You have
Content
You have 4 out of 6 answers correct. 1. Many Ottawa-area cyclists agree that the best place for a bike ride is going to the Gatineau Hills. Your answer a. is correct is incorrect. The correct answer is b. has a problem. Explanation: the sentence says that the best place is going; a place can’t be an action ******* 2. Physics is one subject where you can end up facing profound questions about the nature of existence. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the is where structure is illogical; physics isn’t a place *******
3. The reason Farouk has difficulty finding decent shoes is that his feet are not the
same size. Your answer b. has a problem is incorrect. The correct answer is a. is correct. Explanation: the reason . . . is that is a correct structure ******* 4. One thing that prevents me from living abroad is when I think of missing my family, my friends and my dog. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the is when structure is illogical; a thing isn’t a time *******
5. You may be skeptical, but I know that the reason Missy won the Centreville Idol
competition is because she is the daughter of one of the judges. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the reason . . . is because isn’t a correct structure ******* 6. A characteristic that I admire is a person who is generous. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the sentence says that the characteristic is a person, which is illogical *******
Parallel Structures
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1. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.
You're right! 2. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and to appreciate good prose. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.
She learned two things, which are both in the infinitive form in the first sentence. 3. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph's. You're right! 4. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and learning about life.
The second sentence mixes two infinitives with a participle form. 5. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend.
Once we establish that article-adjective-noun pattern, we should stick to it!
6. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing. You're right! 7. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and he made it conveniently arranged. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and conveniently arranged. You're right! For the sake of variety we can add modifiers to a string of otherwise parallel elements. 8. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. 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.
Working hard and going beyond become parallel elements. 9. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. There's nothing I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and spending a couple of days fishing. There's nothing I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and to spend a couple of days fishing.
Three verbals (gerunds) are parallel -- as opposed to two gerunds and an infinitive form.
Pronoun & Tense Consistency
Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. 1. When one has been going to college for as long as he has, ____________ to think the college owes _______ a degree. you start; you one starts; one he starts; him
To be consistent with one in the initial clause, we need "one starts" here. 2. Spring begins early in Tennessee. First, the forsythia bursts into blossom; then the dogwood trees _______ to bloom, and the redbud is soon in its glory. begin began
We need to stay in the present tense established in the first sentence, so begin is appropriate. 3. The poetry of Robert Frost (1874-1963) often seems to suggest some kind of fate controls our lives. His essays, too, ____________ a similar malignant presence. indicate indicated
To be consistent with seems (present tense), we will stay with indicate. (When writing about literature, try to use the present tense when logic permits.) 4. We have never seen this kind of impatience in the media before. ________ think it has something to do with the weather. You We You're right!
5. The climate of New Zealand can be a pleasure for you if _______ don't mind a little rain. we he you You're right! 6. Aunt Mina wrote to tell us of her recent trip to California. She said it was a delightful journey on the plane. Seeing her brother again _________ a real treat. is was You're right! 7. When NYPD Blue went off the air in May, many viewers felt they had lost a friend in ________ own family. his our their You're right! Name Date Pronoun Reference – Exercise 5 This handout accompanies Exercise 5 of Grammar Bytes! Get the answers by doing the interactive version of the exercise at this address: http://chompchomp.com/exercises.htm Directions: Choose the answer that best corrects the error in the underlined portion(s). The correction should sound natural and be logical. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” 1. Because Tara and Diana worked the closing shift at Tito’s Taco Palace, they often arrived to A
class with their eyes barely open. Tara would have given Diana the correct answer to number B seven on the chemistry exam if she hadn’t fallen asleep in the middle of it. C A. she B. her C. Diana D. No change is necessary. 2. The puppy was howling; explosions and gunfire boomed from the television; and a tray of brownies was calling Fred's name from the kitchen. This made studying for the pronoun reference quiz impossible. A. kitchen, which made B. kitchen. That made C. kitchen. Fred's desire for chocolate made D. No change is necessary. 3. Bob's hands were so cramped from typing a 2,000-word essay that the poor boy stuck A his fingers in an ice-cold glass of soda so that he wouldn't feel the pain. B C A. he B. the fingers of Bob C. it D. No change is necessary. 4. You ought to take my advice and register for your fall classes early. They say that first A B C semester courses fill the most quickly. A. One B. his or her C. Counselors D. No change is necessary.5. Mrs. Jones explained to her niece Fiona that she couldn’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much she needed her beauty sleep. A. Fiona, “You can’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much you need your beauty sleep.” B. Fiona, “She couldn’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much she needed her beauty sleep.”
