ACT English : Word Usage Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

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.

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

the negotiator knew he had to accept

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

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.

Correct answer:

Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.

Explanation:

"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.

Possible Answers:

more tourists bringing.

bring more tourists.

more tourists brought.

bringing more tourists.

bring many tourists.

Correct answer:

bringing more tourists.

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

American history litters

American history is littered

American history littering

American history littered

American history is littering

Correct answer:

American history is littered

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

Few understand

Few persons understand

Few people understand

Fewer people understand

Few people understood

Correct answer:

Few people understood

Explanation:

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"?

Possible Answers:

involve

having been involved

involved

have been involved

NO CHANGE

Correct answer:

involved

Explanation:

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."

Possible Answers:

say to his son

said to his son

NO CHANGE

saying to his son

Correct answer:

say to his son

Explanation:

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."

Possible Answers:

NO CHANGE

was weighing

weighted

weighed 

Correct answer:

weighed 

Explanation:

"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."

Possible Answers:

standing

stood

standed

standily

NO CHANGE

Correct answer:

stood

Explanation:

"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."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors