Download practice in grammar, mechanics, and usage

MORE PRACTICE IN GRAMMAR, MECHANICS, AND USAGE
The following exercises are keyed to the “Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage.”
1. Possessive nouns
Review Section 1.1.4. Then, beside each noun below, write its possessive form.
a. women
______________________________________
b. secretaries
______________________________________
c. worker
______________________________________
d. Matthew Kitsos ______________________________________
e. editor-in-chief ______________________________________
f.
children
______________________________________
g. Betsy Daniels ______________________________________
h. Daily Times
______________________________________
I.
nobody
______________________________________
j.
month
______________________________________
k. Jules
______________________________________
l.
desks
______________________________________
m. office
______________________________________
n. today
______________________________________
o. the Rosses
______________________________________
2. Antecedents
Review Sections 1.2.1 and 1.2.2. Then, for each sentence that follows, underline the correct
pronoun, circle its antecedent, and then write its number (S for singular, or P for plural) in the lefthand column.
Number
___
a. Joe, Frank, and Bob gave (their, his) opinions.
___
b. Any company worth (its, their) salt has one.
___
c. Los Angeles, as well as San Francisco, has (its, their) advantages.
___
d. Neither newcomers nor veterans knew (his, her, their) way around.
___
e. Because office decor is important to employees, (it, they) should be
planned by professionals.
___
f.
Was it Marilyn or Lupe who sent (her, their) résumé?
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___
g. Both candidates did well in (his, their) interviews.
___
h. Each of the sales representatives went (his or her, their) own way.
___
i.
This ad campaign, despite excessive costs, has had (its, their) successes.
___
j.
Nancy is one of those people who know (her, their) business.
3. Case of pronouns
Review Section 1.2.4. Then underline the correct pronoun choice in each of the following
sentences.
a. (We, Us) sales representatives are overworked.
b. When the auditors arrive, make sure (they, them) have your cooperation.
c. Just between you and (I, me), the pay is poor.
d. The document is right, according to both (he, him) and Sam.
e. Give Terry and (I, me) that office.
f.
The best positions went to Randolph and (she, her).
g. It’s (he, him) who should get the raise.
h. I’ll give the project to (whoever, whomever) isn’t busy with another one.
i.
He turned as large a profit as (I, me) did.
j.
With (who, whom) were you speaking?
4. Possessive pronouns
Review Section 1.2.5. Then underline the correct word choice in each of the following
sentences.
a. (Its, It’s) imperative that we close escrow today.
b. In (its, it’s) final clause, the contract states that we are accountable for defects.
c. BGT and Ramp Industries have recently changed the design of (there, their, they’re) brakes.
d. It is (are, our) conviction that we can complete this job before the deadline.
e. Always be sure that (your, you’re) employees understand what is expected of them.
f.
Give each secretary a copy of (her or his, their) new schedule.
g. Do you know what (there, their, they’re) planning for the sales meeting?
h. Take note of (your, you’re) mistakes.
i.
If (its, it’s) warranty has not expired, we will not charge you for fixing it.
j.
(Your, you’re) mistaken if you think she will budge on that issue.
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5. Verb tenses
Review Section 1.3.1. Then write the correct form of each verb in the space provided.
TO PROVIDE
TO BECOME
a. present: I
p. present: we
b. past: you
q. past: I
c. future: we
r. future: you
d. present perfect: they
s. present perfect: he
e. past perfect: she
t. past perfect: it
TO ALLOW
TO BE
f. present: he
u. present: you
g. past: it
v. past: she
h. future: you
w. future: we
i. present perfect: they
x. present perfect: they
j. past perfect: I
y. past perfect: I
TO SHRINK
k. present: they
l. past: she
m. future: it
n. present perfect: you
o. past perfect: we
6. Transitive and intransitive verbs
Review Section 1.3.3. Then underline the correct verb in each sentence.
a. After the walls are poured, there must be a way to (rise, raise) them into position.
b. (Sit, Set) up your display against that wall.
c. The contract has (laid, lain) forgotten in our safe for months.
d. I could see when I (lay, laid) it on Mary’s desk that she was surprised.
e. It’s important to know why production costs have (raised, risen).
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7. Voice of verbs
Review Section 1.3.5. Then rewrite these sentences so that their verbs are in the active voice.
a. The delivery was made by Mercury Message Service.
_______________________________________________________________________
b. Your report has been read by three of us.
_______________________________________________________________________
c. A choice of color must be made by the buyer.
