1 Answer:
A sentence fragment is a piece of a sentence, but is not a complete
sentence, either because it is missing an independent subject + verb
combination or it has disconnected prepositional phrases, verbal
phrases or dependent clauses. It may also be a subordinate clause that
should be part of the sentence before it.
For example: Bought it at the pet store yesterday. This piece of a
sentence is missing the subject She. She bought it at the
pet store yesterday.
Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
a. Susan bought a puppy. b. A pretty brown and white one.
c. She bought it at the pet store. d. It cost $100 dollars.
2 Answer:
A sentence fragment is a piece of a sentence, but is not a complete
sentence, either because it is missing an independent subject + verb
combination or it has disconnected prepositional phrases, verbal
phrases or dependent clauses. It may also be a subordinate clause that
should be part of the sentence before it.
For example: Bought it at the pet store yesterday. This piece of a
sentence is missing the subject She. She bought it at the
pet store yesterday.
Which of the following contains a sentence fragment?
a. Avery went to the beach with her friends. On a hot day in July.
b. Sam bought a new bicycle. It is bright red with racing stripes.
c. Michael and Frank played baseball. Their team won.
3 Answer:
A sentence fragment is a piece of a sentence, but is not a complete
sentence, either because it is missing an independent subject + verb
combination or it has disconnected prepositional phrases, verbal
phrases or dependent clauses. It may also be a subordinate clause that
should be part of the sentence before it.
For example: Bought it at the pet store yesterday. This piece of a
sentence is missing the subject She. She bought it at the
pet store yesterday.
Which of the following does not contain a sentence fragment?
a. Allison and her friends went shopping. At the local mall.
b. Harry missed school three days in a row. Because he was sick.
c. Denise and Vicky ate ice cream. It was a hot day.
4 Answer:
A run-on sentence is one where two main clauses are either separated by
a comma, have no punctuation between them or are missing a comma before
a coordinating conjunction. Remember, a main clause is a sentence that
can stand alone or be connected to another main clause by using a semi-
colon or adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as and,
but, or, yet, for, nor, or so. For example: The dogs enjoyed their day
at the park, they ran and played all day. This run-on sentence can be
re-written by making it into two sentences: The dogs enjoyed their day
at the park. They ran and played all day. Or by adding a semi-colon
between the two independent clauses: The dogs enjoyed their day at the
park; they ran and played all day.
Which of the following is a run-on sentence?
a. Carly took her cat, Boots, for a walk; she used a harness
instead of a leash.
b. The man was running down the street, he had just robbed a bank.
c. Fran met Josie at the delicatessen for lunch; they both ate
quiche.
5 Answer:
A run-on sentence is one where two main clauses are either separated by
a comma, have no punctuation between them or are missing a comma before
a coordinating conjunction. Remember, a main clause is a sentence that
can stand alone or be connected to another main clause by using a semi-
colon or adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as and,
but, or, yet, for, nor, or so. For example: The dogs enjoyed their day
at the park, they ran and played all day. This run-on sentence can be
re-written by making it into two sentences: The dogs enjoyed their day
at the park. They ran and played all day. Or by adding a semi-colon
between the two independent clauses: The dogs enjoyed their day at the
park; they ran and played all day.
Which of the following is a run-on sentence?
a. Jack went to the skate park with his friend John, they skated
for two hours.
b. Cicely and Jan learned to crochet, and they both made baby
blankets.
c. Juan and Carlos tutor other students in Spanish; they both are
native speakers, so it comes easily to them.
6 Answer:
A run-on sentence is one where two main clauses are either separated by
a comma, have no punctuation between them or are missing a comma before
a coordinating conjunction. Remember, a main clause is a sentence that
can stand alone or be connected to another main clause by using a semi-
colon or adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as and,
but, or, yet, for, nor, or so. For example: The dogs enjoyed their day
at the park, they ran and played all day. This run-on sentence can be
re-written by making it into two sentences: The dogs enjoyed their day
at the park. They ran and played all day. Or by adding a semi-colon
between the two independent clauses: The dogs enjoyed their day at the
park; they ran and played all day.
Which of the following is not a run-on sentence?
a. Alice fell down the rabbit hole, it was dark and scary.
b. Beatrice ate raw steak, it made her sick to her stomach.
c. Ben and Joe played basketball for four hours; afterward, they
were exhausted.
7 Answer:
Another common error writers sometimes make is lack of subject-verb
agreement. This can happen in a variety of ways. One is when the
subject is separated from the verb by an intervening prepositional
phrase and the reader mistakes the object of the preposition for
the subject of the sentence. A prepositional phrase is a group of words
that begins with a preposition and usually ends with a noun or pronoun
called the object of the preposition. A prepositional phrase can modify
a noun or pronoun, a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. The subject of a
sentence never appears within a prepositional phrase.
For example:
The birds flew into the sky at dawn. (The prepositional phrase into
the sky modifies the verb flew.) The canaries in the cage sing all day
long. (The prepositional phrase in the cage modifies the noun
canaries.)
Here is an example of a sentence that is incorrect, due to confusing
the subject and the object of the preposition: Weeds near the lake
ruins the view.
The prepositional phrase near the lake modifies the noun weeds. If you
remove the prepositional phrase, the sentence would be: The weeds ruins
the view. In this case, the verb ruins does not agree with the subject
weeds. It should say: The weeds ruin the view. With the prepositional
phrase, it would say: The weeds near the lake ruin the view.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. A bill regarding hazardous wastes sit in a committee.
b. The building opposite these buildings contain a superb library.
c. The locks on this door are easy to operate.
8 Answer:
Another common error writers sometimes make is lack of subject-verb
agreement. This can happen in a variety of ways. One is when the
subject is separated from the verb by an intervening prepositional
phrase and the reader mistakes the object of the preposition for
the subject of the sentence. A prepositional phrase is a group of words
that begins with a preposition and usually ends with a noun or pronoun
called the object of the preposition. A prepositional phrase can modify
a noun or pronoun, a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. The subject of a
sentence never appears within a prepositional phrase.
For example:
The birds flew into the sky at dawn. (The prepositional phrase into
the sky modifies the verb flew.) The canaries in the cage sing all day
long. (The prepositional phrase in the cage modifies the noun
canaries.)
Here is an example of a sentence that is incorrect, due to confusing
the subject and the object of the preposition: Weeds near the lake
ruins the view.
The prepositional phrase near the lake modifies the noun weeds. If you
remove the prepositional phrase, the sentence would be: The weeds ruins
the view. In this case, the verb ruins does not agree with the subject
weeds. It should say: The weeds ruin the view. With the prepositional
phrase, it would say: The weeds near the lake ruin the view.
Which of the following sentences is not correct?
a. The sidewalk around these parks need to be replaced.
b. A speech for the bride and groom comes from the best man.
c. A program about new technology airs on television tonight.
9 Answer:
Another way writers get confused is when the predicate nominative
differs in number from the subject. A predicate nominative is a noun
or pronoun that follows a linking verb and further identifies the
subject.
For example: One of the highest peaks in North America is Mt. McKinley.
Mt. McKinley is a predicate nominative that further identifies the noun
peaks. Note that the noun peaks is plural, but the predicate nominative
Mt. McKinley is singular. However, because the sentence is about only
one of the peaks, the verb will be the singular is to match the
predicate nominative Mt. McKinley.
Another example: Japanese gardens was her great joy. (Joy further
identifies gardens.) However, this sentence is incorrect because the
subject gardens is plural, but the predicate nominative joy is
singular. Therefore, the verb should be the plural were to match the
subject gardens. The correct sentence would be: Japanese gardens were
her great joy.
Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
a. Each of these basketballs need to be put away.
b. The flowers in the garden are in full bloom.
c. The children from classrooms 5 and 7 went to the zoo today.
10 Answer:
Another way writers get confused is when the predicate nominative
differs in number from the subject. A predicate nominative is a noun
or pronoun that follows a linking verb and further identifies the
subject.
For example: One of the highest peaks in North America is Mt. McKinley.
Mt. McKinley is a predicate nominative that further identifies the noun
peaks. Note that the noun peaks is plural, but the predicate nominative
Mt. McKinley is singular. However, because the sentence is about only
one of the peaks, the verb will be the singular is to match the
predicate nominative Mt. McKinley.
Another example: Japanese gardens was her great joy. (Joy further
identifies gardens.) However, this sentence is incorrect because the
subject gardens is plural, but the predicate nominative joy is
singular. Therefore, the verb should be the plural were to match the
subject gardens. The correct sentence would be: Japanese gardens were
her great joy.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. A basket of apples were left under the tree.
b. The horse’s mane and tail were tangled.
c. The box of donuts on the counter sure look tempting.
11 Answer:
Another common error is using a masculine pronoun to refer to an
antecedent that may be either male or female. This usage ignores or
excludes females. For example: A bus driver delivers his students to
their bus stops on time. A better statement would be: A bus driver
delivers his or her students to their bus stops on time.
Another mistake is using a second-person pronoun to refer to a third-
person antecedent. People like that restaurant because you get large
portions there. People is a third-person antecedent, but you is a
second-person pronoun. This sentence should say: People like that
restaurant because they get large portions there.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. Each of the students had their own test booklet.
b. A good teacher listens carefully to his students’ questions.
c. Each of the girls brought her own sleeping bag.
12 Answer:
Another common error is using a masculine pronoun to refer to an
antecedent that may be either male or female. This usage ignores or
excludes females. For example: A bus driver delivers his students to
their bus stops on time. A better statement would be: A bus driver
delivers his or her students to their bus stops on time.
Another mistake is using a second-person pronoun to refer to a third-
person antecedent. People like that restaurant because you get large
portions there. People is a third-person antecedent, but you is a
second-person pronoun. This sentence should say: People like that
restaurant because they get large portions there.
Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
a. All of the children wore their hats.
b. Neither of the men took off their coat.
c. Some of the people took off their boots.
13 Answer:
Another common error is using a masculine pronoun to refer to an
antecedent that may be either male or female. This usage ignores or
excludes females. For example: A bus driver delivers his students to
their bus stops on time. A better statement would be: A bus driver
delivers his or her students to their bus stops on time.
Another mistake is using a second-person pronoun to refer to a third-
person antecedent. People like that restaurant because you get large
portions there. People is a third-person antecedent, but you is a
second-person pronoun. This sentence should say: People like that
restaurant because they get large portions there.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. People like the donuts from this shop because they are the
tastiest.
b. People like this donut shop because you get more for your money
here.
c. People avoid this donut shop because you get ripped off here.
14 Answer:
Another common error is an incorrect shift in person between two
pronouns. Incorrect shifts occur when a writer or speaker uses a
pronoun in one person and then illogically shifts to a pronoun in
another person. For example: Along the hiking trail, they
unexpectedly found a place where you could picnic and swim. This
sentence is incorrect because the writer shifted from the plural
pronoun they in the first half of the sentence to the singular pronoun
you in the second half. The sentence should read: Along the hiking
trail, they unexpectedly found a place where they could picnic and swim.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. One should never give up on your dreams.
b. If one sets priorities carefully, you will usually succeed.
c. I believe one should take responsibility for one’s actions.
15 Answer:
Another common error is an incorrect shift in person between two
pronouns. Incorrect shifts occur when a writer or speaker uses a
pronoun in one person and then illogically shifts to a pronoun in
another person. For example: Along the hiking trail, they
unexpectedly found a place where you could picnic and swim. This
sentence is incorrect because the writer shifted from the plural
pronoun they in the first half of the sentence to the singular pronoun
you in the second half. The sentence should read: Along the hiking
trail, they unexpectedly found a place where they could picnic and swim.
Which of the following sentences is not correct?
a. My sisters went to the lake, where they splashed and played all
day.
b. My brothers visited Manhattan, where you can see the Statue of
Liberty.
c. The pack of wolves stalked its elusive prey across the frozen
timberland.
16 Answer:
Another common error is an incorrect shift in person between two
pronouns. Incorrect shifts occur when a writer or speaker uses a
pronoun in one person and then illogically shifts to a pronoun in
another person. For example: Along the hiking trail, they
unexpectedly found a place where you could picnic and swim. This
sentence is incorrect because the writer shifted from the plural
pronoun they in the first half of the sentence to the singular pronoun
you in the second half. The sentence should read: Along the hiking
trail, they unexpectedly found a place where they could picnic and swim.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. On their hike, they reached the mountain’s summit, where you have
a spectacular view of Lake Geneva.
b. Many of the dancers have made their own costumes.
c. Each of the boys in the play has learned their part.
17 Answer:
A lack of clear pronoun reference is another common error. When
using this, that, which, and it, make sure you use a clear antecedent.
Re-write the sentence, adding a clear antecedent for the pronoun. For
example, the sentence Many students hope to earn all A’s, but it is
difficult to achieve. What does it refer to? In the sentence, it is
not clear. So substitute a clear antecedent, such as their goal for the
word it, making the sentence: Many students hope to earn all A’s, but
their goal is difficult to achieve.
