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Competent Language Usage Essentials (C.L.U.E.)
Proficiency Test Form A
Name ________________________________________ Score __________________
Grammar: In the space provided, write the letter indicating the word that correctly completes each
sentence. Use only one answer for each question.
___ 1. If I (a) was (b) were you, I would take the job.
___ 2. Rachel showed me her iPad when she (a) come (b) came over last week.
___ 3. A list showing all the documents prepared for the attorneys (a) was (b) were missing.
___ 4. An executive’s time and energy (a) has (b) have to remain focused on achieving
corporate goals.
___ 5. How important (a) is (b) are salary, benefits, and job security to you?
___ 6. Please send all e-mails to (a) her and me (b) her and I (c) she and I.
___ 7. All the new equipment (a) seem (b) seems to be working satisfactorily.
___ 8. (a) Anyone (b) Any one of the computers may need to be replaced shortly.
___ 9. I would appreciate (a) you (b) your (c) you’re sending the application immediately.
___ 10. The group of players, coaches, and fans (a) is (b) are booking a charter flight.
___ 11. Sixty days (a) is (b) are the period of the loan.
___ 12. Special reports must be written by (a) whoever (b) whomever has a sales problem.
___ 13. One of the men left (a) his (b) their tennis shoes in the locker room.
___ 14. The boss told Maria not to take the criticism (a) personal (b) personally.
___ 15. Every employee may have (a) their (b) his or her (c) his (d) her tuition reimbursed.
Mechanics: For each of the following sentences, select one letter to identify faults in
(a) Commas or semicolons
(b) Punctuation other than commas or semicolons (including hyphens and apostrophes)
(c) Symbols (including dollar and percent signs)
(d) Number expression (word or figure form)
(e) Capitalization
___ 16. The newly-passed legislation will affect taxes in Texas, California, and Michigan.
___ 17. Erics report, which was entitled “Living in a Digital World,” caused a stir.
___ 18. Stockholders for Apple could attend the meeting or they could return their proxies.
___ 19. We are earning 42 dollars on every item; however, total sales are slow.
___ 20. The President of DataTech met with the Vice President to discuss the 9 percent dip
in sales.
___ 21. If we receive all the figures we will sign the contract July 1 in our headquarters.
___ 22. The memo from our Human Resources Department is quite clear don’t you think?
___ 23. All three collectors, by the way, specialized in antique german and dutch coins.
___ 24. When Alicia is absent, we have only 3 operators in our Customer Service Department.
___ 25. We ordered 15 Pentax Cameras to be awarded as prizes.
___ 26. Our interviewing team consists of these people: Ann Simms, Accounting, Tom Burns,
Human Resources, and Carlos Santana, Operations.
___ 27. My graduating class is having it’s ten-year reunion on June 10.
___ 28. The stockholders’ meeting was heavily advertised, however, attendance was light.
___ 29. To improve their english, many Japanese students purchased the book entitled The
Power of Language is Yours.
___ 30. Would you please send two copies of Invoice No. 39-5001?
Form A
Page 2
Confusing Words: In the space provided, write the letter of the word that best completes each sentence.
___ 31. Her (a) principal (b) principle concern was investment safety.
___ 32. The recent decline in prices will surely (a) effect (b) affect the entire market.
___ 33. Fidelity’s brochure (a) assured (b) insured (c) ensured prospective investors that their
money would be in good hands.
___ 34. Every new investor was given (a) complementary (b) complimentary concert tickets.
___ 35. Good researchers (a) sight (b) site (c) cite the sources of all references.
___ 36. After the theft everyone became more (a) conscience (b) conscious of equipment security.
Spelling: For each line of words indicate the letter of any misspelled word. If no word is misspelled,
write (e). For each numbered item provide only one answer.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
___ 37. accommodate existence excellent feasable
___ 38. neccessary practical sincerely volume
___ 39. efficient independent seperate usable
___ 40. argument convenient government definitly
___ 41. miscelaneous occurred receive sufficient
___ 42. budget accross consecutive immediate
___ 43. congratulate committee analyse restaurant
___ 44. similar priviledge offered license
___ 45. consistent incidentally equipped becomming
Sentence Structure: In the space provided, identify any sentence fault by selecting one of the following
letters. If the sentence is correct, select (d).
