1.
When we were little, our nanny would tell Joanna and me ghost stories.
Correct Answer
A. Correct as is.
Explanation
The given sentence is already correct as it is. The pronouns "Joanna and me" are used correctly in the sentence. "Joanna and I" is the subject of the sentence, while "me and Joanna" or "I and Joanna" would be incorrect because they are not in the correct grammatical form for the subject of the sentence.
2.
That book is your's; this one is our's
Correct Answer
B. Yours; this one is ours.
Explanation
The correct answer is "yours; this one is ours." The possessive pronoun "yours" is used without an apostrophe, while the possessive pronoun "ours" is also used without an apostrophe. This is the correct way to indicate ownership in this sentence.
3.
There was a serious difference of opinion between her and I.
Correct Answer
C. Her and me.
Explanation
The correct answer is "her and me" because in this sentence, "her and me" are the objects of the preposition "between." When using pronouns as objects of a preposition, the objective case should be used. Therefore, "her" should be used instead of "she," and "me" should be used instead of "I."
4.
People which are always idle can never be happy.
Correct Answer
D. Who are
Explanation
The correct answer is "who are" because it is the appropriate pronoun to use when referring to people. "Whom are" is grammatically incorrect, "that are" is not the correct pronoun to use in this context, and "which are" is also not the appropriate pronoun to refer to people.
5.
I don't know what to counsil in this case.
Correct Answer
B. Counsel
Explanation
The correct answer is "counsel." In this sentence, the speaker is unsure about what advice or guidance to give in a particular case. "Counsel" refers to giving guidance or advice, especially in a professional capacity. The other options, such as "council" (a group of people who meet to discuss or make decisions) or "consul" (a government official stationed in a foreign country), do not fit the context of the sentence.
6.
We were not surprised at him loosing his way.
Correct Answer
B. His losing
Explanation
The correct answer is "his losing" because in this sentence, "losing" is a gerund acting as a noun. The possessive pronoun "his" is used to show ownership or association with the action of losing his way. Therefore, "his losing" is the correct form in this context.
7.
The principles who write the agreement will ellicit a lawsuit.
Correct Answer
D. Principals, elicit
Explanation
The correct answer is "principals, elicit." In this sentence, "principals" refers to the people who write the agreement, while "elicit" means to bring forth or provoke. Therefore, the sentence suggests that the actions of the principals will provoke or bring about a lawsuit.
8.
We are already for your advice anytime.
Correct Answer
C. All ready, anytime
Explanation
The correct answer is "all ready, anytime." This is because "all ready" means fully prepared or completely ready, while "anytime" means at any time or whenever. Therefore, the phrase "all ready, anytime" means fully prepared or completely ready at any time.
9.
Both mother in laws were here.
Correct Answer
D. Mothers-in-law
Explanation
The correct answer is "mothers-in-law". This is because the plural form of "mother-in-law" is "mothers-in-law". The hyphen is used to indicate that the term is a compound noun and that the plural applies to both "mothers" and "laws". Therefore, "mothers-in-law" is the correct way to refer to multiple mothers of one's spouse.
10.
The car went past me on the left and stopped further down the road.
Correct Answer
B. Past, farther
Explanation
The correct answer is "past, farther." In the given sentence, "past" is used correctly to indicate that the car went by the speaker on the left side. "Farther" is also used correctly to show that the car stopped at a greater distance down the road.
11.
The act, to which I referred previously was amended.
Correct Answer
B. To which I referred previously,
Explanation
The correct answer is "to which I referred previously." This is because the act is being referred to, and "to which" is the appropriate phrase to use when referring to an inanimate object. "To whom" would be used when referring to a person, but since the act is not a person, it is not the correct choice. Additionally, the comma after "referred" is necessary to separate the phrase from the rest of the sentence.
12.
Having rendered a verdict, the members of the jury were already to be poled.
