Grammar Ws (Teacher)

Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
PARALLELISM (ANSWER KEY)

Parallel structure is used to express matching ideas. It refers to the grammatical balance of a series.
Phrase: The squirrel ran along the fence, up the tree, and into his burrow.
Adjectives: The job market is flooded with very talented, highly motivated, and well-educated applicants.
Nouns/Verbs: You will need a notebook, pencil, and dictionary. / The farmer plowed, planted, and harvested.
Clause: The children were told to decide which toy they would keep and which toy they would give away.
Repetition of Structural Signals: I have quit my job, have enrolled in school, and am looking for a babysitter.
Select the option that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction.
1.
a. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality.
b. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.
2.
a. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and to appreciate good prose.
b. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.
3.
a. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life.
b. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and learning about life.
4.
a. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend.
b. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend.
5.
a. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing.

b. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing.
6.
a. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and he made it conveniently arranged.
b. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and conveniently arranged.
7.
a. I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and spending a couple of days fishing.
b. I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and to spend a couple of days fishing.
8.
a. Learning a new language as an adult is more difficult than to learn one as a child.
b. Learning a new language as an adult is more difficult than to learning one as a child.
c. Learning a new language as an adult is more difficult than learning one as a child.
9.
a. Every morning, I run two miles, walk one mile, and bike half a mile.
b. Every morning, I run two miles, walk one mile, and half a mile on the bike.
c. Every morning, I run two miles, walk one mile, and half a mile.
10. a. There are two ways to get a promotion: working hard or make friends in high places.
b. There are two ways to get a promotion: work hard or make friends in high places.
c. There are two ways to get a promotion: to working hard or make friends in high places.
11. a. Many college students have the same goals: playing hard, doing well in classes, and a job after graduation.
b. Many college students have the same goals: playing hard, doing well in classes, and after graduation, a job.
c. Many college students have the same goals: playing hard, doing well in classes, and finding a job after graduation.
12. a. The man walked down the street, stopped at a shop window, and was fixing his tie.
b. The man walked down the street, stopped at a shop window, and fixed his tie.
c. The man walked down the street, stopped at a shop window, and to fix his tie.
13. a. The chef chopped the parsley, peeled the tomatoes and cut the zucchini into cubes.
b. The chef chopped the parsley, peeled the tomatoes and was cutting the zucchini into cubes
c. The chef chopped the parsley, peeled the tomatoes and cubed the zucchini
14. a. People avoid eye contact with others, whether riding on a bus, strolling through a shopping mall, or waiting in line
at a supermarket
b. People often try to avoid eye contact with others, whether riding on a bus, strolling through a shopping mall, or when
they are in line at a supermarket.
c. People often try to avoid eye contact with others, whether riding on a bus, strolling through a shopping mall, or in a
supermarket line
15. a. When trying to impress a prospective employer, people should pay attention to their clothing, their posture, and that they
dont use too much slang.
b. When trying to impress a prospective employer, people should pay attention to their clothing, their posture, and if they
use too much slang.
c. When trying to impress a prospective employer, people should pay attention to their clothing, their posture, and
their speech.
16. a. Critics argue that the television show trivializes violence, glamorizes drug use and encourages premarital sex
b. Critics argue that the television show trivializes violence, glamorizes drug use and premarital sex.
c. Critics argue that the television show trivializes violence, glamorizes drug use and was encouraging premarital sex
17. a. The bedroom was filled with old newspapers and radios that dont work.
b. The bedroom was filled with old newspapers and radios that are broken
c. The bedroom was filled with old newspapers and broken radios
18. a. Eggs contain not only protein but are also are full of vitamins.
b. Eggs contain not only protein but also vitamins.
c. Eggs contain not only protein but are vitamin-full.
19. a. They are low in sodium but high in calories.
b. They are low in sodium but have many calories.
20. a. Eggs, however, are high in cholesterol and in fat.
b. Eggs, however, are high in cholesterol and rather fat-filled.
21. a. The yolk of one egg contains 213 milligrams of cholesterol and there are 5 grams of fat.
b. The yolk of one egg contains 213 milligrams of cholesterol and 5 grams of fat.
22. a. Still, the whites are both fat-free and have no cholesterol.
b. Still, the whites are both fat-free and cholesterol-free.
23. a. Some people would rather not eat eggs at all than if they can only have egg whites.
b. Some people would rather not eat eggs at all than eat only egg whites.
24. a. Raw eggs should not be eaten by people who are very young, pregnant, elderly, or impaired in their immune system.
b. Raw eggs should not be eaten by people who are very young, pregnant, elderly, or have immune system impairments.
25. a. Keep eggs refrigerated, cook them thoroughly, and you should throw away any cracked one.
b. Keep eggs refrigerated, cook them thoroughly, and throw away any cracked one.
26. a. Generally, it is better to eat eggs moderately than to avoid them entirely.
b. Generally, it is better to eat eggs moderately than avoiding them entirely.
27. a. Espinoza's style was remarkable for its dexterity, grace, and versatility.
b. Espinoza's style was remarkable for its dexterity, its grace, and for its versatility.
28.
a.
b.
The students prepared for their exams at home, they spent extra hours with their tutors, they did the necessary research in the
library, and asked questions in their classrooms.
The students prepared for their exams at home, they spent extra hours with their tutors, they did the necessary
research in the library, and they asked questions in their classrooms.
29.
a.
b.
We have no doubt about her care and interest in the proposal.

We have no doubt about her care for and interest in the proposal.
30.
a.
b.
Professor Ali rewarded his students for working hard on the final project and going beyond the call of duty.
Professor Ali rewarded his students for their hard work on the final project and going beyond the call of duty.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
MISPLACED AND DANGLING MODIFIERS (ANSWER KEY)

Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that provide description in sentences. Modifiers allow writers to take the picture
that they have in their heads and transfer it accurately to the heads of their readers. Essentially, modifiers breathe life into
sentences. It is critical that the modifier is placed as close to which it is modifying as possible.
Incorrect: She served hamburgers to the men on paper plates. (Are the men on paper plates?)
modified object
modifier
Correct: She served the men hamburgers on paper plats. (Ah! The hamburgers are on paper plates!)
modified object
modifier
Select the option that does NOT contain a misplaced or dangling modifier.
1.
c. Hungry and frustrated, the childs tears were inevitable.

d. The child was hungry and frustrated, and tears were inevitable.
2.
c. When I opened the closet door, a box of letters fell on my head.

d. Upon opening the closet door, a box of letters fell on my head.
3.
c. Just as I looked out the window, the postman appeared in the driveway.
d. Looking out the window, the postman appeared in the driveway.
4.
c. While on the phone with a bill collector, my dog kept barking at me.
d. My dog kept barking at me while I was on the phone with a bill collector.
5.
c. While trying on dresses, the saleswoman kept bothering me.

d. While I was trying on dresses, the saleswoman kept bothering me.
6.
c. To study the effects of alcohol, researchers fed a dozen mice beer.

d. To study the effects of alcohol, a dozen mice were fed beer.
7.
c. Rushing to dress, my shoelaces broke.

d. Rushing to dress, I broke one of my shoelaces.
8.
a. While I was working on my computer, the power went out, and I lost all of my work.
b. Working on my computer, the power went out, and I lost all of my work.
9.
a. When defrosted, marinate meat for half an hour, and then you are ready to grill.
b. When meat is defrosted, marinate it for half an hour, and then you are ready to grill.
10. a. I smelled fresh flowers entering the reception hall.

b. As I was entering the reception hall, I smelled fresh flowers.
11. a. When buying a car, average buyer is usually confused by variety, prices and all the add-on options.
b. When buying a car, variety, prices, and all the add-on options usually confuse the average buyer.
12. a. On completing your group project, the next assignment is designing a web page.
b. After you complete your group project, your next assignment will be designing a web page.
13. a. Looking toward the south, a funnel-shaped cloud stirred up the dust.
b. Looking toward the south, I saw a funnel-shaped cloud stir up the dust.
14. a. They saw a fence made of barbed wire behind the house.
b. They saw a fence behind the house made of barbed wire.
15. a. After following the vision program for two weeks, my doctor told me that my eyesight had improved.
b. After I had followed the vision program for two weeks, my doctor told me that my eyesight had improved.
16. a. We saw several birds looking out our window.
b. Looking out our window, we saw several birds.
17. a. The four men eating lunch talked quietly in the corner.
b. The four men talked quietly in the corner eating lunch.
18. a. Racing across the parking lot, the bus was reached before the door closed.
b. Racing across the parking lot, I reached the bus before the door closed
19. a. Being only five, the doctor did not know how to operate on me.
b. Because I was only five, the doctor did not know how to operate on me.
20. a. Mary nearly watched two hundred movies last year.
b. Mary watched nearly two hundred movies last year.
21. a. To enter the contest, you must send an entry form with your slogan.
b. To enter the contest, an entry form must be sent with your slogan.
22. a. I remember seeing the picture of the firefighter who had been injured on the morning news.
b. I remember seeing on the morning news the picture of the firefighter who had been injured.
23. a. Spending way too much money on his old car, Fred's salary just wasn't enough.
b. Spending way too much money on his old car, Fred soon found he'd used up his salary.
24. a. To become a respected politician, one must administer campaign funds carefully.
b. To become a respected politician, campaign funds must be carefully administered.
25. a. I like to listen to rock music doing my homework.
b. I like to listen to rock music while I do my homework.
26. a. The soccer team only won four games in the last three years.
b. The soccer team won only four games in the last three years.
27. a. Without a plan for the weekend, we decided to take in a Saturday matinee.
b. Without a plan for the weekend, a Saturday matinee seemed a good idea at the time.
28. a. The children were delighted by the monkeys swinging wildly through the trees.
b. Swinging wildly through the trees, the children were delighted by the monkeys.
29. a. Drooling in anticipation of the treat, Gizmo waited for Sylvia to reward him with a dog cookie.
b. Drooling in anticipation of the treat, Sylvia rewarded Gizmo with a dog cookie.
c. Drooling in anticipation of the treat, a dog cookie was given to Gizmo.
30. a. Digging fingernails into his palms, Jerry's speech caused sweatiness and nervousness.
b. Digging fingernails into his palms, sweatiness and nervousness about the speech were what Jerry experienced.
c. Digging fingernails into his palms, Jerry got sweaty and nervous during the speech.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
FRAGMENTS
A sentence fragment contain only a subordinate clause, or a group of words that have a subject and a verb but not a
complete thought; therefore, the sentence needs an independent clause for support. An independent clause expresses a
complete thought and can stand alone. To identify a fragment or subordinate clause, look for subordinating conjunctions.
after
although
as, as if
because
before
if
once
since
that
though
unless
until
Incorrect: Because Stephen studied everyday. ________________________

subject
verb
complete thought?
Correct: Because Stephen studied everyday, he was able to pass the MTEL.
subject
verb
complete thought!
Of the three sentences in each group, select the one that is NOT a sentence fragment.
1.
a. Mrs. Blanco gone to visit her mother at the hospital.

b. Finding a parking space there is usually easy during the week.
c. Driving in the city during the evening rush hour.
2.
a. When my cousin moved to Troy, New York, after he finished school.

b. After he went to all the trouble of fixing up his apartment.
c. While living there, he made very few friends.
3.
a. To apply for a job at the new store in the mall.

b. Asking the interviewer how often he would have to work on weekends.
c. Shaking his new boss's hand, Tony knew he would like working there.
4.
a. By the time Frances found out how expensive the wallpapering job would be.
b. After getting estimates from five contractors, she decided to do the work herself.
c. Before picking out an interesting wallpaper pattern that went well with her furniture.
5.
a. Who borrowed Stefanie's car Saturday night.

b. The nineteen-year-old car looked out of place next to the new models.
c. Which the salesman was surprised to find in such good shape.
6.
a. While waiting for her neighbor to move the car that blocked the driveway.
b. To avoid hitting the other car, Michael had to back across the corner of the lawn.
c. By making sure that no one will park across the driveway again.
7.
a. Because Manuel was sure he had heard the same strange story many months ago.
b. Although I will never forget how cold we were when we lost our heat last winter.
c. Since Anna wasn't at the meeting, I took notes so that she wouldn't miss anything.
8.
a. My brother has been running a charter fishing boat for five years.
b. Many of his customers coming back three or four times over the summer.
c. His business been so busy that he has very little time for anything else.
9.
a. In the hiding place that Carl had been using for years to get away from the noisy house.
b. By the time that everyone had quieted down, my favorite television show was over.
c. Before planning another family get-together at the already crowded park.
10.
a. Although I knew she might wear something outrageous, I was still shocked by her dress.
b. Because she didn't want to tell where she had bought the strange outfit.
c. When we finally heard that she had made the dress herself
when
where
while
11.
a. Before the committee finished the annual report.

b. Get the file on Designs Unlimited for me.
c. Although the textbooks have not yet arrived.
12.
a. Unless Mr. Parsons arranges the meeting.

b. In the most interesting book that I have ever read.
c. We considered several solutions to the problem.
13.
a. While we were waiting, the usher announced the show was canceled.
b. When we finally arrived at the hotel.
c. That we expect to find in better condition.
14.
a. The water was overflowing from the tub by the time she returned.
b. Since his subscription to the computer magazine had run out.
c. Several dogs running through the back yard.
15.
a. Mr. Higgins been nominated for president of the nature society.

b. Dreaming of clear blue summer skies and long walks on the beach.
c. When we saw how much the town had changed, we were disappointed.
16.
a. Testing the sound system in the auditorium.

b. Hearing the train approaching, the crowd moved closer to the edge of the platform.
c. Before picking up her car at the repair shop.
17.
a. James having trouble starting his car.

b. Before deciding to finish weeding the garden.
c. Raised in Boston, she later moved to Tucson.
18.
a. Falling interest rates have resulted in increased real estate sales.

b. Which we were all very happy to hear about.
c. In the few stores that carry parts for that model.
19.
a. To graduate in the top 10 percent of the class.

b. The singer at the wedding, who was so highly recommended, sounded awful.
c. Which made me feel even worse than before.
20.
a. Running the presses all by himself.

b. Impressed by several of the largest buildings in town.
c. Because Miles could not attend the seminar, he borrowed my notes.
21.
a. By hiding all the ash trays in the house.

b. Our company has been considering a change in operating procedures.
c. The radio been on for hours.
22.
a. To answer her audiences' many questions.

b. Hoping to convince the other committee members to vote for the bill.
c. Wanting to be respected by others is not a selfish goal.
23.
a. Leaving early to catch a flight at the local airport.

b. Many of the students looking forward to the end of the semester.
c. To play the guitar better has been my dream for years.
24.
a. At the monthly meeting of the regional astronomy society.

b. In the last five minutes, she has sneezed ten times.
c. Continuing to think that the weather would clear.
25.
a. Surprised at how enthusiastic their response was.

b. Music sifted gently through the open windows.
c. At the opening of the new museum.
26.
a. Since we knew they were busy, we didn't bother to call.

b. That she heard on the news this morning.
c. Whose latest book she had just read.
27.
a. Crossing the light just as the light changed.

b. From the way he signaled to his assistant.
c. When they returned, I was asleep.
28.
a. Before the party was over.

b. After the game, we went out to eat.
c. Who planned the entire convention.
29.
a. Caitlin been working at the restaurant for three months.

b. By preparing his speech several days in advance.
c. Watching television is a favorite pastime for many.
30.
a. Although the reports aren't ready yet.

b. At the end of the last song, the audience stood and applauded.
c. Considering that the car has so many miles on it.
31.
a. To earn some money over the semester break.

