ACT English : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English

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Example Questions

Example Question #1131 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."

As Amad and Sarah walked down the street, they had found a penny lying on the concrete.

Possible Answers:

they found a penny

they were finding a penny

they had finding a penny

NO CHANGE

they find a penny

Correct answer:

they found a penny

Explanation:

The correct answer is the only one which matches the tense of the rest of the sentence. NO CHANGE would be correct if the tense were past progressive ("were walking"), but this is not the case.

Example Question #1132 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."

Susan has went to the book store to buy the texts she needed for the semester.

Possible Answers:

goes

had went

went

NO CHANGE

gone

Correct answer:

went

Explanation:

The correct past tense of "go" is "went."

Example Question #1131 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Adapted from The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James (1902)

In the matter of religions, it is particularly easy distinguishing the too orders of question. Every religious phenomenon has its history and its derivation from natural antecedents. What is nowadays called the higher criticism of the Bible are only a study of the Bible from this existential point of view, neglected to much by the earlier church. Under just what biographic conditions did the sacred writers bring forth their various contributions to the holy volume? What had they exactly in their several individual minds, when they delivered their utterances? These are manifestly questions of historical fact, and one does not see how the answer to it can decide offhand the still further question: of what use should such a volume, with its manner of coming into existence so defined, be to us as a guide to life and a revelation? To answer this other question we must have already in our mind some sort of a general theory as to what the peculiarities in a thing should be which give it value for purposes of revelation; and this theory itself would be what I just called a spiritual judgment. Combining it with our existential judgment, we might indeed deduce another spiritual judgment as to the Bibles’ worth. Thus, if our theory of revelation-value were to affirm that any book, to possess it, must have been composed automatically or not by the free caprice of the writer, or that it must exhibit no scientific and historic errors and express no local or personal passions, the Bible would probably fare ill at our hands. But if, on the other hand, our theory should allow that a book may well be a revelation in spite of errors and passions and deliberate human composition, if only it be a true record of the inner experiences of great-souled persons wrestling with the crises of his fate, than the verdict would be much favorable. You see that the existential facts by itself are insufficient for determining the value; and the best adepts of the higher criticism accordingly never confound the existential with the spiritual problem. With the same conclusions of fact before them, some take one view, and some another, of the Bible's value as a revelation, according as their spiritual judgment as to the foundation of values differ.

What is the appropriate form of the underlined participle, "distinguishing"?

Possible Answers:

distinction

NO CHANGE

distinguished

to distinguish

Correct answer:

to distinguish

Explanation:

To see the issue with the sentence, slightly simplify the main clause: "It is easy . . . distinguishing the orders of the question." This is really not a proper place for a gerund. Given the context of the author's discussion later on, it should be clear that he wants to describe the act of distinguishing. Thus, it is better to use the infinitive "to distinguish" to describe what is easy.

Example Question #1133 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."

My first task of the day was watch that black-and-white Italian film once again.

Possible Answers:

watched

to watch

having watched

will watch

NO CHANGE

Correct answer:

to watch

Explanation:

The “task” requires the infinitive of the verb in order to be grammatically correct. It helps to break down the sentence to its basics: “My first task was to watch.” 

Example Question #1134 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Adapted from The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1774; trans. Boylan 1854)

Wilhelm, what is the world to our hearts without love. What is a magic-lantern without light? You have but too kindle the flame within, and the brightest figures shine on the white wall; and, were love only to show us fleeting shadows, we are yet happy, when, like mere children, we behold it, and are transported with the splendid phantoms. I have not been able to see Charlotte today. I was prevented by company from which I could not disengage myself. What was to be done? I sent my servant to her house, that I might at least see somebody today whom had been near her. Oh, the impatience with which I waited for his return! Oh, the joy with which I welcomed him. I should certainly have caught him in my arms and kissed him, if I had not been ashamed.

It is said that the Bonona stone, when placed in the sun, attracts its rays and for a time appears luminous in the dark. So was it with me and this servant. The idea that Charlotte's eyes had dwelt on his countenance, his cheek, his very apparel, endeared it all inestimably to me so that, at that moment, I would not have parted from him for a thousand crowns. His presence made me so happy! Beware of laughing at me, Wilhelm. Can that be a delusion which makes us happy?

Which of the following is the best form of the underlined selection "You have but too kindle the flame within"?

Possible Answers:

You only need too kindle the flame within

You have but to kindle the flame within

NO CHANGE

You need only too kindle the flame within

Correct answer:

You have but to kindle the flame within

Explanation:

Although the sentence might seem a bit awkward because of the author's style, the main error is its misuse of the "too." In any of the wrong answers, "to kindle" still remains a verb. It therefore needs "to" and not "too." The latter means "also."

