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 correctly uses a semicolon?
Answer: He submitted the form; however, it was incomplete.
A semicolon before a conjunctive adverb like 'however' correctly joins two independent clauses.
Which sentence demonstrates correct comma usage with a nonrestrictive clause?
Answer: My supervisor, who has 20 years of experience, reviewed the file.
Nonrestrictive clauses, which add extra (not essential) information, are set off by commas.
Choose the word that best fills the blank: 'The new policy will _____ all previous guidelines.'
Answer: supersede
'Supersede' is the correct spelling; there is no word 'supercede,' despite the common misspelling.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Answer: Between you and me, the project is behind schedule.
Prepositions like 'between' require object pronouns; 'me' is the object form, not 'I' or 'myself.'
Identify the sentence that uses 'its' and 'it's' correctly.
Answer: The agency updated its procedures last quarter.
'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is.'
Which transition word best shows contrast in this sentence: 'The application was complete; _____, it was submitted past the deadline.'
Answer: however
'However' introduces a contrasting idea, which fits the relationship between a complete application and a late submission.
Select the correctly punctuated sentence with a parenthetical expression.
Answer: The report, however, was not accurate.
Parenthetical expressions (like 'however' used as an interrupter) must be set off by commas on both sides.