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Grammar Mistakes In Writing – Quiz 1
Grammar Mistakes In Writing Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and correct grammar mistakes in writing, focusing on complete sentences vs. fragments, subject-verb agreement, punctuation rules, and sentence structure. It covers concepts such as singular subject-verb agreement, conditional vs. future simple tense, and identifying run-on sentences.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Is this sentence correct?Online shopping is the best choose for those who are often busy.
A) NO RUN ON.
B) YES.
C) NO WORD FORM.
D) NO SUBJECT VERB AGREEMRNT.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Online shopping is the best choose for those who are often busy" contains a grammatical error in word form. The correct word to use here is "choice," not "choose." Therefore, Option C (NO WORD FORM) is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Run-on refers to a sentence that joins independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, which is not the case here.
Option B:
The sentence structure and subject-verb agreement are correct, so this option is incorrect.
Option C:
Correct, as "choose" should be changed to "choice."
Option D:
Subject-verb agreement is not an issue here; the verb "is" agrees with the singular subject "shopping."
2.
Which of these sentences has COMMA SPLICE mistake?
A) Studying abroad can be expensive, only rich parents can afford to send their children abroad to study.
B) Mobile phones are widely used because they give speedy access to social networking sites.
C) Unemployment is becoming one of the most serious issues in the country.
D) People on holiday usually feel relaxed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "A) Studying abroad can be expensive, only rich parents can afford to send their children abroad to study" contains a comma splice error. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Comma splice mistake.
Option B:
No grammar mistakes.
Option C:
No grammar mistakes.
Option D:
No grammar mistakes.
3.
The woman was sitting at the computer, the computer was not working.
A) Fragment.
B) Run On.
C) Comma Splice.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of appropriate punctuation such as a semicolon or conjunction. In the given sentence, "The woman was sitting at the computer" and "the computer was not working" are both independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences. Joining them with just a comma is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - This option is incorrect because each clause can stand alone, making neither a fragment.
Option B:
Run On - While this term could be loosely applied here, it's more precise to call it a comma splice in the context of independent clauses joined by a comma.
Option C:
Comma Splice - This is correct because two independent clauses are improperly joined with just a comma.
Option D:
None of the above - This option is incorrect since Option C accurately describes the error in the sentence.
4.
I like cheese pizza my dad prefers pepperoni pizza.> point out the mistake of the sentence.
A) Correct sentence.
B) Run-on.
C) Subject verb agreement.
D) Fragment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I like cheese pizza my dad prefers pepperoni pizza." is a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it grammatically incorrect and difficult to read.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence is not correct.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence is a run-on because it lacks appropriate punctuation or conjunctions between two independent clauses.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no subject-verb agreement issue in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence is not a fragment; both parts are complete thoughts.
5.
Neither his parents nor his elder sister ..... chess as well as him.
A) Play.
B) Plays.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a compound subject ("Neither his parents nor his elder sister"), which requires the verb to agree with the last part of the subject. Since "elder sister" is singular, the verb should also be in its singular form, making "Plays" (Option B) the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses a plural verb for a singular subject.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
Incorrect, "All the above" is not applicable here since only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
Which of these sentences has WORD FORM mistake?
A) Although the children do not eat healthily, they are not overweight.
B) Despite knowing its harmful effects, people continue to smoke.
C) Mobile phones are used wide because they give speedy access to social networking sites.
D) Laptop computers are popular because they are affordable and convenient.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "C) Mobile phones are used wide because they give speedy access to social networking sites" has a word form mistake. The correct term should be "widely" instead of "wide," as it refers to the extent or frequency of usage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No grammatical errors.
Option B:
No grammatical errors.
Option C:
Word form mistake: "wide" should be "widely."
Option D:
No grammatical errors.
7.
After ten hours of hiking up the mountain, Casey and Troy were exhausted. $\rightarrow$ point out the mistake of the sentence.
A) Fragment.
B) Correct sentence.
C) Word form.
D) Subject verb agreement.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "After ten hours of hiking up the mountain, Casey and Troy were exhausted." is grammatically correct as it provides a complete thought with a subject (Casey and Troy) and a predicate (were exhausted). The phrase "After ten hours of hiking up the mountain" serves as an introductory clause that properly modifies the main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - Incorrect. The sentence is not a fragment because it has both a subject and a predicate.
Option B:
Correct sentence - Correct. The sentence is grammatically complete with a clear subject and predicate.
Option C:
Word form - Incorrect. There are no issues with word forms in the sentence.
Option D:
Subject verb agreement - Incorrect. There is no subject-verb disagreement; "Casey and Troy" agrees with "were exhausted."
8.
One of the books ..... been missing.
A) Has.
