Other Phrase, Clause, and Sentence Errors - ACT English
Card 0 of 1704
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The governor supported abolishing residential taxes and to create new state parks.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The governor supported abolishing residential taxes and to create new state parks.
As it is written, the sentence uses parallelism incorrectly because the two things the governor supports are different word forms - "abolishing residential taxes" is a gerund phrase, and "to create new state parks" is an infinitive phrase. Changing the infinitive phrase to a gerund phrase makes the sentence sound more fluid.
As it is written, the sentence uses parallelism incorrectly because the two things the governor supports are different word forms - "abolishing residential taxes" is a gerund phrase, and "to create new state parks" is an infinitive phrase. Changing the infinitive phrase to a gerund phrase makes the sentence sound more fluid.
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Select the correct form of the underlined portion of the sentence. If it is correct as it is, select "NO CHANGE."
My favorite things about the ocean are the sound of the waves, the sensation of sand between my toes, and smelling the salty air.
Select the correct form of the underlined portion of the sentence. If it is correct as it is, select "NO CHANGE."
My favorite things about the ocean are the sound of the waves, the sensation of sand between my toes, and smelling the salty air.
All of the items in a list must be the same part of speech for the sentence to employ correct parallel structure. In the case of the sentence as it is presented, the first two items in the list, "sound" and "sensation," are nouns, but the third item is a gerund, an "-ing" verb acting as a noun. Changing "smelling the salty air" to "the salty smell of the air" makes each item in the list a noun and allows the sentence to use correct parallel structure.
All of the items in a list must be the same part of speech for the sentence to employ correct parallel structure. In the case of the sentence as it is presented, the first two items in the list, "sound" and "sensation," are nouns, but the third item is a gerund, an "-ing" verb acting as a noun. Changing "smelling the salty air" to "the salty smell of the air" makes each item in the list a noun and allows the sentence to use correct parallel structure.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
According to state regulations, all first aid kits should contain bandages, alcohol swabs, pain relievers, and an ointment.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
According to state regulations, all first aid kits should contain bandages, alcohol swabs, pain relievers, and an ointment.
The rule of parallel structure tells us that the sentence should be consistent in its pattern. Because the sentence refers to “all first aid kits,” all of the nouns—"bandages," "alcohol swabs," "pain relievers," and "an ointment"—should be plural. "An ointment" is the only noun in the list that isn't plural, so replacing it with "ointments" fixes the sentences error.
The rule of parallel structure tells us that the sentence should be consistent in its pattern. Because the sentence refers to “all first aid kits,” all of the nouns—"bandages," "alcohol swabs," "pain relievers," and "an ointment"—should be plural. "An ointment" is the only noun in the list that isn't plural, so replacing it with "ointments" fixes the sentences error.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
My mother begins each day by drinking coffee, watching the news, and plans the rest of her day.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
My mother begins each day by drinking coffee, watching the news, and plans the rest of her day.
The tense of all verbs must be parallel, and since the given verb “drinking” is a present participle, the only appropriate options are “watching” and “planning.”
You can therefore eliminate options in which "watch" and "plan" don't agree with each other, as well as options in which those verbs don't agree with "drinking." You are left only with "My mother begins each day by drinking coffee, watching the news, and planning the rest of her day," which is the correct answer.
The tense of all verbs must be parallel, and since the given verb “drinking” is a present participle, the only appropriate options are “watching” and “planning.”
You can therefore eliminate options in which "watch" and "plan" don't agree with each other, as well as options in which those verbs don't agree with "drinking." You are left only with "My mother begins each day by drinking coffee, watching the news, and planning the rest of her day," which is the correct answer.
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Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
I was going to the store, she was going to the park.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
I was going to the store, she was going to the park.
This is a common comma splice. "I am going to the store" and "she is going to the park" are both independent clauses. Because of this, they need to either be joined by a coordinating conjunction or made into separate sentences.
This is a common comma splice. "I am going to the store" and "she is going to the park" are both independent clauses. Because of this, they need to either be joined by a coordinating conjunction or made into separate sentences.
