SAT Writing : Correcting Colon Errors
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Example Question #51 : Correcting Colon 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.
I need: to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for my upcoming audition.
I need to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for my upcoming audition.
I need, to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for my upcoming audition.
I need: to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for my upcoming audition.
I need; to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for my upcoming audition.
I need: to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for, my upcoming audition.
I need to prepare my new monologue, iron my suit, and print my headshot and résumé for my upcoming audition.
Colons serve primarily two purposes. The first is to precede a list of three or more things in a sentence, and the second is to join two clauses of a sentence. For the first purpose, however, you should avoid using a colon after a verb or a preposition. The best way to correct the sentence above is to delete the colon.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Colon 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.
I went to the mall for: new clothes, new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
I went to the mall for; new clothes, new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
I went to the mall for: new clothes, new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
I went to the mall for new clothes new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
I went to the mall for new clothes, new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
I went to the mall for, new clothes, new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
I went to the mall for new clothes, new shoes, and a new top hat for the dance tomorrow.
In the example sentence, a colon incorrectly introduces a list. The reason this colon usage is incorrect is that the colon does not follow a complete, grammatically correct independent clause. When used to introduce items in a list colons must come at the end of a independent clause that does not end in a verb. The best way to correct the sentence is simply to delete the colon.
Example Question #53 : Correcting Colon 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.
I love: ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
I love ice cream cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
I love ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
I love; ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
I love: ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
I love, ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
I love ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues.
Since the example sentence places a colon after a grammatically incomplete clause. "I love," is not a complete sentence as it lacks an object. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "I love ice cream, cookies, and cake, but I need to stop eating so much sugar or I'm going to have health issues."
Example Question #51 : Correcting Colon Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I want you to: pick up some cherries, some corn, and some watermelon for the salad, please. No error
to:
I want
some cherries, some corn, and some watermelon
No error
salad, please.
to:
Colons serve primarily two purposes. The first is to precede a list of three or more things in a sentence, and the second is to join two clauses of a sentence where the second clause explains, defines, or clarifies the first clause. For the first purpose, however, you should avoid using a colon after a verb or a preposition. The best way to correct the sentence above is to delete the colon since it follows a verb.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Colon Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I'm having a very long day, and it would be a great help to me if you: would pick up your socks, clean the sink, and turn out the lights. No error
you: would
clean the sink,
I'm having
No error
long day,
you: would
Here, a colon is incorrectly placed in the middle of a clause. Colons must come at the end of an independent clause that does not end in a verb. Thus, in this case, the only correction would be to simply delete the colon, the rest of the sentence is correct as written.
Example Question #53 : Correcting Colon Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I don't want: to go to the dance, to go to the afterparty, or to see any of you people anytime soon. No error
afterparty, or
dance,
No error
you people
I don't want:
I don't want:
In this sentence a colon is incorrectly placed after a verb. While colons are often used to introduce lists, they are not used to introduce every list. If the clause before the colon ends with a verb, then it is correct to use a comma, and not a colon to introduce the list.
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