PSAT Writing : Improving Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #242 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
John and Susan runs to the finish line as fast as possible.
are run
having run to the finish line
running to the finish line
runs to the finish line
run to the finish line
run to the finish line
The underlined portion of the sentence contains a verb error with "runs." "John and Susan," while both singular nouns, are together a plural, and need a plural verb form, instead of the singular "runs." "Run to the finish line" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors
The boy, among many friends, celebrate his birthday in lavish style.
celebrate
having been celebrated
is celibrant
celebrates
is celebrated
celebrates
The subject of the sentence is singular, "the boy," and not the plural "many friends," meaning the verb needs to be singular as well. Additionally, the sentence must keep the same meaning, that they boy is doing the celebrating. "Celebrates" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Autocratic styles of leadership frequently annoys the people who must work under such leaders.
frequently annoys
frequently annoy
frequent annoy
frequented annoying
frequent annoys
frequently annoy
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.
the new coach face
new coaches face
the new coaches face
the new coaches faces
the new coach faces
the new coaches faces
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.
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
One of the boys is coming over
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.
There's no players
There is no players
There is not players
There are no players
They're no players
There are no players
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.
has darkest hairs.
have dark hair.
have dark hairs.
has dark hair.
have darker hair.
has dark hair.
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.
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.
Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.
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.
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
Lisa, Aaron, and Jason are coming
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.
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
The new bylaws of the organization were
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.
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