Grammar and Usage Practice Questions
ACT · ACT English · 150 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
150
Total
45
Easy
75
Medium
30
Hard
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Sample Questions from Grammar and Usage
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.
A.
Neither the dogs nor the cat are outside.
B.
Neither the dogs nor the cat is outside.
C.
Neither the dog nor the cats are outside.
D.
Neither the dog nor the cats is outside.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The correct subject-verb agreement is 'is' because 'cat' is the noun closest to the verb. In this case, the singular subject takes a singular verb.
Q2
Easy
Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation?
A.
She said she would come, but she didn't.
B.
She said she would come but, she didn't.
C.
She said she would come but she didn't.
D.
She said she would come; but she didn't.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Option A correctly uses a comma before the conjunction 'but' to connect two independent clauses, making the sentence clear and grammatically correct.
Q3
Easy
Select the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 'The committee ____ to finalize the proposal by next week.'
A.
decided
B.
decides
C.
deciding
D.
decide
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The past tense 'decided' fits correctly in the context of the sentence, indicating that the decision has already been made by the committee.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following sentences uses correct subject-verb agreement?
A.
The team of players are winning the game.
B.
The group of students were excited about the trip.
C.
Each of the books has its own unique story.
D.
Neither of the answers are correct.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
In option C, 'Each of the books' is a singular subject, which correctly takes the singular verb 'has'. The other options contain errors in subject-verb agreement.
Q5
Medium
Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.
A.
Neither the manager nor the employees was happy with the outcome.
B.
The committee decides on the rules every month.
C.
Everyone have their own opinions.
D.
The pair of shoes were on sale.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Option B is correct as 'The committee' is a singular noun and takes the singular verb 'decides'. The other options contain grammatical errors related to subject-verb agreement or pronoun usage.
Q6
Medium
Identify the error in the following sentence: 'The book, which was on the table, they left at home.'
A.
The book
B.
which was
C.
they left
D.
at home
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Option C is correct as the phrase 'they left' incorrectly introduces a clause that does not relate back to the subject 'The book'. The sentence is awkwardly constructed.
Q7
Medium
Which of the following sentences contains a misplaced modifier?
A.
She nearly drove her kids to school every day.
B.
The dog barked loudly at the stranger in the yard.
C.
Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by him.
D.
The teacher gave the assignment to the students yesterday.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
In option C, the phrase 'Running quickly' incorrectly modifies 'the finish line' instead of the subject 'he'. This creates confusion about who is running.
Q8
Hard
Identify the error in the following sentence: "Neither of the students have completed their assignment on time."
A.
Neither
B.
have
C.
students
D.
their
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The word 'have' is incorrect because 'neither' is a singular subject, so the correct form should be 'has.' Thus, the correct sentence is 'Neither of the students has completed his or her assignment on time.'
Q9
Hard
Select the sentence that is grammatically correct: "The committee have reached their decision after much debate."
A.
The committee have reached their decision after much debate.
B.
The committee has reached their decision after much debate.
C.
The committee reaches their decision after much debate.
D.
The committee are reaching their decision after much debate.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
In American English, collective nouns like 'committee' are treated as singular. Therefore, the correct form is 'The committee has reached their decision.' This aligns with proper subject-verb agreement.
Q10
Hard
Which of the following sentences contains a grammatical error related to subject-verb agreement?
A.
The group of students are preparing for the exam.
B.
Neither the teacher nor the students were present.
C.
Each of the players has their own locker.
D.
The committee meets every Wednesday.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The correct usage is 'The group of students is preparing for the exam' because 'group' is a collective noun that takes a singular verb.
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Grammar and Usage — ACT ACT English Practice Questions Online
This page contains 150 practice MCQs for the chapter Grammar and Usage in ACT ACT English. The questions are organized by difficulty — 45 easy, 75 medium, 30 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
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