1. In the sentence The computer technician installed the newest antivirus software on my Toshiba laptop, the word
computer functions as a(n) ______.
a.
noun
b.
adverb
c.
adjective
c
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-1 – 7-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Functions of Adjectives and Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
2. In the sentence The customer service representative quickly processed my return and credited my account, the adverb
quickly modifies ______.
a.
representative
b.
return
c.
account
d.
processed
d
modifies the verb processed and answers the question How?
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-1 – 7-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Functions of Adjectives and Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
3. Because we are now processing orders digitally, the process runs ______ than before.
a.
smooth
b.
smoothly
c.
more smoothly
c
two processes.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-2 – 7-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Functions of Adjectives and Adverbs and Comparative and Superlative Forms
BLOOM’S: Application
4. Politicians have discovered that social media sites work ______ for campaigning.
a.
beautiful
b.
beautifully
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-1 – 7-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Functions of Adjectives and Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
5. Although the governor felt _____ about the loss of wildlife, she could not provide additional funds for wetland
preservation.
a.
bad
b.
badly
c.
badder
a
Following the linking verb felt, use the adjective bad, not the adverb badly.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-1 – 7-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Basic Functions of Adjectives and Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
6. Our manager encouraged us to work ____ to ensure accuracy.
a.
slowlier
b.
more slowly
c.
more slower
b
Most adverbs form the comparative degree with the addition of more (more slowly).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-2 – 7-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Comparative and Superlative Forms
BLOOM’S: Application
7. Although most representatives on the sales team are working diligently toward meeting the sales goal, Karen is the
____ worker on the team.
a.
hard
b.
harder
c.
hardest
c
comparative degree and is used to compare two persons or things.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-2 – 7-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Comparative and Superlative Forms
BLOOM’S: Application
8. If we had a ____ printer, we could make professional-quality prints at home.
a.
better
b.
more better
a
comparative degree better.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-2 – 7-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Comparative and Superlative Forms
9. Which sentence is correct?
a.
The professor announced that there would be an unit test on Monday.
b.
It is a honor to speak to the members of the American Accounting Association today.
c.
Because of the torrential rains, I was glad that I had an umbrella.
c
the incorrect article is used (a unit and an honor).
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.7-3 – 7-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Modifiers That Deserve Special Attention
BLOOM’S: Application
10. Jim and Wanda have a ______ appointment with their banker to restructure their ______ mortgage.
a.
follow up, 30 year
b.
follow-up, 30 year
c.
follow up, 30-year
d.
follow-up, 30-year
d
hyphenated. Therefore, hyphenate both follow-up and 30-year in this sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-3 – 7-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Modifiers That Deserve Special Attention
BLOOM’S: Application
11. Our ______ are not only functional but also cheerful.
a.
newly-decorated offices
b.
newly decorated offices
c.
newly-decorated-offices
b
the phrase newly decorated offices would not be hyphenated.
1
Easy
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
Modifiers That Deserve Special Attention
BLOOM’S: Application
12. Because Trey was a ____ employee, he was recently promoted.
a.
conscientious energetic
b.
conscientious energetic,
c.
conscientious, energetic,
d.
conscientious, energetic
d
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-3 – 7-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Modifiers That Deserve Special Attention
BLOOM’S: Application
13. Complaining about the service you received won’t do ____ good.
a.
no
b.
any
c.
hardly any
b
sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.7-4 – 7-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Modifiers That Deserve Special Attention
BLOOM’S: Application
14. Which sentence is correct?
a.
Although the product was advertised as having less calories, it still contained too much sugar.
b.
Our goal is to provide excellent customer service, but budget restraints have forced us to hire less customer
service technicians.
c.
Because of the high interest rates, fewer homes are being built.
c
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.7-6 – 7-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Adjective and Adverb Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
15. Each department needed to establish ______ strategic goals.
a.
one, three, and five year
b.
one, three, and five-year
c.
one-, three-, and five-year
c
suspended (one-, three-, and five-year).
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
16. We ____ received three bids for the new computer mainframe.
a.
already
b.
all ready
c.
all-ready
a
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
17. Pronouns that serve as objects of prepositions must be in the ______case.
a.
possessive
b.
subjective
c.
objective
c
Easy
18. Suggestions from everyone but ______ have been received.
a.
they
b.
them
b
1
Easy
19. Employees like Tanika and ____ should be allowed to work overtime.
a.
she
b.
herself
c.
her
c
1
Easy
20. The problem lies with the defective equipment, not with you or _____.
a.
