PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #291 : 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.
While small dogs are more vulnerable then large dogs, they also tend to be more aggressive. No error
While
also
then
are more
No error
then
"Then" is used to describe a sequence of events, while "than" is used to compare two subjects. Here, two subjects are being compared: big and small dogs. Therefore, "than" should be used, not "then."
Example Question #292 : 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.
While I expected giraffes and monkeys at the zoo, I had no idea their were going to be naked mole rats as well. No error
zoo, I
their
No error
While
as well
their
In this sentence, the incorrect spelling of their/there/they’re is used. “Their” is a possessive pronoun (e.g. their giraffes), while “there” is used for existence (e.g. there are naked mole rats). The corrected sentence reads: While I expected giraffes and monkeys at the zoo, I had no idea there were going to be naked mole rats as well.
Example Question #91 : Identifying Other 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.
“Your not the only steadfast rugby player in this school,” remarked Jan. “I found out that Eric Smith also regularly practices the sport.” No error
Your
No error
regularly practices
steadfast
that
Your
“Your,” which is a possessive pronoun, should be replaced by the contraction “you’re,” which stands for “you are.”
Example Question #293 : 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.
Children who’s parents read to them when they are young grow up with a love for books. No error
who's
read to them
when
a love for books
No error
who's
This sentence uses the wrong form of who’s/whose. “Who’s” is a contraction of “who is,” and “whose” is the possessive we are looking for here. The corrected sentence reads, "Children whose parents read to them when they are young grow up with a love for books."
Example Question #294 : 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.
I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical about the idea of chickens as pets, but you’re chicken Spike’s friendliness and character took away all of my doubts. No error
admit that
skeptical
No error
all of my doubts
you're
you're
In this sentence, the wrong version of you’re/your is used. “You’re” is a contraction of “you” and “are,” while “your” is the possessive pronoun that we want in this sentence. The corrected sentence reads, "I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical about the idea of chickens as pets, but you’re chicken Spike’s friendliness and character took away all of my doubts."
Example Question #295 : 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 new regulations are too strict; they will neither be affective nor respected by the target demographic. No error
nor
too
No error
target demographic
affective
affective
"Affective" is easily confused with "effective." "Affective" means to influence someone emotively, while "effective" means to produce a desired result.
Here, the problem is that the regulations will not be "effective," or produce the desired result. However, the sentence uses the word "affective," which is not the proper word choice. Therefore, "affective" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #296 : 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 sister has always loved to watch the swimmers in the Olympics when she was younger, so its no surprise that they inspired her to become an amazing athlete and win every race she ever swam during high school. No error
has always loved
its
she ever swam
No error
that they
its
"Its" and "it's" are a pair of homonyms that are often confused. Without the apostrophe, "its" is the possessive form of the pronoun "it." On the other hand, "it's" is the contraction of "it" and "is." In this sentence, "it is no surprise" captures the sentence's meaning, but the possessive form of the pronoun "it" does not make any sense. So, "its" is the part of the sentence that contains the error.
Example Question #482 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
John and Susan were disappointed when they heard the rain, because they knew that they're soccer game would be canceled. No error
were disappointed
No error
heard
knew
they're
they're
"They're" is a contraction which means "they are." The correct form in this case is the possessive pronoun "their." So, "they're" contains the sentence's error.
Example Question #297 : 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 hand jive is a dance from the '50s where one slaps and claps one's hands to the beat. No error
one's
'50s
No error
where
is
where
"Where" speaks to location. In this sentence, the clause should be "during which" or "in which." Note that '50s is appropriate: it is never "50's."
Example Question #298 : 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 last question, that was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying. No error
government spying
issue of
famously
that
No error
that
This sentence uses “that” where “which” is more appropriate. Use “which” for added information, after a comma. The corrected sentence reads, "The last question, which was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying."
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