PSAT Writing : Identifying Other Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #111 : Identifying Other 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.
John and Susan were disappointed when they heard the rain, because they knew that they're soccer game would be canceled. No error
knew
heard
were disappointed
No error
they're
they're
"They're" is a contraction which means "they are." The correct form in this case is the possessive pronoun "their." So, "they're" contains the sentence's error.
Example Question #112 : Identifying Other 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 hand jive is a dance from the '50s where one slaps and claps one's hands to the beat. No error
where
No error
'50s
is
one's
where
"Where" speaks to location. In this sentence, the clause should be "during which" or "in which." Note that '50s is appropriate: it is never "50's."
Example Question #113 : Identifying Other 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 last question, that was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying. No error
No error
issue of
famously
that
government spying
that
This sentence uses “that” where “which” is more appropriate. Use “which” for added information, after a comma. The corrected sentence reads, "The last question, which was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying."
Example Question #51 : Identifying Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words
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.
Judging from there aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok. No error
will enjoy having
loud
there
running amok
No error
there
This sentence uses the wrong version of there/their. The possessive “their” is appropriate in this case. The corrected sentence reads, "Judging from their aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok."
Example Question #101 : Identifying Other 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.
Starters are not meant to fill diners up, but to wet their appetite before a substantial entrée is served. No error
their
substantial
No error
wet
is served
wet
“Wet” means to moisten or dampen. “Whet,” however, means to stimulate or awaken. In this case, we are looking for the verb “whet.”
Example Question #102 : Identifying Other 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 resolute comedian did not seem phased by the audience’s disparaging comments; he remained focused despite their attacks. No error
phased
their
disparaging
No error
resolute
phased
The verb “phased” stems from the noun “phase” (a stage of development). The correct spelling in this case is “fazed,” which means unnerved or disturbed. The comedian was not fazed, meaning he was not bothered by the insults.
Example Question #103 : Identifying Other 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.
Mrs. Davis insisted on running to the corner store for a court of milk so she could bake her reputed lemon loaf. No error
court
on
running
No error
reputed
court
A “court” is an official legal building or a place where sports are played. “Quart,” on the other hand, is a unit used to measure liquids.
Example Question #104 : Identifying Other 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.
Though the surfer was hoping to ride the tidal wave, he soon realized that it was slightly to high for him to master. No error
No error
to
for him
that
was hoping
to
“To” is a preposition (as in the sentence “I’m going to school”), while “too” means excessively. We can deduce that the wave was “too high” for the surfer to ride.
Example Question #55 : Identifying Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, that would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten. No error
lovely
brought over
both nuts and gluten
that
No error
that
This sentence mixes up the words “that” and “which.” “Which” is used to start a phrase that provides additional information after a comma. The content of a which-phrase is loosely connected to the content of the main phrase, and the sentence would still make sense if the information contained in the phrase were omitted. “That” directly follows the word it’s modifying, with no comma intervening. The corrected sentence reads, "Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, which would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten."
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