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The house stood, at the bottom of a hill, making it hard to see from the street. The owner wants it that way, as he had no use for any of his neighbors. “Nosy sneaks and cheats” he would to say to his son. Not that his son ever really listening. The old man did not see him very much, either at his home or going anywhere else. Every time he did see him, his son would just complain about how his house was dark musty, and filthy. The old man did not need such criticism, especially from only his blood relative. He had lived in that house for fifty years, and planned to live there as long as he possibly could. While he lived there, his neighbors would never see him or his house if he could help it. He could take care of him, and steadfastly refused to allow anyone to help. In his tiny house, at the bottom of the hill, the old man was content to be alone, and believed he was living perfect.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The house stood, at the bottom of a hill, making it hard to see from the street. The owner wants it that way, as he had no use for any of his neighbors. “Nosy sneaks and cheats” he would to say to his son. Not that his son ever really listening. The old man did not see him very much, either at his home or going anywhere else. Every time he did see him, his son would just complain about how his house was dark musty, and filthy. The old man did not need such criticism, especially from only his blood relative. He had lived in that house for fifty years, and planned to live there as long as he possibly could. While he lived there, his neighbors would never see him or his house if he could help it. He could take care of him, and steadfastly refused to allow anyone to help. In his tiny house, at the bottom of the hill, the old man was content to be alone, and believed he was living perfect.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Any "either . . . or" phrase needs to have each item in it match in form so that they can be properly compared. In the underlined phrase, one element is a simple prepositional phrase ("at his home"), while the other is a gerund phrase ("going anywhere else"). The only answer choice that features an appropriate parallel structure is "at his home or anywhere else."
Any "either . . . or" phrase needs to have each item in it match in form so that they can be properly compared. In the underlined phrase, one element is a simple prepositional phrase ("at his home"), while the other is a gerund phrase ("going anywhere else"). The only answer choice that features an appropriate parallel structure is "at his home or anywhere else."
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As a child the only thing I wanted to be was a race car driver. My mothers family all lived in central Indiana, and I went to the Indianapolis 500 every year growing up. Between the colors on the cars the speed of the race and the enthusiasm of the crowd, nothing in the world seemed more exciting to a child. I would lay awake at night thinking about getting behind the wheel of my own race car. My bedroom walls were adorned with posters of the all great racers from all over the world.
When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to race go karts on small tracks against other kids my age. Very quickly I realized I am the terrible driver. Any bumping with another driver was too much for me to handle, and I could not take the turns quick enough to keep pace with the best drivers. None of this diminished my love of racing, however, because just being at the track was such a thrill. The noise, the speed, and rushing were all more exciting from the pits than from the grandstand. If I could never be in the driver’s seat, then I would place myself behind the scenes.
With this new focus, I began studying mechanical engineering and automotive design. I might not have been able to drive a race car; but now I could design a car, build a car, and engineer it to win a race. The drivers still get all the credit for the championships, but everyone knows they would never win without the people like myself.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
As a child the only thing I wanted to be was a race car driver. My mothers family all lived in central Indiana, and I went to the Indianapolis 500 every year growing up. Between the colors on the cars the speed of the race and the enthusiasm of the crowd, nothing in the world seemed more exciting to a child. I would lay awake at night thinking about getting behind the wheel of my own race car. My bedroom walls were adorned with posters of the all great racers from all over the world.
When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to race go karts on small tracks against other kids my age. Very quickly I realized I am the terrible driver. Any bumping with another driver was too much for me to handle, and I could not take the turns quick enough to keep pace with the best drivers. None of this diminished my love of racing, however, because just being at the track was such a thrill. The noise, the speed, and rushing were all more exciting from the pits than from the grandstand. If I could never be in the driver’s seat, then I would place myself behind the scenes.
With this new focus, I began studying mechanical engineering and automotive design. I might not have been able to drive a race car; but now I could design a car, build a car, and engineer it to win a race. The drivers still get all the credit for the championships, but everyone knows they would never win without the people like myself.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
In a list like the one in the underlined portion of the passage needs to have similar elements, so that they can be properly grouped together. The sentence, however, is not written with a correct parallel structure, as the list has two nouns ("The noise" and "the speed") and a gerund ("rushing"). "The noise, the speed, and the rush of the cars" is the only answer choice that uses an appropriate parallel structure and correctly separates each element in the list with commas.
In a list like the one in the underlined portion of the passage needs to have similar elements, so that they can be properly grouped together. The sentence, however, is not written with a correct parallel structure, as the list has two nouns ("The noise" and "the speed") and a gerund ("rushing"). "The noise, the speed, and the rush of the cars" is the only answer choice that uses an appropriate parallel structure and correctly separates each element in the list with commas.
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Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
My three favorite activities are skateboarding, to swim, and playing golf.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
My three favorite activities are skateboarding, to swim, and playing golf.
The three activities are in a list, so commas must separate them. Thus, "skateboarding, to swim, and playing golf" is incorrect. Also, to achieve parallel structure, each item on the list must be written in the same form. In this case, because "skateboarding" and "playing golf" are gerunds, or verbs that end in "-ing" acting as nouns. "To swim" is written in the infinite form, though, so "to swim" should be changed to its gerund form, "swimming."
