Pronouns, Adjectives, and Adverbs, Oh My!
The group will elect (a)whoever (b) whomever you recommend.
(a) whomever
What sentence structure error (fragment, run-on, or comma splice) does this sentence commit?
Several employees have suggested we create teams to work on the assignment, many are opposed to the idea.
Comma splice
Our quarterly earnings are significantly greater (a) then (b) than they were in the last report.
(b) than
Our next meeting is on Monday, May 2, at 2 p.m.
DDANG: dates, degrees, addresses, numbers, geographical names.
Which is correct? Contracts (a) which (b) that are complicated may create legal problems.
(b) that
(In a defining clause, use that. In non-defining clauses, use which.)
In the 3x3 writing process, this is the area which you should be spending most of your time.
Revising
This cell phone and its calling plan (a) cost (b) costs much less than I expected.
(a) cost
(These are two compound nouns- you can have one without the other- so a singular verb is used. This is an exception to the plural verb using 'and' rule. )
What sentence structure error (fragment, run-on, or comma splice) does this sentence commit?
The bill for margaritas and burritos was only $15 but we didn’t have enough between us to cover it.
Run-on
The travel company will (a) Assure (b) Ensure (c) Insure that all passengers have a safe journey.
(b) Ensure
We understand, Mr. Lee, that you wish to open an account.
Interrupting or parenthetical comma
My course syllabi (a) are (b) is stored in my class folder.
(a) are
(Syllabi is the plural form of syllabus)
When the bad news is insignificant and does not personally affect the receiver, OR the reader will be neutral or happy to receive your message, you should use this type of writing strategy to organize your message.
Direct
If you reject her offer to help, Felicia will feel (a) bad (b) badly
(a) bad
(When you use the sense verbs (taste, look, smell, and feel) descriptively, you should follow them with an adjective)
What sentence structure error (fragment, run-on, or comma splice) does this sentence commit?
Even though the candidates all seemed to communicate well.
Fragment
The director can choose from (a) between (b) among seven qualified applicants.
(b) among
The floor was covered with dirt, lint, and cedar shavings.
Serial Comma
Pyxle has offices in Knoxville and Nashville. (a) It is (b) they are a full-service digital marketing agency.
(a) it
This is the ability to understand and enter into the feelings of another.
Empathy
Before the nurse gives an injection, (a) she (b) they must sterilize all the equipment.
(b) they
Does this sentence have correct structure:
Some employees responded by phone; others emailed their response.
Yes
The decision of the president will (a) affect (b) effect our next step in marketing strategy.
(a) affect
Although tired, employees worked until 3 a.m. to finish the overdue proposal.
Introductory Comma
Does this sentence have correct structure:
Most job seekers offer a printed cover letter; but some are using digital ones.
No
Bonus 300 points: What's wong?
There are five stages in the communication loop. According to Ms. Cadman, the final stage is the most often missed and most likely to make sure your message is received the way it was intended. What is that stage?
Feedback
Everyone except the broker and (a) I (b) me (c) myself claimed a share of the commission.
(b) me
(completely remove the other person to see what pronoun should be used)
Does this sentence have correct structure:
Because most dealings require a permanent record good communication skills are critical.
No
Bonus 100 points: What's missing?
Her (a) principle (b) principal concern was customer safety.
(b) principal
UPS and FedEx plan to switch to hybrid electric trucks, and the U.S. Postal Service may also do so if hybrid prices drop.
Coordinate Conjunction Comma
Is the following sentence punctuated correctly? The severance package includes two (a) weeks (b) week's (c) weeks' salary for each year worked.
(c) weeks'
(plural AND possessive)
Employers are looking to hire individuals with this category of skills that include teamwork, listening, emotional intelligence, critical thinking.
Soft Skills