Example Question #41 : Verb Tense Errors

An adapted selection from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli (1532)

Now, if you will consider what was the nature of the government of Darius, you will find it similar to the kingdom of the Turk. Therefore it was only necessarily for Alexander, first to overthrow him in the field, and then to take the country from him. After this victory, Darius being killed, the state remained secure in Alexander’s power, for the reasons noted earlier. If his successors had been united they would have enjoyed it securely and at their ease, for there was no tumults raised in the kingdom except those they provoked themselves. However, it is impossible to hold with such tranquility states constituted like that of France. Hence arose those frequent rebellions against the Roman’s in Spain, France, and Greece, owing to the many principalities there were in these latter states, of which the Romans always held an insecure possession; however, with the power and long continuance of the empire, the memory of them passed away, and the Romans then became secure possessors. When fighting afterwards amongst themselves, each one was able to attach to himself his own parts of the country, according to the authority he had assumed there; and the family of the former lord being exterminated, none other than the Romans were acknowledged.

When these things are remembered, no one will marvel at the ease with which Alexander held the Empire of Asia or at the difficulties that others have had to keep an acquisition. This is not occasioned by the little or abundance of ability in the conqueror but, instead, by the want of uniformity in the subject state.

Which would be an acceptable replacement for the underlined selection, "Darius being killed"?

Possible Answers:

Darius killing

Darius having been killed

being killed by Darius

Darius been killed

Correct answer:

Darius having been killed

Explanation:

The participial phrase here states an action that has happened in the past, passively having occured to Darius. Though English does regularly use an "absolute phrase" as it is used in languages like Latin, you can state the fact that he had been killed by using the perfect passive participle "killed" with "having been." Thus, the sentence states that after the victory, since Darius was dead, the state remained securely in Alexander's power.

Example Question #1132 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Adapted from “The Nose Tree” in German Fairy Tales and Popular Stories by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm (trans. Taylor, ed. 1864)

Then the king made known to all his kingdom, that whomever would heal her of this dreadful disease should be richly rewarded. Many tried, but the princess got no relief. Now the old soldier dressed himself up very sprucely as a doctor, and said he could cure her. Therefore, he chopped up some of the apple, and, to punish her a little more, gave her a dose, saying he would call to-morrow and see her again. The morrow came, and, of course, instead of being better, the nose had been growing on all night as before; and the poor princess was in a dreadful fright. So the doctor then chopped up a very little of the pear and gave it to her. He said that he was sure that it would help, and he would call again the next day. Next day came, and the nose was to be sure a little smaller. However, it was bigger than when the doctor first began to meddle with it.

Then he thought to him, "I must frighten this cunning princess a little more before I am able to get what I want from her." Therefore, he gave her another dose of the apple and said he would call on the morrow. The morrow came, and the nose was ten times bad as before.

"My good lady," said the doctor, "Something works against my medicine and is to strong for it. However, I know by the force of my art that it is this, you have stolen goods about you. I am certain of it. If you do not give them back, I can do nothing for you."

The princess denied very stoutly that she had anything of the kind.

"Very well," said the doctor, "you may do as you please, but I am sure I am correct. You will die if you do not own it." Then he went to the king, and told him how the matter stood.

"Daughter," said he, "send back the cloak, the purse, and the horn, that you stole from the right owners."

Then she ordered her maid to fetch all three and gave them to the doctor, and begged him to give them back to the soldiers. The moment he had them safe, he gave her a whole pear to eat, and the nose came right. And as for the doctor, he put on the cloak, wished the king and all his court a good day and was soon with his two brothers. They lived from that time happily at home in their palace, except when they took an airing to see the world in their coach with their three dapple-grey horses.

Which of the following is an acceptable replacement for the underlined selection, "had been growing on"?

Possible Answers:

grow

grew

had continued growing

had grown

Correct answer:

had continued growing

Explanation:

From the context, you can guess that the expression "growing on" means continued to grow. The author wishes to express this action as something that happened earlier in the past but also as a process as well. (That is, the growing occurred over a period of time.) The best way to do this is to keep the past perfect by using the form "had continued" but use the participle "growing" to explain what "had continued" happening over a period of time.

