Writing and Editing Grammar and Mechanics 3

Question 1

Which word correctly completes: 'Neither the editor nor the writers __ finished the draft'?

Accepted Answer

have

Answer

With 'neither/nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject ('writers'), which is plural.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses an appositive?

Accepted Answer

My editor, Sarah, loves commas.

Answer

A nonrestrictive appositive should be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 3

Which form of the verb is correct: 'The data __ incomplete'?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B are acceptable

Answer

Both 'is' and 'are' are acceptable with 'data' in modern American usage.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

She only eats salad on Tuesdays.

Answer

Placing 'only' before 'eats' suggests she does nothing else with salad except eat it, rather than limiting when she eats it.

Question 5

Which sentence uses the active voice?

Accepted Answer

The editor reviewed the manuscript.

Answer

In active voice, the subject (the editor) performs the action (reviewed).

Writing and Editing Practice Test