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Subordination – Quiz 1
Subordination Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of subordination in English grammar, focusing on conditional clauses and their identification. It also tests skills in recognizing different types of relationships (adversative, causal) within sentences, managing sentence structure and emphasis, and appropriate use of conjunctions for parallel independent clauses.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Does the following sentence need a comma? Yes or no?The original McDonald's menu did not offer French fries but they now serve 9 million pounds of fries per day globally.
A) Yes.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The original McDonald's menu did not offer French fries but they now serve 9 million pounds of fries per day globally." contains two independent clauses: "The original McDonald's menu did not offer French fries" and "they now serve 9 million pounds of fries per day globally." These clauses are connected by the coordinating conjunction "but," which requires a comma before it to separate the ideas properly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence needs a comma before "but" as it connects two independent clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does require a comma for proper subordination and clarity.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
2.
" ..... breaking a mirror is considered unlucky, people handle mirrors with extra care."
A) After.
B) Furthermore.
C) Because of.
D) Since.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Because of breaking a mirror is considered unlucky, people handle mirrors with extra care" uses the subordinating conjunction "because" to introduce the reason for the action described in the second part of the sentence. This correctly connects two clauses, making the relationship between the cause and effect clear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
After - Implies a sequence but not causation.
Option B:
Furthermore - Adds information without indicating causation or reason.
Option C:
Because of - Correctly introduces the cause, aligning with "because" in the sentence.
Option D:
Since - Also correctly introduces the cause but is less commonly used than "because" for this purpose.
3.
Please come on time, ..... they may miss the train.
A) However.
B) In other hand.
C) Therefore.
D) Otherwise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D, "Otherwise," is correct because it introduces a conditional statement that logically follows the first part of the sentence. The phrase "Please come on time" suggests an action to be taken, and "they may miss the train" indicates a consequence if the action is not followed. "Otherwise" effectively links these two parts by implying that missing the train will happen if one does not arrive on time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
However - This word introduces contrast, which doesn't fit the context of a consequence.
Option B:
In other hand - This phrase is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense in this context.
Option C:
Therefore - This indicates a result or conclusion rather than a conditional statement, which doesn't fit the sentence structure.
Option D:
Otherwise - Correctly introduces a condition that leads to the consequence of missing the train.
4.
Combine the two sentences using a coordinating conjunction:He is tired. He wants to go to bed.
A) He is tired or he wants to go to bed.
B) He is tired but wants to go to bed.
C) He is tired so he wants to go to bed.
D) He is tired and wants to go to bed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because "and" is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses of equal importance, maintaining their individual meanings without implying any cause-effect relationship between them.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses "or," which suggests an alternative rather than a simultaneous action. This does not fit the context.
Option B:
Uses "but," which implies contrast, suggesting that his tiredness prevents him from wanting to go to bed, which is not indicated in the original sentences.
Option C:
Uses "so," which suggests a cause-effect relationship (tiredness causes the desire to go to bed), but there's no indication of causation between these two statements.
Option D:
Uses "and," correctly connecting two independent clauses that are presented as simultaneous facts without implying any causal or contrasting relationships.
5.
..... she is very nice, she doesn't have many friends.
A) After.
B) Before.
C) Because.
D) Although.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "..... she is very nice, she doesn't have many friends." requires a subordinating conjunction to connect the two clauses properly. The correct answer is
D) Although.
This word introduces an adversative relationship between the two clauses, indicating that despite her being nice, she has few friends.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"After" suggests a sequence of events rather than a contrast or contradiction.
Option B:
"Before" also indicates a temporal relationship and not the necessary contrast.
Option C:
"Because" introduces causation, which is not applicable here as there's no cause-effect relationship mentioned.
Option D:
"Although" correctly establishes an adversative relationship between the clauses.
6.
Combine the two sentences using a coordinating conjunction:The sun was shining. The birds were singing.
A) The sun was shining and the birds were singing.
B) The sun was shining but the birds were singing.
C) The sun was shining yet the birds were singing.
D) The sun was shining so the birds were singing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer, "A) The sun was shining and the birds were singing," is correct because it uses a coordinating conjunction ("and") to combine two independent clauses that can stand alone as separate sentences. This creates a compound sentence where both actions are presented equally without implying any cause-effect relationship or contrast.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly combines the sentences with "and," maintaining equal importance of both clauses.
Option B:
Uses "but" which implies a contrast, not applicable here as there is no opposing idea between the sun shining and birds singing.
Option C:
Uses "yet," also implying a contrast, which is not suitable for these sentences.
Option D:
Uses "so" suggesting a cause-effect relationship, but neither action causes the other in this context.
7.
A. If he doesn't arrive by 8 o'clock:I will have to leave for work without him. B. If he doesn't arrive by 8 o'clock, I will have to leave for work without him. C. If he doesn't arrive by 8 o'clock I will have to leave for work without him.
A) A.
B) B.
C) C.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it properly uses a comma to separate the conditional clause from the main clause, adhering to standard English punctuation rules for complex sentences involving subordination.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unnecessary space after the comma makes it less formal and slightly incorrect in style.
Option B:
Correct use of a comma, following proper subordination rules.
Option C:
Missing comma before the main clause, making the sentence structure awkward and less clear.
Option D:
Not applicable since option B is correct.
8.
TRUE or FALSE. An independent clause can stand alone and is a complete sentence.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence. This aligns with the statement in Option A, making it correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. An independent clause is indeed a complete sentence that can stand alone.
Option B:
Incorrect. An independent clause cannot be part of another sentence and must be able to function as a standalone sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct, so this option does not apply.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
9.
My mom took me to get new shoes ..... we had ate dinner.
A) While.
B) Before.
C) When.
D) After.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My mom took me to get new shoes ... we had ate dinner." indicates a sequence of events where one event (going for new shoes) happened after another event (having dinner). The word "After" correctly represents this temporal relationship.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
While - This would imply the two actions were happening simultaneously, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option B:
Before - This would suggest that having dinner happened before going for new shoes, which contradicts the sequence implied by the sentence.
Option C:
When - This suggests that both actions occurred at the same time or during a specific moment, but the sentence implies they are separate events with one following another.
Option D:
After - This correctly indicates that going for new shoes happened after having dinner, aligning with the sequence of events in the sentence.
10.
My fiancee was lie about her family, ..... she was shouting at me.
A) Although.
B) In Order to.
C) Moreover.
D) Provided.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Moreover" is used to add additional information, which fits the context of explaining why "Moreover" was claimed as the correct answer. The sentence structure suggests an addition to a previous statement about the fiancée's behavior or characteristics, making "Moreover" appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Although" introduces contrast, which doesn't fit the context of adding information.
Option B:
"In Order To" indicates purpose, which is not relevant here.
Option C:
"Moreover" adds additional information, fitting the context well.
Option D:
"Provided" means 'if' or 'given that', which doesn't fit the context of adding more details.
11.
Which is the subordinating conjunction in the sentence?Tiger's blood has been Kona Ice's most popular snow cone flavor since it was introduced in 2007.
A) Has.
B) Since.
C) Introduced.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction in the sentence is "since." It introduces a dependent clause ("since it was introduced in 2007") that provides additional information about when Tiger's blood became Kona Ice's most popular snow cone flavor.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Has - This verb does not introduce any dependent clause.
Option B:
Since - Correct. It introduces the time when the condition began.
Option C:
Introduced - This is a past participle and part of the main clause, not a subordinating conjunction.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "since" is identified correctly.
12.
I will finish my homework ..... I have dinner.
A) If.
B) After.
C) So.
D) Before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I will finish my homework..... I have dinner." indicates a sequence of events where one action (finishing homework) is completed before the other (having dinner). The correct subordinating conjunction to express this relationship is "before," as it shows that the act of having dinner follows the completion of finishing homework.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
If - This introduces a conditional statement, not a sequence of events.
Option B:
After - This would imply that one action happens after another, but it does not fit the context where homework is completed before dinner.
Option C:
So - This indicates a result or consequence, not a sequence of actions leading to an event.
Option D:
Before - Correctly shows that one action precedes another in time.
13.
"Spilling salt is believed to bring bad luck ..... , people often throw a pinch of it over their shoulder to counteract the misfortune."
A) Unless.
B) Since.
C) After.
