PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #54 : 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.
Wooly mammoths, an extinct species of elephant, certainly deserved its name—a newborn calf could weigh 200 pounds! No error
could weigh
No error
its name
newborn
species of elephant
its name
In this sentence, the pronoun “its” does not agree in number with its antecedent “Wooly mammoths.” The corrected sentence reads: Wooly mammoths, an extinct species of elephant, certainly deserved their name—a newborn calf could weigh 200 pounds!
Example Question #55 : 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.
The North American moose population has declined, but their cultural popularity in everything from children’s books to hip t-shirts has grown. No error
their
No error
moose
from children’s books to hip t-shirts
has declined
their
In this sentence the plural pronoun “their” refers to the singular subject “moose population.” The singular pronoun should be used instead. The corrected sentence reads: The North American moose population has declined, but its cultural popularity in everything from children’s books to hip t-shirts has grown.
Example Question #56 : 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.
Mitosis is a process when cells undergo division in order to create two new cells. No error
No error
is
to create
undergo
when
when
When describing a idea, concept, or process, we refer to it with the phrase "in which." Mitosis is not a time when cells undergo division, but rather a process in which cells undergo division.
Example Question #22 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
For we, it is easier to get around in public transportation than it is to drive a car on roads that are congested and stress-inducing. No error
than
are
to
No error
we
we
"We" is a subject pronoun. The object pronoun is "us." In the sentence above, it is easier to get around for "we," which is incorrect. To correct the sentence, "we" should be changed to "us."
Example Question #23 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although a sales tax may appear to be an efficient way to raise profits, they are more detrimental to low-income consumers than to rich ones. No error
than to
to raise
No error
they are
ones
they are
"Tax" is a singular antecedent, while the pronoun and verb "they are" are plural. "It is" should be used instead of "they are" so that a singular pronoun and verb correspond to the singular antecedent "tax."
Example Question #24 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The cake was decorated with turquoise frosting swirls and turquoise candles because these were his favorite color. No error
his
No error
was decorated with
frosting swirls
these were
these were
“These” refers to “turquoise,” which is singular. The pronoun should likewise be singular. The corrected sentence reads, "The cake was decorated with turquoise frosting swirls and turquoise candles because this was his favorite color."
Example Question #221 : 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.
Imported turmeric, often valued for it’s exotic flavor, also has the health benefit of helping to prevent the mental deterioration of older adults. No error
older adults
flavor
mental deterioration
it's
No error
it's
"It's" is an abbreviated form of "it is." "Its" is the possessive form of "it," and therefore "it's" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #222 : 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.
Ginger is valued not only because of its flavorful properties as a spice and garnish, but also because they have significant health benefits. No error
flavorful properties
not only
No error
they
but also
they
"Ginger" is singular, therefore the pronoun that refers to it in the sentence, "they," should be singular as well. The pronoun "they" is used with plural antecedents, and should be changed to the pronoun "it," which is used with singular neuter antecedents.
Example Question #223 : 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.
The committee had a tradition of voting bimonthly for their quarterly meeting, in which the members discussed important matters. No error
No error
discussed
had
their
in which
their
This is a pronoun agreement error. "Committee" is a group noun, so it is singular. The pronoun "their" refers to the committee but it is plural. "Their" should become "its."
Example Question #224 : 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.
I've had more teachers than I can count, but by far the best one was Mr. Brown, that taught second grade. No error
but
No error
Mr. Brown, that
I've had
than
Mr. Brown, that
Because the dependent clause "that taught second grade" is modifying a person, it needs to be introduced by "who," not "that," so "Mr. Brown, that" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
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