Download Varied Sentence Structure Activities with answer key

Study Island - Varied Sentence Structure
Standard
GA Grade 7, ELA Standard
ELACC7L1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
a.
b.
c.
Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships
among ideas.
Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers.*
Copyright © 2014 Edmentum - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 02/03/2014
Generated By: Shenica Bridges-Mathieu
1.
Tom went to the grocery store, and Jerry went to the library.
The sentence above is a
A. simple sentence.
B. compound-complex sentence.
C. complex sentence.
D. compound sentence.
2.
I know a number of _______ who could prove you wrong.
Choose the correct word to complete this sentence.
A. person
B. studies
C. things
D. people
3.
_______ could have jumped over this wall and borrowed your rake.
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank.
A. Somebody
B. Anything
C. Their
D. Somewhere
4.
The pictures were hard to see because they were blurry. Tonia decided to shoot a new
roll of film.
What is the BEST way to combine the two sentences?
A.
The pictures were hard to see because, they were blurry, Tonia decided to shoot a new roll
of film.
B.
The pictures were hard to see because they were blurry so Tonia decided to shoot a new
roll of film.
C.
The pictures were hard to see because they were blurry, so Tonia decided to shoot a new
roll of film.
D.
The pictures were hard to see, because they were blurry Tonia decided to shoot a new roll
of film.
5.
Tommy and Madison both brought their bowling shoes, but when they got to the lanes
Tommy left his in the car.
What is missing from this sentence to make it clearer?
A. a comma after "Tommy and Madison"
B. a colon after shoes instead of a comma
C. Nothing is missing; the sentence is correct.
D. a comma after "lanes"
(1) Hundreds of people line up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't
there to catch a train. (2) They came to trade in old dollar bills for the new George
Washington Presidential $1 coin to New York City's famous railroad station.
(3) By the U.S. Mint the gold-colored coin is the first in a new series. (4) The Mint will
issue four Presidential $1 coins a year through 2016. (5) Presidential $1 coins will come
out in the order in which each President served the George Washington coin is the first
to be released. (6) The new coins is similar to the popular 50 State Quarters program.
(7) That program issued coins in the order in which each state joins the Union. (8) John
Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison coins will come out later this year.
6. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 3?
A. Leave as is.
B. The gold-colored coin is the first in a new series by the U.S. Mint.
C. The by the U.S. Mint gold-colored coin is the first in a new series.
D. The gold-colored coin is by the U.S. Mint the first in a new series.
7. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. The critic criticized the director's new movie wrote a review.
B. The critic wrote criticizing the director's new movie a review.
C. The critic wrote a review criticizing the director's new movie.
D. The critic wrote a review criticizes the director's new movie.
8.
I wanted it to be a surprise party when the guests arrived but the rain ruined it.
What does the pronoun "it" refer to?
A. "the rain"
B. "the arrival"
C. "the party"
D. "the guests"
9. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. Each of the kids is going to practice before the game.
B. Each of the kids going to practice before the game.
C. Each of the kids are going to practice before the game.
D. Each of the kids is practice before the game.
10.
All sunlight can be damaging to the eyes. The worst damage occurs between 10 A.M.
and 3 P.M.
What is the BEST way to combine the two sentences?
All sunlight can be damaging to the eyes so the worst damage occurs between 10 A.M. and
3 P.M.
B.
All sunlight can be damaging to the eyes; The worst damage occurs between 10 A.M. and
3 P.M.
C.
All sunlight can be damaging to the eyes, the worst damage occurs between 10 A.M. and 3
P.M.
D.
All sunlight can be damaging to the eyes; the worst damage occurs between 10 A.M. and 3
P.M.
11.
A.
As the man passed the wreck, he _______ the paramedics and a fire truck.
Choose the correct word to complete this sentence.
A. saw
B. is seeing
C. seen
D. sees
12.
Research shows that ultraviolet rays, especially those from reflected light, can cause
sunburn damage to the cornea. The cornea is part of the eye.
What is the BEST way to combine the information in the two sentences?
A.
Research shows that ultraviolet rays, especially those from reflected light, can cause
sunburn damage to the cornea a part of the eye.
B.
Research shows that ultraviolet rays especially those from reflected light can cause
sunburn damage to the cornea a part of the eye.
C.
Research shows that ultraviolet rays, especially those from reflected light, can cause
sunburn damage to the cornea; a part of the eye.
D.
Research shows that ultraviolet rays, especially those from reflected light, can cause
sunburn damage to the cornea, a part of the eye.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks, but she still felt like
they weren't ready. Their recital was on the 15th. They had both played in the school's
band for the last two years. Melissa was a more experienced player.
