Writing: Grammar and Sentence Structure Flashcards

In which sentence is subject-verb agreement correct?

Answer: Either the principal or the teachers are attending.

With 'either/or' and 'neither/nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject; 'teachers' is plural, so 'are' is correct.

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Answer: The doctor insisted that the patient rest for two days.

After verbs of recommendation or insistence, the subjunctive uses the base form of the verb ('rest,' not 'rests').

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Answer: The manager hired both him and her for the project.

'Him' and 'her' are objective case pronouns, correct after the verb 'hired' since they are objects.

Which sentence avoids a split infinitive?

Answer: They planned to finish the project quickly.

Placing 'quickly' after the infinitive 'to finish' avoids splitting the infinitive with an adverb.

Which sentence correctly uses an appositive?

Answer: My brother, a doctor, works at the hospital.

An appositive phrase ('a doctor') must be set off with commas on both sides when it adds nonessential information.

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a colon:

Answer: He excels in one thing: persistence.

A colon is correctly used after a complete independent clause to introduce what follows.

Which sentence uses 'fewer' and 'less' correctly?

Answer: She has fewer responsibilities and less stress now.

'Fewer' applies to countable nouns (responsibilities) and 'less' to uncountable nouns (stress).