C. Fiona “that she couldn’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much she needed her beauty sleep.” D. No change is necessary. 6. It says in this week’s National Inquisitor that Big Foot walked into a convenience store and stole twelve boxes of donuts. A. In this week’s National Inquisitor, it says B. It says, “In this week’s National Inquisitor C. This week’s National Inquisitor says D. No change is necessary. 7. Many people who buy a new puppy believe that the young dog should automatically behave A as well as Lassie, who had years of obedience training and which was a mature animal with B C control of her bladder. A. which buy B. which had C. who D. No change is necessary. 8. Nick used to love water skiing and swimming in Florida lakes, but now he worries about the pollution and high bacteria rates. They say that brain-sucking amoebae can crawl up A a person’s nose and kill the victim in days. B C A. News reports B. your C. you D. No change is necessary. 9. Marjorie made a grab for the last donut, which glistened with fresh glaze. Suzanne, who had A B not eaten in twelve hours, threw a hard enough punch to break her arm. C A. who B. that C. Marjorie’s D. No change is necessary.
10. It says on the bathroom wall that Joe will sell the answers to the pronoun reference quiz for five dollars. A. The bathroom wall says B. On the bathroom wall, it says C. On the bathroom wall, they say D. No change is necessary.11. Mickey Mouse, who greets guests at the gates of the Magic Kingdom, is really a five-foot A young woman who wishes that her costume, which weighs thirty pounds, was air conditioned. B C A. that B. which C. who D. No change is necessary. 12. I always arrive to class on time because I want the 25 points for perfect attendance that Prof. A B Smith will give you at the end of the semester. C A. You always arrive B. you want C. me D. No change is necessary. 13. At the pet store, Felicia fell in love with a beagle puppy that she impulsively bought. They say A that no reputable breeder will sell puppies to a pet store. B C A. Dog books B. one C. them D. No change is necessary. 14. Olivia told Maggie that writing essays for English class was more important than flirting with A cute guys in the cafeteria if she planned to complete her degree. B C A. them B. them
C. Olivia D. No change is necessary. 15. An inconsiderate driver tailgated Chad for five miles and then honked annoyingly when Chad slowed to make his turn. It really made him angry. A. limit. This B. limit, which C. limit. This jerk D. No change is necessary. 16. It is necessary for Renee to fulfill her science requirement. She won't take a chemistry class A because it requires too much math. Marine Biology would be a better choice because B it would give her an opportunity to smile every day at Mr. McCourt, the cute new professor. C A. Renee must B. they require C. they would give D. No change is necessary.17. Brandt worked a double shift waiting tables at Bernie’s Burger Emporium, stayed awake to write his research essay, and then attended his four back-to-back classes. Isn't it amazing A B what you will do for an education? C A. one's research essay B. one's four back-to-back classes C. he D. No change is necessary. 18. Ever since Tikeja began her internship at the hospital, she has tried to take better care of her health. They claim that eating five servings of fruit and vegetables will protect a person from many diseases such as cancer. A. We claim B. Doctors claim C. One of them claims D. No change is necessary. 19. My dog's toenails click on the wood floor as she chases the cats away from their food bowl. A. My dog's claws
B. Oreo's toenails C. The toenails of my dog D. No change is necessary. 20. My friend Harold, who had Mr. Byrnes last semester for US Government, never received an A A on an essay. They say that Mr. Byrnes has absolutely no patience for grammar errors of any B C kind. A. which B. Other students C. he D. No change is necessary.
Think you understand dangling and misplaced modifiers?
Dangling modifiers
From the following pairs of sentences, select the one which is correct.
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Piled up next to the washer, I began doing the laundry. I began doing the laundry piled up next to the washer...
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
While John was talking on the phone, the doorbell rang... While talking on the phone, the doorbell rang.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
Standing on the balcony, the ocean view was magnificent. Standing on the balcony, we had a magnificent ocean view...
Bottom of Form
Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
As I was running across the floor, the rug slipped and I lost my balance,.. Running across the floor, the rug slipped and I lost my balance.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
While taking out the trash, the sack broke. While Jamie was taking out the trash, the sack broke....
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Misplaced modifiers
Top of Form
I almost listened to the whole album. I listened to almost the whole album...
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
He was staring at the girl wearing dark glasses by the vending machine... He was staring at the girl by the vending machine wearing dark glasses.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
We read that Janet was married in her last letter. In her last letter, we read that Janet was married...
Bottom of Form
Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
The faulty alarm nearly sounded five times yesterday. The faulty alram system sounded nearly five times yesterday.......
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
On the evening news, I heard that there was a revolution........ I heard that there was a revolution on the evening news.
Bottom of Form
Think you understand pronoun reference?
1. Which sentences are correct?
Top of Form
When I loaded the new program on the computer, it crashed. When I loaded the new program on the computer, the computer crashed..
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
At the gym, the instructors showed me how to use the equipment.. At the gym, they showed me how to use the equipment.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
Mark used to hang around with Steve until he started dating Sara. Until Mark started dating Sara, he used to hang around with Steve..
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
I wanted to buy a new computer, but they didn't have one I could afford. I wanted to buy a new stereo, but the store didn't have one I could afford..
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
When she put the cat on the table, the table collapsed.. When she put the cat on the table, it collapsed.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form
3. The reason Farouk has difficulty finding decent shoes is that his feet are not the
same size. Your answer b. has a problem is incorrect. The correct answer is a. is correct. Explanation: the reason . . . is that is a correct structure ******* 4. One thing that prevents me from living abroad is when I think of missing my family, my friends and my dog. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the is when structure is illogical; a thing isn’t a time *******
5. You may be skeptical, but I know that the reason Missy won the Centreville Idol
competition is because she is the daughter of one of the judges. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the reason . . . is because isn’t a correct structure ******* 6. A characteristic that I admire is a person who is generous. Your answer b. has a problem is correct. Explanation: the sentence says that the characteristic is a person, which is illogical *******
Parallel Structures
Top of Form
1. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.
You're right! 2. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and to appreciate good prose. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.
She learned two things, which are both in the infinitive form in the first sentence. 3. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph's. You're right! 4. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and learning about life.
The second sentence mixes two infinitives with a participle form. 5. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend.
Once we establish that article-adjective-noun pattern, we should stick to it!
6. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing. You're right! 7. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and he made it conveniently arranged. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and conveniently arranged. You're right! For the sake of variety we can add modifiers to a string of otherwise parallel elements. 8. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. 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.
Working hard and going beyond become parallel elements. 9. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. There's nothing I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and spending a couple of days fishing. There's nothing I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and to spend a couple of days fishing.
Three verbals (gerunds) are parallel -- as opposed to two gerunds and an infinitive form.
