This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Academic Writing
>
Conventions And Usage – Quiz 1
Conventions And Usage Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of colon usage, geographical names and administrative divisions, sentence structure, and punctuation rules. It also assesses their ability to identify incomplete sentences, correct run-on sentences, and use conjunctions correctly in complex sentences.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Refer to the section in red:The airport is about to shut down because of the snow and if the plane doesn't land soon it will have to go on to Boston.
A) No Change.
B) Snow, and.
C) Snow; and.
D) Snow. And.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is B) Snow, and. This option properly uses a comma to separate the two independent clauses "The airport is about to shut down because of the snow" and "if the plane doesn't land soon it will have to go on to Boston." The conjunction "and" connects these clauses effectively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change. This would imply no modification, which is not necessary or correct in this context.
Option B:
Snow, and. Correct use of a comma followed by "and" to connect two independent clauses.
Option C:
Snow; and. Using a semicolon instead of a comma before "and" is incorrect as it would create a run-on sentence without proper punctuation between the clauses.
Option D:
Snow. And. This option incorrectly places a period after "Snow," creating two separate sentences rather than one with an independent clause and a dependent clause connected by "and."
2.
Grammar is made up of 4 parts
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Grammar is typically divided into four main components: morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. These parts cover the structure of words (morphology), the rules for combining words to form phrases and sentences (syntax), the meaning conveyed by language use (semantics), and the context in which language is used (pragmatics). Therefore, stating that grammar consists of only four parts is accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Grammar indeed encompasses these four main components.
Option B:
Incorrect. The statement about the four parts of grammar is true.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option can be correct in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect, making A the only valid choice.
3.
Selena loved her cooking class, ..... she's going to enter the skills competition for photography instead.
A) And.
B) But.
C) So.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence indicates a contrast between Selena's love for cooking and her decision to enter the photography competition instead. "But" is used to show this contrast, making it the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And - This would imply that both activities are related or continue a train of thought, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
But - Correct. It shows contrast between two ideas.
Option C:
So - This implies a result, which is not applicable here as there's no indication that Selena's love for cooking led to her entering the photography competition.
Option D:
For - This would introduce a reason or explanation, which is not needed in this context.
4.
Refer to the section in red:Because it was a gorgeous day they didn't want to stay inside, and decided to go to the park.
A) Gorgeous day, they.
B) Gorgeous, day they.
C) Gorgeous day. They.
D) No change.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Gorgeous day, they.
This option maintains proper subject-verb agreement and sentence structure. "Because it was a gorgeous day" is an introductory clause that should be followed by the subject "they," which agrees with the plural verb "didn't want to stay inside."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses proper subject-verb agreement and sentence structure.
Option B:
Incorrect order of words; should be "Because it was a gorgeous day, they."
Option C:
Adds an unnecessary period after "day," which is incorrect.
Option D:
No change would result in the original sentence, which has grammatical issues.
5.
The restaurant offers a combo meal with a choice of ..... fries or onion rings.
A) Also.
B) Both.
C) Either.
D) Neither.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Either" is the correct choice because it indicates a selection between two options, in this case, fries or onion rings. It conveys that only one of the choices can be selected, which aligns with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Also" suggests an addition to what is already mentioned, not a choice between options.
Option B:
"Both" implies that both choices are available simultaneously, which contradicts the sentence structure indicating a selection must be made.
Option C:
"Either" correctly indicates a choice between two options, fitting the context of the sentence.
Option D:
"Neither" suggests no choice is to be made, contradicting the requirement to select one option from the given choices.
6.
Choose the CORRECTLY punctuated sentence.
A) I didn't do the dishes, so I didn't get my allowance.
B) I didn't do the dishes so, I didn't get my allowance.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correctly punctuated. The comma after "dishes" separates the two independent clauses, which are connected by the coordinating conjunction "so." This follows the rule for using a comma before conjunctions in compound sentences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly punctuated with a comma before "so."
