ACT Grammar Practice A

What is the purpose of a semicolon?

• A semicolon connects closely related independent clauses.

• A semicolon separates items in a list.

• A semicolon indicates a pause in a sentence.

• A semicolon is used to introduce a quote.

What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom'?

• 'Who' is used as a subject, while 'whom' is used as an object.

• 'Who' is used in questions, while 'whom' is used in statements.

• 'Who' refers to people, while 'whom' refers to things.

• 'Who' is always the subject of a sentence, while 'whom' can never be.

What is the function of a dash in a sentence?

• To create emphasis or indicate a break in thought.

• To separate items in a list.

• To indicate a question or uncertainty.

• To connect two independent clauses.

What is the correct punctuation for independent clauses?

• Independent clauses should be separated by a semicolon (;) or a conjunction with a comma.

• Independent clauses should be separated by a period (.) only.

• Independent clauses should be separated by a colon (:) only.

• Independent clauses should be separated by a dash (-) only.

What is the rule for using 'its' vs. 'it's'?

• 'Its' is a contraction for 'it is', while 'it's' is a possessive form.

• 'Its' is a possessive form, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is'.

• Both 'its' and 'it's' can be used interchangeably in sentences.

• 'It's' is used for plural nouns, while 'its' is used for singular nouns.

What is the correct form of the verb 'to be' for singular subjects?

• are

• is

• am

• be

What is the rule for using 'a' vs. 'an'?

• 'A' is used before vowel sounds, while 'an' is used before consonant sounds.

• 'A' is used before consonant sounds, while 'an' is used before vowel sounds.

• 'A' is used before all sounds, while 'an' is used only in formal writing.

• 'A' is used before plural nouns, while 'an' is used before singular nouns.

What is the subject-verb agreement rule for collective nouns?

• Collective nouns are always treated as plural regardless of context.

• Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.

• Collective nouns must always take a singular verb form.

• Collective nouns are only considered singular when referring to a single entity.

What is the correct way to use parentheses?

• Parentheses are used to include additional information or clarifications. Example: 'He finally answered (after taking his time) that he would join us.'

• Parentheses are used to indicate a pause in a sentence. Example: 'He finally answered (he was late) that he would join us.'

• Parentheses are used to separate two independent clauses. Example: 'He finally answered (he was tired) that he would join us.'

• Parentheses are used to enclose direct quotes. Example: 'He finally answered (I will join you) that he would join us.'

What is the rule for subject-verb agreement with 'none'?

• 'None' is always singular.

• 'None' is always plural.

• 'None' can be singular or plural depending on the context.

• 'None' should always be followed by a singular verb.