IDENTIFICATION OF SENTENCE ERRORS 15.

15. My father saw how muchA Uncle Tom was enjoyingB his early retirement, andC so he decided to do
the sameD.
Explanation: The words “do the same” are ambiguous. Change to “take early
1. Illiteracy is an enormous problem,A it affectsB millions of people worldwide,C and is an impediment
retirement” or something similar.
toD social progress. 
Explanation: This is an example of a type of error known as comma splice. You cannot
16. We have no choice butA to appoint Mary:B she is the bestC of the two candidates, and there isD no
use a comma to link two complete sentences: use a semicolon.
prospect of finding more applicants.
Explanation: Since there are only two candidates we must use better not best.
2. The company president has takenA steps to ensure that sheB can handle the pressure and anxiety
associated withC the job, includingD joining a yoga class and enlisting the support of a network of
17. The reason I willA not be goingB to Mexico this year is becauseC I will use up all my travel money
friends.
attendingD an important meeting in Singapore.
Explanation: Misplaced modifier. Including seems to refer to job when it should refer to
Explanation: The correct usage is to say, “the reason is that”, not “the reason is
steps.
because”.
3. If you are sure thatA you are in the right,B you would notC mind an independent examination ofD
18. If you wereA to work at least four hours a day on the project, we wouldB complete it in a shorterC
the case.
time, and with lessD problems. Explanation: Change less to fewer.
Explanation: After a present tense in the if clause, we need a future tense in the main
clause. Would should be changed to will.
19. The manager tried hard to effectA a change in company policy, butB the owner, who steadfastly
refused to compromiseC, overruledD him on every point. No errorE.
4. The union insistedA on an increase in theirB members’C starting pay, and threatened to call a strike
if the company refused toD meet the demand.
20. The new library is undoubtedlyA well stocked and functional, butB no one can say that itsC
Explanation: Change their to its because the union is a singular noun.
atmosphere is anything like the old oneD.
Explanation: Incorrect comparison. Atmosphere must be compared to atmosphere. We
5. Television viewers claim thatA the number of scenes depictingB alcohol consumption haveC
could write, “... its atmosphere is anything like that of the old one.”
increased dramatically overD the last decade.
Explanation: Change have to has because the number requires a singular verb.
21. My uncle, whoA wasB on vacation, along with my two cousins and IC, wentD fishing down by the
river. Explanation: Change I to me (object of a preposition).
6. Employees with lessA personal problems areB likelyC to be moreD productive.
Explanation: Use fewer (for countable items) not less.
22. HopefullyA, we will beB able to complete the building beforeC the rainy season sets inD.
Explanation: Change to we hope because hopefully is an adverb and yet it is not
7. The three richest men in America haveA assets worth more thanB the combined assetsC of the sixty
modifying a verb.
poorest countries ofD the world. No errorE.
23. You wouldA have to choose herB, if you are looking forC the best athlete to representD the school.
8. ShipwreckedA on a desert island, coconuts and otherB fruits formedC the basis of the sailor’sD diet.
Explanation: Change would to will.
Explanation: This is an example of a dangling modifier. It implies that coconuts were
shipwrecked. To correct the sentence you could change Shipwrecked to “When he was
24. All the trapped miners’ beganA to loseB hope, itC had been twenty four hours sinceD the tunnel
shipwrecked”.
collapsed.
Explanation: Change the comma to a semi-colon since you can't join two sentences
9. Fifty percent of the people alive today haveA never made a phone call, butB thirty percent stillC
with a comma.
have no electricity connections to theirD homes.
Explanation: But is inappropriate here; change to and.
25. BecauseA they played byB the rules, the members of the team were givenC a standing ovation even
though itD did not win the match.
10. The rhododendron, whichA ornaments so manyB English gardens, isC not native toD Europe. No Explanation: It has no antecedent. Change to they or the team.
errorE.
26. Her avaricious A relatives assembled at the lawyer'sB office to hear the reading ofC Jemima's willD.
11. The farmer should not have beenA so careless asB to leave the door of the house unbolted whenC No errorE.
he had goneD to bed. Explanation: No need for a past perfect tense here: use went.
27. He was not merelyA expected to contribute funds to the project, butB to work as hard asC the
12. A censusA of the island revealedB a population of onlyC 10,000 peopleD. otherD patrons.
Explanation: The word people is redundant. Explanation: To make the sentence construction parallel, put not merely after expected.

13. The engineer, who is renowned for his ingenuityA, has designedB a very uniqueC cooling system 28. None of usA knowsB what the outcome of the battle betweenC the coordinator and usD will be. No
for our new plant inD Spain. errorE.
Explanation: You cannot say very unique. [Just as you cannot say more superior.]
14. Shoes of thoseA kind areB bad for the feet;C low heels areD better. 29. Neither of my brothers doA anything to make life better for ourB parents whoC are both suffering
Explanation: Kind is singular so we should use this or that, but not these or those. fromD arthritis. Explanation: Neither is singular and so we should change do to does.
30. The teacher satA down besidesB the frightened child and tried to reassureC him that the monster 45. Cynthia argued vehemently withA her mother overB herC refusal to attendD the school concert. No
was merelyD imaginary. Explanation: Change besides to beside. errorE. Explanation: Ambiguous pronoun. Is it Cynthia or her mother who is refusing to attend?