Option B:
Incorrect punctuation; no comma is needed.
Option C:
Incorrect, as only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is one correct option.
7.
Which sentence uses proper grammar?
A) Me and my sister went to the store.
B) My sister and I went to the store.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the proper subject-verb agreement and pronoun placement in a compound subject. In English, when listing two people as subjects, the phrase "and I" should be used rather than "me and."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "Me and my sister" is not grammatically correct for a subject.
Option B:
Correct; "My sister and I went to the store" follows proper grammar rules.
Option C:
Incorrect; both A and D are wrong, so this cannot be true.
Option D:
Incorrect; option B is grammatically correct.
8.
There are ..... types of phrases
A) 1.
B) 8.
C) 4.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Phrases in English grammar are categorized into eight main types: noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, adverb phrases, prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases, gerund phrases, and participial phrases. Each type serves a specific function within the sentence structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. There are more than one type of phrase.
Option B:
Correct. Eight types of phrases exist in English grammar.
Option C:
Incorrect. Four is not the correct number of phrase types.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option B.
9.
Which of the following changes would make the sentence below correct?Although lacrosse has been played for century, professional leagues for the sport did not begin until the 1980s.
A) Change "sport" to "sports".
B) Change "century" to "centuries".
C) Change "begin" to "began".
D) Change "played" to "plays".
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a plural subject to match the verb "played." Changing "century" to "centuries" makes the subject and verb agree, correcting the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Sport" is singular and does not need to be changed.
Option B:
Correct. Changing "century" to "centuries" makes the subject plural, agreeing with the verb "played."
Option C:
Incorrect. The verb "began" should agree with a singular subject if "century" were not changed.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Plays" would make the sentence in present tense, which is not required for this correction.
10.
It was hot outside I was about to pass outThis sentence is an example of a:
A) Fragment.
B) Run on.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This sentence is an example of a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it a single, overly long sentence that could be improved by adding appropriate punctuation or splitting into separate sentences for clarity and grammatical correctness.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - This is incorrect as the sentence contains two independent clauses.
Option B:
Run on - This is correct because it combines two independent clauses improperly.
Option C:
Complete sentence - While technically a complete sentence, this option does not accurately describe the grammatical issue present in the sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - This is incorrect as "run on" correctly describes the sentence structure.
11.
None of my friends have seen that movie yet.This sentence is a:
A) Run-on.
B) Fragment.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This sentence, "None of my friends have seen that movie yet," is a complete sentence because it contains both a subject ("None of my friends") and a predicate ("have seen that movie yet").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Run-on sentences combine two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation, which this sentence does not do.
Option B:
A sentence fragment is an incomplete thought lacking one of the elements necessary to be a complete sentence. This sentence has both required elements and thus is not a fragment.
Option C:
Correct as explained, it contains a subject and predicate making it a complete sentence.
Option D:
Not applicable since option C is correct.
12.
Which sentence below is written correctly?
A) Viktor and Sukrita competes in the badminton finals tomorrow.
B) The team play against Ethan and Ayesha.
C) The winning team receives a trophy and tickets to the awards banquet.
D) Only competitors is allowed at the awards banquet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the proper verb form "receives" and does not contain any grammatical errors, making it a well-written sentence in terms of conventions and usage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The subject "Viktor and Sukrita" is plural, but the verb "competes" is singular.
Option B:
Incorrect. The subject "The team" is singular, but the verb "play" is plural.
Option C:
Correct as explained above.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence should be "Only competitors are allowed at the awards banquet." to agree with the plural subject "competitors."
13.
Because Leonard was the only person outside walking at night. This sentence is a:
A) Fragment.
B) Run-on.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Because Leonard was the only person outside walking at night" is a fragment because it begins with a subordinating conjunction ("Because") and does not contain a main clause that can stand alone as a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence lacks an independent clause to form a complete thought.
Option B:
Incorrect. A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation, which is not the case here.
