ACT English : Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English
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Example Questions
Example Question #411 : Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
We could of been the state champions this year if our star player hadn't been suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct.
NO CHANGE
We could have been the state champions
We were going to be the state champions
We should of been the state champions
We would of been the state champions
We could have been the state champions
Despite the fact that "could have" and "could of" sound similar (and are often used interchangeably) when spoken, it is technically grammatically incorrect to use "of" instead of "have" after could/would/should.
Example Question #412 : Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
I should of taken out the trash and done the dishes this morning, but I was busy studying for the test.
NO CHANGE
I shouldve taken out the trash
I should have taken out the trash
I would of taken out the trash
I could of taken out the trash
I should have taken out the trash
Even though "should of" sounds ok and is often used in everyday speech, it is technically incorrect usage and should be "should have." "Shouldve" is an incorrect contraction of "should have" because it lacks the apostrophe between the "d" and the "v." Similarly, could of and would of are incorrect and should be could have or would have.
Example Question #413 : Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Wendy advocates for the ethical treatment of animals.
advocates to
advocate for
advocates about
NO CHANGE
advocates
advocates
When used as a verb, as it is in this sentence, "advocate" is not followed by the preposition "for." If advocate were being used as a noun, for example, "Wendy is an advocate for the ethical treatment of animals" then "for" would be correct but when used as a verb "advocate/s" stands alone.
Example Question #414 : Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The conference will feature a panel discussion on the topic of using infrared lasers in space to help monitor the ozone layer in our atmosphere.
NO CHANGE
with
in
over
to
NO CHANGE
The correct idiomatic complement for "discussion" in this sentence is "of".
Example Question #415 : Usage Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, select “NO CHANGE.”
Did you figure out the right bus to get in this time?
the right bus to get of
the right bus to get into
the right bus to get inside of
NO CHANGE
the right bus to get on
the right bus to get on
This question asks you about the correct preposition to use after a verb. When discussing boarding a bus, the preposition "on" should be used: "to get on a bus." This rule is idiomatic and must be memorized.
Example Question #66 : Other Usage Errors
Are you trying to stick to a budget? Using coupons for purchases, also known as “couponing” is a great way to save money on groceries. Coupons are a little piece of paper that can give you a discount on what you buy. You will be amazed at the great bargains and amazing savings you can get!
It’s easy to get started. When you open up your daily newspaper, one might find a glossy insert full of coupons. Some of the coupons will be for things you don’t buy, some will be for things you buy all the time. Go through the coupons and chop out the ones you can use.
The key to successful couponing is getting multiple copies of coupon circulars. Ask your friends, your neighbors, and family if they have any extras. Some coupon users even go through the recycling at their office to find more coupons! Have you ever heard of such a thing in your life! Completely devoted, these circulars help coupon users to get even more savings.
Couponing might sound like hard work, but for many people, it’s also a hobby. Not only does it help them save hundreds of dollars per year, but also it gives them a fun challenge every time they do their shopping.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
key for
key into
key in
key of
NO CHANGE
NO CHANGE
This question asks you about the correct preposition to use with a noun. When the noun "key" is used to describe an important secret or way of mastering something, the preposition that should follow is "to." This rule is idiomatic, which means it must be memorized.
Example Question #67 : Other Usage Errors
Maybe your thinking of getting a dog; but you are not sure how it will affect your budget. Don’t worry! It’s possible to enjoy the companionship with a dog without spending too much of your precious dollars.
First, you will want to make a list of all the necessary items needed before you bring Fluffy home. Compare costs at different pet stores, grocery stores and big box stores. You will need to buy food, a leash, and purchase toys for your dog.
When it comes to the many dog food choices, you don’t want to just buy the cheaper option. You will want to do some research to see what is healthiest for your dog! One of the best ways to save money on dog food is to buy it in bulk.
Don’t forget to plan for some other big expenses, the vet consultation, wellness exam, and any treatments your dog needs. When you bring your pet to the vet, they may need shots, which can vary for price. Call different clinics in the area and ask how much they charge for the standard immunizations? You might find that there is a lot of differences between offices.
The key to sticking to your budget is planning everything out! With good preparation and organization, a dog will not cost you more money than you planned for.