D) As a result.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "As a result" (Option D) correctly introduces the consequence of spilling salt, which is the action taken to counteract bad luck. This conjunction shows that throwing salt over one's shoulder happens because of the misfortune brought by spilling it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Unless" implies a condition or exception, not a consequence.
Option B:
"Since" suggests a reason or cause, not an effect.
Option C:
"After" indicates a sequence of events but does not show the result or outcome directly.
Option D:
"As a result" clearly shows that throwing salt over one's shoulder is the consequence of spilling it, bringing bad luck.
14.
You can have tea, ..... you can have coffee.
A) And.
B) Or.
C) But.
D) So.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "You can have tea, ..... you can have coffee." is an example of a choice between two options. The word that best connects these clauses to indicate an alternative is "Or," as it shows one option replaces the other. "And" would imply both are necessary, "But" suggests contrast, and "So" indicates consequence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And - Implies both tea and coffee must be chosen.
Option B:
Or - Indicates a choice between the two options.
Option C:
But - Suggests contrast or contradiction, which is not applicable here.
Option D:
So - Implies a result or consequence, which does not fit the context.
15.
They won't do it ..... We pay them more.
A) Unless.
B) However.
C) Even if.
D) Neverthless.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They won't do it..... We pay them more." indicates a condition where the payment is contingent upon their doing something, which is expressed by the word "Unless". This means that unless they are paid more, they will not do it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Unless" introduces a conditional clause indicating that the action (paying them more) is necessary for the result (them doing it).
Option B:
Incorrect. "However" does not introduce a condition but rather contrasts two ideas.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Even if" suggests a possibility despite a condition, which doesn't fit the context here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Nevertheless" means "despite that", and it does not introduce a necessary condition for an action to occur.
16.
Smith are not feeling well, ..... he will come to our house
A) However.
B) In contrast.
C) Because.
D) Moreover.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Smith are not feeling well, however, he will come to our house.
Option A:
"However" is used to introduce a contrast between two ideas. It fits here as it contrasts the fact that Smith is not feeling well with his intention to still come over.
Option Analysis:
Option B:
"In contrast" would be more formal and less natural in this context, making it incorrect.
Option C:
"Because" introduces a reason or cause, which is not needed here as the sentence already provides an explanation for Smith's action.
Option D:
"Moreover" means 'in addition' and does not fit the context of contrasting ideas.
17.
Which of the following society's systems wherein women and men are divided according to production-reproduction divide?
A) Sexuality.
B) Personhood.
C) Political System.
D) Economic System.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The economic system is the correct answer because it often involves a division of labor based on gender, where women and men are assigned roles primarily related to production (work outside the home) and reproduction (care work within the home), respectively. This division reflects traditional economic structures that allocate different types of work and value them differently.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sexuality is not directly about dividing labor or roles based on production-reproduction.
Option B:
Personhood does not specifically address the division of labor between genders in terms of production and reproduction.
Option C:
The political system may involve gender issues but typically does not focus on a strict division of roles based on production-reproduction.
Option D:
Economic systems often embody and reinforce the production-reproduction divide through labor markets, wages, and societal expectations.
18.
..... I had my lunch, I didn't miss Pizz.
A) Finally.
B) Although.
C) Already.
D) Moreover.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I had my lunch, I didn't miss Pizz." can be improved for better clarity and flow by using a subordinating conjunction to connect the two clauses. The correct answer is
B) Although.
This conjunction introduces a contrast between having lunch and not missing pizza, making the statement more coherent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Finally - indicates conclusion or end, doesn't create a contrast needed here.
Option B:
Although - correctly introduces a contrasting idea between having lunch and not missing pizza.
Option C:
Already - suggests something has been completed before expected time, irrelevant in this context.
Option D:
Moreover - adds information or emphasizes a point, doesn't create the necessary contrast.
19.
Which of the following is NOT a technique for emphasizing a word?
A) Changing pitch.
B) Maintaining a constant tone.
C) Increasing volume.
D) Pausing before or after the word.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Maintaining a constant tone does not emphasize a word because it keeps the pitch and volume consistent, without highlighting any particular word for emphasis. Changing pitch, increasing volume, and pausing before or after the word can all be techniques used to emphasize a word by drawing attention to it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Changing pitch can highlight a word by altering its tone.
Option B:
Maintaining a constant tone does not emphasize a word as it keeps the voice consistent without any variation.