31. A number of trainees whoA take this course every year findB that theirC knowledge of mathematics 46. I agree thatA a knowledge of Latin is helpful to buildB a good English vocabulary, butC I do not
isD inadequate. Explanation: No error. (With a number we need a plural verb.) think I have the capacity toD study the subject at the moment.
Explanation: The correct idiom is “is helpful in building”. [But we can also say, “helps to
32. Either of the solutions you haveA proposed areB acceptable to the union, whoseC members are build”.]
willingD to compromise. Explanation: Either requires a singular verb: change are to is.
47. In suchA areas as sports, ranking of individual performance isB relatively well accepted sinceC the
33. The last man on earth willA abandon his ruined house forB a cave, andC his woven clothes for an parameters on which the rating areD based are generally objective.
animal'sD skin. No errorE. Explanation: Change are to is to agree with the subject rating.

34. The station was a hiveA of bustling activity,B the arrival of the train was the most importantC 48. Determination ofA the long-term effects ofB aerosols on the upper atmosphere isC currently one of
event of the day inD that remote place. the more challengingD problems in climate research.
Explanation: Change the comma to a semicolon. (There are two complete sentences.) Explanation: Change more to most. [More would be used if there were only two
problems.]
35. My grandmother's legacy isA substantial, especiallyB if the value of the rare stamps areC taken
intoD consideration. 49. The mostA important skill I had learnedB in my two years ofC senior high school was toD direct
Explanation: The verb are should be changed to is to agree with the subject, value. the course of my own studies.
Explanation: Verb tense error: change the past perfect to simple past by removing had.
36. Neither Bradley, nor moreA recent critics who have writtenB on Shakespeare's tragedies, hasC
been able to give a convincing explanation for the timing ofD events in Othello. 50. Scientific advances over the last fifty years have ledA to revolutionary changes in health,
Explanation: With the “neither... nor” construction, the verb agrees with the noun after agriculture and communication, andB generally enhancingC socio-economic development and the
the “nor”. Therefore we should change has to have. quality of our livesD.
Explanation: To maintain parallel construction we will have to say have enhanced.
37. The bridal gown was mostA unique: theB bridegroom designed itC and hisD mother provided the
lace fabric. Explanation: Never put most before unique. (Unique is already a superlative.) 51. This detailed yetA readable biography is well researched andB provides valuable insight toC the
facts thatD motivated the famous philosopher.
38. For a successful career asA a beautician, oneB must be prepared to dissemble:C you must not tell Explanation: The idiom is “insight into”.
your client the unvarnished truth about his or herD appearance.
Explanation: For pronoun continuity, change one to you. 52. I have nearlyA written all the new tests forB inclusion in the revised edition of my book, and hope
to finishC the work withinD a week. Explanation: Misplaced part: put nearly in front of all.
39. When Russell Wallace and Darwin independentlyA proposed similar theories, Darwin hadB already
accumulated extensive evidence with whichC to support hisD ideas. 53. The series of letters that Margaret wrote to her father containsA a valuable commentary onB the
Explanation: Ambiguous pronoun. Does the evidence support Darwin or Wallace, or prevailing social conditions and attitudes that lead to herC leaving home at suchD a young age. No
both? errorE.

40. Everyone whoA visits Singapore is impressedB by its cleanliness, whichC is mainly a result of 54. The unfortunate accident that causedA the explosion wasB extensivelyC reported in all the local
rigorous implementation of theirD strict laws. newspapers and nationalD television.
Explanation: You cannot use they or their when talking of a country or city. Explanation: Omission of an essential word: put on in front of television.

41. She wondered whetherA the city had changed alotB since she had left to go toC university.D 55. Neither of the answers provided in the memorandumA addressB my concerns aboutC the validity
Explanation: “Alot” should be two words. ofD the procedure. Explanation: Neither is singular and requires a singular verb, so use addresses.

42. The company bowedA to pressure,B now itC has removed the offensive advertisement fromD the 56. Katz claimed that reading classic novels isA more illuminatingB than to readC autobiographies
hoarding. Explanation: Comma splice error. Change the comma after the word pressure written byD their authors.
to a semicolon. Explanation: To make the sentence construction parallel, change to read to reading.

43. I willA not object to hisB delivering the lecture asC long as he is told not to make personal attacks 57. The students have beenA practicing for the concert sinceB three weeks, andC in that time haveD
onD his critics. No errorE. improved considerably.
Explanation: “Since” is used to refer to a definite point in time, not a duration. Change
44. WhileA he thinks the phenomenonB is the result of enzyme action, I believe it is caused byC a since to for.
shortage ofD a neurotransmitter.
Explanation: While should be used for simultaneous actions. Change to though. 58. Suzanne recountedA her improbableB tale withC enthusiasm and in a convincing mannerD.
Explanation: Two items linked by and need to be parallel. Change “in a convincing
manner” to “conviction”.
 74. Neither of the artists we have commissionedA to execute the mural areB able to startC work
59. If you were willingA to ask for directions, instead of doggedlyB driving on, we might get to ourC beforeD September. Explanation: Neither requires a singular verb. Change are to is.
destination soonerD. No errorE.
75. Professor Chandra'sA pioneering work onB rainwater harvesting and recharging of groundwater in
60. WaitingA for the results ofB the final examination, the student's nerves wereC on edge; she could drought prone areas have beenC drawing media attentionD.
not sleep properly orD eat normally. Explanation: The subject of the sentence is work. Therefore the verb should be “has
Explanation: Dangling modifier. (The nerves were not waiting!) Change to something like been drawing”.
“As she waited”.
76. The presence of strong feeling, the cause of whichA is not fully understood, always has the effectB
61. He is not sure ifA he shouldB buy the new computer now orC wait until he receivesD his next bonus. of making weC human beingsD uneasy. Explanation: Change we to us.
Explanation: Change if to whether.
77. The new law is tooA stringent; itB will beC neither respected orD obeyed.
62. Mark scored poorlyA on the test, whichB is not surprising sinceC he did not prepare adequatelyD. Explanation: Change or to nor.
Explanation: Which is incorrect here because the “is not surprising” does not refer to the
word in front of the which. 78. I do not wish to makeA a formal complaint, but I would have been better pleasedB if you gaveC
the award to the person whoD best deserved it.
63. I preferA Marlene to anyB hairdresser I have visitedC in the past because she has such a good Explanation: Change gave to had given because the verb in the previous clause is in
understanding of her clients'D needs. the past conditional tense.
Explanation: Since it appears that Marlene is a hairdresser we need to insert other after
any. 79. After you have writtenA a definition in your vocabulary notebook, add a fewB ways to use the word
orC a sentence to illustrate it'sD meaning.
64. The archivist hadA not onlyB a deep interestC but also a clear understanding of the historical Explanation: No need for an apostrophe for a possessive pronoun.
documents inD the museum.
Explanation: Ellipsis (omission of an essential word). We need to say “interest in”. 80. The tribesmen made offerings to placateA the gods, whomB, they believed, wereC angry with
themD. Explanation: Who is required as it is the subject of the verb were angry.
65. With skill and surprisingA gentleness the fireman managed toB lower the injured cat downC from
the top ofD the tree. Explanation: Down is redundant. 81. Many physicists initially regardedA quantum theory asB unnatural, absurd, andC incompatible toD
common sense. Explanation: The idiom is “incompatible with”.
66. Was the woman whoA you think you sawB leaving the building wearingC a nurse'sD uniform? No
errorE. Explanation: Change who to whom. 82. From ancient timesA, sculpture had beenB considered the prerogativeC of men, and even now, in
some parts of the world, women sculptors faceD hostility and suspicion.
67. As he held openA the door for her, she could not ignore the look on his face,B a look that Explanation: No need for a past perfect tense. Change to “has been” (the present
aggravatedC her self-consciousness as they proceededD along the street. No errorE. perfect).

68. Many people genuinely want to beA fitter, but fewB have the tenacity for stickingC to a suitable 83. According toA Hume, it is not logic and reasoning thatB determineC our actions, butD emotion. No
regimeD of diet and exercise. Explanation: Correct idiomatic usage requires “tenacity to stick”. errorE.

69. Safety precautions and emergency exits, matters of great concern forA builders of commercial 84. The ornate pillars and life-sizeA statues that the magnate has chosenB to adorn hisC swimming pool
establishments, areB often overlookedC when designingD a new home. are like a Greek templeD.
Explanation: Dangling modifier. We do not know who is designing a new home. Explanation: Incorrect comparison. The statues etc. are like those of a Greek temple.

70. From the time he took upA his new position asB head of the department, he has beenC concerned 85. Sonia Gandhi stepped asideA just as she had securedB the Prime Minister's position, andC, in the
aboutD the legitimacy of his appointment. No errorE. process, assertingD her moral superiority. Explanation: Change asserting to asserted.
86. It will beA hard to soothe your mother now that you have so aggravatedB her by refusing to take
71. My grandmother sees remarkableA well considering thatB she has endured four operations on her eminentlyC sensible adviceD. Explanation: Do not use aggravated to mean annoyed.
her eyes and suffered fromC vitamin deficiency duringD her childhood.
Explanation: Change remarkable to remarkably. 87. The general reported thatA, as a result ofB financial constraints, lessC soldiers would be sent onD
peace-keeping missions this year. Explanation: Change less to fewer.
72. The academy members wagedA a relentless war against my supervisor and IB because ourC
research seemed toD contradict the findings of the head of the institution. 88. None of the presents I receivedA on my birthday this year wasB equallyC as memorable as the
Explanation: Change I to me. (Object of the preposition against) necklace you gaveD me last year. Explanation: Equally is redundant.

