Select the phrase or clause that is misplaced in the sentence. The children and their parents handed water in tiny cups to the runners.
- A. and their parents
- B. handed water in tiny cups
- C. to the runners
- D. in tiny cups
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the sentence, 'The children and their parents handed water in tiny cups to the runners,' the phrase 'to the runners' is misplaced. Placing it at the end of the sentence can create a clearer and more direct connection between the action of handing water in tiny cups and the recipients, the runners. Rearranging the sentence in this way enhances its clarity and coherence. Choice A ('and their parents') is correctly positioned as it connects 'the children' with 'their parents.' Choice B ('handed water in tiny cups') is the main action being performed and is appropriately placed. Choice D ('in tiny cups') appropriately describes how the water was handed. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
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Select the word that makes this sentence grammatically correct. The board of education ___________ to hold a special meeting.
- A. plan
- B. plans
- C. planning
- D. do plan
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this sentence, the subject 'board of education' is singular, so the verb should also be singular to match. 'Plans' is the correct form of the verb to use with a singular subject. The correct sentence should be: 'The board of education plans to hold a special meeting.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not agree in number with the singular subject 'board of education.' 'Plan' is plural, 'planning' is a gerund form, and 'do plan' is not the correct verb form for the subject-verb agreement in this sentence.
What word is best to substitute for the underlined words in the following sentence? Several nursing students stayed behind after class, but the instructor advised the students to ask questions during office hours.
- A. them
- B. him
- C. they
- D. those
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'they' is the best substitute for the underlined words in the sentence because it refers to the plural noun 'nursing students' and is used to indicate the subject of the sentence. Using 'they' maintains subject-verb agreement and clarity in the sentence.
Choice A 'them' is incorrect as it is used for objects, not subjects. Choice B 'him' is singular and does not agree with the plural noun 'nursing students.' Choice D 'those' is also incorrect as it refers to objects, not the subject of the sentence.
What punctuation is needed in this sentence to make it correct? Take this fast-acting cough medicine after your next meal.
- A. Period
- B. Comma
- C. Colon
- D. Hyphen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Period'. The sentence 'Take this fast-acting cough medicine after your next meal.' is a complete sentence and requires a period at the end to indicate a full stop. A comma (Choice B) is not suitable here as it would create a comma splice. A colon (Choice C) is not needed as there is no introductory clause or list following it. A hyphen (Choice D) is used to join compound words or for other specific purposes, not to end a sentence.
Select the word or phrase that makes this sentence grammatically correct. The children started ___________ away their trash without being asked.
- A. throw
- B. to throw
- C. threw
- D. threwing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this sentence, 'to throw' is the correct form to use after the verb 'started' to indicate the action that the children began doing. The infinitive form 'to throw' is needed after the verb 'started' to show the purpose or action that is about to happen. When an action follows another action that has already started, the infinitive form is typically used to express the purpose or intention behind the subsequent action, making 'to throw' the most appropriate choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'throw' is not the correct form to follow 'started' as it needs an infinitive form, 'threw' is the past tense which is not suitable in this context, and 'threwing' is an incorrect form of the verb that does not exist in standard English.
Which of the following words fits best in the sentence below? ___________ she is the youngest member of her class, Octavia is taller than her classmates.
- A. Despite
- B. Since
- C. Although
- D. Provided
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'Although' is the correct choice as it is used to introduce a contrast between two ideas. In this sentence, it highlights the unexpected nature of Octavia being taller than her classmates despite being the youngest member of her class. This conjunction effectively conveys the discrepancy between her age and height in the context of the sentence.
Choice A ('Despite') indicates a contradiction or contrast but does not capture the nuance of unexpectedness present in the sentence. Choice B ('Since') implies a causal relationship, which is not the intended meaning. Choice D ('Provided') suggests a condition or stipulation, which is not suitable for the context of the sentence. Therefore, 'Although' is the most appropriate choice.