APCAT English Grammar and Structure 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The suspect fled the scene; the officer gave chase immediately.

Answer

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction; it should not precede coordinating conjunctions or dependent clauses.

Question 2

Select the sentence that contains a misplaced modifier.

Accepted Answer

The officer almost drove fifty miles to reach the scene.

Answer

'Almost' modifies 'drove' instead of 'fifty miles,' implying the officer barely drove rather than nearly reaching fifty miles.

Question 3

Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?

Accepted Answer

Although the suspect fled, the officer caught him, and the case was closed.

Answer

A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause, as seen in option C.

Question 4

Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Accepted Answer

Neither the sergeant nor the constables were present.

Answer

When using 'neither/nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it — here 'constables' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 5

Which word is used incorrectly in this sentence? 'The principle reason for the arrest was the suspect's prior record.'

Accepted Answer

principle

Answer

'Principal' (meaning main or primary) is correct here; 'principle' refers to a rule or belief.

APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test Practice Test