Examkin

Conventions of Usage

416 questions

All types416Multiple choice274True / False10Ordering7Fill in the blank125
Question 301Question →

To monitor the structural integrity of the bridge, the engineers measured the vibrations of the steel cables. The newly installed sensors detected the frequency shifts more precise than the older analog devices did, providing the team with highly accurate data.

Which choice best replaces the underlined portion to ensure correct grammatical usage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more precisely than

Answer

The correct answer is 'more precisely than' because it uses the comparative adverb form to modify the verb 'detected' when comparing two items.
The correct choice uses the adverb 'precisely' because it modifies the verb 'detected,' describing how the action was performed. Since the sentence compares the performance of two distinct tools (the newly installed sensors and the older analog devices), the comparative form 'more... than' is required. Therefore, 'more precisely than' is the grammatically correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the word being modified by the comparative phrase.
The phrase modifies the verb 'detected'.
Knowing the part of speech of the modified word determines whether an adjective or an adverb is required.
2
Determine the correct modifier form (adjective vs. adverb).
An adverb ('precisely') is required to modify the verb 'detected'.
Adjectives modify nouns, whereas adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
3
Evaluate the comparative context and conjunction.
Since exactly two things are being compared, the comparative 'more' is used instead of the superlative 'most', and the comparative conjunction 'than' is used instead of 'then'.
Comparatives are used for two items, and 'than' is the correct homophone for comparisons.

Key Concept

Adjective and Adverb Usage in Comparisons
Question 302Question →

Read the sentence below. Which form of the verb in parentheses correctly completes the sentence to maintain proper subject-verb agreement?

Fill in the blanks below

The seasonal migration of monarch butterflies, which spans thousands of miles across North America, (intrigue) researchers studying insect navigation.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

intrigues
The correct form is 'intrigues'. The subject of the sentence is the singular noun 'migration'. The prepositional phrase 'of monarch butterflies' and the relative clause 'which spans thousands of miles across North America' are intervening modifiers that do not affect the subject's number. A singular subject requires a singular verb, which in the present tense is 'intrigues'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main subject of the clause containing the verb to be filled.
The subject is the singular noun phrase 'The seasonal migration'.
The plural nouns 'butterflies' and 'miles' are part of intervening phrases ('of monarch butterflies' and 'which spans thousands of miles') and do not function as the subject of the main verb.
2
Determine the number of the subject (singular or plural).
The subject 'migration' is singular.
Finding the head noun of the subject phrase shows it is singular, meaning it requires a singular verb.
3
Select the correct present-tense singular form of the verb 'intrigue'.
The correct form is 'intrigues'.
In the present tense, third-person singular verbs end in '-s'.

Key Concept

Subject-verb agreement requires a singular verb for a singular subject, even when intervening prepositional phrases or relative clauses contain plural nouns.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 303Question →

During the kitchen inspection, the health inspector reminded the restaurant manager and he that their sanitizing protocols must be updated immediately.

Which of the following options is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him that their

Answer

him that their
The correct option is 'him that their' because the pronoun functions as part of the compound direct object of the verb 'reminded' ('reminded... him'), requiring the objective case pronoun 'him'. Additionally, 'their' is the correct possessive pronoun indicating that the sanitizing protocols belong to them, whereas 'they're' is the contraction of 'they are' and does not fit the context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct pronoun case for the compound object.
The pronoun follows the transitive verb 'reminded' and forms a compound direct object with 'the restaurant manager'. Thus, the objective case 'him' is required instead of the subjective case 'he'.
Direct objects of verbs must be in the objective case.
2
Identify the correct homophone for the context.
The sentence refers to the protocols belonging to the manager and staff, requiring the possessive pronoun 'their'. The contraction 'they're' (they are) is incorrect.
Possession must be indicated with the possessive pronoun 'their', not the contraction 'they're'.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Question 304Question →

Complete the passage by entering the correct grammatical forms of the modifiers in parentheses (use 'beautiful' for the first blank and 'harsh' for the second blank).

Fill in the blanks below

The violinist played the intricate solo (beautiful), but the poor acoustics of the historic hall made the performance sound surprisingly (harsh).
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires the adverb 'beautifully' and the second blank requires the adjective 'harsh'.
The correct answers are 'beautifully' and 'harsh'. The adverb 'beautifully' correctly modifies the action verb 'played' to describe how the solo was performed. The adjective 'harsh' is correct because 'sound' functions as a linking verb in this context, meaning the modifier must be a predicate adjective that describes the subject noun 'performance'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct modifier form for the first blank.
The adverb 'beautifully' is selected.
The word modifies the action verb 'played,' describing how the violinist performed the solo, which requires an adverb.
2
Determine the correct modifier form for the second blank.
The adjective 'harsh' is selected.
The word follows the linking verb 'sound' and describes the noun 'performance,' which requires a predicate adjective.

