SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #34 : 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.
For we, it is easier to get around in public transportation than it is to drive a car on roads that are congested and stress-inducing. No error
are
than
we
to
No error
we
"We" is a subject pronoun. The object pronoun is "us." In the sentence above, it is easier to get around for "we," which is incorrect. To correct the sentence, "we" should be changed to "us."
Example Question #35 : 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.
Although a sales tax may appear to be an efficient way to raise profits, they are more detrimental to low-income consumers than to rich ones. No error
to raise
they are
No error
ones
than to
they are
"Tax" is a singular antecedent, while the pronoun and verb "they are" are plural. "It is" should be used instead of "they are" so that a singular pronoun and verb correspond to the singular antecedent "tax."
Example Question #36 : 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 cake was decorated with turquoise frosting swirls and turquoise candles because these were his favorite color. No error
frosting swirls
No error
his
these were
was decorated with
these were
“These” refers to “turquoise,” which is singular. The pronoun should likewise be singular. The corrected sentence reads, "The cake was decorated with turquoise frosting swirls and turquoise candles because this was his favorite color."
Example Question #37 : 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.
Imported turmeric, often valued for it’s exotic flavor, also has the health benefit of helping to prevent the mental deterioration of older adults. No error
No error
flavor
it's
mental deterioration
older adults
it's
"It's" is an abbreviated form of "it is." "Its" is the possessive form of "it," and therefore "it's" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #38 : 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.
Ginger is valued not only because of its flavorful properties as a spice and garnish, but also because they have significant health benefits. No error
they
No error
but also
not only
flavorful properties
they
"Ginger" is singular, therefore the pronoun that refers to it in the sentence, "they," should be singular as well. The pronoun "they" is used with plural antecedents, and should be changed to the pronoun "it," which is used with singular neuter antecedents.
Example Question #31 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The committee had a tradition of voting bimonthly for their quarterly meeting, in which the members discussed important matters. No error
their
in which
discussed
had
No error
their
This is a pronoun agreement error. "Committee" is a group noun, so it is singular. The pronoun "their" refers to the committee but it is plural. "Their" should become "its."
Example Question #32 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I've had more teachers than I can count, but by far the best one was Mr. Brown, that taught second grade. No error
I've had
but
No error
Mr. Brown, that
than
Mr. Brown, that
Because the dependent clause "that taught second grade" is modifying a person, it needs to be introduced by "who," not "that," so "Mr. Brown, that" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #51 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I must say that I am somewhat jealous of you having your own private, in-home movie theater. No error
private,
somewhat
I must say
No error
somewhat
No error
private,
you having
you having
In this sentence, the word "having" is a gerund—a verb acting as a noun. A person is not jealous of an action but of some thing, in this case, the state of someone's having a movie theater. Since "having" is being treated as a noun, the other parts of speech must treat it as such as well. So the correct form of "you" would be possessive; the sentence should read "I am jealous of your having" just as you would say "I am jealous of your dog."
Example Question #33 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While on vacation in the Smokey Mountains, Jack saw a brown bear and it's cub run across the road. No error
No error
a brown bear and it's cub
run across the road
in the Smokey Mountains,
While on vacation
a brown bear and it's cub
The phrase "a brown bear and it's cub" contains this sentence's error because it uses "it's," which is the contracted form of "it is," instead of "its," which is the possessive form of the singular pronoun "it." Changing "it's" to "its" would correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #34 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If one puts meticulous effort into your studies day after day, one will most likely succeed. No error
your studies
most likely
one
after
No error
your studies
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents. Since the sentence uses the pronoun "one," and remains consistent with that pronoun in the final clause, the pronoun is "your" is incorrect." Pronouns must remain consistent throughout a sentence. One could correct the sentence's error by changing "your" to "one's."
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