ACT English : ACT English
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English
All ACT English Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #4 : Preposition Errors
I know that Marcella cares with me; she's always kind and aware of what I need.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
for
NO CHANGE
on
over
for
In this sentence, the correct preposition to use is "for" or "about." "About" is not a possible answer; therefore, "for" is the best possible choice.
Example Question #1 : Preposition Errors
You must travel by boat or by plane to reach the island—the bridge is out.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
in
by the
on
NO CHANGE
for
NO CHANGE
If there is no article, (i.e. "a," "an," or "the"), you may say that you travel "by" a particular mode of transportation. As there is no article preceding the modes of transportation listed in the sentence, the correct preposition here is "by." Therefore, the best answer is "NO CHANGE."
Example Question #1 : Preposition Errors
After the car nearly struck him, Jimmy trembled for fear.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
NO CHANGE
with
under
on
with
"Trembled for fear" is perhaps technically correct, but it is a touch archaic, and not the best way to phrase the idea being expressed. "Trembled with fear," on the other hand, is a common expression still in regular use. "With" is therefore the best correct preposition to use in this instance, and is the best answer to this question.
Example Question #2611 : Act English
Alex came in last; his total time raced was just over fifteen minutes.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
on
NO CHANGE
in
with
NO CHANGE
Here, the author of the sentence is clearly trying to express that the runner in question ran the race in a time that is slightly longer than fifteen minutes. The optimal way to express this in context is to say, "his total time raced was just over fifteen minutes," because the word "over" is a preposition that conveys this fact clearly. The best answer is "NO CHANGE."
Example Question #2611 : Act English
Claire had to wash her clothes very carefully on a special solution to get all of the stains out.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
under
NO CHANGE
through
with
with
"With" is the correct preposition to use whenever an instrument with which something is being done is in the sentence. In this case, "special solution" is just such an instrument; therefore, the best answer for this sentence is "with."
Example Question #2612 : Act English
After the latest failure, she was sure that she lacked with the tenacity to go on.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
NO CHANGE
she lacked the tenacity
she lacked for the tenacity
she lacked in the tenacity
she lacked the tenacity
With a transitive verb like "lacked," you can follow the verb directly with the direct object. A preposition is unnecessary. The best answer is the one which deletes the preposition entirely from the sentence.
Example Question #2613 : Act English
My mother was not pleased to me when I hit my brother on the head.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
My mother was not pleased with me
My mother was not pleased for me
NO CHANGE
My mother was not pleased about me
My mother was not pleased with me
Here, the best preposition to use is "with." "With" is typically used to deal with how people express their feelings, and since the phrase in question deals with how the mother feels about the narrator, we must use the word "with."
Example Question #2614 : Act English
I cannot believe that Paul talked in the phone for over an hour!
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
NO CHANGE
with
on
over
on
When referencing a person talking with the aid of a telephone, the correct expression is always talking "on" the phone. As such, "on" is the best answer to this question.
Example Question #2615 : Act English
In spite of horrific conditions, there were many great acts of heroism committed during the First World War.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
over
in
NO CHANGE
for
NO CHANGE
"In spite of" is a common phrase that means "despite," or "regardless of." Putting another preposition in the phrase changes its meaning, or causes it to function differently; therefore, the best answer is "NO CHANGE."
Example Question #1005 : Word Usage Errors
He was to be congratulated because all of his myriad achievements.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
He was to be congratulated on all of his myriad achievements.
He was to be congratulated over all of his myriad achievements.
He was to be congratulated in all of his myriad achievements.
NO CHANGE
He was to be congratulated on all of his myriad achievements.
When "congratulate" is the verb in question, it can be followed by the prepositions "for" and "on," although "on" is more common. As such, of the answers available, "He was to be congratulated on all of his myriad achievements" is the correct choice.
Certified Tutor
All ACT English Resources