Which sentence is correct?
a. If you don’t tie the balloon to the stroller, it will blow away.
b. The mothers made quilts with their daughters, hoping to sell
them at the craft fair.
c. The birds carefully crafted their nests, but the wind blew the
nests away.
18 Answer:
A lack of clear pronoun reference is another common error. When
using this, that, which, and it, make sure you use a clear antecedent.
Re-write the sentence, adding a clear antecedent for the pronoun. For
example, the sentence Many students hope to earn all A’s, but it is
difficult to achieve. What does it refer to? In the sentence, it is
not clear. So substitute a clear antecedent, such as their goal for the
word it, making the sentence: Many students hope to earn all A’s, but
their goal is difficult to achieve.
Which sentence is correct?
a. The dogs chased the cats around the yard until they ran away.
b. The horses enjoyed the apple treats until the treats were all
gone.
c. The visitors thought the monkeys at the zoo seemed bored, and
then they went inside.
19 Answer:
A pronoun that could refer to more than one antecedent can confuse the
reader. For example: Carlos told Jake that he had been elected captain.
Who does the pronoun he refer to? It is not clear. Rewrite the
sentence, substituting a noun for the pronoun. Carlos told Jake that
Jake had been elected captain.
Select the best sentence.
a. The students expect the teachers to be on time, but they are
often late.
b. Sandy took Sue out to lunch, but she didn’t like the food.
c. John told Freddy that John had a date tonight with Annette.
20 Answer:
A pronoun that could refer to more than one antecedent can confuse the
reader. For example: Carlos told Jake that he had been elected captain.
Who does the pronoun he refer to? It is not clear. Rewrite the
sentence, substituting a noun for the pronoun. Carlos told Jake that
Jake had been elected captain.
Select the best sentence.
a. The wind blew the bird off course, and then it died.
b. We took our boots and jackets off and put our jackets in our
lockers.
c. The momma giraffe licked the baby giraffe clean, and then she
stood up on her feet.
21 Answer:
A pronoun that could refer to more than one antecedent can confuse the
reader. For example: Carlos told Jake that he had been elected captain.
Who does the pronoun he refer to? It is not clear. Rewrite the
sentence, substituting a noun for the pronoun. Carlos told Jake that
Jake had been elected captain.
Select the best sentence.
a. The clowns entertained the children for hours, and the children
seemed to enjoy the entertainment.
b. The photographers took many photos with their cameras and then
set them on the table.
c. Tiger Woods played a round of golf with Phil Mickelson, and he
won.
22 Answer:
When there are compound subjects that are joined by and sometimes it
is hard to remember which form of the verb to use. If the parts of the
compound subject do not belong to one unit or if they refer to
different people or things, use a plural verb. For example: Blue and
red make purple. In this sentence, the compound subjects blue and red
refer to two different things and they are connected with and, so the
verb is plural, not singular.
When the parts of the compound subject belong to one unit or if both
parts refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb. Ham and
eggs is a popular breakfast. This sentence is correct because ham and
eggs together are the meal, a singular subject, so the verb will be
singular.
Select the sentence that is not correct.
a. Lemon juice and honey make a nice addition to hot tea.
b. Cream and sugar go well with coffee.
c. Ice cream and pickles sounds gross to me.
23 Answer:
When there are compound subjects that are joined by and sometimes it
is hard to remember which form of the verb to use. If the parts of the
compound subject do not belong to one unit or if they refer to
different people or things, use a plural verb. For example: Blue and
red make purple. In this sentence, the compound subjects blue and red
refer to two different things and they are connected with and, so the
verb is plural, not singular.
When the parts of the compound subject belong to one unit or if both
parts refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb. Ham and
eggs is a popular breakfast. This sentence is correct because ham and
eggs together are the meal, a singular subject, so the verb will be
singular.
True or False: The following sentence is grammatically correct:
Green and yellow make orange.
a. True
b. False
24 Answer:
When there are compound subjects that are joined by and sometimes it
is hard to remember which form of the verb to use. If the parts of the
compound subject do not belong to one unit or if they refer to
different people or things, use a plural verb. For example: Blue and
red make purple. In this sentence, the compound subjects blue and red
refer to two different things and they are connected with and, so the
verb is plural, not singular.