Option C:
Increasing volume can make a word stand out and be emphasized more clearly.
Option D:
Pausing before or after the word can create emphasis by giving it extra attention in speech.
20.
.... I do my job, my friend came.
A) At the same time.
B) As.
C) Meanwhile.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I do my job, my friend came" can be better understood by analyzing the relationship between the two clauses. The correct answer is
B) As
because it indicates that the coming of the friend happened concurrently with doing the job. This usage shows a simultaneous action or event.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At the same time - Implies exact simultaneity, but "as" is more natural in this context.
Option B:
As - Correctly indicates that one action happened during another.
Option C:
Meanwhile - Suggests a pause or separation between actions, which does not fit the sentence structure well.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "as" fits the context perfectly.
21.
"Some people believe that finding a horseshoe brings good luck ..... , others think it has no effect."
A) Therefore.
B) Although.
C) However.
D) So.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"However" is used to indicate a contrast between two ideas. In this sentence, the first part introduces a belief that finding a horseshoe brings good luck, while the second part presents an opposing view that it has no effect. "However" effectively connects these contrasting views.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Therefore - indicates a result or conclusion, not a contrast.
Option B:
Although - suggests a concession but is typically used with a clause, which isn't the case here.
Option C:
However - correctly introduces a contrasting idea, making it the right choice.
Option D:
So - implies a consequence or result, not a contrast.
22.
..... Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce, she declared that it needed more basil and salt.
A) Unless.
B) Whereas.
C) After.
D) Although.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "After Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce, she declared that it needed more basil and salt." is a complex sentence with a subordinating conjunction "after" connecting two clauses: "Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce" (independent clause) and "she declared that it needed more basil and salt" (dependent clause). The correct answer C) After indicates that this conjunction properly introduces the dependent clause, showing the sequence of events.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unless is used to introduce a conditional clause. It does not fit here as there's no condition being expressed.
Option B:
Whereas is used to compare two clauses, which isn't the case in this sentence.
Option C:
After correctly introduces the dependent clause, showing sequence of events.
Option D:
Although is used for contrast. It doesn’t fit here as there's no contrasting idea being expressed.
23.
"There are many benefits of saving money, ..... it will helps you in the future."
A) In summary.
B) Not to mention the fact that.
C) For instance.
D) In fact.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Option C) For instance," is correct because it introduces an example to illustrate the benefits of saving money, which fits well with the context provided in the sentence. This phrase indicates that a specific benefit will be given as an illustration.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In summary" suggests concluding or summarizing points, not introducing examples.
Option B:
"Not to mention the fact that" is used to add emphasis on something obvious, which does not fit here as it's about providing an example of a benefit.
Option D:
"In fact" means actually or indeed, and doesn't introduce examples but rather confirms statements.
24.
"We will go to the mall" is an example of .....
A) Dependent clause.
B) Independent clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence. "We will go to the mall" meets these criteria; it has a subject ("We"), a verb phrase ("will go"), and conveys a complete idea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dependent clauses require an independent clause to form a complete thought, so this option is incorrect.
Option B:
Correct. "We will go to the mall" can stand alone as a sentence and expresses a complete idea.
Option C:
Incorrect; only one of these options applies here.
Option D:
Incorrect; this statement is true, making it the correct answer.
25.
Which is the subordinating conjunction in the sentence?A brain freeze does really happen when the blood vessels between the mouth and brain tense up.
A) Happen.
B) Does.
C) When.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction in the sentence is "when." It introduces a dependent clause that explains the condition under which a brain freeze occurs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Happen. This word functions as the main verb of the sentence and does not introduce any dependent clause.
Option B:
Does. This is an auxiliary verb used for emphasis and does not act as a subordinating conjunction.
Option C:
When. Correct. It introduces the subordinate clause "the blood vessels between the mouth and brain tense up."
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, since option C is correct.
26.
Which sentence uses coordination?
A) I like apples because they are sweet.
B) If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
C) She was tired, so she went to bed early.
D) Although he was late, he still attended the meeting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) "She was tired, so she went to bed early." uses coordination because it connects two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction ("so"). The first clause "She was tired" and the second clause "she went to bed early" are both complete sentences that could stand alone, but they are joined by "so" to form one complex sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subordinate clause (because it uses a subordinate conjunction "because").
Option B:
Conditional sentence (uses "if").
Option C:
Correct - Coordination with a coordinating conjunction.
Option D:
Concessive clause (uses "although").
27.
..... I had free time tomorrow, I wouldn't want to go to the beach because it's too cold outside
A) Even if.
B) However.
C) In contrast.
D) On the other hand.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Even if the sentence structure indicates a contrast, "Even if" is used to introduce a condition that might not be true but is being considered hypothetically. In this context, it doesn't fit well because there's no indication of considering an unlikely scenario.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Even if - Introduces a hypothetical situation; doesn’t fit the context.
Option B:
However - Indicates contrast, but not necessary here as there's no opposing idea.
Option C:
In contrast - Suggests opposition between two ideas, which isn't present in the sentence.
Option D:
On the other hand - Correct; introduces a contrasting idea that logically follows the free time scenario but contradicts the beach preference due to cold weather.
28.
How can subordination help to improve clarity in speech?
A) By highlighting every word equally.
B) By allowing the listener to focus on the most important information.
C) By making the speech more monotonous.
D) By speaking very quickly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subordination helps to improve clarity in speech by allowing the listener to focus on the most important information. When clauses are properly subordinated, it clarifies the relationship between ideas and highlights key points, making the message easier to understand.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Highlighting every word equally does not enhance clarity; in fact, it can make speech confusing by diluting emphasis.
Option B:
Correct. Subordination aids in focusing on the main ideas and supporting details, improving overall comprehension.
Option C:
Making speech more monotonous would have a negative impact on clarity rather than improve it.
Option D:
Speaking quickly does not inherently clarify speech; it can lead to misinterpretation if the listener cannot follow the structure of the sentences.
29.
Which option is coordinated or subordinated correctly?
A) Even though Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden retriever.
B) Unless Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden retriever.
C) Since Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden retriever.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses a subordinating conjunction "even though," which introduces a dependent clause that contrasts with the main clause, indicating that Hank vacuumed the rental car despite his failure to remove all the hair of Bonkers. This structure properly coordinates or subordinates the clauses.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses "even though" to subordinate a dependent clause, correctly contrasting with the main clause.
Option B:
Uses "unless," which creates an exception and implies a conditional relationship rather than a contrast. This is incorrect for subordination in this context.
Option C:
Uses "since," indicating a cause-effect relationship, not a contrast or exception. This is also incorrect for the given scenario.
Option D:
Indicates none of the above are correct, which is false since Option A is properly subordinated.
30.
They have postponed the visit to our city ..... it's heavily snow here.
A) Because of.
B) Due to.
C) Since.
D) Yet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Yet.
The sentence "They have postponed the visit to our city yet it's heavily snow here" uses a subordinating conjunction appropriately. "Yet" in this context indicates contrast, suggesting that despite the heavy snow, they have still postponed their visit.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Because of" is used to introduce a reason and does not fit the structure of the sentence.
Option B:
"Due to" also introduces a reason, which is not suitable here for creating contrast.
Option C:
"Since" indicates a starting point or cause, which doesn't align with the contrasting idea in the sentence.
Option D:
"Yet" correctly creates a contrast between the postponement and the heavy snow, making it the appropriate choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subordination in English Grammar?
Subordination in English Grammar refers to the relationship between clauses where one clause (the dependent or subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on another clause (the independent clause) for its meaning.
How are subordinating conjunctions used in sentences?
Subordinating conjunctions, such as although, because, and if, are used to connect a dependent clause with an independent clause. They help express the relationship between clauses, indicating conditions, cause and effect, or contrast.
Can you give an example of subordination in conditional clauses?
Certainly! An example is "If it rains tomorrow, I will stay indoors." Here, the dependent clause "if it rains tomorrow" is subordinate to the independent clause "I will stay indoors," showing a condition.
What distinguishes subordination from coordination?
Subordination involves one clause being dependent on another, while coordination uses coordinating conjunctions (such as and, but) to join clauses of equal importance that can stand alone.
Why is understanding subordination important for writing complex sentences?
Understanding subordination helps in constructing clear and coherent complex sentences. It allows writers to express relationships between ideas, making the text more nuanced and effective in conveying meaning.