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NGSA English practice questions

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Question 1Grammar and Usage

In NGSA English usage, which sentence correctly uses a subject pronoun in a compound subject?

  1. He and the sergeant inspected the barrier. Correct answer.
  2. Him and the sergeant inspected the barrier.
  3. The sergeant and him inspected the barrier.
  4. The sergeant and he inspected it together barrier.

Explanation

A pronoun serving as part of a compound subject must be in the subjective case, so 'he' is required rather than 'him'. Testing the pronoun alone confirms this: 'He inspected the barrier' is grammatical, while 'Him inspected the barrier' is not.

Question 2Grammar and Usage

Which sentence maintains correct pronoun-antecedent agreement in formal written English?

  1. Each cadet must submit his or her report by Friday. Correct answer.
  2. Each cadet must submit they report by Friday.
  3. Every cadet must submit its report by Friday.
  4. Every cadet must submit their report by Friday.

Explanation

Indefinite singular antecedents such as 'each' and 'every' take singular pronouns in formal usage, so 'his or her' agrees. 'Their' is increasingly accepted informally but is avoided in formal examination registers.

Question 3Grammar and Usage

In the sentence 'The instructor, together with the two observers, ___ the results before the briefing,' which verb form correctly completes the sentence?

  1. are reviewing
  2. reviews Correct answer.
  3. have reviewed
  4. review

Explanation

The subject is 'The instructor,' which is singular; the phrase 'together with the two observers' is a parenthetical modifier and does not alter the number of the subject. The verb must therefore be the singular 'reviews.'

Question 4Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives correctly?

  1. This route is shortest than the other two.
  2. Of the three routes, this one is the most shortest.
  3. Of the three routes, this one is the shortest. Correct answer.
  4. This route is more shorter than the other two.

Explanation

When three or more items are compared, the superlative form 'shortest' is required. 'Shorter' is used only when exactly two items are compared, and double comparatives such as 'most shortest' are never correct.

Question 5Grammar and Usage

Which sentence places a modifier so that its meaning is unambiguous in NGSA academic prose?

  1. Covered in mud, the examination of the truck was conducted by the officer.
  2. The officer examined the truck that was covered in mud. Correct answer.
  3. Covered in mud, the officer examined the abandoned truck.
  4. The officer examined the truck covered in mud quickly.

Explanation

A participial phrase at the start of a sentence must modify the noun that immediately follows it. Option 1 avoids the dangling modifier by placing the modifying clause directly after 'truck,' making the intended meaning clear.

Question 6Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly according to NGSA punctuation conventions?

  1. The drill ended early; because the rain was heavy.
  2. The drill ended early; and the rain was heavy.
  3. The drill ended early; which surprised everyone.
  4. The drill ended early; the rain was heavy. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related and not already linked by a coordinating conjunction. 'The drill ended early' and 'the rain was heavy' are both independent clauses, so the semicolon is appropriate.

Question 7Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the colon correctly in formal written English?

  1. The kit contained; helmets, gloves, and boots.
  2. The kit contained the following items: helmets, gloves, and boots. Correct answer.
  3. The kit contained helmets: gloves, and boots.
  4. The kit contained: helmets, gloves, and boots.

Explanation

A colon must follow an independent clause that is complete in itself. 'The kit contained the following items' is a full clause, so the colon correctly introduces the list that follows.

Question 8Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly for possession and plurality?

  1. The three sergeants reports' were filed late.
  2. The three sergeant's reports were filed late.
  3. The three sergeant's' reports were filed late.
  4. The three sergeants' reports were filed late. Correct answer.

Explanation

A plural noun ending in -s forms the possessive by adding only an apostrophe after the s, giving 'sergeants'.' The plural itself needs no apostrophe, and the possessive marker belongs at the end of the noun.

Question 9Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the past perfect tense appropriately?

  1. By the time the convoy arrived, the engineers had repaired the bridge. Correct answer.
  2. By the time the convoy had arrived, the engineers repair the bridge.
  3. By the time the convoy arrived, the engineers repaired the bridge.
  4. By the time the convoy arrives, the engineers had repaired the bridge.

Explanation

The past perfect ('had repaired') expresses an action completed before another past action ('arrived'). The sequence of events requires the earlier action to appear in the past perfect.

