Contested Usage

Read each sentence and determine which revision, if any, makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

1. Please plan to next week return. 2. Tiana always aims to completely, efficiently, and without error finish her homework. 3. You must force yourself to really think before making a final decision. 4. I advised them to at least explore some new options. A,A,C,C

Which sentences contain split infinitives? Check all that apply.

a. Ahmed decided to take a cooking class with his aunt. b. I try to completely ignore my little brother when he's pestering me. c. Daniella's parents asked her to quickly set the table. d. If you want to make the team, you should plan to practice every day. e. To try one's best is often more important than winning. B,C

Read the sentence. A decision was reached by scientists about when the experiment would begin. Which revision changes the sentence so that it uses the active voice?

a. Before the experiment by scientists, a decision was reached. b. Scientists reached a decision about when to begin the experiment. c. A decision was reached with scientists about beginning the experiment. d. The beginning of the experiment is a decision that was reached by scientists. B

Which statement best explains why a writer might revise the second sentence to use passive voice rather than active voice?

a. The writer wants to emphasize how the mural is different from other murals. b. The writer hopes to conceal the name of the artist who painted the mural. c. The writer does not know the name of the person who painted the mural. C

Sort the sentences based on whether they contain an infinitive.

Infinitive: - I hope to hike tomorrow. - To worry is natural. No Infinitive: - Kaya sent an e-mail to me. - I enjoy running and biking. - Jess will go to the park.

Which sentence contains an infinitive?

a. Will you take the package to Sheila? b. We walked to town with Grandma. c. Please forward that photo to me. d. It is normal to make mistakes. D

Select 3 options. Writers should avoid splitting an infinitive when

a. the sentence is already clear. b. it sounds awkward to split the infinitive. c. using one makes the sentence stronger. d. doing so is necessary to avoid confusion. e. too much information is inserted between the two parts of the infinitive. A,B,E

Read each sentence and determine which revision, if any, makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

1. I hope to tomorrow finish my science project.I hope to finish my science project tomorrow.I hope to tomorrow completely finish my science project.No revision is necessary. 2. The usher asked us to proceed carefully to the exit.The usher asked us to carefully proceed to the exit.Carefully the usher asked us to proceed to the exit. No revision is necessary. 3. She encouraged the dancers to energetically, gracefully, and confidently perform the routine. A,C,B

Sort the sentences based on whether they use active voice or passive voice.

Active: - We like to study biology. - I bought a new bike. Passive: - The poem was written by Jo. - Pandas are found in China.

Which sentence contains a split infinitive?

a. Young children seem to thoroughly enjoy playing with soap bubbles and shaving cream. b. It is important to give children opportunities to explore their world through sensory experiences. c. Clay and finger paints are often used to prepare children for writing and drawing. d. Going to preschool opens the door to learning and encourages kindergarten readiness. A

Original version: Have you heard about the movie Return of the Robots? A movie studio will release this exciting new film tomorrow. Revised version: Have you heard about the movie Return of the Robots? This exciting new film will be released tomorrow. Which best explains why a writer might revise the second sentence to use passive voice?

a. to make it clear that the movie studio is performing the action of the verb b. to intentionally conceal the name of the film c. to put more emphasis on the film itself, rather than on the movie studio d. to help the reader better understand how movie studios operate C

She did not have a container in which to put the leftovers. How could a writer best revise the above sentence to avoid overly formal language?

a. by choosing to end the sentence in a preposition b. by switching from active voice to passive voice c. by inserting an adverb between the two parts of the infinitive d. by switching from passive voice to active voice A

Have you heard about the movie Return of the Robots? A movie studio will release this exciting new film tomorrow. How should the writer revise the second sentence in the passage to use passive voice?

a. A movie studio made this exciting film and will release it tomorrow. c. This exciting new film will be released tomorrow. c. A movie studio releases this exciting new film tomorrow. d. This exciting new film releases tomorrow. B

Read the sentence. A tray of fresh watermelon slices was provided by the booster club. How should the writer revise the sentence to use active voice?

a. A tray was provided by the booster club of fresh watermelon slices. b. Slices of fresh watermelon were provided by the booster club. c. The booster club provided a tray of fresh watermelon slices. d. Fresh watermelon slices were provided fresh by the booster club. C

Which sentences contain split infinitives? Check all that apply.

a. I hope to quickly finish the worksheets so that I can study for the quiz. b. To get the most out of the class, you should plan to attend all the field trips. c. We would like to go to a movie over the weekend. d. Olivia and Jayson plan to compete in the chess tournament. e. The dancers must take time to completely warm up before the performance. A & E

Which sentences contain prepositions? Check all that apply.

a. Lena bought a new table to put the sculpture on. b. At what time is the performance scheduled to begin? c. The committee includes three students and two teachers. d. That is the house in which I grew up. Jonathan looked under his desk for the lost keys. A,B,D,E

Which sentence best emphasizes the idea that one should eat a good breakfast before school every single day?

a. Mom always says that it is best to eat a good breakfast before school. b. Mom says that it is best to always eat a good breakfast before school. c. Always Mom says that it is best to eat a good breakfast before school. B

Read the sentence. Head toward the large yellow sign to find the lemon grove. Which word is a preposition?

a. head b. toward c. yellow d. lemon NOT YELLOW

Which sentences are written in passive voice? Check all that apply.

a. My little sister found three seashells in the tidal pool. b. That book was written by one of my favorite authors. c. Sebastian and Akiko are traveling to Ohio this summer. d. The contestants will be judged on style and originality. e. In my house, fruit is often served after a meal. B,D,E

A large mural decorates one wall of the community center. Some artist painted the mural last year. The mural shows groups of children singing, playing soccer, and reading books. Which revision to the second sentence of the passage changes active voice to passive voice?

a. "Eduardo Vega painted the mural last year." b. "The mural was painted last year." c. "I think that some artist painted the mural last year." B

Cassidy does not know for which course she will register. How could a writer best revise the above sentence to avoid overly formal language?

a. Cassidy does not know which course she will register for. b. Cassidy does not know for which course she will choose to register. c. Cassidy does not know for what course she will register. A

Which sentence requires no revision?

a. New Jersey is the state where I grew up in. b. Christian knows where the party is at. c. Which bench will you be sitting on? d. Where are your parents driving to? C

Which sentence must be revised to eliminate the preposition at the end?

a. Please invite the guests in. b. Jenni did not know what the movie was about. c. I don't know where Carlos is staying at. d. Which town are you going to? C

Use the drop-down menus to identify the preposition in each sentence.

a. The life jackets are stored below the deck. b. I hope to visit my grandmother on Wednesday. c. If you walk across the bridge, you will see two windmills. B,C,B

Which sentence must be revised to eliminate the preposition at the end?

a. The museum had the throne where the king sat on. b. This is the beach umbrella we will be sitting under. c. I missed class, so I asked the teacher what we talked about. d. The concert starts at two, so I told him to meet me before. A

Read the sentence. When she arrived at the concert hall, the singer walked through a crowd of cheering fans. Which word is a preposition?

a. she b. at c. walked d. crowd B

Select 4 options. Which words are prepositions?

a. at b. no c. under d. near e. from f. see IDK