Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
For homes in typically colder geographic regions, it is particularly important to have effective and efficient heating systems.
- A . For homes in typically colder geographic regions
- B . For people in homes in typically colder geographic regions
- C . For homes in typically cold geographic regions
- D . People in typically colder geographic regions
- E . Homes in typically colder geographic regions
C
Explanation:
The problem with this sentence is that it makes sense conversationally but not in written English. You cannot just say “colder geographic regions” when there is no object of comparison. Colder compared to what? An area can easily be identified as cold without a prior standard (such as the southern regions or areas near the equator) but not “colder.” Also, it is wrong to refer to people as the subject of this sentence because the second clause states that “it is particularly important to have … heating system.” People cannot have heating systems usually. Therefore, choice “For homes in typically cold geographic regions”, which uses a descriptive rather than comparative term, is the best choice.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Inside the glove compartment were legal documents, pictures, and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves. And there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves.
- A . and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves.
- B . and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but not any gloves.
- C . and napkins from the coffee shop, no gloves were there.
- D . and napkins from the coffee shop, but no gloves.
- E . and napkins from the coffee shop, there were no gloves.
D
Explanation:
“and there were a few napkins from the coffee shop, but not any gloves” break the parallelism of the list of things in the glove compartment. “And napkins from the coffee shop, no gloves were there” and “and napkins from the coffee shop, there were no gloves” are run-ons.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Concerns about global warming have grown into actual efforts sanctioned by non-governmental organizations and governments that not only work to understand global warming and also to prevent it.
- A . understand global warming and also to prevent it.
- B . understand global warming but also to prevent it.
- C . understand global warming yet also to prevent it.
- D . understand global warming but also to prevent its growth.
- E . understand global warming yet also to prevent it’s growth.
D
Explanation:
The original underlined portion is incorrect because of the improper use of the “not only…but also…” structure. Only choice “understand global warming but also to prevent it” and choice “understand global warming but also to prevent its growth” use this structure, but choice “understand global warming but also to prevent its growth” accurately adds “to prevent its growth.” The sentence began by discussing growth because global warming is a dynamic problem that has not just stagnated; it continually has changed. Choice “understand global warming but also to prevent its growth” corrects the structure and also uses the proper possessive form of it (i.e. its).
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Even though I have seen the movie countless times, I still laughed when the sheriff throws his mug.
- A . laughed when the sheriff throws his mug.
- B . laugh when the sheriff throws his mug.
- C . laugh when the sheriff threw his mug.
- D . laughed whenever the sheriff throws his mug.
- E . laugh when the sheriff will throw his mug.
B
Explanation:
“laughed when the sheriff throws his mug”, “laugh when the sheriff threw his mug”, “laughed whenever the sheriff throws his mug”, and “laugh when the sheriff will throw his mug” all have verb tense mismatches.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
High school reunions are usually looked forward to by alumni that have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful.
- A . High school reunions are usually looked forward to by alumni that have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful.
- B . High school reunions are usually looked forward to by alumni who have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful.
- C . Alumni who have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful usually look forward to high school reunions.
- D . Alumnus that have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful usually look forward to high school reunions.
- E . High school reunions are usually looked forward to by alumni that have worked hard since graduation and now consider yourselves successful.
C
Explanation:
The problem with this sentence is that it uses the passive voice and a mistaken pronoun to refer to people (i.e. that). Choice “Alumni who have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful usually look forward to high school reunions” and choice “Alumnus that have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful usually look forward to high school reunions” change the passive voice to the active voice by writing that the alumni commit the action, rather than writing that the action was committed by the alumni. Also, choice “Alumnus that have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful usually look forward to high school reunions” mistakenly changes “alumni” (plural) to “alumnus” (singular). Choice “Alumni who have worked hard since graduation and now consider themselves successful usually look forward to high school reunions” is the best choice because “alumni” is plural as it should be based on the logic of the sentence (not just one person looks forward to high school reunions) and the active voice is properly implemented.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Yesterday I fell down the stairs and then tried to act as I did so on purpose.
