In your writing, make sure you develop coherent paragraphs or points so that each is internally unified and so that each functions as part of the whole document or presentation. Stay on point! Don’t stray off-topic, even if your digression is interesting.
Check Your Knowledge
Part 1: Subject Verb Agreement
Select the word that correctly completes the following sentences.
Question
1
The girls who sit in the back row ______ trouble.
makes
make
made
maid
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is plural (“girls”) so you need the plural form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “back row;” the girls are doing the action.)
Correct. The subject in this sentence is plural (“girls”) so you need the plural form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “back row;” the girls are doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is plural (“girls”) so you need the plural form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “back row;” the girls are doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is plural (“girls”) so you need the plural form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “back row;” the girls are doing the action.)
Question
2
The fresh orange, glistening with dew drops, _____ delicious.
looks
look
lack
lock
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular (“orange”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “dew drops;” the orange is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular (“orange”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “dew drops;” the orange is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular (“orange”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “dew drops;” the orange is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular (“orange”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “dew drops;” the orange is doing the action.)
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular (“jacket”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “stripes;” the jacket is doing the action.)
Question
3
The jacket that has the blue stripes ___ with the navy shirt.
goes
go
going
gone
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular (“jacket”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “stripes;” the jacket is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular (“jacket”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “stripes;” the jacket is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular (“jacket”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “stripes;” the jacket is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular (“jacket”) so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “stripes;” the jacket is doing the action.)
Question
4
The model horse, which is highly desired by collectors, ______ selling for over $200.
is
did
were
are
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “collectors;” the horse is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “collectors;” the horse is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “collectors;” the horse is doing the action.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: don’t be confused by the descriptive “collectors;” the horse is doing the action.)
Question
5
In the back of the classroom ____ several students.
sit
sits
set
said
Correct. The subject in this sentence is plural so you need the plural form of the verb. (This is a confusing one, since the subject “students” comes after the verb “sit.”)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is plural so you need the plural form of the verb. (This is a confusing one, since the subject “students” comes after the verb “sit.”)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is plural so you need the plural form of the verb. (This is a confusing one, since the subject “students” comes after the verb “sit.”)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is plural so you need the plural form of the verb. (This is a confusing one, since the subject “students” comes after the verb “sit.”)
Question
6
Each of the hand-knitted socks _____ a different pattern.
has
have
are
was
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (This is confusing – the verb is “each,” and “each” is always singular. While you might be tempted to think “socks” is the subject, “socks” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (This is confusing – the verb is “each,” and “each” is always singular. While you might be tempted to think “socks” is the subject, “socks” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (This is confusing – the verb is “each,” and “each” is always singular. While you might be tempted to think “socks” is the subject, “socks” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (This is confusing – the verb is “each,” and “each” is always singular. While you might be tempted to think “socks” is the subject, “socks” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Question
7
Where in the world ____ my set of keys?
is
are
were
has
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (The subject is “set,” not “keys.” “Keys” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (The subject is “set,” not “keys.” “Keys” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (The subject is “set,” not “keys.” “Keys” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (The subject is “set,” not “keys.” “Keys” is in a prepositional phrase, and the noun in a prepositional phrase is never the subject of the sentence.)
Question
8
Either the red shirt or the black shirt ____ good with that skirt.
look
looks
go
goes
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: think “either this ONE or that ONE…” and you’ll see the subject is singular.)
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: think “either this ONE or that ONE…” and you’ll see the subject is singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: think “either this ONE or that ONE…” and you’ll see the subject is singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: think “either this ONE or that ONE…” and you’ll see the subject is singular.)
Question
9
Roberto or Jessie usually _____ up the store after hours.
are
lock
go
locks
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject is only one of the people, either this one or that one, so it’s singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject is only one of the people, either this one or that one, so it’s singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject is only one of the people, either this one or that one, so it’s singular.)
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject is only one of the people, either this one or that one, so it’s singular.)
Question
10
Neither her father nor her mother ______ the little girl’s story.
believes
believe
belief
like
Correct. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject neither one of the people, neither this one nor that one, so it’s singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject neither one of the people, neither this one nor that one, so it’s singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject neither one of the people, neither this one nor that one, so it’s singular.)
Incorrect. The subject in this sentence is singular so you need the singular form of the verb. (Tip: the subject neither one of the people, neither this one nor that one, so it’s singular.)
Part 2: Subject vs Object Pronouns
Choose the best answer to each question:
Question
1
Arlene promised to make lasagna for Ted and ___.
I
me
we
they
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “for.”
Correct. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “
Question
2
For you and ___, that restaurant in the square is too fancy.
they
I
we
me
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Correct. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Question
3
Barry plays tennis much better than ____.
I
me
we
they
Correct. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subjective case. (Finish the thought and the correct answer becomes easier to find: “Barry plays better than I play.” If you finish the thought, you can see that the pronoun is doing the action, so you need the subject pronoun.)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subjective case. (Finish the thought and the correct answer becomes easier to find: “Barry plays better than I play.” If you finish the thought, you can see that the pronoun is doing the action, so you need the subject pronoun.)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subjective case. (Finish the thought and the correct answer becomes easier to find: “Barry plays better than I play.” If you finish the thought, you can see that the pronoun is doing the action, so you need the subject pronoun.)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subjective case. (Finish the thought and the correct answer becomes easier to find: “Barry plays better than I play.” If you finish the thought, you can see that the pronoun is doing the action, so you need the subject pronoun.)
Question
4
While you’re at the market, please pick up some pop for Petra and ____.
I
us
we
they
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “us” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Correct. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “us” is the object of the preposition “for.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “us” is the object of the preposition “for.”
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “us” is the object of the preposition “for.”
Question
5
This month, Reginald and ____ plan to have a dinner party.
he
him
me
her
Correct. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subject pronoun.
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subject pronoun.
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subject pronoun.
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need the subject pronoun.
Question
6
With players like you and _____, this team has a good chance of winning.
me
I
he
they
Correct. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Question
7
Lara has always been a better player than ____.
I
me
her
him
Correct. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun (finishing the thought makes this more obvious: “Lara has been a better player than I am.” Finishing the thought allows you to see that the pronoun is doing an action.)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun (finishing the thought makes this more obvious: “Lara has been a better player than I am.” Finishing the thought allows you to see that the pronoun is doing an action.)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun (finishing the thought makes this more obvious: “Lara has been a better player than I am.” Finishing the thought allows you to see that the pronoun is doing an action.)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun (finishing the thought makes this more obvious: “Lara has been a better player than I am.” Finishing the thought allows you to see that the pronoun is doing an action.)
Question
8
Are you planning to go skating with Greg and ____ next week?
me
I
he
they
Correct. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is not performing the action in this sentence, you need an object pronoun. (In this sentence, “me” is the object of the preposition “with.”)
Question
9
Jenny’s sister is just a few pounds heavier than _____.
she
her
them
him
Correct. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun. (Finish the thought and you’ll see the pronoun is doing the action: “Jenny’s sister is a few pounds heavier than Jennie is.”
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun. (Finish the thought and you’ll see the pronoun is doing the action: “Jenny’s sister is a few pounds heavier than Jennie is.”
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun. (Finish the thought and you’ll see the pronoun is doing the action: “Jenny’s sister is a few pounds heavier than Jennie is.”
Incorrect. Since the pronoun is performing the action in this sentence, you need a subject pronoun. (Finish the thought and you’ll see the pronoun is doing the action: “Jenny’s sister is a few pounds heavier than Jennie is.”
Part 3: Dangling Modifier
Choose the best answer to each question.
Does the sentence contain a dangling modifier and, if so, which is the phrase that dangles?
Question
1
Elizabeth was excited when her teacher returned her test with a face splitting grin.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: with a face splitting grin.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: returned her test.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: was excited.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
You chose the correct answer. The dangling modifier “with a face splitting grin” appears to modify “test” rather than “teacher.”
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “with a face splitting grin” appears to modify “test” rather than “teacher.”
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “with a face splitting grin” appears to modify “test” rather than “teacher.”
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “with a face splitting grin” appears to modify “test” rather than “teacher.”
Question
2
Upon receiving her diploma, Elizabeth immediately called her mother.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: upon receiving her diploma.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: immediately called her mother.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: called her mother.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
You chose the correct answer. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Question
3
Running for the bus, my book fell in the mud.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: running for the bus.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: fell in the mud.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: my book fell in the mud.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
You chose the correct answer. The dangling modifier “running for the bus” appears to modify “book” rather than the implied first person subject.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “running for the bus” appears to modify “book” rather than the implied first person subject.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “running for the bus” appears to modify “book” rather than the implied first person subject.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “running for the bus” appears to modify “book” rather than the implied first person subject.
Question
4
She claimed yesterday that she saw a UFO.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: that she saw a UFO.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: she claimed.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: yesterday.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “yesterday” could modify either when she made the statement or when she actually saw the UFO.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “yesterday” could modify either when she made the statement or when she actually saw the UFO.
You chose the correct answer. The dangling modifier “yesterday” could modify either when she made the statement or when she actually saw the UFO.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “yesterday” could modify either when she made the statement or when she actually saw the UFO.
Question
5
The other day I shot an elephant in my pajamas.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: the other day.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: in my pajamas.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: shot an elephant.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “in my pajamas” could apply to either the speaker or the elephant.
You chose the correct answer. The dangling modifier “in my pajamas” could apply to either the speaker or the elephant.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “in my pajamas” could apply to either the speaker or the elephant.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “in my pajamas” could apply to either the speaker or the elephant.
Question
6
I knew a man with a wooden leg named Smith.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: named Smith.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: with a wooden leg.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: a man with a wooden leg.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
You chose the correct answer. The modifier “named Smith” could apply to either the man or the wooden leg.
Your answer was incorrect. The modifier “named Smith” could apply to either the man or the wooden leg.
Your answer was incorrect. The modifier “named Smith” could apply to either the man or the wooden leg.
Your answer was incorrect. The modifier “named Smith” could apply to either the man or the wooden leg.
Question
7
Eleanor began to cook the elaborate dinner using green peppers and onions as soon as she got home.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: to cook.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: using green peppers and onions.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: as soon as she got home.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
You chose the correct answer. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Question
8
A police officer knocked on my door and told me my dogs were chasing people on bikes.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: were chasing people.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: on my door.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: on bikes.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “on bikes” could be modifying “dogs” or the “people” being chased.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “on bikes” could be modifying “dogs” or the “people” being chased.
You chose the correct answer. The dangling modifier “on bikes” could be modifying “dogs” or the “people” being chased.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “on bikes” could be modifying “dogs” or the “people” being chased.
Question
9
I saw the dead animal driving down the interstate.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: driving down the interstate.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: the interstate.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: saw the dead animal.
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “driving” could apply to either the speaker, “I,” or the “dead animal.”
You chose the correct answer. The dangling modifier “driving” could apply to either the speaker, “I,” or the “dead animal.”
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “driving” could apply to either the speaker, “I,” or the “dead animal.”
Your answer was incorrect. The dangling modifier “driving” could apply to either the speaker, “I,” or the “dead animal.”
Question
10
Steve offered to hold the umbrella for Anne as she walked into the restaurant.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: as she walked.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: umbrella for Anne.
Yes, this sentence has a dangling modifier: into the restaurant
No, this sentence is correct; there is no dangling modifier.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
Your answer was incorrect. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.
You chose the correct answer. This sentence is correct. All modifying words and phrases are correctly placed.