Select the phrase that will make this sentence grammatically correct. As the concert ended, my friends ___________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The sentence is in past tense ('As the concert ended'). Therefore, the correct verb form to use is 'asked,' as it agrees with the past tense of the sentence. Choice A is incorrect because 'ask' is not in agreement with the past tense context. Choice C is incorrect because 'have asked' is present perfect tense, not past tense. Choice D is incorrect because 'are asking' is present continuous tense, not past tense.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the sentence, 'The nursing staff appreciate occasional thank-you cards,' the pronoun 'them' is the best word to substitute for 'nursing staff.' The word 'them' is a pronoun that refers to a group of people or things, which matches the plural form of 'nursing staff.' Therefore, 'them' is the correct choice in this context. Choice A, 'They,' could also refer to the nursing staff, but 'them' is more precise in this case. Choice B, 'It,' is singular and does not match the plural 'nursing staff.' Choice D, 'Us,' refers to the speaker and others, which is not appropriate in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Comma.' In the sentence, a comma is needed to separate the independent clauses 'I will check the supply closet' and 'you can look in the laundry.' This comma helps to indicate a pause between the two related but separate actions that each person is taking. Choice A (Period) is incorrect because a period would create two separate sentences. Choice C (Colon) is incorrect as a colon is used to introduce a list or explanation. Choice D (Semicolon) is incorrect as a semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'prefer' should be changed to 'prefers' to match the singular subject 'Louis.' The correct sentence should be: 'Fredericka always orders pancakes, but Louis prefers waffles.' Choice A 'always,' Choice B 'orders,' and Choice C 'but' are used correctly in the sentence and do not need any corrections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the sentence, the word 'despite' is the best fit to convey the meaning that Derek insists on working out daily regardless of the limitation of his time. 'Despite' is used to show contrast or defiance against a situation or condition, making it the most suitable choice among the options provided. Choice B, 'due to,' would imply that Derek is working out daily because his time is limited, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence. Choice C, 'even if,' suggests a conditional scenario which does not align with the context of Derek's daily routine. Choice D, 'whereas,' introduces a comparison between two contrasting clauses, which does not fit the sentence where the focus is on Derek's persistence in working out despite limited time.