b. Charlie spent $20 on a new snow shovel.
c. Although it seems to have stopped snowing suddenly.
32.
a. Handicapped people affected the most by this snow.

b. Getting out of their cars and negotiating sidewalks a real problem for them.
c. Handicapped parking spots are often covered by several feet of snow.
33.
a. Connecticut getting its share of northeastern-type storms this year.

b. My neighbor says he leaving for Florida soon.
c. Since he hasn't saved a dime, I wonder where he'll get the money to move.
34.
a. As long as we don't lose our power in the night.

b. That's what worries me.
c. Sick of this weather and worried about his aging mother.
35.
a. Sometimes snow-plows getting to the back streets two days after a storm.
b. The citizens were getting quite angry.
c. By the time the snow plows get here, they shouted.
36.
a. Brenda said she always prefered snow to rain.

b. These blizzards getting a bit ridiculous though, she added.
c. Because snow-removal is so costly to large cities.
37.
a. It's always pleasant to look out at the snow while it's falling.
b. Mrs. Burke wondering how she would ever clear the sidewalk.
c. When the snow finally began to taper off in the late morning.
38.
a. After doing a superb job of keeping his driveway clear all winter long.
b. Mostly because he was afraid of what his neighbors would say.
c. Luis just gave up on it this time.
39.
a. Although it was snowing harder than we had ever seen it snow before.
b. We decided to leave before it got any worse.
c. The tread on our snow-tires, after all, not what it used to be.
40.
a. Snow piling up on my neighbor's roof.

b. He decided to use a snow-blower to blow the snow from his roof.
c. However, how he ever expect to get the snow-blower up on his roof.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
FRAGMENTS (ANSWER KEY)

A sentence fragment contain only a subordinate clause, or a group of words that have a subject and a verb but not a
complete thought; therefore, the sentence needs an independent clause for support. An independent clause expresses a
complete thought and can stand alone. To identify a fragment or subordinate clause, look for subordinating conjunctions.
after
although
as, as if
because
before
if
once
since
that
though
unless
until
Incorrect: Because Stephen studied everyday. ________________________

subject
verb
complete thought?
Correct: Because Stephen studied everyday, he was able to pass the MTEL.
subject
verb
complete thought!
Of the three sentences in each group, select the one that is NOT a sentence fragment.
1.
a. Mrs. Blanco gone to visit her mother at the hospital.

b. Finding a parking space there is usually easy during the week.
c. Driving in the city during the evening rush hour.
2.
a. When my cousin moved to Troy, New York, after he finished school.

b. After he went to all the trouble of fixing up his apartment.
c. While living there, he made very few friends.
3.
a. To apply for a job at the new store in the mall.

b. Asking the interviewer how often he would have to work on weekends.
c. Shaking his new boss's hand, Tony knew he would like working there.
4.
a. By the time Frances found out how expensive the wallpapering job would be.
b. After getting estimates from five contractors, she decided to do the work herself.
c. Before picking out an interesting wallpaper pattern that went well with her furniture.
5.
a. Who borrowed Stefanie's car Saturday night.

b. The nineteen-year-old car looked out of place next to the new models.
c. Which the salesman was surprised to find in such good shape.
6.
a. While waiting for her neighbor to move the car that blocked the driveway.
b. To avoid hitting the other car, Michael had to back across the corner of the lawn.
c. By making sure that no one will park across the driveway again.
7.
a. Because Manuel was sure he had heard the same strange story many months ago.
b. Although I will never forget how cold we were when we lost our heat last winter.
c. Since Anna wasn't at the meeting, I took notes so that she wouldn't miss anything.
8.
a. My brother has been running a charter fishing boat for five years.
b. Many of his customers coming back three or four times over the summer.
c. His business been so busy that he has very little time for anything else.
9.
a. In the hiding place that Carl had been using for years to get away from the noisy house.
b. By the time that everyone had quieted down, my favorite television show was over.
c. Before planning another family get-together at the already crowded park.
10.
a. Although I knew she might wear something outrageous, I was still shocked by her dress.
b. Because she didn't want to tell where she had bought the strange outfit.
c. When we finally heard that she had made the dress herself
when
where
while
11.
a. Before the committee finished the annual report.

b. Get the file on Designs Unlimited for me.
c. Although the textbooks have not yet arrived.
12.
a. Unless Mr. Parsons arranges the meeting.

b. In the most interesting book that I have ever read.
c. We considered several solutions to the problem.
13.
a. While we were waiting, the usher announced the show was canceled.
b. When we finally arrived at the hotel.
c. That we expect to find in better condition.
14.
a. The water was overflowing from the tub by the time she returned.
b. Since his subscription to the computer magazine had run out.
c. Several dogs running through the back yard.
15.
a. Mr. Higgins been nominated for president of the nature society.

b. Dreaming of clear blue summer skies and long walks on the beach.
c. When we saw how much the town had changed, we were disappointed.
16.
a. Testing the sound system in the auditorium.

b. Hearing the train approaching, the crowd moved closer to the edge of the platform.
c. Before picking up her car at the repair shop.
17.
a. James having trouble starting his car.

b. Before deciding to finish weeding the garden.
c. Raised in Boston, she later moved to Tucson.
18.
a. Falling interest rates have resulted in increased real estate sales.

b. Which we were all very happy to hear about.
c. In the few stores that carry parts for that model.
19.
a. To graduate in the top 10 percent of the class.

b. The singer at the wedding, who was so highly recommended, sounded awful.
c. Which made me feel even worse than before.
20.
a. Running the presses all by himself.

b. Impressed by several of the largest buildings in town.
c. Because Miles could not attend the seminar, he borrowed my notes.
21.
a. By hiding all the ash trays in the house.

b. Our company has been considering a change in operating procedures.
c. The radio been on for hours.
22.
a. To answer her audiences' many questions.

b. Hoping to convince the other committee members to vote for the bill.
c. Wanting to be respected by others is not a selfish goal.
23.
a. Leaving early to catch a flight at the local airport.

b. Many of the students looking forward to the end of the semester.
c. To play the guitar better has been my dream for years.
24.
a. At the monthly meeting of the regional astronomy society.

b. In the last five minutes, she has sneezed ten times.
c. Continuing to think that the weather would clear.
25.
a. Surprised at how enthusiastic their response was.

b. Music sifted gently through the open windows.
c. At the opening of the new museum.
26.
a. Since we knew they were busy, we didn't bother to call.

b. That she heard on the news this morning.
c. Whose latest book she had just read.
27.
a. Crossing the light just as the light changed.

b. From the way he signaled to his assistant.
c. When they returned, I was asleep.
28.
a. Before the party was over.

b. After the game, we went out to eat.
c. Who planned the entire convention.
29.
a. Caitlin been working at the restaurant for three months.

b. By preparing his speech several days in advance.
c. Watching television is a favorite pastime for many.
30.
a. Although the reports aren't ready yet.

b. At the end of the last song, the audience stood and applauded.
c. Considering that the car has so many miles on it.
31.
a. To earn some money over the semester break.

b. Charlie spent $20 on a new snow shovel.
c. Although it seems to have stopped snowing suddenly.
32.
a. Handicapped people affected the most by this snow.

b. Getting out of their cars and negotiating sidewalks a real problem for them.
c. Handicapped parking spots are often covered by several feet of snow.
33.
a. Connecticut getting its share of northeastern-type storms this year.

b. My neighbor says he leaving for Florida soon.
c. Since he hasn't saved a dime, I wonder where he'll get the money to move.
34.
a. As long as we don't lose our power in the night.

b. That's what worries me.
c. Sick of this weather and worried about his aging mother.
35.
a. Sometimes snow-plows getting to the back streets two days after a storm.
b. The citizens were getting quite angry.
c. By the time the snow plows get here, they shouted.
36.
a. Brenda said she always prefered snow to rain.

b. These blizzards getting a bit ridiculous though, she added.
c. Because snow-removal is so costly to large cities.
37.
a. It's always pleasant to look out at the snow while it's falling.
b. Mrs. Burke wondering how she would ever clear the sidewalk.
c. When the snow finally began to taper off in the late morning.
38.
a. After doing a superb job of keeping his driveway clear all winter long.
b. Mostly because he was afraid of what his neighbors would say.
c. Luis just gave up on it this time.
39.
a. Although it was snowing harder than we had ever seen it snow before.
b. We decided to leave before it got any worse.
c. The tread on our snow-tires, after all, not what it used to be.
40.
a. Snow piling up on my neighbor's roof.

b. He decided to use a snow-blower to blow the snow from his roof.
c. However, how he ever expect to get the snow-blower up on his roof.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
RUN-ON SENTENCES and COMMA SPLICES

A run-on sentence is when two independent clauses run together as one sentence without being separated by punctuation.
A comma splice is the unjustifiable use of only a comma to combine what really should be two separate sentences.
Run-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch we were starving.
Comma splice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch, we were starving
There are four ways to correct a run-on sentence.
Add a period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch. We were starving.
Add a semicolon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch; we were starving.
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction* . . . . We stopped for lunch, because we were starving.
Use a subordinating conjunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Since we were starving, we stopped for lunch.
* Coordinate Conjunction FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
After each run-on sentence below select the remedy that would best repair that sentence.
1. Judy leads a charmed life she never seems to have a serious accident.
a. This sentence is correct
b. life, she
c. life; she
2. The airport is about to shut down because of the snow and if it doesn't land soon it will have to go on to Boston.
b. snow, and
c. snow; and
3. Marcellino always knew his way around the woods this is something he could always depend on.
b. woods; this
c. woods, this
4. Having prepared himself well for the realtor exams and having exhausted everyone in the family with his requests that
someone help him with the true-and-false drills, Jeffrey, who had never been a particularly good student in high
school, knew he was ready to take on the greatest challenge of his life.
b. drills; Jeffrey
c. drills, and Jeffrey
5. The head of state and the religious leader were often the same person all power rested in one ruler.
b. person, all
c. person; all
6. These powerful leaders decided what objects would serve as money their backing encouraged public faith in the
money.
b. money. Their
c. money, their
7. People already believed the precious metals to be divine so their use in money intensified its allure.
b. divine, so
c. divine; so
RUN-ON SENTENCES
DIRECTIONS: Each of the following is a run-on sentence. Select the option that corrects the run-on.
8. Our solar system has nine major planets only one is known to have intelligent life.
a. Our solar system has nine major planets, only one is known to have intelligent life.
b. Our solar system has nine major planets only one, is known to have intelligent life.
c. Our solar system has nine major planets; only one is known to have intelligent life.
9. Most asteroids are small and far away therefore they are dim and hard to see.
a. Most asteroids are small and far away, therefore they are dim and hard to see.
b. Most asteroids are small and far away therefore, they are dim and hard to see.
c. Most asteroids are small and far away; therefore, they are dim and hard to see.
10. Look through Angelo's telescope you can see Saturn's rings.
a. If you look through Angelo's telescope, you can see Saturn's rings.
b. Look through Angelo's telescope, you can see Saturn's rings.
c. You can see Saturn's rings, look through Angelo's telescope.
11. Please check the position of that star cluster I can't find it.
a. Please check the position of that star cluster; I can't find it.
b. Please check the position of that star cluster, I can't find it.
c. Please check the position, of that star cluster, I can't find it.
12. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter however on warm summer nights she often goes to the
college observatory.
a. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter, however, on warm summer nights she often goes to the
b. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter. However, on warm summer nights she often goes to the
c. Marie is never interested in stargazing, during the winter however, on warm summer nights she often goes to the
13. The Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky it is actually a huge galaxy containing millions
of stars.
a. The Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky, it is actually a huge galaxy containing
millions of stars.
b. The cloud-like Milky Way stretching across the night sky is actually a huge galaxy containing millions of stars.
c. Although the Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky. It is actually a huge galaxy
containing millions of stars.
14. Watch the sky closely for several minutes you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
a. Watch the sky closely for several minutes; you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
b. Watch the sky closely for several minutes, you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
c. If you watch the sky closely for several minutes. You are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
15. Louisa pretended to be interested in her brother's hobby she secretly wished she had stayed at home.
a. Louisa pretended to be interested in her brother's hobby, she secretly wished she had stayed at home.
b. Pretending to be interested in her brother's hobby, Louisa secretly wished she had stayed at home.
c. Louisa pretended to be interested, in her brother's hobby, she secretly wished she had stayed at home.
16. Some club members were late for the meeting for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
a. Some club members were late for the meeting, for example Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
b. Some club members were late for the meeting, for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
c. Some club members were late for the meeting; for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
17. We've seen enough for one night pack up the equipment.
a. We've seen enough for one night; pack up the equipment.
b. Pack up the equipment, we've seen enough for one night.
18. Jose Canseco is still a feared batter most pitchers don't want to face him.
a. Jose Canseco is still a feared batter, most pitchers don't want to face him.
b. Jose Canseco is still a feared batter. Most pitchers don't want to face him.
c. Jose Canseco is such a feared batter. That most pitchers don't want to face him.
19. Most Red Sox fans like him they're happy to see him in the line-up.
a. Most Red Sox fans like him; they're happy to see him in the line-up.
b. Most Red Sox fans like him they're happy, to see him in the line-up.
c. Most Red Sox fans like him, they're happy to see him in the line-up.
20. They like to see him step up to bat he looks bigger than life.
a. They like to see him step up to bat. He looks bigger than life.
b. They like to see him step up to bat, he looks bigger than life.
c. They like to see him, step up to bat he looks bigger than life.
21. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield for example he's been known to drop easy fly-balls.
a. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield, for example, he's been known to drop easy fly-balls.
b. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield, for example he's been known to drop easy fly-balls.
c. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield; for example he's been known to drop easy fl-balls.
22. His salary is enormous however most fans think he's worth it.
a. His salary is enormous; however, most fans think he's worth it.
b. His salary is enormous, however most fans think he's worth it.
c. His salary is enormous, however, most fans think he's worth it.
23. He sometimes acts a bit crazy his off-the-field behavior is often scandalous.
a. He sometimes acts a bit crazy, and his off-the-field behavior is often scandalous.
b. He sometimes acts a bit crazy, his off-the-field behavior is often scandalous.
c. He sometimes acts a bit crazy his off-the-field behavior, is often scandalous.
24. Nowadays he takes an interest in the community moreover he gives tickets to sick kids.
a. Nowadays; he takes an interest in the community moreover he gives tickets to sick kids.
b. Nowadays he takes an interest in the community, moreover he gives tickets to sick kids.
c. Nowadays he takes an interest in the community; moreover, he gives tickets to sick kids.
25. Canseco bats right behind Mo Vaughn that's quite a combination!
a. Canseco bats right behind, Mo Vaughn, that's quite a combination!
b. Canseco bats right behind Mo Vaughn, that's quite a combination!
c. Canseco bats right behind Mo Vaughn. That's quite a combination!
26. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn Canseco is there waiting.
a. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn, Canseco is there waiting.
b. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn. Canseco is there waiting.
c. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn, Canseco, is there waiting.
27. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting, therefore I think they should keep him.
a. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting; therefore, I think they should keep him.
b. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting, therefore, I think they should keep him.
c. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting therefore I think they should keep him.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
RUN-ON SENTENCES and COMMA SPLICES (ANSWER KEY)

A run-on sentence is when two independent clauses run together as one sentence without being separated by punctuation.
A comma splice is the unjustifiable use of only a comma to combine what really should be two separate sentences.
Run-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch we were starving.
Comma splice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch, we were starving
There are four ways to correct a run-on sentence.
Add a period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch. We were starving.
Add a semicolon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We stopped for lunch; we were starving.
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction* . . . . We stopped for lunch, because we were starving.
Use a subordinating conjunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Since we were starving, we stopped for lunch.
* Coordinate Conjunction FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
After each run-on sentence below select the remedy that would best repair that sentence.
1. Judy leads a charmed life she never seems to have a serious accident.
b. life, she
c. life; she
2. The airport is about to shut down because of the snow and if it doesn't land soon it will have to go on to Boston.
b. snow, and
c. snow; and
3. Marcellino always knew his way around the woods this is something he could always depend on.
b. woods; this
c. woods, this
4. Having prepared himself well for the realtor exams and having exhausted everyone in the family with his requests that
someone help him with the true-and-false drills, Jeffrey, who had never been a particularly good student in high
school, knew he was ready to take on the greatest challenge of his life.
b. drills; Jeffrey
c. drills, and Jeffrey
5. The head of state and the religious leader were often the same person all power rested in one ruler.
b. person, all
c. person; all
6. These powerful leaders decided what objects would serve as money their backing encouraged public faith in the
money.
b. money. Their
c. money, their
7. People already believed the precious metals to be divine so their use in money intensified its allure.
b. divine, so
c. divine; so
RUN-ON SENTENCES
DIRECTIONS: Each of the following is a run-on sentence. Select the option that corrects the run-on.
8. Our solar system has nine major planets only one is known to have intelligent life.
a. Our solar system has nine major planets, only one is known to have intelligent life.
b. Our solar system has nine major planets only one, is known to have intelligent life.
c. Our solar system has nine major planets; only one is known to have intelligent life.
9. Most asteroids are small and far away therefore they are dim and hard to see.
a. Most asteroids are small and far away, therefore they are dim and hard to see.
b. Most asteroids are small and far away therefore, they are dim and hard to see.
c. Most asteroids are small and far away; therefore, they are dim and hard to see.
10. Look through Angelo's telescope you can see Saturn's rings.
a. If you look through Angelo's telescope, you can see Saturn's rings.
b. Look through Angelo's telescope, you can see Saturn's rings.
c. You can see Saturn's rings, look through Angelo's telescope.
11. Please check the position of that star cluster I can't find it.
a. Please check the position of that star cluster; I can't find it.
b. Please check the position of that star cluster, I can't find it.
c. Please check the position, of that star cluster, I can't find it.
12. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter however on warm summer nights she often goes to the
a. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter, however, on warm summer nights she often goes to the
b. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter. However, on warm summer nights she often goes
to the college observatory.
c. Marie is never interested in stargazing, during the winter however, on warm summer nights she often goes to the
13. The Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky it is actually a huge galaxy containing millions
of stars.
a. The Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky, it is actually a huge galaxy containing
millions of stars.
b. The cloud-like Milky Way stretching across the night sky is actually a huge galaxy containing millions of stars.
c. Although the Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky. It is actually a huge galaxy
containing millions of stars.
14. Watch the sky closely for several minutes you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
a. Watch the sky closely for several minutes; you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
b. Watch the sky closely for several minutes, you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
c. If you watch the sky closely for several minutes. You are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
15. Louisa pretended to be interested in her brother's hobby she secretly wished she had stayed at home.
a. Louisa pretended to be interested in her brother's hobby, she secretly wished she had stayed at home.
b. Pretending to be interested in her brother's hobby, Louisa secretly wished she had stayed at home.
c. Louisa pretended to be interested, in her brother's hobby, she secretly wished she had stayed at home.
16. Some club members were late for the meeting for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
a. Some club members were late for the meeting, for example Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
b. Some club members were late for the meeting, for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
c. Some club members were late for the meeting; for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
17. We've seen enough for one night pack up the equipment.
a. We've seen enough for one night; pack up the equipment.
b. Pack up the equipment, we've seen enough for one night.
18. Jose Canseco is still a feared batter most pitchers don't want to face him.
a. Jose Canseco is still a feared batter, most pitchers don't want to face him.
b. Jose Canseco is still a feared batter. Most pitchers don't want to face him.
c. Jose Canseco is such a feared batter. That most pitchers don't want to face him.
19. Most Red Sox fans like him they're happy to see him in the line-up.
a. Most Red Sox fans like him; they're happy to see him in the line-up.
b. Most Red Sox fans like him they're happy, to see him in the line-up.
c. Most Red Sox fans like him, they're happy to see him in the line-up.
20. They like to see him step up to bat he looks bigger than life.
a. They like to see him step up to bat. He looks bigger than life.
b. They like to see him step up to bat, he looks bigger than life.
c. They like to see him, step up to bat he looks bigger than life.
21. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield for example he's been known to drop easy fly-balls.
a. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield, for example, he's been known to drop easy fly-balls.
b. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield, for example he's been known to drop easy fly-balls.
c. Canseco can be a klutz in the outfield; for example he's been known to drop easy fl-balls.
22. His salary is enormous however most fans think he's worth it.
a. His salary is enormous; however, most fans think he's worth it.
b. His salary is enormous, however most fans think he's worth it.
c. His salary is enormous, however, most fans think he's worth it.
23. He sometimes acts a bit crazy his off-the-field behavior is often scandalous.
a. He sometimes acts a bit crazy, and his off-the-field behavior is often scandalous.
b. He sometimes acts a bit crazy, his off-the-field behavior is often scandalous.
c. He sometimes acts a bit crazy his off-the-field behavior, is often scandalous.
24. Nowadays he takes an interest in the community moreover he gives tickets to sick kids.
a. Nowadays; he takes an interest in the community moreover he gives tickets to sick kids.
b. Nowadays he takes an interest in the community, moreover he gives tickets to sick kids.
c. Nowadays he takes an interest in the community; moreover, he gives tickets to sick kids.
25. Canseco bats right behind Mo Vaughn that's quite a combination!
a. Canseco bats right behind, Mo Vaughn, that's quite a combination!
b. Canseco bats right behind Mo Vaughn, that's quite a combination!
c. Canseco bats right behind Mo Vaughn. That's quite a combination!
26. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn Canseco is there waiting.
a. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn, Canseco is there waiting.
b. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn. Canseco is there waiting.
c. Pitchers can't skip over Vaughn, Canseco, is there waiting.
27. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting, therefore I think they should keep him.
a. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting; therefore, I think they should keep him.
b. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting, therefore, I think they should keep him.
c. Canseco makes the Red Sox more exciting therefore I think they should keep him.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
RUN-ON or FRAGMENT
DIRECTIONS: After each sentence, select the option which best describes that sentence
1. Although he had been an often decorated soldier during World War II and had fought many battles for the losing
cause of liberalism in Congress.
a. There is nothing wrong with the structure of this sentence.
b. Run-on: put a comma after World War II.
c. Run-on: put a semicolon after World War II.
d. Fragment: put a comma after Congress and finish the sentence.
2. This is going to be the most difficult exam of your college career, you had better start studying for it immediately
b. Fragment: put a comma after immediately and finish the sentence.
c. Run-on: replace that comma with a semicolon.
3. Coach Espinoza really wants this job with Notre Dame University, she is very excited about returning to the college
she graduated from.
b. Fragment: put a comma after from and finish the sentence.
c. Run-on: change that comma to a period and start a new sentence.
4. Right after the Christmas holidays and during those three weeks before class begins in January.
b. Fragment: put a comma after January and finish the sentence.
c. Run-on: put a comma after holidays.
5. She ran.
b. Fragment: the sentence is too short and needs more details to be a complete thought.
6. Perplexed by the rising rates of inflation and alarmed by the decline in major construction projects.
b. Run-on: put a comma after inflation.
c. Fragment: put a comma after projects and finish the sentence.
7. Anabel realizes what she is doing, I think, but she doing it anyway
b. Fragment: we're missing part of a verb.
c. Run-on: change the comma after doing to a semicolon.
8. Professor Pepin spends a lot of time translating medieval texts on ancient medicine, however, he also stays informed
about the latest developments in modern asthma treatments.
b. Fragment: although this is a long sentence, it's missing part of a verb.
c. Run-on: remove the verb from the second independent clause.
d. Run-on: change the comma after medicine to a semicolon.
9. If we're ever going to get out of here in time, we're going to have to re-write all these papers, set up the desks, and
clean the chalkboards; stack those books in the corner and clean up the mess around the wastebasket; notify security
about the broken window, the thermostat that Raoul messed up, and the desk that was stolen before we even got here.
b. Run-on: the sentence should be broken into three smaller sentences.
c. Fragment: although the sentence is very long, it's missing a verb string.
d. Run-on: change those two semicolons to commas.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
RUN-ON or FRAGMENT (ANSWER KEY)

DIRECTIONS: After each sentence, select the option which best describes that sentence
1. Although he had been an often decorated soldier during World War II and had fought many battles for the losing
cause of liberalism in Congress.
b. Run-on: put a comma after World War II.
c. Run-on: put a semicolon after World War II.
d. Fragment: put a comma after Congress and finish the sentence.
2. This is going to be the most difficult exam of your college career, you had better start studying for it immediately
b. Fragment: put a comma after immediately and finish the sentence.
c. Run-on: replace that comma with a semicolon.
3. Coach Espinoza really wants this job with Notre Dame University, she is very excited about returning to the college
she graduated from.
b. Fragment: put a comma after from and finish the sentence.
c. Run-on: change that comma to a period and start a new sentence.
4. Right after the Christmas holidays and during those three weeks before class begins in January.
b. Fragment: put a comma after January and finish the sentence.
c. Run-on: put a comma after holidays.
5. She ran.
b. Fragment: the sentence is too short and needs more details to be a complete thought.
6. Perplexed by the rising rates of inflation and alarmed by the decline in major construction projects.
b. Run-on: put a comma after inflation.
c. Fragment: put a comma after projects and finish the sentence.
7. Anabel realizes what she is doing, I think, but she doing it anyway
b. Fragment: we're missing part of a verb.
c. Run-on: change the comma after doing to a semicolon.
8. Professor Pepin spends a lot of time translating medieval texts on ancient medicine, however, he also stays informed
about the latest developments in modern asthma treatments.
b. Fragment: although this is a long sentence, it's missing part of a verb.
c. Run-on: remove the verb from the second independent clause.
d. Run-on: change the comma after medicine to a semicolon.
9. If we're ever going to get out of here in time, we're going to have to re-write all these papers, set up the desks, and
clean the chalkboards; stack those books in the corner and clean up the mess around the wastebasket; notify security
about the broken window, the thermostat that Raoul messed up, and the desk that was stolen before we even got here.
b. Run-on: the sentence should be broken into three smaller sentences.
c. Fragment: although the sentence is very long, it's missing a verb string.
d. Run-on: change those two semicolons to commas.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
DOUBLE NEGATIVES
Avoid double negatives, which occur when two forms of negation (negative words) are used in the same sentence.
Negatives include: NO words (i.e., nobody, no one, nothing, nowhere), and NOT words (isn't, can't, didn't, haven't).
The tricky negatives to keep in mind include: hardly, barely, and scarcely.
Complete each of the answers, making sure you don't use double negatives:
1. Q: Do you want anything? A: No, I don't want
_____________.
a. anything
b. nothing
2. Q: Do you have any money? A: No, I
_____________ none.
a. don't have
b. have
3. Q: Did you see those people? A: No, I didn't see
________.
a. noone
b. anyone
4. Q: Do you have any candy? A: No, I don't have
_____________.
a. any
b. none
5. Q: Didn't he tell you not to come here? A: No,
_____________ told me anything.
a. nobody
b. anybody
6. Q: How much money do you have? A: Not much. I
hardly have _____________.
a. none
b. any
7. Q: Where are you going? A: _____________. I'm
staying right here.
a. Nowhere
b. Anywhere
8. Q: So, you're staying right here? A: That's right. I'm
not going _____________.
a. nowhere
b. anywhere
9. Q: Do you know him well? A: No, I _____________
know him.
a. barely don't
b. barely
10. Q: Did the prisoner say anything? A: No, he
_____________ nothing.
a. said
b. didn't say
11. Sadly, I ______ a penny left in my purse.

a. didn't scarcely have
b. scarcely had
12. Since his last paper gained little support, the linguist
______ surprised that he had not been asked to
present again.
a. was
b. was not
13. Sadie won't talk to ______ about her problems.
a. nobody
b. no one
c. anybody
14. She didn't study, so she ____ hardly finish her final.
a. could
b. couldn't
15. After he got home, Joe realized that he ______ of
the spices he'd bought at the store.
a. didn't need none
b. needed none
c. didn't need any
16. I think the moratorium on travel ______ last barely a
month.
a. will
b. will not
17. They ______ barely started to think about the
upcoming merger.
a. have
b. haven't
18. I ______ unhappy with the way things turned out. In
the end, I won!
a. was
b. wasn't
19. Students are allowed to use neither books ______
notes during the midterm.
a. or
b. nor
20. We ______ hardly had any rain lately.
a. have
b. haven't
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
DOUBLE NEGATIVES (ANSWER KEY)

Avoid double negatives, which occur when two forms of negation (negative words) are used in the same sentence.
Negatives include: NO words (i.e., nobody, no one, nothing, nowhere), and NOT words (isn't, can't, didn't, haven't).
The tricky negatives to keep in mind include: hardly, barely, and scarcely.
Complete each of the answers, making sure you don't use double negatives:
1. Q: Do you want anything? A: No, I don't want
_____________.
a. anything
b. nothing
11. Sadly, I ______ a penny left in my purse.

a. didn't scarcely have
b. scarcely had
2. Q: Do you have any money? A: No, I

_____________ none.
a. don't have
b. have
12. Since his last paper gained little support, the linguist
______ surprised that he had not been asked to
present again.
a. was
b. was not
3. Q: Did you see those people? A: No, I didn't see

________.
a. noone
b. anyone
13. Sadie won't talk to ______ about her problems.

a. nobody
b. no one
c. anybody
4. Q: Do you have any candy? A: No, I don't have

_____________.
a. any
b. none
14. She didn't study, so she ____ hardly finish her final.
a. could
b. couldn't
5. Q: Didn't he tell you not to come here? A: No,

_____________ told me anything.
a. nobody
b. anybody
15. After he got home, Joe realized that he ______ of

the spices he'd bought at the store.
a. didn't need none
b. needed none
c. didn't need any
6. Q: How much money do you have? A: Not much. I

hardly have _____________.
a. none
b. any
16. I think the moratorium on travel ______ last barely a

month.
a. will
b. will not
7. Q: Where are you going? A: _____________. I'm

staying right here.
a. Nowhere
b. Anywhere
17. They ______ barely started to think about the

upcoming merger.
a. have
b. haven't
8. Q: So, you're staying right here? A: That's right. I'm

not going _____________.
a. nowhere
b. anywhere
18. I ______ unhappy with the way things turned out. In

the end, I won!
a. was
b. wasn't
9. Q: Do you know him well? A: No, I _____________

know him.
a. barely don't
b. barely
19. Students are allowed to use neither books ______

notes during the midterm.
a. or
b. nor
10. Q: Did the prisoner say anything? A: No, he

_____________ nothing.
a. said
b. didn't say
20. We ______ hardly had any rain lately.

a. have
b. haven't
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
VERB FORMS: REGULAR VERBS

In relation to the present tense, regular verbs form the past tense by adding ed, and form the future tense by adding will.
Try this approach on the following verbs.
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
1. I ______ (study) a lot.

2. He ________ (swim) fast.
3. I ________ (walk) to school.
VERB FORMS: IRREGULAR VERBS

Irregular verbs form the past tense in a number of different ways. Many commonly used irregular verbs are irregular.
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
1. I ______ (to be) a lot.