- A . Yesterday I fell down the stairs and then
- B . Yesterday I fell down the stairs, I
- C . I fell down the stairs yesterday, I
- D . After I fell down the stairs yesterday; I
- E . Falling down the stairs; I
A
Explanation:
“Yesterday I fell down the stairs, I” and “I fell down the stairs yesterday, I” are run-ons. D and E misuse their semicolons: the parts before them are not independent clauses.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Lockers in schools are often dilapidated, making student’s valuables susceptible to theft.
- A . making student’s valuables susceptible to theft
- B . which makes student’s valuables susceptible to theft
- C . that makes student’s valuables susceptible to theft
A
Explanation:
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Fleeing the horde of zombies on foot, an apparently safe building became visible to the terrified couple.
- A . an apparently safe building became visible to the terrified couple.
- B . the terrified couple spotted a building that looked safe.
- C . a safe looking building was spotted by the terrified couple.
- D . the terrified couple’s luck changed when they spotted a safe looking building.
- E . their fear subsided somewhat when the terrified couple would spot a safe looking building.
B
Explanation:
“an apparently safe building became visible to the terrified couple”, “a safe looking building was spotted by the terrified couple”, “the terrified couple’s luck changed when they spotted a safe looking building”, and “their fear subsided somewhat when the terrified couple would spot a safe looking building” are all dangling modifiers. Who was fleeing the horde? The terrified couple was.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Natural disasters have been increasingly effecting nearly every part of the world in the past decade with catastrophic tornadoes, hurricanes and tsunamis.
- A . have been increasingly effecting
- B . has been increasingly effecting
- C . have been increasingly affecting
- D . will be increasingly effecting
- E . will be increasingly affecting
C
Explanation:
The only problem with the underlined portion of this sentence is the use of the word “effecting” instead of “affecting.” When an object/s undergoes changes, these changes are effects such as in the following sentence: John’s excellent attendance at school has had positive effects on his education.
However, in the verb form, “effects” turns into “affects” such as in the following sentence: John’s excellent attendance has affected his education. Noun (effect) vs. verb (affect). Only choice “have been increasingly affecting” and choice “will be increasingly affecting” properly used “affecting” but choice “will be increasingly affecting” uses the future tense when the sentence clearly describes an occurrence of the past (“…in the past decade…”).
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
For every song that is a hit, it is critical to have a quality “beat” and quality lyrics; however, music companies hire professional producers and song writers.
- A . however
- B . therefore
- C . nevertheless
- D . and
- E . yet
B
Explanation:
The underlined portion of this sentence is wrong because the conjunction “however” needs to properly reflect the supporting nature of the second clause―NOT a contrasting relationship. Choice “however”, “nevertheless” and “yet” all reflect a contrasting relationship when a supporting and united relationship should be here. Choice “therefore” and “and” are left. Choice “therefore” is best because the initial clause creates a premise (the requirements for a good song) that the second clause needs to support (how the requirements are met); therefore is the ideal transition for this type of cause-effect relationship.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Firefighters and police officers risk their lives often by stepping into the way of danger physically; therefore, professionals such as doctors and lawyers have an equally significant impact on individuals’ lives medically and legally. Therefore, but nevertheless as a result and Firefighters and police officers risk their lives often by stepping into the way of danger physically; therefore, professionals such as doctors and lawyers have an equally significant impact on individuals’ lives medically and legally.