I
b.
myself
c.
me
c
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-1 – 8-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Common Uses of Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
21. We should ____ considered more security options for our network.
a.
have
b.
of
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-2 – 8-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Common Uses of Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
22. You can get the company’s contact information ____ its website.
a.
from
b.
off of
c.
off
a
The preposition from should never be replaced by off or off of.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-2 – 8-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Common Uses of Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
23. If a slide in a multimedia presentation contains ____ much text, it is difficult to read and often causes audience
members to lose interest.
a.
to
b.
too
c.
two
b
“additionally,” “also,” or “excessively.” As a result, use the adverb too in this sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-2 – 8-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Common Uses of Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
24. All of the following sentences are correct except ______
a.
Everyone in the department except her has expressed an opinion about working overtime.
b.
Please accept our apologies for the delay in your shipment.
c.
All employees accept Kristen and Max will work overtime this weekend.
c
because this preposition means “excluding” or “but.“
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.8-3 – 8-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges With Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
25. The administrative assistant assembled the new customer complaint procedure ____ a flow chart.
a.
in to
b.
into
c.
in
b
preceding an infinitive (I went in to see your supervisor). In indicates a position or location.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-3 – 8-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges With Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
26. It looks ____ employees are pleased with the new benefits package.
a.
as if
b.
like
a
clauses, use as, as if, or as though.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-3 – 8-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges With Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
27. When did Briana ____ college?
a.
graduate
b.
graduate from
b
between the subject Briana and the object college.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-4 – 8-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Necessary Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
28. Both ____ will be given serious consideration for the systems analyst position.
a.
applicants
b.
of the applicants
a
The prepositional phrase of the applicants is not necessary in this sentence because it clutters
the sentence with unnecessary words.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-4 – 8-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Unnecessary Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
29. Which idea would be better expressed in formal writing?
a.
The package was from where?
b.
Where was the package from?
a
Therefore, the correct answer is The package was from where?
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.8-4 – 8-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Ending a Sentence With a Preposition
BLOOM’S: Application
30. Which sentence uses idiomatic expressions appropriately?
a.
Our clinic must comply to government regulations for the disposable of all medical supplies.
b.
Marcella has an appreciation of Italian art history.
c.
All students must adhere to the college’s netiquette policy.
c
idiomatic expressions (comply with not comply to and appreciation for not appreciation of).
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.8-5 – 8-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Idiomatic Use of Prepositions
BLOOM’S: Application
31. A short presentation about the new wellness incentive will ____ the question-and-answer session about our health
insurance.
a.
preceed
b.
proceed
c.
procede
d.
precede
d
means “to go forward or continue.”
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
32. When you have ____, please forward me a copy of the proposed budget.
a.
some-time
b.
sometime
c.
some time
c
time,” which is the correct meaning in this sentence, but it is never hyphenated.
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
33. All staffing questions that deal with ______ issues are now handled by our Human Resources Department.
a.
personal
b.
personnel
c.
personel
b
sentence because this word refers to employees.
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
34. ______ join equal sentence elements.
a.
Parenthetical adverbs
b.
Coordinating conjunctions
c.
Subordinating conjunctions
b
rank. The most common coordinating conjunctions are and, or, but, and nor.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-1 – 9-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4
Coordinating Conjunctions
BLOOM’S Knowledge
35. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
What kinds of data do you collect from online customers and how do you protect their privacy?
b.
What kinds of data do you collect from online customers, and how do you protect their privacy?
c.
What kinds of data do you collect from online customers; and how do you protect their privacy?
b
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-1 – 9-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Coordinating Conjunctions
BLOOM’S: Application
36. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
Log on to our website, and place your order.
b.
Log on to our website; and place your order.
c.
Log on to our website and place your order.
the entire sentence contains up to 13 words.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-1 – 9-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Coordinating Conjunctions
BLOOM’S: Application
37. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
You can view your account online, and check the status of your orders.
b.
You can view your account online; and check the status of your orders.
c.
You can view your account online and check the status of your orders.
coordinating conjunction joins compound verbs (view and check) in a single independent
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-1 – 9-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Coordinating Conjunctions
BLOOM’S: Application
38. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
The Affordable Health Care Act has now provided coverage for many individuals who could not previously
afford health insurance, however, the legislation has been widely criticized by many.
b.
