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.
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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.
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.
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.
Select the word that will make the following sentence grammatically correct. The patients are resting comfortably; ___________, bed checks should still be done every half hour.
- A. despite
- B. however
- C. otherwise
- D. afterward
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'otherwise' is used to indicate that although the patients are resting comfortably, under different circumstances, bed checks should still be done every half hour. This maintains the correct logic and flow of the sentence, making it grammatically correct.
Choice A, 'despite,' would imply a contrasting situation that is not the intended meaning in this context. Choice B, 'however,' also implies a contrast rather than the intended conditional relationship. Choice D, 'afterward,' indicates a time sequence that does not fit the context of the sentence.
Which of the following words fits best in the following sentence? ___________ having finished her coursework, Lorene expects to spend another year on campus.
- A. Despite
- B. Although
- C. Thus
- D. However
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Despite.' 'Despite' is the best word to use in the sentence because it shows a contrast between Lorene having finished her coursework and her expectation to spend another year on campus. The word 'Despite' signals that there is an unexpected or contrary situation, emphasizing the contradiction between the two parts of the sentence. 'Although' (choice B) introduces a contrast but is not as strong as 'Despite' in highlighting the contradiction. 'Thus' (choice C) and 'However' (choice D) do not convey the intended contrast needed in this context, making them incorrect choices.