ENG 310 Grammar, usage Exercise 1, 2/4/16 Name: _____________________________
1. Correct the following sentences for parallel construction or misplaced/unclear modifiers.
Retype them in the space below each sentence. Some may be correct as written. Due Feb.11.
Don’t change or omit important content.
After training the tiger cub to walk on a leash, it could be used in the zoo director’s presentations to
schoolchildren.
Still searching for an incinerator site, a previously rejected location is getting a second look from the
city council.
Good health is best ensured by exercising and a good diet.
Nestled between the driver’s legs, the policeman spotted a bottle of beer.
The president stood up, cleared his throat and then he says, “Welcome to the United States.”
An anti-government coalition staged the protest march in an attempt to force the ouster of the
prime minister yesterday afternoon.
It is difficult to run, eat a sandwich and be listening to music at the same time.
Posting the fastest time in history, $2 million was awarded to Jeff Gordon.
Jane told Jill that she had made a mistake.
2. Mark (bold/underline) the correct words.
(Lie/Lay) that on the table.
He (lay/laid) the book on the table.
They had been (laying/lying) around most of the day.
The team threw (its/their) shoes on the floor.
Every one of the players (is/are) talented.
Some people dispute whether more stimulus money can (affect/effect) change.
That had no (affect/effect) on me.
We’d love it if you could stay for (awhile/a while).
Please be (discreet/discrete) when discussing the meeting with her.
Mind your (Ps and Qs/P’s and Q’s/Ps’ and Qs’).
I’m glad to see that (your/you’re) feeling better.
The impounded vehicle, (that/which) is red, is part of the investigation.
The game against Dallas revealed his (Achilles heel/Achilles Heel/Achilles’ heel/Achilles’s heel).
Don’t forget to listen to the (hostess’/hostesses/hostess’s) story.
Each of the family members (is/are) at the game.
Neither Bill nor his family (knows/know) what is going on.
The committee released (its/it’s/their) annual report.
Her bored expression suggested she was (disinterested/uninterested).
The number of links (is/are) increasing but a number of them (is/are) broken.
The truck, and a long line of cars that ran into each other, (was/were) almost completely destroyed.
Jane, (who/whom) I thought hated running, recently entered a marathon.
(Who/whom) do you suspect is guilty of the infraction?
I will give the award to (whoever/whomever) deserves it.
The university needs to know (who/whom) (its/it’s/they are) inviting.
I had an (adverse/averse) reaction after I ate the mangoes.
MADD is an organization that attempts to combat (drunk/drunken) driving.
That happens (a lot/alot).
Place the Bible on the (altar/alter).
(Because/since) she was hungry, she decided to have lunch.
(Everyday/Every day) I have the blues.
Bill, Ted and Jane shared the pizza (among/amongst/between) themselves.
After he (bussed/bused) the tables he (bussed/bused) her lightly on the cheek.
You should be certain to (ensure/insure) that painting when you buy it.
That red tie nicely (complements/compliments) your shirt.
Have you ever seen such a huge (amount/number) of people in one room?
Harrisburg is the (Capital/capital/capitol/Capitol) of Pennsylvania.
(Who’s/Whose) life is this, anyway?
I need to (convince/persuade) you to sell me that book.
Canadians (comprise/constitute) the biggest group at the convention.
None of the cars (are/is) parked in the correct lot.
How do salaries in the NBA compare (to/with) those in the NFL?
Twenty (donuts/doughnuts) (are/is) too much for any man.