The three activities are in a list, so commas must separate them. Thus, "skateboarding, to swim, and playing golf" is incorrect. Also, to achieve parallel structure, each item on the list must be written in the same form. In this case, because "skateboarding" and "playing golf" are gerunds, or verbs that end in "-ing" acting as nouns. "To swim" is written in the infinite form, though, so "to swim" should be changed to its gerund form, "swimming."
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Communist rule in Poland ended in 1989 and the following year proved disastrous for the Polish economy. Prices rapidly ballooned while incomes dropped. Attempting to find a solution, the Balcerowicz Plan was implemented by Polish officials. The plan liberalized the economy by abolishing price controls, exposing markets to international competition, and it discontinued most industrial subsidies. In the time of the years following these efforts, economic growth has increased steady.
After years of negotiations and economic and political reforms, Poland became a member of The European Union on May 1, 2004. Soon after, Polish officials voted in favor for laws that would eventually mend the unemployment problem in Poland significantly. In fact, the unemployment rate improved for the first time in five years immediately following Poland's membership. The involvement of Poland in the Eastern Bloc is currently greater than the Czech Republic. The passage of two policies regarding energy credits from foreign countries provide evidence of the emergence of Poland in the global economy.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Communist rule in Poland ended in 1989 and the following year proved disastrous for the Polish economy. Prices rapidly ballooned while incomes dropped. Attempting to find a solution, the Balcerowicz Plan was implemented by Polish officials. The plan liberalized the economy by abolishing price controls, exposing markets to international competition, and it discontinued most industrial subsidies. In the time of the years following these efforts, economic growth has increased steady.
After years of negotiations and economic and political reforms, Poland became a member of The European Union on May 1, 2004. Soon after, Polish officials voted in favor for laws that would eventually mend the unemployment problem in Poland significantly. In fact, the unemployment rate improved for the first time in five years immediately following Poland's membership. The involvement of Poland in the Eastern Bloc is currently greater than the Czech Republic. The passage of two policies regarding energy credits from foreign countries provide evidence of the emergence of Poland in the global economy.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Parallelism means that the structure is the same for a group of words. We have a list with two gerund phrases: 1) "abolishing price controls" and 2) "exposing markets to international competition." To have parallel structures, the third item in the list should be a gerund phrase as well. The correct answer choice will have gerund phrase is "discontinuing most industrial subsidies." Notice that the choice, "it was discontinuing most industrial subsidies," has a gerund phrase, but is nevertheless incorrect because it unnecessarily includes "it was." The correct way to express the sentence is "The plan liberalized the economy by abolishing price controls, exposing markets to international competition, and discontinuing most industrial subsidies."
Parallelism means that the structure is the same for a group of words. We have a list with two gerund phrases: 1) "abolishing price controls" and 2) "exposing markets to international competition." To have parallel structures, the third item in the list should be a gerund phrase as well. The correct answer choice will have gerund phrase is "discontinuing most industrial subsidies." Notice that the choice, "it was discontinuing most industrial subsidies," has a gerund phrase, but is nevertheless incorrect because it unnecessarily includes "it was." The correct way to express the sentence is "The plan liberalized the economy by abolishing price controls, exposing markets to international competition, and discontinuing most industrial subsidies."
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“Why Text Messaging is a Good Thing” by Chelci Spiegel (2013)
Many people today think that technology such as text messages and social networking sites are creating distant relationships among people. They say that the relationships are false because face-to-face time is diminishing however, I do not believe this to be the case. These are technologies and technologies are very important tools. That’s just it they’re tools. They can be good or bad depending on how they are used. I believe that text messaging is a benefit to society because it provides fast communication with multiple people unobtrusive conversation and responding time for the receiver.
Because text messaging exists we can tell many people something very important very quickly. It is like an SOS message to whomever needs to know. If I have car trouble I can send a text to my father, brother, and friends all at once. Instead of dialing each number separately and maybe or maybe not getting anyone they all get a message then, I receive help more quickly. A more concrete example is from what I was lost in the woods searching for my horse who was also lost late one evening. I sent out one text message to multiple people and by the time I had found my way back to the truck there were seven friends pulled up with trucks mountain bikes and flashlights to help search for the horses all night. That is not evidence of relationships distanced by text messaging but brought together.
