The following exercises help you improve your knowledge of and power over English grammar, mechanics, and usage. Turn to the Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage at the end of this book and review Section 1.6.1 (Prepositions), Section 1.6.2 (Conjunctions), and Section 1.6.3 (Articles and Interjections). Then look at the following 10 items and indicate the preferred choice in the following groups of sentences.

i.

a. The response was not only inappropriate but it was also rude.

b. The response was not only inappropriate but also rude.

ii.

a. Be sure to look the spelling up in the dictionary.

b. Be sure to look up the spelling in the dictionary.

iii.

a. We didn’t get the contract because our proposal didn’t comply with the request for proposals (RFP).

b. We didn’t get the contract because our proposals didn’t comply to the RFP.

iv.

a. Marissa should of known not to send that email to the CEO.

b. Marissa should have known not to send that email to the CEO.

v.

a. The Phalanx 1000 has been favorably compared to the Mac iBook.

b. The Phalanx 1000 has been favorably compared with the Mac iBook.

vi.

a. What are you looking for?

b. For what are you looking?

vii.

a. Have you filed an SEC application?

b. Have you filed a SEC application?

viii.

a. The project turned out neither to be easy nor simple.

b. The project turned out to be neither easy nor simple.

ix.

a. If you hire me, you will not regret your decision!

b. If you hire me, you will not regret your decision.

x.

a. This is truly an historic event.

b. This is truly a historic event.