.
Answer: After reviewing the file, the clerk closed it.
A comma follows an introductory prepositional or participial phrase to separate it from the main clause.
Which sentence avoids wordiness?
Answer: Because it was raining, we postponed the event.
'Because' is a concise substitute for wordy phrases like 'due to the fact that.'
Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier.
Answer: The director only approved two requests.
Placing 'only' before 'approved' modifies the verb, but the intended meaning is that only two requests were approved.
Choose the word that best fits: 'The new policy will ______ the old procedures.'
Answer: supersede
'Supersede' means to replace or take the place of something; it is commonly misspelled with 'cede.'
Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
Answer: The report included the following: a summary, data, and conclusions.
A colon should follow a complete independent clause before introducing a list; 'the following' signals the list properly.
Select the correctly written sentence regarding number usage.
Answer: The office processed five applications yesterday.
Standard style guides recommend spelling out numbers one through nine in formal writing.