SAT Writing : Correcting Apostrophe Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #41 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.
The boys toys were scattered all over the room, there mother would be upset with all three of them if she were there to see it.
The boys toys
The boys toy's
The boy's toys
The boys toys'
The boys' toys
The boys' toys
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession. If the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "The boys' toys"
Example Question #42 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.
Its unfortunate that we cannot continue to employ your services at this time.
Its unfortunately that
It's unfortunate which
Its unfortunate that
It's unfortunate that
Its unfortunate which
It's unfortunate that
“It’s” is a contraction meaning it is. “Its” indicates possession when using the third person pronoun it. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "It's unfortunate that"
Example Question #43 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.
The jury had rendered it's verdict: the man was going to jail for life.
The jury had rendered it's verdict;
The jury had rendered its verdict,
The jury had rendered it's verdict,
The jury had rendered its verdict:
The jury had rendered it's verdict:
The jury had rendered its verdict:
“It’s” is a contraction meaning it is. “Its” indicates possession when using the third person pronoun it. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "The jury had rendered its verdict:"
Example Question #44 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.
The gooses feet were in horrible condition after flying in the brutal cold.
The gooses' feet were in horrible condition
The gooses feet were in horrible condition
The goose's feet were in horrible condition
The goose's feet were of horrible condition
The gooses' feet were of horrible condition
The goose's feet were in horrible condition
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession, if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The best way to correct the error above is: "The goose's feet were in horrible condition"
Example Question #171 : Improving Sentences
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.
The old mens' beards were hanging so lowly that they nearly touched the ground.
The old men's beards were hanging
The old men's beards was hanging
The old mens beards' were hanging
The old mens' beards were hanging
The old mens beards were hanging
The old men's beards were hanging
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession, if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The best way to correct the error is: "The old men's beards were hanging"
Example Question #172 : Improving Sentences
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.
Its extremely difficult to win a game of chess if you don't plan your moves carefully.
Its extreme difficult
It's extremely difficult
Its extremely difficult
Its's extremely difficult
Its' extremely difficult
It's extremely difficult
“It’s” is a contraction meaning it is. “Its” indicates possession when using the third person pronoun it. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "It's extremely difficult"
Example Question #173 : Improving Sentences
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.
I am won't to take long walks in the evening, it is one of my favorite ways to end a long day.
I am won't to take long walks in the evening,
I am wont to take long walks in the evening,
I am won't to take long walks in the evening;
I am won't to take long walks in the evening:
I am wont to take long walks in the evening...
I am wont to take long walks in the evening,
The word "wont" means something entirely different from the word "won't," which is a contraction of the words "will" and "not." "Wont" refers to a personal habit or habits. The former is clearly what should be in the sentence above, and as such, the best way to correct the underlined portion reads "I am wont to take long walks in the evening,"
Example Question #174 : Improving Sentences
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.
I cant win with my parents lately: they are constantly disappointed in me.
I can't win with my parents lately,
I cant win with my parents lately:
I cant win with my parents lately;
I can't win with my parents lately:
I cant not win with my parents lately:
I can't win with my parents lately:
The word "cant" means something entirely different from the word "can't," which is a contraction of the words "can" and "not." "Cant" refers to hypocritical language or statements. The latter is clearly what should be in the sentence above, and as such, the best way to correct the underlined portion should read, "I can't win with my parents lately:"
Example Question #175 : Improving Sentences
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.
The generals battle plan ruined, the army had to retreat back through the horrid fog.
The generals' battle plan's ruined;
The generals battle plan ruined,
The generals's battle plans ruined,
The generals battle plans' ruined,
The general's battle plan ruined,
The general's battle plan ruined,
In the example sentence, it is clear from the context that the intent is to indicate the "general's" (singular) possession (in that it was his idea) of the "battle plan," not to indicate that there are multiple "generals." While it is possible that there could have been many generals, it is important to realize that the sentence is grammatically incoherent unless possession is indicated.
Example Question #176 : Improving Sentences
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.
All three of the boy's mothers were extremely worried about their whereabouts.
All three of the boys mothers
All three of the boy's mother's
All three of the boy's mothers
All three of the boys' mothers
All three of the boy's mothers'
All three of the boys' mothers
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession; if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "All three of the boys' mothers"
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