When the parts of the compound subject belong to one unit or if both
parts refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb. Ham and
eggs is a popular breakfast. This sentence is correct because ham and
eggs together are the meal, a singular subject, so the verb will be
singular.
True or False: The following sentence is not grammatically correct:
Ten boys and thirteen girls makes up the 5th grade class.
a. True
b. False
25 Answer:
When a compound subject is joined by or or nor, make the verb agree
with the subject that is closer to it. For example: Neither the chairs
nor the sofa needs cleaning at this time. Here the verb needs is closer
to the word sofa, so the verb is singular because the compound subject
is joined by nor and the verb is closer to the word sofa, a singular
noun.
When a compound subject is preceded by many a, every, or each, the
subject is considered singular, so the singular verb form would be
used. For example: Every one of the pine trees and the fir trees has
pine cones.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. Neither the dogs nor the cat has been vaccinated.
b. Neither the horse nor the mules needs to be groomed today.
c. Neither the bird nor the dogs has been fed today.
26 Answer:
When a compound subject is joined by or or nor, make the verb agree
with the subject that is closer to it. For example: Neither the chairs
nor the sofa needs cleaning at this time. Here the verb needs is closer
to the word sofa, so the verb is singular because the compound subject
is joined by nor and the verb is closer to the word sofa, a singular
noun.
When a compound subject is preceded by many a, every, or each, the
subject is considered singular, so the singular verb form would be
used. For example: Every one of the pine trees and the fir trees has
pine cones.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. Each of the dolls and stuffed animals have glass eyes.
b. Every boy and girl in the choir sang like an angel.
c. Many a man and woman wishes he or she were married to a movie
star.
27 Answer:
When a subject is separated from the verb by an intervening
expression, ignore the intervening expression and make the verb agree
with the subject. For example: Linda’s job, in addition to her
schoolwork, takes all her spare time. Ignoring the intervening
expression in addition to her schoolworkK the verb takes agrees with the
subject job.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. Each of the puppies, who are always hungry, eats a lot of
kibble.
b. Many a young girl, who tries to be in fashion, buy her clothes
from the boutique.
c. Every one of the boys, who all play on the baseball team, get a
new team hat.
28 Answer:
When a subject is separated from the verb by an intervening
expression, ignore the intervening expression and make the verb agree
with the subject. For example: Linda’s job, in addition to her
schoolwork, takes all her spare time. Ignoring the intervening
expression in addition to her schoolworkK the verb takes agrees with the
subject job.
Which of the following sentences is not correct?
a. Cindy’s horse, along with her friend’s horses, take a lot of
time to groom.
b. Mark’s friend, as well as his brother’s friends, likes to
snowboard.
c. Zula’s kitten, and three of the other kittens, has six toes
on each paw.
29 Answer:
Be careful where you put modifiers. A misplaced modifier seems to
modify the wrong word or modify more than one word in a sentence. For
example, in the sentence: A woman passed by, leading a springer spaniel
in a long black dress. The modifier in a long black dress appears to
modify the word spaniel, rather than the word woman. Move the misplaced
phrase as close as possible to the word or words it modifies. A woman
in a long black dress passed by, leading a springer spaniel.
Which of the following sentences has a misplaced modifier?
a. The champion backstroker, being disqualified, stormed out of
the building.
b. Swimmers, with a sense of excitement, congregated around the
pool.
c. Leaves floated gently down onto the lawn, with dazzling autumn
colors.
30 Answer:
Be careful where you put modifiers. A misplaced modifier seems to
modify the wrong word or modify more than one word in a sentence. For
example, in the sentence: A woman passed by, leading a springer spaniel
in a long black dress. The modifier in a long black dress appears to
modify the word spaniel, rather than the word woman. Move the misplaced
phrase as close as possible to the word or words it modifies. A woman
in a long black dress passed by, leading a springer spaniel.
Select the best sentence.
a. I wanted to buy a dress for my mother with lace.
b. We camped outside with the moonlight in our tents.
c. Walking past the window, I noticed streaks in the glass.
31 Answer:
A dangling modifier, on the other hand, does not seem to logically
modify any word in the sentence. For example: Standing on the
observation deck, the view could be seen for miles. The modifier
standing on the observation deck does not logically modify the view.
Rewrite the sentence, adding a noun to which the dangling phrase
clearly refers. Often you will have to add other words, too. Standing
on the observation deck, Richie could see the view for miles.