The days flew by. The worry never disappeared. It was the night before the recital.
Melissa paced back and forth. It was her bedtime. She wasn't ready to sleep. All of the
notes seemed to drift from her head like steam from a smokestack. She wondered if
Derrick was as nervous. She thought about the crowd, and it made things worse.
13. It was the night before the recital.
Without changing the meaning, what is the best way to change this simple sentence into a
complex sentence?
A. Before she knew it, it was the night before the recital.
B. It was the night before the recital, but Melissa wasn't ready.
C. It was the night before the recital, and Melissa was ready.
D. Before she knew what was happening on the night before the recital.
14.
Some people find Angelou's poetry to be inspiring and uplifting. But other people find it
depressing.
What is the BEST way to combine the two sentences?
A.
Some people find Angelou's poetry to be inspiring and uplifting; but other people find it
depressing.
B.
Some people find Angelou's poetry to be inspiring and uplifting, but other people find it
depressing.
C.
Some people find Angelou's poetry to be inspiring and uplifting; But other people find it
depressing.
D.
Some people find Angelou's poetry to be inspiring and uplifting but, other people find it
depressing.
15.
Mary likes to relax by hiking in the woods, which is also a great way to exercise.
The sentence above is
A. an interrogative sentence.
B. a complex sentence.
C. a compound sentence.
D. a compound-complex sentence.
(1) Hundreds of people line up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't
there to catch a train. (2) They came to trade in old dollar bills for the new George
Washington Presidential $1 coin to New York City's famous railroad station.
(3) By the U.S. Mint the gold-colored coin is the first in a new series. (4) The Mint will
issue four Presidential $1 coins a year through 2016. (5) Presidential $1 coins will come
out in the order in which each President served the George Washington coin is the first
to be released. (6) The new coins is similar to the popular 50 State Quarters program.
(7) That program issued coins in the order in which each state joins the Union. (8) John
Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison coins will come out later this year.
16. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 5?
A.
In the order in which each President served, Presidential $1 coins will come out the
George Washington coin is the first to be released.
B.
Presidential $1 coins will come out the George Washington coin is the first to be released
in the order in which each President served.
C. Leave as is.
Presidential $1 coins will come out in the order in which each President served, and the
D.
George Washington coin is the first to be released.
17.
Since Marty was feeling sick he decided to stay home from school for two days just to
make sure he was feeling better.
What is missing from this sentence to make it clearer?
A. a comma after the word "school"
B. a comma after the word "sick"
C. Nothing is missing; the sentence is correct.
D. a comma after the word "sure"
18.
While walking to his next class Jeremy had tripped over his shoes and dropped his
books all over the floor.
What is missing from this sentence?
A. a comma before the word "and"
B. a comma after the word "class"
C. an apostrophe after the word "books"
D. Nothing is missing; the sentence is correct.
19. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. Quit hanging out with her is a bad influence.
B. Because she is a bad influence on me.
C. I won't see her because she is a bad influence.
D. I quit hanging out with her because.
20.
Very young children should have their exposure to sunlight limited. Or they should wear
protective sunglasses.
What is the BEST way to combine the information above?
A.
Very young children should have their exposure to sunlight limited; or they should wear
protective sunglasses.
B.
Very young children should have their exposure to sunlight limited, and or they should
wear protective sunglasses.
C.
Very young children should have their exposure to sunlight limited, or they should wear
protective sunglasses.
D.
Very young children should have their exposure to sunlight limited, they should wear
protective sunglasses.
21. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 7?
A. That program issue coins in the order in which each state joins the Union.
B. Leave as is.
C. That program issued coins in the order in which each state joined the Union.
D. In the order that program issued coins in which each state joined the Union.
22.
My mother said that when a person acts like that, they is just trying to get attention.
Which of the following changes would make the above sentence grammatically correct?
A. Change that to who
B. Change they is to their
C. Change acts to act
D. Change they to he or she
23.
Eye protection is particularly important for children who spend all day on the water or at
the beach. Since the glare is intense.
What is the BEST way to combine the information above?
A.
Eye protection is particularly important for children, who spend all day on the water, or at
the beach since the glare is intense.
B.
Eye protection is particularly important for children who spend all day on the water or at
the beach; since the glare is intense.
C.
Eye protection is particularly important for children who spend all day on the water, or at
the beach since the glare is intense.
D.
Eye protection is particularly important for children who spend all day on the water or at
the beach since the glare is intense.
