So Ewe Think Your A Grammar Whiz?

1. Which sentence is correctly punctuated?

VSO volunteer, James Osterberg gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.

VSO volunteer James Osterberg gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.

VSO volunteer, James Osterberg, gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in Sierra Leone.

There are two rules about comma use in play here:
1) When inserting clauses into a sentence, use two commas or none at all
2) Pairs of commas can only be used to mark out information that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence.

In this case the volunteer's name is essential to the meaning of the sentence - if you took it out, the sentence wouldn't make sense - so a pair of commas cannot be used.

Explanation

There are two rules about comma use in play here:
1) When inserting clauses into a sentence, use two commas or none at all
2) Pairs of commas can only be used to mark out information that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence.

In this case the volunteer's name is essential to the meaning of the sentence - if you took it out, the sentence wouldn't make sense - so a pair of commas cannot be used.

2. Which is correct?

The popularity of GX is a riposte to suggestions that young people are uninterested in development.

The popularity of GX is a riposte to suggestions that young people are disinterested in development.

'Disinterested' means neutral or impartial.
'Uninterested' means lacking in a sense of engagement, not particularly caring.

Explanation

'Disinterested' means neutral or impartial.
'Uninterested' means lacking in a sense of engagement, not particularly caring.

3. Which is correct?

The facilities co-ordinator Gerry McAleney was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.

The facilities co-ordinator, Gerry McAleney, was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.

The facilities co-ordinator, Gerry McAleney was arrested for running an illegal still in the basement.

This tests the same principles as Question #1.

In this case, the sentence would still make sense if Gerry's name was omitted, so it should be set off with commas around it.

Explanation

This tests the same principles as Question #1.

In this case, the sentence would still make sense if Gerry's name was omitted, so it should be set off with commas around it.

4. Which is correct?

The way the first option is structured means it's saying that 'we' (ie - the people writing) are the 'someone who's previously participated in an event for VSO'.

The second option avoids that problem and accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Explanation

The way the first option is structured means it's saying that 'we' (ie - the people writing) are the 'someone who's previously participated in an event for VSO'.

The second option avoids that problem and accurately reflects the intended meaning.

5. Which is correct?

VSO is always singular: ‘VSO is an international…’ not ‘VSO are aiming to…’

Explanation

VSO is always singular: ‘VSO is an international…’ not ‘VSO are aiming to…’

6. Which is correct?

The programme aims to affect lasting change.

The programme aims to effect lasting change.

'Affect' means to influence. 'Effect' (as a verb) means to bring about.

Explanation

'Affect' means to influence. 'Effect' (as a verb) means to bring about.

7. Which is correct?

Charities, which can't demonstrate measurable impact, will struggle to attract funding.

Charities that can't demonstrate measurable impact will struggle to attract funding.

The rule is: 'that' defines, 'which' informs.

In other words, 'that' introduces information vital to the meaning of the sentence, 'which' provides useful supplemetary information.

Confusing the two can create ambiguity: 'The programme that VSO proposed was positively reviewed' suggests there were multiple programmes, and the thing that made this one different was that VSO proposed it. In 'the programme, which VSO proposed, was positively reviewed' , there could be one programme, or there could be several.

Explanation

The rule is: 'that' defines, 'which' informs.

In other words, 'that' introduces information vital to the meaning of the sentence, 'which' provides useful supplemetary information.

Confusing the two can create ambiguity: 'The programme that VSO proposed was positively reviewed' suggests there were multiple programmes, and the thing that made this one different was that VSO proposed it. In 'the programme, which VSO proposed, was positively reviewed' , there could be one programme, or there could be several.

8. Which is correct?

He volunteered twice during the 90's

He volunteered twice during the '90s

The 's' on the end of a decade is neither a contraction nor a possessive, so it doesn't get an apostrophe. If you're omitting the first two digits, that is a contraction, so use an apostrophe to mark it.

Explanation

The 's' on the end of a decade is neither a contraction nor a possessive, so it doesn't get an apostrophe. If you're omitting the first two digits, that is a contraction, so use an apostrophe to mark it.

9. Which is correct?

You'll need at least two years experience.

You'll need at least two year's experience.

You'll need at least two years' experience.

The experience belongs to the years (plural), so they get an apostrophe.

Explanation

The experience belongs to the years (plural), so they get an apostrophe.

10. Which is correct?

The word 'dependent' is an adjective meaning 'contingent on', 'relying on', 'supported by' or 'addicted to'.
A 'dependant' = a person who is dependent on someone else.

Explanation

The word 'dependent' is an adjective meaning 'contingent on', 'relying on', 'supported by' or 'addicted to'.
A 'dependant' = a person who is dependent on someone else.

11. Which is correct?

Volunteers share they’re skills and experiences so their able to make the best impact where it counts most.

Volunteers share their skills and experiences so they’re able to make the best impact where it counts most.

'They're' = They are
'Their' = belonging to them

Explanation

'They're' = They are
'Their' = belonging to them

12. Which is correct?

'Affect' means to influence. 'Effect' (as a verb) means to bring about.

Explanation

'Affect' means to influence. 'Effect' (as a verb) means to bring about.