What is the function of an adjective in a sentence?
- A. To describe a verb
- B. To connect clauses
- C. To describe a noun
- D. To show action
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The function of an adjective in a sentence is to describe or modify a noun. Adjectives provide more information about the noun they modify, such as its size, color, shape, etc. For example, in the sentence 'The tall building,' 'tall' is an adjective describing the noun 'building.' Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Adjectives do not describe verbs (adverbs do that), connect clauses (conjunctions do that), or show action (verbs do that).
You may also like to solve these questions
The test was ridiculously easy, and the entire class got every question right. Which of the following parts of speech is 'ridiculously' as used in the sentence above?
- A. Verb
- B. Interjection
- C. Adjective
- D. Adverb
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 'Ridiculously' is an adverb in this sentence, modifying the adjective 'easy.' Adverbs typically modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. In this case, 'ridiculously' is describing the adjective 'easy,' indicating the degree or manner of the adjective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Ridiculously' is not a verb (choice A) as it is not expressing an action or state. It is not an interjection (choice B) since it is not an abrupt exclamation. Also, it is not an adjective (choice C) as it is not directly modifying a noun or pronoun.
Identify the independent clause in the following sentence: You need to call your mother as soon as you get home.
- A. You need to call your mother.
- B. As soon as you get home.
- C. You get home.
- D. You need to call.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "You need to call your mother." An independent clause is a sentence that can stand alone and express a complete thought. In this sentence, the clause "You need to call your mother" functions independently and makes complete sense by itself. Choice B, "As soon as you get home," is a dependent clause as it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Choice C, "You get home," is also a dependent clause lacking a complete thought. Choice D, "You need to call," is not a complete sentence without specifying who needs to call.
Which of the following examples is the correct way for punctuating this quotation?
- A. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite, said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookies away."
- B. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite" said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookies away.
- C. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite," said Philip, "as he pushed the plate of cookies away."
- D. "I'm not going to spoil my appetite," said Philip, as he pushed the plate of cookies away.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D correctly punctuates the quotation with commas separating the dialogue from the tag and action.
What is the most likely context of the following conversation: 'Yup, you too... hey wait, what are you up to tonight, anyways?'
- A. A boss is asking an employee about their schedule to see if they can work late.
- B. A speaker is practicing a speech for a debate about working overtime.
- C. A friend is asking another friend about their plans for the evening.
- D. An investigator is discussing research on acceptable work schedules.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The informal tone and casual language, such as 'hey wait' and 'what are you up to tonight, anyways?' suggest that the speaker is a friend inquiring about the plans of another friend. This type of conversation is typical among peers and not in a professional setting, ruling out choices A and D. Choice B is incorrect because there is no indication of a debate or formal speech practice in the conversation.
The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon. Which of the following parts of speech is 'swirling' as used in the sentence above?
- A. Interjection
- B. Article
- C. Adjective
- D. Adverb
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the sentence 'The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon,' 'swirling' is functioning as an adjective. Adjectives modify or describe nouns, and in this case, 'swirling' describes the noun 'snow.' The word 'swirling' is giving more information about the nature or quality of the snow, indicating that it is moving in a circular motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. An interjection is a word or phrase used to express strong emotions or sentiments, which 'swirling' does not do in this context. An article is a determiner that introduces a noun, and 'swirling' is not serving this function. An adverb typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, but in this sentence, 'swirling' is not modifying a verb, making it an incorrect choice.