Sentence Structure Practice Exam Quiz!
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the verb of the sentence: While touring the country, Alex and his family spent much of their time taking photographs of unusual natural landmarks.
- A.
Touring
- B.
Spent
- C.
Taking
- D.
Unusual
Correct Answer
B. SpentExplanation
The verb of the sentence is "spent." This is because "spent" is the past tense form of the verb "spend," and it describes the action of Alex and his family using their time to take photographs of unusual natural landmarks while touring the country.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the subject of this sentence: Georgina wrote an angry letter to her friend Helen.
- A.
Georgina
- B.
Angry
- C.
Letter
- D.
Friend
- E.
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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- 3.
What is the verb of the sentence: Georgina wrote an angry letter to her friend Helen.
- A.
Wrote
- B.
Angry
- C.
Letter
- D.
To
- E.
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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- 4.
What is the subject of this sentence: In a the refrigerator, there were only moldy hotdogs left over from the BBQ on Memorial Day in May.
- A.
Refrigerator
- B.
There
- C.
Moldy
- D.
Hotdogs
- E.
BBQ
Correct Answer
D. HotdogsExplanation
The subject of this sentence is "hotdogs." The sentence is talking about what was left over in the refrigerator, and specifically mentions that only moldy hotdogs were left.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the verb of the sentence: In a the refrigerator, there were only moldy hotdogs left over from the BBQ on Memorial Day in May.
- A.
In
- B.
Were
- C.
Left
- D.
Left over
- E.
BBQ
Correct Answer
B. WereExplanation
The verb of the sentence is "were." This is because "were" is the past tense form of the verb "to be" and it agrees with the plural subject "hotdogs." The sentence is describing the state or condition of the hotdogs in the refrigerator.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Some of the toys he collected were simply to be admired; his favorites were those that could be put into action.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
that could be put into actionExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "that could be put into action." It functions as an adjective clause, modifying the noun "favorites." It provides additional information about the specific type of toys that the person collected.Rate this question:
- 7.
Dr. Spilhaus said that a toy is anything that gives us a chance to stop and refresh ourselves during our hectic life.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
that a toy is anything that gives us a chance to stop and refresh ourselves during our hectic life.Explanation
The subordinate clause in the given sentence is "that a toy is anything that gives us a chance to stop and refresh ourselves during our hectic life."Rate this question:
- 8.
I have read that many mechanical principals were first applied to playthings.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
that many mechanical principals were first applied to playthings.Explanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "that many mechanical principals were first applied to playthings." It functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about the subject "many mechanical principals."Rate this question:
- 9.
Only those who have lost touch with childhood question what a toy can be worth to a young boy or girl.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
who have lost touch with childhoodExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "who have lost touch with childhood". It functions as an adjective clause, providing additional information about the people who question the worth of a toy to a young boy or girl.Rate this question:
- 10.
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:
- 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.
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:
- 13.
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:
- 14.
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.
Correct Answer
Before she lit the stoveExplanation
The subordinate clause in this sentence is "Before she lit the stove". It functions as an adverbial clause, providing information about the timing or condition of the main action (adding ingredients to the beans). The clause introduces the time frame or condition that must be met before the main action can occur.Rate this question:
- 15.
Whenever a recipe calls for sofrito, the cook finely chops some onion, green pepper, and garlic.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
Whenever a recipe calls for sofritoExplanation
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:
- 16.
Then these vegetables are fried in a little oil until they are tender, and herbs and spices such as basil, cilantro, cumin, and black and white peppers are added. Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
such as basil, cilantro, cumin, and black and white peppers are added.Explanation
The subordinate clause in the given sentence is "such as basil, cilantro, cumin, and black and white peppers are added." This clause provides additional information about the herbs and spices that are added to the fried vegetables.Rate this question:
- 17.
As soon as the sofrito was ready, Mr. Gomez added it to the bean mixture.Identify the subordinate clause/clauses.
Correct Answer
As soon as the sofrito was readyExplanation
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:
- 18.
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:
- 19.
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.
Correct Answer
complexExplanation
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:
- 20.
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:
- 21.
My son was sick ___________I took him to the hospital.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
C. 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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- 22.
My daughter took her car to the garage ____________ she had an accident.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
D. 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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- 23.
My neighbor was married ________ now she is divorced.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
B. 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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- 24.
We ate a whole pizza _____________ we were very hungry.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
D. 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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- 25.
Raj enjoys reading ______ he likes to cook.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
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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- 26.
I want to come to your birthday party __________ I can't ______________ I have to work that night.
- A.
And, so
- B.
But, because
- C.
Because, and
- D.
But, and
Correct Answer
B. 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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- 27.
I was bored ______ I called a friend to make plans.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
C. 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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- 28.
The teacher phoned the boy's parents ______________ he didn't do his homework.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
Because
Correct Answer
D. 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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- 29.
The Southwest is hot, dry, and mountainous. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
- A.
Compound
- B.
Simple
Correct Answer
B. 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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- 30.
The air is clear, and the colors are beautiful. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
- A.
Compound
- B.
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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- 31.
Sometimes it rains hard, but often it is very dry. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
- A.
Compound
- B.
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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- 32.