B) Have.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "One of the books ..... been missing" uses a singular subject ("one") and thus requires a singular verb form. The correct choice is
has
, making Option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the singular verb "has," agreeing with the singular subject "One of the books."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Have" is plural and does not agree with the singular subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all choices are correct, which is false since only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the options (A) is correct.
9.
POINT OUT A MISTAKE IN THIS SENTENCE.Japanese people live longer than most other nationalities. Because they have healthy diets.
A) SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT.
B) RUN ON.
C) COMMA SPLICE.
D) WORD FROM.
E) SENTENCE FRAGMENT.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is grammatically complete and does not suffer from a sentence fragment issue. The mistake lies in the lack of a proper conjunction to connect two independent clauses, making it a comma splice error.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject-verb agreement: Not applicable as there are no subject-verb disagreements.
Option B:
Run-on: The sentence is not a run-on because it has two independent clauses, but they need to be properly connected or separated.
Option C:
Comma splice: Correct. Two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a conjunction.
Option D:
Word form: Not applicable as there are no issues with verb tenses, pronouns, etc.
Option E:
Sentence fragment: Incorrect. The sentence is complete and not missing any parts.
10.
Is this sentence grammatically correct?Maria didn't check the bill carefully, so paid for the dish she didn't order.
A) CORRECT.
B) WRONG.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is grammatically incorrect because the consequence of not checking the bill carefully should logically follow the action of paying for a dish she didn't order, which means the sequence of events needs to be corrected. The correct form would be: "Maria didn't check the bill carefully and paid for a dish she didn't order."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as the sentence is not grammatically correct.
Option B:
Correct, the sentence has a logical error in its sequence of events.
Option C:
Not applicable since only one option can be correct.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a clear grammatical mistake.
11.
Everyone hopes the plan would work.$\rightarrow$ Does this sentence sound OK??
A) NO.
B) YES.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Everyone hopes the plan would work." contains a grammatical mistake. The use of "would" in this context is unnecessary and makes the sentence sound less natural and formal than intended. It should be revised to "Everyone hopes the plan will work." or simply "Everyone hopes that the plan works."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence does contain a grammatical mistake.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence is not grammatically correct as stated.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests the sentence could be correct, which it cannot be in its current form.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are valid reasons why this sentence is incorrect.
12.
Because I love to read and write.
A) Fragment.
B) Run On.
C) Comma Splice.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Because I love to read and write." is a fragment because it begins with the subordinating conjunction "because" but does not contain a main clause that can stand alone as a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence lacks a subject and predicate, making it a fragment.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Run On" refers to a sentence that joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Option C:
Incorrect. A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does contain an error but it is not none of the above options.
13.
POINT OUT A MISTAKE IN THIS SENTENCE.One of my most difficult decisions are going to Australia to study Business Administration.
A) FRAGMENT.
B) SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT.
C) COMMA SPLICE.
D) WORD FORM.
E) RUN ON.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "One of my most difficult decisions are going to Australia to study Business Administration" contains a subject-verb agreement error. The subject "one" is singular, so the verb should also be singular: "is."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - Not applicable; the sentence has a complete subject and predicate.
Option B:
Subject-Verb Agreement - Correct. The subject "one" requires a singular verb form.
Option C:
Comma Splice - Not applicable; there are no two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Option D:
Word Form - Not applicable; the word forms in the sentence are correct.
Option E:
Run On - Not applicable; the sentence is not a run-on sentence as it contains only one independent clause.
14.
Helping Jackie decorate her car for the festival.
A) Fragment.
B) Run On.
C) Comma Splice.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Helping Jackie decorate her car for the festival." is a fragment because it lacks a main verb, making it incomplete and unable to stand alone as a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence is missing a main verb.
Option B:
Incorrect. Run-on sentences combine two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation, which this sentence does not do.
Option C:
Incorrect. Comma splices join two independent clauses with only a comma, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly has a grammatical issue that fits one of the other options.
15.
Which of these sentences is a run-on sentence?
A) He interviewed the mayor and did other research.
B) He wants to enter the report in a contest.
C) I read his report it was interesting.
D) One of the boys did a report about our town's history.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions, resulting in a sentence that is too long and can be confusing to read. Option C) "I read his report it was interesting" contains two independent clauses ("I read his report" and "it was interesting") that are not properly connected by a comma and coordinating conjunction (such as "and" or "but"), making it a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses one independent clause.
Option B:
Correctly uses one independent clause.
Option C:
Contains two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it a run-on sentence.
Option D:
Correctly uses one independent clause.
16.
Is this sentence correct?I don't speak chinese, but I speak a little french.
A) YES.
B) NO.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I don't speak chinese, but I speak a little french." is grammatically correct. The subject and verb agree in both clauses, and the use of commas to separate the two independent clauses is appropriate. Therefore, option B (NO) is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct - The sentence is grammatically correct.
Option B:
Incorrect - The sentence does not contain a grammar mistake.
Option C:
Incorrect - Option B is the only incorrect option provided.
Option D:
Incorrect - There are no other options that correctly identify the error in the sentence.
17.
Is this sentence correct?Despite its certain disadvantages, living with friends are better than with your family in many ways.
A) YES.
B) NO.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Despite its certain disadvantages, living with friends are better than with your family in many ways" contains a subject-verb agreement error. The subject "living with friends" is singular, but the verb "are" is plural. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because the sentence has a grammar mistake.
Option B:
Correct as it identifies the presence of a grammar mistake in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect since there is only one correct answer.
Option D:
Incorrect because "None of the above" does not apply when option B is correct.
18.
Which one is NOT a sentence fragment?
A) A. Sand piling up along the beach.
B) B. She wanted to use a shovel to dig a hole in the ground.
C) C. However, who wanted to be the winner of the contest.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Sentence fragments are incomplete thoughts that do not express a complete idea and cannot stand alone as a sentence. Option B is a complete sentence because it contains a subject ("She") and a predicate ("wanted to use a shovel to dig a hole in the ground").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a sentence fragment as it lacks a verb.
Option B:
This option is not a sentence fragment; it is a complete sentence.
Option C:
This is a sentence fragment because it starts with "However," which makes the clause dependent and incomplete without additional information.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (B) is correct.
19.
Which of these is a sentence fragment?
A) People are grateful.
B) Their participation in helping develop the community.
C) Many students help others.
D) They raise money.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A sentence fragment is a group of words that is not a complete sentence because it is missing a subject, a predicate, or both. Option B) "Their participation in helping develop the community" lacks a subject and a verb to form a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete sentence with a subject (People) and a predicate (are grateful).
Option B:
Sentence fragment; missing both subject and predicate.
Option C:
Complete sentence with a subject (Many students) and a predicate (help others).
Option D:
Complete sentence with a subject (They) and a predicate (raise money).
20.
My favorite movie of all time, Harry Potter.> point out the mistake of the sentence.
A) Word form.
B) Correct sentence.
C) Run-on.
D) Fragment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My favorite movie of all time, Harry Potter." is a fragment because it lacks a main verb and does not express a complete thought. A correct sentence would need to include an action or state that completes the idea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Word form - Incorrect as there are no issues with word forms.
Option B:
Correct sentence - Incorrect as it is missing a main verb and does not express a complete thought.
Option C:
Run-on - Incorrect as the sentence is not too long or complex to be considered a run-on.
Option D:
Fragment - Correct as the sentence lacks a main verb and does not express a complete thought.
21.
Lexi broke her arm she fell when she jumped off the swing.> point out the mistake of the sentence.
A) Run-on.
B) Correct sentence.
C) Comma splice.
D) Fragment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Lexi broke her arm she fell when she jumped off the swing." is a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it grammatically incorrect and difficult to read.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence has two independent clauses that are not properly separated.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence is not a complete thought on its own, so it's not correct.
Option C:
Incorrect. There isn't a comma splice in the sentence; both parts could be independent clauses but are run-on without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence is not a fragment, as it contains two main ideas that should be separated.
22.
Which is a RUN-ON sentence?
A) Greece is a fantastic country it has lovely people and great food.
B) Despite a long flight, arriving in Athens is always a good feeling.
C) She gave me a hard look I was really scared.
D) There is nothing better for a cold than a hot whisky and a big box of chocolates.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a single sentence that is too long and complex. Option A combines an independent clause "Greece is a fantastic country" with another independent clause "it has lovely people and great food" without any appropriate punctuation or conjunction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect - It contains two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation.
Option B:
Correct - Uses a dependent clause followed by an independent clause with appropriate punctuation.
Option C:
Incorrect - Contains two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation.
Option D:
Correct - Lists items in a single sentence using commas, but does not join independent clauses improperly.
23.
One of the most intelligent students who ..... full marks is John.
A) Score.
B) Scores.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a verb in the third-person singular present tense to agree with the subject "One of the most intelligent students." The correct form is "Scores," making option B the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Score" is not in the correct form for third-person singular.
Option B:
"Scores" is the correct verb form, agreeing with the subject.
Option C:
"All the above" includes incorrect options, thus wrong.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since option B is right.
24.
The boy who won the two medals ..... a friend of mine.
A) Is.
B) Are.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject of the sentence is "The boy," which is singular, so the verb should also be singular: "Is." Therefore, Option A ("Is") is correct because it agrees with the singular subject in number and person.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The subject "The boy" is singular, requiring a singular verb "is."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Are" is plural and does not match the singular subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, which is false since only Option A is accurate.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the given choices.
25.
