CELSA Sentence Structure and Syntax 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence is a compound sentence?
- She ran to the store because she needed milk.
- The cat sat on the mat.
- He studied hard, and he passed the exam. (Correct answer)
- Running every morning keeps her healthy.
Correct answer: He studied hard, and he passed the exam.
A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and'.
Question 2: Identify the dangling modifier: 'Walking down the street, the trees were beautiful.'
- 'walking down the street' correctly modifies 'trees'
- There is no modifier in this sentence.
- 'walking down the street' has no logical subject to modify (Correct answer)
- The sentence is grammatically complete as written.
Correct answer: 'walking down the street' has no logical subject to modify
The participial phrase 'Walking down the street' has no clear subject — trees cannot walk.
Question 3: Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?
- She likes hiking, to swim, and riding bikes.
- She likes hiking, swimming, and riding bikes. (Correct answer)
- She likes to hike, swimming, and to ride bikes.
- She likes hike, swim, and riding bikes.
Correct answer: She likes hiking, swimming, and riding bikes.
Parallel structure requires all items in a list to use the same grammatical form — here, all gerunds.
Question 4: What is the function of a subordinating conjunction?
- It joins two independent clauses of equal importance.
- It connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. (Correct answer)
- It introduces a list of items in a sentence.
- It replaces a noun in the sentence.
Correct answer: It connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Subordinating conjunctions like 'because,' 'although,' and 'since' introduce dependent clauses.
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
- I love coffee; but I avoid it at night.
- The meeting was long; however, it was productive. (Correct answer)
- She left early; because she was tired.
- We need flour; sugar; and butter.
Correct answer: The meeting was long; however, it was productive.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially when followed by a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'
Question 6: Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
- The dog barked loudly.
- After the storm ended. (Correct answer)
- She finished her homework.
- They arrived at noon.
Correct answer: After the storm ended.
'After the storm ended' is a dependent clause with no independent clause to complete the thought.
Question 7: In the sentence 'The report, which was due yesterday, was submitted late,' what type of clause is 'which was due yesterday'?
- Independent clause
- Adverbial clause
- Non-restrictive relative clause (Correct answer)
- Restrictive relative clause
Correct answer: Non-restrictive relative clause
The clause is set off by commas and adds non-essential information, making it a non-restrictive relative clause.
CELSA Sentence Structure and Syntax 2
Which sentence is a compound sentence?