Dropped Word Endings

Note: This exercise works on Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer 7, but it may not work on Internet Explorer 6.

This is another exercise designed to help you learn to read like an editor -- spotting potential problems and pausing to check them.

Dropped word endings are a common problem in editing. They are most likely to appear when a word ending in "s" is surrounded by other "s" sounds, but there are also words like "used" that regularly lose their endings.

In the examples below, place your cursor over the error to see the correction. (Do not click.)

1. This is a feature story, as oppose opposed to a breaking news story.
2. News is suppose supposed to be direct, not mysterious.
3. It is commonly believed that alligator alligators love preying on people.
4. This article has good statistic statistics supporting its claim that dog attacks are on the increase.
5. Dyslexia manifest manifests itself in a variety of ways.
6. I agreed to have all guest guests out of the house by midnight.
7. She said she was not use used to wearing low-cut dresses.
8. Marriage is suppose supposed to last forever.
9. The Commissioner said that no uniform uniformed officer should have to go to work without proper equipment.
10. All women are potential victim victims of sexual assault.
11. Many commentators have fans that agree with the bias biased comments they make.
12. Stephanie Stephanie's situation is different from Chenelle's.
13. The boy boy's father ran into the yard when he heard the noise.
14. Headline: Christmas Can Canned Food Drive
15. Readers can choose the kind kinds of magazines that interest them.
16. When the nest empties, nothing will replace the time a parent use used to spend with a child, but taking up a hobby can help.
17. When you do this exercise for several minutes, your body is suppose supposed to feel relaxed.
18. His comments are clearly bias biased against young people.
19. The dogs must undergo a series of test tests assessing their behavior around new people.
20. One theory exist exists that dolphins are uniquely sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities.
21. My final draft is finish, finished, but I can't print it until I buy a new ink cartridge.
22. Georgia, Florida and Alabama attempted for years to negotiate a compact that allocate allocates water.
23. Dr. Hutchinson Hutchinson's diagnosis showed that the child was deaf in one ear.
24. My adviser is bias biased in favor of courses in European history.
25. In this issue of the magazine, the short article articles were about black celebrities.
26. The gorgeous model is provocatively posed alongside an old-fashion old-fashioned camera.
27. Partners often feel the burden of their love loved one's depression.
28. Playing games bring brings him joy in life.
29. Ajax Construction Company was one of the first sponsor sponsors to contribute to the cause.
30. Headline: Renown Renowned Local Church Musician Retires
31. I might be a little prejudice prejudiced but I think the book is quite good.
32. I like the book because it includes several checklist checklists that students will find useful.
33. The article begins with an anecdote. In it, the author introduce introduces a little girl who was bitten by a dog.
34. There is a lot of information to be assessed and give given to the reader.
35. Without these statistics, readers would be skeptical that the problem really exist. exists.
36. The magazine cover contained this cover line: "6 things he need needs from you but dare dares not say."
37. Some students begin seeking entry-level position positions the summer before senior year.
38. Some attribute attributes seem more important than others.
39. All magazines are targeted to specific audience. audiences.
40. The time of the meeting has been change changed to 9 a.m.
41. (Present tense) The author introduce introduces several arguments in favor of stem cell research.