PSAT Writing : Identifying Verb Mood Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #401 : 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.

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

Possible Answers:

how

could

always

No error

most

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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