Correct Answer
B. All ready, polled
Explanation
The correct answer is "all ready, polled." In the given sentence, "all ready" means fully prepared or completely ready, which makes sense in the context of the members of the jury being prepared for something after rendering a verdict. Additionally, "polled" refers to the act of taking a formal vote or survey, which fits logically in the sentence. Therefore, the correct answer is "all ready, polled."
13.
Having borne the burden, he could not bare to see it lifted.
Correct Answer
C. Borne, bear
Explanation
The correct answer is "borne, bear." In this sentence, "borne" is the past participle of the verb "bear," which means to carry or support. It is used to indicate that he has carried or endured the burden. "Bear," on the other hand, is the infinitive form of the verb and is used to express his inability to tolerate or witness the burden being lifted.
14.
If he would have drank more milk, his health would have been better.
Correct Answer
D. Had drunk
Explanation
The given correct answer is "had drunk." This is because the sentence is in the past conditional tense, indicating a hypothetical situation in the past. "Had drunk" is the correct past participle form of the verb "drink" in this context. It suggests that if he had consumed more milk in the past, his health would have improved.
15.
Present in the convention hall is two High School principals.
Correct Answer
B. Are two high school principals.
Explanation
The correct answer is "are two high school principals." This is because the subject "two High School principals" is plural, so the verb "are" should also be plural to agree with the subject.
16.
The funds were ours to disperse.
Correct Answer
B. Ours, disburse
Explanation
The correct answer is "ours, disburse" because "ours" is the correct possessive form of "our" and "disburse" is the correct verb form to use in this sentence. The sentence implies that the funds belonged to us and it was our responsibility to distribute or allocate them.
17.
The jury, having its compliment of twelve, was dually sworn.
Correct Answer
D. Complement, duly
Explanation
The correct answer is "complement, duly". In this sentence, "complement" is the correct word choice because it means "a full number or quantity." The phrase "having its complement of twelve" means that the jury has the full number of twelve members. "Duly" is the correct adverb choice because it means "in a proper or appropriate manner." It is used to describe how the jury was sworn in.
18.
If your company operates in the red, its ____________ condition must be poor.
Correct Answer
B. Fiscal
Explanation
If a company operates in the red, it means that it is experiencing financial losses or has negative profits. Therefore, its fiscal condition must be poor. The word "fiscal" refers to financial or economic matters, particularly related to government revenue and expenditure. In this context, it implies that the company's financial situation is not favorable or healthy.
19.
You are _________ to say something wrong.
Correct Answer
C. Likely
Explanation
The word "likely" is the correct answer because it means probable or inclined to happen. In the given sentence, it implies that there is a high chance or possibility of saying something wrong. "Liable" means legally responsible, "libel" refers to a false statement that damages someone's reputation, and "like" denotes similarity or resemblance. However, these words do not fit the context of the sentence as well as "likely" does.
20.
There are ___________ calories on this menu than on the other one.
Correct Answer
C. Fewer
Explanation
The word "fewer" is the correct answer because it is used to compare countable nouns. In this case, the sentence is comparing the number of calories on two menus. Since calories can be counted, "fewer" is the appropriate choice.
21.
Each of the suspects ____fingerprinted.
Correct Answer
A. Was
Explanation
The correct answer is "was" because the subject "each" is singular, and therefore requires a singular verb form. In this case, "was" is the correct form of the verb "to be" to agree with the singular subject "each".
22.
Jason gave a______ interesting speech and spoke for ________ a long time
Correct Answer
B. Quite, quite
Explanation
Jason gave a quite interesting speech and spoke for quite a long time. Both "quite" and "quite" are used to emphasize the level or extent of something. In this context, "quite" is used to emphasize that Jason's speech was very interesting, and "quite" is used again to emphasize that he spoke for a long duration.
23.
The egg _______ was broken.
Correct Answer
D. Yolk
Explanation
The word "yolk" is the correct answer because it is the correct spelling for the yellow part of an egg. The other options, "yoke," "yolke," and "yoek," are not correct spellings for this word.
