PSAT Writing : Identifying Phrase, Clause, and Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Certain colors are associated with certain emotions in our minds, and while certain smells are associated with certain memories. No error
associated
with
and while
No error
are
and while
Either "while" or "and" could be used as a proper transition between the two sections of the sentence, but the phrase "and while" is overly wordy and therefore incorrect.
Example Question #61 : Identifying Other 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.
In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's as well. No error.
No error.
played
as well
popular jazz tunes
all the contemporary hits
as well
This sentence has both "in addition to" and "as well," which is redundant. You only need one! The corrected sentence reads: "In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Modifier Placement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Barking furiously, the squirrel taunted the dog at the base of the tree. No error.
taunted
Barking furiously,
at the base
No error.
of the tree
Barking furiously,
This sentence has a misplaced modifier, which is a modifying phrase that is not placed next to the noun it modifies. Here, it appears as if the squirrel is barking, not the dog. Shift the word order to make it work: "The squirrel taunted the dog who was barking furiously at the base of the tree."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Dangling Modifier Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Observing from the summit, the valley that stood below Mike's tour group seemed unfathomably extensive and arid. No error
Observing from the summit,
unfathomably
Mike's
No error
arid
Observing from the summit,
“Observing” is apart of a misplaced modifier that should refer to Mike's tour group, not the valley. The way the sentence is written, it seems as if "the valley" is "observing from the summit," not "Mike's tour group."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Modifier Placement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
With ears like a rabbit's and a tongue like a frog's, Andrew knew that he had selected the perfect puppy. No error
rabbit's
Andrew
No error
frog's,
he had selected
Andrew
The grammatical problem with this sentence is the dangling modifier before the comma. Since the subject of the first clause is the "perfect puppy," the puppy must also be the subject of the main clause, not Andrew. The other, probably better option, would be to make Andrew the subject of the first clause: "Seeing the rabbit-like ears and frog-like tongue..."
Example Question #91 : 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 local coffeeshop’s sudden surge in popularity was largely attributed to them redecorating shark-themed. No error
No error
largely
The local coffeeshop's
them redecorating shark-themed
surge in popularity
them redecorating shark-themed
The last phrase in this sentence is phrased awkwardly. Changing it to an adjective-noun combination makes the sentence run much more smoothly: "The local coffeeshop’s sudden surge in popularity was largely attributed to their shark-themed redecoration."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Appositive Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Marvin, the librarian from Ridgedale always has a good recommendation for something to read. No error.
Ridgedale always
No error.
good
has
for something to read
Ridgedale always
"The librarian from Ridgedale" is an appositive phrase, which is extra information renaming a noun that is set off by commas. Here, it is missing the closing comma. The corrected sentence reads, "Marvin, the librarian from Ridgedale, always has a good recommendation for something to read."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Appositive 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 dogs, who were basset hounds liked to run and sniff; they typically spent three hours outdoors every day. No error
No error
basset hounds
sniff; they
The dogs,
every day
basset hounds
The error in the sentence is "a basset hound." This appositive phrase, which describes "the dogs," needs to be closed off with a second comma. Appositive phrases rename the noun beside it. Non-essential appositives must always be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Appositive Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our family's pet bird, a canary wakes me every morning with her beautiful song. No error.
family's
canary wakes
No error
morning with
bird, a
canary wakes
An appositive phrase sits next to a noun and renames it. An appositive phrase is surrounded by commas, and the sentence would still be grammatically correct if it were taken out. Because the appositive phrase "a canary" renames "Our family's pet bird," it should have a comma at the beginning and a comma at the end, making the correct sentence, "Our family's pet bird, a canary, wakes me every morning with her beautiful song."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Appositive Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I've never understood how bugs tiny creatures, could scare such big humans! No error.
creatures, could
never understood
bugs tiny
No error
big humans
bugs tiny
An appositive phrase sits next to a noun and renames it. An appositive phrase is surrounded by commas, and the sentence would still be grammatically correct if it were taken out. Because the appositive phrase "tiny creatures" renames "bugs," it should have a comma at the beginning and a comma at the end, making the correct sentence, "I've never understood how bugs, tiny creatures, could scare such big humans!" Note that while an exclamation points is not necessary, it is also not strictly incorrect in this instance. Exclamation points are optional, stylistic punctuation marks.
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