- A . therefore
- B . but
- C . nevertheless
- D . as a result
- E . and
C
Explanation:
The first clause (everything before the semi colon) definitely does not cause what is explained in the second clause (everything after the semi colon), so “therefore” is an inappropriate transition. This sentence is presenting contrasting professions (firefighter/police officer and doctor/lawyer) since two are viewed as blue-collar (working class) and the others are white-collar (professional); therefore, a contrasting conjunction is needed. Choice “therefore”, choice “as a result” and choice “and” do not present contrasting conjunctions. In this sentence “but” is not your best option for a conjunction. A semi-colon is used, so the three simple conjunctions (and/but/yet/etc.) are not as appropriate as the complex conjunctions (therefore/ however/nevertheless/etc.). If just a comma was used, then “but” would have been appropriate (i.e. “…into the way of danger physically, but professionals such as doctors…”). So now it’s down to “nevertheless.” Choice “nevertheless” is the best answer.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
In many cultures, they consider fish eggs a delicacy.
- A . In many cultures they consider fish eggs a delicacy.
- B . In many cultures fish eggs are considered a delicacy.
- C . In many cultures a delicacy is considered to be fish eggs.
- D . Fish eggs, a delicacy in many cultures.
- E . They consider fish eggs to be a delicacy in many cultures.
B
Explanation:
“In many cultures they consider fish eggs a delicacy” is tempting, but the pronoun “they” is vague. “They consider fish eggs to be a delicacy in many cultures” has the same vague pronoun problem. “In many cultures a delicacy is considered to be fish eggs” is just weird all over. “Fish eggs, a delicacy in many cultures” is a fragment.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Sports are a significant part of life for people all across the world, as was demonstrated in 2006 when billions of people came together to be involved with the World Cup either through playing, watching or thru advertising.
- A . World Cup either through playing, watching or thru advertising.
- B . World cup either through playing, watching or thru advertising.
- C . World Cup either through playing, watching or through advertising.
- D . World Cup either through playing, watching or advertising.
- E . World Cup either through playing, watching or advertising for it.
D
Explanation:
This sentence tests your knowledge of capitalization and awareness of parallelism. The original sentence is incorrect because choice “World Cup either through playing, watching or thru advertising” destroys the parallelism (i.e. thru advertising instead of simply “advertising”) and uses the informal spelling of through (i.e. “thru”). Only choices “World Cup either through playing, watching or advertising” and “World Cup either through playing, watching or advertising for it” correct the parallelism error; however, the list should strictly contain gerunds in order to be parallel, so “advertising for it” is not the best choice. By ending with “for it” the author is also implying that one may “play for it” and “watch for it,” and although one may play for the World Cup through a grammar stretch, one cannot possibly “watch for it” and do the same thing as one who simply “watches it.” Choice “World Cup either through playing, watching or advertising” uses the appropriate capitalization (because the World Cup is a major sports event it is a proper noun that must be capitalized) and maintains strict parallelism in the concluding list of ways to be involved.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
The argument between Paarin and me about the dent in his car continued until the early morning.
- A . between Paarin and me about the dent in his car continued
- B . between Paarin and I about the dent in his car continued
- C . about the dent in his car continued for Paarin and I
- D . on the dent in his car between Paarin and me continued
- E . between Paarin and I on the dent in his car continued
A
Explanation:
“between Paarin and I about the dent in his car continued”, “about the dent in his car continued for Paarin and I”, and “between Paarin and I on the dent in his car continued” all have pronoun case errors: when the pronoun is the object of a preposition like “between,” you need to use the objective case. “on the dent in his car between Paarin and me continued” is awkward, especially in its misused idiom: “argument on.”
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
During the summer, many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity.
- A . summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity.
- B . Summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity.
- C . summer many students go away to camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity.
- D . summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and maintaining integrity.
C
Explanation:
Only choice “summer many students go away to camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity” corrects the redundancy error in this sentence of writing “…summer camps…” after already stating that this event occurs “During the summer…” Choice “summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity”, “Summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and integrity” and “summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and maintaining integrity” suffer such redundancy. Choice “summer many students go away to summer camps that teach them skills about camaraderie, perseverance and maintaining integrity” also breaks the list’s parallelism (values such as camaraderie and perseverance that should be followed simply by “integrity”).
