PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #531 : 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.
The list of items to buy for the parade were given to the treasurer to approve. No error
to buy
of items
to approve
No error
were given
were given
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Example Question #361 : Identifying Word 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.
The journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the bill. No error
wrong: neither
of the bill
No error
effects
were responsible
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 #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.
In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buried. No error
neither Jane nor
was buried
were able
where
No error
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 #532 : 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.
The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error
tantalizing
No error
issuing from
its
is
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 #54 : 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
No error
has always been
immediately following
difficult,
but
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 #533 : 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.
The children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday is coming over to play tomorrow. No error
tomorrow
No error
is
children of
who
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 #546 : Psat Writing Skills
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
To
were
any
neither
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
and take
were
wanted to
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 #62 : 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
No error
which
is
those of
is
The subject "cars" is plural, so you must use "are" and not "is."
Example Question #602 : 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.
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
have
caused
between
No error
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."
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