GENERAL EDUCATION

Communication Arts in English: Grammar and Correct Usage

Direction: The sentences below contain errors in idioms, grammar, word choice, English usage, etc.
You have to detect such error by writing the letter of the part of the sentence where the mistake is
found.

1. Because of the high interest rate on installment schemes, it is advisable to pay things in cash.
A B C D
No error.
E

2. The man who is laying in the pavement needs immediate medical attention. No error.
A B C D E

3. Neither Jose or Mark handed in his resignation letter yesterday. No error.

A B C D E

4. More experimental data is required before we can accept the theory. No error.
A B C D E

5. Choosing between you and she is very difficult; both of you are qualified. No error.
A B C D E

6. It is not you who are at fault; rather, it is I who are to blame. No error.
A B C D E

7. Since you do not participate in any of the club’s activities, I must conclude that you are disinterested.
A B C D
No error.
E

8. She reported to the police that a large quantity of clothing and of jewelry were missing. No error.
A B C D E

9. Neither the editor nor the Circulation Manager were satisfied with the salary increase offered by the
A B C D
management. No error.
E

10. In the rush to get to the executive meeting, one of the directors forgot their documents. No error.
A B C D E

11. The principal of equality is a pillar of democracy; this is not true of other forms of government.
A B C D
No error.
E

12. The Lieutenant report to his officer regularly everyday. No error.

A B C D E

13. He can’t hardly do anything with his right hand ever since he had his stroke. No error.
 A B C D E

14. Mr. Espiritu’s decision to retire came as a shock to all who respected his ability. No error.
A B C D E

15. In all of my years as a researcher, I have never encountered an individual such as he; he definitely is
A B C
most hardworking . No error.
D E

16. Although I am willing to go along with your idea, I cannot enthuse over its chances of success.
A B C D
No error.
E

17. If you plan to become an English major, you should learn grammar, read lots of books, as well as
A B C
practicing your writing skills. No error.
D E

18. After his heart attack, he was ordered to lay in bed and rest for two weeks. No error.
A B C D E

19. Was it they who were involved in the recent unruly demonstration? No error.
A B C D E

20. She is the only one of the applicants who are fully qualified for the position. No error.
A B C D E

ANSWER KEY

1. E 6. D – am 11. A – principle 16. C – be enthusiastic

2. B – lying 7. D – uninterested 12. B – reports 17. D - practice
3. B – nor 8. C – was 13. A – can hardly 18. C - lie
4. B – are 9. B – was 14. E 19. E
5. B – her 10. D – his/her 15. E 20. C – is

GENERAL EDUCATION
Communication Arts in English: Grammar and Correct Usage
Direction: Below you will find group of sentences. Select which one in each group is preferable with respect
to grammar and correct usage.

1. Except for you and I, everyone brought a present to the party.

A. Except for you and I , everyone brought C. Except for you and I, everyone had brought
B. With exception of you and I, everyone brought D. Except for you and me, everyone brought

2. The reason I came late to office today is because the car broke down.

A. I came late to office today is because C. I was late to office today because
B. why I came late to office today is because D. I came late to office today is that

3. When the war is over, no nation will either be isolated in war or peace.

A. either be isolated in war or peace C. be isolated in neither war nor peace

B. be either isolated in war or peace D. be isolated either in war or in peace

4. The supermarket owner hadn’t hardly any of those kind of canned goods

A. hadn’t hardly any of those kind C. had hardly any of those kind
B. hadn’t hardly any of those kinds D. had hardly any of those kinds

5. Irregardless of the outcome of the competition, our schools will remain staunchly allies.

A. Irregardless of the outcome C. With regards to the outcome

B. Regardless of how the outcome D. Regardless of the outcome

6. She was told to give the award to whomever she thought had contributed most for the welfare of the student
organization.
A. to whomever she thought C. to the senior whom she thought
B. to whoever she thought D. to whomsoever

7. Senator Josef is one of the legislators who are going to discuss the budget in the Upper Chamber.
A. one of the legislators who are going C. one of the legislators who has gone
B. one of the legislators who is going D. the legislators who is going

8. She not only was competent but also friendly in nature.

A. She not only was competent but also friendly C. She not only was competent but friendly also
B. She not was only competent but friendly also D. She was not only competent but also friendly

9. Most students like to read these kind of books during their break time.

A. these kind of books C. this kind of book

B. these kind of book D. this kinds of book

10. It is not for you to assume responsibility, it is, rather, me who is the guilty person in this matter.
A. me who is B. me who am C. I who is D. I who am

11. The “Aurora Borealis” or Northern Lights, is so named because it is a light display that takes place in the northern
skies.
A. because it is a light display that takes place C. because of taking place
B. as a light display taking place D. due to the fact that it is a light display
12. The giving of foreign aid is a tool of national policy, the hoped-for return is often indirect and long-term.
A. policy, the hoped-for return is often indirect and long-term
B. policy, however the hoped-for return is often indirect and long-term
C. policy, though the hoped-for return is often indirect and long-term
D. policy, albeit the hoped-for return is often indirect and long-term
13. The difference between the candidates is that one is radical, the other, conservative.
A. one is radical, the other, conservative C. while one is radical, the other, conservative
B. one is radical, the other being conservative D. one is radical, the other, is conservative

14. Many middle class individuals find that they cannot obtain good medical attention, despite they need it badly.
A. despite they need it badly C. in spite of they need it badly
B. despite their bad need of it D. however, much they need it

15. If I would have known about the traffic jam at the area, I would have taken an alternate route.
A. If I would have known about C. If I would of known about
B. If I would of known about D. Had I known about

16. Using it wisely, leisure promotes health, efficiency and happiness.

A. Using it wisely C. Having used it wisely
B. If it is used wisely D. Because it is used wisely

17. Neither the earthquake or the subsequent fire was able to destroy the spirit of the populace.
A. or the subsequent fire was C. or the subsequent fire were
B. nor the subsequent fire were D. nor the subsequent fire was

18. Of the two candidates for tis government position, Jose Maria is the most qualified because of his experience in the
field.
A. most qualified because of C. more qualified due to
B. most qualified due to D. more qualified because of

19. He is not only violated the law, but also he has escaped punishment.
A. not only violated the law, but also he has escaped punishment
B. violated not only the law, but also he has escaped punishment
C. violated not only the law, but he has escaped punishment also
D. not only violated the law, but also escaped punishment

20. She seldom ever wants to try and face the true facts.
A. seldom ever wants to try and face the true facts
B. seldom ever wants to try and face the facts
C. seldom wants to try and face the facts
D. seldom wants to try to face the facts

ANSWER KEY
1. D – you and me 11. A - original sentence is correct
2. D – “is that” is preferred to “because” 12. C – addition of conjunction “though”
3. D – either…or… 13. A - original sentence is correct
4. D – double negative: had hardly; “those kinds” 14. B – “Despite” used as a preposition
5. D – Regardless 15. D – correct use of subjunctive mood to indicate a
6. B – “whoever”…had contributed condition contrary to fact
7. A – original sentence is correct 16. B – change participial phrase to a clause
8. D – “was not only”…but also… 17. D – “neither…nor…”
9. C – “kind” is singular, so use “this” 18. D – use “more” because only 2 persons are compared
10. D – use “I” instead of me; 1st person singular verb am 19. D – “not only” and “but also” placed near the words
violated and escaped
20. D