West B Test Writing: Grammar and Sentence Structure 3

Question 1

In which sentence is subject-verb agreement correct?

Accepted Answer

Either the principal or the teachers are attending.

Answer

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

Question 2

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Accepted Answer

The doctor insisted that the patient rest for two days.

Answer

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

Question 3

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Accepted Answer

The manager hired both him and her for the project.

Answer

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

Question 4

Which sentence avoids a split infinitive?

Accepted Answer

They planned to finish the project quickly.

Answer

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

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses an appositive?

Accepted Answer

My brother, a doctor, works at the hospital.

Answer

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

West B Test Practice Test