PSAT Writing : Identifying Verb Mood Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Verb Mood Errors

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

No matter how diverse a menu may be, John always orders the most basic dish that he could find. No error

Possible Answers:

most

how

No error

could

always

Correct answer:

could

Explanation:

The sentence is written in the present tense, except for the modal verb, "could," which expresses possibility where none is needed; we're told that John "always" orders basic dishes. "Could" should be changed to the present tense verb "can" so that its tense matches that of "orders."

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