Grammar Flashcards
Inflation in the United States (has not and, we hope, never will reach) a rate of 20 percent a year.
has not and hopefully never will reach -> “hopefully” should only be used to mean “in a hopeful way” e.g. “The farmer searched the skies hopefully looking for signs of rain.
Everybody (but) him has paid (their) dues; we (must seek) ways to make him understand the (need for) prompt payment.
-> Everybody is singular and therefore must “their” must be singular and changed to “his or her”
I feel badly about the present conflict because I do not know how to resolve it without hurting either you or him.
-> The verb “feel” must be followed by the adjective “bad” NOT the adverb “badly”
Unless two or more members object to him joining the club, we shall have to accept his application for membership.
-> gerunds take the possessive form, “him joining” should be changed to “his joining”
Gerunds
verb forms ending in “-ing” that function as nouns. Gerunds: His first love is swimming. He gives swimming all of his energy and time. (Versus present participles): A great white shark ate his swimming coach. He he practices in safe swimming pools.
Who vs. Whom
insert “him” or “he” into sentence. Him -> whom——-he -> who
It is typical of military service for a skilled technician to be inducted and (then you spend your whole tour of duty peeling potatoes and cleaning latrines.)
then spend her whole tour of duty -> “technician” is a third person singular noun. The pronoun, therefore, should be the third person singular “her”
I (should like) you and (he) to supply the (necessary data) for the annual statement that must be prepared (in advance of) the spring meeting.
-> “he” should be replaced with “him”—In general, use the same trick for “who” vs “whom” but instead “I” -> “he” and “me” -> “him”—-In this case, it might be “Timmy should like you and ME to do sth.” = him—because “timmy should like I to do sth.” does NOT work
Neither the midlife career change applicant (nor) the young, inexperienced applicant (are finding) it easy (to begin) a career in data processing (because of) a shortage of job openings.
-> “are” should be changed to “is” —-Although it seems that there are more than 1 subjects being referenced, the “nor” implies a singular reference
(By the time the bank guard closed the doors, a riot (had erupted) (due to) the long lines and (shortage of) tellers.
-> “due to” should be changed to “because of” or “as a result of”—–In general, “due to” will ALWAYS follow a to be verb
Eminently vs. Imminently
Eminently -> very or obviously
Imminently -> about to happen
John was (imminently qualified for the position because he had studied computer programming and how to operate an IBM machine.)
eminently qualified for the position because he had studied computer programming and the operation of an IBM machine -> can’t study HOW to operate something
In general, the fate of Latin American or East Asian countries (will affect America more than it does) Britain or France.
will affect America more than it does -> (original sentence is correct)
Affect vs. effect
AFFECT is a verb——-EFFECT is a noun—–E.g. “The arrows affected the aardvark” vs “The effect was eye-popping”
(That) book is (liable) to become a best seller because it is well written, (full of suspense,) and (very) entertaining.
“liable” is incorrect word usage. It means “held legally responsible” NOT likely or susceptible
His three children, Ruth, frank, and Ellis, are very talented youngsters, (but) the (latter) (shows) the (most) promise.
“latter” cannot be used with more than two items. “last” should be used instead
(There are) (probably few) comeback stories (as moving as) (cycling’s stalwart champion,) Lance Armstrong.
stories should be compared to stores NOT to champion. It should read, “There are probably few comeback stories as moving as THAT OF cycling’s stalwart champion, Lance Armstrong.
“Fewer” vs “less”
use “fewer” when referring to something you can actually count, such as M&Ms, miles, or books. Use “less” when referring to things you cannot count e.g. laughter, compassion, etc…EXCEPTION -> we can count time and money, but we still use less and NOT fewer
The federal Fish and Wildlife Service (is expected to rule this week on whether to protect beluga sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act.
-> Original sentence is correct, it does NOT have to read “on whether to protect beluga sturgeon OR NOT”
(While) rain has long been used as a water source in areas (where) well water is unavailable or tainted, the amounts collected are usually small and rarely (suitable to) consumption without treatment.
