OSSLT Using Correct Grammar 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb?

Accepted Answer

Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared.

Answer

When 'neither/nor' joins subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it ('teacher' is singular, so use 'was').

Question 2

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.

Accepted Answer

The movie was long; however, it was entertaining.

Answer

A semicolon can join two independent clauses when followed by a conjunctive adverb like 'however'.

Question 3

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Running quickly, the ball was chased by Maria.

Answer

A dangling modifier occurs when the modifier ('Running quickly') does not logically refer to the subject ('ball') of the main clause.

Question 4

Select the correct use of 'who' versus 'whom'.

Accepted Answer

Who did you speak with?

Answer

'Who' is used as a subject and 'whom' as an object; in 'Who did you speak with?' 'who' functions as the object of the preposition.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses the past perfect tense?

Accepted Answer

She had finished her homework before her mom arrived.

Answer

The past perfect ('had finished') is used for the action completed first, while simple past ('arrived') is used for the action that followed.

OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Practice Test