Sentence Correction u0026 Grammar Fundamentals Quiz Quiz

Assess your skills in sentence correction and grammar fundamentals with this quiz designed to highlight common errors and core grammar concepts. Improve your sentence structure, verb agreement, and usage through realistic scenarios and clear examples.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

   Which sentence correctly uses subject-verb agreement?

   1. The group of students is preparing for the exam.
   2. The group of student are preparing for the exam.
   3. The group of students are preparing for the exam.
   4. The group of student is preparing for the exam.

   Explanation: The correct answer is 'The group of students is preparing for the exam.' because 'group' is a singular collective noun and should take the singular verb 'is.' Using 'are' would incorrectly suggest a plural subject. 'Group of student' is incorrect because 'student' should be pluralized as 'students' to match the context. The last option combines both errors, making it less appropriate.

2. Pronoun Reference Clarity

   Choose the sentence with a clear pronoun reference.

   1. Laura was excited about the results after talking to Sarah.
   2. She was excited about the results when talking to Sarah.
   3. When Laura talked to Sarah, she was excited about the results.
   4. Talking to Sarah, the results made Laura excited.

   Explanation: The answer 'Laura was excited about the results after talking to Sarah.' clearly states who was excited, avoiding confusion about the pronoun's reference. The first option is ambiguous—it’s not clear if 'she' refers to Laura or Sarah. The third and fourth options use 'she' and a misplaced modifier, respectively, making the reference unclear or awkward.

3. Parallel Structure

   Identify the sentence maintaining correct parallel structure.

   1. Mark enjoys hike, swim, and riding bikes.
   2. Mark enjoys hiking, swimming, and riding bikes.
   3. Mark enjoys to hike, to swim, and to ride bikes.
   4. Mark enjoys hiking, swimming, and to ride bikes.

   Explanation: The correct answer uses the gerund form—'hiking,' 'swimming,' and 'riding'—which keeps the items in a parallel structure. The first option breaks the pattern by mixing gerunds and an infinitive. The third option uses 'to hike, to swim, and to ride,' which is parallel but does not match the more typical gerund pattern following 'enjoys.' The fourth option breaks parallelism by mixing base and gerund forms.

4. Correct Use of Apostrophes

   Select the sentence with correct apostrophe usage.

   1. It's raining outside, so bring your umbrella.
   2. It's raining outside, so bring you’re umbrella.
   3. Its raining outside, so bring you're umbrella.
   4. Its raining outside, so bring your umbrella.

   Explanation: The correct form is 'It's raining outside, so bring your umbrella.' In this sentence, 'It's' stands for 'It is' and 'your' is the possessive form. The first and third options misuse 'its' where contraction is needed, while the first and last use 'you're' or 'you’re' for the possessive form, which is incorrect.

5. Misplaced Modifier

   Which sentence avoids a misplaced modifier?

   1. After eating, the pizza tasted delicious.
   2. She nearly drove her car for six hours a day.
   3. Running down the street, the suitcase flew open.
   4. The suitcase flew open as she was running down the street.

   Explanation: The selected sentence makes it clear that the suitcase flew open while she was running, correctly linking the modifier to the intended subject. The first and fourth sentences suggest the suitcase was running or the pizza was eating, which is illogical. The second option is awkwardly worded and implies she almost drove, rather than almost six hours.