24.
Before they could build the plant, they had to ________ everything on the property.
Correct Answer
B. Raze
Explanation
In order to build the plant, they needed to completely demolish or destroy everything on the property. The word "raze" means to completely level or destroy a building or structure, making it the correct answer in this context. "Raise" means to lift or elevate something, "raize" is not a valid word, and "razz" means to tease or mock someone, none of which make sense in the given sentence.
25.
The Court should _________ you for contempt.
Correct Answer
C. Cite
Explanation
The correct answer is "cite." In this context, "cite" means to officially accuse or charge someone with contempt of court. It is the appropriate verb to use when referring to the action that the court should take against someone for contempt. "Site" refers to a location or place, while "sight" refers to the ability to see or something that is visible.
26.
Did Steven say ___________ responsible for the debts?
Correct Answer
B. Who's
Explanation
The correct answer is "who's". This is a contraction of "who is" and is used to ask about the person responsible for the debts. "Whose" is a possessive pronoun used to show ownership, and "who'se" is not a valid word.
27.
He wants us do it, so __________ do it.
Correct Answer
B. Let's
Explanation
The correct answer is "let's". In this sentence, the speaker is expressing that someone wants them to do something. The contraction "let's" is short for "let us" and is used to suggest or propose that the speaker and the person they are speaking to do something together. So, in this context, "let's" is the appropriate choice to convey the idea of doing something together as suggested by the person mentioned.
28.
Did all of you give _______________________ a pat on the back?
Correct Answer
D. Yourselves
Explanation
The correct answer is "yourselves". In this question, the phrase "all of you" indicates that the subject is plural, so the reflexive pronoun "yourselves" is used to refer to multiple people. The other options ("yourself", "yourselfs", "yourselfs'") are either singular or incorrect forms of the pronoun.
29.
The __________________ were hired by the _________________ manager.
Correct Answer
C. Personnel
Explanation
The correct answer is "personnel." The word "personnel" refers to a group of employees or staff members. In this sentence, it indicates that a group of individuals was hired by the manager. The word "personel" is a misspelling, "personal" refers to something related to an individual, and "personnal" is an incorrect spelling.
30.
_________ of the clerks was instructed to do his own work.
Correct Answer
C. Each
Explanation
The word "each" indicates that every individual clerk was given the instruction to do their own work. It implies that the instruction was given individually to each clerk, rather than to a group or subset of the clerks.
31.
When the plan is presented, I shall favor ________ adoption
Correct Answer
B. Its
Explanation
The correct answer is "its". In the given sentence, the speaker is referring to a plan that will be presented. The word "its" is used to show possession or ownership, indicating that the speaker will favor the adoption of the plan.
32.
The clerk ____________ telephoned his superior in order to delay the meeting.
Correct Answer
D. Could have
Explanation
The correct answer is "could have." In this sentence, the clerk wanted to delay the meeting, so he could have telephoned his superior. This implies that he had the ability or option to do so. "Could of" and "should of" are incorrect because they are grammatically incorrect phrases. "Out to" does not make sense in the context of the sentence.
33.
They were the only people who received votes __________ me.
Correct Answer
B. Besides
Explanation
The correct answer is "besides". This word is used to indicate that the people mentioned in the sentence received votes in addition to the speaker. It suggests that the speaker did not receive any votes, while others did.
34.
Neither of the men ____________ satisfactory work.
Correct Answer
D. Has done
Explanation
The correct answer is "has done" because "Neither of the men" is a singular subject, so it requires a singular verb form. In this case, the correct verb form is "has done" which agrees with the singular subject. The other options ("done," "haven't done," and "have done") are either incorrect verb forms or do not agree with the singular subject.
35.
I didn't go ___________________ in particular.
Correct Answer
B. Anywhere
Explanation
The phrase "I didn't go anywhere in particular" suggests that the person did go somewhere, but it was not a specific or particular place. The word "anywhere" is the correct adverb to use in this context, indicating that the person went to an unspecified location. The other options ("nowhere," "anywheres," "anywere") are grammatically incorrect or do not convey the intended meaning.
