CEC Word Usage & Vocabulary 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'further' or 'farther'?

Accepted Answer

The revision required further changes to the introduction section.

Answer

We need to look into this matter farther before making a final decision.

Answer

The office is further down the road than the map suggested.

Answer

She could not walk any further because of the blisters on her feet.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'imply' versus 'infer'?

Accepted Answer

The author implied in her introduction that the results were inconclusive.

Answer

The data infers that sales will increase significantly next quarter.

Answer

What can you imply from the editor's marginal comments on the draft?

Answer

The statistics imply a positive trend, but the analyst infers the opposite.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses 'assure,' 'ensure,' or 'insure'?

Accepted Answer

The editor assured the author that revisions would be minimal.

Answer

Please insure that all supporting documents are properly labeled.

Answer

We need to ensure the cargo against loss during international shipping.

Answer

The publisher assured that the manuscript would be reviewed by Friday.

Question 4

Which sentence correctly uses 'principal' versus 'principle'?

Accepted Answer

The editor adhered to the principle of clarity above all stylistic concerns.

Answer

The company's principle asset is its extensive intellectual property portfolio.

Answer

She is a woman of strong principals and rarely compromises her standards.

Answer

The principal of causality is fundamental to the study of natural science.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses 'complement' versus 'compliment'?

Accepted Answer

The illustration complements the text by providing essential visual context.

Answer

The author complimented the introduction with additional supporting statistics.

Answer

The editor gave the writer a complement on her beautifully revised draft.

Answer

The crisp white wine was a perfect compliment to the seafood entrée.

Question 6

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier that a copyeditor should correct?

Accepted Answer

Walking to the conference, the weather suddenly turned stormy and cold.

Answer

Running late, the editor quickly reviewed the final draft before the deadline.

Answer

Having reviewed the manuscript, the editor returned it with detailed notes.

Answer

Exhausted after the deadline, the entire team celebrated their shared success.

Question 7

Which sentence correctly uses 'disinterested' versus 'uninterested'?

Accepted Answer

We need a disinterested party to mediate the contract dispute fairly.

Answer

The student was disinterested in the lecture and kept checking his phone.

Answer

The editor seemed uninterested in maintaining her role as an impartial reviewer.

Answer

An uninterested judge is essential to ensure a fair and unbiased trial.