Read The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation Online
Authors: Jane Straus,Lester Kaufman,Tom Stern
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation (20 page)
BOOK: The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
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Effective Writing
Quiz 1
Effective Writing
Quiz 2
Grammar Mastery
Test
Punctuation, Capitalization, and Writing Numbers
Pretest
Commas and Periods
Quiz 1
Commas and Periods
Quiz 2
Quiz 1
Rewrite these sentences to make them more effective. Your sentences may be different from the answers given in the book. Answers are in Chapter Seven.
1.
While I am in town. Let's visit Golden Gate Park.
While I am in town. Let's visit Golden Gate Park.
2.
Walking aimlessly down the street, a bus almost clipped me.
Walking aimlessly down the street, a bus almost clipped me.
3.
Good employees are prompt, courteous, and they help you when you need it.
Good employees are prompt, courteous, and they help you when you need it.
4.
Several items of evidence were overlooked by police who were investigating the scene of the crime.
Several items of evidence were overlooked by police who were investigating the scene of the crime.
5.
It is expected that you will report for work by no later than nine o'clock.
It is expected that you will report for work by no later than nine o'clock.
6.
There is just one more thing that I want to say before I finish up.
There is just one more thing that I want to say before I finish up.
7.
The patient is not unresponsive.
The patient is not unresponsive.
8.
Raised in Italy, my grandfather's broken English created problems early on.
Raised in Italy, my grandfather's broken English created problems early on.
9.
Students will benefit themselves by listening, taking notes, and they should always pay attention.
Students will benefit themselves by listening, taking notes, and they should always pay attention.
10.
The cars were worn down by the taxi drivers.
The cars were worn down by the taxi drivers.
11.
After tossing and turning, the alarm came on much too early.
After tossing and turning, the alarm came on much too early.
12.
I have always believed in being thrifty, loyal, and I do high-quality work.
I have always believed in being thrifty, loyal, and I do high-quality work.
13.
One thing I could say without hesitation is that he is not unreliable.
One thing I could say without hesitation is that he is not unreliable.
Quiz 2
Rewrite these sentences to make them more effective. Your sentences may be different from the answers given in the book. Answers are in Chapter Seven.
1.
We will utilize the attorneys we have employed to engender the dissolution of our marriage.
We will utilize the attorneys we have employed to engender the dissolution of our marriage.
2.
The boy was hit in the face by the pie as it left the girl's hand.
The boy was hit in the face by the pie as it left the girl's hand.
3.
It was not likely that no one would want to claim ownership of the new sports car.
It was not likely that no one would want to claim ownership of the new sports car.
4.
We washed the dishes, swept the floor, and the tables were dusted.
We washed the dishes, swept the floor, and the tables were dusted.
5.
While singing in the shower, the bar of soap slipped from her hands.
While singing in the shower, the bar of soap slipped from her hands.
6.
Maria encountered a stranger clad in her parka and blue jeans.
Maria encountered a stranger clad in her parka and blue jeans.
7.
The weather had adverse impacts on our boat, resulting in the necessity of rescuing us from the water.
The weather had adverse impacts on our boat, resulting in the necessity of rescuing us from the water.
8.
On a hike with my wife, a bear climbed a tree.
On a hike with my wife, a bear climbed a tree.
9.
Looking back, the dog was following us.
Looking back, the dog was following us.
10.
Jordan did not believe that Serena had embarrassed him unintentionally.
Jordan did not believe that Serena had embarrassed him unintentionally.
11.
Martin could not juggle watching Timmy, making breakfast, and he had a report to write.
Martin could not juggle watching Timmy, making breakfast, and he had a report to write.
12.
Like others we questioned, his name was not announced.
Like others we questioned, his name was not announced.
13.
I was wearing the sweater that Amy knitted at the concert.
I was wearing the sweater that Amy knitted at the concert.
14.
Lying on a stretcher, they carried him out.
Lying on a stretcher, they carried him out.
Test
Correct the following sentences. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.
1.
Some of the desserts was left by the end of the birthday party.
Some of the desserts was left by the end of the birthday party.
2.
It was myself and maybe two other people.
It was myself and maybe two other people.
3.
Dr. Cresta is one of those professors who does whatever it takes to get his point across.
Dr. Cresta is one of those professors who does whatever it takes to get his point across.
4.
Your brilliant excuses almost makes up for your tardiness.
Your brilliant excuses almost makes up for your tardiness.
5.
Neither Jackson nor Jenna is playing hooky.
Neither Jackson nor Jenna is playing hooky.
6.
Neither Jackson nor his family are going camping this weekend.
Neither Jackson nor his family are going camping this weekend.
7.