73. You seldom see anyone in Europe spittingA in public nowadays, mainlyB because theyC had a 89. The racing champion hadA made no mentionB in hisC speech of the mechanics on whomD his
successful campaign againstD this health hazard in the post war years.. success had depended. Explanation: Verb tense error: change “had made” to made.
Explanation: They is incorrect because it has no antecedent. (Who are they?)
 D. were his arrogant assumption that his constituents would be incapable of understanding
economics
SENTENCE CORRECTION EXPLANATION E. was the arrogant assumption that his constituents was incapable of understanding
economic conditions
Explanation: The two reasons were his “arrogant assumption” and his “unwarranted
1. Trying to keep her balance on the icy surface, the last competitor's ski-tip caught the pole and
attack”. Since these two items constitute a compound subject, the verb should be plural
somersaulted into the soft snow.
(were, not was). In C the word economical is incorrect.
A. the last competitor's ski-tip caught the pole and somersaulted into the soft snow.
B. the ski-tip of the last competitor caught the pole and somersaulted in the soft snow.
6. More and more holidaymakers are choosing to fly to remote islands in search of the perfect beach;
C. the last competitor caught the pole with the tip of her ski, and somersaulted
seeking sand, sun and palm trees, rather than centers of entertainment.
into the soft snow.
A. ; seeking sand, sun and palm trees, rather than centers of entertainment.
D. the last competitor caught the pole with her ski-tip, which made her somersault into the
B. ; seeking sad, sun, palm trees and not entertainment.
soft snow.
C. , with sand, sun, palm trees and no entertainment.
E. the last competitor somersaulted into the soft snow when the tip of her ski was caught by
D. , they seek sand, sun and palm trees, rather than entertainment centers.
the pole.
E. ; they seek sand, sun and palm trees, rather than centers of entertainment.
Explanation: After the comma we need the name of the person. In answer D, the use of
Explanation: The correct answer joins two sentences with a semi-colon. A and B use a
which is incorrect. Answer E unnecessarily uses a passive construction.
semi-colon incorrectly. D needs a semi-colon. C is not parallel.
2. The temperature dropped suddenly last night, which will mean that the shoots emerging from the
7. The government requires that these forms should be submitted before the end of the financial
soil will be killed by the frost.
year.
A. which will mean that the shoots emerging from the soil will be killed by the frost.
A. that these forms should be submitted
B. which will mean that the frost will kill the shoots emerging from the soil.
B. that these forms be submitted
C. and this will mean that the shoots emerging from the soil will be killed by the frost.
C. for these forms to be submitted
D. and the resulting frost will kill the shoots that are emerging from the soil.
D. these forms submission
E. and as a result, the shoots will be killed by the frost, emerging from the soil.
E. these forms should be submitted
Explanation: The word which does not have an antecedent noun, and so the construction
Explanation: Subjunctive constructions do not need should.
is incorrect in A and B. Similarly, in C this does not have a noun to which it refers. D is the
best choice. In E the phrase emerging from the soil is dangling.
8. After arduous months of fighting, the sight of the white flag being raised generated as much relief
on the victor's side than it did on the vanquished.
3. The impostor eluded detection for so long because she conducted herself as though she were a
A. as much relief on the victor's side than it did on the vanquished.
licensed practitioner.
B. as much relief among the victors as among the vanquished.
A. as though she were a licensed practitioner.
C. as much relief on the victor's side as it did on the vanquished's.
B. as though she was a licensed practitioner.
D. relief both on the victor's side as well as on the vanquished's.
C. like she was a licensed practitioner.
E. relief both for the victor and the vanquished side.
D. like as if she was a licensed practitioner.
Explanation: B has parallel construction and yet is concise.
E. as if she was a practitioner with a license.
Explanation: The sentence is correct because we change was to were in situations that
9. The best way to encourage innovative thinking is not to promise financial rewards for ideas, but to
are counter to fact or highly unlikely.
ensure that the person making the suggestion receives recognition for his contribution.
A. but to ensure that the person making the suggestion receives recognition for
4. Being abandoned by our friends is the cause of great sorrow for us.
his contribution.
A. Being abandoned by our friends is the cause of great sorrow for us.
B. but to ensure that the person who makes the suggestion will be receiving recognition for
B. Our being abandoned by our friends is the cause of great sorrow.
his contribution.
C. Being abandoned by our friends, we feel great sorrow.
C. but rather by ensuring that the person making the suggestion receives recognition for his
D. Abandoned by our friends, sorrow is the result.
contribution.
E. We feel great sorrow when our friends abandon us.
D. but rather ensure that suggestion-maker receives recognition for his contribution.
Explanation: The constructions using being are awkward and wordy. Answer D is an
E. but instead make sure that the suggestion-maker will receive recognition.
example of a dangling modifier. Only Answer E is clear, and in the active voice throughout.
Explanation: No error.
5. Among the many reasons for his defeat in the election was his arrogant assumption that his
10. It ought to be her with whom you share your secrets, not me.
constituents were incapable of understanding economic conditions, and his unwarranted attack on his
A. her with whom you share your secrets, not me
chief opponent.
B. her with whom you share your secrets, not I.
A. was his arrogant assumption that his constituents were incapable of understanding
C. she with whom you share your secrets, not me.
economic conditions
D. she with whom you share your secrets, not I.
B. were his arrogant assumption that his constituents were incapable of
E. her with who you share your secrets, not me.
understanding economic conditions
Explanation: After the different forms of the verb to be, we use subject forms of
C. were his arrogant assumptions that his constituents were incapable of understanding
pronouns, except after the infinitive where we use the object form.
economical conditions
11. A conjunction is used to connect words and sentences together. C. and me, I doubt that he will come.
A. words and sentences together. D. and me, I doubt that he would come.
