Usage
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
If I was you, I would leave that job immediately.
were
was
had of been
will
Explanation
This sentence expresses a hypothetical condition that is contrary to fact ("I," by definition, am not "you"), and therefore needs to be expressed using verbs in the subjunctive mood. "If" is a usually a good indication that a sentence will be in the subjunctive mood. In the subjunctive, "were" should be used instead of "was." "If I were you, I would leave that job immediately."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
I have no clear idea who I am speaking to.
to whom I am speaking.
who I am speaking to.
to what I am speaking.
whom I am speaking to.
Explanation
This is a very common error of pronoun case, which leads the sentence to incorrectly conclude with a preposition. Rather than using the subjective-case "who" in saying "who I am speaking to," it is correct to use the objective-case "whom." The correct version of the sentence reads, "I have no clear idea to whom I am speaking."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Jeremy flew to Europe last week: He said he wanted to be alone for awhile.
week;
week:
week,
week...
Explanation
This sentence uses a colon where a semicolon would be more appropriate. While a colon requires an independent clause before it, when trying to separate two independent clauses it is best to use a semicolon. Also, in the example sentence, the first letter of the second clause is incorrectly capitalized. The best version of the sentence reads, "Jeremy flew to Europe last week; he said he wanted to be alone for awhile."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Even though we started on the same day, at this point Robert is junior than me in the company. No error
than
started
day,
No error
Explanation
Comparative prepositions (like "senior" or "junior") are followed by "to", not than, from, or against. The error here is "than," which needs to be replaced with "to" in order for this question to be correct.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Jeremy flew to Europe last week: He said he wanted to be alone for awhile.
week;
week:
week,
week...
Explanation
This sentence uses a colon where a semicolon would be more appropriate. While a colon requires an independent clause before it, when trying to separate two independent clauses it is best to use a semicolon. Also, in the example sentence, the first letter of the second clause is incorrectly capitalized. The best version of the sentence reads, "Jeremy flew to Europe last week; he said he wanted to be alone for awhile."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Gerald fumbled with his papers, apologized to his coworkers, and replaced them on his podium. No error
them
fumbled
papers,
No error
Explanation
The use of the pronoun "them" is ambiguous in this context, as "them" could technically refer either to "his papers" or to "his coworkers." "Them" should be replaced with "his papers."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Even though we started on the same day, at this point Robert is junior than me in the company. No error
than
started
day,
No error
Explanation
Comparative prepositions (like "senior" or "junior") are followed by "to", not than, from, or against. The error here is "than," which needs to be replaced with "to" in order for this question to be correct.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Jeremy flew to Europe last week: He said he wanted to be alone for awhile.
week;
week:
week,
week...
Explanation
This sentence uses a colon where a semicolon would be more appropriate. While a colon requires an independent clause before it, when trying to separate two independent clauses it is best to use a semicolon. Also, in the example sentence, the first letter of the second clause is incorrectly capitalized. The best version of the sentence reads, "Jeremy flew to Europe last week; he said he wanted to be alone for awhile."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Gerald fumbled with his papers, apologized to his coworkers, and replaced them on his podium. No error
them
fumbled
papers,
No error
Explanation
The use of the pronoun "them" is ambiguous in this context, as "them" could technically refer either to "his papers" or to "his coworkers." "Them" should be replaced with "his papers."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
I have no clear idea who I am speaking to.
to whom I am speaking.
who I am speaking to.
to what I am speaking.
whom I am speaking to.
Explanation
This is a very common error of pronoun case, which leads the sentence to incorrectly conclude with a preposition. Rather than using the subjective-case "who" in saying "who I am speaking to," it is correct to use the objective-case "whom." The correct version of the sentence reads, "I have no clear idea to whom I am speaking."