RLA Grammar and Word Usage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?
- If I was taller, I could reach the shelf.
- If I were taller, I could reach the shelf. (Correct answer)
- If I am taller, I could reach the shelf.
- If I be taller, I could reach the shelf.
Correct answer: If I were taller, I could reach the shelf.
The subjunctive mood uses 'were' (not 'was') in contrary-to-fact conditional clauses.
Question 2: Choose the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement:
- Everyone must submit their application by Friday.
- Everyone must submit his or her application by Friday. (Correct answer)
- Everyone must submit its application by Friday.
- Everyone must submit there application by Friday.
Correct 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).
Question 3: Which word is a conjunctive adverb?
- although
- because
- however (Correct answer)
- since
Correct answer: however
'However' is a conjunctive adverb used to connect independent clauses; the others are subordinating conjunctions.
Question 4: Identify the dangling modifier in: 'Running to catch the bus, my keys fell out of my pocket.'
- my keys
- Running to catch the bus (Correct answer)
- fell out
- my pocket
Correct answer: Running to catch the bus
'Running to catch the bus' dangles because it cannot logically modify 'my keys'—keys cannot run.
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
- She loves hiking; and camping.
- She loves hiking; she also enjoys camping. (Correct answer)
- She loves; hiking and camping.
- She loves hiking and; camping.
Correct answer: She loves hiking; she also enjoys camping.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Question 6: Select the correct word: 'The committee made ______ decision unanimously.'
- it's
- its'
- its (Correct answer)
- their
Correct answer: its
'Its' is the possessive form of 'it'; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.'
Question 7: Which sentence is in the passive voice?
- The chef prepared a delicious meal.
- A delicious meal was prepared by the chef. (Correct answer)
- The chef is preparing a delicious meal.
- The chef had prepared a delicious meal.
Correct 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.
RLA Grammar and Word Usage 2
Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?