English Usage Practice Test Questions

English usage and grammar are similar but not the same.

1. Grammar: Grammar is the rules and structure of clauses, phrases, and words in English. Grammar  covers he arrangement of words and phrases to create good sentences (called syntax), the structure of words and their formation (called morphology), and the meaning of words and sentences (called semantics).  Grammar Practice
2. English Usage: English usage, on the other hand, is the accepted conventions, practices, and customs of native English speakers and writers. Usage is the practical application of grammar rules in real-life.  Usage includes, dialects, colloquialisms, idiomatic expressions, style, register, and tone. English usage is how language is actually used in everyday speech and writing, including variations in vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure across different contexts and social settings.

1. Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. The ceremony had an emotional effect on the groom, but the bride was not affected.
b. The ceremony had an emotional affect on the groom, but the bride was not affected.
c. The ceremony had an emotional effect on the groom, but the bride was not effected.
d. The ceremony had an emotional affect on the groom, but the bride was not affected.

2. Choose the sentence with the correct usage.

a. Anna was taller then Luis, but then he grew four inches in three months.
b. Anna was taller then Luis, but than he grew four inches in three months.
c. Anna was taller than Luis, but than he grew four inches in three months.
d. Anna was taller than Luis, but then he grew four inches in three months.

3.  Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. Their second home is inBoca Raton, but there not their for most of the year.
b. They’re second home is inBoca Raton, but they’re not there for most of the year.
c. Their second home is inBoca Raton, but they’re not there for most of the year.
d. There second home is inBoca Raton, but they’re not there for most of the year.

4.  Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. They’re going to graduate in June; after that, their best option will be to go there.
b. There going to graduate in June; after that, their best option will be to go there.
c. They’re going to graduate in June; after that, there best option will be to go their.
d. Their going to graduate in June; after that, their best option will be to go there.

5.  Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. You’re mistaken; that is not you’re book.
b. Your mistaken; that is not your book.
c. You’re mistaken; that is not your book.
d. Your mistaken; that is not you’re book.

6. Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. You’re classes are on the west side of campus, but you’re living on the east side.
b. Your classes are on the west side of campus, but your living on the east side.
c. Your classes are on the west side of campus, but you’re living on the east side.
d. You’re classes are on the west side of campus, but you’re living on the east side.

8. Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. Disease is highly prevalent in poorer nations; the most dominant disease is malaria.
b. Disease are highly prevalent in poorer nations; the most dominant disease is malaria.
c. Disease is highly prevalent in poorer nations; the most dominant disease are malaria.
d. Disease are highly prevalent in poorer nations; the most dominant disease are malaria.

9.  Choose the sentence with the correct usage

a. Although I would prefer to have dog, I actually own a cat.
b. Although I would prefer to have a dog, I actually own cat.
c. Although I would prefer to have a dog, I actually own a cat.
d. Although I would prefer to have dog, I actually own cat.

10.   Choose the sentence with the correct usage. 

a. The principal of the school lived by one principle: always do your best.
b. The principle of the school lived by one principle: always do your best.
c. The principal of the school lived by one principal: always do your best.
d. The principle of the school lived by one principal: always do your best.

1. A
“Affect” is a verb, while “effect” is a noun.

2. D
“Than” is used for comparison. “Then” is used to indicate a point in time.

3. C
“There” indicates a state of existence. “Their” is used for third person plural possession. “They’re” is the contracted form of “they are.”

4. A
“There” indicates a state of existence. “Their” is used for third person plural possession. “They’re” is the contraction of “they are.”

5. C
“Your” is the possessive form of “you.” “You’re” is the contraction of “you are.”

6. C
“Your” is the possessive form of “you.” “You’re” is the contraction of “you are.”

8. A
Disease is a singular noun.

9. C
Both “dog” and “cat” in this sentence are singular nouns and require the article “a.”

10. A
The word “principal” is a synonym for primary or major. “Principle” means a fundamental truth.