ACT English : Word Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English
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Example Questions
Example Question #121 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
I starting learning Russian when I entered college.
NO CHANGE
started
start
was starting
started
"Starting" is the continuous form of "to start." This tense does not show proper subject-verb agreement with the subject "I." While there is more than one way to write this sentence, "started" both agrees with the subject and follows the tense established by "entered."
Example Question #122 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The collection of poems and short stories have been out of print for several years, but will soon be available again.
has been
were
will be
had been
NO CHANGE
has been
The subject of the sentence is "collection", and it should take a singular verb. The sentence requires a present perfect verb to indicate a past action that is not completed and to maintain tense consistency with the remainder of the sentence.
Example Question #123 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The combination of acoustic and electric instruments create an eclectic sound that is the trademark of jazz fusion.
creates
NO CHANGE
is creating
have created
creating
creates
The subject of the sentence is "combination", thus the predicate should be singular.
"Creating" cannot be used by itself as a predicate; it creates a fragment.
"Is creating" is an incorrect time referent.
Example Question #124 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
A group of mice are scampering around outside.
NO CHANGE
A group of mice, they scamper around outside.
A group of mice is scampering around outside.
A group of mice scampering around outside.
A group of mice having been scampering around outside.
A group of mice is scampering around outside.
The original sentence contains an error of subject/verb agreement. Although "mice" is plural, the actual subject of the sentence is "group," a singular noun. Therefore, the verb must also be singular.
Example Question #125 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The flock of geese go south for the winter.
The flock of geese go south for the winter.
NO CHANGE
The flock of geese to go south for the winter.
The flock of geese going south for the winter.
The flock of geese goes south for the winter.
The flock of geese goes south for the winter.
Although "geese" is plural, the actual subject of the sentence is the singular noun "flock." Therefore, the main verb of the sentence must also be singular.
Example Question #126 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The school of fish were swimming away from the shark.
The school of fish were swimming away from the shark.
The school of fish swimming away from the shark.
The school of fish was swimming away from the shark.
NO CHANGE
The school of fish are swimming away from the shark.
The school of fish was swimming away from the shark.
Although "fish" in this case is plural, the actual subject of the sentence is the singular noun "school," so the main verb of the sentence must also be singular.
Example Question #127 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
That man take a walk every morning to stay in shape.
NO CHANGE
taken
takes
were taking
were taken
takes
This question asks you about subject-verb agreement. This sentence contains a singular subject, "man," and in order to agree, the verb must also be singular. The correct singular form of the verb "to take" is "takes."
Example Question #128 : Word Usage Errors
“Bach and German Hymnody”
[31] The great German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach was a member of a prodigiously talented musical family. [32] A significant number of Johann Sebastians ancestors and descendants were musicians of various levels of talent. [33] Although he was known for music of a variety of forms, one of his most enduring legacies is the repertoire of chorale music by which he improved and solidified the world of German congregational singing.
During the period after the Protestant Reformation, a number of hymns were written for use in the common worship of the Christians of the time. [34] The structured form of these compositions were well suited for congregational singing although they would sound strange to our contemporary ears. [35] The harmonies and meters of these hymns are very close in character to the music with which we are familiar. They lack some of the standard structural elements that we take for granted in this form of organized [36] Western music, these small differences would stand out to our sensibilities.
It was the great glory of Johann Sebastian Bach to have harmonized a great number of these hymns, often penning multiple such harmonies. [37] One solitary single melody might be made by Bach into three, four, or even five different harmonic compositions. [38] This amazing feat of musical prowess is no small addition to the original behest of Lutheran hymns that Bach had inherited from his fellow religious brethren. [39] Many of these harmonies remain to this day as classic renditions of these songs. [40] They are sung not only in the German world but in Protestant and Catholic services. [41] Indeed they are even sung in wholly secular concerts thanks to their great beauty!
Interestingly enough, Bach was more recognized as a talented performer, rather than composer, of music in his own lifetime. While he was still composing, knowledge of Bach’s work was limited to music connoisseurs who happened to be physically near places [42] he lived and worked. It was not until the early 19th century, when the first biography of Bach was published, that academic and popular interest [43] truly picked up steam. In the two centuries that followed, his works have continued to proliferate in both religious and purely musical contexts.
This great diffusion of one mans’ work is a testament to his prodigious talent. [44] It also stands as a testament to the fact that Bach’s work came at a pivotal time when the Protestant hymnody was crystallizing, as well as when Western harmonies were coming into a particular expression that is known as the Baroque. [45]
Choose the answer that best corrects section [34].
The structured form of these compositions were well-suited for congregational singing although they would sound
The structured form of these compositions were well suited for congregational singing although they will sound
The structured form of these compositions was well suited for congregational singing although they would sound
NO CHANGE
The structured form of these compositions was well suited for congregational singing although they would sound
Although it could be argued that there should be a comma before "although," the sentence can stand well enough without such a comma. Likewise, it is tempting to combine the compound expression "well suited" with a hyphen, but this is not necessary, as "well" is an adverb modifying the adjective "suited." The main issue in this sentence is the agreement of the subject with its verb. Notice that the subject is "form" and not "compositions." Therefore, the main verb should not be "were." Instead, it should be the singular form "was," which matches the singular number of "form."
Example Question #128 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
For the past three years, several applicants to the school with exceptionally high TAST scores was from the Keppville area, piquing the interest of local school officials.
be from
are from
were from
NO CHANGE
is from
were from
In this sentence, the main subject is "several applicants," which is plural because it refers to more than one applicant. Because this subject is plural, the accompanying verb, "was," must be plural as well in order for the subject and verb to agree. Thus, "were" is the most correct form of the verb.
The phrase at the beginning of the sentence, "For the past three years," implies that the verb should be past tense. Therefore, "are" is incorrect as a present tense verb.
Example Question #129 : Word Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The most common concern is that many of the students does well on tests but lack essential qualities like creativity and independence.
do well
is doing well
is well
NO CHANGE
done well
do well
The underlined verb "does" is describing the actions of the students, so the subject is "many of the students." Since the main subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. The plural form of "does" is "do." Therefore, the correct answer is "do well."
The answer "done well" changes the verb "do" into an adjective "done," so this is incorrect. The answer "is well" and "is doing well" are both singular verbs, which do not agree with the plural subject and thus are also incorrect.
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