Basic Ability Test Basic Ability Grammar and Sentence Correction 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood?
- If I was you, I would apologize.
- She wishes she was taller.
- The doctor recommended that he rests more.
- It is essential that every employee be on time. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It is essential that every employee be on time.
The subjunctive 'be' is correctly used in a 'that' clause following an expression of necessity.
Question 2: Select the option that correctly corrects the sentence: 'The data shows that sales has increased.'
- The data show that sales have increased. (Correct answer)
- The data shows that sales have increased.
- The data show that sales has increased.
- The datas show that sales have increased.
Correct answer: The data show that sales have increased.
'Data' is plural, requiring 'show,' and 'sales' as a plural noun requires 'have.'
Question 3: Which sentence uses the correct comparative form?
- Her presentation was more clearer than his.
- His argument was the most strongest.
- This route is more direct than the other. (Correct answer)
- She is more smarter than her classmate.
Correct answer: This route is more direct than the other.
'More direct' correctly forms the comparative of 'direct' without doubling the comparison.
Question 4: Identify the sentence with a comma splice.
- She studied hard for the exam, and she passed.
- It was raining, they decided to stay inside. (Correct answer)
- Although tired, she finished the report.
- He called his friend, but no one answered.
Correct answer: It was raining, they decided to stay inside.
A comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma and no conjunction.
Question 5: Which sentence uses active voice?
- The presentation was delivered by the intern.
- Mistakes were made by the team.
- The committee approved the budget. (Correct answer)
- The report was written by her.
Correct answer: The committee approved the budget.
In active voice, the subject ('the committee') performs the action ('approved').
Question 6: Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
- We need to buy: milk, eggs, and bread.
- We need to buy milk, eggs, and bread. (Correct answer)
- We need to buy milk eggs and bread.
- We need to buy; milk, eggs, and bread.
Correct answer: We need to buy milk, eggs, and bread.
A simple list of items is separated by commas with no colon needed after a verb.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses 'who' vs. 'whom'?
- Who did you speak with at the conference? (Correct answer)
- Whom called the office this morning?
- To who should I address the letter?
- Whom is responsible for this decision?
Correct answer: Who did you speak with at the conference?
Informally and in casual writing, 'who' is acceptable at the start of a question even as an object.
Basic Ability Test Basic Ability Grammar and Sentence Correction 4
Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood?