SAT Writing : Identifying Subordinate Conjunction Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #81 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And 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.
When I was a young man I used to love to go and hang out in parks. No error
No error
When I was
man I used
in parks.
go
man I used
In the sentence above, the word "when" is being used as a subordinate conjunction. Any such subordinate clause must be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"When I was a young man, I used to love to go out and hang out in parks."
Example Question #82 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And 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.
In the United States, many women feel they must make a choice between having a career or starting a family. No error
having
No error
a choice
feel
or
or
The word “between,” relating two independent clauses, implies that the correct conjunction to be used here is “and” rather than “or.”
Example Question #83 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And 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.
According to new research, families with multiple children prefer the suburbs more than cities because they can afford homes with more space. No error
with
No error
more than
they can
prefer
more than
The verb “prefer” takes the preposition “to,” not “than.” In other words, it is grammatically correct to say families prefer “suburbs to cities” but not correct to say they prefer “suburbs more than cities.”
Example Question #84 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And 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.
Many endangered species which inhabit the African savanna may become extinct if government agencies do not quickly take protective action to save them. No error
which inhabit
if
No error
take
may become
which inhabit
This sentence begins with the restrictive clause, “Many endangered species.” Using the word “which” after a restrictive clause is incorrect. Rather, we must use the word “that.” While it is a common grammatical error to use "that" in situations when "which" is needed, it is equally incorrect to use "which" in instances when "that" is required, like after a restrictive clause.
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