Com150 Comprehensive Grammar Checkpoint Exercises

Comprehensive Grammar CheckPoint Read the following sentences, and focus on the grammar area specified in the left column. Then, complete Appendix H by selecting the correct sentence (a or b) for each number and providing an explanation of why you made that choice. Subject-verb agreement

Subject-verb agreement Subject-verb agreement

Using regular and irregular verbs Using regular and irregular verbs Using regular and irregular verbs Using the correct form of be and have in the present tense Verb form and verb tense

1a. Did you know a famous animal-rights activist has criticized horseracing because of the dangers involved? 1b. Did you know a famous animal-rights activist have criticized horseracing because of the dangers involved? 2a. Peer editing academic papers require critical-thinking skills and diplomacy. 2b. Peer editing academic papers requires critical-thinking skills and diplomacy. 3a. Vitamins that are sold in a health-food store are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. 3b. Vitamins that are sold in a health-food store is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. 4a. John has become a rather good actor. 4b. John has became a rather good actor. 5a. Some athletes have taken drug tests to prove they are not on steroids. 5b. Some athletes have took drug tests to prove they are not on steroids. 6a. I lay my book on the table, but now I cannot find it. 6b. I laid my book on the table, but now I cannot find it. 7a. I was interested in working on the presidential campaign if the opportunity still exists. 7b. I am interested in working on the presidential campaign if the opportunity still exists. 8a. Since American Idol premiered on television, many talented contestants have appeared on the show. 8b. Since American Idol premiered on television, many talented contestants appeared on the show.

Verb form and verb tense Identifying antecedents

Identifying antecedents

Pronounantecedent agreement

9a. The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as burial sites for their leaders. 9b. The ancient Egyptians have built pyramids as burial sites for their leaders. 10a. The antecedent in the following sentence is students: Students in online classes have to be organized to keep up with their assignments. 10b. The antecedent in the following sentence is class: Students in online classes have to be organized to keep up with their assignments. 11a. The antecedent in the following sentence is Doctors: Doctors should schedule more time for patients so they do not spend so much time in the waiting room. 11b. The antecedent in the following sentence is patients: Doctors should schedule more time for patients so they do not spend so much time in the waiting room. 12a. When a driver wants to buy a new vehicle, he or she usually test drives them. COM 150

Pronounantecedent agreement Pronounantecedent agreement Pronounantecedent agreement with indefinite pronouns Pronounantecedent agreement with indefinite pronouns Pronounantecedent agreement with indefinite pronouns Pronoun case

12b. When a driver wants to buy a new vehicle, he or she usually test drives it. 13a. Most presenters spoke without looking at his or her notes. 13b. Most presenters spoke without looking at their notes. 14a. You may rent a movie or a video game for just one night if they are new. 14b. You may rent a movie or a video game for just one night if it is new. 15a. Neither the mayor nor the council members have filed their reports. 15b. Neither the mayor nor the council members have filed his reports.

16a. Anyone who requests a copy of the game may have it for their video library. 16b. Anyone who requests a copy of the game may have it for his or her video library. 17a. Each of the applicants must submit his or her completed form to the interviewer. 17b. Each of the applicants must submit their completed forms to the interviewer. 18a. My brother knows more about technology than me.

Pronoun case

18b. My brother knows more about technology than I. 19a. Please send an invitation to Bob and she.

Pronoun case

19b. Please send an invitation to Bob and her. 20a. My best friend and I are going to Hawaii this summer.

Pronoun case for who and whom

20b. My best friend and me are going to Hawaii this summer. 21a. Who was the star of last year’s award-winning movie? 21b. Whom was the star of last year’s award-winning movie?

Pronoun case for who and whom

22a. To who should we send the letter of commendation?

Pronoun case for who and whom

23a. Jon Bon Jovi, who is a well-known singer and actor, also owns an arena football team.

Vague pronouns Vague pronouns

22b. To whom should we send the letter of commendation?

23b. Jon Bon Jovi, whom is a well-known singer and actor, also owns an arena football team. 24a. When the car hit a tree, it made a terrible noise. 24b. The car made a terrible noise as it crashed into a tree. 25a. Air pollution normally increases along with population growth. This increasing pollution is a big problem for many cities. 25b. Air pollution normally increases along with population growth. This is a big problem for many cities.

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