All ACT English Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #162 : Verb Formation Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Although he was suspicious of the deal, the negotiator knew he has to accept what he was offered or get nothing at all.
the negotiator knew he has to accepted
the negotiator knew he has to accept
the negotiator knew he having to accept
the negotiator knew he is accepting
the negotiator knew he had to accept
the negotiator knew he had to accept
The issue with the underlined sentence is quite simple, with the verb form "knew," a past tense construction, being at odds with "has," a present tense form. These need to work together, making the correct answer choice "the negotiator knew he had to accept."
Example Question #51 : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
The filmmaker's stated intention to shock his audiences with scenes of horror and violence.
The filmmaker's statement of intention to shock
The filmmakers stated intention to shock
The filmmaker's stated intention shocking
The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock
The filmmaker's stated intent to shock
The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock
The sentence as written actually contains no verb, as "stated" is used as an adjective to describe "intention," and the infinitive form "to shock" needs some form of the verb "to be." The only answer choice that remedies the lack of a verb is "The filmaker's stated intention was to shock," and is the correct answer.
Example Question #51 : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Traditionally, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences show of favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences showing favor towards lighter fare.
Traditional, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.
"Shown" is a past perfect verb, and any past perfect construction cannot stand alone as the verb in the sentence without a helping verb, also known as an auxilary verb. The past perfect verb "shown" needs to be accompanied by the verb "have" to make it a complete verbal phrase. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare."
Example Question #131 : Verb Tense Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Coastal communities are hoping a mild winter makes summer arrive sooner, bring more tourists.
more tourists bringing.
bring more tourists.
more tourists brought.
bringing more tourists.
bring many tourists.
bringing more tourists.
The underlined portion of the sentence is a dependent clause that relies on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. As such, the verb form "bring" does not appropriately connect to the rest of the sentence. "Bringing more tourists, featuring the gerundive is the best answer choice.
Example Question #183 : Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
American history littered with tales of prospective candidates who flopped in a Presidential election.
American history litters
American history is littered
American history littering
American history littered
American history is littering
American history is littered
The construction of the sentence makes it clear the "litter" is taking place throughout "American history." This means the verb should take the passive voice. "American history is littered" is therefore the correct answer choice.
Example Question #51 : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Few people understand the depth of the deception from the Governor at the time.
Few understand
Few persons understand
Few people understand
Fewer people understand
Few people understood
Few people understood
The sentence describes what happened "at the time," or in the past; therefore, the verb usage must indicate the action taking place in the past, with a past tense verb. "Few people understood" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1235 : Correcting Grammatical Errors
Many people believe that the current admissions process for colleges is detrimental for high school students. They claim that current admissions standards place a lot of emphasis on things that do not actually measure a child's success in college, such as standarized test scores. They also believe, that there is an augmented attitude among youth of insincerity, as they do community service just or pretend to be interested in activities solely for admissions.
On the other hand, some believe that there is nothing wrong with the admissions process: any insincerity is a result of active choices on the part of the student, as well as an increase in competition for colleges resulting from economic and social trends. Also, they believe that colleges are in the right for looking for active, rounded students involving in their school and community, and they perceive that there is nothing wrong in encouraging students to have more involvement.
What is the best alternative for the underlined word, "involving"?
involve
having been involved
involved
have been involved
NO CHANGE
involved
The sentence uses the word "involve" as an adjective modifier for "students." The correct form in this context would be "involved." "Involving" and "having been involved" makes the sentence an incomplete clause. "Have been involved" is unnecessarily wordy when "involved" is also correct. "Involve" does not make sense in the context of this sentence.
Example Question #441 : Word Usage Errors
The house stood, at the bottom of a hill, making it hard to see from the street. The owner wants it that way, as he had no use for any of his neighbors. “Nosy sneaks and cheats” he would to say to his son. Not that his son ever really listening. The old man did not see him very much, either at his home or going anywhere else. Every time he did see him, his son would just complain about how his house was dark musty, and filthy. The old man did not need such criticism, especially from only his blood relative. He had lived in that house for fifty years, and planned to live there as long as he possibly could. While he lived there, his neighbors would never see him or his house if he could help it. He could take care of him, and steadfastly refused to allow anyone to help. In his tiny house, at the bottom of the hill, the old man was content to be alone, and believed he was living perfect.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
say to his son
said to his son
NO CHANGE
saying to his son
say to his son
The use of the infinitive form "to say" in this sentence actually makes the sentence not have a verb. An infinitive is a verb form that functions as a noun, adverb, or adjective, and it needs to be changed to the proper form that can function as the verb of the sentence. The correct answer choice, using the present tense active verb, is "say to his son."
Example Question #141 : Verb Tense Errors
Passage adapted from Candide (1759) by Voltaire
The Baron was one of the most powerful lords in Westphalia, for his castle had not only a gate, but even windows, and his great hall was hung with tapestry. He used to hunt with his mastiffs and spaniels instead of greyhounds; his groom served him for huntsman; and the parson of the parish officiated as his grand almoner. He was called "My Lord" by all his people, and he never told a story but everyone laughed at it.
My Lady Baroness, who weighs three hundred and fifty pounds, consequently was a person of no small consideration; and then she did the honors of the house with a dignity that commanded universal respect. Her daughter was about seventeen years of age, fresh-colored, comely, plump, and desirable. The Baron's son seemed to be a youth in every respect worthy of the father he sprung from. Pangloss, the preceptor, was the oracle of the family, and little Candide listened to his instructions with all the simplicity natural to his age and disposition.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the bolded and underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
NO CHANGE
was weighing
weighted
weighed
weighed
"Weighed" is the correct form of the verb, because this passage is written in the past tense. This is an instance in which the simple past is best in order to agree with the rest of the verbs in this sentence (note that semicolon connects this independent clause to a second independent clause).
Example Question #142 : Verb Tense Errors
Passage adapted from Rose in Bloom (1876) by Louisa May Alcott
Rose and Phebe, sitting side by side on the sofa, had evidently assumed at once the places which they were destined to fill by right of youth, sex, and beauty, for Phebe had long since ceased to be the maid and become the friend, and Rose meant to have that fact established at once.
Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Geordie stand at ease, showing their uniforms to the best advantage, for they were now in a great school, where military drill was the delight of their souls. Steve posed gracefully in an armchair, with Mac lounging over the back of it, while Archie leaned on one corner of the low chimneypiece, looking down at Phebe as she listened to his chat with smiling lips and cheeks almost as rich in color as the carnations in her belt.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
standing
stood
standed
standily
NO CHANGE
stood
"Stood" is the correct answer, because the sentence is in the past tense. If "Jamie occupied the rug" whatever verb action Will and Geordie performed on that object at the same time should be conjugated so as to match the simple past of "occupied."