(a) Faulty pronoun reference
(b) Sentence fragment
(c) Comma splice (comma joining clauses inappropriately)
(d) Sentence is correct
___ 46. We’ve added more computers and printers, consequently we must update the wiring.
___ 47. Our office recycles paper and conserves energy because it helps save the environment.
___ 48. A number of stockholders who attended the meeting and expected to voice their
opinions.
___ 49. Membership in the organization is voluntary; contributions and grants are the only
means of support. This makes it difficult to continue a high level of support.
___ 50. Sales are increasing slowly, profits will respond soon.
Competent Language Usage Essentials (C.L.U.E.)
Proficiency Test Form B
Name __________________________________________Score __________________
Grammar: In the space provided, write the letter indicating the word that correctly completes each
sentence. Use only one answer for each question.
___ 1. Kevin found it difficult to (a) chose (b) choose a color for his new truck.
___ 2. If Laura had (a) saw (b) seen the report, she might have caught the error.
___ 3. The company’s full range of products and services (a) is (b) are offered locally.
___ 4. Only the production cost and the markup of each item (a) was (b) were known.
___ 5. Lying on the table (a) is (b) are the newspaper, two magazines, and airline tickets.
___ 6. Send updated contracts to (a) he and I (b) him and I (c) him and me (d) he and me.
___ 7. Most of the new equipment (a) appear (b) appears to be working well.
___ 8. (a) Everyone (b) Every one of the applicants attached an e-mail résumé.
___ 9. Team members would appreciate (a) you (b) your responding to e-mails more promptly.
___ 10. A record of all dividends, rents, royalties, and pensions (a) was (b) were requested.
___ 11. Before you may rent a tandem bicycle, $50 (a) is (b) are required as a deposit.
___ 12. Dr. Lee will see (a) whoever (b) whomever is next in line.
___ 13. The committee submitted (a) it’s (b) its (c) their report yesterday.
___ 14. To reduce costs, management pushed for a settlement (a) quick (b) quickly.
___ 15. Every new employee should receive (a) his (b) her (c) his or her (d) their orientation packet.
Mechanics: For each of the following sentences, select one letter to identify faults in
(a) Commas or semicolons
(b) Punctuation other than commas or semicolons (including hyphens and apostrophes)
(c) Symbols (including dollar and percent signs)
(d) Number expression (word or figure form)
(e) Capitalization
___ 16. Our newly-hired supervisor was scheduled to see representatives from Hewlett-
Packard, Dell, and Canon.
___ 17. Jennifers presentation, which was entitled “How to Improve Computer Graphics,” was excellent.
___ 18. Employees at the Minneapolis-based plant could earn 5 percent interest or they could
withdraw their funds for deposit elsewhere.
___ 19. Each office chair lists for 98 dollars; however, we expect to pay less.
___ 20. The Vice President and Marketing Director were called to the President’s office.
___ 21. If both sides are in agreement the contract will be signed Monday, April 2.
___ 22. The positions in our Marketing Department were advertised last week weren’t they?
___ 23. All nine investors, nevertheless, purchased European and latin American stocks.
___ 24. If I remember correctly, I sent only 4 e-mail messages in the morning.
___ 25. Our two-year-old Canon Copier is still running well.
___ 26. The committee selected three potential convention cities; Atlanta, Georgia; San
Antonio, Texas; and Anaheim, California.
___ 27. TechTronics will move it’s headquarters to Purchase, New York, within eight months.
___ 28. All customers’ addresses must be accurate, therefore, we must check the list again.
___ 29. Because they spoke little spanish, many visitors purchased the book entitled Speak
Like a Native in Just Ten Days.
___ 30. Would you please send two copies of IRS Form No. 1099?
Form B
Page 2
Confusing Words: In the space provided, write the letter of the word that best completes each sentence.