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
A consummate gentleman, Stefan’s etiquette and social grace was unmatched.
- A . Stefan’s etiquette and social grace was unmatched.
- B . Stefan’s etiquette and social grace were unmatched.
- C . Stefan’s etiquette as well as his social grace were unmatched.
- D . Stefan possessed unmatched etiquette and social grace.
- E . Stefan’s social grace was matched only by his etiquette.
D
Explanation:
“Stefan’s etiquette and social grace was unmatched”, “Stefan’s etiquette and social grace were unmatched”, “Stefan’s etiquette as well as his social grace were unmatched”, and “Stefan’s social grace was matched only by his etiquette” are all dangling modifiers. Choice “Stefan’s etiquette and social grace was unmatched” has a verb agreement problem, too.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
In countries such as China the government is recognizing the advantages of a capitalist market rather than communism and adjust economic policy accordingly.
- A . capitalist market rather than communism and adjust
- B . capitalist market rather than Communism and adjust
- C . capitalist market rather than a communist market and adjust
- D . capitalist market rather than a communist market and adjusting
- E . Capitalistic market nor a Communist market and adjusting
D
Explanation:
The problem with this sentence is in parallel structure. The test is very particular about being consistent about the forms of words used. So specifically since the sentence refers to a capitalist market, then the sentence must refer to a communist market ― not communism, which is an ideology rather than a market system in this context. Only choices “capitalist market rather than Communism and adjust”, “capitalist market rather than a communist market and adjusting” and “Capitalistic market nor a Communist market and adjusting” remain. Choice “Capitalistic market nor a Communist market and adjusting” commits terrible capitalization (neither “capitalist” nor “communist”) mistakes and structure errors (where does the “nor” fit in? It does not.) Only choice “capitalist market rather than Communism and adjust” and choice “capitalist market rather than a communist market and adjusting” remain now, but “capitalist market rather than Communism and adjust” mistakenly capitalizes communism and does not change “adjust” to match the parallel verb (i.e. recognizing). Choice “capitalist market rather than a communist market and adjusting” uses the right adjective forms of capitalism and communism, does not make capitalization errors and maintains parallel sentence structure.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Most of my favorite movies contain slapstick humor, however physical comedy is not the only way to make me laugh.
- A . slapstick humor, however physical comedy is not
- B . slapstick humor, but physical comedy is not
- C . slapstick humor, and physical comedy is not
- D . slapstick humor; physical comedy is not
- E . slapstick humor, but it is not physical comedy that is
B
Explanation:
“slapstick humor, however physical comedy is not” is a run-on: “however” is NOT a conjunction. “slapstick humor, and physical comedy is not” and “slapstick humor; physical comedy is not” are missing contrast. “slapstick humor, but it is not physical comedy that is” is not at all concise.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Learning a new language can be difficult for people after one reaches a certain age; abilities needed to retain and apply new linguistic information deteriorate with time.
- A . after one reaches a certain age
- B . after they reach a certain age
- C . after they reaches certain ages
- D . after it reaches a certain age
- E . after you reach a certain age
B
Explanation:
The underlined portion of this sentence is wrong because the sentence refers to people in general. Because a plural third person form of a pronoun is needed (because of the reference to “people”), “one” ,“it”, and “you” are all inappropriate responses. Choice “after one reaches a certain age”, “after it reaches a certain age” and “after you reach a certain age” are all incorrect. Choice “after they reach a certain age” is better than choice “after they reaches certain ages” because of the implied logic. People can reach a defined age; it is odd to say that multiple people are simultaneously reaching multiple ages ― what is certain then? It’s almost an oxymoron to say certain ages in this context, although it is perfectly fine in other situations (i.e. This board game is only for people of certain ages). Yet the more defining difference is the singular verb form of choice “after they reaches certain ages” (i.e. reaches) mistakenly in place of the plural verb form of choice “after they reach a certain age” (i.e. reach).
