1. Which sentence expresses proper and common nouns correctly?
a.
Aimee downloaded TurboTax onto her new Apple Computer.
b.
This year’s marketing conference will be held in March at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta.
c.
Casey will speak with his Professor on Friday about his Internship.
b
not capitalized.
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.3-1 – 3-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Common and Proper Nouns
BLOOM’S: Application
2. The government’s new environmental regulations required all heating and air conditioning manufacturers to sign _____
guaranteeing improved air quality.
a.
contractes
b.
contract’s
c.
contracts
c
Most regular nouns form the plural with the addition of only an s.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-2 – 3-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: The Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
3. Several executive ____ were hired to help staff members improve their communication skills.
a.
coaches
b.
coachs
c.
coach’s
a
used to make nouns possessive.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-2 – 3-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: The Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
4. The _____ enjoyed several weeks of backpacking and bicycling throughout Europe.
a.
Wilsons
b.
Wilsones
c.
Wilson’s
a
the plural with the addition of s.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-2 – 3-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: The Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
5. _____ nouns form the plural by changing the spelling of the word.
a.
Regular
b.
Irregular
c.
Common
d.
Proper
b
common, or proper nouns in a dictionary.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-2 – 3-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4
Making Nouns Plural: The Basics
BLOOM’S: Knowledge
6. Which sentence expresses plural nouns correctly?
a.
Most firmes use network firewalls to protect against computer virus’s.
b.
Many business’s require that employees update their passwords every six month’s.
c.
The Grubers had three children who earned college degrees.
c
The only sentence expressing plural nouns correctly is The Grubers had three children who
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.3-2 – 3-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: The Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
7. Which of the following is correct?
a.
We faced major delays because of the numerous vallies in the mountains.
b.
Many companys look for the following qualities in employees: reliability, punctuality, and enthusiasm.
c.
Representatives of the two cities met to discuss the new laws affecting their local economies.
c
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.3-3 – 3-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
8. Job applicants who are updating their _____ should ensure that their résumés include concrete expressions and
quantifiable data.
a.
portfolioes
b.
portfolios
c.
portfolia
b
but some add es. In some cases, two forms are recognized as acceptable.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-3 – 3-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: Beyond the Basics
9. Many Internet companies were launched in the early ____.
a.
2000s
b.
2000’s
c.
2000s’
a
1
Easy
10. To prepare the budget, Shondra submitted figures for both ____ of the year.
a.
halfs
b.
halves
c.
halfes
b
1
Easy
11. Two of her ____ are opening a small consulting firm.
a.
brother-in-laws
b.
brothers-in-law
c.
brothers-in-laws
b
1
Easy
12. Three ____ applied for the vice president of operations position.
a.
MBAs
b.
MBA’s
c.
MBAes
a
1
Easy
13. She received all ____ on her report card.
a.
As
b.
A’s
b
1
Easy
14. Several ____ attended the seminar on the impact of new tax regulations on small businesses.
a.
CPAs
b.
CPA’s
c.
CPAs’
a
necessary.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-3 – 3-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
15. Which of the following is correct?
a.
The litigation was initiated by two attorneys specializing in criminal law.
b.
You will need sharp knives to peel and cut those fresh potatos.
c.
Many people hold different believes about the future of our country.
a
letter before y is a vowel, the plural is formed by adding only an s (attorneys).
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.3-3 – 3-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
16. Which sentence is correct?
a.
Following the stock market crash, investors struggled with the ins and outs of successful investment.
b.
Following the stock market crash, investor’s struggled with the ins and outs of successful investment.
c.
Following the stock market crash, investor’s struggled with the in’s and out’s of successful investment.
a
noun investors requires no apostrophe.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-3 – 3-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Plural: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
17. Possessive nouns can show all of the following except ______.
a.
origin
b.
active voice
c.
ownership
d.
authorship
b
1
Easy
18. Your travel reimbursement form must include your ____ signature.
a.
boss’es
b.
bosses
c.
boss’s
c
1
Easy
19. The ____ website was recently updated to be more mobile friendly.
a.
companies
b.
companies’
c.
company’s
c
1
Easy
20. We will solicit several ____ bids for the proposed remodeling of the corporate training facility.
a.
contractors
b.
contractor’s
c.
contractors’
c
1
Easy
21. The ____ lounge was remodeled with ergonomic chairs.
a.
employees
b.
employee’s
c.
employees’
c
1
Easy
22. The ____ testimony helped the jury make its decision.
a.
witnesses
b.
witness’s
c.
witnesses’
b
1
Easy
23. Both our ____ products are gaining sales against our line.
a.
competitors
b.
competitor’s
c.
competitors’
c
1
Easy
24. Each ____ password must be changed every six months to ensure security.
a.
user’s
b.
users’
c.
users
a
1
Easy
25. Juanita supervises the ____ team in our Pittsburgh office.
a.
sale’s
b.
sales’
c.
sales
c
used.
1
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
26. The ____ Marine Corps is recruiting new enlistees.
a.
United State’s
b.
United States’
c.
United States
c
necessary.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-5 – 3-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
27. If you have questions about your employee benefits, contact our ____ Department.
a.
Human Resource’s
b.
Human Resources
c.
