PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #112 : Identifying Other Usage 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 last question, that was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying. No error
that
No error
famously
issue of
government spying
that
This sentence uses “that” where “which” is more appropriate. Use “which” for added information, after a comma. The corrected sentence reads, "The last question, which was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying."
Example Question #301 : Identifying Word Usage 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
there
loud
No error
running amok
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 #302 : Identifying Word Usage 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
their
No error
substantial
is served
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 #303 : Identifying Word Usage 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
No error
resolute
their
disparaging
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 #304 : Identifying Word Usage 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
No error
on
running
reputed
court
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 #305 : Identifying Word Usage 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
was hoping
No error
to
that
for him
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 #412 : Identifying Word Usage 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
No error
brought over
lovely
both nuts and gluten
that
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 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.
variation between
are caused
No error.
more directly
happens
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 #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.
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.
No error.
make decisions
regarding
along with
finances, mission, and education policy
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 #1 : Identifying 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.
but the creation
is not often considered
sense of artistry
require
No error.
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."
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