ACT English : Usage Errors
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Example Question #986 : Word Usage 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."
NO CHANGE
Imagine the scientist who’s work on brain neurons depends upon many discoveries, made by many other people.
Imagine the scientist, who’s work on brain neurons depends upon many discoveries made by many other people.
Imagine the scientist whose work on brain neurons depends upon many discoveries made by many other people.
Imagine the scientist, whose work on brain neurons, depends upon many discoveries made by many other people.
Imagine the scientist whose work on brain neurons depends upon many discoveries made by many other people.
As written, this sentence incorrectly uses the relative pronoun "whose." The form "who's" is not correct. Instead, you need the possessive relative pronoun "whose" to connect "scientist" to "work." Note, however, that you do not need to add commas. In any case, the commas that are added in the other option containing "whose" only make the sentence less clear.
Example Question #731 : Usage Errors
After the unbelievable fame of J.K. Rowling the author of the Harry Potter series hundreds of idealistic authors struggled to achieve similar success. Because of Rowling's legendary accomplishments, we have invited the author, herself to the book signing so that she can share her experience to anyone that wants to listen. Whether you're an amateur writer, expert author, or simply an eager fan, all kinds of people can benefit from her insight. After all, if a person wants to be successful, you have to be willing to listen to the advice of others. If anyone are interested in attending, please contact the office before the end of the month.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of this passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, please select NO CHANGE.
anyone which
NO CHANGE
everybody which
anybody that
anyone who
anyone who
"That" is only used when referring to non-people nouns, such as objects or animals. "Who" is used when referring to people. Since "anyone" is a noun that is referring to people, "anyone who" is the correct answer.
Example Question #731 : 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.
The night grew so cold that all the campers were shivering although a raging fire.
through a raging fire.
from a raging fire.
despite a raging fire.
although a raging fire.
even though a raging fire.
despite a raging fire.
The use of "although" in the last part of the sentence is confusing and awkward. A different preposition can more clearly indicate the fact the campers "were shivering" while a fire was "raging," which should warm them. The best answer choice to do this is "despite a raging fire."
Example Question #2 : Preposition 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.
That author's most recent novel is based on the Civil War in Spain, but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
but on a deeper level many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
but on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
The fragment “on a deeper level” must have a comma before and after it because it interrupts the second clause of the sentence. Also, the word “protest” must be paired with the preposition “against.”
Example Question #1 : Preposition Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined section of the sentence below:
The dog was above his owners, sitting in the roof of the car.
sitting under
no change
sitting on the
sitting by the
sitting for the
sitting on the
The best answer is sitting on the roof of the car, because one does not sit in a roof, one sits on it. The other answers either fail to correct the error, or change the meaning of the sentence unnecessarily.
Example Question #2 : Preposition Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence below:
I lived in Chicago during 2008–2012.
no change
between 2008 and 2012
during 2008 to 2012
between 2008 to 2012
during 2008 and 2012
between 2008 and 2012
When two specific dates are used, the proper construction is to use the word between, followed by the conjunction, "and," between the particular years; therefore, the best way to phrase the bolded section of the sentence is "between 2008 and 2012."
Example Question #3 : Preposition Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence below:
The weapons of the German soldiers were superior than the weapons of their enemies.
inferior than
superior of
no change
superior from
superior to
superior to
For comparative adjectives like superior and inferior, you always need to follow the adjective with the preposition to; therefore, the best answer to this question is "superior to."
Example Question #4 : Preposition Errors
I know that Marcella cares with me; she's always kind and aware of what I need.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
for
NO CHANGE
on
over
for
In this sentence, the correct preposition to use is "for" or "about." "About" is not a possible answer; therefore, "for" is the best possible choice.
Example Question #5 : Preposition Errors
You must travel by boat or by plane to reach the island—the bridge is out.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
in
NO CHANGE
by the
for
on
NO CHANGE
If there is no article, (i.e. "a," "an," or "the"), you may say that you travel "by" a particular mode of transportation. As there is no article preceding the modes of transportation listed in the sentence, the correct preposition here is "by." Therefore, the best answer is "NO CHANGE."
Example Question #6 : Preposition Errors
After the car nearly struck him, Jimmy trembled for fear.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
with
on
under
NO CHANGE
with
"Trembled for fear" is perhaps technically correct, but it is a touch archaic, and not the best way to phrase the idea being expressed. "Trembled with fear," on the other hand, is a common expression still in regular use. "With" is therefore the best correct preposition to use in this instance, and is the best answer to this question.
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