Prepositions and Conjunctions — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which option lists ALL prepositional phrases in: 'The kids ran across the field toward the swings near the fence.'?
A) across the field, toward the swings, near the fence
B) the field, the swings, the fence
C) ran across, ran toward, ran near
D) across the field only
Each phrase starts with a preposition (across, toward, near) and ends with its noun object, making three phrases.
2. Which sentence uses the correlative pair 'neither/nor' correctly?
A) Neither the dog or the cat barked at the visitor.
B) Neither the dog nor the cat barked at the visitor.
C) Neither the dog and the cat barked at the visitor.
D) Neither the dog but the cat barked at the visitor.
'Neither' is always paired with 'nor' to keep the negative correlative pair balanced and standard.
3. Which conjunction best fits a formal tone in: 'The library closes at six, ___ please plan ahead.'?
A) and
B) but
C) so
D) for
'So' shows result and works smoothly in formal directions, telling readers to plan because of the closing time.
4. Which sentence has a correctly placed 'although' clause?
A) Although. The team trained hard they lost.
B) The team lost although they trained hard the game.
C) Although the team trained hard, they lost the game.
D) The team although trained hard lost they.
Starting with 'although' plus a clause and comma gives clear contrast and standard sentence order in writing.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The painting on the wall above the fireplace caught my eye instantly.
'On the wall' is a prepositional phrase that holds another phrase, 'above the fireplace,' inside it.
2. Both Mia and her brother enjoyed the long museum tour together.
'Both/and' joins Mia and her brother as equal subjects who shared the same enjoyable experience.
3. The cat slept peacefully on the chair in the cozy living room.
Two prepositions create nested phrases that pinpoint the cat's exact location with vivid layered detail.
4. We will go to the park if the weather stays clear all afternoon.
'If' starts a dependent clause showing the condition that must be true for the trip to happen.
5. She is not only a talented artist but also a dedicated student of music.
'Not only/but also' joins two parallel descriptions, showing she has more than one strong quality.