Written Expression and Grammar Flashcards

Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?

Answer: Officer Davis, who was on duty, responded to the call.

A nonrestrictive clause like 'who was on duty' must be set off by commas on both sides.

Select the sentence that contains a dangling modifier.

Answer: Running toward the suspect, the alley was dark and narrow.

The participial phrase 'Running toward the suspect' incorrectly modifies 'the alley' rather than a person.

Which word is spelled correctly?

Answer: occurrence

'Occurrence' is spelled with a double 'c' and double 'r' followed by 'ence.'

Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Answer: The list of stolen items was recovered.

The subject is 'list' (singular), so the verb must be 'was,' not 'were' or 'have been.'

Which sentence is written in active voice?

Answer: Detective Martinez filed the report.

In active voice, the subject ('Detective Martinez') performs the action ('filed').

Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier.

Answer: The officer only found one witness at the scene.

Placing 'only' before 'found' implies the officer did nothing else, when the intended meaning is that just one witness was found.

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Answer: The suspect fled; however, he was caught shortly after.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially when using a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'