Because text messaging does not require voice it is far less obtrusive in public places. When I was standing in line at the grocery store one of the ladies were using their phone while waiting for their turn. I heard her entire life story her boy troubles, her work troubles her friend troubles and her money troubles. It was very distracting. With texting people can vent all their frustrations to someone privately. If I am trying to set a date for a barbaque, I can text my neighbor to work out details rather than let the entire store know my weekend plans. Texting is a way to conduct private business in public places.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
“Why Text Messaging is a Good Thing” by Chelci Spiegel (2013)
Many people today think that technology such as text messages and social networking sites are creating distant relationships among people. They say that the relationships are false because face-to-face time is diminishing however, I do not believe this to be the case. These are technologies and technologies are very important tools. That’s just it they’re tools. They can be good or bad depending on how they are used. I believe that text messaging is a benefit to society because it provides fast communication with multiple people unobtrusive conversation and responding time for the receiver.
Because text messaging exists we can tell many people something very important very quickly. It is like an SOS message to whomever needs to know. If I have car trouble I can send a text to my father, brother, and friends all at once. Instead of dialing each number separately and maybe or maybe not getting anyone they all get a message then, I receive help more quickly. A more concrete example is from what I was lost in the woods searching for my horse who was also lost late one evening. I sent out one text message to multiple people and by the time I had found my way back to the truck there were seven friends pulled up with trucks mountain bikes and flashlights to help search for the horses all night. That is not evidence of relationships distanced by text messaging but brought together.
Because text messaging does not require voice it is far less obtrusive in public places. When I was standing in line at the grocery store one of the ladies were using their phone while waiting for their turn. I heard her entire life story her boy troubles, her work troubles her friend troubles and her money troubles. It was very distracting. With texting people can vent all their frustrations to someone privately. If I am trying to set a date for a barbaque, I can text my neighbor to work out details rather than let the entire store know my weekend plans. Texting is a way to conduct private business in public places.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
When making a list, the list must have parallel structure. "Fast communication with multiple people" has an adjective before the noun and the noun is followed by a prepositional phrase to clarify. The remaining items in the list do not: "unobtrusive conversation" and "responding time for the receiver." The correct answer choice puts all items in the list into the same format.
When making a list, the list must have parallel structure. "Fast communication with multiple people" has an adjective before the noun and the noun is followed by a prepositional phrase to clarify. The remaining items in the list do not: "unobtrusive conversation" and "responding time for the receiver." The correct answer choice puts all items in the list into the same format.
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When the patent on Alexander Graham Bell’s revolutionary invention, the telephone, expired in 1894 thousands of new firms entered the telecommunication industry. Among them were a collection of profitable companies that merged to form what would later become known as The Bell System. The Bell System had amassed such weight in the industry that in 1933, when Congress passed a law declaring phone service a public utility, the Bell System quickly transformed into a monopoly. Lawmakers enthusiastic supported a series of provisions intended to stimulate competition. Appointed as the nation’s sole provider of telecommunication services, widespread criticism about the Bell System began to surface.
The Federal Communications Act has so far been highly effective and the industry has grown tremendously as a result. In fact, for the past three years, the profitability of the largest three telecommunication companies has been greater than the largest three automotive companies. The number of calls provided by the top three companies range from five billion to six billion per day. Today, virtually everyone has made a phone call over the course of their lives. Most people do not know, however, that payment for swaths of electromagnetic wavelengths have become commonplace.
One explanation for such high call volume and large profits is that calls are becoming much less expensive for companies to provide, regardless for many large fixed expenses such as communication towers, base stations, and paying for utility poles. Over the last century, telephones had become an important part of modern society. In fact, the cost of delivering one telephone call today is about a thousandth of the cost in the 1950s. The increasing affordability and abundance of phone calls mark the progress made since the time of Alexander Graham Bell and the Bell System.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
When the patent on Alexander Graham Bell’s revolutionary invention, the telephone, expired in 1894 thousands of new firms entered the telecommunication industry. Among them were a collection of profitable companies that merged to form what would later become known as The Bell System. The Bell System had amassed such weight in the industry that in 1933, when Congress passed a law declaring phone service a public utility, the Bell System quickly transformed into a monopoly. Lawmakers enthusiastic supported a series of provisions intended to stimulate competition. Appointed as the nation’s sole provider of telecommunication services, widespread criticism about the Bell System began to surface.
The Federal Communications Act has so far been highly effective and the industry has grown tremendously as a result. In fact, for the past three years, the profitability of the largest three telecommunication companies has been greater than the largest three automotive companies. The number of calls provided by the top three companies range from five billion to six billion per day. Today, virtually everyone has made a phone call over the course of their lives. Most people do not know, however, that payment for swaths of electromagnetic wavelengths have become commonplace.
One explanation for such high call volume and large profits is that calls are becoming much less expensive for companies to provide, regardless for many large fixed expenses such as communication towers, base stations, and paying for utility poles. Over the last century, telephones had become an important part of modern society. In fact, the cost of delivering one telephone call today is about a thousandth of the cost in the 1950s. The increasing affordability and abundance of phone calls mark the progress made since the time of Alexander Graham Bell and the Bell System.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Parallelism means that a group of related elements have the same linguistic structure. In this case, we have a list beginning with two noun phrases: "communication towers, base stations . . . ," so to use proper parallelism, the next item on the list should be a noun phrase as well. The only answer choice that is a noun phrase is "utility poles." None of the other answer choices creates parallelism in the list.
Parallelism means that a group of related elements have the same linguistic structure. In this case, we have a list beginning with two noun phrases: "communication towers, base stations . . . ," so to use proper parallelism, the next item on the list should be a noun phrase as well. The only answer choice that is a noun phrase is "utility poles." None of the other answer choices creates parallelism in the list.
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Alfred Tarski, born on January 14, 1901, became known during his lifetime as a brilliant mathematician and teacher. He is best known for proving several advanced geometric theorems. By the time Tarski moved to the United States, much of Europe has already fallen into the grips of World War II. Hundreds of mathematical problems were solved by Tarski.
Tarski enrolled in Warsaw University in 1920. Originally wishing to study biology, mathematics was the subject in which Tarski ultimately excelled. He graduated with honors, and began his career as a math teacher. A true mathematical virtuoso, Tarski was concerned with neither the application of his research nor publishing his findings.
Discoveries made by Tarski influenced the work of one of the world’s greatest physicists, Albert Einstein. Einstein and Tarski had many similar interests in common. Unlike Albert Einstein, however, Tarski was especially fond for pure mathematics. Although Tarski and Einstein were contemporaries, Einstein was the most prolific writer of the two.
In 1929, Tarski married his co-worker, Maria Witkowska. An affinity for mathematics ran in the family. Tarski even admitted that his wife knew more about algebra, geometry and trigonometry than did he. Tarski's two children, Jan, and Ina, grew up to be prominent mathematicians themselves; however, neither Jan nor Ina have received a great deal of international attention.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Alfred Tarski, born on January 14, 1901, became known during his lifetime as a brilliant mathematician and teacher. He is best known for proving several advanced geometric theorems. By the time Tarski moved to the United States, much of Europe has already fallen into the grips of World War II. Hundreds of mathematical problems were solved by Tarski.
Tarski enrolled in Warsaw University in 1920. Originally wishing to study biology, mathematics was the subject in which Tarski ultimately excelled. He graduated with honors, and began his career as a math teacher. A true mathematical virtuoso, Tarski was concerned with neither the application of his research nor publishing his findings.
Discoveries made by Tarski influenced the work of one of the world’s greatest physicists, Albert Einstein. Einstein and Tarski had many similar interests in common. Unlike Albert Einstein, however, Tarski was especially fond for pure mathematics. Although Tarski and Einstein were contemporaries, Einstein was the most prolific writer of the two.
In 1929, Tarski married his co-worker, Maria Witkowska. An affinity for mathematics ran in the family. Tarski even admitted that his wife knew more about algebra, geometry and trigonometry than did he. Tarski's two children, Jan, and Ina, grew up to be prominent mathematicians themselves; however, neither Jan nor Ina have received a great deal of international attention.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
When we have a "neither . . . nor" list, it is important to make the items in the list parallel--that is, to make the items in the list share a linguistic structure.
In this case, the "neither . . . nor" list is "neither the application of his research nor publishing his findings." We see that the first item—"application of his research"—is a noun whereas the second item—publishing his findings"—is an -ING verb phrase (a "gerund" phrase). To make the "neither . . . nor" list parallel, we must change the bolded portion to a noun phrase to match the first item in the list.
The correct way to express the sentence is therefore "A true mathematical virtuoso, Tarski was concerned with neither the application of his research nor the publication of his findings." The correct answer is "the publication of his findings." None of the other answer choices leads to parallelism of the "neither . . . nor" list.
When we have a "neither . . . nor" list, it is important to make the items in the list parallel--that is, to make the items in the list share a linguistic structure.
In this case, the "neither . . . nor" list is "neither the application of his research nor publishing his findings." We see that the first item—"application of his research"—is a noun whereas the second item—publishing his findings"—is an -ING verb phrase (a "gerund" phrase). To make the "neither . . . nor" list parallel, we must change the bolded portion to a noun phrase to match the first item in the list.
The correct way to express the sentence is therefore "A true mathematical virtuoso, Tarski was concerned with neither the application of his research nor the publication of his findings." The correct answer is "the publication of his findings." None of the other answer choices leads to parallelism of the "neither . . . nor" list.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has become wide recognized as one of the most brilliant and influential musicians of all time. At only thirteen years old, he skillfully played several instruments and wrote in a variety of musical genres. Over the past century, his orchestral music, along with his many operas, have delighted audiences around the world. Mozart wrote his music for wealthy patrons and aristocrats, yet even the commoners of the time enjoyed his music. The music of Mozart is richer and more textured than his contemporary, Joseph Haydn.
