Contested Usage

Question 1

Which sentences are written in passive voice? Check all that apply.My little sister found three seashells in the tidal pool.That book was written by one of my favorite authors.Sebastian and Akiko are traveling to Ohio this summer.The contestants will be judged on style and originality.In my house, fruit is often served after a meal.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: That book was written by one of my favorite authors.; D: The contestants will be judged on style and originality.; E: In my house, fruit is often served after a meal.

Question 2

How should the writer revise the second sentence in the passage to use passive voice?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: This exciting new film will be released tomorrow.

Question 3

Which best explains why a writer might revise the second sentence to use passive voice?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: to put more emphasis on the film itself, rather than on the movie studio

Question 4

Which sentences contain split infinitives? Check all that apply.Ahmed decided to take a cooking class with his aunt.I try to completely ignore my little brother when he’s pestering me.Daniella’s parents asked her to quickly set the table.If you want to make the team, you should plan to practice every day.To try one’s best is often more important than winning.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: I try to completely ignore my little brother when he’s pestering me.; C: Daniella’s parents asked her to quickly set the table.

Question 5

Which sentences contain prepositions? Check all that apply.Lena bought a new table to put the sculpture on.At what time is the performance scheduled to begin?The committee includes three students and two teachers.That is the house in which I grew up.Jonathan looked under his desk for the lost keys.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: Lena bought a new table to put the sculpture on.; B: At what time is the performance scheduled to begin?; D: That is the house in which I grew up.; E: Jonathan looked under his desk for the lost keys.

Question 6

She did not have a container in which to put the leftovers.How could a writer best revise the above sentence to avoid overly formal language?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: by choosing to end the sentence in a preposition

Question 7

Read each sentence and determine which revision, if any, makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: ✔ Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.

Question 8

Read each sentence and determine which revision, if any, makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Please plan to next week return.: Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.; Tiana always aims to completely, efficiently, and without error finish her homework.: Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.; You must force yourself to really think before making a final decision.: No revision is necessary.; I advised them to at least explore some new options.: No revision is necessary.

Question 9

✔ Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.Revise it to split the infinitive. No revision is necessary.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: ✔ Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.

Question 10

Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.Revise it to split the infinitive. ✔ No revision is necessary.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: ✔ No revision is necessary.

Contested Usage Answers

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