Word precision - that is, using words for exactly what they mean - is an important skill for a writer. This is an exercise that will help improve your skill in this area. You will be shown a sentence and asked to select one of two words that should go in the sentence. (Hold the clicker down on the arrows on the right of the button to see your choices.) There are 15 sentences on this exercise. When you finish the exercise, follow the directions of your instructor. (If you exit or quit the file without saving and printing, you work will probably be deleted.)

1. Does your tone ________ that he can't be responsible?
imply infer

2. The smoke had an eerie _______ on the play's set.
affect effect

3. Mom placed the vase on the __________.
mantel mantle

4. The diamond weighed two __________.
karats carats

5. Jan's mistake was the _____________ cause.
principle principal

6. The total in attendance was ________ 100.
over more than

7. The student gave a(n) __________ report of her findings.
verbal oral

8. Montgomery is Alabama's state __________.
capitol capital

9. Jim is exhausted and needs to ________ down.
lie lay

10. Charles Manson received a life sentence for the ______ murders he ordered.
grizzly grisly

11. The astronauts offered their final words of ______ before takeoff.
goodbye goodby

12. During the Civil War, Richmond was ____________ by Union bombardment.
ravaged ravished

13. Reagan will be staying in the Royal Dutch _______ .
suite suits

14. The poll showed that the phrase “U.S. defense system” ___________ destruction and death.
denotes connotes

15. The candidate argued for a more ________________ distribution of wealth in this nation.
equal equitable

Once you have finished this exercise, follow the directions of your instructor. If you quit or exit the file before saving or printing, you work will likley be deleted.

Answers and explanations