Grammar Mastery Test
1. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Some of the dessert was left by the end of the birthday party.
B) Some of the dessert were left by the end of the birthday party.
C) Some of the desserts was left by the end of the birthday party.
D) Some desserts was left by the end of the birthday party.
2. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The papa bear thought that all of his porridge were missing.
B) The papa bear thought that none of his porridge were missing.
C) The papa bear thought that some of his porridge were missing.
D) The papa bear thought that some of his porridge was missing.
3. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Your brilliant excuses almost makes up for your tardiness.
B) Your brilliant excuses almost make up for your tardiness.
C) Your brilliant excuses makes up for your tardiness.
D) Your brilliant excuses has made up for your tardiness.
4. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Neither Jackson nor Jenna have played hooky.
B) Neither Jackson nor Jenna are playing hooky.
C) Neither Jackson nor Jenna is playing hooky.
D) Neither Jackson nor Jenna were playing hooky.
5. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Neither Jackson nor I am playing hooky.
B) Neither Jackson nor I is playing hooky.
C) Neither Jackson nor I are playing hooky.
D) Neither Jackson nor I were playing hooky.
6. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Either of us were capable of winning.
B) Either of us are capable of winning.
C) Either of us have been capable of winning.
D) Either of us is capable of winning.
7. Choose the correct sentence.
A) All of the class is willing to take part in the prank.
B) All of the classes is willing to take part in the prank.
C) All of the class are willing to take part in the prank.
D) All of the classes has been willing to take part in the prank.
8. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Some of the candies is on the table.
B) Some of the candies has been on the table.
C) Some of the candies was on the table.
D) Some of the candies are on the table.
9. Choose the correct sentence.
A) One-third of the voters tend not to cast their ballots in national elections.
B) One-third of the voters tends not to cast their ballots in national elections.
C) One-third of the voters tends not to cast its ballots in national elections.
D) One-third of the voters tends not to cast its ballot in national elections.
10. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Here is the paper clips you requested.
B) Here's the paper clips you requested.
C) Here are the paper clips you requested.
D) Here are the box of paper clips you requested.
11. Choose the correct sentence.
A) She is one of those doctors which make house calls.
B) She is one of those doctors who make house calls.
C) She is one of those doctors who makes house calls.
D) She is one of those doctors that makes house calls.
12. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Dr. Cresta is one of those professors who does whatever it takes to get his point across to his students.
B) Dr. Cresta is one of those professors who does whatever it takes to get their point across to their students.
C) Dr. Cresta is a professor who do whatever it takes to get his point across to his students.
D) Dr. Cresta is one of those professors who do whatever it takes to get their point across to their students.
13. Choose the correct sentence.
A) She is the only one of the professors who does what it takes to help her students.
B) She is the only one of the professors who do what it takes to help her students.
C) She, along with her colleagues, are professors who do what it takes to help their students.
D) She is one of many professors who does what it takes to help her students.
14. Choose the correct sentence.
A) She and he are always fighting.
B) She and him are always fighting.
C) Her and him are always fighting.
D) He and her are always fighting.
15. Choose the correct sentence.
A) When Toni and him come over, we always have a great time.
B) When Toni and he come over, we always have a great time.
C) When Toni and himself come over, we always have a great time.
D) When him and Toni come over, we always have a great time.
16. Choose the correct sentence.
A) It is us who must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
B) It is us whom must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
C) It is we who must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
D) It is we whom must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
17. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Between you and me, this class is a joke.
B) Between you and I, this class is a joke.
C) Between yourself and I, this class is a joke.
D) Between you and myself, this class is a joke.
18. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Whom do you think you are to give me advice about dating?
B) Who do you think you are to give me advice about dating?
C) Whom do you think you be to give me advice about dating?
D) Who do you think you be to give me advice about dating?
19. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Who makes up these English rules anyway?
B) Whom makes up these English rules anyway?
C) Whomever makes up these English rules anyway?