Key Concept

Choosing between adjectives and adverbs depending on whether they modify action verbs or follow linking verbs.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 305Question →

The following sentence contains two blanks where a pair of frequently confused words—'precede' and 'proceed'—should be placed. Which word choices correctly complete the blanks in the sentence based on their context?

Fill in the blanks below

Before the archaeological team could with their excavation of the ancient ruins, they had to ensure that a detailed aerial survey of the site would any physical digging.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank is 'proceed' and the second blank is 'precede'.
The context of the sentence requires the word meaning to carry on or go forward ('proceed') for the first blank, and the word meaning to go before in time ('precede') for the second blank.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the appropriate word for the first blank.
The context describes starting or continuing the excavation. The verb that means to go forward or carry on an action is 'proceed'.
Distinguishing between the meanings of 'precede' and 'proceed' in context.
2
Determine the appropriate word for the second blank.
The context describes the survey occurring prior to the digging. The verb that means to go before in time or order is 'precede'.
Distinguishing between the meanings of 'precede' and 'proceed' in context.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (Precede vs. Proceed)
Question 306Question →

To ensure the sentence has the correct meaning, which words from the confused pair 'adverse' and 'averse' must be placed in the respective blanks?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the weather conditions, the researchers were not to continuing their field study in the rain forest.
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Answer

adverse for the first blank and averse for the second blank
The word 'adverse' means unfavorable, hostile, or harmful, making it the correct modifier for 'weather conditions'. The word 'averse' means having a strong feeling of opposition or dislike, and is typically used with 'to' to describe a person's reluctance, making it the correct fit for the researchers' attitude toward continuing their study.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning required for the first blank.
The first blank describes 'weather conditions' that are unfavorable, harmful, or hostile to the researchers. The word 'adverse' means unfavorable or harmful, which fits this context.
Determining the correct word based on the definition of 'adverse' as an adjective describing unfavorable conditions.
2
Analyze the meaning required for the second blank.
The second blank describes the researchers' attitude, specifically that they were not opposed or disinclined to continue their work. The word 'averse' means having a strong feeling of opposition or dislike (usually followed by 'to'), which fits this context.
Determining the correct word based on the definition of 'averse' as an adjective describing a person's opposition or reluctance to something.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the frequently confused adjectives 'adverse' (unfavorable/harmful conditions) and 'averse' (having a strong dislike or opposition to something).
Question 307Question →

Arrange the following segments to construct a clear, grammatically correct sentence that avoids misplaced and dangling modifiers.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Having analyzed the tree rings of ancient bristlecone pines, climatologists reconstructed with remarkable precision regional temperature fluctuations that occurred over the past two millennia.
The correct order builds a logical and grammatically sound sentence where each modifier is positioned adjacent to its target. The introductory phrase is followed by the subject 'climatologists' (avoiding a dangling modifier), the adverbial modifier 'with remarkable precision' is kept next to the verb 'reconstructed', and the relative clause is kept next to the noun 'fluctuations'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase.
The phrase 'Having analyzed the tree rings of ancient bristlecone pines,' is identified as an introductory modifier.
This phrase describes an action and requires a logical subject to follow it directly.
2
Determine the logical subject that performed the action.
The subject 'climatologists' is the actor, so the segment 'climatologists reconstructed with remarkable precision' must follow the introductory phrase.
Placing the subject immediately after the introductory modifier avoids a dangling modifier.
3
Identify the direct object and its modifier.
The direct object is 'regional temperature fluctuations,' which is modified by the clause 'that occurred over the past two millennia.'
The direct object must follow the verb, and the relative clause must immediately follow the noun it modifies to avoid a misplaced modifier.

Key Concept

Modifiers must be placed next to the words they modify. Introductory participial phrases must be followed by the subject performing the action to avoid dangling modifiers. Adjectival clauses and prepositional phrases must be adjacent to their target nouns or verbs to avoid misplaced modifiers.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 308Question →

The following sentence compares the architectural features of two historic buildings. Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks with the correct comparative and referential words to form a grammatically correct and logical comparison.

Fill in the blanks below

Although both monuments are grand, the columns of the Supreme Court Building are taller of the nearby Library of Congress.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

than those (or than the columns)
The correct response requires 'than' to form the comparison and 'those' (or a plural equivalent) to refer back to the plural noun 'columns'. This ensures a grammatically correct and logical comparison of architectural elements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two entities being compared.
The columns of the Supreme Court Building are compared to the columns of the Library of Congress.
Establishing the comparison targets helps determine the correct number (singular or plural) for referential pronouns.
2
Choose the correct comparative conjunction.
Use 'than' to connect the two compared elements.
The word 'than' is the correct conjunction for comparisons, whereas 'then' is a homophone used for time or sequence.
3
Select a plural pronoun to complete the comparison logically.
Use 'those' (or 'the columns') before the preposition 'of'.
Since the compared noun 'columns' is plural, the plural pronoun 'those' is required to ensure a logical comparison (comparing columns to columns, rather than columns to a building).

Key Concept

Logical comparisons (comparative conjunctions and referential pronouns)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 309Question →

At the local history museum, the conservation team worked diligently to prepare for the upcoming exhibition of ancient Mesopotamian artifacts. When the curators placed the fragile clay tablets inside the new glass display cases, they were polished to a mirror-like shine. This attention to detail allowed visitors to easily view the intricate cuneiform inscriptions.

Which choice best clarifies the underlined pronoun's reference in the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: the cases

Answer

the cases
The correct choice replaces the ambiguous pronoun with the specific noun phrase 'the cases,' which clearly identifies the subject of the clause and resolves the ambiguity. In standard English conventions, a pronoun must refer clearly and unambiguously to a single antecedent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined pronoun and its potential antecedents in the sentence.
The pronoun is 'they,' and the preceding plural nouns are 'clay tablets' and 'glass display cases.'
Before correcting a pronoun error, you must determine what nouns the pronoun could possibly refer to in the context.
2
Determine if the reference of the pronoun is clear.
Since both the tablets and the cases could logically be polished, 'they' is ambiguous.
Under ACT guidelines, a pronoun must have a single, clear, and unambiguous antecedent.
3
Evaluate the options to find a choice that resolves the ambiguity concisely.
The noun phrase 'the cases' specifies the antecedent directly and maintains the sentence's concise flow.
Replacing the pronoun with a specific noun clarifies the meaning without adding unnecessary wordiness.

Key Concept

Pronoun Clarity and Reference
Question 310Question →

The construction of traditional Polynesian voyaging canoes requires not only deep ecological knowledge but also exceptional craftsmanship. The wood selected from native forests, along with fibers from coconut husks used to lash the hull, are carefully cured over several months to ensure durability at sea.

Which of the following options is the correct form of the underlined verb?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: is

Answer

is
The correct option is the singular present-tense verb 'is'. The subject of the sentence is 'wood,' which is singular. The phrase starting with 'along with' is parenthetical and does not change the subject's number. A singular verb is required to maintain subject-verb agreement, and the present tense must be maintained to match the context established by the verb 'requires' in the first sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the subject of the verb in question.
The subject is the singular noun 'wood.'
The phrase 'along with fibers from coconut husks used to lash the hull' is a parenthetical prepositional phrase that modifies the subject but does not make it plural.
2
Determine the correct verb number (singular vs. plural) and tense.
The verb must be singular and in the present tense ('is').
Subject-verb agreement requires a singular verb for the singular subject 'wood,' and the passage is written in the present tense as established by 'requires' in the first sentence.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement
Question 311Question →

After completing the grueling field research in the cloud forest, the head botanist informed the graduate assistant and he that they're catalog of rare fern species was ready for publication.

Which of the following options is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him that their

Answer

him that their
The correct option correctly resolves both grammatical issues in the underlined portion. First, the pronoun is part of a compound direct object of the verb 'informed,' meaning it must be in the objective case ('him' rather than 'he'). Second, the word preceding 'catalog' must show possession, making 'their' the correct word, whereas 'they're' is a contraction meaning 'they are.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical function of the pronoun in the compound structure 'the graduate assistant and he/him'.
The compound structure serves as the direct object of the transitive verb 'informed'.
Direct objects must be in the objective case. Therefore, 'him' is correct, whereas the subjective case pronoun 'he' is grammatically incorrect in this role.
2
Determine the correct word to modify the noun 'catalog'.
The sentence requires a possessive word showing ownership of the catalog.
The contraction 'they're' stands for 'they are,' which does not make sense in this context. The possessive pronoun 'their' is required.
3
Combine the objective pronoun and the possessive pronoun to find the correct choice.
The correct combination is 'him that their'.
This resolves both the pronoun case error and the homophone confusion error.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 312Question →

Read the passage below:

Exploring the benthic zone of the Mariana Trench, the autonomous vehicle captured footage of a bizarre, previously undocumented siphonophore. [1] Hovering near a hydrothermal vent, the scientists were amazed by the creature's bioluminescent display. [2] This display served not only as a warning to predators but also as a lure for prey.