24.
In the bright summer sun. Our eyes can be damaged before we know it.
What is the BEST way to combine the phrase and the clause?
A. In the bright summer sun; our eyes can be damaged before we know it.
B. In the bright summer sun believe that our eyes can be damaged before we know it.
C. In the bright summer sun our eyes can be damaged before we know it.
D. In the bright summer sun, our eyes can be damaged before we know it.
25.
Maya Angelou is a mother and grandmother. Maya Angelou is one of the nation's
preeminent literary figures.
What is the BEST way to combine the information in the two sentences?
A.
Maya Angelou is a mother and grandmother of one of the nation's preeminent literary
figures.
B.
Maya Angelou, one of the nation's preeminent literary figures, is a mother and a
grandmother.
C. Maya Angelou is a mother, grandmother, is one of the nation's preeminent literary figures.
D. Maya Angelou is one of the nation's preeminent mothers and grandmothers.
26.
Frank and Gina went to the store to buy Christmas gifts and food, but it sold out of food
by the time Frank and Gina got there.
What is missing from this sentence to make it clearer?
A. a comma before the word "by"
B. a comma before the words "and food"
C. Change "there" to "their."
D. Nothing is missing; the sentence is correct.
27. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. Because my father asked me to be quiet, on the downstairs sofa.
B. My father asked me to be quiet because he was trying to sleep.
C. Because he was trying to sleep on the uncomfortable downstairs sofa.
D. My father asked me to turn my loud stereo system off because.
28.
_______ around the clock, the firefighters finally put out the last of the California brush
fires.
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank.
A. Work
B. Have work
C. Working
D. Works
29.
Older adults should not spend daytime outdoors without sunglasses. Nor should they
drive their vehicles without sunglasses during full daylight.
What is the BEST way to combine the information above?
A.
Older adults should not spend daytime outdoors without sunglasses; nor should they drive
their vehicles without sunglasses during full daylight.
B.
Older adults should not spend daytime outdoors without sunglasses, nor should they drive
their vehicles without sunglasses during full daylight.
C.
Older adults should not spend daytime outdoors without sunglasses nor, should they drive
their vehicles without sunglasses during full daylight.
D.
Older adults should not spend daytime outdoors without sunglasses, neither nor should
they drive their vehicles without sunglasses during full daylight.
30. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. A few of the justices were voice their opposition.
B. A few of the justices were voicing their opposition.
C. A few of the justices was voicing her or his opposition.
D. A few of the justices were voicing they opposition.
31.
Lucy is writing a story about her mother for her English class. She begins her
story with the sentence, "My mother came to the United States from Latvia." Lucy wants
to add information that will tell the audience when her mother came to this country.
Which of the following sentences should Lucy use in her story?
A. Latvia was a dangerous place to be during World War II located in Europe.
B. My mother having long brown hair and blue eyes, like her mother and grandmother.
C. After World War II ended, my mother left Latvia to come to the United States.
D. My mother likes to look at pictures of her home country missing her family a lot.
32. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 1?
A.
Hundreds of people lined up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't there to
catch a train.
B. Leave as is.
C.
Hundreds of people line up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't their to
catch a train.
D.
Hundreds of people lined up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't there
too catch a train.
33. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. After it stopped raining like a bucket poured from the sky.
B. Our group, including Paul and Mary, left the hotel after it.
C. Our group left the hotel after it stopped pouring rain.
D. Our group, after it stopped raining, the hotel with the nice kitchen.
34.
Because your eyes are so important. You must take care of them.
What is the BEST way to combine the information above?
A. Because your eyes are so important, you must take care of them.
B. Because your eyes are so important that you must take care of them.
C. Because your eyes are so important, and you must take care of them.
D. Because your eyes are so important, then you must take care of them.
35.
Tom and Jerry have a big argument every morning over what they should do with their
day.
The sentence above is
A. a complex sentence.
B. an interrogative sentence.
C. a simple sentence.
D. a compound sentence.
36.
The dog was playful and energetic when they brought her home. They had to make
sure she had all her shots and was housebroken.
What is the BEST way to combine the two sentences?
A.
The dog was playful and energetic when they brought her home; they had to make sure she
had all her shots; and was housebroken.
B.
The dog was playful and energetic when they brought her home and they had to make sure
she had all her shots and was housebroken.
C.
The dog was playful, and energetic when they brought her home they had to make sure she
had all her shots, and was housebroken.
D.
The dog was playful and energetic when they brought her home; they had to make sure she
had all her shots and was housebroken.
37. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. Sven goes to the movies whenever an action film.
B. Sven, whenever an action film is playing, the movies.
C. Whenever an action film, such as Wild Ride on Watcher's Mountain.
D. Sven goes to the movies whenever an action film is playing.
38.
After he went to the doctor to get his prescription. Charlie also needed to visit his sister
who was in town.
What is the BEST way to combine the information above?
A.
After he went, to the doctor, to get his prescription, Charlie also needed to visit his sister
who was in town.
B.
After, he went to the doctor to get his prescription, Charlie also needed to visit his sister
who was in town.
C.
After he went to the doctor, to get his prescription. Charlie also needed to visit his sister
who was in town.
D.
After he went to the doctor to get his prescription, Charlie also needed to visit his sister
who was in town.
39. Which sentence BEST combines the two sentences below?
The autumn ball was cancelled. The students were devastated.
A. The autumn ball was cancelled, and the students were devastated.
B. The autumn ball was cancelled, because the students were devastated.
C. The autumn ball was cancelled the students were devastated.
D. The autumn, ball, was cancelled and the students were devastated.
40.
Antwan tends to get bored walking in the park, watching the birds, getting mud on his
shoes, and sometimes getting lost.
The sentence above is a
A. compound sentence.
B. compound-complex sentence.
C. simple sentence.
D. complex sentence.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks, but she still felt like
they weren't ready. Their recital was on the 15th. They had both played in the school's
band for the last two years. Melissa was a more experienced player.
The days flew by. The worry never disappeared. It was the night before the recital.
Melissa paced back and forth. It was her bedtime. She wasn't ready to sleep. All of the
notes seemed to drift from her head like steam from a smokestack. She wondered if
Derrick was as nervous. She thought about the crowd, and it made things worse.
41. The days flew by. The worry never disappeared.
Without changing the meaning, what is the best way to change these simple sentences into one
compound sentence?
A. As the days flew by but the worry never disappeared.
B. The days flew by and the worry never disappeared.
C. The days flew by but the worry never disappeared.
D. The days flew by, but the worry never disappeared.
42.
When John accidentally tripped over a chair leg and knocked over the trash bin, his
grandmother said, "Somebody better watch where they are going!"
Which of the following changes would make the above sentence grammatically correct?
A. Change Somebody to Anybody.
B. Change are going to is going.
C. Change they are to he is.
D. Change watch to watched.
43. It was her bedtime. She wasn't ready to sleep.
Without changing the meaning, what is the best way to change these simple sentences into one
compound sentence?
A. Before it was her bedtime, or she wasn't ready to sleep.
B. It was her bedtime she wasn't ready to sleep.
C. It was her bedtime, but she wasn't ready to sleep.
D. It was her bedtime but she wasn't ready to sleep.
44.
Phyllis decided to drink, after trying to go to sleep, some warm milk.
In the sentence above, the modifying phrase is "after trying to go to sleep." How should the
sentence be revised so that it is clearer?
A. After Phyllis was trying to go to sleep, warm milk was what she drank.
B. After trying to go to sleep, Phyllis decided to drink some warm milk.
C. Phyllis decided to drink some warm milk trying to go to sleep after.
D. Phyllis decided, after trying to go to sleep, to drink some warm milk.
45. They had both played in the school's band for the last two years. Melissa was a
more experienced player.
Without changing the meaning, what is the best way to change these simple sentences into one
compound sentence?
A.
They had both played for the last two years in the school's band Melissa was a more
experienced player.
B.
They had both played in the school's band for the last two years, but Melissa was a more
experienced player.
C.
They had both played in the school's band for the last two years Melissa was a more
experienced player.
D.
For the last two years, they had both played in the school's band Melissa was a more
experienced player.
46. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. The film, edited by one of the students in the film class, was too long.
B. The film, editor by one of the students in the film class, was too long.
C. The film, have edits by one of the students in the film class, was too long.
D. The film, edit by one of the students in the film class, was too long.
47. Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks, but she still felt like
they weren't ready.
Without changing the meaning, what is the best way to change this compound sentence into two
simple sentences?
A.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks. She still felt like they
weren't ready.
B.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks, but she still felt like. They
weren't ready.
C.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing. For the last two weeks, she still felt like they
weren't ready.
D.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks. But still felt like they
weren't ready.
48. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. Each of the members have one vote.
B. Each of the member have one votes.
C. Each of the members having one vote.
D. Each of the members has one vote.
(1) Hundreds of people line up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't
there to catch a train. (2) They came to trade in old dollar bills for the new George
Washington Presidential $1 coin to New York City's famous railroad station.
