PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #27 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

The couches, carpets, and wallpaper in her house are each an alarming shade of pink; one often feels as if one has walked into a palace made of cotton candy when you step in the door. No error

Possible Answers:

when you step in the door

often feels

The couches, carpets, and wallpaper in her house

are

each an alarming shade of pink

Correct answer:

when you step in the door

Explanation:

The error in this sentence has to do with using both "one" and "you" as pronouns in a single sentence. Once you being using one of these pronouns in a sentence, you should stick with it and not switch to using the other one in mid-sentence. This sentence's latter half begins with "one" and uses the phrase "as if one has walked," but near the end, it switches to using "you" when it says "when you step in the door." To correct this sentence's error, "when you step in the door" should be changed to "when one steps in the door."

Example Question #32 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

One often finds that one can’t study when people are talking near you, especially if those people are giggling or yelling. No error

Possible Answers:

you

are

especially if

No error

can't

Correct answer:

you

Explanation:

You can't switch between "one" and "you." The sentence begins with "one" and has to keep using it for the remainder of the statement.

Example Question #241 : 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.

Riding your bicycle to work can help reduce one's carbon dioxide footprint. No error

Possible Answers:

one's

Riding

reduce

can help reduce

to work

Correct answer:

one's

Explanation:

This sentence cannot decide who it's addressing; it uses both "your" and "one's." These should be kept consistent. The corrected sentence reads, "Riding your bicycle to work can help reduce your carbon dioxide footprint."

Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

What was once a friendly argument between my brother and I quickly became a full-scale brawl. No error.

Possible Answers:

No error.

What was once

quickly

a full-scale brawl

my brother and I

Correct answer:

my brother and I

Explanation:

This sentence uses the wrong pronoun case. “I” is only used as a subject, and “me” is used as an object. Here, as the object of the preposition “between,” “me” is needed. The corrected sentence reads, "What was once a friendly argument between my brother and me quickly became a full-scale brawl."

Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

The awkward tension between Sam and I was, as it turns outcompletely one-sidedNo error

Possible Answers:

awkward

completely one-sided

as it turns out

No error

Sam and I

Correct answer:

Sam and I

Explanation:

The pronoun "I" is only used as the subject of a sentence. "Me" is used as the object of a verb or (as in this case) a preposition. The corrected sentence reads, "The awkward tension between me and Sam was, as it turns out, completely one-sided."

Example Question #71 : Identifying 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.

I say that between you and Iwe can definitely eat that entire pizza. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

you and I

we

I say

between

Correct answer:

you and I

Explanation:

The phrase "between you and I" is incorrect because "you" and "I" are acting as the objects of the prepositional phrase "between you and I," where the objective forms of these pronouns ("you" and "me") should be used instead.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

I never heard the official announcement, but I received the news when Mark sent an email to Sharon and I. No error

Possible Answers:

when

received

Sharon and I

never

No error

Correct answer:

Sharon and I

Explanation:

This sentence has a problem with pronoun case in the prepositional phrase "to Sharon and I." "I" is the subjective case of the first-person pronoun, but as an object of the preposition "to," the objective case of the first-person pronoun, "me," should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "I never heard the official announcement, but I received the news when Mark sent an email to Sharon and me."

Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

“I don’t understand why I can’t come to the movies with you,” cried Tina’s younger brother, whom had a strict 8:00 bedtime. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

don't understand

cried

whom

to the movies

Correct answer:

whom

Explanation:

The word "whom" is incorrect because it refers to the brother, who is the subject of the sentence (it is the younger brother who does the crying here). Therefore, the correct word choice would be "who."

Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

My boyfriend and me went to the animal shelter, and together, we adopted a dog. No error

Possible Answers:

me

adopted

No error

went

together

Correct answer:

me

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in its use of the pronoun "me."  The proper subjects of the sentence are "my boyfriend" and "I."  "Me" is an objective pronoun, not a subjective pronoun (e.g., "My boyfriend gave the puppy to me." is correct, but "Me went to the animal shelter" is not correct.)  

Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

It was a frightening experience when our camping leader left my friend and I to set up camp by ourselves while the wolves were howling. No error

Possible Answers:

were

when 

by ourselves

No error

I

Correct answer:

I

Explanation:

When someone is left behind, that person is the object of the action. "Me" is the first person pronoun that is used as an object, not "I." Therefore, the word "I" should be changed to the word "me" in the sentence.

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