English Grammar Test Advanced Topics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?
- I wish I was taller.
- She suggested that he takes a break.
- It is essential that every student submits the form.
- The committee recommended that the policy be reviewed. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The committee recommended that the policy be reviewed.
The subjunctive 'be' (not 'is') is required after verbs like 'recommend' in that-clauses.
Question 2: Identify the sentence containing a dangling modifier.
- Running through the park, I saw a deer.
- Having finished the report, the manager approved it.
- Walking down the street, the leaves fell gently. (Correct answer)
- After studying all night, she passed the exam.
Correct answer: Walking down the street, the leaves fell gently.
The leaves cannot walk — the participial phrase 'Walking down the street' has no logical subject in the main clause.
Question 3: Which option correctly uses a semicolon?
- He loves jazz; but she prefers classical.
- She studied hard; therefore, she passed. (Correct answer)
- I went to the store; and bought milk.
- They arrived late; because of traffic.
Correct answer: She studied hard; therefore, she passed.
A semicolon can precede a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore' when joining two independent clauses.
Question 4: Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?
- She likes hiking, to swim, and runs.
- He enjoys reading, writing, and to sketch.
- They plan to travel, to learn, and to grow. (Correct answer)
- Our goals are winning, to improve, and succeed.
Correct answer: They plan to travel, to learn, and to grow.
Parallel structure requires the same grammatical form for each item in a series; 'to travel, to learn, to grow' uses consistent infinitives.
Question 5: What is the function of an appositive phrase in the sentence 'My brother, a talented chef, opened a restaurant'?
- It modifies the verb 'opened'.
- It identifies or renames 'my brother'. (Correct answer)
- It acts as the direct object.
- It functions as an adverbial clause.
Correct answer: It identifies or renames 'my brother'.
An appositive phrase sits beside a noun and renames or further identifies it.
Question 6: Which sentence uses 'whom' correctly?
- Who did you speak to?
- Whom is coming to the party?
- The candidate whom won was surprised.
- She is the person whom I recommended. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: She is the person whom I recommended.
'Whom' is correct here because it functions as the object of 'recommended' (I recommended her/whom).
Question 7: Which option is an example of a restrictive (essential) clause?
- My car, which is red, needs a wash.
- The book, which won the award, is sold out.
- Students who study consistently tend to excel. (Correct answer)
- The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is iconic.
Correct answer: Students who study consistently tend to excel.
A restrictive clause defines which students are meant and cannot be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.
English Grammar Test Advanced Topics 2
Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?