PSAT Writing : Correcting Conventional and Idiomatic Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #651 : 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.
Kylie studied until morning in preparing her test stategy for the next exam.
for preparing her test strategy
for the preparation of her test strategy
in preparing her test strategy
in an effort to prepare her test strategy
to prepare her test strategy
to prepare her test strategy
This is an usual utilization of the word "preparing." Simply "to prepare" is more practical.
Example Question #921 : Psat Writing Skills
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 the firefighters tried their best, the house was completely in fire by the time they arrived.
Although they tried their best, the house was completely in fire by the time the firefighters arrived.
Although the firefighters tried their best, the house was completely on fire by the time they arrived.
By the time they arrived, the firefighters tried their best, although the house was completely in fire.
Although the firefighters tried their best, the house was completely in fire by the time they arrived.
Although the firefighters tried their best, the house was completely engulfed on fire by the time they arrived.
Although the firefighters tried their best, the house was completely on fire by the time they arrived.
The original sentence contains an idiomatic error: "in fire." In English, objects are described as "on fire," not "in fire." A house that is "on fire" may also be "engulfed in flames," but never "engulfed on fire."
Only the correct answer choice contains the appropriate idiom.
Example Question #1791 : 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.
The politicians couldn't hardly believe their luck.
couldn't hardly believe his or her luck.
would not hardly believe their luck.
couldn't hardly believe their luck.
could hardly believe their luck.
couldn't nearly believe their luck.
could hardly believe their luck.
We are looking for the answer choice without negation. "Could hardly believe their luck" is the only answer that does not contain a negative.
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