B. words or sentences together. Explanation: After the preposition between the pronouns should be in the object form
C. words and sentences. and so we need me and not I. After doubt the simple future tense is correct.
D. words or sentences.
E. words to sentences. 18. Work that is not finished is not work at all, it is merely a botch, a failure.
Explanation: Together is redundant. The conjunction does not couple words to A. all, it is merely a botch, a failure.
sentences; it joins words, or it joins sentences. Hence the meaning is clearest in D. B. all, it is a botch merely, and a failure.
C. all; it is merely a botch, a failure.
12. Antony, coming alongside Cleopatra's ship, climbed aboard without seeing or being seen by her. D. all; the work merely is a botch and a failure.
A. climbed aboard without seeing or being seen by her. E. all; the work being merely a botch, a failure.
B. climbed aboard without seeing Cleopatra or being seen by her. Explanation: A semicolon is need to link two sentences. Of the choices with the
C. climbs aboard without Cleopatra seeing him. semicolon, C is short and clear (and correct), D has merely in the wrong place, and E does
D. boarded without being seen by her. not have a complete sentence after the semicolon.
E. boarded without seeing Cleopatra. 19. Pollution and degradation of the environment is, according to the commission's report, a matter of
Explanation: The meaning has to be clear that he did not see her, nor did she see him. universal concern.
A. is, according to the commission's report, a matter of universal concern.
13. Bombast is when high sounding words for effect, not suitability, are used. B. is, according to the report by the commission, a matter of universal concern.
A. is when high sounding words for effect, not suitability, are used. C. is, according to the report of the commission, matters of universal concern.
B. is the use of high-sounding words for effect rather than for suitability. D. are, according to the commission's report, universally a matter of concern.
C. is where high-sounding words are used for effect not suitability. E. are, according to the commission's report, a matter of universal concern.
D. is the using of high-sounding words for effect only. Explanation: “Pollution and degradation” form a compound subject which needs a plural
E. is when you use high-sounding words for effect rather than for suitability. verb: are is correct.
Explanation: The construction “Bombast is where/when” is incorrect. “Bombast is the
using of” is also faulty. 20. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement as for their being practical
work clothes.
14. I would like to thank whoever it was that wrote that piece of music: it has given me so much A. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement as for
pleasure. their being practical work clothes.
A. I would like to thank whoever it was that wrote that piece of music: B. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement but for their being
B. I would like to thank whomever it was that has written that piece of music: practical work clothes.
C. I would like to thank whomever it might be that wrote that piece of music: C. Denim jeans were originally worn not so much as a fashion statement but for being
D. Whoever it was that wrote that piece of music, I would like to thank because practical work clothes
E. I would like to thank whoever it was that wrote that piece of music, D. Denim jeans were originally worn not as a fashion statement as for them being practical
Explanation: No error. work clothes.
E. Denim jeans were originally worn not as a fashion statement but as for them being
15. Your taking a loan to buy a car annoyed Father. practical work clothes.
A. Your taking a loan to buy a car annoyed Father. Explanation: The construction not so much as... as is correct.
B. Your taking a loan to buy a car aggravated Father.
C. You taking a loan to buy a car irritated Father. 21. It is highly desirable that you furnish evidence of your expenses before you submit your final
D. You taking a loan to buy a car annoyed Father. accounts.
E. Father was annoyed by you taking a loan to buy a car. A. It is highly desirable that you furnish evidence of your expenses
Explanation: Do not use aggravated or irritated when you mean annoyed. Also we need B. It is highly desirable that you should furnish evidence of your expenses
a possessive form of a pronoun in front of a gerund, so you taking is wrong. C. It is highly to be desired that you furnish evidences of your expenses
D. You must furnish evidence of your expenses
16. In the initial stages of learning a new language we learn more through listening and attempting to E. You should have to supply evidence of your expenses
copy speech patterns and not through reading grammar books. Explanation: No error.
A. and attempting to copy speech patterns and not through reading grammar books.
B. and attempting to copy speech patterns than through reading grammar books. 22. The population of tigers in the National Park is increasing steadily, and this is a source of
C. and attempts to copy speech patterns than through reading grammar books. encouragement to those who have worked so hard to fund the conservation effort.
D. and attempts at copying speech patterns than through reading grammar books. A. steadily, and this B. steadily: which C. steadily; this trend
E. and attempts at copying speech patterns and not grammar books. D. steadily, this increase E. steady, and this
Explanation: The word more requires a than. Attempting is correctly parallel to listening.
Explanation: Both which and this should refer to a specific noun. Since the fist part of the
17. Between you and I, I doubt that he will come. sentence does not provide a suitable noun, we must introduce a word such as increase or
A. and I, I doubt that he will come. trend. D is incorrect as it uses a comma to link two sentences.
B. and I, I doubt that he would come.
23. In the fine print at the end of the document lies the clauses that make us liable for any expenses hope
that result from civil unrest. E. After working for two hours, the student's essay started to take shape, and he began to
A. lies the clauses that make us liable for any expenses that hope
B. lies the clauses that make us liable for any expenses which Explanation: Answers A and E start with a dangling modifier. Answer C uses begun
C. lies the clause that make us liable for any expenses that instead of began and D is unclear because we do not know who is working.
D. lie the clauses that makes us liable for any expenses which
E. lie the clauses that make us liable for any expenses that 28. The young man was surprised to find that his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis
Explanation: The subject the clauses requires a plural verb; change lies to lie. Similarly, for the protagonist in a short story written by a former girlfriend.
make is required to agree with clauses. A. that his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for the protagonist in
B. his experience as a tutor having been used as the protagonist in
24. The administration discussed whether the number of students studying European languages was C. his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for the protagonist's in
likely to decline when the senior lecturer retired. D. his experience as a tutor being used as the basis for the protagonist of
A. whether the number of students studying European languages was likely E. that his experience as a tutor had been used as the basis for events in the life
B. whether the number of students studying European languages were likely of the protagonist in
C. if the students studying European languages were likely Explanation: The tutor was the basis for the protagonist, or the tutor's experience was
D. if the number of European language students were likely the basis for the experience of the protagonist. Only E makes this relation clear.
E. whether the number of students studying European languages was liable
Explanation: "Whether" is correct because the question concerns a choice not a 29. The mole is a nocturnal insectivorous mammal regarded as pests by gardeners because of their
condition. With the expression "the number of" a singular verb is needed and hence "was" is burrowing activity spoiling lawns and gardens.
correct. "Liable" is used in expressions such as "liable to prosecution" and not for A. regarded as pests by gardeners because of their burrowing activity spoiling
expressions of possibility. B. regarded to be pests by gardeners because of their burrowing activity's spoiling
C. regarded as a pest by gardeners because of burrowing activity spoiling
25. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than the garden, he might get a D. considered as a pest by gardeners because of its burrowing activity spoiling
better display of flowers. E. regarded as a pest by gardeners because its burrowing activity spoils lawns
A. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than the garden and gardens.
B. If the gardener sowed the seeds in the greenhouse rather than the garden Explanation: The mole is singular and hence we need its not their. After considered we
C. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than in the garden do not need as.
D. If the gardener were to sow the seeds in the greenhouse rather than in the
garden 30. burrowing activity spoiling lawns and gardens.
E. If the gardener would sow the seeds in the greenhouse instead of the garden A. regarded as pests by gardeners because of their burrowing activity spoiling
Explanation: The conditional clause (the “if” clause) does not require would. Also we B. regarded to be pests by gardeners because of their burrowing activity's spoiling
should write “in the garden” to be parallel to “in the greenhouse”. C. regarded as a pest by gardeners because of burrowing activity spoiling
D. considered as a pest by gardeners because of its burrowing activity spoiling
26. On Discovery channel last night they showed an informative program about new innovations in E. regarded as a pest by gardeners because its burrowing activity spoils lawns
medical imaging, which you would have found interesting. and gardens.
A. they showed an informative program about new innovations in medical imaging, which Explanation: The mole is singular and hence we need its not their. After considered we
you would have found interesting. do not need as.
B. they showed an informative program about innovations in medical imaging, which you
would have found interesting.
C. they showed an informative program about innovations in medical imaging, that you
would have found interesting. BASIC GRAMMAR
D. there was an informative program about new innovations in medical imaging, that you
would have found interesting. 1. Everyone in the bank-including the manager and the tellers, ran to the door when the fire alarm
E. there was an informative program about innovations in medical imaging, a rang. A. tellers, ran B. tellers:ran C. tellers, had run D. tellers-ran E. tellers' ran”
program you would have found interesting.
Explanation: They is incorrect when talking of the television channel. New is redundant. 2. To no ones surprise, Joe didn't have his homework ready.
And which must have a clear antecedent. Only answer E corrects all these problems. A. no ones surprise B. noones surprise C. no-ones surprise
D. no ones' surprise E. no one's surprise
27. After working for two hours, the essay started to take shape, and he began to hope that he might
finish before the deadline. 3. If he would have read “The White Birds,” he might have liked William Butler Yeats's poetry.
A. After working for two hours, the essay started to take shape, and he began to hope A. would have read B. could have read C. would of read
B. When the essay started to take shape after he had worked on it for two hours, D. could of read E. had read
he began to hope
C. When the essay started to take shape after he had worked on it for two hours, he begun 4. After the hurricane, uprooted trees were laying all over the ground.
to hope A. were laying B. lying C. were lying D. were laid E. was laid
D. When the essay started to take shape after working on it for two hours, he began to
5. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), the great Transcendentalist philosopher, wrote in his essay 15. Still, the fact that a planet exists outside our solar system encourages hope that other solar
“Self-Reliance” of the need for an individual to develop his capacities. systems exist, and in them, perhaps, a planet that does support life.
A. essay “Self–Reliance” B. essay, “Self-Reliance” C. essay: Self-Reliance A. that a planet exists outside our solar system encourages hope that other solar
D. essay, Self-Reliance E. essay; “Self-Reliance” systems exist, and
B. that a Planet exists out side our solar system encourages hope that other solar systems
6. The recently built children's amusement park has been called “ a boon to the community “ by its exist and
supporters and “an eyesore” by its harshest critics. C. could be that a planet exists outside our solar system encourages hope that other solar
A. and “an eyesore” by its harshest systems exist, and
B. and, “ an eyesore,” by its harshest D. that a planet exist outside our solar systems encourage hope that other solar systems
C. and, an eyesore; by its harshest exist, and
D. and-an eyesore- by its' harshest E. that a planet does exists out side our solar system encourages hope that other solar
E. and-“an eyesore”- by its' harshest systems exist, and