-> “suitable to” should be “suitable for”
The (perspective) advantages this proposed merger can (bring to) our firm (greatly outweigh) any of the potential disadvantages (predicted by) opponents of the consolidation.
“perspective” is a noun and should be replaced with “prospective”
(After removing their skins,) children sliced the carrots into sticks for dipping.
After removing the carrots’ skins, the children sliced the carrots into sticks for dipping. -> “carrots’” is a plural possessive form and is allowed
The pale white petals of the gardenia possess a scent of great sweetness and (subtlety and the scent has) intrigued many perfume-makers.
subtlety, a scent that has -> “a scent” should be repeated to emphasize its importance
The newspaper business in the United States faces a (challenge, being that it must reconcile the high-minded goal of informing readers with the commercial one of making money.)
challenge because it must reconcile the high-minded goal of informing readers with the commercial one of making money. -> DO NOT use “challenge; as such it must”—“as such” DOES NOT MEAN “therefore”
Acquaintances of Alexei have commented that he is at once annoying because of his unpredictability (but his imagination is still a delight.)
and delightful because of his imagination. -> “at once” means “both” or “at the same time”
The President (has designated) Senator Frank (as) one of the Congressmen who (are going) to attend the conference (on) nuclear waste disposal.
Original sentence is correct. “Congressmen” is plural and therefore “are” IS the required verb.
Also in the program (is) a taped (discussion with) the (late) George Balanchine and a (performance by) Patricia McBride and Edward Villlella of the pas de demux from “Diana and Acteon”
-> “is” should be “are” since there is MORE THAN ONE thing in the program. There is both the “taped discussion” AND the “performance”
In the nineteenth century, photography was a (window on) the world for curious members of the public, (few of whom) (could ever hope) to visit exotic lands (in person.)
No Error. “whom” IS correct. “whom” is referring to the public, so the resulting test sentence must be something like, “was a window on the world for HIM” which is correct
The movie’s unlikely happy ending (came to pass as the result of an incredulous series) of lucky accidents.
resulted from an incredible series -> only PEOPLE can be “incredulous” it should be “incredible”
Brought up in a homogeneous, all-white, suburb, (it was only when I moved to San Francisco that I realized how exciting life in an ethnically diverse community can be.)
I did not realize how exciting life in an ethnically diverse community can be until I moved to San Francisco -> What was brought up in the suburbs? HE was. The correct answer MUST start with “I”—-Just b/c there’s only one option with the correct participial does NOT mean the question is somehow a “trick”
The newspaper business in the United States faces a (challenge, being that it must reconcile the high-minded goal of informing readers with the commercial one of making money.)
challenge because it must reconcile the high-minded goal of informing readers with the commercial one of making money. -> DO NOT use “challenge; as such it must”—“as such” DOES NOT MEAN “therefore”
Acquaintances of Alexei have commented that he is at once annoying because of his unpredictability (but his imagination is still a delight.)
and delightful because of his imagination. -> “at once” means “both” or “at the same time”
(Along) the curve of islands known as the Florida Keys (lies) a reef of living coral, (the only one) of (a kind) in the continental United States.
“a kind” should be “its kind”
In (those cities) (in which) public transportation is adequate, fewer traffic probles occur and pedestrians (are rarely) (involved in) accidents.
There is no error in this sentence. Although awkward, “in which” is allowed.
Intense preoccupation (on) technique (appears to be) (the one) trait that great pianists (have in) common.
the idiom should be “with” and not “on”
The research study (reveals) startling proof of a (constant) changing seafloor that (comprises) the major (part of) the underwater landscape.
“constant” should be “constantly” because “the seafloor is constantly changing”, NOT “the seafloor is constant changing” —- Here it can be useful to rearrange the words as done above for clarity
This multimedia exhibition, (part of a) worldwide (celebration of) the centenary of Balanchine’s birth, (includes) photographs, designs, costumes, and set models, (complimented by) video tapes and excerpts from oral histories in the Library of Performing.
