English Grammar: Tautology & Participles

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Questions and Answers

What is a tautology?

A redundancy where the same idea is expressed in different words. (correct)

A grammatical construction that requires a verb for every subject.

A type of phrase that introduces a subject in a sentence.

A figure of speech that includes an exaggeration.

Which of the following is an example of a sentence suffering from tautology?

The children were playing games outside.

The Sahara is a dry desert. (correct)

She wrote an informative article.

The committee met to discuss the issues.

What does a dangling participle lack?

A main verb.

A subject to which it refers. (correct)

Proper punctuation.

Any form of participle.

How can you correct a dangling participle?

Add clarity by introducing a new subject. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct usage after fixing a dangling participle?

After reading the newspaper, Patrick took the dog for a walk. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common characteristic of tautology?

It creates confusion in writing. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of this content, which sentence illustrates an example of tautology that can be improved?

The evening sunset was beautiful. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key goal in writing according to the content?

To write with simplicity and directness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the word 'affect'?

To influence or change something Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs of words are commonly confused?

Affect vs effect Signup and view all the answers

In the context of grammatical concord, which sentence is correct?

The cup is on the table. Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'peace' refer to?

To be free from worry or suffering Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of 'desert'?

An area with a very dry climate Signup and view all the answers

If you are going to lose something, what does it mean?

To be unable to keep it Signup and view all the answers

How is the word 'than' used in a sentence?

To compare two things Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct use of the word 'loose'?

The screws are very loose. Signup and view all the answers

What type of verb should be used with a collective noun?

Singular verb Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence 'The houses, with the lemon tree, were demolished', what is the correct subject-verb agreement?

Houses is plural, so the verb must be plural Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses 'here' or 'there' with the correct verb agreement?

Here are a selection of books. Signup and view all the answers

How does the verb agree in a sentence with 'either...or'?

It agrees with the last subject mentioned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct subject-verb pairing in 'Neither the apple nor the vegetables fit in the fridge'?

Vegetables is plural, so the verb should also be plural. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct concord with a long subject?

The pair of shoes looks very stylish. Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence 'Here are some sandwiches for the road', what is the subject?

Sandwiches Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when a phrase separates the subject from the verb?

Identify and cross out the phrase for clarity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tautology

Tautology is the repetition of the same idea in different words.
Examples:
- "The car reversed backwards." (Reversed means to go backwards)
- "The evening sunset was beautiful." (Sunset always happens in the evening)
Tautology can make writing cluttered and unnecessary.

Dangling Participles

A dangling participle is a phrase that starts with a participle verb (present or past) and has no subject.
This creates confusion because it seems like the participle refers to the wrong subject.
Example: "After reading the newspaper, the dog needed his morning walk."
To fix a dangling participle:
- Add the correct subject after the participle phrase.
- Add the subject to the opening phrase.

Commonly Confused Words

Affect (verb): To influence or change.
Effect (noun): The result or outcome.
Desert (noun): An area with a very dry climate.
Dessert (noun): A sweet course or pudding.
Loose (adjective): Not fixed tightly in place.
Lose (verb): To fail to gain something.
Piece (noun): A part of something.
Peace (noun): To be free from worry or suffering.
Than (conjunction): Used to show comparisons.
Then (adverb): Next, afterwards, at that time.

Concord

Concord means agreement: the subject of a sentence must agree with the verb.
Singular subject: Singular verb.
Plural subject: Plural verb.
Collective nouns (groups of nouns) take a singular verb.
Long sentences with phrases separating subject and verb: the subject must still agree with the verb.
'Here'/'There' sentences: The subject comes later in the sentence and must agree with the verb.
'Either...or'/'Neither...nor' sentences: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

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Description

Test your understanding of tautology, dangling participles, and commonly confused words in English grammar. This quiz will help clarify these concepts with examples and explanations. Brush up on your writing skills to avoid common pitfalls that can clutter your sentences.