7. I always have trouble remembering the meaning of these two common verbs, affect (to change” or 16. Mail-order shopping can be convenient and timesaving with appropriate precautions, it is safe as
“to influence”) and effect (“to cause” or “ to accomplish ) . “ well. A. can be convenient and timesaving
A. “ to accomplish ). “ B. “ to accomplish” ). C. “to accomplish). B. can be convenient and timesaving;
D. To accomplish. E. ( “ to accomplish. “ ) C. should be convenient and time saving;
D. could be convenient and time saving;
8. My class just finished reading- “ The Fall of the House of Usher “, a short story by Edgar Allen Poe. E. can be convenient and time-saving;
A. reading- “ The Fall of the House of Usher”, B. reading, The Fall of the House of Usher,
C. reading “The Fall of the House of Usher, “ D. reading, The Fall of the house of 17. Among the many fields of science, no matter what turns you on, there are several fields of study.
Usher, “ E. reading: The Fall of the House of Usher- A. science, no matter what turns you on,
B. Science, no matter what turns you on,
9. After it was repaired it ran perfect again. C. Science, no matter which you chose,
A. ran perfect B. ran perfectly C. could run perfect D. Science, no matter which of these you chose-
D. could of run perfect E. would run perfectly E. science, no matter which you choose,

10. "Are there two e's in beetle," asked Margo? 18. The fact that boxing is known to cause head injuries and brain damage should lead us to inform
A. there two e's in beetle," asked Margo? B. their two e's in beetle?" asked Margo. the public and push for a ban on boxing.
C. there two e's in beetle," asked Margo? D. there two e's in beetle?" asked A. should lead us to inform B. could lead us to inform
Margo. E. there two e's in beetle, asked Margo? C. should of led us to inform D. will lead us to inform E. should have led us to inform,

