Grammar Practice for Common Usage Errors

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• We ain’t quite ready to give our demonstration.

• Now that I’m older, I like spicy food some.

• You’re report on “Women’s Firsts” was fantastic!

• Doesn’t Nicholas Payton play the trumpet well?

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• The softball sailed over the fence and busted a window.

• This type of Belgian lace is made in Brussels.

• I can’t go to the movies without I clean my room first.

• Josh voted for hisself in the class election.

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• When you go to dance class, take your tap shoes.

• How come clouds are different shapes?

• Uncle Francis is learning me an Italian song from Tuscany.

• Belinda lives a long ways from here.

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• Who’s sweater is in my locker?

• I liked the book more than I liked the movie.

• Jóhannes Kjarval he was one of Iceland’s most popular painters.

• You had ought to learn to sew on a button.

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• The alligator snapping turtle can shut it’s jaws with great force.

• Dwayne listens to a lot of reggae music.

• I read in the newspaper where the community pool is closed for repairs.

• This here book was signed by the author Virginia Hamilton.

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• They’re traveling to Western Samoa this summer to visit their relatives.

• How many of them stamp albums belonged to your grandfather?

• Uncle Ahmed told us a Algerian folk tale.

• Josephine is real interested in world mythology.

DIRECTIONS: Read each set of sentences below. Three of the sentences in each set have errors in formal, standard usage; one sentence is written correctly. Choose the sentence that is written correctly, with NO ERRORS in formal, standard usage.

• Where are my headphones at?

• Semaphore is when two flags or two flashlights are used for sending messages.

• I will try and beat the school record in today’s race.

• It’s always exciting to learn something new!

Which sentence is correct?

• Did you really get to go inside of the governor’s office?

• I used to baby-sit my twin cousins.

• When I was in New York, I could of visited the National Museum of the American Indian.

• The astronauts are already for takeoff.

Which sentence is correct?

• Please try to get home in time for supper.

• You look like you know the answer, Tommy.

• The leftover sandwich tasted badly.

• I stayed up real late to finish my science project.

Which sentence is correct?

• We’re not sure why less people came to the concert this year.

• I have been practicing every day, like my piano teacher suggested.

• Elayne fell while water-skiing, but she seems all right now.

• Everyone accept Burt has read Lensey Namioka’s book The Coming of the Bear.