D) Whom make up these English rules anyway?
20. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Whom do you think should win?
B) Whomever do you think should win?
C) Who do you think should win?
21. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Whom are you voting for?
B) Who are you voting for?
C) For who are you voting?
22. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Whomever has the keys get to be in the driver’s seat.
B) Whoever has the keys gets to be in the driver’s seat.
C) Whoever has the keys get to be in the driver’s seat.
23. Choose the correct sentence.
A) We are willing to work with whoever you recommend.
B) We are willing to work with who you recommend.
C) We are willing to work with whomever you recommend.
D) We are willing to work with whoever yourself recommend.
24. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The company which Ted represented at the meeting had big plans.
B) The company who Ted represented at the meeting had big plans.
C) The company that Ted represented at the meeting had big plans.
D) The company whom Ted represented at the meeting had big plans.
25. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The thoughts that Ted presented, that were about shifting national priorities, were well received.
B) The thoughts that Ted presented, were well received.
C) The thoughts, that Ted presented, were well received.
D) The thoughts that Ted presented, which were about shifting national priorities, were well received.
26. Choose the correct sentence.
A) When you do a job so good, you can expect a raise.
B) When you do a job so well, you can expect a raise.
C) When you do so well a job, you can expect a raise.
27. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Bonnie was a good sport about losing the race.
B) Bonnie was a well sport about losing the race.
C) When Bonnie lost the race, she took it good.
D) When Bonnie lost the race, she was a well sport.
28. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Harry smells well. What aftershave is he wearing?
B) Harry smells good even though his nose is broken.
C) Harry smells good. What aftershave is he wearing?
29. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Lisa did so well on the test that she, as well as Juan, was allowed to accelerate to the next level.
B) Lisa did so well on the test that she, as well as Juan, were allowed to accelerate to the next level.
C) Lisa did so good on the test that she, as well as Juan, were allowed to accelerate to the next level.
D) Lisa did so good on the test that she, as well as Juan, was allowed to accelerate to the next level.
30. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Our puppy is much more sweeter than her brother.
B) Our puppy is definitely more sweeter than her brother.
C) Our puppy is definitely sweeter than her brother.
31. Choose the correct sentence.
A) When she smiled she looked happier.
B) When she smiled she looked more happily.
C) When she smiled she looked more happier.
32. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Karen should of known that her cheap umbrella would break in the storm.
B) Karen should of known that her cheap umbrella might break in the storm.
C) Karen should have known that her cheap umbrella would break in the storm.
D) Karen shoulda known that her cheap umbrella would break in the storm.
33. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Sometimes the affects of our generosity make a difference.
B) Sometimes our generosity effects others and makes a difference.
C) Sometimes the effects of our generosity affect others.
D) Sometimes the affects of our generosity effect others.
34. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Ben thought he had lain my jacket on that bench.
B) Ben thought he had laid my jacket on that bench.
C) Ben thought he saw my jacket laying on that bench.
D) Ben thought he layed my jacket on that bench.
35. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Our company policy will not allow me to accept a gift worth more than $50.
B) Our company policy will not allow me to except a gift worth more than $50.
36. Choose the correct sentence.
A) They thought we were late, but my wife and I were all ready at the restaurant.
B) They thought we were late, but my wife and I were already at the restaurant.
37. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Irregardless of who was there first, we were all very hungry and ready to eat.
B) Regardless of who was there first, we were all very hungry and ready to eat.
38. Choose the correct sentence.
A) We could hardly believe that the Giants could loose the game by that many runs.
B) We could hardly believe that the Giants could lose the game by that many runs.
39. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Isn’t it amazing how long that mime can remain completely stationary?
B) Isn’t it amazing how long that mime can remain completely stationery?
40. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The department’s principal concern is the safety of all employees.
B) The department’s principle concern is the safety of all employees.
41. Choose the correct sentence.
A) How did they manage to serve cold ice cream in the middle of the vast desert?
B) How did they manage to serve cold ice cream in the middle of the vast dessert?
42. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The boss complemented Ari on his excellent presentation.
B) The boss complimented Ari on his excellent presentation.
43. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The judge did not believe any of their stories.
B) The judge did not believe any of there stories.
C) The judge did not believe any of they’re stories.
44. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Ilana said she wanted to become a FBI agent when she grew up.
B) Ilana said she wanted to become an FBI agent when she grew up.
45. Choose the correct sentence.
A) We knew those rascals were all together in this.
B) We knew those rascals were altogether in this.
46. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The store was further away than we thought.
B) The store was farther away than we thought.
47. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Paul should have known better than to act like that.
B) Paul should of known better than to act like that.
48. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The golf course at the resort is lovely, but I prefer it’s swimming pool.
B) The golf course at the resort is lovely, but I prefer its swimming pool.
49. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I paid the cab fair and Alejandro paid for dinner.
B) I paid the cab fare and Alejandro paid for dinner.
50. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Marta completed five fewer problems than I did in the same amount of time.
B) Marta completed five less problems than I did in the same amount of time.
Quiz Results
1. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Some of the dessert was left by the end of the birthday party.
Explanation: Some is a portion word that is singular or plural depending on the object of the preposition. In this sentence,
“dessert,” is the object of the preposition, so use “was.”
2. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: D
The papa bear thought that some of his porridge was missing.
Explanation: see Explanation 1.
3. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
Your brilliant excuses almost make up for your tardiness.
Explanation: “excuses” is the subject of “make up.”
4. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Neither Jackson nor Jenna is playing hooky.
Explanation: when neither and nor connect two singular subjects, use a singular verb.
5. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Neither Jackson nor I am playing hooky.
Explanation: when neither and nor connect two singular subjects and the second one is I, use am.
6. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: D
Either of us is capable of winning.
Explanation: “Either” is the singular subject, which requires the singular verb “is.”
7. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
All of the class is willing to take part in the prank.
Explanation: “All” is a portion word that is singular or plural depending on the object of the preposition. In this sentence,
“class” is the object of the preposition, so use “is.
8. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: D
Some of the candies are on the table.
Explanation: see Explanation 1.
9. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
One-third of the voters tend not to cast their ballots in national elections.
Explanation: “One-third” becomes plural because the object of the preposition, “voters,” is plural. So use the plural verb
“tend.”
10. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Here are the paper clips you requested.
Explanation: the subject is “paper clips,” so use “are.
11. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
She is one of those doctors who make house calls.
Explanation: “who” refers to “doctors,” not to “one,” so the plural verb “make” is required.
12. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: D
students.
Dr. Cresta is one of those professors who do whatever it takes to get their point across to their
Explanation: “who” refers to “professors,” not to “one,” so the plural verb “do” and the possessive adjective “their” are
required.
13. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
She is the only one of the professors who does what it takes to help her students.
Explanation: in this sentence, “who” refers to “one,” not to “professors,” so the singular verb “does” is required.
14. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
She and he are always fighting.
Explanation: “She” and “he” are the subjects of “are fighting.”
15. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
When Toni and he come over, we always have a great time.
Explanation: “Toni” and “he” are the subjects of “come over,” so use the subject pronoun “he.”
16. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
It is we who must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
Explanation: After “is,” use the subject pronoun “we” to rename the subject “It.” Also, use “who” as the subject of “must
decide” because you would say “we must decide,” not “us must decide.”
17. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Between you and me, this class is a joke.
Explanation: “Between” is a preposition and the pronouns that follow are objects of the preposition, so use “me.”
18. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
Who do you think you are to give me advice about dating?
Explanation: despite the tricky word order, the sentence is actually asking, “Who are you, do you think, to give me
advice?”
19. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Who makes up these English rules anyway?
Explanation: “Who” is correct because we would say, “He makes up these rules.”
20. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Who do you think should win?
Explanation: despite the tricky word order, the sentence is actually asking, “Who should win, do you think?”
21. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Whom are you voting for?
Explanation: “whom” is the object of “for.”
22. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
Whoever has the keys gets to be in the driver’s seat.
Explanation: “Whoever” is the subject of “has” (and “gets”).
23. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
We are willing to work with whomever you recommend.
Explanation: “whomever” is the object of “recommend.”
24. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
The company that Ted represented at the meeting had big plans.
Explanation: Use that to introduce an essential clause. Do not use who or whom except when referring to human beings.
25. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: D
The thoughts that Ted presented, which were about shifting national priorities, were well received.
Explanation: use which to introduce a nonessential clause, and surround it with commas.
26. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
When you do a job so well, you can expect a raise.
Explanation: the adverb “well” modifies “do.”
27. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Bonnie was a good sport about losing the race.
Explanation: the adjective “good” modifies “sport.”
28. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Harry smells good. What aftershave is he wearing?
Explanation: Harry is not actively smelling with his nose here so use the adjective “good” to describe his aftershave.
29. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Lisa did so well on the test that she, as well as Juan, was allowed to accelerate to the next level.
Explanation: the adverb “well” modifies “did.” Phrases with as well as are not part of the subject, therefore use the
singular verb “was.”
30. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Our puppy is definitely sweeter than her brother.
Explanation: never use “more” with a comparative adjective (“sweeter”).
31. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
When she smiled she looked happier.
Explanation: the adjective “happier” modifies “she.”
32. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Karen should have known that her cheap umbrella would break in the storm.
Explanation: never use of when you mean have.
33. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: C
Sometimes the effects of our generosity affect others.
Explanation: In this sentence, “effects” is a plural noun that means “results,” and “affect” is a verb meaning “to involve”
or “to influence.
34. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
Ben thought he had laid my jacket on that bench.
Explanation: “had laid” is the past perfect tense of “lay.”
35. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Our company policy will not allow me to accept a gift worth more than $50.
Explanation: accept means “to receive.”
36. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
They thought we were late, but my wife and I were already at the restaurant.
Explanation: already means something happened before now, and all ready means that everything or everyone is now
ready.
37. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
Regardless of who was there first, we were all very hungry and ready to eat.
Explanation: There is no such word as irregardless.
38. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
We could hardly believe that the Giants could lose the game by that many runs.
Explanation: lose means “be defeated”; loose means “not tight.”
39. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Isn’t it amazing how long that mime can remain completely stationary?
Explanation: stationary means “motionless”; stationery refers to paper.
40. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
The department’s principal concern is the safety of all employees.
Explanation: principal means “chief, of first importance.”
41. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
How did they manage to serve cold ice cream in the middle of the vast desert?
Explanation: do not confuse desert with dessert.
42. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
The boss complimented Ari on his excellent presentation.
Explanation: compliment means “to praise.”
43. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
The judge did not believe any of their stories.
Explanation: their is the possessive pronoun, they're is a contraction for “they are,” and there answers where?
44. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
Ilana said she wanted to become an FBI agent when she grew up.
Explanation: Use an when the pronunciation of the next word or acronym begins with a vowel sound. We would
pronounce FBI, “eff bee eye,” and we would say “an eff,” not a eff.”
45. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
We knew those rascals were all together in this.
Explanation: all together means “all involved at the same time” while altogether means “completely.”
46. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
The store was farther away than we thought.
Explanation: use farther for physical distance.
47. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Paul should have known better than to act like that.
Explanation: see Explanation 32.
48. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
The golf course at the resort is lovely, but I prefer its swimming pool.
Explanation: its means belonging to it.”
49. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: B
I paid the cab fare and Alejandro paid for dinner.
Explanation: fare means “expense” or “payment.”
50. Choose the correct sentence.
Correct Answer: A
Marta completed five fewer problems than I did in the same amount of time.
Explanation: when something is countable, use fewer.
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