1. Me is an example of a(n) ____ pronoun.
a.
objective-case
b.
subjective-case
c.
possessive-case
a
prepositions.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Knowledge
2. They is an example of a(n) ____ pronoun.
a.
objective-case
b.
subjective-case
c.
possessive-case
b
pronouns are used most frequently as the subjects of verbs.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Knowledge
3. Which of the following statements about possessive-case pronouns is incorrect?
a.
b.
c.
d.
d
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.4
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
4. ____ responded to the customer’s complaint promptly.
a.
They
b.
Them
a
1
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
5. The manager thanked ____ for my participation in the focus panel.
a.
I
b.
me
c.
myself
b
be used. Therefore, use me because it answers the question Whom?
1
Easy
6. Everyone except ____ participated in the employee wellness program.
a.
she
b.
her
c.
herself
b
1
Easy
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
7. Please send ____ completed materials to the personnel office by the application deadline.
a.
your
b.
you’re
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
8. In the sentence Kyle sent us an electronic update of the construction project, the pronoun us functions as the ______.
a.
subject of a verb
b.
object of a verb
c.
object of a preposition
b
whom the update was sent.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
9. In the sentence The final draft of the proposal was sent to me by Kendra on Thursday, the pronoun me functions as the
____.
a.
object of a verb
b.
object of a preposition
c.
subject of a verb
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
10. In the sentence After Matt graduated from college, he applied to many graduate schools on the East Coast, the
pronoun he functions as the ____.
a.
object of a verb
b.
object of a preposition
c.
subject of a verb
c
this sentence the pronoun he serves as the subject of a verb (applied).
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
11. Please place your smartphone on ____ charger when you are finished.
a.
its
b.
it’s
c.
its’
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-1 – 4-1
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Guidelines for Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
12. Which sentence is correct?
a.
As Americans listened to the congressional hearing on terrorism, they considered its impact on U.S. foreign
relations.
b.
The finance department requested travel receipts from you and I before processing our expense vouchers.
c.
I hope that your prepared to participate on the budget planning team and it’s many related subcommittees.
a
1
Moderate
13. Eric and ____ led the brainstorming session during the division meeting on Monday.
a.
her
b.
she
c.
herself
b
1
Easy
14. Our supervisor gave Karen and _____ the task of cleaning the stockroom.
a.
I
b.
me
c.
we
b
1
Easy
15. Keisha earned as much as ____ after only one year at her new job.
a.
I
b.
me
c.
myself
a
1
Easy
16. The benefits package offered to ____ employees included stock options.
a.
us
b.
we
a
1
Easy
17. Because Jeff Moore is single, he has only ____ to consider in making the job change.
a.
hisself
b.
himself
c.
himselve
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-2 – 4-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges in Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
18. Do you think it was ____ who agreed to work overtime?
a.
them
b.
they
b
Because a pronoun follows the linking verb was, use the subjective-case pronoun they.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-2 – 4-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges in Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
19. Which sentence is correct?
a.
Us delegates are required to consult our constituents before we vote.
b.
Nathan Roberts was more qualified for the position than I.
c.
If the caller was her, I’m surprised that no message was left.
b
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.4-2 – 4-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges in Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
20. Which sentence is correct?
a.
When the accident occurred, Christina and I were in a staff meeting.
b.
He blamed hisself for the financial error in the budget report.
c.
Our supervisor asked Michelle and I if we wanted to attend the conference in Palm Springs.
a
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.4-2 – 4-2
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Challenges in Using Personal Pronouns
BLOOM’S: Application
21. In this restaurant ____ are not allowed to smoke.
a.
you
b.
customers
b
meaningful and clear.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-3 – 4-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Fundamentals of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
BLOOM’S: Application
22. A student must provide ____ e-mail address when registering for classes.
a.
his
b.
his or her
c.
their
b
gender is unclear, use the singular his or her to include both genders.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-3 – 4-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
BLOOM’S: Application
23. All staff members, as well as the office supervisor, must submit ____ annual vacation requests by Friday.
a.
his
b.
his or her
c.
their
c
to achieve agreement.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-3 – 4-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Fundamentals of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
BLOOM’S: Application
24. The company updated ____ employee handbook.
a.
its
b.
their
c.
it’s
d.
they’re
a
because this pronoun agrees with its singular antecedent.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-3 – 4-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Fundamentals of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
BLOOM’S: Application
25. Which of the following sentences is best expressed?
a.
Each mechanic should submit his hours by Monday.
b.
Each mechanic should submit his or her hours by Monday.
c.
Each mechanic should submit their hours by Monday.
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-3 – 4-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Fundamentals of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
BLOOM’S: Application
26. All of the following sentences use pronouns clearly and correctly except _____
a.
As soon as a buyer leaves the parking lot with his or her new car, the car begins to lose value.
b.
Emergency room nurses are thoroughly tested on their knowledge of resuscitation techniques.
c.
