What word is best to substitute for the underlined words in the following sentence? The coats hanging on the hooks are the patients'.
- A. his
- B. their
- C. them
- D. theirs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The word 'their' is the correct possessive pronoun to use in this sentence because it indicates that the coats belong to multiple patients. 'Their' shows ownership by a plural group, which is the most suitable choice in this context. Choice A, 'his,' is singular and would imply that all the coats belong to one male patient, which is not the case. Choice C, 'them,' is a pronoun used for indicating objects or people and not possession. Choice D, 'theirs,' is a possessive pronoun but is used to refer to something that belongs to multiple people, not in this case where the coats belong to the patients.
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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.
Which word is not spelled correctly in the context of the following sentence? I like the way the bride's stationery complements her wedding decor.
- A. bride's
- B. stationery
- C. complements
- D. decor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'complements' is not spelled correctly in the context of the sentence. The correct spelling should be 'complements,' which means 'enhances or goes well with.' 'Compliments' in this context would refer to expressions of praise or admiration. The other choices ('bride's,' 'stationery,' 'decor') are correctly spelled and fit the context of the sentence.
Select the phrase or clause that is misplaced in the following sentence. With torn pages, I returned the book I'd just bought to the store.
- A. With torn pages
- B. I returned the book
- C. I'd just bought
- D. to the store
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The phrase 'With torn pages' is misplaced in the sentence because it disrupts the flow of the sentence. Placing it at the beginning creates an awkward structure. It would be clearer to present the main action first before adding the detail about the torn pages. In this case, rearranging the sentence to 'I returned the book I'd just bought to the store with torn pages' would improve the sentence's coherence and readability. Choices B, C, and D are not misplaced in the sentence as they follow a logical order of action and description.
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? 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.