Which of these sentences contains a dangling modifier?
a. A man passed by walking a bicycle in a long trench coat.
b. Disappointed that vacation would soon end, we felt that
September came all too quickly.
c. After trying the recipe several times, Karen finally
succeeded in baking a souffl�.
32 Answer:
A dangling modifier, on the other hand, does not seem to logically
modify any word in the sentence. For example: Standing on the
observation deck, the view could be seen for miles. The modifier
standing on the observation deck does not logically modify the view.
Rewrite the sentence, adding a noun to which the dangling phrase
clearly refers. Often you will have to add other words, too. Standing
on the observation deck, Richie could see the view for miles.
Which of these sentences does not contain a dangling modifier?
a. After trying the combination several times, the lock finally
opened.
b. Waiting for a ride home, rain started to fall.
c. Wearing her new outfit, Lisa proudly entered the
Kindergarten room.
33 Answer:
Another common error writers make is inaccurate placement of only.
The meaning of your sentence may be unclear if the word only is
misplaced. For example: Michael only studies German on weekends. It is
unclear if Michael does nothing else but study German on weekends, if
only Michael studies German on weekends, or if he studies only German
on the weekends. To make the sentence clear, place the word only
immediately before the word or group of words it modifies. For example:
Michael studies German only on weekends; Only Michael studies German on
weekends; or, Michael studies only German on weekends. Note that the
placement of the word only changes the meaning of the sentence each
time it is moved.
Select the sentence that is most clear in meaning.
a. Only Michelle knew how to ride a horse.
b. Janet only drove the car.
c. Tom only did the laundry last night.
34 Answer:
Another common error writers make is inaccurate placement of only.
The meaning of your sentence may be unclear if the word only is
misplaced. For example: Michael only studies German on weekends. It is
unclear if Michael does nothing else but study German on weekends, if
only Michael studies German on weekends, or if he studies only German
on the weekends. To make the sentence clear, place the word only
immediately before the word or group of words it modifies. For example:
Michael studies German only on weekends; Only Michael studies German on
weekends; or, Michael studies only German on weekends. Note that the
placement of the word only changes the meaning of the sentence each
time it is moved.
Select the sentence that is most clear in meaning.
a. Sam only went to the store.
b. Karen bought only a sweater.
c. Fred only hiked the trail.
35 Answer:
Missing or Misplaced Possessive Apostrophe. Use an apostrophe and
an -s to form the possessive of a singular noun, even one that ends in
-s. Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural noun
that ends in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive of
a plural noun that does not end in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to
form the possessive of a singular indefinite pronoun. Do not use an
apostrophe to form the possessive of it. Just add an -s. Remember that
an apostrophe -s after it forms the contraction it’s for it is. Do not
use an apostrophe with any of the possessive personal pronouns, such as
his, hers, theirs, and ours.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
a. The dog chased it’s tail in circles.
b. The Jones’ phone rang off the wall.
c. The red corvette is their’s.
36 Answer:
Missing or Misplaced Possessive Apostrophe. Use an apostrophe and
an -s to form the possessive of a singular noun, even one that ends in
-s. Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural noun
that ends in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive of
a plural noun that does not end in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to
form the possessive of a singular indefinite pronoun. Do not use an
apostrophe to form the possessive of it. Just add an -s. Remember that
an apostrophe -s after it forms the contraction it’s for it is. Do not
use an apostrophe with any of the possessive personal pronouns, such as
his, hers, theirs, and ours.
Select the best sentence.
a. John’s hats were hanging on the hall tree.
b. Jessies bikes were all overgrown with ivy in the spring.
c. Freda painted her bikes tires pink.
37 Answer:
Missing or Misplaced Possessive Apostrophe. Use an apostrophe and
an -s to form the possessive of a singular noun, even one that ends in
-s. Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural noun
that ends in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive of
a plural noun that does not end in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to
form the possessive of a singular indefinite pronoun. Do not use an
apostrophe to form the possessive of it. Just add an -s. Remember that
an apostrophe -s after it forms the contraction it’s for it is. Do not
use an apostrophe with any of the possessive personal pronouns, such as
his, hers, theirs, and ours.
Select the best sentence.
a. Jerry said its okay if you want to borrow his car.
b. Candices cats all have extra toes on their paws.
c. The milk man’s truck was spray painted with graffiti last night.