“complimented by” should be “complemented by” — “complimented” with an “i” means to praise. “complemented” with an “e” means to make complete or whole. To remember, I receive lots of compliments
The Mozart Myths (looks at) (how) scholars have revised their predecessors’ findings, selecting material that might support their own pet theories, and depicting Mozart, (variously,) (as) a childish victim, a Romantic genius, and an Enlightenment rebel.
No error. “variously” means “in diverse ways”–These depictions of Mozart are indeed various and thus the word is used correctly
(Contrary to what) moviegoers have (for so long) regarded as absolute truth, the mutiny of the “Bounty”’s seamen (was) not (provoked from) any unreasonable harshness on the part of Captain Bligh.
“provoked from” uses an improper idiom. It should be “provoked by”.
To (most) Americans, the notion that free markets and democracy are (essential to) curing the world’s ills (is) an (article of) faith.
No error. “essential to” uses the correct idiom. “article of faith” in itself is a very well known phrase. It means “an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence” The phrase is therefore used correctly in this sentence.
Because James (had disobeyed) computer lab regulations (by) downloading games, the computer science teacher penalized him (by taking away) his computer privileges for an (indecisive) period.
“indecisive” means “unable to make a decision”—It SHOULD be “indefinite” which means “without a fixed or defined end”
(Perspective) visitors (to tropical countries) should plan to start taking anti malaria pills one to two weeks (prior to) (their setting out) on their trips.
“Perspective” means “a way of regarding sth.”—it should be “prospective” which means “expected/future”
Given the long-standing (bias against) Victorian art, it is (unsurprising that) British artists of the later nineteenth century are (poorly) (represented in) the museum’s collections.
“unsurprising”, although awkward, IS A WORD
Many of us attempt to rewrite our personal stories to present ourselves in the best light; indeed, (there is an almost universal inclination to this.)
(we are almost universally inclined to do so)—best way to make clear who is doing what. In the original sentence “inclination to this” should be “inclination to do this”. However, “there is” should be changed to “we” for clarity
The best known Iban (textiles, large ceremonial cloths called pua kumbu, whose designs depict) the flora and fauna of Borneo as well as figures form the spirit realm.
(textiles are large ceremonial cloths called pua kumba, whose designs depict)—“whose” is not only the possessive form of “who” but ALSO the possessive form of “which”, e.g. “The play, whose style is rigidly formal, is typical of the period”. Therefore, “whose” in this sentence is correct.
Exhibitions of some works by modern artists have spurred political controversy over (should they continue federal support of art)
continued federal support of art.—This is the most concise choice. Also, WHAT is provoking controversy? Cannot begin with the words, “should” or “whether”, MUST begin with what IT IS that has drawn the controversy
(Though) “The Second World War”, a book by Sir Winston Churchill, was (respectively) received when it was (first published), it (is not) highly regarded by historians today.
“respectively” means “separately or individually and in the order already mentioned” it cannot be used to mean “in a decent and morally reputable manner” it should be changed to “respectably”
The discrepancy between the richness of Shakespeare’s works and (how much biographical information is lacking) has not diminished over centuries.
the lack of biographical information about Shakespeare.
(Because) his experience in the naval medical corps had been (rewarding), Bob (applied to) medical school after he (was discharged) from the navy.
No error. Although it is best to avoid, starting a sentence with the word “because” IS allowed and is used correctly in this sentence.
In the eighteenth century, (the English emphasis on the study of Greek and Latin allowed it) to produce some fine poetry written in classical verse forms.
an emphasis on the study of Greek and Latin allowed the English—It’s unclear who “it” is, and needs to be replaced with “the English” for clarity.
(As a child growing up on a farm), my sister and I visited many county fairs, where my parents would exhibit their prize livestock.
Growing up on a farm—“a child” is inconsistent with the plural of “my sister” and “I”.
Even minor usage and spelling errors (make the reading task harder and can cause readers to suspect) that the content of the document is also flawed.
makes the reading task harder and causes readers to suspect—the verb “make” corresponds to the element that is closest to it. In this case that would be “errors” which corresponds with “make” singular.
Today’s political candidates may reach wide audiences by appearing on (television, but old-fashioned barnstorming still has value because it allows) the electorate to meet candidates face to face.
