CEC Word Usage & Vocabulary

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' and 'effect'?

Accepted Answer

The rain affected our plans, and the effect was disappointing.

Answer

The rain effected our plans, and the affect was disappointing.

Answer

The rain affected our plans, and the affect was disappointing.

Answer

The rain effected our plans, and the effect was disappointing.

Question 2

In which sentence is 'whom' used correctly?

Accepted Answer

To whom should this invoice be sent for approval?

Answer

Whom is going to present the findings at the meeting?

Answer

The editor whom revised the manuscript was very thorough.

Answer

Whom do you think deserves the award this year?

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses the verb 'lay' or 'lie'?

Accepted Answer

She laid the report on the editor's desk yesterday morning.

Answer

Please lay down and rest for a while after the procedure.

Answer

The documents have been laying on the table all week long.

Answer

He will lay in bed if he is feeling unwell.

Question 4

Which sentence correctly uses the verb 'comprise'?

Accepted Answer

The committee comprises five experienced members.

Answer

The committee is comprised of five experienced members.

Answer

Five members are comprised in the standing committee.

Answer

Five members comprise into the standing committee.

Question 5

Which of the following phrases is redundant and should be edited out?

Accepted Answer

All of the above are redundant

Answer

'Advance warning' only

Answer

'Brief summary' only

Answer

'Past history' only

Question 6

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' or 'less'?

Accepted Answer

The project requires fewer resources than originally expected.

Answer

There are less errors in this draft than in the previous version.

Answer

She has less meetings to attend now that the campaign has ended.

Answer

We received less applications this cycle than last year.

Question 7

Which sentence correctly applies the American English rule for 'that' versus 'which'?

Accepted Answer

The style guide that editors rely on most is the Chicago Manual.

Answer

The manuscript, that needed heavy revision, was returned to the author.

Answer

The guidelines which apply to all submissions are posted online.

Answer

Any article which contains factual errors must be corrected immediately.