Strunk And White The Elements Of Style Quiz
In both written and oral English grammar, we use different styles to spice up and make the language better. Strunk and White The Elements of Style test your knowledge on the best speech styles. All the best.
- 1.
Which is correct?
- A.
Rowing across the lake, the moon often disappeared behind the clouds.
- B.
When I rowed across the lake, the moon often disappeared behind the clouds.
Correct Answer
B. When I rowed across the lake, the moon often disappeared behind the clouds.Explanation
The correct answer is "When I rowed across the lake, the moon often disappeared behind the clouds." This is because the sentence is written in the past tense, indicating that the action of rowing across the lake has already occurred. Therefore, using the past tense verb "rowed" is more appropriate in this context.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which is correct?
- A.
The cook put the fries, still steaming from the deep fryer, into the basket.
- B.
Still steaming from the deep fryer, the cook put the fries into the basket.
Correct Answer
A. The cook put the fries, still steaming from the deep fryer, into the basket.Explanation
The correct answer is "The cook put the fries, still steaming from the deep fryer, into the basket." This sentence correctly places the phrase "still steaming from the deep fryer" immediately after the noun it modifies, which is "fries." This placement ensures clarity and avoids any confusion about what is still steaming.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which is correct?
- A.
While visiting the zoo, the chimpanzees entertained the children.
- B.
The chimpanzees entertained the children who visited the zoo.
Correct Answer
B. The chimpanzees entertained the children who visited the zoo.Explanation
The correct answer is "The chimpanzees entertained the children who visited the zoo." This is because the sentence implies that the children were the ones who visited the zoo, and the chimpanzees entertained them. The first sentence, "While visiting the zoo, the chimpanzees entertained the children," suggests that the chimpanzees themselves were visiting the zoo, which does not make logical sense. Therefore, the second sentence is the correct interpretation.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which is correct?
- A.
Pickled in spiced vinegar, the host brought out the peaches.
- B.
The host brought out the peaches, which were pickled in spiced vinegar.
Correct Answer
B. The host brought out the peaches, which were pickled in spiced vinegar.Explanation
The correct answer is "The host brought out the peaches, which were pickled in spiced vinegar." This answer is correct because it accurately reflects the order of events and the relationship between the peaches and the spiced vinegar. The phrase "which were pickled in spiced vinegar" provides additional information about the peaches and clarifies how they were prepared.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which is correct?
- A.
While I was reaching for a hammer, the ladder began to tip.
- B.
While reaching for a hammer, the ladder began to tip.
Correct Answer
A. While I was reaching for a hammer, the ladder began to tip.Explanation
The correct answer is "While I was reaching for a hammer, the ladder began to tip." This answer is correct because it uses the past continuous tense ("was reaching") to indicate an ongoing action in the past. The use of "was reaching" suggests that the action of reaching for a hammer was already in progress when the ladder began to tip.Rate this question:
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