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
A growing technology trend is to merge multiple devices with complimentary functions such as a phone, music player and the scheduling features of a planner.
- A . the scheduling features of a planner.
- B . and a planner with scheduling features.
- C . and scheduling features.
- D . scheduling features.
- E . a planner.
E
Explanation:
It is informative to include the details about a planner’s features, it should be accompanied by the features of a phone and a music player if that is the way the sentence is being written. Therefore, choices “the scheduling features of a planner”, “and a planner with scheduling features”, “and scheduling features” and “scheduling features” are incorrect. Choice “and a planner with scheduling features” and “and scheduling features” even add “and” again making the sentence read “…music player and and…” which is clearly wrong. Be careful; the test wants to catch you off guard. Only choice “a planner” is direct and maintains parallelism.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Jewelry is an accessory used by members of all classes including watches, necklaces and earrings.
- A . Jewelry is an accessory used by members of all classes including watches, necklaces and earrings.
- B . Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, is an accessory used by members of all classes.
- C . Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, are an accessory used by members of all classes.
- D . Jewelry is accessorized by members of all classes including watches, necklaces and earrings.
- E . Jewelry is an accessory used by members of all classes which includes watches, necklaces and wearing earrings.
B
Explanation:
The problem with this sentence is the misplacement of the clause that describes jewelry. By placing “…including watches, necklaces, and earrings.” after “classes” the reader gets the impression that the classes involves different types of jewelry. By moving the clause, choice “Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, is an accessory used by members of all classes” and choice “Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, are an accessory used by members of all classes” improve the sentence.
However, choice “Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, are an accessory used by members of all classes” commits the error of using a plural form of “to be” (i.e. are) to refer to a collective noun like jewelry that demands a singular verb (i.e. is). Only choice “Jewelry, including watches, necklaces and earrings, is an accessory used by members of all classes” places the clause correctly after “jewelry” and ensures that the verb agrees with the subject.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
There are many reasons to see I Heart Huckabees, Jason Schwartzman’s performance being one reason.
- A . Huckabees, Jason Schwartzman’s performance being one reason.
- B . Huckabees, Jason Schwartzman’s performance is only one of them.
- C . Huckabees; Jason Schwartzman’s performance, for one.
- D . Huckabees, the performance of Jason Schwartzman is one of them.
- E . Huckabees, including Jason Schwartzman’s performance.
E
Explanation:
“Huckabees, Jason Schwartzman’s performance being one reason” has “being” and is redundant to boot. “Huckabees, Jason Schwartzman’s performance is only one of them” and “Huckabees, the performance of Jason Schwartzman is one of them” are run-ons. “Huckabees; Jason Schwartzman’s performance, for one” is semicolon misuse: the semicolon is not followed by an independent clause.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Fraternities are a great way to make friends and learn important lessons of loyalty and compassion.
- A . are a great way to make friends and
- B . is a great way to make friends and
- C . will have been a great way to make friends and
- D . will be a great way to make friends and
- E . is a great way to make friends however
A
Explanation:
The original sentence is correct as written. There is no need to change the verb form or tense.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Lindsey knows that the reason people dislike her is because of her being a Philadelphia Phillies fan.
- A . is because of her being a
- B . is because she is a
- C . is that she is a
- D . is her being a
- E . is that of her being a
C
Explanation:
“is because of her being a”, “is her being a”, and “is that of her being a” all use “being” incorrectly. “is because she is a” is redundant and therefore not concise: you don’t need to say “the reason” and “because,” one or the other will do.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Sports commentators often provide informative and witty insight during games that enhance the sports-watching experience.
- A . enhance the sports-watching experience.
- B . enhance the experience.
- C . enhances the sports-watching experience.
- D . enhances the sports-watching experience for fans.
- E . have enhanced the sports-watching experiences for fans.
