PSAT Writing : Correcting Preposition Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

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Example Question #11 : Correcting Grammatical 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 beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.

Possible Answers:

The beach is always a fun place to visit beyond long weekends.

The beach is always a fun place to visit further long weekends.

The beach is often a fun place to visit around long weekends.

The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.

The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends.

Correct answer:

The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends.

Explanation:

Here, the preposition "on" is most appropriate of the choices available.

Example Question #11 : Correcting Grammatical 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.

Never before did the members of the class see a sight such like that.

Possible Answers:

 a sight such that.

sight such like that.

 a sight such as that.

 a sight such like.

 a sight such like that.

Correct answer:

 a sight such as that.

Explanation:

"Such as" and "like" are related terms, with both being used to indicate examples of things mentioned earlier in the sentence. The correct usage, however, is either "such as" or "like," with "such like" being completely incorrect. The correct answer is "a sight such as that."

Example Question #11 : Correcting Other 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 intrusion caught the family completely for surprise, barely making a sound in the middle of the night.

Possible Answers:

by

of

at

during

for

Correct answer:

by

Explanation:

The correct idiomatic expression in English is "by surprise;" none of the other prepositions work as well.

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