ABLE ABLE Grammar and Syntax 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement as tested on the ABLE exam?
- The results of the test was surprising.
- Each of the candidates are prepared.
- The committee has reviewed all applications. (Correct answer)
- Neither the teachers nor the student are ready.
Correct answer: The committee has reviewed all applications.
Collective nouns like 'committee' take a singular verb when acting as a single unit.
Question 2: On the ABLE exam, which sentence uses the correct form of the subjunctive mood?
- I wish I was more fluent in Spanish.
- She requested that he comes to the meeting.
- It is essential that every candidate be on time. (Correct answer)
- If I was you, I would study harder.
Correct answer: It is essential that every candidate be on time.
The subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb after expressions of necessity like 'it is essential that.'
Question 3: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier that would be flagged on the ABLE grammar section?
- Running quickly, she reached the finish line.
- He almost drove his children to school every day. (Correct answer)
- The tired student barely passed the exam.
- She carefully read the instructions before starting.
Correct answer: He almost drove his children to school every day.
The modifier 'almost' is misplaced; the intended meaning is that he drove them 'almost every day,' not that he 'almost drove.'
Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive clause as assessed by the ABLE exam?
- My brother, who lives in Texas, is a teacher.
- The book that I borrowed was overdue. (Correct answer)
- Her car, that needs repairs, is parked outside.
- The professor, that teaches English, is respected.
Correct answer: The book that I borrowed was overdue.
A restrictive clause ('that I borrowed') identifies which specific book and requires no commas.
Question 5: Which option correctly identifies the function of the underlined phrase in: 'Exhausted from the long exam, the students left quickly'?
- Adverbial clause modifying 'left'
- Noun phrase acting as the subject
- Participial phrase modifying 'students' (Correct answer)
- Prepositional phrase modifying 'exam'
Correct answer: Participial phrase modifying 'students'
The phrase 'Exhausted from the long exam' is a participial phrase that modifies the noun 'students.'
Question 6: The ABLE exam tests parallel structure. Which sentence demonstrates correct parallelism?
- She enjoys reading, to write, and hiking.
- He likes swimming, running, and to cycle.
- The course requires writing essays, taking notes, and studying vocabulary. (Correct answer)
- They plan to travel, working abroad, and learn languages.
Correct answer: The course requires writing essays, taking notes, and studying vocabulary.
All three elements—'writing essays,' 'taking notes,' and 'studying vocabulary'—use the same gerund form, maintaining parallel structure.
ABLE ABLE Grammar and Syntax 1
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement as tested on the ABLE exam?