sentence correction

Explanation / Important formulas - Sentence Correction:

Instruction:

The phrases which are  given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold type to make the grammatically correct.

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Test - Sentence Correction



Sentence Correction - Question and Answers

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Question 1
By next month, Ms. Jones will be Mayor of Tallahassee for two years.
A
will be Mayor of Tallahassee
B
will have been Mayor of Tallahassee
C
will be mayor of Tallahassee
D
will have been mayor of Tallahassee
E
could have been mayor of Tallahassee
Question 1 Explanation: 
"By next month" used together with "for two years" indicates something that will be completed in the future, so future perfect "will have been" is the correct tense.
"Will be" [(A), (C)] means she will be mayor for two years beginning in the future.
Moreover, "Mayor" [(A), (B)] is incorrectly capitalized: it is not used as a title/name here (like "Mayor Jones"). "Could have been" (E) changes the meaning.
Question 2
Valarie claims that cats made the best pets.
A
made the best pets.
B
could be the best pets.
C
are the best pets
D
make of the best pets.
E
make the best pets.
Question 2 Explanation: 
To agree with the present-tense predicate "claims," the dependent clause must also be present-tense "make," not "made" (A).
"Could be" (B) and "are" (C) alter the sentence meaning. "Make of" (D) is not a valid construction in this sentence structure, makes no sense, and means nothing.
Question 3
If he would have revised his first draft, he would have received a better grade.
A
would have revised
B
had revised
C
could of revised
D
had of revised
E
would revise
Question 3 Explanation: 
With conditional-subjunctive constructions, never add the subjunctive auxiliary verb (would/could/would have/could have) to the conditional (If) half [(A), (C), (E)]; it is only used in the subjunctive half.
It is never correct to substitute the preposition "of" for the auxiliary verb "have" [(C), (D)].
Question 4
If I would have known about the team tryouts, I would have signed up for them.
A
had known
B
would have known
C
could of known
D
had been told
E
could have been told
Question 4 Explanation: 
Conditional-subjunctive ("If...then") constructions set in the past use past perfect ("If I had known") for the conditional, and present perfect ("I would have signed up") for the subjunctive, because "If" comes earlier and "then" later.
Adding the subjunctive "would"/"could" to the conditional as well (B) is incorrect.
Substituting the preposition "of" for the auxiliary verb "have" (C) is always incorrect. "Had been/could have been told" [(C), (D)] differs in meaning from "had known."
Question 5
Do you know that these gloves have lay on the bureau all week?
A
have lay on
B
have laid on
C
would lie on
D
had laid on
E
have lain on
Question 5 Explanation: 
The present perfect intransitive "to lie" is "have lain," not "have lay" (A), "have laid" (B), or "had laid" (D), which latter two are only transitive, e.g. "She has laid the gloves on the bureau every day" or "I saw a pair of gloves she had laid on the bureau."
The conditional "would lie" (C) is only grammatical with a conditional, e.g. "...would lie on the bureau all week unless you moved them," also conveying a different meaning.
Question 6
If I had the address, I would have delivered the package myself.
A
had the address,
B
had the address;
C
had the address-
D
had had the address;
E
had had the address,
Question 6 Explanation: 
Since this entire conditional-subjunctive sentence construction is in the past, the correct conditional form is past perfect "If I had had" rather than present perfect "if I had" [(A), (B), (C)] with the present perfect subjunctive "I would have."
The correct punctuation between conditional "if" and subjunctive "would" parts is always a comma, never a semicolon [(B), (D)] or a dash (C).
Question 7
The helium-filled balloon rose in the air.
A
rose in the air.
B
was rising in the air.
C
was in the air.
D
rose into the air.
E
would rise in the air.
Question 7 Explanation: 
The correct preposition with verbs expressing movement or placement is "into," not "in" [(A), (B), (C), (E)], a common error.
We place something into a container, not in it; things move into the air, not in it.
"In" denotes something is already there rather than moving/being moved there.
Question 8
During colonial days, a school room looked rather empty.
