Comprehensive Grammar CheckPoint

Read the following sentences, and focus on the grammar area specified in the left column. Then,
complete Appendix H by selecting the correct sentence (a or b) for each number and providing an
explanation of why you made that choice.

Subject-verb 1a. Did you know a famous animal-rights activist has criticized horseracing
agreement because of the dangers involved?

1b. Did you know a famous animal-rights activist have criticized horseracing
because of the dangers involved?
Subject-verb 2a. Peer editing academic papers require critical-thinking skills and diplomacy.
agreement
2b. Peer editing academic papers requires critical-thinking skills and diplomacy.
Subject-verb 3a. Vitamins that are sold in a health-food store are not regulated by the Food
agreement and Drug Administration.

3b. Vitamins that are sold in a health-food store is not regulated by the Food
and Drug Administration.
Using regular 4a. John has become a rather good actor.
and irregular
verbs 4b. John has became a rather good actor.
Using regular 5a. Some athletes have taken drug tests to prove they are not on steroids.
and irregular
verbs 5b. Some athletes have took drug tests to prove they are not on steroids.
Using regular 6a. I lay my book on the table, but now I cannot find it.
and irregular
verbs 6b. I laid my book on the table, but now I cannot find it.
Using the 7a. I was interested in working on the presidential campaign if the opportunity
correct form of still exists.
be and have in
the present 7b. I am interested in working on the presidential campaign if the opportunity
tense still exists.
Verb form and 8a. Since American Idol premiered on television, many talented contestants
verb tense have appeared on the show.

8b. Since American Idol premiered on television, many talented contestants

appeared on the show.

Verb form and 9a. The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as burial sites for their leaders.
verb tense
9b. The ancient Egyptians have built pyramids as burial sites for their leaders.
Identifying 10a. The antecedent in the following sentence is students: Students in online
antecedents classes have to be organized to keep up with their assignments.

10b. The antecedent in the following sentence is class: Students in online

classes have to be organized to keep up with their assignments.
Identifying 11a. The antecedent in the following sentence is Doctors: Doctors should
antecedents schedule more time for patients so they do not spend so much time in the
waiting room.

11b. The antecedent in the following sentence is patients: Doctors should

schedule more time for patients so they do not spend so much time in the
waiting room.
Pronoun- 12a. When a driver wants to buy a new vehicle, he or she usually test drives
antecedent them.
agreement
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 12b. When a driver wants to buy a new vehicle, he or she usually test drives it.
Pronoun- 13a. Most presenters spoke without looking at his or her notes.
antecedent
agreement 13b. Most presenters spoke without looking at their notes.
Pronoun- 14a. You may rent a movie or a video game for just one night if they are new.
antecedent
agreement 14b. You may rent a movie or a video game for just one night if it is new.
Pronoun- 15a. Neither the mayor nor the council members have filed their reports.
antecedent
agreement 15b. Neither the mayor nor the council members have filed his reports.
with indefinite
pronouns
Pronoun- 16a. Anyone who requests a copy of the game may have it for their video
antecedent library.
agreement
with indefinite 16b. Anyone who requests a copy of the game may have it for his or her video
pronouns library.
Pronoun- 17a. Each of the applicants must submit his or her completed form to the
antecedent interviewer.
agreement
with indefinite 17b. Each of the applicants must submit their completed forms to the
pronouns interviewer.
Pronoun case 18a. My brother knows more about technology than me.

18b. My brother knows more about technology than I.

Pronoun case 19a. Please send an invitation to Bob and she.

19b. Please send an invitation to Bob and her.

Pronoun case 20a. My best friend and I are going to Hawaii this summer.

20b. My best friend and me are going to Hawaii this summer.

Pronoun case 21a. Who was the star of last year’s award-winning movie?
for who and
whom 21b. Whom was the star of last year’s award-winning movie?

Pronoun case 22a. To who should we send the letter of commendation?

for who and
whom 22b. To whom should we send the letter of commendation?

Pronoun case 23a. Jon Bon Jovi, who is a well-known singer and actor, also owns an arena
for who and football team.
whom
23b. Jon Bon Jovi, whom is a well-known singer and actor, also owns an arena
football team.
Vague 24a. When the car hit a tree, it made a terrible noise.
pronouns
24b. The car made a terrible noise as it crashed into a tree.
Vague 25a. Air pollution normally increases along with population growth. This
pronouns increasing pollution is a big problem for many cities.

25b. Air pollution normally increases along with population growth. This is a big
problem for many cities.

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