ACT English : Other Phrase, Clause, and Sentence Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English
All ACT English Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #201 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Growing up, I used to find math very tedious. I abhorred algebra, couldn't stand geometry, and 1. was just hating trigonometry. I was sure calculus would be no different. 2. That was until I met, my calculus teacher, Ms. Sweed. 3. Calculus being the subject she taught, she used it to show me how 4. math makes our world go around.
5.Ms. Sweed was very educated, having two master’s and a PhD. 6. I can still remember one day that she talked to me after class after one of the first tests we took in class I had done not as well as I had wanted. When I went to talk to her after class, she told me that she thought I was very smart and could do better if I tried. I began to come to talk to her after class every day for extra study. 7.She only used these extra sessions to not help me understand the math, but showed how math can be used to apply to real life.She showed how math could be used to explain many natural phenomena. 8. However, she showed how math can be used to analyze patterns from studies. I never thought I would say math was my favorite subject, but with Ms. Sweed teaching, it was.
9. (1) Trying to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, as I tried to inspire other students. (2) I even started to do well enough in math to start tutoring other students. (3) I never would have been able to do so without meeting Ms. Sweed. (4) I was soon one of the top tutors in our school, and I helped dozens of students increase their grades. [10] Thanks to her inspiration, I’ve decided to look into the field of engineering. 11. Now, an engineering major taking many math classes in college. I enjoy every single one of them. 12. Math is a subject everyone can enjoy.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Tried to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, as I was trying to inspire other students.
As I tried to inspire other students, trying to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication
NO CHANGE
Trying to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, I tried to inspire other students.
Trying to use Mrs. Sweed's wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, the other students were inspired by me.
Trying to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, I tried to inspire other students.
The original sentence is a sentence fragment. In order to make it a complete sentence, one has to conjugate the verb in one of the clauses. The right answer choice conjugates the second clause with a past tense verb: "I tried" instead of "as I tried".
Example Question #202 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Growing up, I used to find math very tedious. I abhorred algebra, couldn't stand geometry, and 1. was just hating trigonometry. I was sure calculus would be no different. 2. That was until I met, my calculus teacher, Ms. Sweed. 3. Calculus being the subject she taught, she used it to show me how 4. math makes our world go around.
5.Ms. Sweed was very educated, having two master’s and a PhD. 6. I can still remember one day that she talked to me after class after one of the first tests we took in class I had done not as well as I had wanted. When I went to talk to her after class, she told me that she thought I was very smart and could do better if I tried. I began to come to talk to her after class every day for extra study. 7.She only used these extra sessions to not help me understand the math, but showed how math can be used to apply to real life.She showed how math could be used to explain many natural phenomena. 8. However, she showed how math can be used to analyze patterns from studies. I never thought I would say math was my favorite subject, but with Ms. Sweed teaching, it was.
9. (1) Trying to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, as I tried to inspire other students. (2) I even started to do well enough in math to start tutoring other students. (3) I never would have been able to do so without meeting Ms. Sweed. (4) I was soon one of the top tutors in our school, and I helped dozens of students increase their grades. [10] Thanks to her inspiration, I’ve decided to look into the field of engineering. 11. Now, an engineering major taking many math classes in college. I enjoy every single one of them. 12. Math is a subject everyone can enjoy.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Now, an engineering major, I am taking many math classes in college.
Now, I am, an engineering major, taking many math classes in college.
NO CHANGE
Now, as an engineering major, taking many math classes in college.
Now, I am an engineering major taking many math classes in college.
Now, I am an engineering major taking many math classes in college.
The original sentence is a sentence fragment with no subject. The right answer corrects this by adding a subject in the most logical place, but it does not introduce unnecessary commas.
Example Question #201 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
“Intellectual Virtues”
Whenever someone talks about being “virtuous,” we immediately think of someone whose very moral. Perhaps we even think of people who are a bit boring for virtuous people can appear to have no fun at least in the popular imagination. Whatever the case might be, almost any reader would be surprised to see the expression “intellectual virtues.” What could this expression mean to designate! At best, most people would say, “Such virtues must describe people for who knowledge is combined with devotion and rigorous discipline.” That is; they would seem to describe the person who has a disciplined character in addition to being intelligent.