A
colonial days, a school room looked
B
colonial days, a schoolroom looked
C
colonial days; a schoolroom looked
D
colonial days; a school room looked
E
colonial days-a schoolroom looked
Question 8 Explanation: 
"Schoolroom" is one word, not two [(A), (D)]. A semicolon separates independent clauses or phrases containing internal commas, but is incorrect between a phrase and a clause [(C), (D)].
A comma, not a dash (E), is used between the introductory prepositional phrase and the independent clause it modifies.
Question 9
Someone gives the school gerbils every year.
A
Someone gives the school gerbils
B
Some one gives the school gerbils
C
Some one gives the School gerbils
D
There is a person that gives the school gerbils
E
An individual gave gerbils
Question 9 Explanation: 
"Someone" is one word, not two [(B), (C)]. "There is a person that" (D) differs semantically and grammatically, meaning someone exists who gives the school gerbils rather than someone gives the school gerbils; also, "who" is preferable over "that" when referring to people.
The meaning is changed by past tense "gave" (E); i.e. an individual/someone gave the school gerbils every year but no longer does, vs. someone still gives the school gerbils every year.
Question 10
Quebec rises in a magnificent way above the St. Lawrence River.
A
rises in a magnificent way above
B
rises in a magnificent way, way above
C
rises magnificently above
D
rises magnificently way above
E
is raised in a magnificent way above
Question 10 Explanation: 
The adverb "magnificently" modifies the verb "rises" and reads more appropriately and concisely than the phrase "in a magnificent way."
"Way above" [(B), (C)] is slangy and does not express the intended meaning. If it did, "far above" would be more correct.
Passive-voice "is raised" (E) connotes a different meaning (i.e. is set higher) than active-voice "rises" (i.e. appears) in this sentence.
Question 11
Arctic trees are scrubbiest than trees in milder climates.
A
scrubbiest than trees
B
scrubbier then trees
C
scrubbiest than are trees
D
scrubbier than are trees
E
scrubbier than trees
Question 11 Explanation: 
When comparing two things, the comparative "-er" is used rather than the superlative "-est," which is only used when comparing more than two things.
The adverb "than" is used with the comparative, not the conjunction "then" (B), which indicates time sequence (e.g. "and then..."), cause and effect (e.g. "If...,then..."). Adding "are" (D) is unnecessary.
Question 12
The setting of a story effects the story's plot.
A
effects the story's plot.
B
effects the stories plot.
C
affect the story's plot.
D
affects the story's plot.
E
affects the story's plots.
Question 12 Explanation: 
To affect means to influence. This meaning, and hence this spelling, apply here. To effect [(A), (B)] means to cause, initiate, create, implement, or accomplish.
"Stories" (B) is plural, not possessive. "Affect" (C) goes with a plural, not singular, subject. "Plots" (E) is plural, not singular.
Question 13
Once upon a point a time, a small person named Little Red Riding Hood initiated plans for the preparation, delivery and transportation of foodstuffs to her Grandmother.
A
and transportation of foodstuffs to her Grandmother.
B
and transportation of food stuffs to her Grandmother.
C
and transportation of food supplies to her Grandmother
D
and transportation of foodstuffs to her grandmother.
E
and, transportation of food supplies to her grand mother.
Question 13 Explanation: 
When used as a noun rather than a name (proper noun), "grandmother" is not capitalized.
Used either way, it is still one word, not two (E); the same is true of "foodstuffs" (B).
Question 14
I really dug the character of Brutus.
A
dug
B
thought about
C
thought of
D
admired
E
gazed at
Question 14 Explanation: 
"Admired" is an acceptable word in writing for the desired meaning, whereas "dug" (A) is slang.
"Thought about (B), "thought of" (C), and "gazed at" (E) do not convey the same meaning at all.
Question 15
Linda decides they had better scram before the killers find them.
A
had better scram
B
had better leave
C
should hurry and scram
D
could hurry and leave
E
had better get out
Question 15 Explanation: 
"Scram" is a slang word meaning "leave," a more acceptable choice when writing (excepting intentional slang like Mark Twain used in dialogue, narrative, etc.).
"Could" (D) means they can leave, whereas "had better" and "should" means they ought to leave. "Get out" (E), similarly to "scram," is less acceptable than "leave."
