PSAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Modern-day chickens did not evolve from prehistoric dinosaurs, but it does share a common ancestor. No error.
did not evolve from
Modern-day
dinosaurs, but
it does
No error.
it does
This sentence has a pronoun that does not agree with its antecedent. “It” is singular, but it refers to the plural “chickens” and “dinosaurs.” The corrected sentence reads, "Modern-day chickens did not evolve from prehistoric dinosaurs, but they do share a common ancestor."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 tree-toothed spider is migrating north from the Amazon, where they made their home previously. No error.
is migrating
previously
from the Amazon
No error.
they made their home
they made their home
The first part of the sentence introduces the spider as a singular noun. The second part, where the sentence uses pronouns, should match this by referring to the spider using singular pronouns. The corrected sentence reads, "The tree-toothed spider is migrating north from the Amazon, where it made its home previously."
Example Question #4 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Little Amy beamed proudly as she described every detail of the model rocket her father and her had built. No error.
No error.
had built
proudly
described
her father and her
her father and her
This sentence contains an error in pronoun case. "Her father and her" is incorrect because "her" is an objective pronoun, whereas a subjective pronoun is needed because Amy performed the action "had built," along with "her father." If you find it hard to see why the sentence's use of "her" is incorrect, try taking out the phrase "her father and"; you wouldn't say "Little Amy beamed proudly as she described every detail of the model rocket her had built." So, "her father and her" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #5 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
For people living in extremely cold climates, putting on warm mittens and boots just to cross the street is a necessary precaution to protect yourself from the cold. No error.
putting on
For people living in
to protect yourself
No error.
and boots
to protect yourself
This sentence uses the pronoun “yourself,” even though it is talking about “people living in cold and snowy climates” in the third person. One way to correct this is, "For people living in extremely cold climates, putting on warm mittens and boots just to cross the street is a necessary precaution for protection from the cold."
Example Question #6 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Contrary to popular belief, the most dangerous pirates were often the ones which had two wooden legs. No error.
were the ones
No error.
which
Contrary to
most dangerous
which
This sentence uses the relative pronoun “which” to describe people. The personal version “who” is better: "Contrary to popular belief, the most dangerous pirates were often the ones who had two wooden legs."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
I hate having to go to the doctor because they always ask very invasive questions that make me uncomfortable. No error
No error
having to
they
ask
make me
they
The word, "doctor" is singular. Therefore, pronouns that refer back to the doctor should also be singular. "They" is plural and therefore is incorrect; the phrase "he or she" should be used in the sentence, as we do not know the doctor's gender.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 order for a person to balance a career and family, it is essential that they be able to prioritize all the things that must be accomplished. No error
No error
able to
and
that
they
they
The subject of this sentence is "person." Therefore, the pronoun should be the singular "he or she," not the plural "they."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 flock of geese flew rapidly through the air for miles on end until they became fatigued and had to land to rest. No error
miles on end
No error
they
flock of
had to
they
"Flock of geese" is singular. Therefore, the corresponding verb should refer to a singular subject, not a plural one. "They" should be changed to "it."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
That university is particularly known for their strong film program and dedication to the creative arts. No error
their
dedication
No error
to
is
their
This sentence contains a discrepancy in agreement of plurals. "University" is a singular noun, not a plural noun, so the correct possessive pronoun should be "its," not "their."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Despite their propensity to frighten young children, the garden snake is actually quite harmless. No error
to frighten
No error
their
is
quite harmless
their
The plural pronoun "their" refers to the singular noun "the garden snake". These should agree in number. Changing "their" to "its" corrects the sentence's error. The corrected sentence reads, "Despite its propensity to frighten young children, the garden snake is actually quite harmless."
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