PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #301 : Identifying Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Judging from there aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok. No error
running amok
there
loud
will enjoy having
No error
there
This sentence uses the wrong version of there/their. The possessive “their” is appropriate in this case. The corrected sentence reads, "Judging from their aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok."
Example Question #302 : 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.
Starters are not meant to fill diners up, but to wet their appetite before a substantial entrée is served. No error
their
is served
substantial
wet
No error
wet
“Wet” means to moisten or dampen. “Whet,” however, means to stimulate or awaken. In this case, we are looking for the verb “whet.”
Example Question #303 : 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 resolute comedian did not seem phased by the audience’s disparaging comments; he remained focused despite their attacks. No error
resolute
phased
disparaging
No error
their
phased
The verb “phased” stems from the noun “phase” (a stage of development). The correct spelling in this case is “fazed,” which means unnerved or disturbed. The comedian was not fazed, meaning he was not bothered by the insults.
Example Question #303 : 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.
Mrs. Davis insisted on running to the corner store for a court of milk so she could bake her reputed lemon loaf. No error
running
court
No error
reputed
on
court
A “court” is an official legal building or a place where sports are played. “Quart,” on the other hand, is a unit used to measure liquids.
Example Question #304 : 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.
Though the surfer was hoping to ride the tidal wave, he soon realized that it was slightly to high for him to master. No error
to
for him
No error
that
was hoping
to
“To” is a preposition (as in the sentence “I’m going to school”), while “too” means excessively. We can deduce that the wave was “too high” for the surfer to ride.
Example Question #412 : Identifying Word 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.
Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, that would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten. No error
both nuts and gluten
brought over
lovely
that
No error
that
This sentence mixes up the words “that” and “which.” “Which” is used to start a phrase that provides additional information after a comma. The content of a which-phrase is loosely connected to the content of the main phrase, and the sentence would still make sense if the information contained in the phrase were omitted. “That” directly follows the word it’s modifying, with no comma intervening. The corrected sentence reads, "Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, which would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten."
Example Question #641 : 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.
Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, is often being represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure. No error.
in the media
conniving
No error.
being
than a successful political figure
being
The progressive verb “being” is not necessary in this sentence. It is more concise and to-the-point to say: "Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, is often represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Verb 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 spectators looked at one another, not having much to say, as they were dumbfounded by the tricks of the New York City street magician. No error.
New York City
one another
dumbfounded
No error.
having
having
“Having” is an incorrect use of a gerund. It creates confusion with respect to time, as both “looked” and “dumbfounded” are in the simple past tense.
Example Question #61 : Identifying Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite her best intentions, Suzy’s attempting to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster. No error.
was
attempting
Despite her best intentions
No error.
surprise birthday
attempting
It is not necessary to use the gerund “attempting” in this sentence because the noun “attempt” already exists. The corrected sentence reads, "Despite her best intentions, Suzy’s attempt to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster."
Example Question #641 : 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.
Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of stay up late watching television. No error.
stay up late
instead of
No error.
to go to bed
Most
stay up late
Usually, the phrase “instead of” is followed by a gerund or verb that ends in "-ing". The corrected sentence reads, "Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of staying up late watching television."
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