Question 10Grammar and Usage

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the subjunctive mood in a formal directive?

  1. The commander insisted that the report is submitted by noon.
  2. The commander insisted that the report will be submitted by noon.
  3. The commander insisted that the report be submitted by noon. Correct answer.
  4. The commander insisted that the report was submitted by noon.

Explanation

Verbs of demand or insistence (such as 'insisted that') trigger the subjunctive mood in formal English, which uses the base form 'be' regardless of subject. This conveys a required action rather than a factual statement.

Question 11Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses correlative conjunctions with correct parallel structure?

  1. The trainee was not only punctual but diligent also.
  2. The trainee was not only punctual and also diligent.
  3. The trainee not only was punctual but also diligent.
  4. The trainee was not only punctual but also diligent. Correct answer.

Explanation

Correlative conjunctions ('not only... but also') must join parallel grammatical elements. Here each conjunction precedes an adjective ('punctual' and 'diligent'), producing balanced structure.

Question 12Grammar and Usage

Which sentence avoids a misplaced or dangling modifier while keeping the intended meaning?

  1. Walking through the warehouse, the crates were counted by the auditor.
  2. Walking through the warehouse, the auditor counted the crates. Correct answer.
  3. Walking through the warehouse, the crates were what the auditor counted.
  4. Walking through the warehouse, counting the crates was done by the auditor.

Explanation

The introductory participial phrase 'Walking through the warehouse' must modify the person performing the action. Only option 2 places 'the auditor' as the immediate subject, so the modifier attaches correctly.

Question 13Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly uses 'who' or 'whom' according to case?

  1. The officer whom the witness identified was released. Correct answer.
  2. The officer whom identified the witness was released.
  3. The officer who the witness identified was released.
  4. The officer which the witness identified was released.

Explanation

'Whom' is the object pronoun, and here it functions as the object of 'identified,' so 'whom' is required. 'Who' would serve as a subject, which does not fit this clause.

Question 14Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the active voice consistently, as preferred in NGSA report writing?

  1. The fence had been repaired by the crew before dawn.
  2. The crew repaired the fence before dawn. Correct answer.
  3. The fence was repaired by the crew before dawn.
  4. The fence was being repaired by the crew before dawn.

Explanation

Active voice places the actor as the subject and the action in a direct verb, producing clearer prose. Option 2 makes 'the crew' the subject performing 'repaired,' which is the recommended pattern for report writing.

Question 15Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a gerund rather than a present participle?

  1. The cadets were swimming in cold water.
  2. The cadets, swimming hard, reached the bank.
  3. Swimming, the cadets reached the far bank.
  4. Swimming in cold water requires careful preparation. Correct answer.

Explanation

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In option 1, 'Swimming' serves as the subject of 'requires,' which identifies it as a gerund.

Question 16Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses an adverb form correctly to modify an adjective?

  1. The recruits performed real well during the exercise.
  2. The recruits performed really well during the exercise. Correct answer.
  3. The recruits performed real good during the exercise.
  4. The recruits performed good during the exercise.

Explanation

Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs and other modifiers. 'Really' is an adverb modifying 'well,' and 'well' is the adverb modifying 'performed,' so the sentence is fully correct.

Question 17Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses 'fewer' and 'less' correctly?

  1. There were fewer water available this year.
  2. There were less applicants this year than last.
  3. There were less applications and fewer water this year.
  4. There were fewer applicants this year than last. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Fewer' modifies countable plural nouns such as 'applicants,' while 'less' modifies uncountable nouns such as 'water.' Option 2 uses 'fewer' with a countable noun, which is correct.

Question 18Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct preposition with its verb in formal usage?

  1. The committee complied to the new regulations.
  2. The committee complied with the new regulations. Correct answer.
  3. The committee complied for the new regulations.
  4. The committee complied on the new regulations.

Explanation

The verb 'comply' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'with' in standard English. Other prepositions do not collocate correctly with 'comply' in this sense.

Question 19Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly uses a conditional structure to express a hypothetical past situation?

  1. If the alarm has sounded, the unit would evacuated.
  2. If the alarm sounded, the unit would have evacuated.
  3. If the alarm had sounded, the unit would have evacuated. Correct answer.
  4. If the alarm had sounded, the unit would evacuate.