Option C:
Incorrect. It needs additional parts to be considered a complete sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does fit into one of the other categories provided.
14.
Choose the sentence containing the capitalization error.
A) Last summer we visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
B) Then we drove to Yosemite National Park and Bryce Canyon.
C) Even though our trip was in august, we had a light snowfall in Yosemite.
D) We ended our trip in San Francisco with a visit to Alcatraz.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option C because "August" should be capitalized as it refers to a specific month.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct capitalization of "Grand Canyon" and "Arizona."
Option B:
Correct capitalization.
Option C:
Incorrect capitalization of "august." Months should be capitalized.
Option D:
Correct capitalization.
15.
Capitalization helps us:
A) Know when a sentence starts.
B) If a noun is proper.
C) All of the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Capitalization is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that serves multiple purposes in written communication. It helps us know when a sentence starts, as the first word of every sentence is capitalized (Option A). Additionally, capitalization is used to denote proper nouns, which are specific names for people, places, or things (Option B).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Helps identify the beginning of a sentence.
Option B:
Indicates proper nouns and other specific terms.
Option C:
Correct as it encompasses both A and B.
Option D:
Incorrect since capitalization does serve these purposes.
16.
Which of the following changes would make the sentence below correct?Paulette Bourgeois has written over twenty children's books about a young turtle named Franklin. These books have been adapted into two television shows, Franklin and Franklin and Friends.
A) Add a comma after "books".
B) Replace the comma after "shows" with a colon.
C) Capitalize "twenty".
D) Capitalize "turtle".
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Replace the comma after "shows" with a colon.
A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, example, or conclusion. In this sentence, the information following "Franklin and Friends" provides additional details about the television shows derived from the books. Therefore, using a colon appropriately connects the two related pieces of information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adding a comma after "books" is not necessary as it does not introduce a list or further explanation.
Option B:
Correct. A colon introduces the additional details about the television shows.
Option C:
Capitalizing "twenty" is unnecessary and incorrect in this context, as numbers are typically written in numerals unless they begin a sentence or have a specific style guide requirement.
Option D:
Capitalizing "turtle" is not required here; common nouns like "turtle" do not need capitalization unless they start a sentence or refer to a specific named turtle, such as "Franklin."
17.
Andrew and Kai have chosen cell regeneration as their science fair topic, ..... they've set up an appointment with a science professor to help them plan their experiment.
A) And.
B) But.
C) For.
D) Yet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is a continuation of the previous idea, indicating that Andrew and Kai have taken an action (choosing cell regeneration as their science fair topic) followed by another action (setting up an appointment). "And" is used to connect two actions or ideas in sequence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "And" connects the two actions smoothly.
Option B:
Incorrect. "But" would imply a contrast, which doesn't fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "For" introduces a reason or explanation, not an action following another action.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Yet" suggests a contradiction or delay, which is not the case in this sentence.
18.
True or False:A run-on sentence can be corrected simply by inserting a comma.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence can be corrected by inserting a comma only in certain cases, such as when creating an appositive or a non-essential clause. However, more common and effective methods include using a period to create two separate sentences, a semicolon for closely related independent clauses, or conjunctions with coordinating words like "and," "but," or "or." Therefore, the statement is false.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Inserting a comma alone is not sufficient to correct all run-on sentences.
Option B:
Correct. Run-on sentences require more than just commas for correction in most cases.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests the answer could be true, which it cannot be based on common grammatical rules.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
Which of the following changes would make the sentence below correct?Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches; or hidden stashes of objects, where hiders provide online clues for seekers.
A) Remove the comma after "objects".
B) Add a comma after "hunt".
C) Capitalize "treasure".
D) Change the semicolon after "caches" to a comma.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The semicolon in the original sentence separates two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Changing it to a comma would make the connection between these ideas clearer, as both parts of the sentence describe what geocaching is. This change improves readability and adheres more closely to standard punctuation rules for compound sentences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Removing the comma after "objects" would not address the structure issue between the two main ideas.
