PSAT Writing : Identifying Verb Errors
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Example Question #312 : 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.
The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to risen at half past six, and it was almost seven. No error.
The sense of expectation
almost
risen
No error.
unbearable; the curtain
risen
This sentence uses a participle (“risen”) after “to.” Here, an infinitive is correct. If you read the sentence as it is written out loud, it will probably sound incorrect. The corrected sentence reads, "The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to rise at half past six, and it was almost seven."
Example Question #313 : 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.
A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes and stiff corsets, chose instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics. No error
A revolutionary in American dance
No error
chose
to dance
stiff corsets
chose
The last clause in this sentence needs to be reformatted to fit into the logic of the sentence. Turning “chose” into a gerund accomplishes this. The corrected sentence reads: "A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes and traditional stiff corsets, choosing instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics."
Example Question #314 : 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.
Not wanting being behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk. No error
No error
being behind
her
furiously
the pile of documents
being behind
This sentence uses the gerund “being” when the infinitive “to be” is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Not wanting to be behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk."
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