PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #55 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Feeling uninspired, the writer stared out at the gloomy landscape and thought of the days when he had rode along the old county roads in his father’s truck.
Feeling uninspired
he
his father's truck
No error
had rode
had rode
This sentence uses an ill-formed verb. The corrected sentence reads: Feeling uninspired, the writer stared out at the gloomy landscape and thought of the days when he had ridden along the old county roads in his father’s pick-up.
Example Question #56 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
He decided it would being a good idea to tell his friends that his birthday was actually the following day, but he was not sure how to say it tactfully. No error
how to say
being a good idea
tactfully
No error
was actually
being a good idea
This sentence uses “being” when “be” is appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "He decided it would be a good idea to tell his friends that his birthday was actually the following day, but he was not sure how to say it tactfully."
Example Question #57 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Thankfully, they brang their pirate diorama to school show-and-tell that day; they would have failed if they had forgotten. No error
had forgotten
No error
that day; they
brang
would have failed
brang
To correct this sentence's error, "brang" needs to be changed to "brought," which is the correct but irregular past tense form of "bring."
Example Question #58 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Until recently, scientists think that genes alone determine the longevity of new crops; however, new research suggests that environment, in addition to genetic factors, plays a crucial role in regulating a plant’s ability to resist pests and disease. No error
think
suggests
plays
No error
however
think
When we encounter a phrase such as "until recently," we know it must describe an event that took place in the past, but the verb "think" is in the present tense. This sentence therefore contains a tense error in the verb "think." Changing "think" to "thought" corrects the sentence's error.
Example Question #59 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When Martha goes to the coffee shop and places her order, it took her about five minutes to detail all of her specifications. No error
goes to the coffee shop
When
to detail
No error
took
took
This sentence has a problem with verb tense. Since the first half of the sentence is in the present, the second half has to be too. The corrected sentence reads, "When Martha goes to the coffee shop and places her order, it takes her about five minutes to detail all of her specifications."
Example Question #61 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Beverly Hills was a significant part of Los Angeles because its inhabitants include important professionals who have been very influential in the historical development of the entertainment industry. No error
part of
historical development
because
was
No error
was
This sentence is written in the present tense, as we can tell from its verb "include." However, the verb "was" is in the past tense. It should be in the present tense as well. To correct the sentence's error, "was" should be changed to "is."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
No matter how diverse a menu may be, John always orders the most basic dish that he could find. No error
could
most
No error
how
always
could
The sentence is written in the present tense, except for the modal verb, "could," which expresses possibility where none is needed; we're told that John "always" orders basic dishes. "Could" should be changed to the present tense verb "can" so that its tense matches that of "orders."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb 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 red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
throughout the night
No error.
steady
was running
the only sign that
steady
This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
calibrating
it is
No error.
to be patient
meticulous
meticulous
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
climbed into
comfortable
himself
No error.
limousine and
comfortable
This sentence uses an adjective (“comfortable”) to modify a verb (“settled”), which is not grammatically correct. Using an adverb instead of an adjective would be appropriate, however. The corrected sentence reads, "Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortably on one of the long leather seats."
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