PSAT Writing : Identifying Pronoun Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #81 : 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.

My father told Jon and I that we could keep the stray dog, but the responsibility of caring for it would fall on us. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

Jon and I

but

fall on us

caring for it

Correct answer:

Jon and I

Explanation:

The pronoun "I" should be changed to "me" because it is not the subject of the sentence, so the phrase "Jon and I" contains the sentence's error.

Example Question #3 : 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 was almost to the exit of the building, but standing between the doors and I was a gigantic security guard looking right at meNo error

Possible Answers:

No error

the doors and I 

looking right at me

exit of

standing

Correct answer:

the doors and I 

Explanation:

This sentence uses the wrong pronoun case. If a first person pronoun is the object of a preposition, it should be “me,” not “I.” The corrected sentence reads, "I was almost to the exit of the building, but standing between me and the doors was a gigantic security guard looking right at me."

Example Question #3 : 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.

At the start of the soccer season, Coach Stan paid a visit to my parents and I to explain why I was cut from varsity. No error

Possible Answers:

At

No error

parents and I

paid a visit

why

Correct answer:

parents and I

Explanation:

"Parents and I" is the object of the preposition "to," so it should instead be "parents and me."

Example Question #801 : Sat Writing

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

My sister took my hand and solemnly swore that nothing would ever come between her and INo error

Possible Answers:

No error

her and I

hand and

would ever come

solemnly

Correct answer:

her and I

Explanation:

In this sentence, the wrong pronoun case is used. “I” is a subject, but here it appears as the object of a preposition. The corrected sentence reads: My sister took my hand and solemnly swore that nothing would ever come between her and me.

Example Question #327 : 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.

There was a new person whom I had never seen before standing between my sister and I in the line. No error 

Possible Answers:

standing

There was

and I

No error

whom

Correct answer:

and I

Explanation:

This sentence uses the wrong case of pronoun. As an object, the first person pronoun should always be “me.” The corrected sentence reads, "There was a new person who I had never seen before standing between my sister and me in the line."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors