TOEFL Grammar & Sentence Structure 3

Question 1

Identify the error in the following sentence: 'Neither the students nor the professor were prepared for the power outage.'

Accepted Answer

The verb 'were' should be 'was' because it agrees with the nearest subject 'professor'

Answer

The 'proximity rule' applies with neither/nor and either/or: the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. Since 'professor' (singular) is nearest, the verb should be 'was.'

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses an adverbial clause of concession?

Accepted Answer

Although the results were promising, the sample size was too small.

Answer

'Although the results were promising, the sample size was too small' is correct — 'although' already signals the contrast, so 'but' would be redundant.

Question 3

What does 'dangling modifier' mean in grammar?

Accepted Answer

A modifier whose intended noun is absent or misplaced in the sentence

Answer

A dangling modifier occurs when the modifying phrase does not logically connect to the subject of the main clause — the noun it is meant to modify is missing or in the wrong position.

Question 4

In which sentence is the apostrophe used correctly?

Accepted Answer

The university's policy on plagiarism is strictly enforced.

Answer

'The university's policy' correctly uses apostrophe + s to show singular possession — the policy belongs to one university.

Question 5

Which sentence best demonstrates correct use of an infinitive versus a gerund?

Accepted Answer

She avoided making eye contact during the interview.

Answer

'Avoid' is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive, making 'avoided making' correct. 'Decide' is followed by an infinitive: 'decided to study.'

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Grammar & Sentence Structure 3