The Austro-Turkish War, which began in 1787, prompted the redirection of much of Austria’s resources from arts and music to the military. As a result, Mozart faced financial difficulties. In 1788, he discontinued his public concerts and his income declined. In 1790, hoping to improve his financial situation and circumstances, Mozart toured Berlin and several other cities in Germany. The tours were unsuccessful, however, and did not improve his financial problems.
Scholars have proposed several hypotheses regarding the cause of Mozart’s death, such as influenza, smallpox and meningitis. Their is little physical evidence, however, to support these claims. Mozart's funeral belied the elaborate ornamentation of his music: the ceremony was basic and reserved. In the period following his death, Mozart’s popularity increased significantly. Concert halls throughout Europe featured his music, and composers sought to imitate his style. Modern audiences praise Mozart’s music for its liveliness, expressiveness, and the fact that it is sophisticated.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has become wide recognized as one of the most brilliant and influential musicians of all time. At only thirteen years old, he skillfully played several instruments and wrote in a variety of musical genres. Over the past century, his orchestral music, along with his many operas, have delighted audiences around the world. Mozart wrote his music for wealthy patrons and aristocrats, yet even the commoners of the time enjoyed his music. The music of Mozart is richer and more textured than his contemporary, Joseph Haydn.
The Austro-Turkish War, which began in 1787, prompted the redirection of much of Austria’s resources from arts and music to the military. As a result, Mozart faced financial difficulties. In 1788, he discontinued his public concerts and his income declined. In 1790, hoping to improve his financial situation and circumstances, Mozart toured Berlin and several other cities in Germany. The tours were unsuccessful, however, and did not improve his financial problems.
Scholars have proposed several hypotheses regarding the cause of Mozart’s death, such as influenza, smallpox and meningitis. Their is little physical evidence, however, to support these claims. Mozart's funeral belied the elaborate ornamentation of his music: the ceremony was basic and reserved. In the period following his death, Mozart’s popularity increased significantly. Concert halls throughout Europe featured his music, and composers sought to imitate his style. Modern audiences praise Mozart’s music for its liveliness, expressiveness, and the fact that it is sophisticated.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
We have a list that begins with two nous: 1) liveliness and 2) expressiveness. To create parallelism within the list, the third item should be a noun as well. The only answer choice that is a noun is "sophistication," so it is the correct answer.
We have a list that begins with two nous: 1) liveliness and 2) expressiveness. To create parallelism within the list, the third item should be a noun as well. The only answer choice that is a noun is "sophistication," so it is the correct answer.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Humanities: This passage is adapted from chapter three of Sir John Lubbock’s The Pleasures of Life. The chapter is entitled “A Song of Books” and was written in 1887.
Of all the privileges we enjoy in this nineteenth century there is none, perhaps, for which we ought to be more thankful than for the easier access to books.
The debt we owe to books was well expressed and articulated by Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham, author of Philobiblon, written as long ago as 1344, published in 1473, and the earliest English treatise on the delights of literature: "These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you interrogate them, they conceal nothing; if you mistake them, they never grumble; if you are ignorant, they cannot laugh at you. The library, therefore, of wisdom is more precious than all riches, and nothing that can be wished for is worthy to be compared with it. Whosoever therefore acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth, of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of the faith, must of necessity make himself a lover of books.”
This feeling that books are real friends is constantly present to all who love reading. “I have friends,” said Petrarch, “whose society is extremely agreeable to me; they are of all ages, and of every country. They have distinguished themselves both in the cabinet and in the field, and obtained high honors for their knowledge of the sciences. It is easy to gain access to them, for they are always at my service, and I admit them to my company, and dismiss them from it, whenever I please. They are never troublesome, but immediately answer every question I ask them. Some relate to me the events of past ages, while others reveal to me the secrets of Nature. Some teach me how to live, and others how to die. Some, by their vivacity, drive away my cares and exhilarate my spirits; while others give fortitude to my mind, and teach me the important lesson how to restrain my desires, and to depend wholly on myself. They open to me, in short, the various avenues of all the arts and sciences, and upon their information I may safely rely in all emergencies. In return for all their services, they only ask me to accommodate them with a convenient chamber in some corner of my humble habitation, where they may repose in peace; for these friends are more delighted by the tranquillity of retirement than with the tumults of society.”
“He that loveth a book,” says Isaac Barrow, “will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
"These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money.