Example Question #1137 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

Adapted from The Apology by Plato (trans. Jowett)

This inquisition has led to my having many enemies of the worst and most dangerous kind and has given occasion also to many false statements against me. And I am called wise, for my hearers always imagine that I myself possess the wisdom which I find lacking in others. However, O men of Athens, the truth is that god only is wise. By his answer he intends to show that the wisdom of men is worth little or nothing. He is not speaking of Socrates, he is only using my name by way of illustration. It is as though he said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.” And so, I go about the world, obedient to the god, searching and making enquiry into the wisdom of any one, whether citizen or stranger, who appears to be wise. If he is not wise, then I show him that he is not wise. My occupation quite absorbs me, and I have no time to give either to any public matter of interest or to any concern of my own. Indeed I am in utter poverty by reason of my devotion to the god.

There is another thing. Young men of the richer classes, who have not much to do, come about me of their own accord. They like to hear my examinations of others and often imitate me, and then proceed to examine others. They quickly discover that there is plenty of people, who think that they know something but really know little or nothing. Then, those who are examined by them instead of being angry with themselves become angry with me. 

“This confounded Socrates,” they say, “this villainous misleader of youth!” And then, if somebody asks them, “What evil does he practice or teach?” they do not know and cannot tell. However, in order that they may not appear to be at a loss, they repeat the ready-made charges which are used against all philosophers: the teaching things up in the clouds and under the earth, having no gods, and making wrong things appear to be right. 

They do not like to confess that their pretence of knowledge has been detected (which is the truth). And as they are numerous and ambitious and energetic, they have filled your ears with they’re loud and inveterate calumnies.

And this, O men of Athens, is the truth and the whole truth. I have concealed nothing; I have dissembled nothing. And yet, I know that my plainness of speech makes them hate me. Still, what is their hatred but a proof that I am speaking the truth? From this have arisen the crowds’ prejudice against me. This is the reason of it, as you will find out either in this or in any future enquiry.

Which of the following is the best form of the underlined selection, "me, and then proceed to examine others"?

Possible Answers:

me; and then proceed to examine others

NO CHANGE

me, then proceeding to examine others

me and then proceed to examine others

Correct answer:

me, then proceeding to examine others

Explanation:

Since the sentence already has the compound predicate "like to hear . . . and often imitate," it is best to avoid adding another conjunction—at least given the structure of the sentence. (You do not string together verbal expressions by separating them with conjunctions. You separate them with commas, using a conjunction only at the end of the series.) Since this is not a new independent clause, the best option would be to use the participle "proceeding" instead of the finite verb "proceed."

Example Question #1134 : Correcting Grammatical Errors

I love to cleaning. It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day, and, I always function better in a clean environment. I once heard someone say, “You’re home is your temple.” I attempt to lived my life by that. My priorities are getting rid of clutter, sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, and cleaning the counter top in our kitchen. I mop the floor extremely, quickly. I don’t mop all that often, but my roommates appreciate it whenever I do!. 

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:

I attempt live my life by that.

I attempt to live my life by that.

I attempt to living my life by that.

NO CHANGE

I attempted to lived my life by that.

Correct answer:

I attempt to live my life by that.

Explanation:

Here, “to live” is an infinitive verb. An infinitive verb is almost always the word “to” followed by the present tense form of the verb.

Example Question #1479 : Act English

From an adaptation of a Letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, On the Occasion of the Death of the Latter's Wife Abigail (1818)

The public papers my dear friend, have announced the fatal event of which your letter of October the 20th had given me ominous foreboding. Tried myself in the school of affliction, by the loss of every form of connection which can rive the human heart, I know well and feel what you have lost, what you have suffered, are suffering, and have yet to endure. The same trials have taught me that for ills so immeasurable, time and silence are the only medicine. I will not, therefore, by useless condolences, open afresh the sluices of your grief, nor, although mingling sincerely my tears with yours, will I say a word more where words are vain, but that it is of some comfort to us both, that the term is not very distant at which we are to deposit our sorrows and suffering bodies in the same soil and to ascend in essence to an ecstatic meeting with the friends we have loved and lost, and whom we shall still love and never lose again. God bless you and support you under your heavy affliction.

What is the tense and voice of the boldfaced verb phrase “have announced” in the first sentence?

Possible Answers:

past perfect passive

present perfect active

past perfect active

present perfect passive

Correct answer:

present perfect active

Explanation:

The way to determine the voice of a verb is to ask, "Who or what is doing the action?" If it is the subject, then the voice is active. In this sentence, the papers are announcing, so the verb is active in voice. Although it is an event in the past, it is at an unspecified time in the past. Therefore, it is present perfect. (The "perfect" means "completed." This is something completed already, though not at a specified point of time.) The past perfect form is something like, "They had announced."  This indicates something even "more past" than an already past event.

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