Colloquialisms
Matters of Form
Commonly Misused Words
Commonly Misused Expressions
Student Presentations
100

Chill out and listen to why this change is important.

A calm and attentive audience would appreciate the compelling reasons behind the proposed change, understanding its significance.

100

Correct: of mice and men

Of Mice and Men

100

 Everything will be _____.

a) alright b) all right


all right

100

The committee will decide _____ to approve the project.

a) as to whether b) whether

whether


100

What type of voice is preferred for its directness and clarity in writing?

Active Voice

  • Sentence: The cat chased the mouse.

Passive Voice: The mouse was chased by the cat.

Using the active voice typically makes sentences more direct and clear, while the passive voice can be useful when the focus is on the action or the recipient of the action.

200

I'm gonna paint a picture of how awesome the dance was.


The elegant decorations and vibrant laughter filled the venue, creating an unforgettable night of celebration and joy.

200

When should dates and numbers be spelled out in writing?

In dialogue

200

 She _____ solve the most complex math problems.

a) can b) may

Can: Use "can" to denote ability, not permission.


200

Sentence: _____ of the students received a certificate.

a) Each and every one b) Each one

Each one

Each and every one: Redundant; use "each one" or "every one."


200

This ensures the reader can easily follow the events in a summary.


Maintaining a consistent tense

300

I wanna tell you about my favorite part of the trip.

The majestic mountains stood tall against the clear blue sky, with sunlight casting a golden glow on the serene landscape.

300

If a word must be divided at the end of a line, where should the division be made?

After the end of a syllable

300

There were _____ students in class today than yesterday.

a) less b) fewer

fewer

Less / Fewer: Use "less" with uncountable nouns; "fewer" with countable nouns.



300

The meeting is scheduled to discuss issues _____ budget cuts.

 a) in regards to b) in regard to

in regard to

In regard to: Use "regarding" or "in regard to"; not "in regards to."


300

This technique ensures clarity and readability by maintaining the connection between words.


Keeping related words together

400

The school play was kinda funny and kinda sad at the same time.

The audience's laughter echoed through the auditorium, only to be replaced by a poignant silence as the play took a somber turn.

400

What type of statement should be limited in your writing?

Exclamation

400

He takes an _____ route to work to avoid traffic.

 a) alternate b) alternative

alternative

Alternate / Alternative: Use "alternate" to mean every other one in a series; use "alternative" to mean one of two possibilities.

 


400

The project is among _____ significant achievements.

a) one of the most b) the most

the most

One of the most: Avoid this overused phrase.


400

This rule discourages the creation of cumbersome words to maintain a smooth writing flow.

 Do not construct awkward adverbs

500

My buddy and I think the school lunch menu needs more variety.

A vibrant array of fresh salads, savory entrees, and delectable desserts would transform the school lunch experience into a culinary delight.

500

Correct this reference to MLA style: Sarah Green, Environmental Studies, Publisher, 2017.

Green, Sarah. Environmental Studies. Publisher, 2017.

500

 The _____ were analyzed thoroughly.

a) data were b) data was

data were

Data: Treat "data" as a plural noun.

500

 _____ she is a talented artist cannot be denied.

 a) The fact that b) That

That

The fact that: Avoid using this phrase.



500

This rule emphasizes the importance of writing with authenticity rather than adopting an unnatural, casual style.

Do not affect a breezy manner

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