_______________________________________________________________________
d. Complaints are handled by Jane Harper.
_______________________________________________________________________
e. New ideas were picked up at the trade fair by our representatives.
_______________________________________________________________________
8. Adjectives
Review Section 1.4. Then, for each simple adjective in parentheses, give the comparative or
superlative (whichever is more appropriate) in the space provided.
a. Of the three, Paul’s sales record is (good) __________________.
b. Which check is the (large) ___________________ of the two?
c. Inspect our five branches before choosing the (promising) ___________________ one.
d. Send the (practical) ___________________ frame you have from the group.
e. Having lifted both, I can pick out the (heavy) ___________________ one.
9. Adverbs
Review Section 1.5. Then turn these adjectives into adverbs.
a. intense
_______________
f.
good
_______________
b. poor
_______________
g. whole
_______________
c. real
_______________
h. busy
_______________
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d. full
_______________
i.
secondary _______________
e. complete
_______________
j.
due
_______________
10. Prepositions
Review Section 1.6.1. Then underline all the prepositions in these sentences.
a. Providing a few samples of cheese created better sales in many areas.
b. Lead into the letter without a break.
c. He brought with him the habit of using quick-freeze equipment.
d. If the right people are informed of your offer, word of mouth will take care of the rest.
e. The board will meet behind closed doors for several reasons, none of which are secret.
11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections
Review Sections 1.6.2 and 1.6.3. Then, beside each of the following items, write C, A, or I to
indicate whether the word or phrase is a conjunction, article, or interjection.
a. although
___
d. because
___
g. if
___
b. Oh no!
___
e. an
___
h. unless
___
c. but
___
f.
___
i.
___
Good!
and
12. Longer sentences
Review Section 1.7.2. Then underline the word that makes each sentence correct.
a. His presentation, coming after two really boring speeches, (was, were) refreshing.
b. When the full slate of officers (is, are) present, she doesn’t write out their names.
c. (Although, However,) it was over by the time we got there.
d. The (secretary, secretaries) working at headquarters the longest will be recognized.
e. All who are in the group (meet, meets) the selection criteria.
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13. Sentence fragments
Review Section 1.7.3. Some of the following are sentence fragments; others are correct as
they stand. Rewrite the sentence fragments to make them complete sentences, and write
correct in the space following sentences that are complete.
a. In just 14 days, with lots of promotion, the new outlet will open.
b. At least ten one-week sessions, beginning the first week in June, with no breaks.
c. Drop the economy model.
d. Who of all our employees?
e. Although Joan is well grounded in office procedure.
f.
Charging our office with the task of counting supplies.
g. Having ordered a large quantity of wheat from the United States.
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h. Our coats, water-repellent, sleek, and undeniably tough.
i.
Because this action would absorb the available supplies of short-term government
securities.
14. Fused sentences and comma splices
Review Section 1.7.4. Some of the following are fused sentences; others are correct. Rewrite the
fused sentences to make them correct, and write correct in the space following correct sentences.
a. You like the idea of owning your own business, especially because you have the capital
to begin one.
b. Having met at a previous sales convention, we often had lunch with him you never know
where you stand.
c. The big question is financing, will you have enough money?
d. If satisfaction is not forthcoming, we will be forced to cancel our order, find another
supplier, and take legal action.
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e. Over half of them are badly damaged, it looks like water damage.
15. Misplaced modifiers
Review Section 1.7.6. Then rewrite each of the following sentences so that modifiers are placed
correctly.
a. Deliver the fastback to the customer with the leather upholstery.
b. An unauthorized caller cannot get through this “smart” telephone, no matter how clever.
c. We interviewed several applicants with great speed.
d. The letters should be filed in the green cabinet from clients who have complaints.
e. I passed the new business center driving through Emerson City.
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16. Punctuation A
Review Sections 2.4 and 2.5. Then, in the space provided, write C if the sentence is
punctuated correctly, I if the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.
a. _____ His writing skills are excellent, however he still needs to polish his management
style.
b. _____ Over half of the combined debt loads of Argentina; Brazil; and Mexico
fluctuates with the movement of the U.S. prime rate.
c. _____ About 100 products bore the Can-Man trademark last May; there are nearly 300 today.
d. _____ Stephen Raken says Oak Tree Realty now: “realizes that it can’t keep up if it
does it all in-house.”
e. _____ The following executives will be attending the conference: Elayne Boswell, executive
editor; Enrique Rodriguez, production manager; and Sandra Lockwood, IT manager.
f. _____ For more information on our products, visit: www.learningaids.com.
g. _____ James announced to the board members: “We have won the Palomar contract.”
h. _____ While not all the floor models presented here will suit everyone’s taste; there is
something for everyone.