However, in ancient and medieval philosophy, certain intellectual capacities were considered virtues. These character traits were not quite the same as moral character traits or virtues. To understand this idea, it can be helpul to consider two example people, one whose skills are the fruit of a so-called intellectual virtue and the other whose skills are not.
It is easier to start with the person who does not have a given intellectual virtue. We all know someone who is not very good at math, that is, someone for who math is difficult even though he or she might be quite skilled at many other tasks It makes sense to say that this person doesn’t have an intellectual virtue. Likewise, think of the person who is only able to memorize formulas. Such a person is often very good at working through many problems with deft skill. This person seems to be a “wiz” at geometry and algebra, quickly solving equations and proofs.
However, this latter person might suddenly be presented with a difficult, new problem. When we notice that he or she does not have the creative skill and insight to solve the problem, we realize that he or she does’nt have a so-called “intellectual virtue.” This person merely has a habit—a particular skill that is helpful but does not indicate true and complete mathematical knowledge. The person who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems. This person has a true intellectual virtue. They have a particular ability for intellectual insight, able to probe the difficult domain of this topic. This is much more noble as the mere habit of being able to balance equations and repeat facts about geometric figures!
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The person who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems: this person has a true intellectual virtue.
The person, who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems, this person has a true intellectual virtue.
The person who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems is the one who has a true intellectual virtue.
The person who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems; this person has a true intellectual virtue.
NO CHANGE
The person who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems is the one who has a true intellectual virtue.
The first sentence in this pair of sentences is actually a fragment. It does not state a complete thought. The various options that use colons and semicolons do not overcome this issue, as you would need the first clause to be wholly independent in some fashion. Thus, the only correct option is the one that modifies the content significantly enough to present one combined, complete independent clause.
Example Question #201 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Patrick who has done an excellent job planning the upcoming conference, and will be in attendance for all four sessions next weekend.
doing an excellent job planning the conference,
he has done an excellent job planning the conference,
NO CHANGE
having done an excellent job planning the conference,
has done an excellent job planning the conference,
has done an excellent job planning the conference,
The sentence needs a predicate to match with "and will attend" in the second half.
"doing" and "having done" both create sentence fragments.
Inserting a main clause into the modifier's position creates a run-on sentence.
Example Question #202 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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 favorite part of the vacation by far the helicopter tour of the island.
NO CHANGE
The helicopter tour of the island by far, my favorite part of the vacation.
My favorite part of the vacation by far, the helicopter tour of the island.
My favorite part of the vacation by far was the helicopter tour of the island.
My favorite part of the vacation by far. The helicopter tour of the island.
My favorite part of the vacation by far was the helicopter tour of the island.
This question asks you to correct a sentence fragment error. The original sentence, "My favorite part of the vacation by far the helicopter tour of the island," contains no verb and therefore is a fragment. The addition of the verb "was" makes it a complete sentence.
Example Question #2053 : Act English
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer. From my first day in college.
From my first day in college. I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer.
I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer from my first day in college.
From my first day in college; I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer.
I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer; from my first day in college.
NO CHANGE
I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer from my first day in college.
This question asks you to correct a sentence fragment. A complete sentence must contain a main verb, so the sentence "From my first day in college" is a fragment. In this case, the period should be removed to form a single complete sentence. The first part of the sentence, "I was always certain that I wanted to be an engineer," contains the main verb "was," and the second part of the sentence forms a dependent clause.
Example Question #2054 : Act English
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
While they watched the sunset, John and Amy so amazed by all the colors.
John and Amy, while they watched the sunset, so amazed at all the colors.
While they watched the sunset, John and Amy were so amazed by all the colors.
NO CHANGE
While they watched the sunset, John and Amy amazed all the colors.
John and Amy so amazed by all the colors, while they watched the sunset.
While they watched the sunset, John and Amy were so amazed by all the colors.
This question asks you to correct a sentence fragment. The sentence as written contains no main verb and therefore is a fragment. The verb "watched" is part of the dependent clause, "while they watched the sunset," and therefore does not function as the sentence's main verb. The addition of the main verb "were" in the independent clause corrects the sentence fragment.
Example Question #204 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Josh suffered from a fear of dogs ever since he is a little boy. He would shiver in his boots thinking of a dog barking at him, biting him, or that could chase him. He had never met a single dog he liked. The scarier dog he had ever seen was Mr. Green’s dog, whom he had to pass every day. On his way to school. This dog barked so loudly it made Josh’s hairs stand on end.