When Marian followed Karen into the employee lounge, she dropped her coffee.
c
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.4-3 – 4-3
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Fundamentals of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
BLOOM’S: Application
27. Either the teacher or the students will be responsible for beginning ____ class discussion.
a.
his or her
b.
their
c.
his
d.
her
b
antecedent (students) is plural, use the plural pronoun their.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-4 – 4-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
28. Anyone who is interested can submit ____ application online.
a.
their
b.
his or her
c.
his
d.
her
b
singular pronouns agree in number and gender with the antecedent Anyone.
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-4 – 4-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
29. Many of our employees share ____ thoughts on our company Facebook page.
a.
his
b.
her
c.
his or her
d.
their
d
pronoun agrees with the antecedent Many.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-4 – 4-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
30. The union voted to lend ____ support to proposed contract changes.
a.
its
b.
it’s
c.
their
a
possessive pronoun its, not the contraction it’s, which stands for it is, in this sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-4 – 4-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
31. The Environmental Protection Agency establishes emission standards and monitors all domestic vehicle
manufacturers to ensure _____ standards are met.
a.
its
b.
their
c.
it’s
a
groups, are generally considered singular, use the singular possessive pronoun its.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-4 – 4-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
32. Each supervisor and department manager must evaluate ____ employees annually.
a.
his or her
b.
his
c.
her
d.
their
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-4 – 4-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
33. Which sentence is correct?
a.
The jury requested to have their lunch break delayed until 2 p.m.
b.
Each of the chefs presented their favorite recipe to the judges who sampled the food before selecting a winner.
c.
Neither the marketing manager nor the employees expect to finish their ad campaign by the deadline.
c
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.2-4 – 2-4
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Special Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Challenges
BLOOM’S: Application
34. She is an outstanding employee ____ we believe represents our company well.
a.
who
b.
whom
a
use the subjective pronoun who.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-5 – 4-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.6.7
Advanced Pronoun Use
BLOOM’S: Application
35. To ____ should this invitation be sent?
a.
who
b.
whom
b
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-5 – 4-5
United States – BUSPROG.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5 – DISC.BENG.GUFF.17.1.5
36. Colin Ramsey is the employee ____ we hired for the comptroller position.
a.
who
b.
whom
b
1
Easy
37. Mark Zuckerberg is the person ____ created the social networking site Facebook.
a.
who
b.
whom
a
1
Easy
38. The contract will be awarded to ____ meets our qualifications.
a.
whoever
b.
whomever
a
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-5 – 4-5
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
Advanced Pronoun Use
BLOOM’S: Application
39. We will accept the recommendation of ____ you support.
a.
whoever
b.
whomever
b
preposition of. After you invert the clause (you support whoever/whomever) and substitute,
choose him. Therefore, whomever is the correct pronoun in this sentence.
1
Easy
BENG.GUFF.17.4-5 – 4-5
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
Advanced Pronoun Use
BLOOM’S: Application
40. All of the following sentences are correct except _____
a.
President Rivera turned out to be the best leader whom we could have elected.
b.
Because last week’s sales report showed excellent profits, the report was shared with the board members who
were skeptical.
c.
The position of district manager will be given to whoever you identify as the top salesperson.
c
substitute he for whoever and him for whomever (You identify he/him as the top salesperson).
Because him completes the clause, the correct pronoun is whomever.
1
Moderate
BENG.GUFF.17.4-5 – 4-5
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
Advanced Pronoun Use
BLOOM’S: Application
41. ____ keys were lying on the table in the employee lounge?
a.
Whose
b.
Who’s
a
1
Easy
42. We’re not sure ____ planning to attend the training workshop.
a.
whose
b.
who’s
b
1
Easy
43. Did you find out ____ presentation will be featured as the keynote address at the convention?
a.
whose
b.
who’s
a
1
Easy
44. ____ this year’s outstanding graduate?
a.
Whose
b.
Who’s
b
1
Easy
45. It will be interesting to see ____ chosen for the position.
a.
whose
b.
who’s
b
of this sentence: who is chosen.
1
Easy
46. We have ____ many links on our website, which makes it confusing to visitors.
a.
to
b.
too
c.
two
b
1
Easy
47. Jon thought that Aubrey ____ interested in the executive assistant position.
a.
may be
b.
maybe
c.
may–be
a
never hyphenated. Don’t confuse it with the one-word adverb maybe, which means “perhaps.”
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. Many insurance companies require that patients be ____ for certain procedures.
a.
prequalified
b.
pre-qualified
c.
pre qualified
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
49. ____ of our sales representatives can answer your questions about our products.
a.
Anyone
b.
Any one
c.
Any-one
b
pronoun as two words (Any one of our sales representatives).
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
50. Our committee will need to develop a ____ plan if the project is not approved.
a.
back up
b.
back-up
c.
backup
c
written as two words (Back up your files).
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