___ 31. Although it was only a (a) miner (b) minor event, management took notice.
___ 32. His (a) principle (b) principal problem was written communication.
___ 33. New taxation laws will (a) effect (b) affect all corporations.
___ 34. Each property owner must sign a (a) waiver (b) waver before construction can begin.
___ 35. Because security takes (a) precedence (b) precedents over all other factors, we’re seeking
safe investments.
___ 36. Each new customer was given 1,000 (a) complementary (b) complimentary checks.
Spelling: For each line of words indicate the letter of any misspelled word. If no word is misspelled,
write (e). For each numbered item provide only one answer.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
___ 37. absence calender convenient interrupt
___ 38. embarrass dissatisfied irrelavant immediate
___ 39. knowledgeable ommission prominent questionnaire
___ 40. recommendation receive volumn writing
___ 41. column consecutive familar definitely
___ 42. imediate referred separate omitted
___ 43. prevalent noticeable ninth undoubtedly
___ 44. business acommodate height guarantee
___ 45. February usually unecessarily surprise
Sentence Structure: In the space provided, identify any sentence fault by selecting one of the following
letters. If the sentence is correct, select (d).
(a) Faulty pronoun reference
(b) Sentence fragment
(c) Comma splice (comma joining clauses inappropriately)
(d) Sentence is correct
___ 46. The deadline is June 1, however we may receive an extension.
___ 47. Our specialists are trained in retirement planning, investment strategies, and working
capital management. This explains our strength.
___ 48. Any number of investors who are looking for flexible leasing arrangements for new
equipment.
___ 49. Rick suggested flexible work schedules for all who requested them and an extensive
revamping of medical benefits. That was a big hit with all employees.
___ 50. The bond market is advancing slowly, the stock market is moving forward rapidly.
Competent Language Usage Essentials (C.L.U.E.)
Proficiency Test Form C
Name _________________________________________ Score ____________
Grammar: In the space provided, write the letter indicating the word that correctly completes each
sentence. Use only one answer for each question.
___ 1. If you (a) was (b) were in my position, I’m sure you would do the same thing.
___ 2. Computer chips were (a) stolen, (b) stole last weekend from two warehouses.
___ 3. Here (a) is (b) are the complete list of names and addresses.
___ 4. Considerable time and money (a) was (b) were spent on publicity for the event.
___ 5. The president told Jeffrey and (a) I (b) me (c) myself that we would start Monday.
___ 6. Each of the classifications (a) contain (b) contains four parts.
___ 7. (a) Any one (b) Anyone of our 200 employees is eligible to win the prize trip to Hawaii.
___ 8. Although some checks were delayed, (a) yours (b) your’s was delivered on time.
___ 9. One hundred dollars (a) is (b) are too much to pay for one parking ticket!
___ 10. A long line of applicants (a) is (b) are waiting to apply for the advertised jobs.
___ 11. The first new computer goes to (a) whoever (b) whomever is at the top of the list.
___ 12. I certainly appreciate (a) you (b) your responding to my e-mail messages so promptly.
___ 13. Someone on the women’s team left (a) her (b) their purse in the locker room.
___ 14. All student learners were instructed to drive (a) careful (b) carefully near the school.
___ 15. Every graduate may pick up (a) their (b) his or her (c) his (d) her diploma today.
Mechanics: For each of the following sentences, select one letter to identify faults in
(a) Commas or semicolons
(b) Punctuation other than commas or semicolons (including hyphens and apostrophes)
(c) Symbols (including dollar and percent signs)
(d) Number expression (word or figure form)
(e) Capitalization
___ 16. The highly-regarded engineer was hired to work on water projects in Utah, Colorado,
and California.
___ 17. Erika may compile the list of names and addresses of customers or Steven may do it.
___ 18. Tim Roths screenplay, which was entitled “Tattooed Teenage Aliens,” made the rounds of
Hollywood producers.