38 Answer:
Missing or Misplaced Possessive Apostrophe. Use an apostrophe and
an -s to form the possessive of a singular noun, even one that ends in
-s. Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural noun
that ends in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive of
a plural noun that does not end in -s. Use an apostrophe and an -s to
form the possessive of a singular indefinite pronoun. Do not use an
apostrophe to form the possessive of it. Just add an -s. Remember that
an apostrophe -s after it forms the contraction it’s for it is. Do not
use an apostrophe with any of the possessive personal pronouns, such as
his, hers, theirs, and ours.
Select the sentence that is incorrect.
a. Is this anybodys jacket?
b. The blue sedan is Jack’s.
c. Sarah decided to attend the women’s college.
39 Answer:
Missing Commas with Nonessential Elements. When introducing a
nonessential phrase, an adjective clause, or an appositive, determine
whether it is truly essential to the meaning of the sentence. If is not
truly essential to the meaning of a sentence, set it off with
appropriate commas. Set off all interjections and parenthetical
expressions with commas as well. For example: Lois, scowling fiercely,
turned her back on Clark. And: Wow, did you see that falling star?
Which sentence has proper comma placement?
a. The Palomino which is golden in color, is often seen in parades.
b. The Palomino, which is golden in color, is often seen in parades.
c. The Palomino which is golden in color is often seen in parades.
40 Answer:
Missing Commas with Nonessential Elements. When introducing a
nonessential phrase, an adjective clause, or an appositive, determine
whether it is truly essential to the meaning of the sentence. If is not
truly essential to the meaning of a sentence, set it off with
appropriate commas. Set off all interjections and parenthetical
expressions with commas as well. For example: Lois, scowling fiercely,
turned her back on Clark. And: Wow, did you see that falling star?
Which sentence has proper comma placement?
a. Your idea Jason is brilliant!
b. Your idea Jason, is brilliant!
c. Your idea, Jason, is brilliant!
41 Answer:
Missing Commas with Nonessential Elements. When introducing a
nonessential phrase, an adjective clause, or an appositive, determine
whether it is truly essential to the meaning of the sentence. If is not
truly essential to the meaning of a sentence, set it off with
appropriate commas. Set off all interjections and parenthetical
expressions with commas as well. For example: Lois, scowling fiercely,
turned her back on Clark. And: Wow, did you see that falling star?
Which sentence has proper comma placement?
a. The police, continuously directed traffic, during the heavy
downpour.
b. The police continuously directed traffic, during the heavy
downpour.
c. The police continuously directed traffic during the heavy
downpour.
42 Answer:
Missing Commas with Nonessential Elements. When introducing a
nonessential phrase, an adjective clause, or an appositive, determine
whether it is truly essential to the meaning of the sentence. If is not
truly essential to the meaning of a sentence, set it off with
appropriate commas. Set off all interjections and parenthetical
expressions with commas as well. For example: Lois, scowling fiercely,
turned her back on Clark. And: Wow, did you see that falling star?
Which sentence has proper comma placement?
a. Our new principal, as well as my teacher, comes from Ontario.
b. Our new principal as well as my teacher comes from Ontario.
c. Our new principal, as well as my teacher comes from Ontario.
43 Answer:
Missing Commas in a Series. When there are three or more elements
in a series, use a comma after each element, including the element that
precedes the conjunction. For example: The bread recipe calls for
flour, yeast, milk, and eggs. And: I sent the email to John, Jenny,
Frank, and Sam.
Is the following sentence correct:
Hank, Jerry and Denise all snowboard at Mountain High Resort.
a. true
b. false
44 Answer:
Missing Commas in a Series. When there are three or more elements
in a series, use a comma after each element, including the element that
precedes the conjunction. For example: The bread recipe calls for
flour, yeast, milk, and eggs. And: I sent the email to John, Jenny,
Frank, and Sam.
Is the following sentence correct?
The California condor eats dead animals such as deer, cattle, sheep,
rodents and rabbits.
a. true
b. false
45 Answer:
Missing Commas in a Series. When there are three or more elements
in a series, use a comma after each element, including the element that
precedes the conjunction. For example: The bread recipe calls for
flour, yeast, milk, and eggs. And: I sent the email to John, Jenny,
Frank, and Sam.
Is the following sentence correct?
Kara studied her notes, got a good night’s rest, and took the test with
confidence.
a. true
b. false
