CPP Grammar, Punctuation & Syntax 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The deadline is tomorrow; therefore, we must finish tonight.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially before conjunctive adverbs like 'therefore.'

Question 2

Which of the following is a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

After reviewing the manuscript, several errors were found.

Answer

The participial phrase 'After reviewing the manuscript' has no logical subject since 'errors' cannot review manuscripts.

Question 3

In the sentence 'The data suggests the results are conclusive,' what is the grammatical issue?

Accepted Answer

'Data' is plural and should take 'suggest'

Answer

In formal writing, 'data' is the plural of 'datum' and requires the plural verb 'suggest.'

Question 4

Which sentence correctly punctuates a nonrestrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

My sister, who lives in Boston, is a copyeditor.

Answer

Nonrestrictive clauses provide extra (nonessential) information and must be set off with commas.

Question 5

Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the author nor the editors ___ aware of the error'?

Accepted Answer

were

Answer

With 'neither/nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject; 'editors' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

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