Question 16
To judge the Tidy City contest, we picked an uninterested party.
A
picked an uninterested party.
B
picked an interested party!
C
picked a disinterested party.
D
are in the process of picking an uninterested party.
E
picked an disinterested party.
Question 16 Explanation: 
The correct word choice for this sentence is "disinterested," meaning not personally involved or invested and (presumably) impartial.
"Uninterested" means literally not interested, i.e. oblivious or not caring. In this context, they would not pick an "interested" party to judge a contest, and the exclamation mark (B) is inappropriate punctuation. "An" (E) is incorrect preceding a consonant.
Question 17
When studying an assignment, it is wise to read it over quickly at first, than see the major points, and finally outline the material.
A
first, than
B
first: then
C
first-then
D
first, then
E
first-than
Question 17 Explanation: 
"Then" is an adverb indicating time or sequence here. "Than" [(A), (E)] is a conjunction indicating comparison, e.g. "He is taller than I am" or "We would rather go now than later." When listing three sequential steps as in this sentence, the comma after the first and second steps is correct punctuation; a colon (B) or hyphen [(C), (E)] is incorrect.
Question 18
Sabotage came from the French saboter, which means "to clatter with wooden shoes (sabots)."
A
which means "to
B
which means, "to
C
that means "to
D
that means-"to
E
that means, "to
Question 18 Explanation: 
No punctuation should be placed between "means" and "to" here.
Hence a comma [(B), (E)] or dash (D) is incorrect. A nonrestrictive relative clause introduces additional information, requiring a comma and "which"-not "that" [(C), (D), and (E)]. "That" is used without a comma and only with a restrictive relative clause, i.e. one that is necessary to understand the meaning of the noun it modifies.
Question 19
Jessica Mitford wrote The American Way of Death, a best-selling book that led eventually to an official investigation of the funeral industry.
A
that led eventually
B
that had led eventually
C
that eventually led
D
which eventually led
E
who eventually led
Question 19 Explanation: 
With an indirect object, the transitive verb and preposition should be a unit, i.e. "led to" here, like "take from," "give to," etc., uninterrupted by the modifying adverb "eventually." "Who" (E) only applies to people, not inanimate objects like books.
Question 20
If the books have been cataloged last week, why haven't they been placed on the shelf?
A
have been cataloged
B
would have been cataloged
C
was cataloged
D
were cataloged
E
had been cataloged
Question 20 Explanation: 
"Last week" dictates simple past tense "were." Present perfect "have been" (A) refers to the status now of something already accomplished in the past-e.g. "have been cataloged since last week." Subjunctive present perfect "would have been" (B) is never used in a conditional "If" clause/phrase, only as its complement ("If..., then they would...").
Singular "was" (C) disagrees with plural "books." Past perfect "had been" (E) would require "why hadn't they been.../weren't they...?" to agree.
Question 21
In the U.S., German luxury brands have succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league in buying and leasing some snazzy rides.
A
have succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league in buying and leasing some snazzy rides
B
have succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league to buy and lease some snazzy rides
C
have succeeded in getting people who once might have thought the cars were out of their league to buy and lease some snazzy rides
D
has succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league to buy and lease some snazzy rides
E
has succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league in buying and leasing some snazzy rides
Question 21 Explanation: 
A. It is idiomatic to say in getting x... to do y. in getting people... in buying is not idiomatic. Choice (A) is therefore, incorrect.
B. CORRECT. The correct idiom is used.
C. Once is misplaced: it is not placed before the verb it is modifying. Once thought is the correct construction.
D. German luxury brands is plural. Therefore, the use of has creates a Noun-Verb disagreement and is incorrect.
E. has creates a noun-verb disagreement. Moreover, in getting x... to do y is idiomatic.
Question 22

