PSAT Writing : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
All PSAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jeff gave up a lucrative private law practice to become an apprentice shoemaker, and his wife could not believe he did it. No error.
could not
did it
and
lucrative private law practice
No error.
did it
This sentence uses the pronoun “it” to describe an action: giving up a job and becoming an apprentice shoemaker. The pronoun “so” is used to refer to actions. The corrected sentence reads: "Jeff gave up a lucrative private law practice to become an apprentice shoemaker, and his wife could not believe he did so."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite it's positive critical reception, many members of the general public disliked the play, believing that the director betrayed his homegrown roots in order to appeal to a wealthier audience. No error
members of the general public
believing that the director
No error
it's
appeal to
it's
"It's" is an abbreviation for "it is." Here, "its" should be used in order to show possession. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "it's."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given that the mother walks very slowly and that the son never seems to be in much of a rush, it is safe to say that the family likes to take their time. No error
it is
No error
their
never
Given
their
"Family" is singular. Therefore, the possessive pronoun that refers to it should be singular as well. Thus, "its" should be used instead of "their."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While there are advantages to doing freelance work, it is outweighed by the stress of having an inconsistent income. No error
No error
inconsistent
it
are
stress of
it
The underlined word, "it," refers to the "advantages of freelance work," which is plural. Therefore, "it," a singular pronoun, should be changed to the plural pronoun "they."
Example Question #5 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all
A psychotherapist always needs to be sure that they are meeting the emotional needs of clients by developing a keen awareness of other people's feelings. No error
of clients
a keen awareness of
No error
always
they are
they are
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “they” does not correspond to the singular antecedent “psychotherapist.” To correct the sentence's error, one would need to replace "they" with "he or she."
Example Question #6 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite an incredible investment of time and energy into the project, Gary was disappointed with their final result. No error
despite
No error
their
into
was
their
In this sentence, “their” does not correspond to the antecedent “Gary.” Since we can reasonably infer that Gary is male, the correct version of this sentence would use the pronoun "his" instead of "their."
Example Question #231 : Identifying 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 web designer never received their pay for the work completed on the restaurant’s webpage because the owners had declared bankruptcy. No error
because
never
declared
their
No error
their
In this sentence, “their” does not correspond to the antecedent “web designer.” The correct version of this sentence would use the phrase "his or her" or avoid use of a possessive personal pronoun altogether.
Example Question #232 : Identifying 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.
It is the flight attendant’s responsibility to make sure that they inform all passengers of the necessary safety precautions to take. No error
It is
to take
they inform
of the
No error
they inform
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “they” does not correspond to the singular antecedent “flight attendant.” To correct the error, one would need to change "they inform" to "he or she informs."
Example Question #51 : Identifying Pronoun 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 students were interested in the frogs they had been given for dissection, but most struggled to see it as scientific learning opportunities instead of gross, dead amphibians. No error
No error
they had been given
The students were
for dissection, but
it
it
This sentence's error occurs in its use of the pronoun "it." "It" is a singular pronoun, but in this sentence, it is used to refer to a plural antecedent, "frogs." To correct the sentence's error, you would need to change "it" to "them."
Example Question #231 : Identifying 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.
Jackie thought that the new traffic circle in the neighborhood was a terrible idea; Franklin thought it too. No error
too
it
No error
was
that
it
The wrong pronoun is used here after "thought," since we do not have a specific "it" to which to refer. The corrected sentence reads, "Jackie thought that the new traffic circle in the neighborhood was a terrible idea; Franklin thought so too."
All PSAT Writing Resources
