Grammar and Word Usage Flashcards

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Answer: If I were taller, I could reach the shelf.

The subjunctive mood uses 'were' (not 'was') in contrary-to-fact conditional clauses.

Choose the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement:

Answer: Everyone must submit his or her application by Friday.

'Everyone' is a singular indefinite pronoun, so 'his or her' is the traditionally correct formal agreement (though 'their' is widely accepted in informal use).

Which word is a conjunctive adverb?

Answer: however

'However' is a conjunctive adverb used to connect independent clauses; the others are subordinating conjunctions.

Identify the dangling modifier in: 'Running to catch the bus, my keys fell out of my pocket.'

Answer: Running to catch the bus

'Running to catch the bus' dangles because it cannot logically modify 'my keys'—keys cannot run.

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Answer: She loves hiking; she also enjoys camping.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Select the correct word: 'The committee made ______ decision unanimously.'

Answer: its

'Its' is the possessive form of 'it'; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.'

Which sentence is in the passive voice?

Answer: A delicious meal was prepared by the chef.

Passive voice occurs when the subject receives the action rather than performs it, using a form of 'to be' plus a past participle.