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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Penelope always thought of the most fabulous witty comebacks two hours after the situation in which she could have used it. No error
In this sentence, the pronoun “it” (singular) refers to “witty comebacks” (plural). These words should agree in number. The corrected sentence reads, "Penelope always thought of the most fabulous witty comebacks two hours after the situation in which she could have used them."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The mayor has often proposed reductions in the sales tax because shoppers can benefit from this whenever they shop. No error
Pronouns and their antecedents must agree. In this sentence, "reductions" is plural, while "this" is singular, so "this" contains the sentence's error.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When he saw the perfect gift for his mom at the mall, he decided to buy it for them. No error
The antecedent of the word "them," a plural pronoun, is the word "mom," a singular noun. Pronouns need to match their antecedents' gender and number, so the singular feminine pronoun "her" should be used instead of the plural pronoun "them."
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The schools in that area have always been known for its strong academics, athletic program, and up-to-date facilities. No error
The subject of the sentence is "schools," a plural noun. So, one should not use "its," a singular possessive pronoun, to refer to "schools," a plural noun. Replacing "its" with "their" would correct the sentence's error.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The threat of the winter storm caused Bob to delay his flight to New York to visit their family for Christmas. No error
In this sentence, an error occurs when the possessive plural pronoun "their" is used to refer to a singular masculine antecedent, "Bob." Instead of using the plural possessive pronoun "their," one should use the singular masculine possessive pronoun "his."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Instead of accepting the aliens’ offer to take over, the humans rejected them and attempted vainly to fight back. No error
This sentence has a disagreement between a pronoun and its antecedent. The “offer” is singular and “them” is plural. The corrected sentence reads, "Instead of accepting the aliens’ offer to take over, the humans rejected it and attempted vainly to fight back."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although John was excited to meet his new teacher, he was also nervous because he didn't know what their instruction style would be like. No error
Although the gender of the teacher is not specified, "teacher" is still singular. Therefore, the plural possessive pronoun "their" should not be used. Rather than using "their," the sentence should say "his or her."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I hate having to go to the doctor because they always ask very invasive questions that make me uncomfortable. No error
The word, "doctor" is singular. Therefore, pronouns that refer back to the doctor should also be singular. "They" is plural and therefore is incorrect; the phrase "he or she" should be used in the sentence, as we do not know the doctor's gender.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In order for a person to balance a career and family, it is essential that they be able to prioritize all the things that must be accomplished. No error
The subject of this sentence is "person." Therefore, the pronoun should be the singular "he or she," not the plural "they."
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New York and Los Angeles have experienced a cultural boom in the past decade, as its restaurant scenes have been booming with new talent. No error
Given that the subject of the sentence is "New York and Los Angeles," which is plural, the pronoun "its" should also be plural. Therefore, "its" should be "their."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The flock of geese flew rapidly through the air for miles on end until they became fatigued and had to land to rest. No error
"Flock of geese" is singular. Therefore, the corresponding verb should refer to a singular subject, not a plural one. "They" should be changed to "it."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That university is particularly known for their strong film program and dedication to the creative arts. No error
This sentence contains a discrepancy in agreement of plurals. "University" is a singular noun, not a plural noun, so the correct possessive pronoun should be "its," not "their."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Small in size, the mongoose may not seem like an imposing creature, but when threatened they can fight off and even slay a large predator such as the king cobra. No error
"They," a plural pronoun, is used in the sentence to refer to "the mongoose," a singular subject. So, "they" should be changed to "it."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
An actress who struggles with memorization should study their lines daily. No error
"Their" is a possessive pronoun that indicates that an object belongs to several owners. However, this sentence refers to a single actress, so the lines only belong to one person. Therefore, the best pronoun to use is "her" because it matches the singular nature of the subject: sheshould study herlines. The correct sentence would be "An actress who struggles with memorization should study herlines daily."
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The table managed to stand upright, even though it only had three of his legs left. No error
In this sentence "the table" is the object, and as such it should correspond with the pronoun near the end of the sentence. Because a table is a genderless object, it is inappropriate to use a gendered pronoun (his) in conjunction with it: its is superior in this case.
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The House of Representatives rarely seems to be able to fulfill their duty these days. No error
In this example, "The House of Representatives" acts as a collective, singular noun. Therefore, the correct corresponding pronoun is "its", not "their". A common confusion occurs between "its" and "it's". Its is used to indicate the noun being discussed is in possession of something, while "it's" is a contraction of "it is."
The correct version of this sentence would read: "The House of Representatives rarely seems to be able to fulfill its duty these days."
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Those that take action into his or her own hands often find that life works out in their favor. No error
The word "those" is the antecedent of the pronoun used in the first part of the sentence. The best pronoun to correspond with this antecedent in this case is "their," (plural) rather than "his or her." (singular)
The correct version of this sentence would read: "Those that take action into their own hands, often find that life works out in their favor."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
You must not treat your brother so abominably, because he's the only family you have. No error
There is no error in the sentence as written. Note that the pronoun "your" corresponds to "you," which is proper and correct. "He's", in this instance, functions as a contraction of "he is." The two clauses are correctly connected with the coordinating conjunction "because."
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Lucius Sulla was a particularly effective general; he was very good at making soldiers listen to them. No error
In this sentence, it is obvious that the author's intent is to convey the fact that Sulla was good at making soldiers listen to him. As such, the final "them" of the sentence as written should be replaced with the pronoun "him", which corresponds correctly with Lucius Sulla (who is one, singular person).
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I think it is time for you and I to go your separate ways. No error
"You and I" is a collective plural; a first person set of nouns acting as a single entity. Therefore, the correct pronoun to use in conjunction with "you and I" is "our."
The correct version of this sentence would read: "I think it is time for you and I to go our separate ways."
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