C
Explanation:
The problem with this sentence is that the second action verb (i.e. enhance) needs to be singular (i.e. enhances) because this verb refers to “insight.” Some readers may believe that because there are two characteristics to the insight (i.e. informative and witty) there should be a plural form of the verb. Choice “enhances the sports-watching experience” and choice “enhances the sports-watching experience for fans” correct this agreement error of the verb; however, choice “enhances the sports-watching experience for fans” is wordy. Obviously, fans are the ones who watch sports, so why restate this. Choice “enhances the sports-watching experience” therefore is most direct and grammatically sound.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
A shockingly indelible moment, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I found out that Kurt Cobain had died.
- A . A shockingly indelible moment,
- B . A shocking, indelible moment,
- C . It was a shocking and indelible moment;
- D . Shocked and indelible,
- E . Shocking and I will never forget it,
C
Explanation:
“A shockingly indelible moment,”, “A shocking, indelible moment,”, “Shocked and indelible,”, and “Shocking and I will never forget it,” all have dangling modifier errors, because they aren’t describing what comes after the comma. Indelible means not able to be erased; you wouldn’t say that about a person in this context.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Since the work force is becoming increasingly competitive in light of technological advances and outsourcing, therefore, it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.
- A . therefore, it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.
- B . moreover, it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.
- C . but, it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.
- D . so it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.
- E . it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.
E
Explanation:
This sentence is a run-on sentence and can be fixed with the deletion of one word: “therefore.” By beginning with a conjunction such as “Since” the sentence already has a descriptive clause in motion and just needs to be followed by a succinct (brief) statement of what the background of the first clause was describing. All of the choices except choice “it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree.” use this erroneous second conjunction (i.e. therefore, moreover, but, so), so they must be eliminated. Choice “it is even more basic for students to complete high school and attain at least a bachelor’s degree” is grammatically sound.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Study the ancient fighting art of Hapkido and you will learn to avoid directly matching your strength against your opponents.
- A . your strength against your opponents.
- B . yours against your opponent.
- C . your strength against your opponent.
- D . your strength with your opponent.
- E . your opponent’s strength against one’s own.
A
Explanation:
“yours against your opponent” doesn’t say what’s being matched with what. “your strength against your opponent”, “your strength with your opponent”, and “your opponent’s strength against one’s own” all have some sort of parallelism error.
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
Plenty of high school students spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
- A . spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
- B . spend his time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
- C . spend one’s time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
- D . spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens.
- E . spend their time involving in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
D
Explanation:
By breaking the parallelism (continuity of a pattern, in this case), the underlined portion of this sentence must be changed. By simply changing “also helping senior citizens” to “senior citizens” the list is clearly discussing people in the community from various age groups. Each other choice besides “spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens” uses incorrect pronouns (i.e. his) and/or parallel structure (i.e. also helping senior citizens).
Determine whether the underlined portion of the sentence below is correct or whether it needs to be revised. Choose the correct option.
McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States state department.
- A . McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States state department
- B . McCarthyism was an ideology, an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century, targeted communists in the United States state department
- C . McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted Communists in the United States state department
- D . McCarthyism will be an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States
- E . McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States State department
E
Explanation:
The original choice is wrong strictly for the lack of capitalization of “State Department.” Choice “McCarthyism was an ideology, an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century, targeted communists in the United States state department” complicates problems more than “McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States state department” by deleting certain words that turn the sentence into a run-on sentence. Choice “McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted Communists in the United States state department” fails to capitalize “State Department” (it needs to be capitalized because it is a proper noun ― the United States State Department, not just “a state department”). Although choice “McCarthyism will be an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States” corrects the capitalization error, it changes “was” to “will be,” which is an illogical verb tense (i.e. future) because later in the sentence it is stated that the ideology arose “in the middle of the twentieth century,” which has already passed. Choice “McCarthyism was an ideology and an applied pursuit that arose in the middle of the twentieth century and targeted communists in the United States State department” corrects the capitalization error and leaves the sentence as it is. Sometimes just minor changes are needed.