English Expression and Grammar Flashcards

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Answer: I wish I were able to attend the ceremony.

The subjunctive mood uses 'were' (not 'was') for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions with 'wish.'

Identify the sentence with correct parallel structure: 'The consular officer's duties include ___.'

Answer: interviewing applicants, processing visas, and verifying documents.

Parallel structure requires all items in a list to use the same grammatical form; here, all three are gerunds (-ing forms).

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The ambassador's decision had a profound ___ on diplomatic relations'?

Answer: effect

'Effect' is a noun here meaning result or impact, while 'affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence.

Select the sentence that avoids a dangling modifier.

Answer: Walking through the embassy gate, the diplomat presented her credentials.

A dangling modifier must be directly followed by the noun it modifies; 'the diplomat' is who was walking through the gate.

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Answer: The visa application was complete; however, it required additional documentation.

A semicolon precedes a conjunctive adverb like 'however,' which is then followed by a comma.

Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement: 'Neither the consuls nor the ambassador ___.'

Answer: was present at the briefing.

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'ambassador' is singular, so 'was' is correct.

Which version corrects the comma splice in this sentence: 'The report was submitted on time, the director approved it immediately'?

Answer: Both B and C are correct.

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma; it can be fixed with a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction.