Sentence Structure Practice Exam Quiz!
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Before she lit the stove, she added some chopped onion and green pepper, a bay leaf, cilantro leaves, oregano, and salt pork to the beans.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
This Sentence Structure Practice Exam Quiz tests understanding of verbs and subjects in complex sentences, enhancing grammatical skills and precision in identifying key components of English sentences.
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- 2.
As soon as the sofrito was ready, Mr. Gomez added it to the bean mixture.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Explanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "As soon as the sofrito was ready." It functions as an adverbial clause, providing information about the timing or condition under which Mr. Gomez added the sofrito to the bean mixture.Rate this question:
- 3.
Whenever a recipe calls for sofrito, the cook finely chops some onion, green pepper, and garlic.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Explanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "Whenever a recipe calls for sofrito." It functions as an adverbial clause, providing information about when the action of the main clause (the cook finely chopping some onion, green pepper, and garlic) occurs.Rate this question:
- 4.
Confucianism, which is known to the Chinese as Ju Chaio, teaches that people should behave according to their proper roles-- father and sun, ruler and subject, master and servant. Classify this sentence as either simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
Explanation
The given sentence is classified as complex because it contains one independent clause ("Confucianism teaches that people should behave according to their proper roles") and one dependent clause ("which is known to the Chinese as Ju Chaio"). The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the independent clause for meaning.Rate this question:
- 5.
I want to come to your birthday party __________ I can't ______________ I have to work that night.
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And, so
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But, because
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Because, and
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But, and
Correct Answer
A. But, becauseExplanation
The correct answer is "but, because". This is because the sentence is expressing a contrast between wanting to come to the birthday party and not being able to due to work. "But" is used to introduce a contrasting idea, while "because" is used to provide the reason for not being able to attend.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The teacher phoned the boy's parents ______________ he didn't do his homework.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. BecauseExplanation
The correct answer is "because" because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the teacher phoning the boy's parents and the boy not doing his homework. The teacher contacted the parents as a result of the boy's failure to complete his homework.Rate this question:
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- 7.
I was bored ______ I called a friend to make plans.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. SoExplanation
The correct answer is "so" because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between being bored and calling a friend to make plans. The word "so" suggests that the speaker took the action of calling a friend as a result of feeling bored.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Because it's one of their specialties, Lola and her father prepared a special treat of Cuban-style black beans. Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
Because it's one of their specialtiesExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "Because it's one of their specialties". It provides a reason or explanation for why Lola and her father prepared a special treat of Cuban-style black beans.Rate this question:
- 9.
The air temperature rose to 100 degrees, and tempers rose as well. Classify this sentence as either simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
Correct Answer
compoundExplanation
This sentence is classified as compound because it consists of two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction "and". The first independent clause is "The air temperature rose to 100 degrees" and the second independent clause is "tempers rose as well".Rate this question:
- 10.
We ate a whole pizza _____________ we were very hungry.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. BecauseExplanation
The correct answer is "because" because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between eating a whole pizza and being very hungry. The word "because" is used to explain the reason or cause for an action or situation, which fits the context of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Dr. Spilhaus, who was an oceanographer, admitted he had sometimes been unable to distinguish between his wok and his play.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
who was an oceanographerExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "who was an oceanographer." It provides additional information about Dr. Spilhaus and functions as an adjective clause modifying the noun "Dr. Spilhaus."Rate this question:
- 12.
We particularly enjoy the exhibition of Turner's paintings that we saw in London.Classify this sentence as either simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
Correct Answer
complexExplanation
The given sentence is classified as complex because it consists of an independent clause ("We particularly enjoy the exhibition of Turner's paintings") and a dependent clause ("that we saw in London"). The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the independent clause for its meaning.Rate this question:
- 13.
My son was sick ___________I took him to the hospital.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. SoExplanation
The word "so" is the correct answer because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses. It suggests that the reason for taking the son to the hospital was because he was sick.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The four types of sentence structures are simple, compound, complex, and narrative.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The four types of sentence structures are simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. The term "narrative" does not refer to a type of sentence structure, but rather to a type of writing or storytelling. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
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- 15.
I have a friend named Yoko ________ she studies at Concordia.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. AndExplanation
The correct answer is "and" because it is used to connect two pieces of information that are related or have a similar purpose. In this case, the sentence is introducing a friend named Yoko and stating that she studies at Concordia. The word "and" is used to link these two pieces of information together.Rate this question:
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- 16.
After Lola had soaked a pound of black beans overnight, she drained them and covered them with fresh water to make the beans easier to digest.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
After Lola had soaked a pound of black beans overnightExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "After Lola had soaked a pound of black beans overnight". This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "After" and provides additional information about the time or sequence of events. It explains what Lola did before proceeding with the next action of draining and covering the beans with fresh water.Rate this question:
- 17.
My daughter took her car to the garage ____________ she had an accident.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. BecauseExplanation
The correct answer is "because" because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses. The daughter took her car to the garage as a result of having an accident.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Visitors come from far away and camp. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
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Compound
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Simple
Correct Answer
A. SimpleExplanation
The given sentence "Visitors come from far away and camp" is a simple sentence because it consists of a single independent clause. It expresses a complete thought with a subject "Visitors" and a verb "come" along with additional information "from far away and camp". There are no dependent clauses or conjunctions used to join multiple clauses, making it a simple sentence.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing.
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Simple
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Compound
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Complex
Correct Answer
A. SimpleExplanation
The given sentence "Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing" consists of only one independent clause, making it a simple sentence. A simple sentence contains a subject ("Mrs. Bergey") and a predicate ("enjoys teaching writing") and expresses a complete thought. There are no dependent clauses or coordinating conjunctions present in the sentence. Therefore, the correct answer is simple.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The root word struc- means
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To build
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To destroy
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To live
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To die
Correct Answer
A. To buildExplanation
The root word "struc-" is derived from the Latin word "structus" which means "to build". This can be seen in words like "structure" and "construct" which both involve the idea of building or creating something. Therefore, the correct answer is "to build".Rate this question:
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- 21.
The subordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, boys,or, yet, so.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The subordinating conjunctions are not "for, and, nor, boys, or, yet, so." The correct subordinating conjunctions are words such as "although, because, since, while, when, if, unless, etc."Rate this question:
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- 22.
What is the verb of the sentence: Mary spit an angry rap flow to her friend Helen.
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Flow
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Angry
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Letter
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Spit
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Friend
Correct Answer
A. SpitExplanation
The verb of the sentence is "spit" because it is the action that Mary is performing in the sentence. She is spitting a rap flow, which indicates that "spit" is the correct verb in this context.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A simple sentence has how many independent clauses.
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1
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2
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3
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4
Correct Answer
A. 1Explanation
A simple sentence has only one independent clause. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence and express a complete thought. Therefore, a simple sentence consists of just one independent clause, making the correct answer 1.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Literature is studied by many college students.😉Select the verb phrase.
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Studied
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Is
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Is studied
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Literature
Correct Answer
A. Is studiedExplanation
The correct answer is "is studied". This is because "is studied" is the verb phrase in the sentence. It consists of the helping verb "is" and the main verb "studied". The verb phrase indicates the action or state of the subject, which in this case is "literature".Rate this question:
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- 25.
My neighbor was married ________ now she is divorced.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. ButExplanation
The correct answer is "but". This is because the word "but" is used to contrast two ideas or statements. In this sentence, it implies that the neighbor was previously married, but now she is divorced, indicating a change in her marital status.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What is the verb of the sentence: Georgina wrote an angry letter to her friend Helen.
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Wrote
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Angry
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Letter
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To
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Friend
Correct Answer
A. WroteExplanation
The verb of the sentence is "wrote" because it is the action that Georgina performed.Rate this question:
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- 27.
A complex sentence has one dependent clause and one independent clause.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause cannot. Therefore, the given statement that a complex sentence has one dependent clause and one independent clause is true.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The penguin slid down the ice.
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Phrase
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None
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Independent clause
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Dependent clause
Correct Answer
A. Independent clauseExplanation
The given sentence "The penguin slid down the ice." is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("the penguin") and a verb ("slid") and provides a clear statement.Rate this question:
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- 29.
A complex sentence has how many subordinate clauses.
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1 or more
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2
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3
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4
Correct Answer
A. 1 or moreExplanation
A complex sentence can have one or more subordinate clauses. Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences and are connected to the main clause of the sentence. The presence of one or more subordinate clauses in a sentence adds complexity and provides additional information or context to the main clause. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 or more.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The dog was barking loudly at the mailman.😉Select the verb phrase.
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Dog
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Barking
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Was barking
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Was
Correct Answer
A. Was barkingExplanation
The verb phrase in this sentence is "was barking". It consists of the auxiliary verb "was" and the main verb "barking". The auxiliary verb "was" indicates the past tense and the continuous aspect of the action, while the main verb "barking" describes the action of the dog making loud sounds. Together, they form the verb phrase "was barking", which accurately describes the dog's behavior in the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
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With two tires spinning.
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Two tires were spinning.
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The car with two tires spinning is doing donuts in the parking lots.
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The car had two tires spinning.
Correct Answer
A. With two tires spinning.Explanation
A is incorrect because it is missing a subject. In other words, WHAT had two tires spinning?
C is incorrect because although it has a subject, it is missing a predicate. In other words, WHAT ABOUT the car with two tires spinning?Rate this question:
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- 32.
The Southwest is hot, dry, and mountainous. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
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Compound
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Simple
Correct Answer
A. SimpleExplanation
The sentence "The Southwest is hot, dry, and mountainous" is a simple sentence because it consists of a single independent clause. It expresses a complete thought and does not contain any additional clauses or conjunctions to connect multiple ideas.Rate this question:
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- 33.
The air is clear, and the colors are beautiful. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
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Compound
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Simple
Correct Answer
A. CompoundExplanation
This sentence is a compound sentence because it consists of two independent clauses joined together by the coordinating conjunction "and". The first independent clause is "The air is clear" and the second independent clause is "the colors are beautiful". Both clauses can stand alone as separate sentences, but they are connected to express a complete thought.Rate this question:
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- 34.
A hedgehog sat on the ledge.
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Independent and dependent clause
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Independent clause
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Phrase
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Dependent clause
Correct Answer
A. Independent clauseExplanation
The given sentence "A hedgehog sat on the ledge" is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject ("hedgehog") and a verb ("sat"), expressing a complete idea. Therefore, it is an independent clause.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
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Managing to balance on one foot, she removed the last sheet from the laundry line.
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Managing to balance on one foot.
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She managed to balance on one foot.
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Managing to balance on one foot is difficult for a toddler.
Correct Answer
A. Managing to balance on one foot.Explanation
B is a sentence fragment because it is missing a subject. In other words, WHO or WHAT is managing to balance on one foot? If could also be corrected by adding a predicate. In other words, WHAT ABOUT managing to balance on one foot?Rate this question:
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- 36.
Sometimes visitors fall in love with the Southwest and settle there. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
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Compound
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Simple
Correct Answer
A. SimpleExplanation
The given sentence is a simple sentence because it consists of only one independent clause. It presents a complete thought with a subject ("visitors") and a predicate ("fall in love with the Southwest and settle there"). There are no additional clauses or conjunctions that would make it a compound sentence.Rate this question:
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- 37.
A compound sentence has how many independent clauses.
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1
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2
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3
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4
Correct Answer
A. 2Explanation
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions or semicolons. Therefore, it has two independent clauses.Rate this question:
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- 38.
What is the subject of this sentence: While touring the country, Alex and his family spent much of their time taking photographs of unusual natural landmarks.
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Country
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Alex
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Family
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Natural landmarks
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Alex,family
Correct Answer
A. Alex,familyExplanation
The subject of the sentence is "Alex and his family." This is because they are the ones who are touring the country and spending much of their time taking photographs of unusual natural landmarks. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described in the sentence, and in this case, it is Alex and his family.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Powerful machines can dig giant holes for planting trees.😉Select the verb phrase.
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Dig
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Can
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Can dig
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Powerful
Correct Answer
A. Can digExplanation
The verb phrase in this sentence is "can dig." This phrase indicates the ability or capability to perform the action of digging. It implies that powerful machines have the capacity to dig giant holes for planting trees.Rate this question:
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- 40.
What is the subject of this sentence: Georgina wrote an angry letter to her friend Helen.
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Georgina
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Angry
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Letter
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Friend
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Helen
Correct Answer
A. GeorginaExplanation
The subject of this sentence is "Georgina" because she is the one performing the action of writing the angry letter to her friend Helen.Rate this question:
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- 41.
As soon as they start telling jokes, you can steal their thunder by giving away the punch lines.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause
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You can steal their thunder
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By giving away the punch lines
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They start telling jokes
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As soon as they start telling jokes
Correct Answer
A. As soon as they start telling jokesExplanation
"As soon as" is the subordinating conjunction and it begins the adverb clause.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Sometimes it rains hard, but often it is very dry. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
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Compound
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Simple
Correct Answer
A. CompoundExplanation
The given sentence contains two independent clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction "but." This makes it a compound sentence, as it combines two complete thoughts. The first part states that sometimes it rains hard, while the second part conveys that it is often very dry. The use of "but" indicates a contrast between the two ideas, further supporting the classification of the sentence as compound.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Raj enjoys reading ______ he likes to cook.
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And
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But
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So
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Because
Correct Answer
A. AndExplanation
The correct answer is "and" because it indicates that Raj enjoys reading and he also likes to cook. It suggests that both activities are enjoyable for him and are not mutually exclusive.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Which of the following sentences is CORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
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Ran all the way to the twenty yard line.
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Sullivan, leaping to catch the ball and running all the way to the twenty yard line.
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Sullivan ran all the way to the twenty yard line.
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Running all the way to the twenty yard line.
Correct Answer
A. Sullivan ran all the way to the twenty yard line.Explanation
A and D are incorrect because they lack subjects. In other words, WHO ran all the way to the twenty yard line?
B is incorrect because it lacks a predicate. The words after "Sullivan" are a descriptive phrase to describe the player, but they do not complete the thought in the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 45.
Which of the following sentences is CORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
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In order to restore voter confidence and convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.
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In order to convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.
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Politicians must restore voter confidence and convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.
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Politicians, their offices, and their publicity departments all together.
Correct Answer
A. Politicians must restore voter confidence and convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.Explanation
A and B are incorrect because they are missing a main clause, or idea.
D is incorrect because it lacks a predicate. In other words, WHAT do all these groups DO, or WHAT ABOUT these groups?Rate this question:
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- 46.
Later you can change the subject so that you can brag about yourself.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause.
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Later you can change the subject
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You can change the subject
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So that you can brag about yourself
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You can brag about yourself
Correct Answer
A. So that you can brag about yourselfExplanation
"So that" serves as the subordinating conjunction for the adverb clause. The word "Later" is an adverb but it does not join clauses together.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Ask someone who knows toys what their enchantment is worth.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
who knows toysExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "who knows toys". This clause functions as an adjective clause, providing additional information about the person being asked. It specifies that the person being asked should have knowledge or expertise about toys.Rate this question:
- 48.
A subordinate clause can sometimes be called a _______________.
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Compound sentence
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Sentence
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Fragment
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Dependent clause
Correct Answer
A. Dependent clauseExplanation
A subordinate clause is a type of clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on the main clause to make sense. It functions as a part of a sentence and is often introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as "although," "because," or "while." Therefore, it can be referred to as a dependent clause because it depends on the main clause for its meaning and grammatical structure.Rate this question:
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- 49.
When other people are speaking, interrupt them.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause.
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When other people are speaking
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People are speaking
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Interrupt them
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Other people are speaking
Correct Answer
A. When other people are speakingExplanation
"When" is the subordinating conjunction and it begins the adverb clause.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 23, 2014Quiz Created by
Sequau Malone
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