PSAT Writing : Identifying Conjunction Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #52 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The distinction between "all-natural" or "organic" is something consumers often fail to recognize. No error
is
or
fail to recognize
often
No error
or
The word "between" always triggers the conjunction "and." Here, "or" is used instead. The corrected sentence reads, "The distinction between "all-natural" and "organic" is something consumers often fail to recognize."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Correlative Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Neither the aliens who were invading or the people who were being invaded really understood what was happening. No error
or
who
were being
what was happening
No error
or
This sentence has a problem with coordinators. If “neither” is used, it triggers the use of “nor.” The corrected sentence reads: Neither the aliens who were invading nor the people who were being invaded really understood what was happening.
Example Question #11 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Neither the dog or the cat could climb the trees outside the house, for the trees were too tall. No error
or
no error
too tall
outside the house
were
or
The proper conjunction here would be "nor," as it agrees with "neither."
Example Question #11 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Choosing between the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or the marble cake with chocolate ganache was an agonizing decision. No error
agonizing
No error
or
Choosing
was
or
This sentence does not follow conventions regarding the use of phrase “between X and Y.” The conjunction “and,” not “or,” should always be used when setting up a sentence using "between" to describe a choice or a comparison. The corrected sentence reads, "Choosing between the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and the marble cake with chocolate ganache was an agonizing decision."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Correlative Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Because it is not a holiday, neither the church or the bank is closed early. No error
or
No error
is
holiday
Because
or
"Neither" always takes "nor," never "or." It may be tempting to choose "is." Neither may use plural or singular verbs, depending on the plural or singular quality of the subjects it refers to.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Correlative Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The detective knew someone at the bakery committed a crime, but neither the baker or the customer would confess. No error
the customer
someone
or
No error
The detective
or
The example sentence incorrectly uses "or" as a correlative conjunction to "neither," which is incorrect. The correct conjunction to match "neither" is "nor."
Example Question #61 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
John enjoys foods from many different culinary backgrounds, so it will be difficult for him to choose which dish he likes better between the Japanese sushi rolls or the Thai curry. No error
No error
which dish
so it will
from
or
or
Given that John is choosing between two different options and the sentence uses the word "between" to describe his choosing between these options, "and" should be used to describe his selection of options, not "or."
Example Question #12 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Marie aspired to be a professional opera singer someday, and she could not be bothered to practice every day. No error.
aspired to be
every day
and
No error.
could not be bothered
and
The logic of this sentence calls for a different conjunction. Since the two parts of the sentence are contradictory, “but” would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Marie aspired to be a professional opera singer someday, but she could not be bothered to practice every day."
Example Question #13 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Some experts have proposed that one’s physical health may have more to do with genetics then diet, exercise habits, or lifestyle choices. No error.
or
one's
to do with
No error.
then
then
“Then” is used to describe a sequence of events (e.g. "First I went home, and then I went to the store"). “Than” is used for making comparisons (e.g. "I have more books than Julie").
Example Question #14 : Identifying Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Returning from a deep and troublesome existential crisis, Bob decided that his sole purpose in life was to perfect the process which was making oven-baked macaroni and cheese. No error.
which was making
No error.
Returning from
Bob decided that
to perfect
which was making
The relative pronoun “which” in this sentence is not used correctly. It should add extra information about a noun, and it should follow a comma. There is a better, shorter way of phrasing this sentence: "Returning from a deep and troublesome existential crisis, Bob decided that his sole purpose in life was to perfect the process of making oven-baked macaroni and cheese."
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