Grammar Quiz — Test Your Grammar Knowledge

Answer

Should be 'He and I went to the park' (subject pronouns)

Explanation

Use subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they) as sentence subjects. Object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) follow verbs/prepositions. Tip: remove other person and test: 'Me went' sounds wrong, 'I went' sounds right.

Answer

'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.' (Oxford comma)

Explanation

Use commas to separate items in a series. The Oxford comma (before 'and') prevents ambiguity. Without it, 'I thank my parents, Oprah and God' implies your parents ARE Oprah and God!

Answer

were (verb agrees with nearest subject)

Explanation

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearest subject (proximity agreement). 'Students' is plural, so use 'were.' If reversed ('neither the students nor the teacher'), use 'was.'

Answer

True

Explanation

Who = subject (Who called?). Whom = object (To whom did you speak? Whom did you see?). Tip: if you'd answer with 'he,' use 'who'; if 'him,' use 'whom.' 'Whom' is becoming archaic in casual speech.

Answer

Beautifully (modifies verb 'sings')

Explanation

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Many (not all) end in -ly. They answer how, when, where, or to what extent. 'Beautifully' tells HOW she sings.

Answer

Add an independent clause: 'Because I was tired, I went to bed.' OR 'I went to bed because I was tired.'

Explanation

Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if, when, while) create dependent clauses that need an independent clause to complete the sentence. Can't stand alone.

Answer

'The dog's bone' (possessive singular) and 'The dogs' bones' (possessive plural)

Explanation

Apostrophes show possession. Singular: add 's (dog's). Plural ending in s: add only ' (dogs'). Plural not ending in s: add 's (children's). Never use apostrophes for regular plurals.

Answer

'Each of the students has his or her own book.' OR 'All students have their own books.' (avoid singular they with 'each')

Explanation

'Each' is singular, so use 'has.' Traditionally 'his or her' for singular, but modern usage increasingly accepts singular 'they/their.' Rewrite to plural avoids issue.

Answer

Sounds like children were on plates. Fix: 'She served sandwiches on paper plates to the children.'

Explanation

Misplaced modifiers create confusion or unintended humor. Place modifiers next to what they modify. 'On paper plates' modifies 'sandwiches,' not 'children.'

Answer

True (with exception: 'well' can be adjective meaning healthy)

Explanation

True. Good modifies nouns (good book). Well modifies verbs (sings well). Exception: 'I feel well' (healthy). But: 'I feel good' (happy/satisfied). Common error: 'She did good' should be 'She did well.'

Answer

'Fewer people' (countable)

Explanation

Use 'fewer' with countable nouns (fewer people, fewer books). Use 'less' with uncountable nouns (less water, less time). Common error: 'less items' should be 'fewer items.'

Answer

Options: (1) 'I love grammar. It's fascinating.' (2) 'I love grammar; it's fascinating.' (3) 'I love grammar, and it's fascinating.'

Explanation

Run-on sentences improperly join independent clauses. Fix with: (1) period, (2) semicolon, (3) comma + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), or (4) subordination.