___ 19. We were offered fifty-three dollars a share; however, we are not ready to sell.
___ 20. If you return the entry form by June 15 you will be eligible to win $50,000.
___ 21. Both our President and Sales Manager were unhappy with the 2 percent sales dip.
___ 22. If the manager agrees, we will try to hire 2 temporary employees.
___ 23. Regulators feel, nevertheless, that the japanese yen and the european euro will remain
strong in the currency market.
___ 24. Will you please send me a copy of Invoice No. 20-4991?
___ 25. All customers’ addresses were checked, however, some still have incorrect zip codes.
___ 26. The need for Spanish-speaking teachers is discussed in the Board of Education’s booklet
entitled “Closing the gap: Language Skills across the Curriculum.”
___ 27. The president returned from Europe, and immediately addressed Congress.
___ 28. On May 5th my boat and its trailer will be repainted.
___ 29. When we went fishing we caught a 20-pound Atlantic salmon at the privately owned lake.
___ 30. We brought some Ziploc Bags; however, we did not have enough to package all the items.
Form C
Page 2
Confusing Words: In the space provided, write the letter of the word that best completes each sentence.
___ 31. Our realtor promised to (a) apprise (b) appraise each prospective buyer of the unusual
contract terms.
___ 32. Homeowners are (a) liable (b) libel for “attractive nuisances” on their property.
___ 33. If you (a) altar (b) alter any wording in the contract, you must initial the changes.
___ 34. Stacy had to consult her (a) conscious (b) conscience before resigning her position.
___ 35. Restaurant patrons receive a (a) complimentary (b) complementary glass of wine with
their meals on Wednesday evenings.
___ 36. Dr. Myers considered himself a person of high (a) principals (b) principles.
Spelling: For each line of words indicate the letter of any misspelled word. If no word is misspelled,
write (e). For each numbered item provide only one answer.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
___ 37. seperate miscellaneous truly valuable
___ 38. accommodate consistent milage occasionally
___ 39. column convenint mortgage necessary
___ 40. apointment committee immediate irrelevant
___ 41. occurred opportunity pamphlet permenant
___ 42. automatically Febuary fourth genuine
___ 43. criticize definitely desirable serprise
___ 44. courteous efficient goverment prominent
___ 45. libary emphasize ninety therefore
Sentence Structure: In the space provided, identify any sentence fault by selecting one of the following
letters. If the sentence is correct, select (d).
(a) Faulty pronoun reference
(b) Sentence fragment
(c) Comma splice (comma joining clauses inappropriately)
(d) Sentence is correct
___ 46. Employers usually have stacks of résumés from talented applicants, therefore your résumé
must be flawless.
___ 47. A vehicle apparently ran off Kelton Road and struck the mail box as it attempted to get
back on the roadway.
___ 48. Although few applicants among the most recent candidates had the proper qualifications
for the opening in our Customer Service Department.
___ 49. Many students are completing internships, then they are more employable.
___ 50. Protesters released live cockroaches inside the White House on Friday, and they
were arrested when they left and blocked a security gate.