Visitors come from far away and camp. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
- A.
Compound
- B.
Simple
Correct Answer
B. 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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- 33.
Sometimes visitors fall in love with the Southwest and settle there. This sentence is a ___________ sentence.
- A.
Compound
- B.
Simple
Correct Answer
B. 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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- 34.
The penguin slid down the ice.
- A.
Phrase
- B.
None
- C.
Independent clause
- D.
Dependent clause
Correct Answer
C. 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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- 35.
A hedgehog sat on the ledge.
- A.
Independent and dependent clause
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Phrase
- D.
Dependent clause
Correct Answer
B. 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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- 36.
Which of the following sentences is CORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
- A.
The turkey dinner was delicious.
- B.
While mom cooked the turkey dinner.
- C.
Potatoes and turnip accompanied the turkey dinner.
- D.
Everyone loved the turkey dinner.
Correct Answer(s)
A. The turkey dinner was delicious.
C. Potatoes and turnip accompanied the turkey dinner.
D. Everyone loved the turkey dinner.Explanation
B is a sentence fragment. It is missing a main clause, or idea. In other words, WHAT HAPPENED while mom cooked the turkey dinner?Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which of the following sentences is CORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
- A.
Not one of this year's applicants.
- B.
None of this year's applicants is qualified.
- C.
None of this year's applicants.
- D.
The boss liked none of this year's applicants.
Correct Answer(s)
B. None of this year's applicants is qualified.
D. The boss liked none of this year's applicants.Explanation
A and C are both sentence fragments because they are missing predicates. In other words, they don't answer the question "What about them?" or "What did they do?"Rate this question:
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- 38.
Which of the following sentences is CORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
- A.
Ran all the way to the twenty yard line.
- B.
Sullivan, leaping to catch the ball and running all the way to the twenty yard line.
- C.
Sullivan ran all the way to the twenty yard line.
- D.
Running all the way to the twenty yard line.
Correct Answer
C. 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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- 39.
Which of the following sentences is CORRECT? You may select more than one if necessary.
- A.
In order to restore voter confidence and convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.
- B.
In order to convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.
- C.
Politicians must restore voter confidence and convince more citizens to vote in the next federal election.
- D.
Politicians, their offices, and their publicity departments all together.
Correct Answer
C. 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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- 40.
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.
- A.
Country
- B.
Alex
- C.
Family
- D.
Natural landmarks
- E.
Alex,family
Correct Answer
E. 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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- 41.
What is the verb of the sentence: Mary spit an angry rap flow to her friend Helen.
- A.
Flow
- B.
Angry
- C.
Letter
- D.
Spit
- E.
Friend
Correct Answer
D. 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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- 42.
I have a friend named Yoko ________ she studies at Concordia.
- A.
And
- B.
But
- C.
So
- D.
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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- 43.
If you wish to be the death of a party, do these things.😠Choosevthe correct subordinating conjunction.
- A.
If you wish
- B.
If you wish to be the death of a party
- C.
Do these things
- D.
To be the death of a party
Correct Answer
B. If you wish to be the death of a partyExplanation
"If" is a subordinating conjunction that begins the adverb clause.Rate this question:
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- 44.
When other people are speaking, interrupt them.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause.
- A.
When other people are speaking
- B.
People are speaking
- C.
Interrupt them
- D.
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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- 45.
As soon as they start telling jokes, you can steal their thunder by giving away the punch lines.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause
- A.
You can steal their thunder
- B.
By giving away the punch lines
- C.
They start telling jokes
- D.
As soon as they start telling jokes
Correct Answer
D. 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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- 46.
You can then act as if the jokes weren't funny.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause.
- A.
You can then act
- B.
As if the jokes weren't funny
- C.
The jokes weren't funny
- D.
Then act as if the jokes weren't funny
Correct Answer
B. As if the jokes weren't funnyExplanation
"As if" is the subordinating conjunction and it begins the adverb clause.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Later you can change the subject so that you can brag about yourself.😠Choose the correct subordinating clause.
- A.
Later you can change the subject
- B.
You can change the subject
- C.
So that you can brag about yourself
- D.
You can brag about yourself
Correct Answer
C. 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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- 48.
Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880 and died in 1968.
- A.
Simple
- B.
Compound
- C.
Complex
Correct Answer
A. SimpleExplanation
The given information states the birth and death dates of Helen Keller, without any additional details or clauses. This suggests that the sentence is a simple sentence, as it consists of only one independent clause.Rate this question:
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- 49.
When Hellen Keller was seven, she began her education in reading and writing with Anne Sullivan of the Perkins Institute for the Blind.
- A.
Simple
- B.
Compound
- C.
Complex
Correct Answer
C. ComplexExplanation
The given sentence contains multiple clauses and demonstrates a combination of dependent and independent clauses. It provides information about Hellen Keller's education and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. This structure makes the sentence complex.Rate this question:
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- 50.
"Life is either a daring adventure, or it is nothing." -- Helen Keller
- A.
Simple
- B.
Compound
- C.
Complex
Correct Answer
B. CompoundExplanation
The given quote by Helen Keller contains two independent clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction "or." This structure makes it a compound sentence.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 23, 2014Quiz Created by
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