(3) By the U.S. Mint the gold-colored coin is the first in a new series. (4) The Mint will
issue four Presidential $1 coins a year through 2016. (5) Presidential $1 coins will come
out in the order in which each President served the George Washington coin is the first
to be released. (6) The new coins is similar to the popular 50 State Quarters program.
(7) That program issued coins in the order in which each state joins the Union. (8) John
Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison coins will come out later this year.
49. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 2?
A. They came to New York City's famous railroad station for the new George Washington
Presidential $1 coin to trade in old dollar bills.
B.
They came to New York City's famous railroad station to trade in old dollar bills for the
new George Washington Presidential $1 coin.
C. Leave as is.
They to New York City's famous railroad station came to trade in old dollar bills for the
D.
new George Washington Presidential $1 coin.
Derrick and Melissa had been practicing for the last two weeks, but she still felt like
they weren't ready. Their recital was on the 15th. They had both played in the school's
band for the last two years. Melissa was a more experienced player.
The days flew by. The worry never disappeared. It was the night before the recital.
Melissa paced back and forth. It was her bedtime. She wasn't ready to sleep. All of the
notes seemed to drift from her head like steam from a smokestack. She wondered if
Derrick was as nervous. She thought about the crowd, and it made things worse.
50. She thought about the crowd, and it made things worse.
Without changing the meaning, what is the best way to change this compound sentence into two
simple sentences?
A. She thought about the crowd. It made things worse.
B. She thought about the crowd it made. Things worse.
C. She thought. About the crowd it made things worse.
D. She thought about. The crowd it made things worse.
51.
The crowd goes wild.
What type is the sentence above?
A. imperative sentence
B. complex sentence
C. simple sentence
D. compound sentence
52. Which of the following sentences is written correctly?
A. That woman, my mother, who swims across the lake.
B. The woman that swim across the lake is my mother.
C. That woman, who swimming across the lake is my mother.
D. The woman swimming across the lake is my mother.
53.
Maya Angelou has been respected as an important American writer. Since her poetry
was first published.
What is the BEST way to combine the information above?
A.
Maya Angelou has been respected as an important American writer, since her poetry, was
first published.
B.
Maya Angelou has been respected as an important American writer since her poetry was
first published.
C.
Maya Angelou has been respected as an important American writer since, her poetry was
first published.
D.
Maya Angelou has been respected as an important American writer; since her poetry was
first published.
(1) Hundreds of people line up at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, but they weren't
there to catch a train. (2) They came to trade in old dollar bills for the new George
Washington Presidential $1 coin to New York City's famous railroad station.
(3) By the U.S. Mint the gold-colored coin is the first in a new series. (4) The Mint will
issue four Presidential $1 coins a year through 2016. (5) Presidential $1 coins will come
out in the order in which each President served the George Washington coin is the first
to be released. (6) The new coins is similar to the popular 50 State Quarters program.
(7) That program issued coins in the order in which each state joins the Union. (8) John
Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison coins will come out later this year.
54. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 8?
A. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison coin will come out later this year.
B. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison later this year coins will come out.
C. John Adams Thomas Jefferson and James Madison coins will come out later this year.
D. Leave as is.
55. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
A. The driver asked one of the girls sitting in front to give up her seat.
B. Run down the street, Alicia tripped and fell.
C. Cameron spotted his brother threw rocks at the passing cars.
D. The car slid out of control toward the building is going to hit the window.
56.
I know _______ about this issue that you may find interesting, but if I tell you, you must
promise to keep it a secret.
Fill in the blank with the correct word from the list below:
A. nobody
B. someone
C. nothing
D. something
57. What is the best way to rewrite sentence 6?
A. The new coins is similar to the popular 50 state quarters program.
B. Leave as is.
C. The new coins is similar too the popular 50 State Quarters program.
D. The new coins are similar to the popular 50 State Quarters program.
58.
Kenny, on the other hand, likes the view that he gets from the top of the mountain, and
he enjoys hiking in the forest.
The sentence above is a
A. compound-complex sentence.
B. complex sentence.
C. compound sentence.
D. simple sentence.
59.
Where did all the people go?
What type is the sentence above?
