PSAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #471 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Judging from there aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok. No error
running amok
there
No error
loud
will enjoy having
there
This sentence uses the wrong version of there/their. The possessive “their” is appropriate in this case. The corrected sentence reads, "Judging from their aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok."
Example Question #472 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Starters are not meant to fill diners up, but to wet their appetite before a substantial entrée is served. No error
is served
substantial
No error
their
wet
wet
“Wet” means to moisten or dampen. “Whet,” however, means to stimulate or awaken. In this case, we are looking for the verb “whet.”
Example Question #473 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The resolute comedian did not seem phased by the audience’s disparaging comments; he remained focused despite their attacks. No error
phased
their
No error
disparaging
resolute
phased
The verb “phased” stems from the noun “phase” (a stage of development). The correct spelling in this case is “fazed,” which means unnerved or disturbed. The comedian was not fazed, meaning he was not bothered by the insults.
Example Question #474 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Mrs. Davis insisted on running to the corner store for a court of milk so she could bake her reputed lemon loaf. No error
court
running
reputed
No error
on
court
A “court” is an official legal building or a place where sports are played. “Quart,” on the other hand, is a unit used to measure liquids.
Example Question #475 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Though the surfer was hoping to ride the tidal wave, he soon realized that it was slightly to high for him to master. No error
for him
that
to
was hoping
No error
to
“To” is a preposition (as in the sentence “I’m going to school”), while “too” means excessively. We can deduce that the wave was “too high” for the surfer to ride.
Example Question #476 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, that would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten. No error
brought over
lovely
both nuts and gluten
that
No error
that
This sentence mixes up the words “that” and “which.” “Which” is used to start a phrase that provides additional information after a comma. The content of a which-phrase is loosely connected to the content of the main phrase, and the sentence would still make sense if the information contained in the phrase were omitted. “That” directly follows the word it’s modifying, with no comma intervening. The corrected sentence reads, "Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, which would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The variation between seasons are caused by the tilt of the planet; summer happens where sunlight is hitting the earth more directly. No error.
No error.
variation between
happens
more directly
are caused
are caused
In this sentence, the plural verb “are” does not agree with its singular subject “variation.” The corrected sentence reads, "The variation between seasons is caused by the tilt of the planet; summer happens where sunlight is hitting the earth more directly."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The president of the college, along with other members of the board, make decisions regarding the college's finances, its mission, and its education policy. No error.
regarding
No error.
make decisions
finances, mission, and education policy
along with
make decisions
The subject of this sentence is “the president,” which is singular. The other members of the board are just added information. The verb “make” should agree with a singular subject. The corrected sentence reads: "The president of the college, along with other members of the board, makes decisions regarding the college's finances, its mission, and its education policy."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Cooking is not often considered a fine art, but the creation of delicious meals that balance flavors require a real sense of artistry. No error.
No error.
but the creation
is not often considered
require
sense of artistry
require
In this sentence, the verb “require” should agree in number with its subject “creation.” Here, it incorrectly agrees with “flavors.” The corrected sentence reads, "Cooking is not often considered a fine art, but the creation of delicious meals that balance flavors requires a real sense of artistry."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The ash trees that line the long driveway up to the mansion is diseased and likely to die soon. No error.
up to
No error.
that
soon
is diseased
is diseased
This sentence has a problem with subject-verb agreement. The subject “trees” is plural, but the verb “is” is singular. The corrected sentence reads: "The ash trees that line the long driveway up to the mansion are diseased and likely to die soon."
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