Grammarly Certified Advanced Grammar and Language Specialist Grammar Error Detection and Correction

Question 1

Identify the error in: 'Neither the manager nor the employees was informed about the change.'

Accepted Answer

The verb 'was' should be 'were' because 'employees' is plural and closest to the verb

Answer

With 'neither…nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; since 'employees' is plural, the verb must be 'were.'

Question 2

Which sentence contains an error in pronoun case?

Accepted Answer

The winner was him.

Answer

After a linking verb, a subject pronoun is required: 'The winner was he,' not 'him.'

Question 3

What is the error in: 'Irregardless of the outcome, we will proceed'?

Accepted Answer

'Irregardless' is a nonstandard double negative and should be 'regardless'

Answer

'Irregardless' is a nonstandard word combining 'irrespective' and 'regardless'; 'regardless' is the correct form.

Question 4

Identify the error in subject-verb agreement: 'The data shows that our revenue has increased.'

Accepted Answer

Both A and B are acceptable depending on style guide

Answer

Whether 'data' takes a singular or plural verb depends on the style guide; many modern guides accept singular agreement.

Question 5

Which sentence contains a faulty pronoun reference?

Accepted Answer

Lisa told Maria that she had been promoted.

Answer

The pronoun 'she' is ambiguous because it could refer to either Lisa or Maria; the sentence must be rewritten to clarify.

Grammarly Certified Advanced Grammar and Language Specialist Practice Test