English Expression and Grammar Flashcards

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Answer: If he were the agent in charge, he would have known.

The subjunctive mood requires 'were' (not 'was') in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditional clauses, regardless of the subject.

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.

Answer: The mission was successful; all assets were extracted safely.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a conjunction. 'The mission was successful' and 'all assets were extracted safely' are both independent clauses.

Which word is the correct homophone to complete this sentence: 'The ambassador's _____ was scrutinized for any signs of bias.'

Answer: principle

'Principle' refers to a rule, belief, or standard of behavior. 'Principal' refers to a main person or thing. In this context, referring to standards or biases, 'principle' is correct.

What is the grammatical error in this sentence: 'Each of the agents were required to submit their reports by Friday.'

Answer: 'Each' requires a singular verb; it should read 'was required'

'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun and requires the singular verb 'was' rather than the plural 'were.'

Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?

Answer: The agent's duties include interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence, and writing reports.

Parallel structure requires that items in a list share the same grammatical form. Only option B uses consistent gerunds (interviewing, analyzing, writing).

Which sentence correctly uses the active voice?

Answer: The security officer shredded the classified document.

Active voice places the subject as the agent performing the action: 'The security officer (subject) shredded (verb) the classified document (object).'