FSOT English Grammar and Usage 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Accepted Answer

If I were president, I would change the law.

Answer

The subjunctive mood uses 'were' (not 'was') for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions.

Question 2

Which word is an example of a dangling modifier in this sentence? 'Running down the street, the tree caught my eye.'

Accepted Answer

Running

Answer

'Running' is a dangling modifier because the tree cannot run — the subject performing the action is missing.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; she still failed the exam.

Answer

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; using it before 'but' or 'and' is incorrect.

Question 4

What is the correct plural of the word 'criterion'?

Accepted Answer

criteria

Answer

'Criteria' is the correct plural of the Greek-derived word 'criterion.'

Question 5

Which sentence avoids a split infinitive?

Accepted Answer

She wanted to go boldly where no one had gone.

Answer

Placing the adverb 'boldly' after the infinitive 'to go' avoids splitting the infinitive.

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