The word "ferules" in the sentence below most nearly means .
Humanities: This passage is adapted from chapter three of Sir John Lubbock’s The Pleasures of Life. The chapter is entitled “A Song of Books” and was written in 1887.
Of all the privileges we enjoy in this nineteenth century there is none, perhaps, for which we ought to be more thankful than for the easier access to books.
The debt we owe to books was well expressed and articulated by Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham, author of Philobiblon, written as long ago as 1344, published in 1473, and the earliest English treatise on the delights of literature: "These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you interrogate them, they conceal nothing; if you mistake them, they never grumble; if you are ignorant, they cannot laugh at you. The library, therefore, of wisdom is more precious than all riches, and nothing that can be wished for is worthy to be compared with it. Whosoever therefore acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth, of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of the faith, must of necessity make himself a lover of books.”
This feeling that books are real friends is constantly present to all who love reading. “I have friends,” said Petrarch, “whose society is extremely agreeable to me; they are of all ages, and of every country. They have distinguished themselves both in the cabinet and in the field, and obtained high honors for their knowledge of the sciences. It is easy to gain access to them, for they are always at my service, and I admit them to my company, and dismiss them from it, whenever I please. They are never troublesome, but immediately answer every question I ask them. Some relate to me the events of past ages, while others reveal to me the secrets of Nature. Some teach me how to live, and others how to die. Some, by their vivacity, drive away my cares and exhilarate my spirits; while others give fortitude to my mind, and teach me the important lesson how to restrain my desires, and to depend wholly on myself. They open to me, in short, the various avenues of all the arts and sciences, and upon their information I may safely rely in all emergencies. In return for all their services, they only ask me to accommodate them with a convenient chamber in some corner of my humble habitation, where they may repose in peace; for these friends are more delighted by the tranquillity of retirement than with the tumults of society.”
“He that loveth a book,” says Isaac Barrow, “will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
"These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money.
The word "ferules" in the sentence below most nearly means .
While the forms of sticks and rods may be quite similar, the word "ferule" is used in this context to denote something used harshly.
While the forms of sticks and rods may be quite similar, the word "ferule" is used in this context to denote something used harshly.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Humanities: This passage is adapted from chapter three of Sir John Lubbock’s The Pleasures of Life. The chapter is entitled “A Song of Books” and was written in 1887.
Of all the privileges we enjoy in this nineteenth century there is none, perhaps, for which we ought to be more thankful than for the easier access to books.
The debt we owe to books was well expressed and articulated by Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham, author of Philobiblon, written as long ago as 1344, published in 1473, and the earliest English treatise on the delights of literature: "These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you interrogate them, they conceal nothing; if you mistake them, they never grumble; if you are ignorant, they cannot laugh at you. The library, therefore, of wisdom is more precious than all riches, and nothing that can be wished for is worthy to be compared with it. Whosoever therefore acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth, of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of the faith, must of necessity make himself a lover of books.”
This feeling that books are real friends is constantly present to all who love reading. “I have friends,” said Petrarch, “whose society is extremely agreeable to me; they are of all ages, and of every country. They have distinguished themselves both in the cabinet and in the field, and obtained high honors for their knowledge of the sciences. It is easy to gain access to them, for they are always at my service, and I admit them to my company, and dismiss them from it, whenever I please. They are never troublesome, but immediately answer every question I ask them. Some relate to me the events of past ages, while others reveal to me the secrets of Nature. Some teach me how to live, and others how to die. Some, by their vivacity, drive away my cares and exhilarate my spirits; while others give fortitude to my mind, and teach me the important lesson how to restrain my desires, and to depend wholly on myself. They open to me, in short, the various avenues of all the arts and sciences, and upon their information I may safely rely in all emergencies. In return for all their services, they only ask me to accommodate them with a convenient chamber in some corner of my humble habitation, where they may repose in peace; for these friends are more delighted by the tranquillity of retirement than with the tumults of society.”
“He that loveth a book,” says Isaac Barrow, “will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
Which of the following replacements of the underlined portion is NOT appropriate:
"By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
Humanities: This passage is adapted from chapter three of Sir John Lubbock’s The Pleasures of Life. The chapter is entitled “A Song of Books” and was written in 1887.
Of all the privileges we enjoy in this nineteenth century there is none, perhaps, for which we ought to be more thankful than for the easier access to books.
The debt we owe to books was well expressed and articulated by Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham, author of Philobiblon, written as long ago as 1344, published in 1473, and the earliest English treatise on the delights of literature: "These,” he says, “are the masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without hard words and anger, without clothes or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you interrogate them, they conceal nothing; if you mistake them, they never grumble; if you are ignorant, they cannot laugh at you. The library, therefore, of wisdom is more precious than all riches, and nothing that can be wished for is worthy to be compared with it. Whosoever therefore acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth, of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of the faith, must of necessity make himself a lover of books.”
