AST English Grammar and Usage

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a comma to separate an introductory clause?

Accepted Answer

After the storm ended, the roads were cleared.

Answer

A comma must follow an introductory subordinate clause before the main clause begins.

Question 2

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The team celebrated ___ victory'?

Accepted Answer

its

Answer

'Its' is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.'

Question 3

Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Accepted Answer

Neither the students nor the teacher was late.

Answer

When 'neither…nor' joins subjects of different persons, the verb agrees with the closer subject ('teacher,' singular).

Question 4

Which option correctly punctuates a nonrestrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

My sister, who lives in Austin, is a nurse.

Answer

Nonrestrictive clauses add extra information and must be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 5

Choose the correct form: 'There are fewer/less students enrolled this semester.'

Accepted Answer

fewer

Answer

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like 'students'; 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.

AST - ACT Scaling Test Practice Test