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- NEW SET
- A
- Indicate whether each sentence below:
-
- (A) contains an error in diction (word use)
- (B) is wordy or contains unjustifiable repetition of ideas
- (C) contains a mixed metaphor or cliche
- (D) contains an error in sentence structure or grammar
- (E) is correct (contains no error)
- next
- 1
- 1. If possible, we will spend the time swimming, hiking and even to
- oversee the activities.
- next
- d
- 0
- 2
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 2
- (D) To maintain parallel structure, the correct phrase is "overseeing the
- activities."
- next
- 2
- 2. Mr. Jones spoke to Mr. Van Smythe and indicated that he was in serious
- difficulty.
- next
- d
- 0
- 3
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 3
- (D) The antecedent of the pronoun "he" is not clear.
- next
- 3
- 3. We had hoped that all students would try and succeed even though it
- was difficult.
- next
- a
- 0
- 4
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 4
- (A) The correct phrase is "try to."
- next
- 4
- 4. The men who are present and who are voting members of the organization
- must realize that everyone has to fulfill their obligation.
- next
- d
- 0
- 5
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 5
- (D) Since "everyone" is singular, the correct word is "his," not "their."
- next
- 5
- 5. I cleaned a few spots in the carpet by hand, but I will need a machine
- to do a more thorough job.
- next
- e
- 0
- 6
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 6
- (E) This sentence is correct.
- next
- 6
- 6. I shall speak the truth even though I know full well how it may
- aggravate you.
- next
- a
- 0
- 7
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 7
- (A) The correct word is "irritate" or "annoy," not "aggravate."
- next
- 7
- 7. The official transcript was carefully scrutinized by John, Mary, Bill,
- and I in order that typing errors could be discovered.
- next
- d
- 0
- 8
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 8
- (D) The correct pronoun is "me" since it is the object of the preposition
- "by."
- next
- 8
- 8. Everyone is responsible for keeping an eagle eye on the children.
- next
- c
- 0
- B
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- B
- (C) "An eagle eye" is a cliche.
- next
- NEW SET
- B
- Indicate whether each sentence below:
-
- (A) contains an error in diction (word use)
- (B) is wordy or contains unjustifiable repetition of ideas
- (C) contains a mixed metaphor or cliche
- (D) contains an error in sentence structure or grammar
- (E) is correct (contains no error)
- next
- 1
- 9. Please join together the two pieces of wood before assembling the
- cart.
- next
- b
- 0
- 2
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 2
- (B) The sentence is wordy; the word "together" should be omitted.
- next
- 2
- 10. The sun bathed the room in light and made everything appear as soft as
- silk.
- next
- c
- 0
- 3
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 3
- (C) "As soft as silk" is a cliche.
- next
- 3
- 11. The slow motion of the hammock, murmuring like the wind in the trees,
- had a calming influence upon the nurse in attendance.
- next
- c
- 0
- 4
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 4
- (C) Since motion is being compared to sound, this is a mixed metaphor.
- next
- 4
- 12. I must soon go into town in a few minutes, since the grocery store,
- which stocks a great variety of natural foods, is having a sale.
- next
- b
- 0
- 5
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 5
- (B) This sentence contains many redundant phrases.
- next
- 5
- 13. I have been nervous ever since I read in my local newspaper that
- caffeine may be unsafe for humans.
- next
- a
- 0
- 6
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 6
- (A) The correct phrase is "human beings."
- next
- 6
- 14. My car's engine runs as quiet as a mouse.
- next
- c
- 0
- 7
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- 7
- (C) "As quiet as a mouse" is a cliche.
- next
- 7
- 15. One of the theaters in my neighborhood shows a new movie very week,
- and the admission is only one dollar at all times.
- next
- e
- 0
- C
- Correct.
- next
- wrong answer explanation
- C
- (E) This sentence is correct.
- end