Which of the following phrases is grammatically correct and uses parallel structure?
- A. He enjoys reading, writing, and playing sports.
- B. Walking, swimming, and cooking are his favorite hobbies.
- C. He likes to read, write, and play sports.
- D. Singing, dancing, and traveling are his passions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is the correct answer as it uses the gerund (-ing) form for all three hobbies, achieving parallel structure. Parallel structure requires that elements in a sentence are grammatically balanced. In this case, all three activities are presented in the same form, making the sentence clear and consistent. Choices A, C, and D do not exhibit parallel structure as they mix verb forms or use infinitives, breaking the parallelism needed for correct grammar.
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The important decision will be made tomorrow. Which word is the comparative form of the adjective 'important'?
- A. important
- B. importantly
- C. more important
- D. most important
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this sentence, 'important' is the positive form of the adjective. When comparing two things, the comparative form is used, which is 'more important' in this case. 'More important' indicates a higher degree of importance when comparing two things. Therefore, 'more important' is the correct comparative form of the adjective 'important' in this context. Choice A ('important') is the positive form, not the comparative form. Choice B ('importantly') is an adverb, not a comparative form of the adjective. Choice D ('most important') is the superlative form, used to show the highest degree of importance among three or more things, not for comparing two things.
Which sentence uses the word 'literally' correctly?
- A. I literally died laughing at that joke.
- B. He literally climbed a mountain of paperwork.
- C. Her eyes were literally sparkling with excitement.
- D. The house was literally haunted by ghosts.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it uses 'literally' to emphasize the magnitude of work, not to exaggerate a simple action. In this sentence, 'literally' is used to convey the idea that the person climbed a significant amount of paperwork, highlighting the challenging and overwhelming nature of the task. Choices A, C, and D use 'literally' inappropriately by exaggerating or using the word in a non-literal sense. In choice A, 'died laughing' is a common expression and not meant to be taken literally. Choice C describes a figurative expression, not a literal one. Choice D involves the supernatural, which is not a literal occurrence.
Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?
- A. I enjoy reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends.
- B. Reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends are all activities I enjoy.
- C. I like to read, watch movies, and spend time with friends.
- D. Reading, movies, and friends are all things I enjoy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form for elements in a list. Option (B) uses parallel gerunds ('reading,' 'watching,' 'spending'), making it the correct choice. The other options have inconsistencies in the form of the listed activities, making them grammatically incorrect. Option (A) starts with 'I enjoy' but then switches to '-ing' verbs. Option (C) changes from 'like' to '-ing' verbs, breaking parallelism. Option (D) lists 'reading' correctly but then switches to singular nouns ('movies,' 'friends'), which is not parallel.
Which sentence uses the colon correctly?
- A. I brought snacks: chips, salsa, and guacamole.
- B. The winner is Sarah!
- C. He loves all things chocolate: cake, ice cream, and candy bars.
- D. Please bring the following items: pen, paper, and stapler.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Colons are used to introduce a list or explanation that follows an independent clause. In this case, option A correctly uses a colon to introduce a list of snacks after an independent clause. Choice B lacks an independent clause before the colon, making it incorrect. Choice C is incorrect as it should have an independent clause before the colon. Choice D incorrectly uses a colon as a comma would be more appropriate to introduce the list of items.
Which sentence uses the passive voice correctly?
- A. The letter was written by Mary.
- B. John built the house.
- C. She gave the flowers to him.
- D. They were eating dinner.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Option A correctly uses the passive voice by placing the emphasis on the object (letter) that received the action (was written) rather than the subject performing the action. The phrase 'by Mary' indicates the agent who performed the action, making it a clear example of the passive voice structure. Choices B, C, and D are all in the active voice, where the subject performs the action directly on the object. In the context of identifying the correct usage of the passive voice, option A stands out as the only suitable example.