Option B:
Adding a comma after "hunt" is unnecessary and disrupts the sentence flow.
Option C:
Capitalizing "treasure" does not correct the punctuation or grammatical issues present in the original sentence.
Option D:
Changing the semicolon to a comma improves the sentence structure, making it more readable and adhering to proper punctuation rules for compound sentences.
20.
My favorite color is red my dining room is painted redThis sentence is a:
A) Fragment.
B) Run-on.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My favorite color is red my dining room is painted red" is a run-on because it joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a single, overly long sentence that lacks clarity and structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - Incorrect. The sentence contains two complete thoughts.
Option B:
Run-on - Correct. It joins independent clauses improperly without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Option C:
Complete sentence - Incorrect. While it does contain a complete thought, the improper structure makes it a run-on rather than a properly constructed sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
21.
Choose the sentence that uses the commas correctly:
A) We went to the store to get milk, eggs, and sugar.
B) We, went to the store, to get milk eggs and sugar.
C) We went, to the store, to get, milk eggs and sugar.
D) We went to the store to get milk eggs and, sugar.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A uses commas correctly to separate items in a list and to clarify the purpose of the store visit. Commas are used appropriately after "milk" and before "and sugar."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct usage of commas for listing items and separating clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect comma placement; the first comma is unnecessary, and there should be a comma after "sugar."
Option C:
Excessive use of commas, making the sentence confusing. Commas are not needed before "to get" or between items in the list.
Option D:
Missing comma after "milk," and an unnecessary comma before "sugar."
22.
The largest earthquake in Canadian history happened in 1700; ..... , geologists are working on predicting when the next major quake might occur.
A) However.
B) Because.
C) Although.
D) Instead.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a contrast to introduce the ongoing efforts of geologists, indicating that despite the historical event, current work continues. "However" effectively conveys this contrast.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
However - Correct. It introduces a contrast between past and present actions.
Option B:
Because - Incorrect. It would imply the geologists are working due to the 1700 earthquake, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option C:
Although - Incorrect. It suggests a concession that might not be implied by the context of ongoing work after an event.
Option D:
Instead - Incorrect. It would imply that geologists are doing something else, which is not suggested in the sentence.
23.
Shows no improvementThis sentence is an example of a .....
A) Run-on.
B) Fragment.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This sentence, "Shows no improvement," is an example of a fragment because it lacks a subject or a predicate that would make it a complete thought. It does not express a complete idea on its own and thus cannot stand as a complete sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Run-on - This option refers to a sentence that joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation, which is not the case here.
Option B:
Fragment - Correct. The sentence lacks a subject or predicate and cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
Option C:
Complete sentence - This option would be correct if the sentence contained both a subject and a predicate, making it a full sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "Fragment" is the right answer.
24.
The track meet was postponed ..... the field was too soggy from the rainstorm.
A) Despite.
B) Although.
C) However.
D) Because.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Because.
The sentence uses a causal relationship, indicating that the field being soggy caused the postponement of the track meet. "Because" introduces this cause-effect link effectively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Despite - suggests an exception or contrast, not a reason for the postponement.
Option B:
Although - also indicates a contrast rather than a reason.
Option C:
However - introduces a contradiction or contrast in ideas, not a cause.
Option D:
Because - correctly provides the reason for the postponement.
25.
Punctuation helps us:
A) It helps the writer identify places.
B) Identify when to end or pause when reading.
C) Helps the reader know an action happened.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Punctuation helps the reader identify when to end or pause when reading, which enhances comprehension and fluency. Proper use of punctuation marks such as periods, commas, and semicolons guides readers on where to take brief pauses or stop entirely at sentence ends.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
It helps the writer identify places.
Option B:
Identify when to end or pause when reading.
(Correct)
Option C:
Helps the reader know an action happened.
Option D:
None of the above.
26.
