Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence? Many pass through those doors, but only a few deserve their degrees.
- A. pass
- B. through
- C. deserve
- D. degree
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'deserve' should be used instead of 'deserves' to match the plural subject 'few'. The subject 'few' is plural, so the verb should also be plural. Therefore, the correct sentence should be 'but only a few deserve their degrees.' Choices A, B, and D are used correctly in the sentence and do not need any changes.
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Select the word that makes the following sentence grammatically correct. The flock huddles against the wind that ruffles ___________ feathers.
- A. its
- B. their
- C. it's
- D. they're
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this sentence, the word 'flock' is singular, so the pronoun that follows should also be singular. Therefore, the correct choice is 'its,' which refers back to the singular noun 'flock.'
Choice B ('their') is incorrect because it is a plural pronoun and does not agree in number with the singular noun 'flock.' Choices C ('it's') and D ('they're') are both incorrect contractions that do not fit grammatically in this context.
Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence? Jeremiah seemed enthusiastic when we reported on our astonishing success.
- A. seemed
- B. enthusiastic
- C. astonishing
- D. success
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The word 'enthusiastic' is used incorrectly in the sentence. It should be 'enthusiastic' instead of 'enthusiastically' since it is describing Jeremiah's state of being, not an action he performed. Adverbs like 'enthusiastically' are used to modify verbs, not adjectives like 'enthusiastic'. The other choices ('seemed,' 'astonishing,' 'success') are all used appropriately in the sentence and do not need any correction.
Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence? She is already an adjunct at a college in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina.
- A. already
- B. adjunct
- C. college
- D. capital
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'college' is used incorrectly in the sentence. The correct term to use in this context would be 'capital,' not 'college.' 'Capital' refers to the city that serves as the seat of government, while 'college' refers to an educational institution. The sentence should read: 'She is already an adjunct at a capital in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina.' Choices A, B, and D are all used appropriately in the sentence.
Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence? Her mentor's advice was bound to affect her final decision.
- A. mentor's
- B. advice
- C. effect
- D. decision
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the given sentence, the word 'effect' is used incorrectly. In this context, the word 'affect' should be used instead of 'effect.' 'Affect' is a verb that means to influence or have an impact on something, while 'effect' is a noun that represents the result or outcome of an action. Therefore, to convey the intended meaning that her mentor's advice was bound to influence or impact her final decision, the correct word should be 'affect,' not 'effect.' The other options ('mentor's,' 'advice,' 'decision') are used appropriately in the sentence and do not contain any errors.
Select the word or phrase that makes the following sentence grammatically correct. Two students ___________ the machine while the third oversaw their work.
- A. operate
- B. operating
- C. were operating
- D. has been operating
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The word 'operate' is the correct choice as it agrees with the verb tense used in the sentence. In this case, the sentence requires the simple past tense. The correct form should be 'Two students operate the machine while the third oversaw their work.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match the required verb tense for the sentence. 'Operating' (choice B) is a present participle, 'were operating' (choice C) is past continuous, and 'has been operating' (choice D) is present perfect continuous, none of which fit the context of the sentence.