Turn to the Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage at the end of this book and review all of Sentences. Using those guidelines, indicate the preferred sentence in the following pairs. (You can find answers to these exercises in the Answer Key at the end of the book.)

1.

a. Joan Ellingsworth attends every stockholder meeting.

Because they are one of the few board members eligible to vote. (They/them are Joan’s preferred pronouns.)

b. Joan Ellingsworth attends every stockholder meeting.

They are one of the few board members eligible to vote.

2.

a. The executive director, along with his team members, is working quickly to determine the cause of the problem.

b. The executive director, along with his team members, are working quickly to determine the cause of the problem.

3.

a. Listening on the extension, details of the embezzlement plot were overheard by the security chief.

b. Listening on the extension, the chief overheard details of the embezzlement plot.

4.

a. First the human resources department interviewed dozens of people. Then it hired a placement service.

b. First the human resources department interviewed dozens of people then it hired a placement service.

5.

a. Andre won the sales contest, however he was able to sign up only two new accounts.

b. Andre won the sales contest; however, he was able to sign up only two new accounts.

6.

a. To find the missing file, the whole office was turned inside out.

b. The whole office was turned inside out to find the missing file.

7.

a. Having finally gotten his transfer, he is taking his assistant right along with him.

b. Having finally gotten his transfer, his assistant is going right along with him.

8.

a. Irving was recruiting team members for her project, she promised supporters unprecedented bonuses.

b. Because Irving was recruiting team members for her project, she promised supporters unprecedented bonuses.

9.

a. He left the office unlocked overnight. This was an unconscionable act, considering the high crime rate in this area lately.

b. He left the office unlocked overnight. An unconscionable act, considering the high crime rate in this area lately.

10.

a. When it comes to safety issues, the abandoned mine, with its collapsing tunnels, are cause for great concern.

b. When it comes to safety issues, the abandoned mine, with its collapsing tunnels, is cause for great concern.