The Affordable Health Care Act has now provided coverage for many individuals who could not previously
afford health insurance; however, the legislation has been widely criticized by many.
c.
The Affordable Health Care Act has now provided coverage for many individuals who could not previously
afford health insurance; however the legislation has been widely criticized by many.
b
used before the conjunctive adverb. In addition, because the conjunctive adverb is two or
more syllables, it is followed by a comma.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-2 – 9-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Conjunctive Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
39. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
Although many employees applied for transfers, only 50 positions were available, thus, most employees
received a severance package.
b.
Although many employees applied for transfers, only 50 positions were available; thus, most employees
received a severance package.
c.
Although many employees applied for transfers, only 50 positions were available; thus most employees
received a severance package.
this sentence. However, no comma is necessary after one-syllable conjunctive adverbs such
as hence, thus, and then unless a strong pause is desired.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-2 – 9-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Conjunctive Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
40. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
We feel, however, that employees should take their vacation time each year.
b.
We feel however, that employees should take their vacation time each year.
c.
We feel, however that employees should take their vacation time each year.
adverbs that interrupt the flow of one independent clause. In this sentence however acts as a
parenthetical adverb.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-2 – 9-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Conjunctive Adverbs
BLOOM’S: Application
41. Which sentence is expressed correctly?
a.
As expected the Midwest was hit with freezing rain and sleet over the weekend.
b.
If possible, please send our order by April 1.
c.
When approved our new website address will be published online.
b
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-4 – 9-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Punctuating Sentences With Dependent Clauses
BLOOM’S: Application
42. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
If you have any questions call me on my cell phone.
b.
Call me on my cell phone if you have any questions.
c.
If you need to contact me immediately send a text.
b
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-4 – 9-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Punctuating Sentences With Dependent Clauses
BLOOM’S: Application
43. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
All future travel expense requests, unless we are instructed differently, must be submitted electronically.
b.
All future travel expense requests unless we are instructed differently must be submitted electronically.
c.
All future travel expense requests; unless we are instructed differently, must be submitted electronically.
unnecessary for the grammatical completeness of the sentence are set off by commas.
1
BENG.GUFF.17.9-4 – 9-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Punctuating Sentences With Dependent Clauses
BLOOM’S: Application
44. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
Job candidates who want to perform well in an interview, should rehearse their answers to potential questions.
b.
Job candidates, who want to perform well in an interview, should rehearse their answers to potential questions.
c.
Job candidates who want to perform well in an interview should rehearse their answers to potential questions.
c
(restrictive) clause. This clause is needed to identify the noun to which it refers candidates;
therefore, commas should not be used to set off this clause.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.9-4 – 9-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Punctuating Sentences With Dependent Clauses
BLOOM’S: Application
45. Select the properly punctuated sentence.
a.
Keng Lee who currently manages the Chicago office, has been transferred to the corporate headquarters in
Atlanta.
b.
Keng Lee who currently manages the Chicago office has been transferred to the corporate headquarters in
Atlanta.
c.
Keng Lee, who currently manages the Chicago office, has been transferred to the corporate headquarters in
Atlanta.
c
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.9-4 – 9-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Punctuating Sentences With Dependent Clauses
BLOOM’S: Application
46. Which sentence uses correlative conjunctions correctly?
a.
Either employees may apply for a transfer or accept a reduction in work hours.
b.
Your academic counselor will both review your class selections and answer questions about financial aid.
c.
The severance package includes not only a lump payment, but it also offers a retraining and placement service.
b
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.9-5 – 9-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Correlative Conjunctions
BLOOM’S: Application
47. Which of the following is a complex sentence?
a.
Excite Media wants to increase its market share, but it first must write a business plan to secure financing.
b.
Excite Media purchased many smaller companies and expanded its listings last year.
c.
Because Excite Media must secure financial support to expand, Bethany Schmidt will write a business plan.
c
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.9-6 – 9-6
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Sentence Variety
BLOOM’S: Application
48. Applicants for the outreach coordinator position must submit ______ résumés by June 10.
a.
there
b.
they’re
c.
their
c
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
49. We’ll need to completely ____ this report.
a.
re-write
b.
rewrite
b
1
Easy
50. Kelsey is using the Web to research several ____ employers.
a.
perspective
b.
prospective
c.
prespective
b
1
Easy