Which of the following options is the best replacement for the underlined portion in sentence [1]?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Hovering near a hydrothermal vent, the creature amazed the scientists with its bioluminescent display.

Answer

Hovering near a hydrothermal vent, the creature amazed the scientists with its bioluminescent display.
The correct choice resolves the dangling modifier by placing the logical subject ('the creature') directly after the introductory modifier ('Hovering near a hydrothermal vent'). This clearly conveys that the creature was the one hovering near the vent, and the clause contains no secondary grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and its logical target.
The phrase is 'Hovering near a hydrothermal vent'. Logically, it must describe the creature (the siphonophore) rather than the scientists.
Introductory participial phrases must immediately precede the noun they modify to prevent dangling modifiers.
2
Evaluate the choices to find which one puts the correct subject immediately after the modifier.
The options starting with 'the creature' (the correct subject) fix the modifier issue, while the original phrasing keeps 'the scientists' as the subject, which is incorrect.
Since the scientists were not hovering near the vent, the original phrasing is dangling.
3
Check the grammatically modified options for secondary errors like punctuation or agreement issues.
The choice ending with 'they had never seen...' contains a comma splice. The choice containing 'are amazing' contains a subject-verb agreement error. The choice ending with 'with its bioluminescent display' is grammatically correct and concise.
ACT distractors often fix the primary error but introduce a secondary grammatical error.

Key Concept

Modifier Placement
Question 313Question →

In the early 1930s, during the height of the Great Depression, the U.S. government established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to provide jobs for unemployed young men. Members of the CCC lived in camps, wore uniforms, and worked on various environmental conservation projects. By the time the program ended in 1942, more than three million participants plant billions of trees and built thousands of public parks across the country.

Which choice most effectively establishes a consistent and grammatically correct sequence of verb tenses in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: had planted

Answer

had planted
The past perfect tense ('had planted') is the correct form to show that the action of planting trees was completed before a specific point of time in the past (the program ending in 1942).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the surrounding context and time markers to identify the correct timeframe.
The paragraph describes historical events in the 1930s and 1942, establishing a past-tense narrative.
Verb tenses must be consistent with the timeline of the passage.
2
Evaluate the specific relationship between the events in the target sentence.
The action of planting trees occurred and was completed prior to the program ending in 1942, as signaled by the phrase 'By the time'.
An action completed prior to another past event requires the past perfect tense.
3
Formulate the correct verb form and verify parallelism.
The past perfect form 'had planted' fits grammatically and is parallel to the past action 'built' in the compound predicate.
This establishes a consistent and logical sequence of past events.

Key Concept

Verb Tense and Consistency
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 314Question →

In 1872, Chief Engineer Washington Roebling became bedridden with decompression sickness, leaving his assistant to manage the daily construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Because he was unable to visit the worksite, they communicated primarily through written notes carried by Roebling's wife, Emily. Emily eventually became so knowledgeable about bridge engineering that she supervised much of the remaining construction herself.

Which choice best clarifies the underlined pronoun in the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Roebling

Answer

Replacing the pronoun with the specific noun 'Roebling' resolves the pronoun reference ambiguity.
The correct option resolves the ambiguity of the pronoun by replacing it with the specific proper noun 'Roebling'. In the original sentence, the pronoun 'he' has two potential singular male antecedents: Washington Roebling and his assistant. Specifying 'Roebling' makes the sentence clear and precise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined pronoun and its potential antecedents in the preceding clause.
The pronoun is 'he', and the preceding clause contains two singular male nouns: 'Chief Engineer Washington Roebling' and 'his assistant'.
An effective sentence must have clear pronoun-antecedent relationships so that there is no ambiguity about who or what the pronoun refers to.
2
Evaluate the options to find the one that resolves the ambiguity without introducing new grammatical errors.
Replacing 'he' with the specific name 'Roebling' clearly identifies the subject of the clause. Options containing 'this' or 'they' introduce vague or grammatically incorrect references.
Using a specific noun instead of an ambiguous pronoun clarifies the meaning of the sentence for the reader.

Key Concept

Pronoun clarity requires that every pronoun refers clearly and unambiguously to a single, specific noun antecedent.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 315Question →

During the preparation for the annual winter concert, the guest conductor reminded the lead violinist and he that they're rehearsals would require absolute focus.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him that their

Answer

The correct option replaces the underlined text with 'him that their'.
The correct choice uses the objective pronoun 'him' because it acts as part of the compound object of the verb 'reminded'. It also uses the possessive pronoun 'their' to modify the noun 'rehearsals' to indicate possession.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the role of the pronoun in the compound object.
The pronoun is part of the direct object of the verb 'reminded'. Therefore, it must be in the objective case ('him') rather than the subjective case ('he').
Objective pronouns are required when the pronoun acts as the object of a verb or preposition.
2
Check the usage of the homophone preceding 'rehearsals'.
The possessive pronoun 'their' is needed to show that the rehearsals belong to the violinist and the conductor. The contraction 'they're' (meaning 'they are') is incorrect.
Possessive adjectives are used to modify nouns and show ownership, while contractions represent two combined words.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Question 316Question →

Climatologists have observed that the average annual precipitation of the Amazon basin is greater then the Congo basin, sustaining an incredibly dense canopy and a vast array of unique species.

Which of the following options is the correct revision for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: greater than that of the Congo basin

Answer

The phrase 'greater than that of the Congo basin' is the correct revision because it logically compares the average annual precipitation of the two basins using the pronoun 'that' and the correct comparative conjunction 'than' without grammatical redundancy.
The correct answer correctly uses the comparative adjective 'greater' and the conjunction 'than' to compare the precipitation of the Amazon basin to the precipitation of the Congo basin, using the singular demonstrative pronoun 'that' to refer back to 'precipitation' and ensure a logical, parallel comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare 'the average annual precipitation of the Amazon basin' with something related to the Congo basin.
This establishes the targets of the comparison so that their grammatical structure can be evaluated.
2
Check for logical parallelism in the comparison.
Comparing 'precipitation' (a noun representing an amount of rainfall) to 'the Congo basin' (a physical geographic region) is illogical. To make the comparison parallel, the sentence must compare 'precipitation' to the 'precipitation of the Congo basin'. This is achieved using the singular demonstrative pronoun 'that of'.
A logical comparison must compare elements of the same type.
3
Verify correct homophone usage and comparative modifiers.
The conjunction 'than' must be used for comparisons, not the adverb 'then'. Additionally, the comparative adjective 'greater' must not be paired with 'more', as 'more greater' creates an incorrect double comparative.
This ensures the sentence conforms to standard grammar rules regarding homophones and comparative forms.

Key Concept

Logical comparative structures and homophone distinction in comparisons
Estimated Time:45s
Question 317Question →

A conservation center recently announced a major milestone in its endangered species program. In what sequence must the following segments be arranged to construct a grammatically correct second sentence that avoids misplaced and dangling modifiers?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Although nearly extinct in the wild, the Siberian tiger, which has since been released back into its natural habitat, was successfully bred by the zoologists in a specialized conservation facility.
The correct sequence places the introductory modifier 'Although nearly extinct in the wild' next to its logical target, 'the Siberian tiger'. It then correctly positions the relative clause ', which has since been released back into its natural habitat,' immediately after 'the Siberian tiger' to avoid a misplaced modifier. The sentence is completed by the main predicate 'was successfully bred by the zoologists in a specialized conservation facility.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and its logical target.
The phrase 'Although nearly extinct in the wild' must modify the subject 'the Siberian tiger'.
Placing any other noun (like 'the zoologists' or 'conservation facility') immediately after this phrase would create a dangling modifier, as people or buildings cannot be extinct species.
2
Determine the correct placement of the relative clause.
The relative clause ', which has since been released back into its natural habitat,' must be placed directly after 'the Siberian tiger'.
If placed elsewhere, such as after 'conservation facility' or 'zoologists', it would create a misplaced modifier, implying the facility or the researchers were released into the wild.
3
Arrange the remaining elements of the main independent clause.
Combine the subject 'the Siberian tiger' with the verb phrase 'was successfully bred by the zoologists' and the location 'in a specialized conservation facility.'
This logical sequence ensures the main action of the sentence is clear and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Modifier Placement
Question 318Question →

The sentence below has a blank. Complete the sentence by writing the correct present-tense form of the verb 'to suggest' in the blank, ensuring that it maintains proper subject-verb agreement.