Either of us is capable of winning.
Either of us is capable of winning.
8.
All of the class is willing to take part in the prank.
All of the class is willing to take part in the prank.
9.
One-third of the eligible population tend not to vote in national elections.
One-third of the eligible population tend not to vote in national elections.
10.
Not even one-third of the voters tends to cast their ballots in national elections.
Not even one-third of the voters tends to cast their ballots in national elections.
11.
Here's the paper clips you requested.
Here's the paper clips you requested.
12.
She is one of those doctors who make house calls.
She is one of those doctors who make house calls.
13.
Her and him are always fighting.
Her and him are always fighting.
14.
When Toni and him come over, we always have a great time.
When Toni and him come over, we always have a great time.
15.
It is we who must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
It is we who must decide whether to tax ourselves or cut spending.
16.
Between you and I, this class is a joke.
Between you and I, this class is a joke.
17.
Whom do you think you are to give me advice about dating?
Whom do you think you are to give me advice about dating?
18.
Who makes up these English rules anyway?
Who makes up these English rules anyway?
19.
Whom do you think should win?
Whom do you think should win?
20.
Who are you voting for?
Who are you voting for?
21.
She is one of the only teachers who does what it takes to help her students learn joyfully.
She is one of the only teachers who does what it takes to help her students learn joyfully.
22.
Whomever has the keys gets to be in the driver's seat.
Whomever has the keys gets to be in the driver's seat.
23.
We are willing to work with whoever you recommend.
We are willing to work with whoever you recommend.
24.
The thoughts that Ted presented at the meeting were worthwhile.
The thoughts that Ted presented at the meeting were worthwhile.
25.
The thoughts that Ted presented, that were about shifting national priorities, were well received.
The thoughts that Ted presented, that were about shifting national priorities, were well received.
26.
When you do a job so good, you can expect a raise.
When you do a job so good, you can expect a raise.
27.
I, as most people, try to be considerate of others.
I, as most people, try to be considerate of others.
28.
Harry smells good. What is the aftershave he is wearing?
Harry smells good. What is the aftershave he is wearing?
29.
Lisa did so well on the test that she was allowed to accelerate to the next level.
Lisa did so well on the test that she was allowed to accelerate to the next level.
30.
Our puppy is the least hungriest of the litter.
Our puppy is the least hungriest of the litter.
31.
He's a man whom I think defines greatness.
He's a man whom I think defines greatness.
32.
Karen should of known that her cheap umbrella would break in the storm.
Karen should of known that her cheap umbrella would break in the storm.
33.
Sometimes the effects of our generosity may seem minimal, but our good intentions do make a difference.
Sometimes the effects of our generosity may seem minimal, but our good intentions do make a difference.
34.
Ben thought he had lain my jacket on that bench.
Ben thought he had lain my jacket on that bench.
35.
Our company policy will not allow me to except a gift worth more than $50.
Our company policy will not allow me to except a gift worth more than $50.
36.
They thought we were late, but my wife and I were all ready at the restaurant.
They thought we were late, but my wife and I were all ready at the restaurant.
37.
Irregardless of who was there first, we were all very hungry and ready to eat.
Irregardless of who was there first, we were all very hungry and ready to eat.
38.
We could hardly believe the Giants could loose the game by that many runs.
We could hardly believe the Giants could loose the game by that many runs.
39.
Isn't it amazing how long that mime can remain completely stationery?
Isn't it amazing how long that mime can remain completely stationery?
40.
The department's principal concern is the safety of all employees.
The department's principal concern is the safety of all employees.
41.
How did they manage to serve cold ice cream in the middle of the vast dessert?
How did they manage to serve cold ice cream in the middle of the vast dessert?
42.
The boss complemented Ari on his excellent presentation.
The boss complemented Ari on his excellent presentation.
43.
The judge did not believe any of there stories.
The judge did not believe any of there stories.
44.
Ilana said she wanted to become a FBI agent when she grew up.
Ilana said she wanted to become a FBI agent when she grew up.
45.
It's not good when your always late like this.
It's not good when your always late like this.
46.
To be a good billiards player, you've got to think farther ahead than just the next shot.
To be a good billiards player, you've got to think farther ahead than just the next shot.
47.
I think I'll go lay down awhile.
I think I'll go lay down awhile.
48.
The golf course at the resort is lovely, but I prefer it's swimming pool.
The golf course at the resort is lovely, but I prefer it's swimming pool.
49.
Sam and myself paid the cab fare, and Alejandro paid for dinner.
Sam and myself paid the cab fare, and Alejandro paid for dinner.
50.
Marta completed five less problems than I did in the same amount of time.
Marta completed five less problems than I did in the same amount of time.