Explanation

The third conditional pairs 'had + past participle' in the if-clause with 'would have + past participle' in the main clause. This structure expresses an unreal past condition and its hypothetical result.

Question 20Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly uses the relative pronoun 'that' in a restrictive clause?

  1. The report that the sergeant filed was accurate, that is certain.
  2. The report that the sergeant filed it was accurate.
  3. The report that the sergeant filed was accurate. Correct answer.
  4. The report, that the sergeant filed, was accurate.

Explanation

A restrictive relative clause, which is essential to identifying the noun, uses 'that' without commas. Option 1 integrates the clause tightly with no punctuation and no redundant pronoun.

Question 21Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a dash or hyphen correctly in formal prose?

  1. The well known-officer arrived early.
  2. The well known officer arrived early.
  3. The well–known officer arrived early, using a dash.
  4. The well-known officer arrived early. Correct answer.

Explanation

A compound adjective placed before a noun is hyphenated, so 'well-known' is the correct form. Hyphens link the parts of a compound modifier, whereas dashes mark parenthetical breaks.

Question 22Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses 'its' and 'it's' correctly?

  1. The unit revised it's procedures before the inspection.
  2. The unit revised its procedures before it's inspection.
  3. The unit revised its procedures before the inspection. Correct answer.
  4. The unit revised its' procedures before the inspection.

Explanation

'Its' is the possessive determiner, while 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is.' The procedures belong to the unit, so the possessive 'its' is required.

Question 23Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct form to express a wish about the present with the subjunctive?

  1. I wish the weather were warmer today. Correct answer.
  2. I wish the weather is warmer today.
  3. I wish the weather was warmer today.
  4. I wish the weather will be warmer today.

Explanation

After 'wish' expressing an unreal present situation, the subjunctive 'were' is used for all persons. This marks the statement as contrary to fact rather than a report of actual conditions.

Question 24Grammar and Usage

Which sentence maintains parallelism in a series?

  1. The duties were to inspect the perimeter, to check the logs, and counted patrols.
  2. The duties were inspecting the perimeter, checking the logs, and counting the patrols. Correct answer.
  3. The duties were inspection of the perimeter, checking the logs, and to count patrols.
  4. The duties were to inspect the perimeter, checking the logs, and the patrols were counted.

Explanation

Items in a series must share the same grammatical form. Option 2 presents three parallel gerund phrases ('inspecting,' 'checking,' 'counting'), creating balanced structure.

Question 25Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly uses a comma to set off a nonrestrictive appositive?

  1. The captain, a decorated veteran, led the briefing. Correct answer.
  2. The captain, a decorated veteran led the briefing.
  3. The captain a decorated veteran led the briefing.
  4. The captain a decorated veteran, led the briefing.

Explanation

A nonrestrictive appositive supplies extra information about the noun and is enclosed by commas on both sides. 'A decorated veteran' merely adds detail, so it must be bracketed by commas.

Question 26Grammar and Usage

In NGSA formal writing, which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses in a way that requires a comma before the conjunction?

  1. The survey team collected the samples and analyzed them within a week at the laboratory.
  2. The survey team collected the samples, and the laboratory analyzed them within a week. Correct answer.
  3. The survey team collected the samples, the laboratory analyzed them within a week.
  4. The survey team collected the samples and, the laboratory analyzed them within a week.

Explanation

When a coordinating conjunction such as 'and' joins two independent clauses, a comma precedes the conjunction. Here both 'the survey team collected the samples' and 'the laboratory analyzed them' can stand alone, so the comma is required. Option 2 has a single subject doing two verbs, so no comma is needed.

Question 27Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the comparative or superlative degree of an adjective in the form required by NGSA standard usage?

  1. Of the three proposals, the second was more efficient than the others were the most.
  2. Of the three proposals, the second was the most efficient. Correct answer.
  3. Of the three proposals, the second was the most efficientest.
  4. Of the three proposals, the second was the efficienter one.

Explanation

When three or more items are compared, the superlative degree ('most efficient') is used. The definite article 'the' also correctly precedes a superlative. Comparative forms belong to comparisons of exactly two items.

Question 28Grammar and Usage

Which sentence handles subject-verb agreement correctly when the subject is an indefinite pronoun?

  1. Each of the field stations are submitting their data on the same schedule.
  2. Each of the field stations submit its data on the same schedule.
  3. Each of the field stations submits its data on the same schedule. Correct answer.
  4. Each of the field stations submit their data on the same schedule.

Explanation

'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it takes a singular verb ('submits') and a singular possessive ('its'), regardless of the plural noun in the prepositional phrase. The intervening phrase 'of the field stations' does not change the number of the subject.

Question 29Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a reflexive pronoun in a way that NGSA usage accepts?

  1. Myself and the director reviewed the draft before submission.
  2. The director asked myself to review the draft before submission.
  3. The director and I reviewed the draft before submission ourselves. Correct answer.
  4. The director and myself reviewed the draft before submission.

Explanation

Reflexive pronouns are used only when the subject and object refer to the same entity, or for emphasis after a noun phrase. In option 2, 'ourselves' correctly emphasizes the compound subject 'the director and I'. A reflexive form cannot serve as a subject or as the object of a verb when a plain pronoun is required.

Question 30Grammar and Usage

Which sentence places an adverb of frequency in the position that NGSA style treats as standard?

  1. Always the committee reviews the minutes before the next session.
  2. The committee reviews always the minutes before the next session.
  3. The committee reviews the minutes always before the next session.
  4. The committee always reviews the minutes before the next session. Correct answer.

Explanation

Adverbs of frequency such as 'always' normally sit between the subject and the main verb, or after the first auxiliary. In option 1 the adverb precedes the simple verb 'reviews', which is the standard mid-position. The other placements either split the verb and object awkwardly or front the adverb without a comma.

Question 31Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a modal verb to express obligation with the correct tense reference for a past requirement?

  1. Candidates must submit the form by Friday, and last year they must do the same.
  2. Candidates must submit the form by Friday, and last year they musted do the same.
  3. Candidates must submit the form by Friday, and last year they had to do the same. Correct answer.
  4. Candidates must submit the form by Friday, and last year they must have to do the same.

Explanation

'Must' has no past tense form, so past obligation is expressed with 'had to'. The present obligation remains 'must', and the past clause correctly uses 'had to do the same'. This is the standard way NGSA usage handles the missing past form of 'must'.

Question 32Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a possessive determiner that agrees with its antecedent in a formal NGSA sentence?

  1. Every applicant must attach a copy of his or her certificate to the form. Correct answer.
  2. Every applicant must attach a copy of they certificate to the form.
  3. Every applicant must attach a copy of their certificate to the form.
  4. Every applicant must attach a copy of its certificate to the form.

Explanation

In formal NGSA writing, a singular antecedent such as 'every applicant' takes a singular possessive. 'His or her' satisfies that agreement without ambiguity. 'Its' refers to things, not people, and 'they' is a subject form, not a possessive.

Question 33Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct article to refer to a unique, previously identified item in formal prose?

  1. The report cited a study by Okafor, and the study was later replicated. Correct answer.
  2. The report cited a study by Okafor, and study was later replicated.
  3. The report cited a study by Okafor, and a study was later replicated.
  4. The report cited a study by Okafor, and an study was later replicated.

Explanation

The definite article 'the' marks a noun that the reader can identify from prior mention. Because the study has already been introduced in the first clause, the second reference correctly uses 'the study'. The indefinite article would wrongly suggest a different, previously unmentioned study.

Question 34Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a prepositional phrase that correctly modifies the noun it follows rather than the verb?

  1. The schedule for the regional hearings was posted on Monday. Correct answer.
  2. For the regional hearings the schedule was posted on Monday.
  3. The schedule was posted for the regional hearings on Monday by the clerk with revisions.
  4. The schedule was posted on Monday for the regional hearings.

Explanation

A prepositional phrase placed immediately after a noun normally modifies that noun. In option 1, 'for the regional hearings' directly follows 'the schedule' and identifies which schedule is meant. Moving the phrase to the end of the clause makes it ambiguous whether it modifies the verb or the noun.

Question 35Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct verb form after a verb of suggestion that triggers the subjunctive in a 'that' clause?

  1. The inspector recommended that the site was sealed until further notice.
  2. The inspector recommended that the site is sealed until further notice.
  3. The inspector recommended that the site will be sealed until further notice.
  4. The inspector recommended that the site be sealed until further notice. Correct answer.

Explanation

Verbs of suggestion such as 'recommend' take a 'that' clause in the mandative subjunctive, whose form is the base verb 'be' for all persons. The indicative forms 'is', 'was', and 'will be' report a fact rather than express a recommendation. NGSA formal usage prefers the subjunctive here.

Question 36Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly uses a participial phrase so that its implied subject matches the subject of the main clause?

  1. Having completed the audit, the filing of the final report was done.
  2. Having completed the audit, the final report was filed by the officer.
  3. Having completed the audit, it was time to file the final report.
  4. Having completed the audit, the officer filed the final report. Correct answer.

Explanation

A participial phrase at the start of a sentence must describe the subject of the main clause. In option 1 the officer is the one who completed the audit and filed the report, so the modifier attaches correctly. The other options make a report, a filing, or 'it' the performer of the action, which is illogical.

Question 37Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses an infinitive phrase correctly as the object of a verb rather than as a split construction?

  1. The board decided to postpone the vote until the quorum was confirmed. Correct answer.
  2. The board decided to quickly postpone the vote until the quorum was confirmed.
  3. The board decided to the vote postpone until the quorum was confirmed.
  4. The board decided postponing the vote until the quorum was confirmed.

Explanation

'Decide' takes an infinitive phrase as its object, and the infinitive 'to postpone' should not be split by an adverb in formal NGSA prose. Option 1 keeps the infinitive intact and places the object correctly. Option 2 splits the infinitive, and the remaining options use invalid complement structures.

Question 38Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a conjunctive adverb to link two independent clauses with correct punctuation?

  1. The deadline was extended; however the submission portal remained open only until noon.
  2. The deadline was extended however, the submission portal remained open only until noon.
  3. The deadline was extended; however, the submission portal remained open only until noon. Correct answer.
  4. The deadline was extended, however the submission portal remained open only until noon.

Explanation

A conjunctive adverb joining two independent clauses takes a semicolon before it and a comma after it. Option 1 follows this pattern with '; however,'. The other options either use a comma splice or omit one of the required marks.

Question 39Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct verb form to report speech about a still-current situation?

  1. The spokesperson said that the policy remains in force. Correct answer.
  2. The spokesperson said that the policy remain in force.
  3. The spokesperson said that the policy remained in force tomorrow.
  4. The spokesperson said that the policy is remaining in force.

Explanation

When the reported statement describes a situation that is still true, the present tense may be retained after a past reporting verb. 'Remains in force' is therefore correct. Backshifting is optional here and not mandatory, and the other options are grammatically flawed.

Question 40Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a collective noun with correct agreement when the group acts as a single unit?

  1. The committee has issued their final ruling on the proposal.
  2. The committee has issued its final ruling on the proposal. Correct answer.
  3. The committee have issued their final ruling on the proposal.
  4. The committee have issued its final ruling on the proposal.

Explanation

When a collective noun such as 'committee' acts as one body, it takes a singular verb and a singular possessive in NGSA usage. 'Has issued' and 'its' are therefore both correct. Plural agreement would apply only when members are acting individually.

Question 41Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses an adjective clause beginning with 'where' in a way that NGSA usage accepts?

  1. The region where the samples were collected has since closed it to researchers.
  2. The region where the samples were collected has since been closed to researchers. Correct answer.
  3. The region where the samples were collected there has since been closed to researchers.
  4. The region where the samples were collected in it has since been closed to researchers.

Explanation

'Where' functions as an adverbial relative pronoun meaning 'in which', so the clause needs no additional place word. Option 1 uses 'where' alone, correctly linking the clause to 'the region'. Adding 'in it' or 'there' duplicates the locative meaning.

Question 42Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a gerund phrase as the subject with correct agreement?

  1. To reviewing the transcripts carefully takes several hours.
  2. Reviewing the transcripts carefully are taking several hours.
  3. Reviewing the transcripts carefully take several hours.
  4. Reviewing the transcripts carefully takes several hours. Correct answer.

Explanation

A gerund phrase functioning as the subject is treated as singular, so it takes a singular verb. 'Reviewing the transcripts carefully' is one activity and therefore requires 'takes'. Plural verbs and malformed infinitives are incorrect.

Question 43Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly distinguishes a countable from an uncountable quantity using 'number' or 'amount'?

  1. The number of applications increased, while the number of funding stayed flat.
  2. The amount of applications increased, while the number of funding stayed flat.
  3. The number of applications increased, while the amount of funding stayed flat. Correct answer.
  4. The amount of applications increased, while the amount of funding stayed flat.

Explanation

'Number' is used with countable nouns such as 'applications', while 'amount' is used with uncountable nouns such as 'funding'. Option 1 pairs each term with the correct noun type. The other options reverse or duplicate the pairing.

Question 44Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct tense sequence for an unreal condition in the past that still affects the present?

  1. If the agency approved the permit, the project would be operating today.
  2. If the agency had approved the permit, the project would have operating today.
  3. If the agency had approved the permit, the project would be operating today. Correct answer.
  4. If the agency has approved the permit, the project would be operating today.

Explanation

A past unreal condition uses 'had approved' in the if-clause, and a present result uses 'would be operating'. This mixed conditional correctly links a past cause to a present consequence. The other options use the wrong tense in one of the two clauses.

Question 45Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses 'between' or 'among' according to the number of entities involved?

  1. The funds were divided between the five regional offices.
  2. The funds were divided among between the five regional offices.
  3. The funds were divided among the two regional offices.
  4. The funds were divided among the five regional offices. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Among' is used when three or more entities are involved, while 'between' is used for two. Five offices therefore require 'among'. The other options either use 'between' with more than two entities or combine both prepositions.

Question 46Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses an ellipsis construction that keeps the comparison logically complete?

  1. The northern site recorded higher rainfall than the southern site had rainfall.
  2. The northern site recorded higher rainfall than the southern site.
  3. The northern site recorded higher rainfall than the southern site was.
  4. The northern site recorded higher rainfall than the southern site did. Correct answer.

Explanation

In comparisons, the elliptical clause should be recoverable from the main clause. Adding 'did' supplies the missing verb 'recorded' and makes the comparison parallel. Omitting it leaves the comparison ambiguous, and the other substitutes do not match the verb.

Question 47Grammar and Usage

Which sentence correctly uses 'lie' and 'lay' in formal NGSA usage?

  1. The files laid on the desk for a week before anyone claimed them.
  2. The files lie on the desk for a week before anyone claimed them.
  3. The files layed on the desk for a week before anyone claimed them.
  4. The files lay on the desk for a week before anyone claimed them. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Lie' is intransitive and means to rest or recline; its past form is 'lay'. Because the files are resting on the desk with no object, 'lay' is the correct past tense. 'Lay' as a base verb is transitive and requires an object.

Question 48Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses a nominative absolute construction correctly to establish a cause-and-effect relationship?

  1. The evidence been verified, the panel released its findings.
  2. The evidence having been verified, the panel released its findings. Correct answer.
  3. The evidence having been verified, and the panel released its findings.
  4. The evidence having verified, the panel released its findings.

Explanation

A nominative absolute consists of a noun plus a participle that describes a circumstance affecting the main clause. 'The evidence having been verified' uses the passive perfect participle because the evidence is verified by someone. The main clause then follows without a conjunction.

Question 49Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses an appositive phrase that correctly renames a noun without creating ambiguity?

  1. Dr. Mensah the lead author of the study will present the findings.
  2. Dr. Mensah, the lead author of the study, will present the findings. Correct answer.
  3. Dr. Mensah, the lead author of the study will present the findings.
  4. Dr. Mensah the lead author of the study, will present the findings.

Explanation

A nonrestrictive appositive that renames a specific person is set off by commas on both sides. Because 'Dr. Mensah' is already identified, the phrase is additional information and must be enclosed. Omitting either comma merges the appositive into the main clause and confuses the structure.

Question 50Grammar and Usage

Which sentence uses the correct degree of comparison for an adjective that is already absolute in meaning?

  1. The final draft was the most unique of the three versions.
  2. The final draft was more complete than the earlier version, which was more complete than the first.
  3. The final draft was more nearly complete than the earlier version. Correct answer.
  4. The final draft was completest among all the versions.

Explanation

Adjectives such as 'complete' and 'unique' describe absolute states, so they cannot normally be intensified with 'more' or 'most'. 'More nearly complete' expresses an approach to completeness without treating the adjective as gradable. The other options either grade an absolute adjective or use a malformed superlative.