SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Question #231 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no errors at all.
As he touched the pen to the paper, it suddenly burst into flame, eliciting a shriek of terror from him. No error
flame,
No error
it
eliciting
to
it
Pronouns should always refer to a clear and specific antecedent. In this sentence, it's unclear what burst into flame. Was it the pen he was holding, or the paper he was writing on? The sentence should be revised to specify one or the other.
Example Question #232 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no errors at all.
Sally and Linda both enjoyed their day of shopping, but she was secretly troubled by the implications of her friend's speech. No error
of
enjoyed
No error
she
secretly
she
Pronouns should always refer to a clear and specific antecedent. In this example, it's unclear which woman is supposed to be referred to by "she;" is it Sally or Linda? The sentence should be rewritten to make it clear which of them is the subject of the sentence and has doubts about her friend.
Example Question #8 : 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.
Despite it's positive critical reception, many members of the general public disliked the play, believing that the director betrayed his homegrown roots in order to appeal to a wealthier audience. No error
No error
appeal to
it's
believing that the director
members of the general public
it's
"It's" is an abbreviation for "it is." Here, "its" should be used in order to show possession. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "it's."
Example Question #1 : 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.
Given that the mother walks very slowly and that the son never seems to be in much of a rush, it is safe to say that the family likes to take their time. No error
Given
No error
never
their
it is
their
"Family" is singular. Therefore, the possessive pronoun that refers to it should be singular as well. Thus, "its" should be used instead of "their."
Example Question #2 : 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 there are advantages to doing freelance work, it is outweighed by the stress of having an inconsistent income. No error
stress of
inconsistent
are
it
No error
it
The underlined word, "it," refers to the "advantages of freelance work," which is plural. Therefore, "it," a singular pronoun, should be changed to the plural pronoun "they."
Example Question #1 : 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
A psychotherapist always needs to be sure that they are meeting the emotional needs of clients by developing a keen awareness of other people's feelings. No error
always
No error
of clients
they are
a keen awareness of
they are
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “they” does not correspond to the singular antecedent “psychotherapist.” To correct the sentence's error, one would need to replace "they" with "he or she."
Example Question #12 : Identifying 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.
Despite an incredible investment of time and energy into the project, Gary was disappointed with their final result. No error
No error
despite
their
into
was
their
In this sentence, “their” does not correspond to the antecedent “Gary.” Since we can reasonably infer that Gary is male, the correct version of this sentence would use the pronoun "his" instead of "their."
Example Question #3 : 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 web designer never received their pay for the work completed on the restaurant’s webpage because the owners had declared bankruptcy. No error
declared
never
their
No error
because
their
In this sentence, “their” does not correspond to the antecedent “web designer.” The correct version of this sentence would use the phrase "his or her" or avoid use of a possessive personal pronoun altogether.
Example Question #1 : 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.
It is the flight attendant’s responsibility to make sure that they inform all passengers of the necessary safety precautions to take. No error
of the
No error
It is
to take
they inform
they inform
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “they” does not correspond to the singular antecedent “flight attendant.” To correct the error, one would need to change "they inform" to "he or she informs."
Example Question #11 : 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.
Jackie thought that the new traffic circle in the neighborhood was a terrible idea; Franklin thought it too. No error
that
too
was
No error
it
it
The wrong pronoun is used here after "thought," since we do not have a specific "it" to which to refer. The corrected sentence reads, "Jackie thought that the new traffic circle in the neighborhood was a terrible idea; Franklin thought so too."
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