2. He ________ (begin) well.
3. I _____ (choose) the bigger option.
4. I _______ (drink) a lot of water.
5. I ______ (see) the soccer match.
6. I _______ (write) very well.
VERB FORMS: PERFECT TENSE

PAST PERFECT (had)
PRESENT PERFECT (have/has)
FUTURE PERFECT (will have)
indicates an action happened

at an unspecified time before now
before something else happened.
indicates an action happened

at an unspecified time before now, OR
that the action extends to the present.
indicates that an action will have been

completed at some point in the future.
***
***
***
I had watched Jurassic Park

before I watched Jurassic World.
I have watched Jurassic Park

[but that was some time ago].
I will have watched Jurassic Park

[this time tomorrow].
I had walked two miles by lunchtime.
I have walked two miles already

[but I'm still walking].
I will have walked two miles

[by the time I get home].
VERB FORMS: PAST PERFECT (had)

Change the verb into the correct form:
31. She had never been (never be) to the North Pole until 2002.
32. They had never fought (never fight) before they moved (move) together.
33. He had never broken (never break) anything before he started(start) to crawl.
34. When we arrived (arrive), we discovered (discover) that the bus had left (leave).
35. When I called (call), she had gone (go) to sleep.
36. Ashley had never met (never meet) him, so she wanted (want) more details.
37. He had never kissed (never kiss) a girl, so he was (be) embarrassed.
38. Patrick had saved (save) a lot of money before he bought (buy) the house.
39. They had gone (go) some place, because they were (be) not there when I arrived (arrive).
40. It was (be) too late, because the car had been sold (sell) to someone else.
41. You said (say) you had been (be) to Turkey 5 times.
42. They told (tell) us they had painted (paint) the entire apartment.
43. The boss told (tell) us he had hired (hire) some new staff.
44. Jason and Amy had eaten (eat) before they came (come) to see you.
45. I had had (have) all the papers, but I lost (lose) them.
46. I had studied (study) Japanese before.
47. She had baked (bake) a lot before she opened (open) her shop.
48. We had (have) a lot of trouble because we had lost (lose) our passports.
49. Brian knew (know) many people at the club because he had been(be) there many times.
50. They had studied (study) English before they moved (move) to Canada.
51. You enjoyed (enjoy) the movie because you had read (read) the book.
52. She really liked (like) him because he had helped (help) her.
53. Amy had studied (study) a lot before she took (take) the test.
54. We got (get) into the restaurant only because we had reserved(reserve) our places.
55. I had been (be) to India before 1986.
56. They had had (have) a lot of trouble before they finally succeeded(succeed).
57. Chris had owned (own) that car for 5 years before he sold (sell) it.
58. Sharon had been (be) very sick until she stopped (stop) eating junk food.
59. I had been (be) in Greece for 7 months before I moved (move) to Spain.
60. You cooked (cook) a lot, because you had been (be) so hungry.
VERB FORMS: PRESENT PERFECT (have/has)

The present perfect is a grammatical combination of the present tense and the perfect aspect,
used to express a past event that has present consequences.
I have
You have
They have
31. I have read (read) your book several times.
32. She has worn (wear) that skirt many times.
33. My family has visited (visit) Brazil a few times.
34. I have eaten (eat) already.
35. Marta has finished (finish) her homework.
36. You have broken (break) the glass again.
37. They have paid (pay) for everything.
38. It has never snowed (never snow) like that.
39. I have met (meet) Anna once.
40. We have seen (see) him before.
41. You have bought (buy) 4 cars so far.
42. There have been (be) problems.
43. I have had (have) a snake.
44. Maria has raised (raise) a monkey.
45. The kids have grown (grow) so much!
46. The students have improved (improve).
47. She has become (become) really beautiful.
48. Man has invented (invent) many great inventions.
49. People have caused (cause) much destruction to the planet.
50. I have learnt (learn) to surf.
51. The class has done (do) 5 tests this month.
52. Allison has found (find) a few problems with your plan.
53. We have consulted (consult) some doctors about this.
54. I have met (meet) Debbie in the last week.
55. In the previous year, we have doubled (double) our income.
56. She has been (be) sick since Sunday.
57. You have been (be) away for 2 weeks.
58. He has hated (hate) cheese since childhood.
59. Mark and Katie have been (be) together for two years.
60. I have liked (like) mango since my last trip.
He has
She has
It has
VERB FORMS: FUTURE PERFECT (will have)

16. By this time tomorrow, I will have finished (finish) the project.
17. By 8 o'clock, the kids will have fallen (fall) asleep.
18. By tomorrow morning, he will have slept (sleep) wonderfully.
19. By next year, she will have received (receive) her promotion.
20. Robin will have sold (sell) his car by next Sunday.
21. Morgan will have cleaned (clean) the entire house by lunch.
22. We will have danced (dance) a few dances before midnight.
23. At this time tomorrow morning, they will have begun (begin) working.
24. At this time next week, we will have caught (catch) the thief.
25. By 2013, I will have lived (live) in Madrid for 5 years.
26. In 2020, they will have worked (work) here for 20 years.
27. By September, Julie will have taught (teach) us for over a year.
28. By October, I will have studied (study) English for 3 months.
29. On Monday, she will have waited (wait) for 2 weeks.
30. Before Saturday, you will have done (do) all of your homework.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT (ANSWER KEY)

I
you
they
Remember:
TO BE
am
are
are
X and Y (plural);
HAVE
have
have
have
TO SHOW
show
show
show
X or Y (singular);
he
she
it
-one, -body, -thing (singular);
TO BE
is
is
is
HAVE
has
has
has
TO SHOW
shows
shows
shows
all, some, none, either, neither (contextual)
DIRECTIONS: Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator (is/are) going to have to make a decision.
(Is/Are) my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?
Some of the votes (seem/seems) to have been miscounted.
The tornadoes that tear through this county every spring (are/is) more than just a nuisance.
Everyone selected to serve on this jury (have/has) to be willing to give up a lot of time.
Kara Wolters, together with her teammates, (presents/present) a formidable opponent on the basketball court.
He seems to forget that there (are/is) things to be done before he can graduate.
There (have/has) to be some people left in that town after yesterday's flood.
Some of the grain (appear/appears) to be contaminated.
Three-quarters of the students (is/are) against the tuition hike.
Three-quarters of the student body (is/are) against the tuition hike.
A high percentage of the population (is/are) voting for the new school.
A high percentage of the people (was/were) voting for the new school.
The piano as well as the pipe organ (has/have) to be tuned for the big concert.
The mayor together with his two brothers (are/is) going to be indicted for accepting bribes.
Neither of my two suitcases (is/are) adequate for this trip.
There (are/is) a list of committee members on the head-table.
Everybody in the class (has/have) done the homework well in advance.
The jury (take/takes) their seats in the courtroom.
Neither the teacher nor the students (seem/seems) to understand this assignment.
(Has/Have) either my father or my brothers made a down-payment on the house?
Hartford is one of those cities that (is/are) working hard to reclaim a riverfront.
Some of the grain (have/has) gone bad.
John or his brother (are/is) going to be responsible for this.
A few of the students (are/is) doing so well they can skip the next course.
Either the Committee on Course Design or the Committee on College Operations (decide/decides) these matters.
One of my instructors (have/has) written a letter of recommendation for me.
There (are/is) several reasons why you should reconsider your decision.
Howard and Vincent, who (runs/run) a copy center in town, have decided to expand their business.
Both of the statues on the shelf (are/is) broken.
The fishing boat that has been tied up at the pier for three days (was/were) finally on its way this morning.
The chairman, along with his two assistants, (plan/plans) to attend the annual convention.
The issues of inflation and tax reform (continue/continues) to be on everyone's mind.
Juan or Julian (prepare/prepares) the conference room each week.
Not one of the performers (were/was) at the party after the concert.
The results of the election (were/was) not available for two days.
When there (is/are) thunderstorms approaching, we are always reminded of the threat of tornadoes.
Macaroni and cheese (is/are) my favorite dish.
At the foot of the mountain (was/were) two enormous vineyards, both owned by the same woman.
A small percentage of the grain (was/were) ruined by the prolonged rain.
DIRECTIONS: Identify the correct verb form.

I can't believe I (get) got that apartment. I (submit) submitted my application last week, but I didn't think I had a
chance of actually getting it. When I (show)showed up to take a look around, there were at least twenty other people who
(arrive) had arrived before me. Most of them (fill, already) had already filled out their applications and were already
leaving. The landlord said I could still apply, so I did.
I (try) tried to fill out the form, but I couldn't answer half of the questions. They (want) wanted me to include
references, but I didn't want to list my previous landlord because I (have) had had some problems with him in the past and I
knew he wouldn't recommend me. I (end) ended up listing my father as a reference.
It was total luck that he (decide) decided to give me the apartment. It turns out that the landlord and my father
(go) went to high school together. He decided that I could have the apartment before he (look) looked at my credit report. I
really lucked out!
Proofread and correct the following paragraph for errors in subject/verb agreement. Keep all corrected verbs in present
tense. When you have finished, check your work against the answer key.
There are many benefits to using spaced practice instead of massed practice. Massed practice, like cramming for
exams, involves studying all of the material at one time. Spaced practice, on the other hand, involves distributing your study
time over a longer period with breaks between practice sessions. Studying for short periods of time, such as one fifty-minute
session, prevents boredom, helps avoid fatigue, and improves motivation. If you space out your study over a period of days,
you gain several additional benefits. First of all, you delay forgetting. In addition, you benefit by reviewing and reinforcing
the information that you previously studied.
Spaced practice or distributed practice, as it is also known, allows time for the information to consolidate or jell in longterm memory. Allowing breaks between learning sessions gives you time to think about what you have been studying and to
structure and organize it according to what you already know about the topic. Remember, trying to study many chapters at
one time becomes overwhelming to most students. Rereading and reviewing are the keys to college success.
DETERMINE the ERROR (ANSWER KEY)

Read the following sentences and determine whether each sentence is correct, is a fragment, has a subject/verb agreement
error, includes a comma splice, or is a fused sentence. No sentence includes more than one error.
12. The story of the first two years, two months, and two days in the life of a modern Southern marriage. (F)
13. This book is dangerous, it is one of those rare books that causes fits of uncontrollable laughter. (CS)
14. In the book The Heart of a Distant Forest, Andrew Lachlan meets a woman he had loved, they soon begin seeing each
other. (CS)
15. At one point in the novel, Lachlan writes, "It is hard for me to write my hands shake so." (FS)
16. A novel written with insight, poetry, beauty, and passion. (F)
17. A book meant to be read again and again. (F)
18. The night became cold, Laura was glad that she packed an extra blanket. (CS)
19. Laura would not sleep well that night she would ache from the damp and freezing air. (FS)
20. Sometimes my life seems like a novel, I am a character lost in a series of confusing subplots. (CS)
21. Living out my life in third person singular. (F)
22. Reading and walking was all she loved. (SV)
Read the following paragraph and determine whether each sentence is correct, is a fragment, has a subject/verb
agreement error, includes a comma splice, or is a fused sentence. No sentence includes more than one error.
(1) Some people eat the strangest food items for breakfast. Correct (2) Like roast beef, mashed potatoes, and candied
yams. Fragment (3) My uncle, who has traveled to China, South America, and Africa, like to eat elephant ears (the plant!)
in a coconut cream sauce. Subject/verb agreement (4) My brother Bill likes hot fudge sauce on his grits, my sister likes
catsup on her eggs. Comma splice (5) My father on rare occasions eat cold pepperoni pizza. Subject/verb agreement (6)
My former neighbors back in Island Grove, Florida, likes to eat swamp cabbage and heart of palm. Subject/verb
agreement (7) Other people serve the strangest foods at parties. Correct (8) For instance, chocolate covered turkey!
Fragment (9) At my brother Peter's caroling party, he and his wife served an odd variety of finger foods. Correct (10)
There was octopus in a lemon butter sauce, squid in a marinara sauce, and oysters in an apricot sauce. Subject/verb
agreement (There were) (11) A former boyfriend seasoned pancakes in the oddest ways he liked to throw in pinches of
cloves, cumin, and nutmeg. Fused Sentence (12) Thinking he was a creative genius. Fragment (13) No one ate his
pancakes. Correct (14) Not even his dog. Fragment
(1 SV) There is a number of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. (2 C) Some of these factors cannot be
changed. (3 SV) Increasing age, male gender, and heredity is a few. (4 CS) According to health sources, six risk factors
are related to our own choices in lifestyle, these include smoking, activity level, cholesterol level, blood pressure, weight,
and diabetes. (5 FS) Many smokers believe that if you have smoked for years, there is no benefit in quitting the damage
has been done. (6 C) This belief, however, is incorrect. (7 C) According to the American Heart Association, one's risk of
heart disease declines rapidly after one quits smoking. (8 C) Another changeable factor related to heart disease is lack of
regular exercise. (9 SV) Physical activity, including walking, swimming, or jogging, help lower cholesterol levels and
encourages weight loss. (10 C) Another risk factor for heart disease is stress. (11 F) Especially unresolved stress over an
extended period of time. (12 CS) Those who cannot cope with stress are more likely to develop harmful lifestyles that
contribute to heart disease, they may smoke, become inactive, or eat fatty foods. (13 C) Take control of your heart. (14 F)
Before it is too late.
(1 CS) The Internet can be a great source of information for students who are doing research, however, the information on
the Internet is not regulated. (2 FS) Anyone can post information that is intentionally or unintentionally inaccurate or
misleading anyone can create his or her own Web page. (3 SV) There is information on aging, information on cancer,
information on health, and information on weight loss. (4 SV) The Alcoholics Anonymous Web site and the National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism site provides information related to alcohol abuse. (5 F) Looking for
information on pregnancy and childbirth? (6 F) Not hard to find on the Internet. (7 SV) Labor and Birth Resources (a
good Web site) provide information on the different types of pain medications available to mothers. (8 F) Interested in
weight loss? (9 C) Try Overeaters Anonymous. (10 SV) Another good site that include assessment tools is Cyberdiet.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
PRONOUNS (ANSWER KEY)

Nominative (Subject)
before verbs
1st Person
2nd Person
3rd Person
Singular
I
you
he, she, it
Plural
we
you
they, who,
Objective Case
after verbs
Singular
me
you
him, her, it
Plural
us
you
them
Relative
Pronouns
who,
that, which
whom,
that, which
Indefinite
Pronouns
SINGULAR:
another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, one,
neither, other, everybody, everyone, everything, nobody,
no one, nothing, somebody, something, little, much,
Possessive Adjectives
followed by nouns
Singular
my
your
his, hers, its
Plural
our
yours
their
Possessive Pronouns
not followed by nouns
Singular
mine
yours
his, hers, its
Plural
ours
yours
theirs
whose
PLURAL:
both, few, many,
others, several
SINGULAR or PLURAL:
all, any, more, most,
none, some, such
Choose the correct case for each pronoun in the sentences below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Maria and (her, she) laughed and talked well into the night.
(Him, He) and I just don't seem to get along very well these days.
It was (her, she) who tied up the computer for three hours.
Cora handed Tom and (I, me) the employment applications.
Between you and (I, me), pronoun case can be very confusing.
Among the applicants were Tom and (me, I).
It was (he, him) and Colleen who solved the problem with my scanner.
The vice president will select (you or I, you or me) to serve as acting chair.
Between Joseph and (him, he), there really isn't much of a choice.
As for my cousin and (I, me), we will not be attending the dinner.
That certainly is not (he, him) sitting in the first row of the theater.
I gave the left over fudge to Tom and (she, her).
Leonardo wrongly believed that (she and Tom, her and Tom) would take the blame for him.
My sister is taller than (I, me).
After hearing her explain the fight she had had with husband, Jim stated, "the person who should apologize is (him, he)!"
The winner of last night's raffle was (she, her).
My long-time friend went to dinner with my husband and (I, me).
(Her, She) and her friends went to see Hamlet on Landis Green.
The teacher gave (us, we) students extra credit for an optional term paper.
Between you and (I, me), that outfit looks ridiculous on her.
He was not as angry as (they, them).
Please give the leftovers to Paul and (she, her).
My sister Lisa and (me, I) take a trip to Panama City every spring.
Lisa enjoys shopping more than (me, I).
The child Laura was most concerned about was (she, her).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
I gave the note to Laura, (who, whom) gave it to Phil.

