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

'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically a noun meaning the result, making B the only sentence that uses both correctly.

Question 2

In which sentence is 'whom' used correctly?

Accepted Answer

To whom should this invoice be sent for approval?

Answer

'Whom' is correct as the object of the preposition 'to'; the other options misuse 'whom' where 'who' (a subject form) is required.

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

'Laid' is the past tense of 'lay' (to place something), and B correctly uses it with a direct object (the report); the other sentences confuse 'lay' and 'lie'.

Question 4

Which sentence correctly uses the verb 'comprise'?

Accepted Answer

The committee comprises five experienced members.

Answer

'Comprise' means 'to consist of,' so the whole (committee) comprises the parts (five members); 'is comprised of' is widely considered an error in formal edited English.

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,' 'brief summary,' and 'past history' are all redundant because the modifiers repeat what the nouns already inherently imply.

CEC - Copyediting Certification Practice Test

CEC - Copyediting Certification Practice Test

CEC Word Usage & Vocabulary