Answers to C.L.U.E. Proficiency Tests
Form A Form B Form C
C.L.U.E. Proficiency Test Form A
Sentence Revision Key
16. The newly passed legislation will affect taxes in Texas, California, and Michigan. [b = punctuation
17. Eric’s report, which was entitled “Living in a Digital World,” caused a stir. [b = punctuation error;
18. Stockholders for Apple could attend the meeting, or they could return their proxies. [a = comma error;
20. The president of DataTech met with the vice president to discuss the 9 percent dip in sales. [e =
21. If we receive all the figures, we will sign the contract July 1 in our headquarters. [a = comma error;
22. The memo from our Human Resources Department is quite clear, don’t you think? [a = comma error;
24. When Alicia is absent, we have only three operators in our Customer Service Department. [d =
25. We ordered 15 Pentax cameras to be awarded as prizes. [e = capitalization; do not capitalize common
26. Our interviewing team consists of these people: Ann Simms, Accounting; Tom Burns, Human
27. My graduating class is having its ten-year reunion June 10. [b = punctuation error; no apostrophe
28. The stockholders’ meeting was heavily advertised; however, attendance was light. [a = comma,
29. To improve their English, many Japanese students purchased the book entitled The Power of
30. Would you please send two copies of Invoice No. 39-5001. [b or c; polite requests are punctuated with
46. We’ve added computers and printers; consequently, we must update the wiring.[c = comma splice; use
47. Our office recycles paper and conserves energy because these efforts help save the environment. [a =
48. A number of stockholders who attended the meeting and expected to voice their opinions were
49. Membership in the organization is voluntary; contributions and grants are the only means of support.
50. Sales are increasing slowly; profits will respond soon. [c = comma splice remedied with semicolon to
C.L.U.E. Proficiency Test Form B
Sentence Revision Key
16. Our newly hired supervisor was scheduled to see representatives from Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and
17. Jennifer’s presentation, which was entitled “How to Improve Computer Graphics,” was excellent. [b =
18. Employees at the Minneapolis-based plant could earn 5 percent interest, or they could withdraw their
19. Each office chair lists for $98; however, we expect to pay less. [c = symbols; use $98 rather than 98
20. The vice president and marketing director were called to the president’s office. [e = capitalization
21. If both sides are in agreement, the contract will be signed Monday, April 2. [a = comma error; use a
22. The positions in our Marketing Department were advertised last week, weren’t they? [a = comma
23. All nine investors, nevertheless, purchased European and Latin American stocks. [e = capitalization
24. If I remember correctly, I sent only four e-mail messages in the morning. [d = number expression; use
25. Our two-year-old Canon copier is still running well. [e = capitalization; do not capitalize common
26. The committee selected three potential convention cities: Atlanta, Georgia; San Antonio, Texas; and
27. TechTronics will move its headquarters to Purchase, New York, within eight months. [e = punctuation;
28. All customers’ addresses must be accurate; therefore, we must check the list again. [a = comma,
29. Because they spoke little Spanish, many visitors purchased the book entitled Speak Like a Native in
47. Our specialists are trained in retirement planning, investment strategies, and working capital
48. Any number of investors who are looking for flexible leasing arrangements for new equipment will
49. Rick suggested flexible work schedules for all who requested them and an extensive revamping of
50. The bond market is advancing slowly; the stock market is moving forward rapidly. [c = comma splice;
C.L.U.E. Proficiency Test Form C
Sentence Revision Key
16. The highly regarded engineer was hired to work on water projects in Utah, Colorado, and California.
17. Erika may compile the list of names and addresses of customers, or Steven may do it. [a = comma;
18. Tim Roth’s screenplay, which was entitled “Tattooed Teenage Aliens,” made the rounds of Hollywood
20. If you return the entry form by June 15, you will be eligible to win $50,000. [a = comma; use a
21. Both our president and sales manager were unhappy with the 2 percent sales dip. [e = capitalization;
22. If the manager agrees, we will try to hire two temporary employees. [d = number expression; use
23. Regulators feel, nevertheless, that the Japanese yen and the European euro will remain strong in the
25. All customers’ addresses were checked; however, some still have incorrect zip codes. [a = comma,
26. The need for Spanish-speaking teachers is discussed in the board of education’s booklet entitled
27. The president returned from Europe and immediately addressed Congress. [a = comma error; omit
28. On May 5 my boat and its trailer will be repainted. [d = number expression; days following months do
29. When we went fishing, we caught a 20-pound Atlantic salmon at the privately owned lake.
30. We brought Ziploc bags; however, we did not bring enough rolls to capture all events.
46. Employers usually have stacks of résumés from talented applicants; therefore, your résumé must be
47. A vehicle apparently ran off Kelton Road and struck the mail box as the vehicle attempted to get back
48. Although few applicants among the most recent candidates had the proper qualifications for the
49. Many students are completing internships; then they are more employable. [c = classic comma splice;
50. Protesters released live cockroaches inside the White House on Friday, and the protesters were
