PSAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Autocratic styles of leadership frequently annoys the people who must work under such leaders.

Possible Answers:

frequently annoys

frequently annoy

frequent annoy

frequented annoying

frequent annoys

Correct answer:

frequently annoy

Explanation:

The verb "annoy" is used with the subject "styles," although the prepositional phrase "of leadership" and the adverb "frequently" come between the two words. Therefore, the verb form must take a plural form to match the subject. "Styles...frequently annoy" is the correct answer form.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Every one of the new coaches face serious troubles with their teams.

Possible Answers:

the new coach face

new coaches face

the new coaches face

the new coaches faces

the new coach faces

Correct answer:

the new coaches faces

Explanation:

The verb in the sentence, written in the underlined portion as "face," must actually be in the singular form "faces." The subject of the sentence is "every," which is actually a singular form, even though the verb sits next to "new coaches." "The new coaches faces" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

One of the boys are coming over to help build the model car.

Possible Answers:

One of the boys is came over

One of the boys are came over

One boy comes over

One of the boys is coming over

One of the boys are coming over

Correct answer:

One of the boys is coming over

Explanation:

The problem with the sentence is that the verb "are" is a plural form, but is matched with "One," a singular noun, even though "boys" is the closest word to the verb in the sentence. The correct answer is "One of the boys is coming over."

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

There is no players in the league who would be comfortable in such a situation.

Possible Answers:

There's no players

There is no players

There is not players

There are no players

They're no players

Correct answer:

There are no players

Explanation:

The underlined phrase has an incorrect use of the verb "is," as the subject, "players," is a plural form. The verb needs to be similarly plural. "There are no players" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Agreement Errors

The youngest girl among the students have dark hair.

Possible Answers:

has darkest hairs.

have dark hair.

have dark hairs.

has dark hair.

have darker hair.

Correct answer:

has dark hair.

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is "youngest girl," a singular noun. Although the verb is next to the plural "students," a plural, the verb form must be a singular verb. Additionally, a superlative need a comparison to be used appropriately, making "has dark hair" the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Every night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Possible Answers:

Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.

Every night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Each night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Each of the nights for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Every night for five nights straight were well below freezing.

Correct answer:

Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.

Explanation:

The issue with the sentence as it is written is that the subject of the sentence, "every night," is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. The subject and the verb must agree. The correct answer is "Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing."

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Lisa, Aaron, and Jason is coming over later than everyone else.

Possible Answers:

Lisa, Aaron, and Jason are coming

Lisa, Aaron,, and Jason is coming

Lisa, Aaron, and Jason is to come

Lisa, Aaron, and Jason coming

Lisa, Aaron, and Jason have come

Correct answer:

Lisa, Aaron, and Jason are coming

Explanation:

The use of the singular verb "is" does not match with the plural subjects of the sentence. The subject and verb must always be in agreement. The correct answer is "Lisa, Aaron, and Jason are coming."

Example Question #251 : Correcting Word 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.

The new bylaws of the organization was ratified by a unanimous vote yesterday.

Possible Answers:

The new bylaws of the organization were 

The new bylaws of the organization was 

The newer bylaws of the organization was 

The new bylaws for the organization was 

The new bylaws from the organization was 

Correct answer:

The new bylaws of the organization were 

Explanation:

While the singular verb "was" is next to the singular noun "organization," the subject of the sentence is the plural noun "bylaws." This means that the verb "was" needs to be changed to a plural form; therefore, "The new bylaws of the organization were" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #41 : Simple Subject 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.

The boys in the class hates the movie.

Possible Answers:

The boys in the class hates the movie.

The boys in the class is hating the movie.

The boys in the class hate the movie.

The boys in the class hating the movie.

A boys in the class hates the movie.

Correct answer:

The boys in the class hate the movie.

Explanation:

Although the verb "hates," which is used with singular nouns, is next to the singular noun "class," the subject of the sentence is the plural noun "boys." The verb needs to be changed to its plural form. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "The boys in the class hate the movie."

Example Question #11 : Correcting Agreement 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 children were late in joining the group for the trip.

Possible Answers:

One of the children were late to join

One of the children were late in joining

One of the children were lately in joining

One of the children were later in joining

One of the children was late in joining

Correct answer:

One of the children was late in joining

Explanation:

Although the plural verb "were" is next to the plural noun "children," the subject of the sentence is the singular "one." A subject and verb in a sentence must always be in agreement regarding number (whether a noun is singular or plural). Therefore, the correct answer choice is "One of the children was late in joining."

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