Pronoun & Tense Consistency
Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. 1. When one has been going to college for as long as he has, ____________ to think the college owes _______ a degree. you start; you one starts; one he starts; him
To be consistent with one in the initial clause, we need "one starts" here. 2. Spring begins early in Tennessee. First, the forsythia bursts into blossom; then the dogwood trees _______ to bloom, and the redbud is soon in its glory. begin began
We need to stay in the present tense established in the first sentence, so begin is appropriate. 3. The poetry of Robert Frost (1874-1963) often seems to suggest some kind of fate controls our lives. His essays, too, ____________ a similar malignant presence. indicate indicated
To be consistent with seems (present tense), we will stay with indicate. (When writing about literature, try to use the present tense when logic permits.) 4. We have never seen this kind of impatience in the media before. ________ think it has something to do with the weather. You We You're right!
5. The climate of New Zealand can be a pleasure for you if _______ don't mind a little rain. we he you You're right! 6. Aunt Mina wrote to tell us of her recent trip to California. She said it was a delightful journey on the plane. Seeing her brother again _________ a real treat. is was You're right! 7. When NYPD Blue went off the air in May, many viewers felt they had lost a friend in ________ own family. his our their You're right! Name Date Pronoun Reference – Exercise 5 This handout accompanies Exercise 5 of Grammar Bytes! Get the answers by doing the interactive version of the exercise at this address: http://chompchomp.com/exercises.htm Directions: Choose the answer that best corrects the error in the underlined portion(s). The correction should sound natural and be logical. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” 1. Because Tara and Diana worked the closing shift at Tito’s Taco Palace, they often arrived to A
class with their eyes barely open. Tara would have given Diana the correct answer to number B seven on the chemistry exam if she hadn’t fallen asleep in the middle of it. C A. she B. her C. Diana D. No change is necessary. 2. The puppy was howling; explosions and gunfire boomed from the television; and a tray of brownies was calling Fred's name from the kitchen. This made studying for the pronoun reference quiz impossible. A. kitchen, which made B. kitchen. That made C. kitchen. Fred's desire for chocolate made D. No change is necessary. 3. Bob's hands were so cramped from typing a 2,000-word essay that the poor boy stuck A his fingers in an ice-cold glass of soda so that he wouldn't feel the pain. B C A. he B. the fingers of Bob C. it D. No change is necessary. 4. You ought to take my advice and register for your fall classes early. They say that first A B C semester courses fill the most quickly. A. One B. his or her C. Counselors D. No change is necessary.5. Mrs. Jones explained to her niece Fiona that she couldn’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much she needed her beauty sleep. A. Fiona, “You can’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much you need your beauty sleep.” B. Fiona, “She couldn’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much she needed her beauty sleep.”
C. Fiona “that she couldn’t poison the neighbor’s barking dog no matter how much she needed her beauty sleep.” D. No change is necessary. 6. It says in this week’s National Inquisitor that Big Foot walked into a convenience store and stole twelve boxes of donuts. A. In this week’s National Inquisitor, it says B. It says, “In this week’s National Inquisitor C. This week’s National Inquisitor says D. No change is necessary. 7. Many people who buy a new puppy believe that the young dog should automatically behave A as well as Lassie, who had years of obedience training and which was a mature animal with B C control of her bladder. A. which buy B. which had C. who D. No change is necessary. 8. Nick used to love water skiing and swimming in Florida lakes, but now he worries about the pollution and high bacteria rates. They say that brain-sucking amoebae can crawl up A a person’s nose and kill the victim in days. B C A. News reports B. your C. you D. No change is necessary. 9. Marjorie made a grab for the last donut, which glistened with fresh glaze. Suzanne, who had A B not eaten in twelve hours, threw a hard enough punch to break her arm. C A. who B. that C. Marjorie’s D. No change is necessary.