She said that there was no need to be afraid. Josh’s mom told him that dogs only barked because they were excited to see him. She told him that he just needed to be confident and not act afraid of this dogs’ barking, and speak in a reassuring tone. Then the dog would quiet down and act more friendly.
Josh felt that neither confidence or a reassuring tone would make any difference. He didn’t think he would ever get over his fear. However, one day he had enough. Barking for hours, he realized the dog was bored and just needed a friend. He wasn’t sure if his mother’s advice would prove true? Hiding his fear, he approached the dog and spoke to it in a reassuring tone. To his surprise, the dog wagged it’s tail and quieted down right away.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
whom he had to pass every day; on his way to school
whom he had to pass. Every day on his way to school
whom he had to pass? Every day on his way to school
NO CHANGE
whom he had to pass every day on his way to school
whom he had to pass every day on his way to school
This question asks you to correct a sentence fragment. As written, the sentence "On his way to school" contains no verb, and therefore it is a fragment. To correct this error, we can eliminate the period and connect it to the preceding sentence to form a single complete sentence.
Example Question #2055 : Act English
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the text. If the underlined portion is correct as written, select “NO CHANGE.”
The researchers determined a correlation between the chemical and altered behavior. Quite minor, however.
However, quite minor.
Just a minor correlation, however.
However, quite a minor correlation.
NO CHANGE
The correlation was quite minor, however.
The correlation was quite minor, however.
This question asks you to correct a sentence fragment. The original sentence "Quite minor, however" is a fragment--it contains neither a subject nor a verb. The simple addition of a subject, "The correlation," and a verb, "was," corrects the sentence fragment. All of the other choices given here are still fragments, missing either a subject and/or verb.
Example Question #202 : Other Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
“On the Nature of Belief”
Belief and faith often are critiqued in a scientific culture. It can seem that mere belief is a replacement for science made available to soothe the ignorant masses. There is some truth to such accusations, and many people do use belief as a screen to cover their own ignorance about the truths of reality. Everyone should be aware, however, that almost every single human being have these kinds of “blind spots.” We all live with many things that we merely believe, all of which are so central to ones world view.
Even if we set aside all such types of beliefs, there still remains a broad terrain of human life in which faith and belief remain—even if we ignore all religious matters whatsoever. Imagine the scientist who’s work on brain neurons depends upon many discoveries made by many other people. Yes, if it were possible, it would be better for such a person to know all of the details that they accept merely at the word of other scientists. In all cases, seeing directly is more fulfilling than merely hearing about something.
However, is the scientist better off when he or she knows only what they have experienced directly. Although it is preferable that he or she knows such facts. However, it is impossible to investigate everything. Sometimes, one must extend one’s own vision with the vision of someone else. In a way, the person who thus “takes it on faith” gains a further vision.
Such faith always relies upon the credibility of the person who shares the experience, of course. For one person to believe on faith what another person says, it is presupposed that the other person is not a liar and actually could have experienced the matter in question. This means that even the “scientific believer” must take the risk of placing credibility in someone who has witnessed things that he or she has not seen. While this does not vindicate every kind of faith that people have had, it does provide a telling sign that faith, as such, is not always the refuge of the ignorant. Indeed, it is an important part of all of our lives, even the lives of scientists, who’s daring and investigative work is rarely criticized as being a refuge for ignorance!
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded and underlined portion of the passage. If the bolded and underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Although it is preferable that he or she knows such fact, it is impossible to investigate everything.
NO CHANGE
Although it is preferable that he or she knows such facts; however, it is impossible to investigate everything.
Although, it is preferable that he or she knows such facts. However, it is impossible to investigate everything.
Although, it is preferable that he or she knows such facts; however, it is impossible to investigate everything.
Although it is preferable that he or she knows such fact, it is impossible to investigate everything.
As it is written in the passage, note that the clause, "Although it is preferable that he or she knows such facts," is not a complete thought. Therefore, you need to get rid of this fragment. The only option that addresses this issue totally is the one that combines the two sentences provided, eliminating the word "however." All of the other options leave the fragment in place (in various ways). Hence, they do not solve the issue!
All ACT English Resources