17. Punctuation B
Review Sections 2.1 through 2.3. Then, in the space provided, write C if the sentence is
punctuated correctly, I if the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.
a. _____ Will you please send us a check today so that we can settle your account.
b. _____ I find it hard to believe that we could miss such a promising opportunity!
c. _____ Seasoned, well-managed companies should explore this alternative. As they
search for capital.
d. _____ Is private placement extinct? Yes. And no.
e. _____ What is your career goal the interviewer asked?
f. _____ After looking at the quarterly sales reports, all I can say is, “Ouch!”
g. _____ What direction do you think we should go next.
h. _____ (book title) The Trader Joe’s Adventure.
18. Punctuation C
Review Sections 2.7 and 2.8. Then, in the space provided, write C if the sentence is
punctuated correctly, I if the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.
a. _____ At Simtex, however, the union recently gave up a three-year-old profit-sharing
plan—which has produced no bonuses—because the workers wanted an
immediate wage increase; they had not had a raise in nearly two years.
b. _____ Job-hunting is not for the faint-of-heart.
c. _____ During the highest level trials we will resume operations.
d. _____ Space will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
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e. _____ This dilemma is being called the “quarter-life crisis”—a new social trend
affecting twenty- and thirty-something workers..
f. _____ Use our specially-designed tracking-system to monitor your website traffic.
g. _____ The supply quotas are set by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries—OPEC.
h. _____ The Philadelphia-based think tank estimates the cost of complying with the
federal income tax to be $279 billion this year.
i. _____ Google—the search engine so ubiquitous it has become a verb—is a good way to
hunt for business news on the web.
19. Punctuation D
Review Sections 2.10 through 2.12. Then, in the space provided, write C if the sentence is
punctuated correctly, I if the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.
a.
b.
c.
d.
_____
_____
_____
_____
e. _____
f. _____
g. _____
h. _____
“Johnson and Kane, Inc., is gone, comments one Wall Street merger expert.
Several insurers (Gaston, Regis, DMA) maintain offices in Tennessee.
“Bricks and mortar,” Johnson says, are history.”
“Two years after an election,” the study concluded, “a citizien . . . may hold a
favorable opinion of a politician to avoid the discomfort of having voted for
someone for whom he or she has a poor opinion.”
You’ll enjoy a low introductory rate of . . . 2.9% on all purchases and balance
transfers . . . until April 2007.
All multi-outlet devices (e.g., power strips) must have circuit protection.
San Francisco Convention Facilities, (SFCF), is the exclusive
telecommunications provider for the Moscone Center.
“Gateway hasn't fully recovered from the dot-com bust", Murphy said.
20. Capitals
Review Section 3.1. Then capitalize the appropriate words below by putting three short
parallel lines under each letter that should be capitalized. (The first item in the first sentence
is done for you.)
a. he was questioned about lifting the post-afghanistan embargo on grain sales to russia.
b. what did the senate foreign relations committee say about her as a human rights official?
c. at northern natural gas company, for one, president samuel f. segnar holds monthly
luncheons with employees who have hit the five-year service mark.
d. margaret d. steele, head of faribault college’s business department, recently conducted
a semester-long program involving monthly lunches with professors.
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e. “book me a flight to atlanta on airtrans airlines,” he said, “so that i can visit our southern
wholesalers.”
21. Word division
Review Section 3.5. Then correct the way the following words are divided by crossing through
inappropriate hyphens and inserting slash marks where the words could more correctly be divided.
a. cal-lable
b. a-gainst
c. self-anal-ysis
d. controll-ing
e. hasti-ly
22. Frequently confused words
Review Section 4.1. Then underline the correct word in each sentence.
a. To be successful, one must (accept, except) a certain amount of stress.
b. Our plans were (all ready, already) when the news came in.
c. The (incidence, incidents) of breakdowns has decreased.
d. No manager can afford to (loose, lose) his or her self-control.
e. Good lines of communication maintain company (moral, morale).
f.
I’ve worked with both Tom and Rita, and I prefer the (later, latter).
g. Civilized people can (defer, differ) in their opinions without getting angry.
h. The (principal, principle) was sound, but the details were misleading.
i.
In the future, sales representatives will be assigned (routes, routs) by the Chicago office.
j.
See whether this regulation can be (waived, waved).
k. I would (advice, advise) you to hedge your investments.
l.
The color of that hat is a perfect (complement, compliment) to the colors in the dress.
m. Because employment matters are so sensitive, you will have to make some (discreet,
discrete) inquiries if you want to find out about his previous performance.
n. I have received no greater compliment (than, then) the one she gave me yesterday.
o. That chair is (stationary, stationery), but the other one can be moved.
23. Frequently misused words
Review Section 4.2. Then underline the correct or preferable word in each sentence.
a. Each carton contained (fewer, less) packages than were indicated on the outside.
b. His letter (inferred, implied) that there was no charge for the damaged items.
c. We encountered no problems when we (laid, lay) the tiles.
d. We will have (a lot, allot) of openings in six months.
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e. The usual mediator was formerly employed by one of the parties to the dispute, so a
more (disinterested, uninterested) mediator was assigned to the case.
f.
All seated passengers must be able to see the sign, just (as, like) they can on a 747.
g. Our popular poplin dress shirt is (as, like) our executive Essence shirt in many ways.
h. (Many, Much) of our sales effort would be enhanced by a computer.
i.
Our Trade Division (corresponds to, corresponds with) their International Division; both
have the same function.
j.
Apparently I only (implied, inferred) that opinion from her report.
24. Frequently misspelled words
Review Section 4.3. Then underline the correct spelling of each word.
a. indispensible
indispensable
indespensable
b. permenent
perminent
permanent
c. consensus
concensus
consencus
d. benefitted
benifitted
benefited
e. changable
changeable
changible
f.
noticeable
noticable
notisable
g. medeocre
mediocer
mediocre
h. catigory
category
cattegory
i.
alignment
alinement
alinment
j.
prefered
preferd
preferred
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More Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 517
25. Transitional words and phrases
Review Section 4.4. Then, from the following list of transitions, choose the most appropriate
for each sentence, and write your choice in the space provided.
for example
in other words
meanwhile
furthermore
on the contrary
on the other hand
still
therefore
in the second place
in that case
a. Ms. Siegel worked for you in a similar capacity during the past two years;
____________________ we are interested in getting your candid comments on her
professional abilities.
b. We have experienced difficulties with your shipments of candy before;
____________________ just last December, 5 of the 22 boxes you shipped arrived
empty.
c. The enclosed information sheet contains names and telephone numbers of prospective
clients; ____________________ it includes mailing addresses and ZIP codes.
d. Because you are a valued customer of Carrillo Images, we are rechecking the figures we
used to prepare your invoice; ____________________ we are discounting the new price.
e. Your acceptance of these conditions, signaled by your signing the enclosed check, will
begin the process; ____________________ your signature on this check will release you
to begin construction.
26. Grammar and usage
Edit the memo on the following page so that it complies with all the rules and principles of
effective writing that you’ve learned in this course.
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MEMO
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
June 22 2006
All department heads
Alan Kitchener, vice president of human relations
In-house training program
Several new training programs have been developed in response to the training needs
assessment conducted in February, 2006. (27 highly informative replies were received; I
personally appreciated your comments). Our goal in developing these new programs was to
give each employee the skills to do his job better, and to improve employee’s moral.
These are the new programs, which will be available beginning July 1.
1. Successful Blogging and Podcasting. Reviews the basic concepts of blogging and
podcasting, discusses the business applications of both of these exciting new media, and
gives attendees the opportunity to create a blog and a podcast.
2. Keeping Customers Happy. Covers methods for answering the telephone and
correspondence—policies for handling complaints and requests for adjustment—as well
as general marketing goals as they relate to customer service.
3. Writing Better for Business. Deals with the organization of messages, analyzing purpose
and audience, and style and tone.
Each course will be offered once a month beginning at the first week and continuing for 4
sessions. Successful Blogging and Podcasting on Tuesdays, Keeping Customers Happy on
Wednesdays, and Writing Better for Business on Thursdays. They will be held in the second
floor conference room from three to five p.m.
In general these courses have been designed for clerical and supervisory employees; although
everybody on your staff who could benefit are welcome to attend. To register an employee
must bring a signed authorization form, a packet are included with this memo, to the human
relations office, Room 117, at least a week in advance of the start of the course.
Try and send all appropriate staff so that our organization can better meet it’s goals!
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SOLUTIONS TO MORE PRACTICE IN GRAMMAR, MECHANICS
AND USAGE
1. Possessive nouns
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
women’s
secretaries’
worker’s
Matthew Kitsos’
editor-in-chief’s
children’s
Betsy Daniels’s
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
Daily Times’s
nobody’s
month’s
Jules’s
desks’
today’s
the Rosses’
2. Antecedents
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
their—Joe, Frank, and Bob—P
its—company—S
its—Los Angeles—S
their—newcomers or veterans—P
it—office decor—S
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
her—Marilyn or Lupe—S
their—candidates—P
his or her—each—S
its—campaign—S
their—people—P
3. Case of pronouns
a.
b.
c.
d.
We
Whom
me
who
e.
f.
g.
h.
me
her
he
whoever
i.
j.
I
Whom
4. Possessive pronouns
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
It’s
its
their
our
your
f. her or his
g. they’re
h. your
i. its
j. You’re
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5. Verb tenses
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
provide
provided
will provide
have provided
had provided
allows
allowed
will allow
have allowed
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
had allowed
shrink
shrank
will shrink
have shrunk
had shrunk
become
became
will become
s.
t.
u.
v.
w.
x.
y.
has become
had become
are
was
will be
have been
had been
6. Transitive and intransitive verbs
a. raise
b. Set
c. lain
d. laid
e. risen
7. Voice of verbs
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Mercury Message Service made the delivery.
Three of us read your report.
The buyer must choose a color.
Jane Harper handles complaints.
Our representatives picked up new ideas at the trade fair.
8. Adjectives
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
best
larger
most promising
most practical
heavier
9. Adverbs
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
intensely
poorly
really
fully
completely
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
well
wholly
busily
secondarily
duly
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More Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 521
10. Prepositions
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
of, in
into, without
with, of
of, of, of
behind, for, of
11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections
a. C
b. I
c. C
d. C
e. A
f. I
g. C
h. C
i. C
12. Longer sentences
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
was
are
However,
secretaries
meet
13. Sentence fragments (many other solutions are possible)
a. correct
b. At least ten one-week sessions are being offered beginning the first week in June, with no
breaks.
c. correct
d. Who of all our employees is the best person for the job?
e. Joan is well grounded in office procedure.
f. They are charging our office with the task of counting supplies.
g. They ordered a large quantity of wheat from the United States.
h. Our coats are water repellent, sleek, and undeniably tough.
i. This action would absorb the available supplies of short-term government securities.
14. Fused sentences and comma splices (other solutions are possible)
a. correct
b. Having met at a previous sales convention, we often had lunch with him. You never
know where you stand.
c. The big question is financing. Will you have enough money?
d. correct
e. Over half of them are badly damaged. It looks like water damage.
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15. Misplaced modifiers
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Deliver the fastback with the leather upholstery to the customer.
An unauthorized caller, no matter how clever, can’t get through this “smart” telephone.
With great speed, we interviewed several applicants.
The letters from clients who have complaints should be filed in the green cabinet.
Driving through Emerson City, I passed the new business center.
16. Punctuation A
a. I
b. I
c. C
d. I
e. C
f. I
g. C
h. I
d. C
e. I
f. C
g. I
h. I
d. I
e. C
f. I
g. I
h. C
i. C
d. C
e. I
f. C
g. I
h. I
17. Punctuation B
a. C
b. I
c. I
18. Punctuation C
a. C
b. I
c. I
19. Punctuation D
a. I
b. C
c. I
20. Capitals
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
He, post-Afghanistan, Russia
What, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
At Northern Natural Gas Company, President Samuel F. Segnar
Margaret D. Steele, Faribault College’s
Book, Atlanta, Airtrans Airlines, I
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More Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 523
21. Word division
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
call-able
against (no division)
self-analysis (divide only at existing hyphen)
control-ling
hast-ily
22. Frequently confused words
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
accept
all ready
incidence
lose
morale
latter
differ
principle
routes
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
waived
advise
complement
discreet
than
stationary
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
as
like
much
corresponds to
inferred
23. Frequently misused words
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
fewer
implied
laid
a lot
disinterested
24. Frequently misspelled words
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
indispensable
permanent
consensus
benefited
changeable
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
noticeable
mediocre
category
alignment
preferred
25. Transitional words and phrases
a.
b.
c.
d.
therefore
for example
furthermore
meanwhile
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e. in other words
26. The memo should be edited as shown on the following page.
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