CLERICAL Proofreading 1 Flashcards

Which of the following sentences contains a punctuation error?

Answer: The meeting is scheduled for Monday however, it may be rescheduled.

'However' is a conjunctive adverb joining two independent clauses and requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it: 'Monday; however, it may be rescheduled.'

A clerk types the following sentence in a letter: 'Please insure that all forms are completed before submission.' What error is present?

Answer: 'insure' should be 'ensure'

'Ensure' means to make certain, while 'insure' refers to obtaining insurance coverage. The correct word in this context is 'ensure.'

Which of the following is an example of a capitalization error?

Answer: Please contact the department Manager before Friday.

'Manager' is a common noun in this sentence and should not be capitalized unless it precedes a proper name or is used as a formal title directly before a name.

Identify the sentence that uses apostrophes correctly.

Answer: The clerk's desk was organized and clutter-free.

'Clerk's' correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession for a singular noun. The other options either incorrectly add an apostrophe to a plural verb or omit apostrophes from possessive nouns.

A proofreader reviews this sentence: 'The principle reason for the delay was a lack of communication.' What correction is needed?

Answer: Change 'principle' to 'principal'

'Principal' means primary or main when used as an adjective, while 'principle' refers to a rule or belief. The sentence requires 'principal reason.'

Which sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error?

Answer: The list of applicants were reviewed by the hiring manager.

The subject of the sentence is 'list,' which is singular, so the verb should be 'was reviewed,' not 'were reviewed.' The prepositional phrase 'of applicants' does not change the subject.