Grammar and Mechanics Handbook

Question 1

What nouns do you add es to the ending?

Answer 1

nouns ending in s,x,z,ch or sh (bench-benches, boss-bosses, box-boxes, Parvez-Parvezes)

Question 2

Give examples of adding s to the principal word in most compound expressions.

Answer 2

editors-chief, fathers-in-law, bills of lading, runners-up

Question 3

In statements of comparison, give an example of finishing the comparative by adding the implied missing words.

Answer 3

Next year I hope to earn as much as she. ( earns is implied)

Question 4

Give examples of using who or whoever as subjects and whom or whomever as objects of prepositions or verbs.

Answer 4

For whom was this book ordered?

Who did you say would drop by?

Question 5

Give an example of intervening phrases that separate a pronoun from its antecedents.

Answer 5

together with, as well as, in addition to

Question 6

Name examples of using adverbs, not adjectives, to describe or limit the action of verbs.

Answer 6

The business is running smoothly. (not smooth).

Drishti said she did well ( not good) on the the test.

Question 7

Give examples of two or more adjectives that are joined to create a compound modifier before a noun should be hyphenated.

Answer 7

four-year-old child, coast-to-coast

Question 8

How do you repeat the preposition before the second of two related elements?

Answer 8

Applicants use the resume effectively by summarizing their most important experiences and by relating their education to the jobs sought.

Question 9

When should you not use like as a conjunction?

Answer 9

It seems as if (not like) this day will never end.

Question 10

Describe where commas should be inserted for dates.

Answer 10

The conference was held February 2, 2014, at our home office.
The conference was held Tuesday, February 2, 2014 at our home office.

Question 11

How do you test if a comma is needed to separate two or more adjectives that describe a noun?

Answer 11

mentally insert the word and between the adjective.

We’re looking for a versatile, error-free operating system.

Question 12

Give examples of comma overuse.

Answer 12

I am looking for an article entitled “State-of-the-Art Communications.” (no comma after entitled)
We have at this time an adequate supply of parts. ( no commas around prepositional phrases)

Question 13

When do you use words to express numbers?

Answer 13

numbers ten and under, at beginning of the sentence, ages, fractions

Question 14

When do you use figures to express numbers?

Answer 14

numbers 11 and over, money, dates, addresses, telephone numbers, weights and measurements, percentages and decimals