Writing Conventions & Grammar Flashcards

Which sentence is written correctly?

Answer: She doesn't have any homework tonight.

This sentence correctly uses the contraction "doesn't" (does not) and avoids the grammatically incorrect double negative "don't have no." It also correctly uses "have" with "doesn't" for proper verb conjugation and subject-verb agreement. This adherence to standard English grammar makes the sentence clear and correct.

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The dog wagged ___ tail.'?

Answer: Its

"Its" is the possessive form of "it," meaning "belonging to it." The sentence requires a possessive pronoun to show that the tail belongs to the dog. "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has," which would not make sense in this context, making "Its" the only grammatically correct choice.

Which sentence uses proper punctuation?

Answer: Before the show started, we found our seats.

This sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory dependent clause ("Before the show started"). When a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, a comma is needed to separate them, improving readability and grammatical correctness. This rule helps clarify sentence structure and prevent misreading.

Which sentence has subject-verb agreement?

Answer: He walks to school every day.

Subject-verb agreement dictates that a singular subject (He) takes a singular verb form. In the present tense, for third-person singular subjects, verbs typically end in "-s" or "-es." Therefore, "walks" correctly agrees with "He," forming a grammatically sound sentence.

Choose the correct form of the verb: 'She ___ the piano beautifully.'

Answer: plays

For a third-person singular subject ("She") in the simple present tense, the verb must end in "-s." This demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement, indicating a regular or habitual action. "Plays" is the correct form to match the singular subject "She."

Which sentence avoids a common grammar mistake?

Answer: They’re going to the store after school.

This sentence correctly uses "They're," which is a contraction of "They are." The other options misuse "Their" (a possessive pronoun) or "There" (an adverb indicating place), or use incorrect subject-verb agreement ("They is"). Correct usage of homophones and contractions is essential for clear and accurate writing.