36.
The _____________ important one of these five items warrants emphasis.
Correct Answer
A. Most
Explanation
The word "most" is the correct answer because it is the superlative form of the adjective "important." When comparing multiple items, the superlative form is used to indicate the highest degree of importance. In this context, it suggests that out of the five items mentioned, one stands out as being the most important.
37.
The question has not been debated by either the Democrats _________ the Republicans.
Correct Answer
D. Or
Explanation
The correct answer is "or". This is because "or" is used to present a choice or alternative between two options. In this case, the sentence suggests that the question has not been debated by either the Democrats or the Republicans, indicating that the two parties have not engaged in a discussion or argument about the question.
38.
It may be noted in passing that there are several ___________________ of secretaries other than legal and medical secretaries.
Correct Answer
B. Kinds
Explanation
The correct answer is "kinds". The sentence states that there are several types or categories of secretaries, including legal and medical secretaries. Therefore, the word "kinds" is the most appropriate choice as it refers to multiple categories or types.
39.
Not every individual offered ______________ opinion.
Correct Answer
D. His
Explanation
The correct answer is "his" because it is the possessive form of the pronoun "he". In this sentence, it indicates that the opinion being referred to belongs to a male individual.
40.
We often come across the person who speaks his mind and who _______________ the civil practice of the modern era.
Correct Answer
B. Denounces
Explanation
The correct answer is "denounces". The sentence is in present tense and refers to a person who consistently speaks their mind. Therefore, the verb "denounces" is the appropriate choice as it matches the subject and tense of the sentence.
41.
Comparison of morals in present and past societies ______________ not easy.
Correct Answer
A. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because the subject "comparison of morals in present and past societies" is singular, requiring the singular form of the verb "to be."
42.
The box of ___________________ was a gift from his sister.
Correct Answer
A. Stationery
Explanation
The correct answer is "stationery". In this sentence, "stationery" refers to writing materials such as paper, envelopes, and pens. Since the box was a gift from his sister, it is logical to assume that she gave him writing materials as a present. "Stationary" refers to something that is not moving, which does not make sense in the context of the sentence.
43.
The marching band will _____________________ the float from Illinois.
Correct Answer
B. Precede
Explanation
The correct answer is "precede." In the context of the sentence, "precede" means that the marching band will come before or go ahead of the float from Illinois. This suggests that the marching band will be leading or going in front of the float.
44.
If we can help in ____________, please tell us.
Correct Answer
A. Any way
Explanation
The correct answer is "any way" because it is used to indicate that assistance is available in any manner or method. It implies that the person is open to providing help in any possible way, regardless of the specific approach or means chosen.
45.
Springfield is the _____________________ of Illinois
Correct Answer
A. Capital
Explanation
Springfield is the capital of Illinois.
46.
The _____________________ of the ruling was to reduce the powers of the president.
Correct Answer
B. Effect
Explanation
The word "effect" is the correct answer because it is a noun that means the result or outcome of something. In this sentence, it is referring to the result or outcome of the ruling, which was to reduce the powers of the president. "Affect" is a verb that means to have an influence on something, so it would not make sense in this context.
47.
The ______________ paid his rent directly to the landlord.
Correct Answer
A. Lessee
Explanation
The lessee is the person who rents a property from the landlord. In this scenario, the lessee is the one who pays the rent directly to the landlord. The lessor, on the other hand, is the landlord who owns the property and receives the rent from the lessee. Therefore, the correct answer is lessee.
48.
A report submitted twice a year is a _________________ report.
Correct Answer
A. Biannual
Explanation
A report submitted twice a year is referred to as a biannual report. The prefix "bi-" means "two" and "annual" means "yearly." Therefore, "biannual" accurately describes a report that occurs twice within a year. "Biennial" on the other hand, means occurring every two years, which does not align with the given scenario.