A. complex sentence
B. compound sentence
C. imperative sentence
D. interrogative sentence
Answers
1. D
2. D
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. C
8. C
9. A
10. D
11. A
12. D
13. A
14. B
15. B
16. D
17. B
18. B
19. C
20. C
21. C
22. D
23. D
24. D
25. B
26. D
27. B
28. C
29. B
30. B
31. C
32. A
33. C
34. A
35. A
36. D
37. D
38. D
39. A
40. C
41. D
42. C
43. C
44. B
45. B
46. A
47. A
48. D
49. B
50. A
51. C
52. D
53. B
54. D
55. A
56. D
57. D
58. A
59. D
Explanations
1. A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. There are two independent
clauses here, connected by the coordinating conjunction "and."
2. In this sentence, "a number of" is being used to modify the missing word. Since "a number of"
implies that there is more than one, the correct answer has to be plural. Since the pronoun "who"
is only used to refer to a person or persons, the correct answer has to be "people."
3. The right answer has to be grammatically correct and make sense within the context of the
sentence. A rake would be borrowed by "somebody," not "anything," "their," or "somewhere."
The sentence should read: "Somebody could have jumped over this wall and borrowed your
rake."
4. Both sentences are independent clauses. When two independent clauses are joined by a
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), add a comma before the coordinating
conjunction.
5. A comma should be placed after the word lanes because "when they got to the lanes" is an
introductory clause for the second independent clause "when they got to the lanes Tommy left
his in the car." The first independent clause is "Tommy and Madison both brought their bowling
shoes" and both independent clauses are joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction
"but."
6. The modifier in the sentence is misplaced. "By the U.S. Mint" modifies who made the "goldcolored coin" and needs to be placed as close to that phrase as possible. Anyplace else would
disrupt the flow of the sentence.
7. A participial phrase acts as an adjective in a sentence, and it modifies, or gives information
about, something in the sentence. Participles should end in "-ed" or "-ing." Participial phrases
should be located next to the noun or pronoun they are modifying. In the correct answer, the
participial phrase "criticizing the director's new movie" is placed next to the word "review" to
give the reader more information about the review. The other sentences do not use participles
correctly.
8. "It" refers to "the party" because "it" was supposed to be a surprise. The rain wasn't supposed
to be a surprise.
9. The indefinite pronoun "each" is always singular and requires a singular verb. In this example,
don't let the word "kids" confuse you—"each" is still singular and requires a singular verb. "Is
going" is the correct verb form to use in this sentence. The main thing to remember is that if the
indefinite pronoun is singular, then the verb connected with it should also be singular.
10. The clauses All sunlight can be damaging to the eyes and the worst damage occurs between
10 A.M. and 3 P.M. are both independent clauses. When two independent clauses are closely
related, they can be joined with a semicolon. A lowercase letter follows a semicolon.
11. "The man" is singular, as is "he," the pronoun that refers to him. Since the subject is singular,
the verb needs to be singular as well. This sentence is written in past tense, so the verb must also
be past tense.
12. The information that the cornea is part of the eye should be added as an appositive. It does
not need to be in a separate sentence. The appositive is nonessential and should be set off by a
comma.
13. A complex sentence has one independent clause and one dependent clause. In this case,
"Before she knew it" is the dependent clause found at the beginning of the sentence.
14. The clause other people find it depressing is an independent clause. When two independent
clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), add a comma
before the coordinating conjunction.
15. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
The sentence in the example begins with an independent clause ("Mary likes to relax by hiking
in the woods") and ends with a dependent clause ("which is also a great way to exercise").
16. The sentence is a run-on. To fix it, a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor,
but, or, yet, so) needs to separate the independent clauses: "Presidential $1 coins will come out in
the order in which each President served" and "The George Washington coin is the first to be
released."
17. There should be a comma after the word "sick" because "Since Marty was feeling sick" is an
introductory phrase (a dependent clause). For it to be recognized in the sentence, it needs a
comma. It should read this way: "Since Marty was feeling sick, he decided to stay home from
school for two days just to make sure he was feeling better."
18. There should be a comma after the word "class" because "While walking to his next class" is
an introductory phrase (a dependent clause). For it to be recognized in the sentence, it needs a
comma. It should read this way: "While walking to his next class, Jeremy had tripped over his
shoes and dropped his books all over the floor."
19. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinate conjunction (after, although, as, because,
before, etc.) or a relative pronoun (that, which, who, etc.). It contains both a subject and a verb
but DOES NOT form a complete sentence. It will instead make the reader want additional
information to finish the thought. A main clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a
complete thought. "Because she is a bad influence" is a subordinate clause because of the
subordinate conjunction "because." This subordinate clause must be joined to a main clause,
such as "I won't see her," to be grammatically correct.