Thieves steal Hondas and Toyotas from the 1990s more than other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car.

A
more than other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
B
more than they steal other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
C
more than they do other models because they can dismantle the cars and sell the parts that are worth more than the car
D
more than other models because they can chop the cars up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
E
more than other models because they can dismantle them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
Question 22 Explanation: 
A. Comparison error. Requires more than they steal.... to complete the comparison. Also the pronoun them is ambiguous. It can refer to Hondas, Toyotas, or other models.
B. Takes care of comparison error, but the pronoun error still stands.
C. CORRECT. Dummy verb do takes care of comparison error. Pronoun error stands corrected. Also, the phrase dismantle the cars is better than chop the cars.
D. While pronoun ambiguity is corrected, comparison is incomplete.
E. Comparison is incomplete. Pronoun them is ambiguous. Dismantle up is incorrect.
Question 23

Hopes that the European Central Bank will reach a deal to help Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates has nudged financial markets higher.

A
Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates has nudged financial markets higher
B
Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates have nudged financial markets to higher levels
C
Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates has nudged financial markets to higher levels
D
Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates nudged financial markets to higher levels
E
Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates nudged financial markets higher
Question 23 Explanation: 
A. The subject for the verb nudged is Hopes. The correct verb is have nudged..... to higher X is required because financial markets are measured in index levels.
B. CORRECT. have nudged..... is the correct verb for Hopes. to higher levels is required.
C. has nudged is incorrect.
D. Original sentence has the present perfect auxilliary has...... It is required in the sentence.
E. Original sentence has the present perfect auxilliary has...... It is required in the sentence. to higher X is required because financial markets are measured in index levels.
Question 24

Unlike Ancient Greek art which saw the veneration of the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature, poise, beauty and anatomically correct proportions, Ancient Roman art depicted gods as idealized humans, shown with characteristic distinguishing features.

A
Unlike Ancient Greek art which saw the veneration of the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature
B
Ancient Greek art saw the veneration of the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature
C
While Ancient Greek art saw the veneration of the animal form and developed equivalent skills to show musculature
D
While Ancient Greek art venerated the animal form and developed equivalent skills to show musculature
E
Unlike Ancient Greek art which venerated the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature
Question 24 Explanation: 
A. The two art forms are not complete contrasts. Hence use of unlike is incorrect. This is a mere difference, hence while should be used. Also the correct part of the sentence uses Ancient Roman art depicted…so the first part should also be parallely constructed.
B. The sentence is cumbersome because of the repetitive use of the comma. Also lacks parallel construction.
C. While.... takes care of the difference highlighted in the sentence. The original sentence talks of both veneration…and development…as predicates of the verb saw; here developed is constructed in parallel with saw – thus changing the intent of the sentence.
D. Correct. Use of while is required. Venerated..... and developed.... are parallely constructed and conform to depicted…
E. Use of unlike..... is incorrect. Greek Art did not venerate the development of.....
Question 25
My hair stood off ends when I saw the horrible sight.
A
stood at ends
B
stood on ends
C
stood to ends
D
No correction required
E
stands on ends
Question 25 Explanation: 
B is the right answer...OFF - is used in case of separation.
ON - is used in case of not separation the things must be in a contact.
So above option 'B'is correct answer due to hair contact.
Question 26
No sooner do the bells ring than the curtain rose.
A
did the bell ring
B
did the bells ring
C
had the bell rang
D
had the bell rung
E
No correction required
Question 26 Explanation: 
After no sooner we use either.
Did + Present Tense (V1) or Had + Vs
Question 27
The police has so far succeed in recovering only a part of the stolen property.
A
thus far succeeded for recovery
B
so far succeed in the recovery of
C
as far as succeeded in recovery of
D
so far succeed to recover
E
No correction required
Question 27 Explanation: 
The sentence is correct
Question 28
Meditation has used in every part of the world.
A
has useful
B
has been used
C
has had used
D
may have used
E
No correction required
Question 28 Explanation: 
In the place of has used, use has been used.
Question 29
We advised them to go to a hill station during the summer vacation.
A
for going to
B
that they go to
C
to going to
D
that they should have to go to
E
No correction required
Question 29 Explanation: 
The sentence is correct.
Question 30
They failed in their attempt to repair the demolished portion of the building.
A
for their attempt
B
in their attempting to repair
C
with their attempt
D
in their attempt for repairs
E
No correction required
Question 30 Explanation: 
The sentence is correct.
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