It was raining, Naomi could not find her umbrella
A) Fragment.
B) Run On.
C) Comma Splice.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of appropriate punctuation such as a semicolon, conjunction with a comma, or period. In the given sentence, "It was raining" and "Naomi could not find her umbrella" are both independent clauses that should be separated properly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment - This is incorrect because each clause can stand alone as a complete thought.
Option B:
Run On - This is not the correct term; it refers to a sentence that joins independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, which this example does not fully fit.
Option C:
Comma Splice - Correct. The two independent clauses are improperly joined by only a comma (implied in "It was raining, Naomi could not find her umbrella").
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because Option C is correct.
26.
Point out a mistake in this sentence.Students can study independent or with a partner.
A) FRAGMENT.
B) WORD FORM.
C) SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT.
D) COMMA SPLICE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Students can study independent or with a partner." contains a grammatical error that is correctly identified as Option B: WORD FORM. The issue lies in the use of the word "independent" which should be hyphenated to form the correct compound adjective "independently". Thus, the corrected sentence would read: "Students can study independently or with a partner."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fragment refers to a group of words that does not express a complete thought. This is not applicable here.
Option B:
Correct - The word form "independent" should be hyphenated to create the correct compound adjective "independently".
Option C:
Subject-verb agreement concerns the matching of a subject and its verb in number (singular or plural). This is not an issue here.
Option D:
Comma splice involves joining two independent clauses with only a comma. There are no independent clauses joined improperly in this sentence.
27.
Jennifer brought cupcakes to school for her birthday.
A) Complete sentence.
B) Run-on.
C) Fragment (missing a subject).
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Jennifer brought cupcakes to school for her birthday." is a complete sentence because it contains both a subject ("Jennifer") and a predicate ("brought cupcakes to school for her birthday").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence has a subject and a predicate.
Option B:
Incorrect. It is not a run-on sentence, which would combine two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is both a subject and a predicate present in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does meet the criteria for being a complete sentence.
28.
They weren't dangerous criminals, they were detectives in disguise. $\rightarrow$ What is wrong with this sentence?
A) RUN ON.
B) FRAGMENT.
C) SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT.
D) COMMA SPLICE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They weren't dangerous criminals, they were detectives in disguise." is a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with only a comma, without using appropriate conjunctions or other punctuation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
RUN ON - Incorrect. The clauses are separate but need better connection.
Option B:
FRAGMENT - Incorrect. Both parts of the sentence form complete thoughts.
Option C:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT - Incorrect. Subject and verb agree in number and tense.
Option D:
COMMA SPLICE - Correct. Two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without additional punctuation or conjunctions.
29.
The price of these jeans ..... reasonable.
A) Am.
B) Is.
C) Does.
D) Are.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject of the sentence is "the price," which is singular, so the verb should also be singular. Therefore, "Is" (Option B) is correct because it agrees with the singular subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Am - Incorrect as it does not agree with a singular subject.
Option B:
Is - Correct as it agrees with the singular subject "the price."
Option C:
Does - Incorrect as it is used for questions and negatives with verbs, not to describe prices directly.
Option D:
Are - Incorrect as it does not agree with a singular subject.
30.
What do you call the mistake in this sentence?It can be really embarrassing to be so emotional. Especially when you are on your first date.
A) RUN ON.
B) SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT.
C) FRAGMENT.
D) COMMA SPLICE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It can be really embarrassing to be so emotional. Especially when you are on your first date." is a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with only a comma, without using appropriate conjunctions or other punctuation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Run-on (incorrect; this describes a sentence that is too long and lacks proper punctuation or conjunctions to separate ideas)
Option B:
Subject-verb agreement (incorrect; the subject and verb agree in number, so there's no issue here)
Option C:
Fragment (incorrect; both clauses are complete sentences)
Option D:
Comma splice (correct; two independent clauses joined by a comma without additional conjunction or punctuation)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sentence fragments, and why are they problematic in writing?
Sentence fragments occur when a group of words is used as if it were a complete sentence but lacks a subject or a predicate. They can make writing unclear and grammatically incorrect because they do not express a full thought.
How does subject-verb agreement affect the clarity of a sentence?
Subject-verb agreement ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural). Proper agreement is crucial for clear communication, as mismatched subjects and verbs can lead to confusion.
What is a run-on sentence, and how can it be avoided?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. To avoid this, use appropriate punctuation like commas or semicolons, or add coordinating conjunctions to connect the clauses.
Can you explain what a comma splice is and how it can be corrected?
A comma splice happens when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. To correct this, use a period to separate the clauses into two sentences, or add a conjunction like 'and' or 'but' after the comma.
What is the importance of using complete sentences in writing?
Using complete sentences ensures that each thought is clearly and fully expressed. This enhances readability and comprehension, making your writing more effective and professional.