Written Communication and Grammar Flashcards

An officer writes: 'Between you and I, the suspect was uncooperative.' What is the error?

Answer: Incorrect pronoun case ('I' should be 'me')

The preposition 'between' requires objective pronouns, so 'me' is correct rather than 'I.'

Which practice best ensures clarity in a police report narrative?

Answer: Writing in the first person and using specific, concrete language

Clear, first-person narratives with specific facts produce accurate, credible police reports.

What is a dangling modifier?

Answer: A descriptive phrase that does not logically modify the noun nearest to it

A dangling modifier is a phrase that seems to modify the wrong word, causing confusion or unintended meaning.

Which sentence avoids jargon and is clearest for a report intended for court?

Answer: The subject was taken into custody following a physical confrontation.

Professional, plain language free of slang or jargon is required for court-admissible documents.

Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Answer: Each of the suspects was read their Miranda rights.

'Each' is always singular, so it takes the singular verb 'was.'

An officer writes: 'The sergeant told Officer Lee and myself to respond.' What is the error?

Answer: 'Myself' should be 'me'

Reflexive pronouns like 'myself' should only be used when the subject and object are the same person; 'me' is correct here.

Which transitional word best signals a contrasting idea in a report?

Answer: However

'However' signals contrast or contradiction between two ideas.