Punctuation Police
The commas are placed correctly. TRUE or FALSE
Matt was born in Opelika, Florida, in June, 1964.
TRUE
Capitalize the sentence correctly.
My Father has a 1967 mustang convertible, which is in mint condition.
My father has a 1967 Mustang convertible, which is in mint condition.
Choose the correct verb:
Neither the cat nor the dogs ___ in the backyard.
A) is
B) are
✅ Answer: B) are
Explanation: When subjects are joined by "or", the verb agrees with the closest subject — "dogs" is plural, so use "are."
Choose the correct word:
I want to go to the party, ___ I have too much homework.
A) but
B) buy
C) by
Basic Homophones
✅ Answer: A) but
Explanation: "But" is the correct conjunction; "buy" is a verb and "by" is a preposition.
Noun : Person :: Adjective : ___
A) Describe
B) Action
C) Modify
D) Verb
✅ Answer: C) Modify
Explanation: A noun names a person, and an adjective modifies a noun. This analogy shows a word function relationship.
Place the commas correctly.
Because he saw a need Walter Hunt invented the safety pin.
Because he saw a need, Walter Hunt invented the safety pin.
Correct the misspelling.
Kate was astonishd that her soccor team one the tournamant.
astonished soccer won tournament.
Choose the correct verb:
The box of old coins ___ valuable.
A) are
B) is
✅ Answer: B) is
Explanation: The subject is “box” (singular); “of old coins” is a prepositional phrase and doesn’t affect the verb.
Fill in the blank:
___ going to present ___ project over ___.
A) They're, their, there
B) Their, they’re, there
C) There, there, their
✅ Answer: A) They're, their, there
Explanation:
They’re = they are
Their = possessive
There = location
Speak : Spoke :: Go : ___
A) Goes
B) Gone
C) Went
D) Going
✅ Answer: C) Went
Explanation: This is a past tense analogy. "Speak" becomes "spoke," so "go" becomes "went."
Place the commas correctly.
Our publisher's office has been located at 714 Madison Avenue New York New York for the last twenty years.
Our publisher's office has been located at 714 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, for the last twenty years.
Capitalize the sentence correctly.
Our Family spent last friday at a braves game.
Our family spent last Friday at a Braves game.
Choose the correct verb:
Peanut butter and jelly ___ my favorite sandwich combination.
A) is
B) are
✅ Answer: A) is
Explanation: "Peanut butter and jelly" is treated as a single idea (a unified meal), so it takes a singular verb.
Which sentence uses the word effect correctly?
A) The loud noise didn’t effect me at all.
B) The speech had a powerful effect on the audience.
C) She tried to effect her emotions.
✅ Answer: B) The speech had a powerful effect on the audience.
Explanation:
Effect (noun): a result
Affect (verb): to influence
Effect as a verb is rare and means "to bring about" (so C is tricky but incorrect in this context).
Whisper : Speak :: Jog : ___
A) Sprint
B) Run
C) Walk
D) Gallop
✅ Answer: A) Sprint
Explanation:
A whisper is a quieter or less intense form of speaking.
A jog is a slower or less intense form of a sprint.
This analogy compares actions by intensity.
Add the missing punctuation.
Under that bridge is a golden treasure said John
Under that bridge is a golden treasure," said John.
Fix the sentence correctly.
James asked "have you mailed that letter to rapid city, south dakota
James asked, "Have you mailed that letter to Rapid City, South Dakota?"
Choose the correct verb:
There ___ several reasons for her decision.
A) is
B) are
✅ Answer: B) are
Explanation: In sentences starting with “there,” the real subject follows the verb—“several reasons” is plural, so use “are.”
Choose the correct sentence:
A) Whom is coming to the meeting?
B) Who did you invite to the meeting?
C) To whom did you send the invitation?
✅ Answer: C) To whom did you send the invitation?
Explanation:
Use "whom" when it's the object of a verb or preposition.
In C, "whom" is the object of "to."
B is incorrect because “whom” should be used as the object of “invite.”
Annoyed : Enraged :: Interested : ___
A) Curious
B) Concerned
C) Fascinated
D) Obsessed
✅ Answer: D) Obsessed
Explanation:
Annoyed is a mild form of enraged.
Similarly, interested is a mild form of obsessed.
This tests emotional escalation in meaning.
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly and effectively?
A) The storm passed quickly; but the streets remained flooded.
B) She loves 19th-century literature; however prefers modernist poetry.
C) Time is a created thing; to say "I don't have time" is to say "I don't want to."
D) He tried his best; and still, he failed the final exam
C) Time is a created thing; to say "I don't have time" is to say "I don't want to."
Fix the sentence.
You need to do your homework every night expressed steve's mom.
"You need to do your homework every night," expressed Steve's mom.
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
Each of the committee members, along with the chairperson and advisors, ___ expected to submit their report by Friday.
A) are
B) is
✅ Answer: B) is
Explanation:
The true subject is "Each", which is singular.
The phrase "of the committee members, along with the chairperson and advisors" is a modifier, not the subject.
Even though it sounds plural, the subject "Each" dictates a singular verb → "is expected."
Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb "lay" or "lie"?
A) I laid down for a nap and slept for hours.
B) Every afternoon, the dog lies by the door waiting.
C) Yesterday, I lie on the couch all evening.
✅ Answer: B) Every afternoon, the dog lies by the door waiting.
Explanation:
Lie = to recline (no object); present: lie, past: lay
Lay = to put/place (needs object); present: lay, past: laid
A) should be “I lay down” (past of lie);
C) should be “I lay” not “lie” (past tense).
Legislation: Govern :: Curriculum: ___
A) Educate
B) Teacher
C) Subject
D) School
✅ Answer: A) Educate
Explanation:
Legislation exists to govern — it serves the purpose of establishing rules and structure in government.
Similarly, a curriculum exists to educate — it structures content and learning to fulfill the purpose of education.