PSAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement 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 paralegal believed that there were an overload of cases in the office, which was creating stress. No error
of cases in the office
which
No error
that
were
were
The verb "were," which is used with plural nouns, corresponds to "overload," which is a singular noun. Therefore, the verb should be "was," to match the singular noun, instead of "were."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Shana, Joe, and Marcel was incredible in each of their performances and the audience rewarded them through cheers and applause. No error
was
through
No error
and
their
was
Shana, Joe, and Marcel are three nouns grouped together (as indicated by the "and"), and thus are effectively a plural noun. "Was" is used in reference to a singular subject; in this sentence, "was" should be "were" (e.g. "Shana, Joe, and Marcel were incredible . . .").
Example Question #2 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement 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 the young analyst is bothered by the fact that his girlfriend is not very skilled behind the wheel, each of her other redeeming qualities compensate for her driving ability. No error
is bothered by
wheel, each
No error
While
compensate
compensate
The subject of the second part of the sentence is "each of her other qualities." Here, the subject is singular because of the modifier "each of." To make this easier to understand, try reading this part of the sentence as "each one of her other qualities." Therefore, the corresponding verb should be in a form that can be used with a singular noun, "compensates."
Example Question #6 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Rebecca's preference for caviar and expensive chocolates are not a reflection of what she actually enjoys, but simply a manifestation of her tendency to spend money carelessly. No error
to spend
No error
but
preference
are
are
The subject of the first part of the compound sentence is "Rebecca's preference." This is a singular subject. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be "is," not "are."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement 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 salami and chorizo in the refrigerator is very salty, so you may want to serve some water with it so that your guests will be comfortable. No error
may
is
and
No error
with it
is
The subject in this sentence is “salami and chorizo,” which is plural. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be plural as well. Therefore, “is,” being singular, is incorrect. The proper verb is “are.”
Example Question #8 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement 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 best part of running with bulls are the expressions on other peoples' faces as they try to stay one step ahead of the beasts behind them. No error
them
ahead
No error
are
try to
are
The subject in this part of the sentence is "best part of running with the bulls." Here, "best part" is the subject, while "of running with the bulls" is a prepositional phrase that modifies "best part." Therefore, since "part" is singular, the subject is actually singular, and should be accompanied by a singular verb, "is," not "are."
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement 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 benefits of aromatherapy includes reduced stress, increased release of seratonin, and developing a more acute sense of smell. No error
and
benefits
more
No error
includes
includes
The subject here is "benefits," so the verb used needs to correspond to a plural subject. "Includes" corresponds to a singular subject and should actually be "include."
Example Question #12 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Densely populated cities and severe pollution is correlated to lower life expectancies and higher rates of birth defects. No error
is
expectancies
populated
No error
rates of
is
The sentence's subject is "densely populated cities and severe pollution." Given that the subject consists of two entities, it is plural. Therefore, the corresponding verb "is" should actually be the plural verb "are."
Example Question #13 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement 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 tortoise at the aquarium, as well as some of the older seals, do not generate a lot of excitement from visitors. No error
do
at the
as well as
No error
a lot
do
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject is singular (“as well as some of the seals” is a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form should be “does,” not “do.”
Example Question #14 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A panel of chefs tasted spices produced by three manufacturers, and decided that the spices produced by a local manufacturer was the best. No error
produced by
No error
was
that
by panel of
was
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject, "spices" is plural (“produced by a local manufacturer” is a modifier and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form should be “were,” not "was."
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