Written Expression and Grammar Flashcards
7 cards from real New Jersey Civil Service Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Written Expression and Grammar flashcards as text
Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?
Answer: If I were the supervisor, I would change the policy.
The subjunctive mood requires 'were' (not 'was') in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact if-clauses.
Select the sentence with correct parallel structure.
Answer: The report was clear, concise, and accurate.
Parallel structure requires matching grammatical forms; all three adjectives (clear, concise, accurate) must be in the same form.
Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The committee will _____ the policy next month'?
Answer: alter
'Alter' means to change or modify; 'altar' is a religious table or platform.
Choose the sentence with the correct use of a colon.
Answer: The meeting covered three topics: budget, staffing, and scheduling.
A colon is used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list or explanation.
Which option correctly combines these two sentences: 'The employee was late. The employee missed the briefing.'
Answer: The employee was late; therefore, they missed the briefing.
'Therefore' with a semicolon correctly shows a cause-and-effect relationship between two independent clauses.
Identify the misplaced modifier: 'Running to the exit, the alarm was triggered by the officer.'
Answer: 'Running to the exit' should modify 'officer,' not 'alarm.'
The participial phrase 'Running to the exit' must be placed next to the noun it modifies, 'officer,' not 'alarm.'
Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' vs. 'less'?
Answer: There were fewer applicants this year.
'Fewer' is used with countable nouns (applicants), while 'less' is used with uncountable quantities.