She selected Troy (who, whom) she thought could do the job right the first time.
The guests (who, whom) we had expected did not arrive.
Jane is the one woman with (whom, who) I feel comfortable.
(Who, Whom) do you trust the most?
The worker (who, whom) left the empty soda can on the computer table should not have been so thoughtless.
When Chas and I chose a builder, we chose one (whom, who) we believed was reputable.
We were taken in by a charlatan (whom, who) we thought was an honest man.
I was annoyed by the man (who, whom) showed up uninvited.
I dont know (who, whom) Diego invited.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT (ANSWER KEY)

Pronouns must agree with their antecedent in number, gender, and person. An antecedent is a noun or pronoun to
which another noun or pronoun refers. Always remember:
neither, either, and each are singular.
words ending in "one," "body," and "thing" are also singular.
a collective noun is singular if the group acts as one unit and plural if the members of the group act as individuals.
Choose the correct case for each pronoun in the sentences below.
1. Since the doctor went to medical school, (they/she) should know what treatment you need.
2. If anyone has an opinion about capital punishment, (he/they) should state it.
3. Because the members of the chemistry class did poorly on the exam, (they/it) had to take a make-up exam.
4. Due to the fact that my car is older than other cars, I don't expect (them/it) to run in the winter.
5. If people don't like to shop at that store, (he/they) shouldn't go there.
6. Any worker can break (his/their) arm during an accident.
7. When computers crash, (it/they) need to be fixed immediately.
8. A typical shopper doesn't like it when (she is/they are) consistently interrupted by a salesperson.
9. If you need help with your grammar, (they/you) may want to take advantage of this online writing lab.
10. Before students take a test, (they/he) should prepare adequately.
11. Each of the suspects had (his, their) own alibi.
12. Jeff and Isabel planned (his and her, their) wedding.
13. Did Gore or Bush announce (his, their) intent to run for president?
14. Neither the nails nor the hammer was returned to (its, their) proper place.
15. Everyone turned in (his or her, their) drama reviews in advance of the due date.
16. All of the students turned in (his or her, their) research papers on time.
17. If any one of the students has misplaced (his or her, their) lunch ticket, (he or she, they) can ask for a replacement
from the Ms. Ima Hungry, the lunch lady.
18. The state of Florida does not treat (its, their) public employees fairly.
19. Both of the women have made (her, their) opinions known.
20. Every one of the actresses knows (her, their) part by heart.
21. Either my brother or sisters will reveal (his and their, their) plans at the family reunion.
22. After the victory, the winning and the losing captains thanked (his, their) team members for the great effort.
23. Before the guests began arriving, Sally asked Tim whether everything was in (its, their) place.
24. Neither of the candidates wore clothing suitable for (his or her, their) interview.
25. Every teacher must turn in (his or her, their) grades by December 18.
26. Our college should change (its/their) policy about withdrawals.
27. Neither Espinoza nor Calhoun scheduled (her/their) team for the gym this afternoon.
28. No one has offered to let us use (her/their/his or her) home for the department meeting.
29. If I ever find my glasses, I think I'll have (it/them) replaced.
30. General Motors will probably recall most of (its/their) four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
PREPOSITIONS (ANSWER KEY)

PLACE
in references a position inside
something else
(cities, countries, enclosed
spaces, those with boundaries)
on references when one thing is
attached to or touching
another (flat surfaces, street,
transport, specific phrase,
related to technology)
at references where
(exact addresses, events,
buildings, specific phrases)
also includes:
inside, over, above, under,
beneath, below, near, among
TIME
DIRECTION
in references broadest periods of

time: months, years, and
seasons (and broad parts of the
day, with exception of night)
on references days (on Monday)
at references most specific periods
of time (noon, night, midnight,
and the time of day)
* also includes:
until, since, during, for, by
for extended time (during July)
in references direction
(ran into the room)
on references direction
(onto the ramp, travelled on)
to references direction
(walked to the river)
* also includes:
down, in, into, out, out of, up,
up to, across, along, around,
over, through, under
Select the option that ensures the correct use of a preposition.

1. Did you learn something (at, in, on) school?
19. She stood (at, in, on) the center of the stage.
2. Don't put all your eggs (at, in, on) one basket.
20. There is always lots of action (at, in, on) Times Square.
3. Eric is studying (at, in, on) the university.
21. The books were (at, in, on) the shelf.
4. I live (at, in, on) 12 Columbus Street.
22. The diagram is (at, in, on) page 12.
5. Is John still (at, in, on) bed?
23. The dinner will be (at, in, on) Mark's.
6. I've read it (at, in, on) a book.
24. The eggs are (at, in, on) the box.
7. James met us (at, in, on) the door.
25. The food is (at, in, on) the table.
8. Janet is (at, in, on) home right now.
26. The keys were not (at, in, on) his pocket.
9. I was stuck (at, in, on) that traffic jam for hours!
27. The taxi will be waiting (at, in, on) the hotel.
10. Let's take the bus (at, in, on) Columbus Street.
28. She was standing all by herself (at, in, on) the bus stop.
11. Look, (at, in, on) the water!
29. He was sitting (at, in, on) the top of the stairs.
12. There were no clouds (at, in, on) the sky.
30. There is such a mess (at, in, on) the kitchen!
13. Megan will be (at, in, on) the office from nine to four.
31. We used to live (at, in, on) the third floor.
14. Mirror, mirror (at, in, on) the wall
32. We agreed to meet (at, in, on) the airport.
15. Rachel is (at, in, on) her desk.
33. There is a lot to see (at, in, on) Texas.
16. There will be many new people (at, in, on) the party.
34. We met (at, in, on) a wedding.
17. Kelly took us for a rid (at, in, on) her new car.
35. Where is he? He's (at, in, on) prison.
18. She looked(at, in, on) herself in the mirror.
Select the option that is missing a preposition, or contains a nonstandard use of a preposition.
1.
a. Toni lives in New York. He will meet us at the corner of 5th Avenue.
b. We had dinner at a very nice restaurant, and then went dancing in the street!
c. There is a beautiful garden in the back of the house. There were many pretty flowers in the garden. (at the)
2.
a. I'll see you home when I get there. (at home)

b. I'll be ready to leave in about twenty minutes.
c. I think she spent the entire afternoon on the phone
3.
a. The child responded to his mother's demands by throwing a tantrum.

b. My best friend lives at Boretz Road. (on)
c. My fingers were injured so my sister had to write the note for me.
4.
a. I will wait until 6:30, but then I'm going home.

b. The police caught the thief on the corner of Cascade and Plum Streets. (at)
c. She put my shirts in the closet.
5.
a. I am not interested in buying a new car now.

b. What are the main ingredients of this casserole?
c. I was visiting my best friend at the hospital. (in)
6.
a. Grandpa stayed up until two in the morning.

b. My parents have been married forty-nine years. (for)
c. He usually travels to Philadelphia by train.
7.
a. You frequently see this kind of violence in television. (on)

b. I told Mom we'd be home in an hour or so.
c. My best friend, John, is named after his great-grandfather.
8.
a. The professor from South Africa amazed the American students with her stories.
b. It's been snowing since Christmas morning.
c. Since he met his new girlfriend, Juan never seems to be home. (at home)
9.
a. If you want anything to eat, there is cake on the table in the kitchen and plenty of food in the refrigerator.
b. While Shirley was in Macy's department store at the mall, she ran into Evan and Lea at the furniture department. (in)
c. Just wait a second, I'll be there in a minute.
10. a. I have been sitting here for more than an hour. If they don't arrive in the next ten minutes, I'm leaving.
b. We were really worried at first because the banks were closed Saturdays, so we couldn't exchange money. (on Sat)
c. But in the end, everything worked out because we were able to exchange money at the hotel.
11. a. I need to give my parents a call. I haven't talked to them over a month. (for over)
b. Barbara is going to start her new job next September.
c. The professor said on the first day of the course that there would be a big final test at the end of the semester.
12. a. I was sick, so I didn't go to work last Thursday, but I did go to work on Friday.
b. Mary stopped talking in the middle of her story, and suddenly started to cry. I think we were all crying by the time
she finished telling us what had happened.
c. Late night, you can here coyotes howling in the distance. (at night)
13. a. While Dave was at the top of the Eiffel Tower, he could see several tourist boats on the Seine, the river that runs
through Paris.
b. I stood on line for thirty minutes at the ticket window in the movie theater to get tickets for the film. (in line)
c. Mike was sitting at his desk in his office at work when Bill called; Bill was in Asia on business.
14. a. There is no life on the moon, but there are many forms of life on the ocean floor.
b. She bought her wedding dress in an exclusive shop on Fifth Avenue.
c. The brown bears found on Kodiak Island are the largest on the world. (in the)
15. a. She always gets up early in the morning, so she can make it to class in time.
b. Nathan was able to exchange money at the exchange counter in the airport.
c. You can buy your rail passes at the ticket counter at any train station in the country. (in any)
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
ADJECTIVES and ADVERBS (ANSWER KEY)

The Adverb is one of the most important parts of English Grammar.
An adverb typically describes a verb, adjective, or adverb.
An adverb can be placed anywhere in a sentence.
Adverbs are generally grouped into five categories: Place, Manner, Time, Frequency and Degree.
Adding the suffix -ly to an adjective commonly turns it into an adverb.
Using adverbs makes your sentences more precise and interesting.
Can you identify each adverb in sentences?
Select the option that ensures the correct use of adjectives and adverbs.
1. He (correct, correctly) defined the terms. The answer sounded (correctly, correct).
2. She (quickly, quick) adjusted the fees. She adapted (quick, quickly) to any situation.
3. He measured the floor (exact, exactly). They proved to be (perfectly, perfect) (exact, exactly) measurements.
4. The stillness of the tomb was (awfully, awful). The tomb was (awfully, awful) still.
5. It was a (dangerously, dangerous) lake to swim in. The man was (dangerous, dangerously) drunk.
6. She performed (magnificent, magnificently). It was a (magnificent, magnificently), beautiful performance.
7. Her voice sounds (beautifully, beautiful). She sang the song (exact, exactly) as it was written.
8. He was a very (sensibly, sensible) person. He acted very (sensible, sensibly).
9. Mike wrote too (slow, slowly) on the exam. He always writes (slow, slowly).
10. Talk (softly, soft) or don't talk at all. The music played (softly, soft).
11. You must send payments (regular, regularly). We deal on a (strictly, strict) cash basis.
12. She worked (careful, carefully) with the sick child. She was a very (careful, carefully) worker.
13. He did not pass the course as (easy, easily) as he thought he would.
14. I find this novel very (interesting, interestingly). It was (interesting, interestingly) written.
15. Mr. Smith spoke (eloquent, eloquently). In fact, I was surprised by how (eloquent, eloquently) he spoke.
Select the option that ensures the correct use of adjective (good) and adverb (well).
1. Andrea knows the material very (good, well). She always treats us (good, well).
2. The mechanic's tools were (well, good). The foreman said that his work was (good, well) done.
3. I play tennis but I'm not very (good, well).
4. Your exam results were very (good, well).
5. You did very (good, well) in your exams.
6. The weather was very (good, well) while we were on holiday.
7. I didn't sleep very (good, well) last night.
8. How are you? Are you doing (good, well)?
9. George speaks German very (good, well).
10. George's German is very (good, well).
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
FAULTY COMPARISONS (ANSWER KEY)

POSITIVE (1)
good
old
lonely
beautiful
COMPARATIVE (2)
better
older
lonelier
more beautiful
SUPERLATIVE (3+)
best
oldest
loneliest
most beautiful
Choose the correct sentence:

1.
d. I think it is hard to understand Freuds theory than Watson.

e. I think it is harder to understand Freuds theory than Watson.
f. I think it is hardest to understand Freuds theory than Watson.
2.
d. Thoreaus writing is not easy to read.

e. Thoreaus writing is not easier to read.
f. Thoreaus writing is not easiest to read.
3.
d. Winter is the cold season of the year.

e. Winter is the colder season of the year.
f. Winter is the coldest season of the year.
4.
d. Sylvia found a unique dress for her daughters baptism.

e. Sylvia found a more unique dress for her daughters baptism.
f. Sylvia found the most uniquest dress for her daughters baptism.
5.
d. To some people, faulty comparison is hard than faulty predication to overcome.

e. To some people, faulty comparison is harder than faulty predication to overcome.
f. To some people, faulty comparison is hardest than faulty predication to overcome.
6.
d. Slavery in the United States was more bad than it was in Europe.
e. Slavery in the United States was much worse than it was in Europe.
f. Slavery in the United States was more worse than it was in Europe.
7.
d. The greatest batter I ever saw was Ted Williams.

e. Ted Williams was the greatest batter of all other batters I've ever seen.
f. Ted Williams was the greater batter of all batters I've ever seen.
8.
d. French wine is better than all the wines in the world.

e. French wine is better than any wine in the world.
f. French wine is the best of all the wines in the world.
9.
d. Fluorescent light is as cheap, if not cheaper than, any other light.

e. Fluorescent light is as cheap as, if not cheaper than, any other light.
f. Fluorescent light is cheaper than any light.
10.
d. Forgetting a school assignment is worse than making any mistake you could make in school.
e. Forgetting a school assignment is worse than making any other mistake you could make in school.
f. Forgetting a school assignment is the worst of any other mistake you could make in school.
11.
d. Our substitute teacher speaks more faster than we can write.

e. Our substitute teacher speaks faster than we can write.
f. Our substitute teacher speaks more fast than we can write.
12.
d. Was Opal or one of her sisters the better athlete?

e. Was Opal or her sister the best athlete?
f. Was Opal or her sister the better athlete?
In the following sentences, cross out the incorrect words and write in the correct form.
If the sentence is correct as it is, write "correct" in the blank.
1. Terrence plays quarterback as well as Brian. Correct

