Writing Program

Grammar Quiz

Most people write pretty goo--I mean, well. But the questions below highlight some common grammatical errors. Choose the best answer to fill in the blanks.

1. ___________ many reasons to study HOS. For instance, if someone's spleen falls out, you can put it back in.
a) There's
b) They're
c) There are

2. When I explained to the doctor that she was speaking too quietly, my criticism _________ her in a way I didn't anticipate--she began to use sign language.
a) affected
b) effected
c) infected

3. The worst grades were given to Andy and __________. That's because Andy wasn't very smart, and I was oxygen-deprived.
a) me
b) I
c) myself

4.After waking up at eleven and studying anatomy until noon, I __________ down for a nap.
a) laid
b) lied
c) lay

5. Annette gives me the hairy eyeball every time I come near her desk, __________ of whether I have something nice to say to her or not.
a) irregardless
b) regardless
c) regardful

6. I feel ___________ that you got such a terrible score on your exam. Next time, maybe you should study.
a) bad
b) awfully
c) badly

7. The first ___________ exterior is a lovely copper color, reminding me of a horse.
a) buildings
b) buildings'
c) building's

8. We really need to rent this video, as ___________ probably the last chance we'll have before exam week.
a) its
b) it's
c) its'

9. You've personally given this part of town ___________ bad name.
a) its
b) it's
c) its'

10. I __________ been a great physician, if only I'd studied harder, learned to go without a social life, stopped eating, slept only on alternate Thursdays, and stopped doing my laundry.
a) could of
b) could've
c) could off

11. Use this aisle if you have twelve items or __________.
a) fewer
b) less

Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Writing Program
1193 MERF
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2600
(319) 335-8058 | Staff directory

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