PSAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #42 : 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 journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the bill. No error
wrong: neither
were responsible
effects
No error
of the bill
were responsible
Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
Example Question #55 : 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.
In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buried. No error
where
neither Jane nor
No error
were able
was buried
No error
There is no error. Subjects all agree with their verbs, particularly with the phrase "neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover"—a singular and plural verb connected by "or/nor" requires a plural verb.
Example Question #56 : 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 tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error
tantalizing
issuing from
is
its
No error
is
Here, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “aromas.” The corrected sentence reads, "The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen are its best marketing technique."
Example Question #42 : 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 days immediately following the treatment has always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon. No error
but
has always been
difficult,
immediately following
No error
has always been
In this sentence the verb “has always been” does not agree in number with the plural subject “days.” The corrected sentence would read: The days immediately following the treatment have always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon.
Example Question #58 : 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 children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday is coming over to play tomorrow. No error
is
No error
tomorrow
who
children of
is
In this sentence, the verb does not match the plural subject. The corrected sentence reads, "The children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday are coming over to play tomorrow."
Example Question #47 : 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.
To the dismay of the audience, neither the prime minister nor any of his aides were able to attend the banquet. No error.
No error
any
neither
To
were
were
The subject neither is singular, while the verb were is plural. Were should be was.
Example Question #61 : 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.
He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there were work to be done. No error
wanted to
were
and take
No error
but
were
The verb “were” should match its subject “work.” The corrected sentence reads, "He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there was work to be done."
Example Question #51 : 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.
My three cars, which are blue, is faster than those of my friend Bob. No error
are
which
No error
is
those of
is
The subject "cars" is plural, so you must use "are" and not "is."
Example Question #52 : 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 stalemate between the Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C. have caused many Americans to become disillusioned with their federal government. No error
their
between
No error
have
caused
have
While "Democrats and Republicans" would agree with the verb "have," the actual subject of the sentence is "stalemate," a singular noun, which does not agree with the verb "have" in number. Because the subject "stalemate" is singular, the verb must be singular as well. So, "have" should be changed to "has."
Example Question #53 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
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.
When it comes to me working out, I prefer to do so in the morning, when the gym is busier. No error
busier
No error
Me
do so
prefer
Me
"Me" should be "my." The gerund, "working out" should have its subject in the possessive case. "Me" is in the objective case.
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