2. The game hadn't hardly begun before it started to rain. had
3. This was sure a mild winter. surely
4. Jane behaves more pleasant than Joan. pleasantly
5. When you are a parent, you will think different about children. differently
6. I felt badly about not having done good on my final exams. bad, well
7. Whether you win is not near as important as how you play. nearly
8. Asian music often sounds oddly to Western listeners. odd
9. Does your car run well enough to enter the race? correct
10. I felt safely enough to go out at night on my own. safe
11. I've played with him a few times. He plays very good. well
12. You can see the distant mountains clear with these binoculars. clearly
13. Our team was real sharp last Saturday afternoon during the game. Really
14. Our new business is going very well at the moment. correct
15. I like your jacket. It looks well on you. good
ANSWERS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
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48.
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53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
Laura was tired, exhausted, and frustrated after such a busy day.
In addition, she was running a temperature of 102.
When I was younger, I was afraid of the lawnmower man.
My son was afraid of spiders when he was younger. Correct
Sandra worked during the day, and she attended Dalton State on Monday nights.
Laura worked nights and attended Dalton State during the day. Correct
I admire your problem, but I don't have any solutions to offer you.
If you don't mind, it is my turn to have a crisis.
Tom, Lizzy, and Geoffrey drove to Playalinda and surfed all afternoon.
In need of water, the desperate travelers searched for an oasis.
I was going to do the dishes, but I was distracted.
During the bomb scare, teachers held classes outside on the lawn.
Since it was snowing, we did not enjoy having class outside.
After sitting in the snow for 10 minutes, I began to freeze.
For example, I enjoy reading walking and singing.
In the mid-1970s, I had a diabolical, intelligent dog named Moonbear.Rules 2 & 4
Moonbear was a smart, quick, and hungry dog. Rule 3
He was also a very useful dog, for he had the ability to scare off would-be intruders. Rule 1
Of all his amazing tricks, the one that amazed me the most was his speed. Rule 2
When he was hungry, he could move at incredible, unimaginable speeds. Rule 2 and Rule 4
For example, I once removed a freshly baked cherry pie from the oven, and I put it in the center of the dining room table to cool. Rule 2
and Rule 1
Before I knew what was happening, Moonbear jumped onto the table and began eating the very hot pie. Rule 2
He had eaten half of the pie before I was able to stop him. NO COMMAS
After the cherry pie incident, I was more careful where I put baked goods to cool. Rule 2
However, even the top of the refrigerator was not safe from Moonbear. Rule 2
When I was in college, I used to wear garlands of clover in my hair. Rule 2 BEGIN RULE 4 + 5
Some of these garlands would have extensions of flowers that hung to the ground. No Commas
My professors pretended not to notice, but I suspected that they did. Rule 1
I was, however, an A student, and I believed my As justified my flowery, whimsical appearance. Rules 5, 1, and 4
My reasoning, wild as it may seem, convinced my parents that they need not worry about me. Rule 5
I eventually quit wearing garlands of flowers, married a manipulative, self-centered musician, and had a son. Rule3&4
Though my son did not wear flowers in his hair, he did experiment with his hair color, his hairstyles, and his clothing. Rules 2 and 3
One afternoon before my night class, he asked me to help him dye his blonde hair black. Rule 2
He assured me that we would be using nonpermanent hair coloring, so I helped him. Rule 1
As you might have guessed, the color of course was permanent, and I ended up going to class that night with black hands and black
fingernails. Rules 2 and 1
My family lived in Florence, Italy, during my high school years. Rule 6 BEGIN RULE 6
After hearing her excuse, I still did not believe her. Rule 2
Thats a bathing suit top, not a piece of string.
Rule 6
Amelia wore sensible, durable clothing.
Rule 4
Chris ran out the door, jumped over the fence, and raced down the road.Rule 3
The movie was boring, meaningless, and confusing. Rule 3
Maria opened her math book and then began doing problems 1 through 10. No Commas
When you write an essay, state your thesis clearly. Rule 2
I will walk on the treadmill, or I will walk in the park. Rule 1
Laura lived in Island Grove, Florida, before moving to Dalton, Georgia.Rule 6
The explanation, such as it was, could not be believed by any rational person. Rule 5
I removed the blackberry pie from the oven and put it on the window sill to cool. NO COMMAS
Although there are many different comma rules, they can be learned.Rule 2
I will explain them to you if you wish. NO COMMAS
If you will stop nagging, I will empty the trash, wash the dishes, and do the laundry. Rule 2 and Rule 3
Nestled in the woods of the Shenandoah Valley, this resort offers canoeing, tubing, and hiking. Comma Rule 2
Despite differences in size and facilities, each campground must meet standards of excellence. Comma Rule 2
The KOA awards Gold, Silver, Bronze, and New Owner rating awards.Comma Rule 3
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. Comma Rule 2
He who hesitates is probably right. NO COMMAS
When a person smiles at things that go wrong, he probably has someone else in mind to blame. Comma Rule 2
I love cooking with wine, and sometimes I even put it in the food.Comma Rule 1
While everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.Comma Rule 2
Dogs have owners, but cats have staff. Comma Rule 1
Though we cannot change the direction of the wind, we can adjust our sails. Comma Rule 2
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
SEMI-COLON and COLON (ANSWER KEY)

Use the semi-colon:
5. to separate two independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
a. I am not complaining; I am stating my opinion.
6. to separate two independent clauses not joined by a conjunctive adverb.
a. I am not complaining; however, I am stating my opinion.
7. to combine two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if either or both contain internal punctuation.
a. Success on the MTEL requires X, Y, and Z; but others claim A and B.
8. to separate items in a series when each item has internal punctuation.
a. I bought an old, dilapidated chair; an antique table; and a new, ugly rug.
Use the colon:
5. to introduce a list, but make sure a complete sentence precedes the list.
a. Three plays will be preformed in the theatre: X, Y, and Z.
6. to introduce a list preceded by as follows or the following.
a. The reasons he cited for his success are as follows: X, Y, and Z.
7. to separate two independent clauses, when the second clause is a restatement or explanation of the first.
a. All my teachers said one thing in particular: college is going to be difficult.
8. to separate the introductory words from a quotation that follows, if the quotation is long, formal, or paragraphed separately.
a. The actor then stated: Insert quote that spans three lines
Select the option that demonstrates the correct use of semi-colons, colons, and/or commas.
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.

You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.
You asked for forgiveness: he granted it to you.
You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.
2.
a.
b.
c.
d.
We ask; therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.

We ask, therefore; that you keep this matter confidential.
We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
We ask: therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.
The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore. I expected the shipment to arrive by now.
The order was requested: six weeks ago, therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.
The order was requested six weeks ago: therefore, I expected the shipment, to arrive by now.
4.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The American flag has three colors; red, white, and blue.
The American flag has three colors: Red, white, and blue.
The American flag has: three colors. Red, white, and blue.
The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.
5.
a.
b.
c.
d.
She said she loved the book; so, I gave it to her.

She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
She said: she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
She said she loved the book: so I gave it to her.
6.
a.
b.
c.
d.
She has three dogs, two poodles and a beagle.

She has three dogs; two poodles and a beagle.
She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.
She has three dogs, two poodles, and a beagle.
7.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

The orchestra, excluding the violin section; was not up to par.
The orchestra; excluding the violin section, was not up to par.
The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was: not up to par.
8.
a.
b.
c.
d.
I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
I have been to San Francisco California; Reno Nevada; and Seattle Washington.
I have been to San Francisco California, Reno Nevada, and Seattle Washington.
I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.
9.
a.
b.
c.
d.
I need a few items at the store clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
I need a few items at the store, clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
I need a few items at the store; clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
10. a.
b.
c.
d.
I answered the phone; but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
I answered the phone: but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
I answered the phone but, no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
11. a.
b.
c.
d.
This is what I ate for breakfast an apple and a bowl of cereal.

This is what I ate for breakfast, an apple and a bowl of cereal.
This is what I ate for breakfast: an apple and a bowl of cereal.
This is what I ate for breakfast, an apple and a bowl of cereal.
12. a.
b.
c.
d.
He knocked several times, no one came to the door.

He knocked several times; no one came to the door.
He knocked several times: no one came to the door.
He knocked several times no one came to the door.
13. a.
b.
c.
d.
My sister loves mysteries; my brother likes comics.

My sister loves mysteries, my brother likes comics.
My sister loves mysteries my brother likes comics.
My sister loves mysteries: my brother likes comics.
14. a.
b.
c.
d.
Here is what you need to get at the supermarket bananas bread milk and biscuits.
Here is what you need to get at the supermarket: bananas bread milk and biscuits.
Here is what you need to get at the supermarket; bananas, bread, milk and biscuits.
Here is what you need to get at the supermarket: bananas, bread, milk and biscuits.
15. a.
b.
c.
d.
The window was open I looked out over the empty fields.
The window was open, I looked out over the empty fields.
The window was open: I looked out over the empty fields.
The window was open; I looked out over the empty fields.
16. a.
b.
c.
d.
Top Gear has three presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.
Top Gear has three presenters: Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.
Top Gear has three presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.
Top Gear has three presenters; Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.
17. a. The dessert trolley featured several kinds of puddings; bread and butter pudding, crumble and sticky toffee pudding.
b. The dessert trolley featured several kinds of puddings: bread and butter pudding, crumble and sticky toffee
pudding.
c. The dessert trolley featured several kinds of puddings bread and butter pudding, crumble and sticky toffee pudding.
d. The dessert trolley featured several kinds of puddings, bread and butter pudding, crumble and sticky toffee pudding.
18. a.
b.
c.
d.
I read To Kill A Mockingbird, my friend read Of Mice and Men.

I read To Kill A Mockingbird; my friend read Of Mice and Men
I read To Kill A Mockingbird: my friend read Of Mice and Men
I read To Kill A Mockingbird my friend read Of Mice and Men
19. a.
b.
c.
d.
The loudspeaker crackled: "The 5:30 p.m. flight to New York is now boarding."
The loudspeaker crackled "The 5:30 p.m. flight to New York is now boarding."
The loudspeaker crackled, "The 5,30 p.m. flight to New York is now boarding."
The loudspeaker crackled; "The 5:30 p.m. flight to New York is now boarding."
20. a.
b.
c.
d.
Mankind has only one thing left: hope.

Mankind has only one thing left; hope.
Mankind has only one thing left hope.
Mankind has only one thing left, hope.
21. a.
b.
c.
d.
While we were walking the dog after dinner; the moon rose.
While we were walking the dog after dinner. The moon rose.
While we were walking the dog after dinner, the moon rose.
While we were walking the dog after dinner; then, the moon rose.
22. a.
b.
c.
d.
We plan to return some day to Brazil; therefore, we want to visit Rio Sao Paulo and Manaus.
We plan to return some day to Brazil, therefore, we want to visit Rio Sao Paulo and Manaus.
We plan to return some day to Brazil: therefore, we want to visit Rio, Sao Paulo, and Manaus.
We plan to return some day to Brazil; therefore, we want to visit Rio, Sao Paulo, and Manaus.
23. a. Swinging the door open quietly the two police officers surprised a young burglar as he worked to disconnect the
cable wire from the television set.
b. Swinging the door open quietly, the two police officers surprised a young burglar as he worked; to disconnect
the cable wire from the television set.
c. Swinging the door open quietly; the two police officers surprised a young burglar as he worked to disconnect the
cable wire from the television set.
d. Swinging the door open quietly, the two police officers surprised a young burglar as he worked to
disconnect the cable wire from the television set.
24. a.
b.
c.
d.
If you don't understand, please save your questions for the end of the presentation.
Please save your questions for the end of the presentation. If you don't understand.
Please save your questions for the end of the presentation; if you don't understand.
If you don't understand; please save your questions for the end of the presentation.
25. a.
b.
c.
d.
Jack's best sport is basketball; his brother excels at football.

Jack's best sport is basketball and, his brother excels at football.
Jack's best sport is basketball his brother excels at football.
Jack's best sport is basketball, his brother excels at football.
26. a.
b.
c.
d.
Kiran had a bad cold, consequently, she won't be able to play in the game tonight.
Kiran had a bad cold consequently she won't be able to play in the game tonight.
Kiran had a bad cold; consequently, she won't be able to play in the game tonight.
Kiran had a bad cold and consequently, she won't be able to play in the game tonight.
ANSWERS
1. Many companies make sugar-free soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals; the drinks usually contain
only one or two calories per serving.
2. Mr. Leyland played the viola professionally for many years, and he now conducts a community orchestra.
3. The crab grass was flourishing, but the rest of the lawn, unfortunately, was dying.
4. The hill was covered with wildflowers; it was a beautiful sight.
5. As I turned around, I heard a loud thump, for the cat had upset the goldfish bowl.
6. The artist preferred to paint in oils; he did not like watercolors.
7. The house was clean, the table set, and the porch light on; everything was ready for the guests' arrival.
8. He looked carefully in the underbrush, but he failed to notice the pair of green eyes staring at him.
9. The foundations of the house had been poured, but, to his disappointment, nothing else had been done because of the
carpenters' strike.
10. The computer could perform millions of operations in a split second; however, it could not think spontaneously.
11. I thought registration day would be tiring, but I didn't know I'd have to stand in so many lines.
12. The dog, growling and snarling, snapped at me; I was so frightened that I ran.
13. The snowstorm dumped twelve inches of snow on the interstate; subsequently, the state police closed the road.
14. Professors are supposed to be absent-minded, and I've seen plenty of evidence to support that claim since I've been in college.
15. The suspect said that he had never met the victim; however, the detective knew that he was lying.
16. In the first place, it was snowing too hard to see the road; in the second place, we had no chains.
17. I have read Soul on Ice, but I have not read The Invisible Man.
18. San Francisco is my favorite city; in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there this summer.
19. The quarterback made a brilliant pass, and the end crossed the goal line for the winning touchdown.
20. Large supermarkets fascinate me; I can find everything from frozen chow mein to soybean flour in one place.
21. Ron and Mike were both in English class this morning; they gave an interesting presentation on their research.
22. The obstacles are not insurmountable, but they are real and formidable.
23. Riding a bicycle is excellent exercise; I ride mine every day.
24. I am not interested in a trip to Asia this year; however, I would like to go to Europe.
25. Not all highly educated people enjoy traveling, but many world travelers are particularly well educated. Sentence is correct.
26. Jack worked overtime to pay off his education debts; at least, that was his explanation for his long hours.
27. Katherine has given up smoking about five times, but she cannot seem to break the habit.
28. His work may be almost totally forgotten, but he would certainly be surprised to see how much current scholarship
simply echoes his ideas.
29. Our dog seems to have a built-in alarm clock; he wakes us up at exactly the same time every morning.
30. The passengers on the plane were initially alarmed by the loss of altitude, but the pilot and the crew kept them calm.
31. I realized at once that something was wrong; I was not, however, the only person who was concerned.
32. I had to complete the assignment by Friday; otherwise, I would have failed the course.
33. Ralph decided to be a chemist, but he changed his mind after taking Chem. 121.
34. I finished reading The Nation, and then I went to bed.
35. We always go to the mountains in the fall; they are at their prettiest at that time of year.
36. Tim went to the candy store quite often; the clerk even knew his name.
37. Criticism of capitalist expansionism does not surface in most discussions of the worldwide ecological crisis; indeed,
proposed solutions rarely deviate from a basic message of further technological "progress."
38. The president has pledged to cut taxes repeatedly, and the public has responded enthusiastically.
39. The office was closed; consequently, I could not pay my bill.
40. The air was beautifully clear; it was a lovely day.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
APOSTROPHES (ANSWER KEY)

Apostrophes are used to show possession (in certain plural forms) and to indicate the omission of letters in contractions.
Review these eight rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Add (s) to form the singular possessive (even when the noun ends in s):
a. Mr. Summerss essay was convincing.
Add (s) to plural possessive not ending in s:
a. The childrens ability to learn is outstanding.
Add () to plural possessive ending in s:
a. The students grades improved.
Add (s) to indefinite pronouns that show ownership:
a. Everyones ability should be considered.
Never use apostrophes with possessive pronouns:
a. This experiment must be yours.
Add (s) to the last word of a compound noun, compound subject, or name of a business or institution:
a. The president-elects speech/ Gabe and Mikes wedding/ The National Science Associations meeting
Use (s) to form the plurals or letters, figures, and numbers, as well as expressions of time or money:
a. Mind your ps and qs. / The project was a result of a years worth of work.
Use apostrophes to show that letters or words are omitted in contractions:
a. She doesnt (does not) work today.
Select the correct option.

