Writing Mechanics Flashcards

Which sentence avoids a double negative?

Answer: He couldn't find anything.

'Anything' is the correct indefinite pronoun to use with a negative verb, avoiding a double negative.

Which word is misspelled?

Answer: occassion

'Occasion' is spelled with one c and two s's, not two c's.

Which sentence correctly uses parentheses?

Answer: Mars (the red planet) is our neighbor.

Parentheses are correctly used here to add a non-essential description of Mars.

Which contraction is spelled correctly?

Answer: you're

You're is the contraction for 'you are,' with the apostrophe replacing the missing letter 'a.'

Which sentence correctly uses the comparative form of an adjective?

Answer: This book is better than that one.

'Better' is the correct irregular comparative form of 'good.'

Which sentence has correct comma placement with an introductory phrase?

Answer: After the storm, the roads were flooded.

A comma is required after an introductory prepositional phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Which sentence uses an em dash correctly?

Answer: She had one goal — to win.

An em dash is correctly used here to introduce an explanation or emphasis after a complete thought.