PSAT Writing : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Case
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: 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.
The real estate lawyer could not recall with who he had his next meeting.
with who he had his next meeting
whom he had his next meeting with
with whom he had had his next meeting
who he had his next meeting with
with whom he had his next meeting
with whom he had his next meeting
“Who” must be changed to “whom” because it is the object of the preposition “with.” Also, it is not desirable to end a sentence with a preposition.
Example Question #2 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: 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.
Many facts about astronomy have fascinated my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school.
has fascinated my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school
have fascinated my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school
fascinate my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school
have fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school
has fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school
have fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school
The original text contains a pronoun case error. It says "my brother and I" when it should say "my brother and me." Remember to use objective pronouns—like "me," "him," and "us"—as the objects of verbs (in this case, the verb "fascinated").
Although answer choice "has fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school" correctly uses "me" instead of "I," it incorrectly uses the singular predicate "has fascinated" with the plural subject "facts."
Example Question #3 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Between you and I, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.
Between you and me, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.
Between you and I, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.
Between you and I, we could not send you to that private high school for the tuition was so expensive.
Between you and I, we cannot send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.
Between you and I, we couldn’t send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.
Between you and me, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.
After the preposition "between," one uses the objects pronouns "you" and "me."
Example Question #4 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Me and the general always took a stroll in the morning.
Me and the general
I and the general
The general, I
The general and I
The general and me
The general and I
The underlined portion is an incorrect usage of "me." A good rule of thumb, and the best way to find the answer, is to see which pronoun is appropriate alone, "me" or "I." "The general and I" is the correct answer.
Example Question #5 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
She and him do not dance under any circumstances.
She and he do not
She and him does not
She and him do not
They does not
They do not
They do not
Using "she and him" is always incorrect, as "she" is a subject and "him" is an object. The best way to fix this is to use "they" and its correct verb usage, "do not."
Example Question #6 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The archdeacon did not adopt Rigoberto out of pure pity or the goodness of his heart; rather, the archdeacon wanted to ensure that him and his brother Juan would be allowed entrance into heaven.
her
he
they
him
one
he
In the phrase "...to ensure that that him and his brother Juan would be allowed...", "him and his brother" are carrying out the action implied in "would be allowed". For this reason, the subject "he" is required, not the object "him".
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