10. It says on the bathroom wall that Joe will sell the answers to the pronoun reference quiz for five dollars. A. The bathroom wall says B. On the bathroom wall, it says C. On the bathroom wall, they say D. No change is necessary.11. Mickey Mouse, who greets guests at the gates of the Magic Kingdom, is really a five-foot A young woman who wishes that her costume, which weighs thirty pounds, was air conditioned. B C A. that B. which C. who D. No change is necessary. 12. I always arrive to class on time because I want the 25 points for perfect attendance that Prof. A B Smith will give you at the end of the semester. C A. You always arrive B. you want C. me D. No change is necessary. 13. At the pet store, Felicia fell in love with a beagle puppy that she impulsively bought. They say A that no reputable breeder will sell puppies to a pet store. B C A. Dog books B. one C. them D. No change is necessary. 14. Olivia told Maggie that writing essays for English class was more important than flirting with A cute guys in the cafeteria if she planned to complete her degree. B C A. them B. them
C. Olivia D. No change is necessary. 15. An inconsiderate driver tailgated Chad for five miles and then honked annoyingly when Chad slowed to make his turn. It really made him angry. A. limit. This B. limit, which C. limit. This jerk D. No change is necessary. 16. It is necessary for Renee to fulfill her science requirement. She won't take a chemistry class A because it requires too much math. Marine Biology would be a better choice because B it would give her an opportunity to smile every day at Mr. McCourt, the cute new professor. C A. Renee must B. they require C. they would give D. No change is necessary.17. Brandt worked a double shift waiting tables at Bernie’s Burger Emporium, stayed awake to write his research essay, and then attended his four back-to-back classes. Isn't it amazing A B what you will do for an education? C A. one's research essay B. one's four back-to-back classes C. he D. No change is necessary. 18. Ever since Tikeja began her internship at the hospital, she has tried to take better care of her health. They claim that eating five servings of fruit and vegetables will protect a person from many diseases such as cancer. A. We claim B. Doctors claim C. One of them claims D. No change is necessary. 19. My dog's toenails click on the wood floor as she chases the cats away from their food bowl. A. My dog's claws
B. Oreo's toenails C. The toenails of my dog D. No change is necessary. 20. My friend Harold, who had Mr. Byrnes last semester for US Government, never received an A A on an essay. They say that Mr. Byrnes has absolutely no patience for grammar errors of any B C kind. A. which B. Other students C. he D. No change is necessary.
Think you understand dangling and misplaced modifiers?
Dangling modifiers
From the following pairs of sentences, select the one which is correct.
Top of Form
Piled up next to the washer, I began doing the laundry. I began doing the laundry piled up next to the washer...
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
While John was talking on the phone, the doorbell rang... While talking on the phone, the doorbell rang.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
Standing on the balcony, the ocean view was magnificent. Standing on the balcony, we had a magnificent ocean view...
Bottom of Form
Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
As I was running across the floor, the rug slipped and I lost my balance,.. Running across the floor, the rug slipped and I lost my balance.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
While taking out the trash, the sack broke. While Jamie was taking out the trash, the sack broke....
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Misplaced modifiers
Top of Form
I almost listened to the whole album. I listened to almost the whole album...
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
He was staring at the girl wearing dark glasses by the vending machine... He was staring at the girl by the vending machine wearing dark glasses.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
We read that Janet was married in her last letter. In her last letter, we read that Janet was married...
Bottom of Form
Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
The faulty alarm nearly sounded five times yesterday. The faulty alram system sounded nearly five times yesterday.......
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
On the evening news, I heard that there was a revolution........ I heard that there was a revolution on the evening news.
Bottom of Form
Think you understand pronoun reference?
1. Which sentences are correct?
Top of Form
When I loaded the new program on the computer, it crashed. When I loaded the new program on the computer, the computer crashed..
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
At the gym, the instructors showed me how to use the equipment.. At the gym, they showed me how to use the equipment.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
Mark used to hang around with Steve until he started dating Sara. Until Mark started dating Sara, he used to hang around with Steve..
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
I wanted to buy a new computer, but they didn't have one I could afford. I wanted to buy a new stereo, but the store didn't have one I could afford..
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form
Top of Form
When she put the cat on the table, the table collapsed.. When she put the cat on the table, it collapsed.
Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form