Fill in the blanks below

A collection of letters written by the nineteenth-century poet, in addition to several unpublished journals, that she traveled extensively throughout Europe.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

suggests
The correct answer is the singular verb 'suggests'. The grammatical subject of the sentence is the singular noun 'collection'. The phrases 'of letters written by the nineteenth-century poet' and 'in addition to several unpublished journals' are intervening modifiers that contain plural nouns ('letters', 'journals') but do not alter the singular status of the subject. A singular subject requires the singular verb form 'suggests'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the true grammatical subject of the sentence.
The subject is 'collection', which is a singular noun.
Subject-verb agreement is determined by the main subject of the clause, not by nouns within modifying phrases.
2
Identify and ignore intervening prepositional or additive phrases between the subject and the verb.
The prepositional phrase 'of letters written by the nineteenth-century poet' and the parenthetical phrase 'in addition to several unpublished journals' contain plural nouns ('letters', 'journals') but do not change the singular nature of the subject 'collection'.
Prepositional phrases and parenthetical structures starting with 'in addition to' do not compound the subject.
3
Match the singular subject with the correct present-tense singular form of the verb 'to suggest'.
The singular present-tense form is 'suggests'.
Singular subjects require singular verbs, which end in an 's' in the present tense.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement with Intervening Phrases
Question 319Question →

Consider the following sentence from an academic essay about a collaborative engineering project:

"Between the senior engineers and she, their collaborative efforts successfully resolved the critical software glitch before the rocket's launch."

Which choice best completes the sentence, maintaining correct pronoun case and person?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: her, their

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'her, their' because the objective pronoun is required after the preposition, and the possessive adjective is needed to modify the noun phrase.
The correct option correctly uses 'her' as the object of the preposition 'Between' and 'their' as the possessive adjective modifying 'collaborative efforts'. In English grammar, pronouns that follow prepositions must be in the objective case. Since 'Between' is a preposition, it requires the objective pronoun 'her' instead of the subjective pronoun 'she'. Additionally, the possessive adjective 'their' is required to show ownership of the 'collaborative efforts'; using the contraction 'they're' (meaning 'they are') would be grammatically incorrect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the pronoun in the compound construction 'the senior engineers and she'.
The pronoun is part of a compound object following the preposition 'Between'.
Prepositions require pronouns in the objective case (such as 'me', 'him', 'her', 'them', 'us') rather than the subjective case ('I', 'he', 'she', 'they', 'we'). Therefore, 'she' must be changed to 'her'.
2
Determine the correct word to modify 'collaborative efforts' in the second clause.
The sentence requires a possessive adjective to show ownership of the 'collaborative efforts'.
The possessive adjective 'their' correctly indicates that the efforts belong to the engineers and the designer. The contraction 'they're' (meaning 'they are') is incorrect because it would create an ungrammatical phrase ('they are collaborative efforts successfully resolved...').

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 320Question →

The intricate tunnel network constructed by leafcutter ants serves as a highly organized underground city. Within this subterranean system, a complex division of labor, which includes specialized roles for workers of different sizes, ensure that the colony functions efficiently.

Which choice best corrects the underlined word to maintain proper subject-verb agreement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ensures

Answer

The correct verb form is the singular, present-tense 'ensures' to agree with the singular subject 'division'.
The true subject of the clause is the singular noun 'division'. The plural nouns 'roles', 'workers', and 'sizes' are part of an intervening relative clause and do not affect the subject's number. Therefore, the singular verb 'ensures' is required. Since the rest of the passage is in the present tense ('serves', 'functions'), the present-tense form 'ensures' maintains the correct tense consistency.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the subject of the clause.
The subject is 'division', which is a singular noun.
The intervening phrase 'of labor' and the relative clause 'which includes specialized roles for workers of different sizes' contain plural nouns ('roles', 'workers', 'sizes') but do not change the singular nature of the main subject 'division'.
2
Determine the correct verb tense and number.
The verb must be singular to match the singular subject 'division', and it must be in the present tense to match the rest of the passage ('serves', 'functions').
Subject-verb agreement requires singular subjects to pair with singular verbs, and the overall context of the passage is in the present tense.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the match.
The form 'ensures' is singular and present tense, matching the subject 'division'.
This resolves the grammatical error without introducing tense inconsistency or other errors.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement
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Conventions of Usage Practice Questions — ACT — Page 16 | Examkin