Which of the following changes would make the sentence below correct?The first city in Canada to use the 911 system for emergencies was London, ontario, which first began using the system in 1974.
A) Capitalize "system".
B) Capitalize "city".
C) Remove the capital letter in "Canada".
D) Capitalize "ontario".
Show Answer
Explanations:
Ontario is a province in Canada and should be capitalized when used as part of the province's name, following standard capitalization rules for proper nouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Capitalizing "system" does not correct the sentence structure or grammar.
Option B:
Capitalizing "city" is unnecessary and incorrect in this context.
Option C:
Removing the capital letter from "Canada" would be incorrect as it should remain capitalized as a country name.
Option D:
Correctly capitalizes "Ontario," making the sentence grammatically accurate.
27.
Even though I studied all weekend long. This sentence is a:
A) Fragment.
B) Run-on.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Even though I studied all weekend long." is a fragment because it lacks a main verb, which makes it incomplete and unable to stand alone as a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence is missing a main verb, making it a fragment.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does not contain two independent clauses that would make it a run-on sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. For a complete sentence, the subject "I" needs to be followed by a main verb and an object or predicate.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence is not correct according to grammar rules.
28.
Everyone ..... Joseph turned in their permission forms for the field trip.
A) Then.
B) Except.
C) Accept.
D) Than.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Except" is the correct answer because it properly introduces a clause that indicates an exception to the general statement. The sentence suggests that everyone turned in their permission forms except Joseph, who did not.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Then" implies a sequence of events but does not indicate an exception.
Option B:
"Except" correctly introduces the clause indicating that everyone else fulfilled their responsibility except Joseph.
Option C:
"Accept" is a verb and does not fit grammatically in this context to introduce a clause about exceptions.
Option D:
"Than" is used for comparisons, which is not the case here.
29.
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967, their fans remain ..... hopeful and optimistic each year.
A) Also.
B) Both.
C) Either.
D) Neither.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a word that indicates the fans' hope and optimism coexist together, making "Both" the correct choice as it suggests these two qualities are present simultaneously.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Also - implies additional information but not necessarily both.
Option B:
Both - indicates that hope and optimism coexist, which fits the context.
Option C:
Either - suggests a choice between two options, not applicable here.
Option D:
Neither - implies absence of both qualities, which contradicts the sentence meaning.
30.
I have to work all weekend I hate working weekends.This sentence is a:
A) Fragment.
B) Run-on.
C) Complete sentence.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I have to work all weekend I hate working weekends." is a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it a single, overly long sentence that lacks clarity and structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - This option is incorrect as the sentence contains both an independent clause ("I have to work all weekend") and a dependent clause ("I hate working weekends").
Option B:
Run-on - This option is correct. The sentence combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it a run-on sentence.
Option C:
Complete sentence - While the sentence does contain an independent clause and expresses a complete thought, it is incorrectly structured as a run-on.
Option D:
None of the above - This option is incorrect because Option B correctly identifies the issue with the sentence structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are conventions and usage in punctuation?
Conventions and usage in punctuation refer to the standardized rules for using various punctuation marks, such as commas, periods, and semicolons, to clarify meaning and improve readability in writing.
Why is proper noun capitalization important?
Proper noun capitalization is crucial because it helps distinguish specific places, people, or things from general references, ensuring clarity and maintaining the correct tone in writing.
What are run-on sentences, and how can they be avoided?
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. They can be avoided by using appropriate punctuation marks like commas or semicolons, or by adding conjunctions to connect the clauses.
How do conjunctions indicate simultaneity in sentences?
Conjunctions like 'and' and 'but' can be used to show that actions or events occur at the same time, helping to convey a sense of parallelism and coherence in sentence structure.
What is the difference between a complete sentence and a fragment?
A complete sentence contains both a subject and a predicate, expressing a full thought. A sentence fragment lacks either a subject or a predicate, making it incomplete and unable to stand alone as a statement.