Grammarly Certified Advanced Grammar and Language Specialist Sentence Clarity and Conciseness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?
- She likes hiking, to swim, and running.
- She likes hiking, swimming, and running. (Correct answer)
- She likes to hike, swimming, and runs.
- She likes hiking, to swim, and to run quickly.
Correct answer: She likes hiking, swimming, and running.
Parallel structure requires matching grammatical forms; all three gerunds ('hiking,' 'swimming,' 'running') are consistent.
Question 2: What is the best way to fix a run-on sentence?
- Add a comma between the two independent clauses.
- Separate them with a period or add a coordinating conjunction with a comma. (Correct answer)
- Remove the subject from the second clause.
- Add an adverb between the clauses.
Correct answer: Separate them with a period or add a coordinating conjunction with a comma.
A run-on is corrected by using a period, semicolon, or a comma paired with a coordinating conjunction.
Question 3: Which sentence is a comma splice?
- The project is finished, and we can submit it now.
- The project is finished, we can submit it now. (Correct answer)
- The project is finished; we can submit it now.
- Because the project is finished, we can submit it.
Correct answer: The project is finished, we can submit it now.
A comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction.
Question 4: Which is the most concise way to express: 'In the event that it rains, the event will be cancelled'?
- If it rains, the event will be cancelled. (Correct answer)
- In case of rain occurring, the event will be cancelled.
- Should rain occur, the cancellation of the event will happen.
- When and if it rains, the event will be cancelled.
Correct answer: If it rains, the event will be cancelled.
'If' is the single-word equivalent of the wordy phrase 'in the event that.'
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
- The report is due; tomorrow morning.
- She studied all night; however, she still felt unprepared. (Correct answer)
- He loves grammar; and punctuation.
- They arrived early; to secure good seats.
Correct answer: She studied all night; however, she still felt unprepared.
A semicolon correctly precedes a conjunctive adverb like 'however' when linking two independent clauses.
Question 6: What does 'expletive construction' mean in grammar?
- Using offensive language in writing
- Beginning a sentence with 'there is/are' or 'it is' to delay the real subject (Correct answer)
- Adding unnecessary adjectives before nouns
- Using passive voice in formal writing
Correct answer: Beginning a sentence with 'there is/are' or 'it is' to delay the real subject
Expletive constructions (e.g., 'There are many reasons') push the grammatical subject later, often adding unnecessary words.
Grammarly Certified Advanced Grammar and Language Specialist Sentence Clarity and Conciseness 2
Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?