Human Resources’
b
just as none is necessary in Accounting Department.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-5 – 3-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
28. The ____ office receives many inquiries daily from concerned citizens.
a.
attorney general’s
b.
attorney generals
c.
attorney’s generals’
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-6 – 3-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
29. Bethany ____ application was received on May 1.
a.
Hernandez
b.
Hernandez’s
c.
Hernandezes’
b
the name ends in an s or an s sound (Bethany Hernandez’s application).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-6 – 3-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
30. After graduating from high school, the ____ daughter enrolled in a nearby community college.
a.
Morrises
b.
Morrises’
c.
Morris’s
b
add an apostrophe (Morrises’).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-6 – 3-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
31. ____ earnings this quarter exceeded the expectations of many stockholders.
a.
IBMs
b.
IBM’s
c.
IBMs’
b
not end in s (IBM’s).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-6 – 3-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
32. ____ was to accept the offer.
a.
My boss’s attorney’s advice
b.
The advice of my boss’s attorney
c.
My boss’ attorney’s advice
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-6 – 3-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
33. Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?
a.
A companies’ financial data must be presented to all shareholders in the stockholders’ annual report.
b.
A company’s financial data must be presented to all shareholders in the stockholders’ annual report.
c.
A companys financial data must be presented to all shareholders’ in the stockholders annual report.
b
Only A company’s financial data must be presented to all shareholders in the stockholders’
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-4 – 3-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Showing Possession With Apostrophes and Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
34. Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?
a.
The Bushes’ new SUV includes enough storage for the kids’ toys and both parents’ golf clubs.
b.
The Bush’es new SUV includes enough storage for the kids toys and both parent’s golf clubs.
c.
The Bushes new SUV includes enough storage for the kids’ toys and both parents’ golf clubs.
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-4 – 3-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Showing Possession With Apostrophes and Making Nouns Possessive: Beyond the Basics
BLOOM’S: Application
35. You forgot to type both ____ with your in-text citation.
a.
parenthesis
b.
parentheses
c.
parenthesi
b
and hypothesis.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-7 – 3-7
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
36. After suffering financial ______ in the past decade, the economies of most countries began to improve.
a.
crisis
b.
crisis’s
c.
crises
c
1
Easy
37. The college will send thank-you letters to all the contributing ____ of the reunion.
a.
alumni
b.
alumnus
c.
alumnuses
a
1
Easy
38. The noun economics ____.
a.
is usually singular
b.
is usually plural
c.
may be singular or plural
a
1
Easy
39. The noun pliers ____.
a.
is usually singular
b.
is usually plural
c.
may be singular or plural
b
1
Easy
40. All staff members must attend one ____ training on diversity and inclusion.
a.
day’s
b.
days’
c.
days
a
1
Easy
41. Derek could only afford to put ten ____ worth of gas into his car.
a.
dollar
b.
dollars’
c.
dollar’s
b
construction.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-8 – 3-8
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenging Possessive Constructions
BLOOM’S: Application
42. Our department will meet at ____ after the meeting.
a.
Karens
b.
Karens’
c.
Karen’s
c
noun is treated as possessive: Karen’s (house or home).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-8 – 3-8
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenging Possessive Constructions
BLOOM’S: Application
43. ____ signatures were needed on the loan documents.
a.
Matt and Maggie’s
b.
Matt’s and Maggie’s
c.
Matts’ and Maggies’
b
noun possessive (Matt and Maggie’s baby).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-8 – 3-8
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenging Possessive Constructions
BLOOM’S: Application
44. Belinda earned her____ degree in meteorology from the University of Northern Iowa.
a.
bachelor
b.
bachelor’s
c.
bachelors’
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.3-8 – 3-8
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenging Possessive Constructions
BLOOM’S: Application
45. All of the following sentences use plurals or possessives correctly except _____
a.
This restaurant’s patrons are more loyal than that restaurant.
b.
Employees receive three weeks’ vacation after working for five years at the company.
c.
As markets crumbled and careers disappeared, the federal government implemented several stimuli to improve
the job outlook and help suffering industries.
d.
Erin and Darryl’s wedding was held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
a
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.3-8 – 3-8
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenging Noun Plurals and Challenging Possessive Constructions
BLOOM’S: Application
46. Every morning Mike rides his ____ bicycle for ten miles.
a.
stationery
b.
stationary
c.
stationairy
b
word envelopes with the e in stationery.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.N/A – N/A
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
BLOOM’S: Application
47. The company observes ____ Day as a paid holiday.
a.
Veterans’
b.
Veteran’s
c.
Veterans
c
do require an apostrophe.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.N/A – N/A
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
FAQs About Business English
BLOOM’S: Application
48. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
The corporation’s tax situation looks very positive.
b.
Taxwise, the corporation looks very positive.
c.
The corporation looks very positive taxwise.
a
language experts because such words are considered commercial jargon.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.N/A – N/A
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
FAQs About Business English
BLOOM’S: Knowledge
49. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
Our itinerary includes a visit to Martha’s Vineyard and Harpers Ferry.
b.
Our itinerary includes a visit to Marthas Vineyard and Harpers Ferry.
c.
Our itinerary includes a visit to Marthas Vineyard and Harper’s Ferry.
a
1
Easy
50. ____ new menu now includes many low-calorie and low-fat options.
a.
McDonald’s
b.
McDonald’s’
c.
McDonalds’
a
apostrophe.
1
Easy