Grammar and Usage Quiz

The study ___ significant differences between the two groups.

• reveals

• revealed

• revealing

Answer explanation

Past tense matches “yesterday” or completed action. Generally use the present tense in academic essays.

If the researchers ___ more time, they could have expanded the sample size.

• have

• had

• will have

Answer explanation

Unreal condition uses past tense in “if” clause.

Neither the findings nor the methodology ___ clearly explained in the report.

• is

• are

• be

Answer explanation

While "neither are" is common in informal speech, "neither is" is the correct choice for formal writing.

The data ___ to support the proposed theoretical framework.

• seem

• seems

• seeming

Answer explanation

For formal or scientific writing, consider data as the plural of datum (Latin word) >> In this case, it is generally safer to use "data seem".

The author is primarily concerned ___ the ethical implications of the experiment.

• on

• about

• at

Answer explanation

"Concerned about" is used to express worry or fear for a situation or topic.

The results were statistically significant, ___ they were not conclusive.

• so

• because

• but

Answer explanation

'but' shows contrast between significant and not conclusive.

Each participant was required to submit ___ own consent form.

• his

• their

• her

• his or her

Answer explanation

formal academic style avoids singular “they” in traditional usage.

The hypothesis was formulated ___ previous research in the field.

• by

• with

• at

Answer explanation

Passive voice: “formulated by previous research.”

The conclusions differ substantially ___ those presented in earlier studies.

• by

• from

• with

Answer explanation

“Different from” is standard usage.

The researcher emphasised the importance of maintaining ___ accuracy throughout the analysis.

• grammatical

• grammar

• grammatically

Answer explanation

Adjective modifying “accuracy.”