Sentence is correct.
Scientists predict technological changes in the next (century, they will be as dramatic as was) the development of the transcontinental railroad in the last century.
century as dramatic as—we need a semicolon in place of the comma, because none of the options use the word “and” after the comma. However, the only option with a semicolon is incorrect and therefore “century as dramatic as” is correct.
Air pollution caused by industrial fumes (has been studied) for years, (but) only recently (has) the harmful (effects) of noise pollution (become) known.
“has” needs to be changed to “have” to match the plural of “effects”.
(Contrasting with) (most other) fifteenth-century rulers, Portuguese kings (could count on) the support of the aristocracy (in any) overseas ventures.
“Contrasting with” must be changed to “In contrast to”. Portuguese kings are not actually “contrasting” anything, they are merely the subject of what IS being contrasted.
(As patients, the medical directors of the clinic believe that you) are entitled to know the reason for the increase in fees.
The medical directors of the clinic believe that as patients, you—The error in the first sentence lies in the incorrect comparison. the “medical directors” are NOT the “patients” and therefore should not come directly after the comma.
All the talk about controlling noise, keeping rivers clean, and planting trees (have not impressed people enough to be bringing) about major changes in laws and lifestyles.
has not impressed people enough to bring—“talk” in singular and must be used in conjunction with “has”.
The opposing opinions expressed (were that the school should be torn down and, on the other hand, to keep it) as ahistorical landmark.
were that the school should be torn down and that it should be kept—do not need a phrase such as “on the other hand” to contrast the opinions. This has already been done in the second word of the sentence which clearly lets the audience know that the opinions are “opposing”.
Many ancient Eastern rulers favored drinking vessels made of celadon porcelain (because of supposedly revealing the presence of poison) by cracking.
because it was supposed to reveal the presence of poison—although “vessels” is plural, it is obvious that what reveals the poison is not the vessels themselves but rather the material or the “celadon porcelain”.
A fine orchestral performance will exhibit the skills of the musicians, their abilities to work as an ensemble, and (how he or she responds) to the conductor.
their responses—lack of parallelism in the list. “musicians” is plural and therefore “their” is needed to keep in line with the rest of the sentence.
She was concerned about how Hank would react to the incident, but (in searching his face, he did not seem to be) at all embarrassed or troubled.
a search of his face showed that he seemed not—the original second comma is not needed and makes the sentence confusing. It is also implied with the grammatical structure that Hank was the one “searching his face” which makes no sense.
Careful analysis of pictures of the Moon (reveal) that parts of the Moon’s surface (are) (markedly) similar to parts of the (Earth’s).
“reveal” should be “reveals” because “analysis” is singular. “analyses” is the plural form.
London (differs from) other cities, (such as) Paris and New York, (in that) its shopping areas are so (widely) spread out.
No error.
(Of) the two options, (neither) the system of appointing judges to the bench nor the process (of electing) judges (are) entirely satisfactory.
“are” should be changed to “is”—It all depends on which noun is closer to the verb e.g. “Neither Joseph nor his parents ARE going to the game” vs. “Neither his parents nor Joseph IS going to the game”. The verb has the plural form of the CLOSEST noun.
Norwegian writer Sigrid Undset (is like) the novelist Sir Walter Scott (in) her use off historical backgrounds, but unlike (his books), she dwells on the physiological (aspects of) her characters.
“his books” should be changed to “him”—Incorrect comparison. “she” cannot be compared to “his books”.
Despite research (on the diagnosis of) heart disease and the use of (increasingly) sophisticated technology (in its treatment), the condition of coronary arteries (is) still difficult to assess precisely.
No error. Although awkward, the sentence is correct and “on the diagnosis of” is correct.
No one (but) a fool would (readily) lend money to a person who (is known) (to be) a frequent gambler.
No error. “to be” is correct.
It was obvious that all of the candidates had planned (carefully) for the televised debate, (for each) (answer to) the opening question showed evidence (of having been) rehearsed.
No error. “of having been” is correct.
