Praxis Writing : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Praxis Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Gerald fumbled with his papers, apologized to his coworkers, and replaced them on his podium. No error
papers,
No error
them
fumbled
them
The use of the pronoun "them" is ambiguous in this context, as "them" could technically refer either to "his papers" or to "his coworkers." "Them" should be replaced with "his papers."
Example Question #1 : Case
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.
I have no clear idea who I am speaking to.
to what I am speaking.
whom I am speaking to.
to whom I am speaking.
who I am speaking to.
to whom I am speaking.
This is a very common error of pronoun case, which leads the sentence to incorrectly conclude with a preposition. Rather than using the subjective-case "who" in saying "who I am speaking to," it is correct to use the objective-case "whom." The correct version of the sentence reads, "I have no clear idea to whom I am speaking."
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