This feeling that books are real friends is constantly present to all who love reading. “I have friends,” said Petrarch, “whose society is extremely agreeable to me; they are of all ages, and of every country. They have distinguished themselves both in the cabinet and in the field, and obtained high honors for their knowledge of the sciences. It is easy to gain access to them, for they are always at my service, and I admit them to my company, and dismiss them from it, whenever I please. They are never troublesome, but immediately answer every question I ask them. Some relate to me the events of past ages, while others reveal to me the secrets of Nature. Some teach me how to live, and others how to die. Some, by their vivacity, drive away my cares and exhilarate my spirits; while others give fortitude to my mind, and teach me the important lesson how to restrain my desires, and to depend wholly on myself. They open to me, in short, the various avenues of all the arts and sciences, and upon their information I may safely rely in all emergencies. In return for all their services, they only ask me to accommodate them with a convenient chamber in some corner of my humble habitation, where they may repose in peace; for these friends are more delighted by the tranquillity of retirement than with the tumults of society.”
“He that loveth a book,” says Isaac Barrow, “will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
Which of the following replacements of the underlined portion is NOT appropriate:
"By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, so in all fortunes.”
Each noun form must be consistent; the correct answer fails to make "read" into a gerund.
Each noun form must be consistent; the correct answer fails to make "read" into a gerund.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The Chunnel actually consists of three tunnels: a southern tunnel, a northern tunnel, and a service tunnel in the middle. The southern tunnel carries passengers from France to England, while the northern tunnel carries people from England to France. The service tunnel serves as an escape route in case of emergency and also allows workers to enter the tunnel to perform routine maintenance.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The Chunnel actually consists of three tunnels: a southern tunnel, a northern tunnel, and a service tunnel in the middle. The southern tunnel carries passengers from France to England, while the northern tunnel carries people from England to France. The service tunnel serves as an escape route in case of emergency and also allows workers to enter the tunnel to perform routine maintenance.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The correct choice incorporates parallel structure effectively. In this case, each tunnel is preceded by "a," and the first two both have an "-ern" ending ("southern" and "northern").
The correct choice incorporates parallel structure effectively. In this case, each tunnel is preceded by "a," and the first two both have an "-ern" ending ("southern" and "northern").
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When one compares the works of Edgar Degas to other Impressionist painters, one grasps the uniqueness of his brushstrokes.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When one compares the works of Edgar Degas to other Impressionist painters, one grasps the uniqueness of his brushstrokes.
One cannot compare “works” to “painters.” One must compare the works of Degas to those of other painters.
One cannot compare “works” to “painters.” One must compare the works of Degas to those of other painters.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Hunters need an innate sense both of where their target has been and where it has gone.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Hunters need an innate sense both of where their target has been and where it has gone.
The use of "both...and" in the sentence indicates that the two verb forms are actually contrasted in the sentence and should not be parallel. Therefore, the verb in the underlined portion should indicate either what is taking place now or will take place in the future. "And where it is going," is the correct answer choice.
The use of "both...and" in the sentence indicates that the two verb forms are actually contrasted in the sentence and should not be parallel. Therefore, the verb in the underlined portion should indicate either what is taking place now or will take place in the future. "And where it is going," is the correct answer choice.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The woman was an active girl who liked playing with toys and to run in parks.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The woman was an active girl who liked playing with toys and to run in parks.
The pairing of the two phrases indicate that they need to have a parrallel tense for each verb. Only two answer choices, "to play with toys and to run in parks," and "playing with toys, running in parks," are parrallel, and "playing with toys, running in parks," should be separated by a conjunction.
The pairing of the two phrases indicate that they need to have a parrallel tense for each verb. Only two answer choices, "to play with toys and to run in parks," and "playing with toys, running in parks," are parrallel, and "playing with toys, running in parks," should be separated by a conjunction.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
In the following question, please choose the best sentence improvement.
When choosing a sport, youths are encouraged to consider its difficulty, its required skills, its necessary equipment, and its overall cost.
In the following question, please choose the best sentence improvement.
When choosing a sport, youths are encouraged to consider its difficulty, its required skills, its necessary equipment, and its overall cost.
In this question, only the original sentence shows parallelism. Any choice other than "its overall cost" would not exhibit parallel structure with the sentence's other elements.
In this question, only the original sentence shows parallelism. Any choice other than "its overall cost" would not exhibit parallel structure with the sentence's other elements.
Compare your answer with the correct one above