PSAT Writing : Identifying Verb Tense Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #55 : Identifying Verb Tense Errors

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

Beverly Hills was a significant part of Los Angeles because its inhabitants include important professionals who have been very influential in the historical development of the entertainment industry. No error 

Possible Answers:

historical development

part of

because

No error

was

Correct answer:

was

Explanation:

This sentence is written in the present tense, as we can tell from its verb "include." However, the verb "was" is in the past tense. It should be in the present tense as well. To correct the sentence's error, "was" should be changed to "is."

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