11. The circus audience received a well-deserved round of applause for the perfectly timed acrobatic 19. The first part of the test was on chemistry, the second on mathematics, and the third on english.
stunt. A. audience received a well-deserved B. audience gave a well deserved A. on mathematics, and the third on english.
C. audience did receive a well deserved D. audience gave a well-deserved B. on mathematics; and the third on English.
E. audience did get a well-deserved C. on Mathematics; and the third on English.
D. on mathematics, and the third on English.
12. Looking directly at me, my Mother said, “ These are your options: the choice is yours.” E. on mathematics: and the third on English.
A. Mother said, “ These are your options: the choice is
B. Mother said- these are your options, the choice is 20. The Diary of Anne Frank showed a young girl's courage during two years of hiding.
C. Mother had said, These are your options; the choice is A. showed a young girl's courage B. shows a young girl's courage
D. Mother had said, “These are your options; the choice is C. did show a young girls courage D. has shown a young girl's courage
E. Mother said, “These are your options; the choice is E. showed a young girl's courage

13. Porcupine is from Latin porcus, “pig,” and spina, “spine.” 21. In August my parents will be married for twenty-five years.
A. porcus, “pig,” and spina, “spine.” B. Porcus-pig and spina, “spine.” C. Porcus-pig, A. will be married for twenty-five years.
and Spina, “spine.” D. Porcus-Pig-,Spina-spine. E. Porcus, “pig,” and spina “spine”. B. shall have been married for twenty-five years.
C. will have been married for twenty-five years.
14. Seeing the dolphins, some sharks, a killer whale, and a Moray eel made the visit to the marine D. will be married for twenty five years.
park worthwhile. A. a killer whale, and a Moray eel made the visit E. will have married for twenty-five years.
B. a killer whale, and a moray eel made the visit
C. a killer whale and a moray eel makes the visit
D. a killer whale and a Moray eel makes the visit
E. a killer whale and a moray eel made the visit
INTERMEDIATE GRAMMAR
1. The word boycott derives from the name of Charles C. Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland
that was ostracized for refusing to reduce rent.
 A. that was ostracized for refusing
B. who was ostracized for refusing 15. Eating, drinking, and to stay up late at night were among her pleasures.
C. which was ostracized for refusing A. to stay up late B. to remain up late C. staying up late
D. that had been ostracized for refusing D. she liked staying up late E. trying to stay up late
E. who had been ostracized for refusing
16. Each night when night came and the temperature fell, my parents lit the fire in the bedroom.
2. As a result of his method for early music education, Shinichi Suzuki has been known as one of the A. and the temperature fell, B. and that the temperature did fall
world's great violin teachers. A. has been known as one B. had been known as one C. and that the temperature fell D. and because the temperature fell
C. is seen as one D. is being seen as one E. has been one E. and when the temperature fell

3. Last night the weather forecaster announced that this is the most rainy season the area has had in 17. Francis promised to bring the Papago basket that she bought in Arizona.
the past decade. A. this is the most rainy season the A. bought in B. had bought in C. has bought in D. did buy in E. purchased in
B. this has been the most rainy season the
C. this was the most rainy season the 18. He has lain his racquetball glove on the beach.
D. this is noted as the most rainy season the A. has lain B. has laid C. have lain D. have laid E. is lying
E. this is the rainiest season the
19. I would have lent you my notes if you would have asked me.
4. Although Mandy is younger than her sister, Mandy is the tallest of the two. A. would have asked me B. could of asked C. could ask
A. is the tallest of the B. is the taller of the C. has been the taller of the D. had asked E. had of asked
D. is the most tall of the E. is the more taller of the
20. Many scientists are still hoping to have found life on another planet.
5. When Katherine Hepburn's play came to town, all the tickets had sold out far in advance. A. to have found B. to find C. two find D. to have been found E. too have found
A. had sold out far B. have sold out far C. were sold out far
D. had been sold out far E. had been sold out for 21. Because she had an astounding memory, Sue has never forgotten an important equation.
A. had an B. could have had C. has D. did have E. has had
6. The origins of most sports is unknown.
A. sports is unknown B. sports have been unknown C. sports are unknown
D. sports has been unknown E. sports are now unknown COMMA
1. For the Thanksgiving reunion, relatives were sitting in the dining room, on the porch, and in the
7. Neither of the Smith brothers expect to be drafted by a major league team this year. carport. A. Thanksgiving, reunion B. Were, sitting C. Porch and D. No error
A. expect to be drafted B. expects to be drafted C. has expected to be drafted 2. Lydia seems to be a kind, considerate girl.
D. is expecting to be drafted E. was expecting to be drafted A. Seems, to B. Considerate, girl C. Kind considerate D. No error

8. Has any of the witnesses been sworn in yet? A. Has any of the B. Is any of the 3. This fishing pole Nathan, has seen better days.
C. Will any of the D. Are any of thev E. Have any of the A. Pole, Nathan, B. Has, seen C. Nathan, D. No error

9. The Lusitania sunk on May 7, 1915. 4. My cousin has moved to 56 Central Street Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882.
A. sunk B. did sink C. was sunk D. did sank E. sank A. Has moved, B. Central Street, C. 56, Central D. No error

10. Whos in the office now? 5. The badger, a shy animal sometimes makes friends with a coyote.
A. Whos in B. Whose in C. Who is in D. Who's in E. Whose' in A. Sometimes, makes B. Friends, with C. A shy animal, D. No error

11. There are now many kinds of dictionaries, such as a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms, a 6. After the death of Blackbeard, the famous pirate, piracy disappeared from the coast of the
biographical dictionary, and a geographical dictionary with pronunciations given. American colonies.
A. with pronunciations given B. that has pronunciations given C. with pronunciations' given A. The famous pirate B. After the death, C. Coast, of D. No error
D. that have pronunciations given E. that do have pronunciations given
7. “Silent Night” was written by two men from the village of Oberndorf Austria.
12. Towering seven hundred feet above the valley floor, Mount Rushmore National Memorial was an A. men, from B. Silent Night, C. Oberndorf, Austria D. No error
impressive site. A. was an impressive site B. is a impressive sight C. is an impressive sight
D. was an impressive sight E. is an impressive site 8. On November 19, 1929 Admiral Richard E. Byrd flew the Floyd Bennett to the base of the Queen
Maud Mountains. A. Base, of B. The, Queen C. 1929, D. no error
13. San Francisco lays southwest of Sacramento. A. lays southwest B. has laid southwest
C. is lying southwest D. lain southwest E. lies southwest 9. Oh I forgot to bring the cookies. A. Oh, B. I, forgot C. To, bring D. No error

14. Did they know that Labor Day always came on the first Monday in September? 10. “The boy in the kayak,” whispered Sue “is the new football captain."
A. came on B. comes on C. has come on D. had come on E. has came on A. Boy, in the B. New, football C. Whispered Sue, D. No error