1.
(Lindas/Lindas) calendar was too small to show all her appointments.
2.
(Its/Its) a (days/days) drive to the beach.
3.
The (buss/buses) always parked in front of the school in the afternoon.
4.
Take off (your/youre) boots if their/theyre muddy.
5.
The lion bared (its/its) huge, sharp teeth.
6.
(Central High Schools/Central High Schools) schedule was full.
7.
(Carlos/Carloss) mother looked younger than her years.
8.
I was impressed by (John and Sarahs/ Johns and Sarahs) math grade.
9.
The (puppys/puppies) were so tiny they could all fit in a shoebox.
10. (Their/Theyre) studying hard for the exam tomorrow.

11. (Its/Its) a bright sunny day.
12. We only sell (apples/apples) in this shop.
13. The (weathers/weathers) nice today.
14. (Mr.McCarthys/Mr.McCarthy's) lessons are really good.
15. The bag is (hers/hers).
16. I cant believe (Amy and Joes/Amys and Joes) baby can walk at only twelve weeks old.
17. She was able to earn three (As/As) and a B.
18. The Modern period began during the early (1900s/1900s).
19. All of my (bosses/bosss/boss) have been really supportive.
20. All of my (bosses/bosss/boss) offices have been huge with wonderful views.
In each question, only one of the sentences has all the apostrophes correctly placed.
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Bristol's harbour is one of the countrys most beautiful.

Bristols harbour is one of the country's most beautiful.
Bristol's harbour is one of the country's most beautiful.
Bristols' harbour is one of the countrys' most beautiful.
2.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The two boy's bags were lying at the river's edge.

The two boys bag's were lying at the rivers' edge.
The two boys' bags were lying at the river's edge.
The two boys' bags' were lying at the rivers edge.
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
My parent's flat is in one of the city's finest areas.

My parents' flat is in one of the citys finest areas'.
My parents' flat is in one of the citys' finest areas.
My parents' flat is in one of the city's finest areas.
4.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The world's experts were quick to praise the two girls' courage.
The world's experts were quick to praise the two girl's courage.
The worlds expert's were quick to praise the two girls' courage.
The worlds' experts were quick to praise the two girls' courage.
5.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Steve's mothers house is right next to his only sister's flat.

Steves mother's house is right next to his only sister's flat.
Steve's mothers' house is right next to his only sisters' flat.
Steve's mother's house is right next to his only sister's flat.
6.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The two buildings doors' and windows' were damaged in the blast.
The two buildings door's and window's were damaged in the blast.
The two buildings' doors and windows were damaged in the blast.
The two building's doors and windows were damaged in the blast.
7.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The cat's illness was making its paws sore.

The cat's illness was making it's paws sore.
The cats' illness was making its paws sore.
The cats' illness' was making its paws sore.
8.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The teams manager's attitude was affecting all the player's performance.
The team's manager's attitude was affecting all the players' performance.
The teams manager's attitude was affecting all the players' performance.
The team's manager's attitude was affecting all the player's performance.
9.
a.
b.
c.
d.
It's owners made Ted the cat's life very comfortable.

It's owners' made Ted the cats life very comfortable.
Its owners made Ted the cats' life very comfortable.
Its owners made Ted the cat's life very comfortable.
10. a.
b.
c.
d.
The Roman's bridges and roads were vital for moving the troops' supplies.
The Romans' bridges and roads were vital for moving the troops' supplies.
The Romans' bridges and roads were vital for moving the troop's supplies.
The Romans bridge's and road's were vital for moving the troops supplies.
In this exercise, you will be shown an incorrectly punctuated sentence. Select which of the options given is correct.
1. The two boy's rucksacks were found at the water's edge.
a. There are two boys, the sentence should read "boys' rucksacks".
b. The apostrophe in "water's edge" should not be there.
c. The rucksacks belong to the boys and need an apostrophe, "rucksack's".
d. The sentence is currently correct.
2. The building had lost all its window's and door's.
a. Its is a possessive form and needs an apostrophe.
b. The doors and windows are plural and need the apostrophe after the final 's'.
c. The doors and windows do not need an apostrophe.
3. New York's skyline has lost two of it's most famous buildings.
a. New York is a proper noun and does not need an apostrophe.
b. 'It's' should not have an apostrophe as it's possessive.
c. The buildings belong to the skyline and need an apostrophe.
4. Whos taken Paul's shoes?
a. There should be an apostrophe in who's as it is short for who has.
b. The shoes are plural and so Paul's should be Pauls'.
c. The shoes belong to Paul, so they should have an apostrophe.
5. The three car's tires were found in the only suspect's flat.
a. The suspect does not need an apostrophe.
b. The apostrophe in car's is incorrecly placed.
c. The tires belong to the car and need an apostrophe.
6. The childrens books and pencils were put in their bags.
a. Children is plural and so the apostrophe should come after the 's'.
b. The bags belong to the children, so they should have an apostrophe.
c. The books and pencils end in an 's', so they need an apostrophe.
7. I would like to see all those actor's together on that theatres famous stage.
a. theatre should be theatres
b. actors should be actors
c. actors should be actors
8. The singer's voice was considered one of the world's best; his' dancing was among the worst.
a. There is no need for an apostrophe in world's.
b. His is a possessive form; it needs no apostrophe.
c. There is no need for an apostrophe in singer's.
9. All those peoples cars make the shop keepers lives much more difficult.
a. peoples should be peoples
b. keepers should be keepers
c. cars should be cars
10. All the children's books and their parents coats were put in the school's lost property bags.
a. childrens should be childrens
b. parents should be parents
c. bags should be bags
Punctuate the following sentences with apostrophes according to the rules for using the apostrophe.
1. Who's the party's candidate for vice president this year?

2. The fox had its right foreleg caught securely in the trap's jaws.
3. Our neighbor's car is an old Chrysler, and it's just about to fall apart.
4. In three weeks' time we'll have to begin school again.
5. Didn't you hear that they're leaving tomorrow?
6. Whenever I think of the stories I read as a child, I remember Cinderella's glass slipper and Snow White's wicked
stepmother.
7. We claimed the picnic table was ours, but the Smiths' children looked so disappointed that we found another spot.
8. It's important that the kitten learns to find its way home.
9. She did not hear her children's cries.
10. My address has three 7s, and Tim's phone number has four 2s.
11. Didn't he say when he would arrive at Arnie's house?
12. It's such a beautiful day that I've decided to take a sun bath.
13. She said the watch Jack found was hers, but she couldn't identify the manufacturer'sname on it.
14. Little girls' clothing is on the first floor, and the men's department is on the second.
15. The dog's bark was far worse than its bite.
16. The moon's rays shone feebly on the path, and I heard the insects' chirpings and whistlings.
17. They're not afraid to go ahead with the plans, though the choice is not theirs.
18. The man whose face was tan said that he had spent his two weeks' vacation in the mountains.
19. I found myself constantly putting two c's in the word process.
20. John's '69 Ford is his proudest possession.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
QUOTATION MARKS (ANSWER KEY)

Use double quotation marks
1. to set off quoted material: In the play, Hamlet inquires, To be or not to be.
2. to set off dialogue: I do, Alice hastily replied.
3. to stress or identify words: She said this area was her bread and butter.
4. to imply sarcasm: The conversation resulted in a black-eye.
5. to identify TV Episodes, Poems, Stories, Essays, Chapters: I love the poem, A Dream Deferred.
Use double quotation marks
6. to identify a quote within a quote: I said, I never want to speak to you again! Juan explained.
Punctuation * * * * * * * * * * * *
1.
2.
3.
Put commas/periods before quotation marks, except when parenthetical follows: Hamlet inquires, To be or not to be (31).
Place colons/semicolons outside closed quotation marks: He described it as "a definitive step forward"; others disagreed.
Place a question mark or exclamation point within closing quotation marks if the punctuation applies to the quotation itself.
Place the punctuation outside the closing quotation marks if the punctuation applies to the whole sentence.
Phillip asked, "Do you need this book?" / Does Dr. Lim always say to her students, "You must work harder"?
Choose the sentence in which the quotation is correctly punctuated.

1.
a. Well, she said, you certainly didnt waste any time.

b. Well, she said, you certainly didnt waste any time.
c. Well, she said, you certainly didnt waste any time.
2.
a. Is it almost over? he asked.

b. Is it almost over, he asked?
c. Is it almost over, he asked?
3.
a. She screamed, Ive had it up to here!.

b. She screamed, Ive had it up to here!
c. She screamed, Ive had it up to here!
4.
a. Do you believe the saying, A penny saved is a penny earned?

b. Do you believe the saying, A penny saved is a penny earned?
c. Do you believe the saying, A penny saved is a penny earned.?
5.
a. The song asks, Would you like to swing on a star?.

b. The song asks, Would you like to swing on a star?
c. The song asks, Would you like to swing on a star?
6.
a. Carmen said, I think Ring the Alarm is a great song.

b. Carmen said, I think Ring the Alarm is a great song.
c. Carmen said, I think Ring the Alarm is a great song.
7.
a. May I have a rain check on that lunch, I asked?

b. May I have a rain check on that lunch, I asked?
c. May I have a rain check on that lunch? I asked.
8.
a. "Do you want to play baseball during recess," Bob asked.

b. "Do you want to play baseball during recess?" Bob asked.
c. "Do you want to play baseball during recess? Bob asked.
9.
a. "Our neighbor reported I watched a fascinating program on sharks."

d. Our neighbor reported, "I watched a fascinating program on sharks."
e. Our neighbor reported "I watched a fascinating program on sharks."
10. a. "This movie," Robin said "is really exciting."

b. "This movie" Robin said, "is really exciting."
c. "This movie, "Robin said, "is really exciting."
11. a. "When can I see your science project?" Steve asked.
b. "When can I see your science project," Steve asked.
c. "When can I see your science project" Steve asked.
12. a. "This building is a city landmark" Jeff explained.
b. "This building is a city landmark," Jeff explained.
c. "This building is a city landmark," Jeff explained
13. a. "Do not," the museum guide warned, "touch the displays."
b. Do not the museum guide warned, "touch the displays."
c. "Do not" the museum guide warned, "touch the displays."
14. a. Captain Lee said, "My next voyage will be to the Bahamas."
b. Captain Lee said, "my next voyage will be to the Bahamas."
c. Captain Lee said "My next voyage will be to the Bahamas."
15. a. Simone asked, "Did you just get home?"
b. Simone asked "Did you just get home?"
c. Simone asked, "did you just get home?"
16. a. "What activities have been planned," Emily inquired.
b. "What activities have been planned" Emily inquired?
c. "What activities have been planned?" Emily inquired.
17. a. "The new schedule," announced Marilyn, "will begin tomorrow."
b. The new schedule, announced Marilyn, "Will begin tomorrow."
c. "The new schedule," announced Marilyn "will begin tomorrow."
18. a. "I can", Stephen volunteered "come an hour early to help."
b. "I can," Stephen volunteered, "come an hour early to help."
c. "I can," Stephen volunteered, "Come an hour early to help."
19. a. Michael announced, "I think I'll run for class president."
b. Michael announced "I think I'll run for class president".
c. Michael announced "I think I'll run for class president."
20. a. "How," asked Michael's sister, "can I help you campaign"?
b. "How," asked Michael's sister, "Can I help you campaign?"
c. "How," asked Michael's sister, "can I help you campaign?"
21. a. "I'll need to create several large posters," answered Michael.
b. "I'll need to create several large posters", answered Michael.
c. I'll need to create several large posters, answered Michael.
22. a. Perhaps suggested Michael's dad, "we can all help."
b. "Perhaps," suggested Michael's dad "we can all help."
c. "Perhaps," suggested Michael's dad, "we can all help."
23. a. "Let's get started this evening" said Michael's mom.
b. "Let's get started this evening," said Michael's mom.
c. "Let's get sarted this evening?" said Michael's mom.
24. a. Simone asked, "Did you just get home?"
b. Simone asked "Did you just get home?"
c. Simone asked, "Did you just get home"?
25. a. "What if," my father worried, "I can't find the car keys?"
b. What if my father worred, "I can't find the car keys?"
c. "What if," my father worried "I can't find the car keys."
26. a. "Is it easier," I asked, "for me to come to your house?"
b. "Is it easier" I asked, "for me to come to your house?"
c. Is it easier, I asked, "for me to come to your house?"
27. a. "Do you want to play baseball during recess," Bob asked.
b. "Do you want to play baseball during recess?" Bob asked.
c. "Do you want to play baseball during recess? Bob asked.
28. a. "This movie," Robin said "is really exciting."
b. "This movie" Robin said, "is really exciting."
c. "This movie," Robin said, "is really exciting."
29. a. "Do not," the museum guide warned, "touch the displays."
b. Do not the museum guide warned, "touch the displays."
c. "Do not" the museum guide warned, "Touch the displays."
30. a. Captain Lee said, "My next voyage will be to the Bahamas."
b. Captain Lee said, "my next voyage will be to the Bahamas."
c. Captain Lee said "My next voyage will be to the Bahamas."
In the following sentences, put in commas and quotation marks wherever they are needed. Some sentences may be correct.
1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. "No," the taxi driver said curtly, "I cannot get you to the airport in fifteen minutes."
3. "I believe," Jack remarked, "that the best time of year to visit Europe is in the spring. At least that's what I read in
a book entitled Guide to Europe."
4. My French professor told me that my accent is abominable.
5. She asked, "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?"
6. Flannery O'Connor probably got the title of one of her stories from the words of the old popular song, "A Good
Man Is Hard to Find."
7. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
8. Yesterday, John said, "This afternoon I'll bring back your book Conflict in the Middle East"; however, he did not
return it.
9. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
10. "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" is, I believe, J. D. Salinger's best short story.
11. "Certainly," Mr. Martin said, "I shall explain the whole situation to him. I know that he will understand."
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
CAPITALIZATION (ANSWER KEY)

Remember to always capitalize:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Names of Ships, Trains, etc. (Boeing 747, Apollo 13)

Deities (God, Buddha)
Historical or Geological Periods (Neolithic age, Roaring Twenties)
Astronomical Bodies (Big Dipper)
Personification (She believed that Love would triumph in the end.)
Organizations (Girl Scouts, Harvard University)
Government (Senate, Boston City Council)
Titles Preceding Names (President Obama, the president of the United States)
Family Relationships, Unless Preceded by a Pronoun (I met my mother / his uncle Bob ; I met Mother / Uncle Bob)
Beginning of Sentence (Our car was fast.)
Beginning of Full Quote (He said, Dont do that.)
Regions (the South, Eastern Europe / the east of Europe)
Political and Philosophical Groups (Democratic Party, Existentialism)
Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct capitalization.

1.
a. She said, bees are not the only insects that sting.
b. She said, Bees are not the only insects that sting.
2.
a. You must understand, he pleaded, That I need more time to pay you.
b. You must understand, he pleaded, that I need more time to pay you.
3.
a. Mark Paxton, the vice president of the company, embezzled over one million dollars.
b. Mark Paxton, the Vice President of the company, embezzled over one million dollars.
4.
a. The president of the United States wields much power.

b. The President of the United States wields much power.
5.
a. I live in the Northeastern part of the state, where the climate is colder.
b. I live in the northeastern part of the state, where the climate is colder.
6.
a. The West, especially California, is famous for its cutting-edge technology.

b. The west, especially California, is famous for its cutting-edge technology.
7.
a. Have you read All the King's Men?

b. Have you read All The King's Men?
8.
a. I enjoy Summer more than any other season.

b. I enjoy summer more than any other season.
9.
a. Employees of the Company were laid off with little hope of returning to work.
b. Employees of the company were laid off with little hope of returning to work.
10.
a. The Horowitzes live at the end of Newton road.

b. The easiest way to get there is to take the Westside Freeway.
c. Turn West onto Fernando Avenue.
11.
a. Camille complained, "why do I have to wash the dishes?

b. Her brother replied, "It's your turn."
c. Camille said, "no, it isn't; I did them yesterday."
12.
a. He met his Aunt Diana for lunch.

b. Shaisha was with her Mother when the phone rang.
c. His uncle Jose was at the baseball game
13.
a. "What's the matter?" asked Mrs. Shea. "did you fall?"

b. "Yes," sobbed Katie, "And I broke my favorite mug."
c. "That's a shame," said Mrs. Shea, "but I'm glad you're not hurt."
14.
a. The director said that the next practice would be on Thursday.

b. The last game was our best one ever, said the Coach.
c. The Assistant told them that their hard work at practice had really paid off.
15.
a. The general store sells just about anything a person could want.
b. The owner always brags, "we've got one of everything."
c. "I know it's here," he'll say, "If we can just find it."
16.
a. Thaddeus Morton jr. was a friend of my uncle.

b. He and Uncle Martin both went to Hills College.
c. Mr. Morton's Great-Grandfather helped start the college in 1894.
17.
a. Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president four times.

b. When he died, vice-president Harry Truman took over.
c. Truman had to fire Douglas MacArthur, a famous General.
18.
a. Australia is the only country that is also a Continent.

b. People often associate Australia and new Zealand.
c. Both countries were colonized by Great Britain.
19.
a. When people think of Paris, they think of the Eiffel Tower.

b. The Empire state building is a symbol of New York City.
c. Visitors to San Antonio usually want to see the alamo.
20.
a. The sign on the door said, "Mary Rudolph, ph.d."

b. Then dr. Mendez knew he was in the right place.
c. He wanted to talk about the geography of the Southwest.
Some of the follow sentences contain errors in capitalization. Make the necessary corrections.
1. Dr. Goldberger traveled through the Southern part of pennsylvania to get to the conference on victorian poetry.
2. Many of the students in the introduction to Microcomputers course at the university of hartford last fall preferred using
macintosh Computers rather than the pc's provided in the Lab.
3. My favorite uncle, my Father's brother, wrote a famous book on the role of buddha in Herman Hesse's novel siddhartha.
4. "Wait," He said, "Until the Huskies have won a few games."
5. The secretary of the Society of Concerned Students wrote to the Ambassador of south Africa.
6. On the fourth of July, we celebrate the war of Independence; on labor Day, we celebrate the contributions of Organized
Labor to American life.
7. My mother asked Mayor Pete a question about scandinavian immigration.
8. I'll never forget reading the Last Of The Mohicans when I was in Mrs. Turveydrop's high school English class.
9. Didwell somehow managed to get an A in his Physics course, but he failed History 104.
10. I think that lake Superior is the largest and the most Northern of the great lakes.
11. Clerihew is a classical studies major, but his favorite course is in french history.
12. News of the grant was announced by President Chauncey Bedouin, who used to be president of Breadwidth university.
13. Dogsbreath played baseball until he came down with Measles.
14. Last spring, sometime in late March , I believe, Grillbody heard that he had been awarded a Fulbright fellowship.
15. Tashonda earned a master's degree in business before she went on for a Ph.D. in Economics.
16. Most 20th-Century art leaves me cold, but I love the French impressionists and the nineteenth-century british
landscape painters.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
IDENTIFY COMMON SPELLING ERRORS

In regards to all of the following rules, some exceptions apply.
IE versus EI
i before e except after c , or when sounded as a as in neighbor or weigh
Vowel Combinations
When two vowels are together, the first one is usually long and the second one is silent
(reach, cheapen, conceal)
Doubling Consonants
Consonants are usually doubled when adding an ending, or suffix, to a word
(cut/cutting, slip/slipped, quit/quitter)
Final E
Drop the final e when adding a suffix that begins with a vowel such as -ing, -able, -ous, -ity
(surprise/surprising, leave/leaving, scarce/scarcity)
Keep the final e before endings that begin with consonants such as ment, -ness, -less, -ful
(advertise/advertisement, wire/wireless, peace/peaceful)
Final Y
When adding a suffix, a final y is sometimes changed to an i when it follows a consonant
(mercy/merciful, crazy/craziness, salary/salaries)
However, keep the y if it follows a vowel.
(attorneys, monkeys, staying, payable)
--ABLE
If a root word takes the ation suffix, it usually takes able
(imagination/imaginable, application/applicable)
Or, if a root word is a complete word by itself, it takes able
(drink/drinkable, search/searchable)
--IBLE
If a word ends in a soft c or g , it takes ible
ends in ss
or if a root word is not a whole word
(forcible, invincible, legible),

(repressible, accessible, dismissible),
(collection/collectible, vision/visible, division/divisible)
Homonyms: two or more words having the same spelling or the same pronunciation but different meanings
affect
effect
(verb) indicate influence: The medicine did not affect her.

(noun) result or consequence: What are the effects of the medicine?
accept receive, agree to: I accept your apology.

except excluding: I like all vegetables, except broccoli.
aloud something said out loud: Reading aloud.
allowed something permitted: Dogs are not allowed.
are
our
(verb) a form of "to be": They are my cousins.

(adjective) the plural possessive form of we: They will bring our keys.
buy
by
purchasing an item: I do need to buy new shoes for the kids.

a preposition to indicate location: Please put the sandwiches by the door so we don't forget them!
brake
break
verb meaning to stop: The bike's brake failed.

indicate smashing or shattering or to take a recess: My back will break ; We took a water break.
bear
bare
referring to the large mammal or to indicate the act of supporting: Thats a big bear ; I cant bear to watch.
adjective indicating lack of clothing or adornment: His bare neck burned in the direct sunlight.
here
hear
(adverb) to indicate location: Please come back here and put your shoes away!
(verb) to indicate listening: Can you hear the birds' beautiful singing outside?
it's
its
contraction for it is: It's raining today.

possessive form of it: The cat is licking its paws.
lie
lay
reclining, or false statement: I was watching the dog lie in the warm sunlight ; Dont lie to me.
placement: Please lay the paper on the table.
one
won
when referring to a single unit or thing: I have one more muffin left before the box is empty.
past tense form of the verb "to win": Shelly's team won the tournament and celebrated with ice-cream sundaes!
principle basic truth or law: Many important life principles are learned in kindergarten.
principal head of a school, or a sum of money: The principal is a well-respected member of the community.
to
too
two
indicate direction: We're going to the park.

also, excessive: I ate too much ; I ate lunch, too.
a number: Marcy ate two pieces of pie.
than
then
comparisons: John is taller than Tim.

indicate passage of time, or when: We went to the park and then the store.
there pronoun or adverb: There will be a party tonight. (pronoun); Put the book over there. (adverb)
their shows possession: The students put their coats in the closet.
they're is the contraction for they are: They're going to have practice immediately after school today.
you're a contraction for you are: You're going to absolutely love this new recipe.
your possession: Please bring your books to class with you tomorrow.
weather referring to the state of the atmosphere: The constantly changing springtime weather is driving us crazy.
whether conjunction to introduce choices: Please tell us whether you would prefer steak or salmon for dinner.
which (pronoun) when referring to noun: Cora wore her favorite shoes, which she received as a birthday gift.
witch (noun) a scary or nasty person: The Halloween witch decorations must finally come down off of the wall!
whose belongs to whom: Whose party is this?
whos who is or who has: Whos going to the party?
Select the correct choice. (ANSWER KEY) ********************************

1. I don't care what you read on (its, its) label! This is poisonous!
2. If (your/youre) patient enough, you might see a rainbow.
3. They have left (their, there, theyre) home because of the storm.
4. (Were, Where, Were) going where no one has gone before.
5. (Whose, Whos) bike is that?
6. The computer has been (sitting/setting) there since yesterday.
7. My brother (laid, lay, lied) in bed all day yesterday.
8. How did they manage to (lose, loose) that game?
9. The library has been incredibly (quite, quit, quiet) today.
10. What (affect, effect) did her resolution have on the committee?
11. Baby, (its, its) cold outside!
12. (Whose, Whos) going to tell the boss?
13. It's time to (quite, quit, quiet) fooling around and get down to work.
14. The old man (set, sat) on the park bench all day.
15. Finally he decided to (lay, lie) down and take a nap.
16. I think it's going to be (to, too, two) difficult for her.
17. How did passing the MTEL (affect, effect) her confidence as a teacher?
18. We're wondering what happened to (their, there, theyre) car.
19. The counselors help you to explore (your, youre) options.
20. She will (chose, choose) her career wisely.
---------------------------------------------------21. Because it had been getting (to, too, two) wet over the years, the wood was (roting/rotting).
22. (Answerring/Answering) the telephone, Edgar was more upset (then/than) I was at being interrupted.
23. (Referring/Refering) to the incident at the store, the manager said (their, there, theyre) would have to be some changes.
24. After (slidding, sliding) on the muddy field, the boys decided it was (to, too, two) wet to play.
25. He's never sure (whether, weather) to believe us when we tell him (their, there, theyre) is an emergency.
26. (Opening, Openning) the car window, the driver (handded, handed) the toll to the collector.
27. Although (its, its) clear that this report is Miguel's, I have no idea (whose, whos) the other one is.
28. (Were, Were, Where) glad to see that (youre, your) finally going to settle down.
29. Even though the (weather, whether) forecaster said it would clear up, we have even heavier rain (than, then) yesterday.
30. (Waiting, Waitting) to be served at the restaurant, I (hopped, hoped) that I would not be late getting back to work.
31. (To, Too, Two) often (their, there, theyre) is not enough trust between people.
32. Before she could tell us what had (occured, occurred), the water had already risen higher (than, then) we thought possible.
33. After (cutting, cuting) his hair very short, Norman was (to, too, two) ashamed to go out without a hat on.
34. A thick fog (obscurred, obscured) our vision and (bloted, blotted) out the lights from shore.
35. (Climbing, Climbbing) to the roof, Susan (spoted, spotted) a bird's nest blocking the downspout.
36. The rain on the windshield (blurred, blured) the lights of the other cars as they sped (past, passed) us.
37. The flag (fluttered, flutterred) in the breeze as we wondered (weather, whether) the wind would ever die down.
38. When we arrived at the depot, (their, there, theyre) were (to, too, two) police officers waiting to take the criminal away.
39. At one time (whalling, whaling) was a worldwide industry; today it is almost a thing of the (passed, past).
40. Incorporating technology improves students academic achievement, which (affects, effects) (their, there, theyre) confidence.
IBLE versus ABLE

8. Last night's movie about the invis(-able/-ible) man was so incred(-able/-ible) that it was laugh(-able/-ible).
9. My irrespons(-able/-ible) little brother is usually kept away from anything break(-able/-ible)
10. Are these new clothes really comfort(-able/-ible), or do people only wear them because they are fashion(-able/-ible)?
11. I think I would be less irrit(-able/-ible) if my professors were more flex(-able/-ible).
12. I don't think voting twice in national elections is permiss(-able/-ible).
13. It's always valu(-able/-ible) to have a friend who is depend(-able/-ible).
14. My employer said that it isn't suit(-able/-ible) to have a secretary whose handwriting is illeg(-able/-ible).
Can you correct the errors below?
Most people thought that Michael, an eligable bachelor, was an adorable, personible man. Mattie, however, found him
detestable. Some time ago, Michael promised to take Mattie to a fashionible restaurant for a remarkible dinner. As
horrable as it sounds, Michael took Mattie to the local McDonald's. Most of the food there was either inedable or
undigestable. Mattie was as irritable as possable when she told her roommates about her terrible date. "Whoever
finally marries that contemptable Michael," Mattie said, "is certainly not going to be in an enviable position."
IE versus EI
21. There are (eight, ieght) candles on the cake.
22. I have not (recieved, received) a letter since Saturday.
23. Have you ever been on a (sleigh, sliegh) ride?
24. Her (neice, niece) is going to come to (grief, greif).
25. She (shrieked, shreiked) in surprise when he dropped the ice cube down her back.
26. Drop that silver, you (theif, thief)!
27. He's the most (conceited, concieted) man I know.
28. I don't (beleive, believe) he is so (conceited, concieted).
29. As he was dying, the (cheif, chief) asked for a (preist, priest).
30. Leave the mouse a (peice, piece) of cheese.
31. Brevity is the soul of wit; therefore, be (breif, brief).
32. The (freight, frieght) train woke the (nieghbors, neighbors).
33. I have to (beleive, believe) to (acheive, achieve).
34. Look at that spider on the (ceiling, cieling).
35. Judson could not (conceive, concieve) of such treachery.
36. (Weigh, Wiegh) your produce at the register.
37. The shower was a (releif, relief) after the hot day.
38. The blood in my (veins, viens) ran cold at the sight of King Kong.
39. I'll need a (receipt, reciept) for this purchase.
40. Did you (perceive, percieve) how Jan (yeilded, yielded) the floor to Tom?

Grammar Ws (Teacher)

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PARALLELISM (ANSWER KEY)

a. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing.

We have no doubt about her care and interest in the proposal.

MISPLACED AND DANGLING MODIFIERS (ANSWER KEY)

c. Hungry and frustrated, the childs tears were inevitable.

c. When I opened the closet door, a box of letters fell on my head.

c. While trying on dresses, the saleswoman kept bothering me.

c. To study the effects of alcohol, researchers fed a dozen mice beer.

c. Rushing to dress, my shoelaces broke.

10. a. I smelled fresh flowers entering the reception hall.

Incorrect: Because Stephen studied everyday. ________________________

a. Mrs. Blanco gone to visit her mother at the hospital.

a. When my cousin moved to Troy, New York, after he finished school.

a. To apply for a job at the new store in the mall.

a. Who borrowed Stefanie's car Saturday night.

a. Before the committee finished the annual report.

a. Unless Mr. Parsons arranges the meeting.

a. Mr. Higgins been nominated for president of the nature society.

a. Testing the sound system in the auditorium.

a. James having trouble starting his car.

a. Falling interest rates have resulted in increased real estate sales.

a. To graduate in the top 10 percent of the class.

a. Running the presses all by himself.

a. By hiding all the ash trays in the house.

a. To answer her audiences' many questions.

a. Leaving early to catch a flight at the local airport.

a. At the monthly meeting of the regional astronomy society.

a. Surprised at how enthusiastic their response was.

a. Since we knew they were busy, we didn't bother to call.

a. Crossing the light just as the light changed.

a. Before the party was over.

a. Caitlin been working at the restaurant for three months.

a. Although the reports aren't ready yet.

a. To earn some money over the semester break.

a. Handicapped people affected the most by this snow.

a. Connecticut getting its share of northeastern-type storms this year.

a. As long as we don't lose our power in the night.

a. Brenda said she always prefered snow to rain.

a. Snow piling up on my neighbor's roof.

FRAGMENTS (ANSWER KEY)

Incorrect: Because Stephen studied everyday. ________________________

a. Mrs. Blanco gone to visit her mother at the hospital.

a. When my cousin moved to Troy, New York, after he finished school.

a. To apply for a job at the new store in the mall.

a. Who borrowed Stefanie's car Saturday night.

a. Before the committee finished the annual report.

a. Unless Mr. Parsons arranges the meeting.

a. Mr. Higgins been nominated for president of the nature society.

a. Testing the sound system in the auditorium.

a. James having trouble starting his car.

a. Falling interest rates have resulted in increased real estate sales.

a. To graduate in the top 10 percent of the class.

a. Running the presses all by himself.

a. By hiding all the ash trays in the house.

a. To answer her audiences' many questions.

a. Leaving early to catch a flight at the local airport.

a. At the monthly meeting of the regional astronomy society.

a. Surprised at how enthusiastic their response was.