ACT English : Verb Tense Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #322 : Correcting Word 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.
In most understandings, the law was never wrote to provide for such actions.
was never quite wrote
was never written
was not wrote
was never wrote
had never written
was never written
The underlined portion of the sentence has a verb issue. "Wrote" is the past tense of the verb "to write," which is inappropriate in the sentence's construction. The perfect tense "written" must be used; therefore, "was never written" is the correct answer.
Example Question #1561 : Act English
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.
Sal, who purchasing stocks five years ago when the recession hit, is now reaping the benefits of his patience.
has been purchasing stocks five years ago when the recession hit
purchasing stocks five years ago when the recession hit
purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
having been purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
had purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
The word, purchasing, is incorrect, and must be changed to it's past tense, purchased, for the sentence to make sense.
Example Question #1891 : Sat Writing
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.
Various theories were proposed, but none prove satisfactory to the investigators.
nothing proving satisfactory
none proved satisfactory
none proving satisfactory
nothing prove satisfactory
none prove satisfactory
none proved satisfactory
The verb in the underlined portion of the sentence is in the present tense, while the verb in the first part of the sentence is in the past tense. The two verbs need to match their tenses due to the construction of the sentence. The correct answer choice is " none proved satisfactory."
Example Question #182 : 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.
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 is accepting
the negotiator knew he had to accept
the negotiator knew he having to accept
the negotiator knew he has to accept
the negotiator knew he has to accepted
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 #52 : 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 people understood
Few people understand
Few understand
Fewer people understand
Few persons understand
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.
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