20. The clause Or they should wear protective sunglasses is an independent clause. When two
independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), add
a comma before the coordinating conjunction.
21. The problem with the sentence is that there is an error in the verb tense. The action took
place in the past, as evidenced by the first verb "issued." Then it shifts to the present tense,
"joins." To correct this, the verb should be changed to its past-tense form, "joined."
22. The noun "person" is singular. Therefore, a pronoun that refers to this singular word must
also be singular. Since the gender of the person referred to is not specified, you should use "he or
she." The correct sentence should read: "My mother said that when a person acts like that, he or
she is just trying to get attention."
23. The clause Since the glare is intense is a dependent clause. It has a subject, glare, and a verb
is, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction, since. The two should be joined, and no
comma is necessary because the dependent clause follows the independent clause.
24. In the bright summer sun is a long, introductory prepositional phrase. It needs a comma after
it.
25. The second sentence adds that Angelou is a preeminent literary figure. This information can
be added as an appositive to the first sentence. The appositive is nonessential and should be set
off by commas.
26. "It" refers to the store because the store was sold out of food.
27. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinate conjunction (after, although, as, because,
before, etc.) or a relative pronoun (that, which, who, etc.). It contains both a subject and a verb
but DOES NOT form a complete sentence. It will instead make the reader want additional
information to finish the thought. A main clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a
complete thought. "Because he was trying to sleep" is a subordinate clause that begins with the
subordinate conjunction "because." This subordinate clause must be joined to a main clause,
such as "My father asked me to be quiet," to be grammatically correct.
28. A participial phrase acts as an adjective in a sentence, and it modifies, or gives information
about, something in the sentence. Participles should end in "-ed" or "-ing." Participial phrases
should be placed as close as possible to the noun or pronoun they are modifying. In the correct
answer, the participial phrase "Working around the clock" is placed next to the phrase "the
firefighters" to tell the reader who is working so hard. The other answer choices are not
participles and are not correct with this sentence.
29. The clause Older adults should not spend daytime outdoors without sunglasses is an
independent clause. The clause should they drive their vehicles without sunglasses during full
daylight is also an independent clause. When two independent clauses are joined by a
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), add a comma before the coordinating
conjunction.
30. The indefinite pronoun "few" is plural. Plural indefinite pronouns should take plural verbs
and plural pronouns. "Were voicing" is the plural form of the verb, and "their" is the plural form
of the possessive pronoun. The main thing to remember is that if the indefinite pronoun is plural,
then the verb or personal pronoun connected with it should also be plural.
31. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate. Adverbial clauses act like
adverbs (words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs). Often, adverbial clauses begin
with words like after, because, before, since, so, until, when, and while. Adverbs give
information about time, place, condition, or manner. In this sentence, "After World War II
ended" is the adverbial clause; it modifies the verb "left" because it tells when Lucy's mother left
Latvia. This sentence is grammatically correct and adds important information that Lucy wants
to share with her audience.
32. The problem with the first sentence is that there is an error in the verb tense. The action took
place in the past, as evidenced by the word "yesterday," but the verb "line" is in the present tense.
It should be written in the past tense.
33. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate. Adverbial clauses act like
adverbs (words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs). Often, adverbial clauses begin
with words like after, because, before, since, so, until, when, and while. Adverbs give
information about time, place, condition, or manner. In this sentence, "after it stopped pouring
rain" is an adverbial clause; it modifies the verb "left" because it describes when the speaker's
group left the hotel. The other sentences are not grammatically correct.
34. The clause Because your eyes are so important is a dependent clause. It has a subject, eyes,
and a verb, are, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction, because. The two should be
joined, and a comma is necessary because the dependent clause comes at the beginning of the
sentence.
35. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The
independent clause is "Tom and Jerry have a big argument every morning." The dependent
clause is "what they should do with their day."
36. Both sentences are independent clauses. When you join two independent clauses together,
you can combine them by using a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for,
so, yet) in between both clauses. HOWEVER, if you don't use a comma and a coordinating
conjunction, you can use a semicolon to separate them. The semicolon takes the place of using a
comma and a coordinating conjunction.
37. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinate conjunction (after, although, as, because,
before, etc.) or a relative pronoun (that, which, who, etc.). It contains both a subject and a verb
but DOES NOT form a complete sentence. It will instead make the reader want additional
information to finish the thought. A main clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a
complete thought. "Whenever an action film is playing" is a subordinate clause because of the
subordinate conjunction "whenever." This subordinate clause must be joined to a main clause,
such as "Sven goes to the movies," to be grammatically correct.
38. The clause After he went to the doctor to get his prescription is a dependent clause. It has a
subject, he, and a verb, went, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction, after. The two
should clauses be joined, and since the sentence starts with a dependent clause, it needs a comma
before it's joined to the independent clause: "Charlie also needed to visit his sister who was in
town."
39. Of the choices provided, the best way to combine the sentences is to use a coordinating
conjunction between the two independent clauses and add an coordinating conjunction ("and")
before the comma.
40. A simple sentence contains one independent clause. There is only one independent clause in
this sentence. The participle phrases "walking in the park," "watching the birds," and "getting
mud on his shoes" are not clauses because they do not contain verbs. Instead, they only contain
verb forms.
41. These are simple sentences. To change the simple sentences into a compound sentence, add a
comma and a coordinating conjunction in between both independent clauses.
42. The indefinite pronouns ending with "-body" or "-one" (anybody, somebody, no one, anyone,
etc) are singular. So, a pronoun referring to these singular words must also be singular. Since
John's grandmother is talking about John, "he" is the correct pronoun to use. The sentence should
read: "When John accidentally tripped over a chair leg and knocked over the trash bin, his
grandmother said, 'Somebody better watch where he is going!' "
43. These are simple sentences. To change the simple sentences into a compound sentence, add a
comma and a coordinating conjunction in between both independent clauses.
44. The problem in the sentence is the misplaced phrase "after trying to go to sleep." The
dependent clause ("after trying to go to sleep") modifies, or describes, the noun "Phyllis," so it
should be placed immediately before or after that noun.
45. These are simple sentences. To change the simple sentences into a compound sentence, add a
comma and a coordinating conjunction in between both independent clauses.
46. A participial phrase acts as an adjective in a sentence, and it modifies, or gives information
about, something in the sentence. Participles should end in "-ed" or "-ing." Participial phrases
should be located next to the noun or pronoun they are modifying. In the correct answer, the
participial phrase "edited by one of the students in the film class" is placed next to the word
"film" to give the reader more information about that film. The other sentences do not use
participles correctly.
47. This is a compound sentence. Compound sentences are made up of two or more independent
clauses. In this case, splitting up the independent clauses changes them into two simple
sentences.
48. The subject pronoun "each" is singular. Therefore, the verb form must also be singular:
"has." The correct sentence is "Each of the members has one vote."
49. The modifier in the sentence is misplaced. "To New York City's famous railroad station"
modifies the place the people were going and needs to be placed as close to the verb "came" as
possible.
50. This is a compound sentence. Compound sentences are made up of two or more independent
clauses. In this case, splitting up the independent clauses changes them into two simple
sentences.
51. A simple sentence has one independent clause.
52. A participial phrase acts as an adjective in a sentence, and it modifies, or gives information
about, something in the sentence. Participles should end in "-ed" or "-ing." Participial phrases
should be placed as close as possible to the noun or pronoun they are modifying. In the correct
answer, the participial phrase "swimming across the lake" is placed next to the word "woman" to
tell the reader which woman is the speaker's mother. The other sentences do not use participles
correctly.
53. The clause Since her poetry was first published is a dependent clause. It has a subject, poetry,
and a verb phrase, was published, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction, since. The two
should be joined, and no comma is necessary because the dependent clause follows the
independent clause.
54. Nothing is wrong with the structure of this sentence. The subject and verb agree, the modifier
is placed correctly, and commas appear after each president in the list.
55. A participial phrase acts as an adjective in a sentence, and it modifies, or gives information
about, something in the sentence. Participles should end in "-ed" or "-ing." Participial phrases
should be placed as close as possible to the noun or pronoun they are modifying. In the correct
answer, the participial phrase "sitting in front" is placed next to the word "girls" to tell the reader
where the girls are sitting. The other sentences do not use participles correctly.
56. The right answer has to be grammatically correct and also make sense within the context of
the sentence. The speaker in this sentence says that the person must keep "it" a secret, so he or
she clearly knows something. If you plug in the other indefinite pronouns, you'll see that only the
correct answer makes sense.
57. Sentence 6 has a problem with subject–verb agreement. "Coins" is a plural noun, and it needs
a verb that agrees with it. One way to correct the sentence is to change the verb to the plural
form, "are."
58. A compound-complex sentence contains more than one independent clause and at least one
dependent clause. There are two independent clauses in this sentence: "Kenny likes the view"
and "he enjoys hiking." The one dependent clause begins with "that" in "that he gets from the top
of the mountain"
59. An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks a question.