Pretest
Correct any errors in punctuation, capitalization, and writing numbers. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.
1.
Go West three blocks and turn right.
Go West three blocks and turn right.
2.
He insisted it was based on the peoples' right to know.
He insisted it was based on the peoples' right to know.
3.
“How,” I asked “Can you always be so forgetful”?
“How,” I asked “Can you always be so forgetful”?
4.
I want you to meet my best friend Bill when he gets here.
I want you to meet my best friend Bill when he gets here.
5.
Although we have a competent staff; bottlenecks do occur.
Although we have a competent staff; bottlenecks do occur.
6.
I did not receive the order; therefore, I will not pay my bill.
I did not receive the order; therefore, I will not pay my bill.
7.
We offer a variety of drinks, for instance beer and wine.
We offer a variety of drinks, for instance beer and wine.
8.
Is that book your's?
Is that book your's?
9.
We have much to do, for example, the carpets need vacuuming.
We have much to do, for example, the carpets need vacuuming.
10.
Estimates for the work have been forwarded, and a breakdown of costs has been included.
Estimates for the work have been forwarded, and a breakdown of costs has been included.
11.
Because of his embezzling the company went bankrupt.
Because of his embezzling the company went bankrupt.
12.
A proposal that makes harassment of whales illegal, has just passed.
A proposal that makes harassment of whales illegal, has just passed.
13.
He is the President of our corporation.
He is the President of our corporation.
14.
Paolo hurried to the depot to meet his aunt, and two cousins.
Paolo hurried to the depot to meet his aunt, and two cousins.
15.
Finish your job, it is imperative that you do.
Finish your job, it is imperative that you do.
16.
Sofia and Aidan's house was recently painted.
Sofia and Aidan's house was recently painted.
17.
“Stop it!” I said, “Don't ever do that again.”
“Stop it!” I said, “Don't ever do that again.”
18.
He was born in Ames, Iowa and still lives there.
He was born in Ames, Iowa and still lives there.
19.
“Would you like to accompany me,” he asked?
“Would you like to accompany me,” he asked?
20.
I have always had a mental block against Math.
I have always had a mental block against Math.
21.
He is a strong healthy man.
He is a strong healthy man.
22.
To apply for this job you must have previous experience.
To apply for this job you must have previous experience.
23.
Marge, the woman with blond hair will be our speaker this evening.
Marge, the woman with blond hair will be our speaker this evening.
24.
He thought quickly, and then answered the question in complete detail.
He thought quickly, and then answered the question in complete detail.
25.
He asked if he could be excused?
He asked if he could be excused?
26.
It is hailing; not raining.
It is hailing; not raining.
27.
We will grant you immunity, if you decide to cooperate with us.
We will grant you immunity, if you decide to cooperate with us.
28.
You signed the contract, consequently you must provide us with the raw materials.
You signed the contract, consequently you must provide us with the raw materials.
29.
I would like; however, to read the fine print first.
I would like; however, to read the fine print first.
30.
You are required to bring the following: Sleeping bag, food, and a sewing kit.
You are required to bring the following: Sleeping bag, food, and a sewing kit.
31.
The three company's computers were stolen.
The three company's computers were stolen.
32.
The womens' department is upstairs and to your left.
The womens' department is upstairs and to your left.
33.
It hurt it's paw.
It hurt it's paw.
34.
One of the lawyer's left her briefcase.
One of the lawyer's left her briefcase.
35.
That's the Texas' way of doing things.
That's the Texas' way of doing things.
36.
July 5, 1990 was the day I was born.
July 5, 1990 was the day I was born.
37.
I need to locate four states on the map; Arkansas, Ohio, Illinois, and Utah.
I need to locate four states on the map; Arkansas, Ohio, Illinois, and Utah.
38.
The e-mail read, “Hi Camille. I haven't heard from you in two weeks.”
The e-mail read, “Hi Camille. I haven't heard from you in two weeks.”
39.
The veterinarian said, “Unless its bleeding and doesn't stop, don't worry about it.”
The veterinarian said, “Unless its bleeding and doesn't stop, don't worry about it.”
40.
Not wanting to discuss this with her mother anymore, Wendy declared, “This is her karma not mine.”
Not wanting to discuss this with her mother anymore, Wendy declared, “This is her karma not mine.”
41.
You must study hard, to get good grades at a major university.
You must study hard, to get good grades at a major university.
42.
¼ of the police force voted for a pay raise.
¼ of the police force voted for a pay raise.
43.
Thirty one people were injured.
Thirty one people were injured.
44.
I owe you $15.00, not $16.
I owe you $15.00, not $16.
Quiz 1
Correct any comma or period errors. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.
1.
Ophelia is picking up the food and I am making the centerpieces.
Ophelia is picking up the food and I am making the centerpieces.
2.
“Yes,” Ting said “I did see the baby panda at the zoo today.”
“Yes,” Ting said “I did see the baby panda at the zoo today.”
3.
Her mother is planning a trip to Portland, Maine in the fall this year.
Her mother is planning a trip to Portland, Maine in the fall this year.
4.
Patrick's name was on the guest list, wasn't it?
Patrick's name was on the guest list, wasn't it?
5.
Yes, Mother I did remember to place the bakery order.
Yes, Mother I did remember to place the bakery order.
6.
Jackson's white cat was born in June, 2013, at his farm.
Jackson's white cat was born in June, 2013, at his farm.
7.
Jackson's white cat was born on June 28 2013 at his farm.
Jackson's white cat was born on June 28 2013 at his farm.
8.
You may only bring the bare essentials to the exam, i.e. a watch, a pencil or a pen, paper, and a calculator.
You may only bring the bare essentials to the exam, i.e. a watch, a pencil or a pen, paper, and a calculator.
9.
Pencils, pens, paper, calculators, etc., will be provided.
Pencils, pens, paper, calculators, etc., will be provided.
10.
I would be hesitant however, to take the trip alone.
I would be hesitant however, to take the trip alone.
11.
He hosted a cowboy-themed party in the big, red barn.
He hosted a cowboy-themed party in the big, red barn.
12.
It looks like A.J. Jefferson, Jr. will be our next congressman.
It looks like A.J. Jefferson, Jr. will be our next congressman.
13.
If you are interested in working for our company send us your résumé.
If you are interested in working for our company send us your résumé.
14.
My oldest cousin who lives in Detroit used to be a policeman.
My oldest cousin who lives in Detroit used to be a policeman.
15.
Jonathan Green M.D. will be the keynote speaker at the conference.
Jonathan Green M.D. will be the keynote speaker at the conference.
16.
The keynote speaker at the conference will be Jonathan Green, M.D..
The keynote speaker at the conference will be Jonathan Green, M.D..
17.
Well do you think we'll see the sun today?
Well do you think we'll see the sun today?
18.
Frank visited the travel agent, but still did not book his trip.
Frank visited the travel agent, but still did not book his trip.
19.
I want to go now not later.
I want to go now not later.
20.
I really enjoyed the show, the acting was superb.
I really enjoyed the show, the acting was superb.
Quiz 2
Correct any comma or period errors. Place a check mark in front of sentences that are correct. Answers are in Chapter Seven.
1.
I took Angie the one with the freckles to the movie last night.
I took Angie the one with the freckles to the movie last night.
2.
Jeremy, and I, have had our share of arguments.
Jeremy, and I, have had our share of arguments.
3.
You are I am sure, telling the truth.
You are I am sure, telling the truth.
4.
She left Albany, New York on January 18 of that year.
She left Albany, New York on January 18 of that year.
5.
I need sugar, butter, and eggs, from the grocery store.
I need sugar, butter, and eggs, from the grocery store.
6.
Dairy products, e.g. milk, butter, eggs, etc. are no longer foods I can eat.
Dairy products, e.g. milk, butter, eggs, etc. are no longer foods I can eat.
7.
Please Sasha, come home as soon as you can.
Please Sasha, come home as soon as you can.
8.
Although you may be right I cannot take your word for it.
Although you may be right I cannot take your word for it.
9.
If you decide to cooperate with us we will grant you immunity.
If you decide to cooperate with us we will grant you immunity.
10.
I am typing a letter and she is talking on the phone.
I am typing a letter and she is talking on the phone.
11.
She finished her work, and then took a long lunch.
She finished her work, and then took a long lunch.
12.
Mae said “Why don't you come up and see me sometime?”
Mae said “Why don't you come up and see me sometime?”
13.
You said that I could go, didn't you?
You said that I could go, didn't you?
14.
To apply for this job you must have a Social Security card.
To apply for this job you must have a Social Security card.
15.
He seems to be such a lonely quiet man doesn't he?
He seems to be such a lonely quiet man doesn't he?
16.
She wore a bright red dress.
She wore a bright red dress.
17.
She has a good healthy attitude about her work.
She has a good healthy attitude about her work.
18.
On June 7, 2012 Hector earned his computer science degree.
On June 7, 2012 Hector earned his computer science degree.
19.
I like anchovies on my pizza my wife hates them.
I like anchovies on my pizza my wife hates them.
20.
Although my wife hates anchovies. I like them on my pizza.
Although my wife hates anchovies. I like them on my pizza.
BOOK: The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
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