NoRedInk Language Conventions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession?
- The dogs' bone was buried in the yard. (Correct answer)
- The dog's' bone was buried in the yard.
- The dogs bone was buried in the yard.
- The dog's bone' was buried in the yard.
Correct answer: The dogs' bone was buried in the yard.
For plural nouns ending in -s, add only an apostrophe after the -s to show possession.
Question 2: Which sentence is written in active voice?
- The cake was eaten by the children.
- The report was submitted by the team.
- The manager approved the proposal. (Correct answer)
- Mistakes were made by the staff.
Correct answer: The manager approved the proposal.
In active voice, the subject ('the manager') performs the action ('approved') on the object.
Question 3: Select the correct use of 'who' vs. 'whom': '_____ did you invite to the party?'
- Who
- Whom (Correct answer)
- Whoever
- Whomever
Correct answer: Whom
'Whom' is correct because it serves as the object of the verb 'invite' (you invited whom).
Question 4: Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
- She needs: milk, eggs, and flour.
- There is only one rule: always tell the truth. (Correct answer)
- He likes: soccer, tennis, and golf.
- They want: to leave early.
Correct answer: There is only one rule: always tell the truth.
A colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces a list, explanation, or elaboration.
Question 5: Which is the correct comparative form of 'good'?
- Gooder
- More good
- Better (Correct answer)
- Best
Correct answer: Better
'Good' is an irregular adjective whose comparative form is 'better,' not 'more good.'
Question 6: Identify the sentence with a correctly placed comma after an introductory clause.
- Because it was raining we stayed inside.
- Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Correct answer)
- Because, it was raining we stayed inside.
- Because it was raining we, stayed inside.
Correct answer: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
A comma follows an introductory subordinate clause before the main clause.
Question 7: Which sentence avoids a double negative?
- I don't have no money.
- She didn't see nobody.
- They haven't done nothing.
- He could barely hear the music. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: He could barely hear the music.
'Barely' is a negative adverb that does not require another negative word, making the sentence grammatically correct.
NoRedInk Language Conventions 3
Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession?