Act English Consistency

Select the sentence that uses a semicolon correctly.

• I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow: I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow I can't go out tonight.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.' because a semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses. The other options either misuse punctuation or lack necessary punctuation.

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• She has three favorite hobbies: reading, writing, and painting.

• She has three favorite hobbies, reading: writing, and painting.

• She has three favorite hobbies reading, writing: and painting.

• She has three favorite hobbies reading, writing, and: painting.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'She has three favorite hobbies: reading, writing, and painting.' because a colon is used to introduce a list. The other options misuse the colon, making them grammatically incorrect.

Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

• The list of items are on the desk.

• The list of items is on the desk.

• The list of items were on the desk.

• The list of items be on the desk.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The list of items is on the desk.' because 'list' is a singular noun, requiring the singular verb 'is' for proper subject-verb agreement.

Choose the sentence with correct pronoun agreement.

• Everyone should bring their own lunch.

• Everyone should bring his or her own lunch.

• Everyone should bring their lunches.

• Everyone should bring his lunch.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Everyone should bring his or her own lunch.' This maintains proper pronoun agreement, as 'everyone' is a singular indefinite pronoun, requiring a singular pronoun ('his or her').

Identify the sentence with correct parallel structure.

• The coach told the players to get plenty of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises.

• The coach told the players to get plenty of sleep, not to eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises.

• The coach told the players to get plenty of sleep, not eating too much, and to do some warm-up exercises.

• The coach told the players to get plenty of sleep, not eat too much, and to doing some warm-up exercises.

Answer explanation

The correct choice maintains parallel structure by using 'to' before each verb: 'to get', 'not to eat', and 'to do'. This consistency in form is essential for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

• He wanted to go for a walk; however, it started raining.

• He wanted to go for a walk, however; it started raining.

• He wanted to go for a walk however; it started raining.

• He wanted to go for a walk; however it started raining.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'He wanted to go for a walk; however, it started raining.' because it properly uses a semicolon before 'however' and includes a comma after it, indicating a contrast between the two clauses.

Identify the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.

• Each of the players have their own locker.

• Each of the players has their own locker.

• Each of the players has his or her own locker.

• Each of the players have his or her own locker.

Select the sentence that maintains consistent verb tense.

• A) She walks to the store and bought some milk.

• B) She walked to the store and buys some milk.

• C) She walks to the store and buys some milk.

• D) She walked to the store and buy some milk.

Choose the sentence that maintains consistent point of view.

• A) If one wants to succeed, you must work hard.

• B) If you want to succeed, you must work hard.

• C) If one wants to succeed, they must work hard.

• D) If you want to succeed, one must work hard.

Identify the sentence with consistent parallel structure.

• A) She likes reading, to jog, and cooking.

• B) She likes to read, jogging, and to cook.

• C) She likes reading, jogging, and cooking.

• D) She likes to read, jog, and cooking.