Learn English Grammar 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a gerund as the subject?
- To swim is good exercise.
- Swimming is good exercise. (Correct answer)
- Swim is good exercise.
- Swam is good exercise.
Correct answer: Swimming is good exercise.
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun; here 'Swimming' functions as the subject.
Question 2: Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier.
- Almost he finished all his homework. (Correct answer)
- He almost finished all his homework.
- He finished almost all his homework.
- He finished all his homework almost.
Correct answer: Almost he finished all his homework.
Placing 'almost' before 'he' implies he almost exists, rather than almost finishing; the modifier is misplaced.
Question 3: Which option is the correct plural form of 'criterion'?
- criterions
- criterias
- criteria (Correct answer)
- criterions'
Correct answer: criteria
'Criteria' is the correct Latin-origin plural of 'criterion'; 'criterias' is a common but incorrect form.
Question 4: Choose the sentence that uses subjunctive mood correctly.
- She suggested that he goes home.
- She suggested that he go home. (Correct answer)
- She suggested that he went home.
- She suggested that he would go home.
Correct answer: She suggested that he go home.
The subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb ('go') after verbs of suggestion, demand, or recommendation.
Question 5: Which sentence contains a non-restrictive (non-essential) relative clause?
- The book that she borrowed was overdue.
- The book, which she borrowed, was overdue. (Correct answer)
- The book which was borrowed was overdue.
- The book that was borrowed was overdue.
Correct answer: The book, which she borrowed, was overdue.
A non-restrictive clause adds extra information and is set off by commas; 'which' (not 'that') typically introduces it.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly distinguishes between 'lie' (recline) and 'lay' (place)?
- Please lay down for a nap.
- Please lie the book on the table.
- Please lay the book on the table. (Correct answer)
- Please lie down the book on the table.
Correct answer: Please lay the book on the table.
'Lay' is a transitive verb that requires a direct object ('the book'), while 'lie' is intransitive and needs no object.
Question 7: What is the term for two words that are spelled differently, sound alike, but have different meanings (e.g., 'their' and 'there')?
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Homophones (Correct answer)
- Homographs
Correct answer: Homophones
Homophones are words that share the same pronunciation but differ in spelling and meaning.
Learn English Grammar 5
Which sentence correctly uses a gerund as the subject?