Written Communication Flashcards

Which sentence is grammatically correct and most appropriate for a formal government document?

Answer: The report, which was submitted last week, has been reviewed by the director.

'The report' is singular, requiring 'has been' (not 'have been'). The non-restrictive clause requires commas on both sides.

Choose the most concise and clear version: 'Due to the fact that the budget has been reduced, it will be necessary for us to cut costs.'

Answer: Because the budget has been reduced, we must cut costs.

'Due to the fact that' simplifies to 'Because.' 'It will be necessary for us to' simplifies to 'we must.' Option A is the clearest and most concise.

A colleague drafted: 'The committee will meet on Tuesday, March 12th, at 10 a.m. in the morning.' What is wrong with this sentence?

Answer: 'in the morning' is redundant with 'a.m.'

'a.m.' already means 'in the morning,' so 'in the morning' is redundant and should be removed.

Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The policy will ___ everyone in the department.'

Answer: affect

'Affect' is the verb meaning to have an influence on. 'Effect' is usually a noun. 'Affect' is the correct verb choice here.

Which version uses parallel structure correctly?

Answer: The manager's duties include reviewing files, attending meetings, and supervising staff.

Parallel structure requires the same grammatical form for all listed items. Option B uses the -ing form consistently: reviewing, attending, supervising.

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

Answer: The director, however, did not approve the proposal.

'However' used as a conjunctive adverb in the middle of a sentence must be set off by commas on both sides.