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."
companionship of a dog
companionship to a dog
companionship for a dog
dog companionship
NO CHANGE
companionship of a dog
This question asks you about the correct preposition to use with a verb. This sentence is describing the ability to enjoy a dog's companionship. The correct preposition to use to indicate this possession is "of:" "the companionship of a dog."
Example Question #68 : Other Usage Errors
Maybe your thinking of getting a dog; but you are not sure how it will affect your budget. Don’t worry! It’s possible to enjoy the companionship with a dog without spending too much of your precious dollars.
First, you will want to make a list of all the necessary items needed before you bring Fluffy home. Compare costs at different pet stores, grocery stores and big box stores. You will need to buy food, a leash, and purchase toys for your dog.
When it comes to the many dog food choices, you don’t want to just buy the cheaper option. You will want to do some research to see what is healthiest for your dog! One of the best ways to save money on dog food is to buy it in bulk.
Don’t forget to plan for some other big expenses, the vet consultation, wellness exam, and any treatments your dog needs. When you bring your pet to the vet, they may need shots, which can vary for price. Call different clinics in the area and ask how much they charge for the standard immunizations? You might find that there is a lot of differences between offices.
The key to sticking to your budget is planning everything out! With good preparation and organization, a dog will not cost you more money than you planned for.
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."
vary the price
vary with price
NO CHANGE
vary what price
vary in price
vary in price
This question asks you about the correct preposition to use after a verb. The preposition "in" should generally be used after the verb "vary" when describing a quality that varies.
Example Question #66 : Other Usage Errors
The rainforest in Borneo which is home to a declining orangutan population is in danger because of the slash and burn agriculture practices of palm oil plantations. As a student of environmental science and policy, I had the opportunity to travel to Borneo with a team of scientists and learn more about the situation. It was my first time visiting the rainforest, and I was excited to hike, camp, and learning. At night, we cooked dinner over a small camp stove, but during the day we ate plants along the trail. The biologists's extensive training in botany helped them identify which plants were edible during their trek through the rainforest. I felt very fortunate to see this beautiful, endangered forest. One of the scientists told me that much of the trails in the forest are impassable during the rainy season.
After a few days of trekking, we arrived in a part of the forest that was supposed to be a protected area. However, the local minister of forestry was known for catering to the wishes of large palm oil plantation owners. The minister was determined to support the lucrative palm oil industry, irregardless of the costs. Consequently, he had recently allowed the area’s largest company to conduct slash-and-burn farming within the boundaries of the protected area. The scientists told me that these practices not only harmed orangutan habitats, and they contributed to global warming by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide when peat burns on the forest floor.
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."
regardless of
regardless from
NO CHANGE
irregardless to
irregardless from
regardless of
"Regardless of" is the correct idiomatic expression. While people say "irregardless" in everyday speech, it is not grammatically correct.
Example Question #67 : Other Usage Errors
The rainforest in Borneo which is home to a declining orangutan population is in danger because of the slash and burn agriculture practices of palm oil plantations. As a student of environmental science and policy, I had the opportunity to travel to Borneo with a team of scientists and learn more about the situation. It was my first time visiting the rainforest, and I was excited to hike, camp, and learning. At night, we cooked dinner over a small camp stove, but during the day we ate plants along the trail. The biologists's extensive training in botany helped them identify which plants were edible during their trek through the rainforest. I felt very fortunate to see this beautiful, endangered forest. One of the scientists told me that much of the trails in the forest are impassable during the rainy season.
After a few days of trekking, we arrived in a part of the forest that was supposed to be a protected area. However, the local minister of forestry was known for catering to the wishes of large palm oil plantation owners. The minister was determined to support the lucrative palm oil industry, irregardless of the costs. Consequently, he had recently allowed the area’s largest company to conduct slash-and-burn farming within the boundaries of the protected area. The scientists told me that these practices not only harmed orangutan habitats, and they contributed to global warming by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide when peat burns on the forest floor.
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."
but also contributed
but did contribute
contributed
NO CHANGE
and also contributed
but also contributed
When using the phrase "not only....." the second part of the phrase (which incorrectly reads "and they contributed" in the passage) must begin with "but also."
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