SAT Writing : Correcting Modifier-Word Modified Agreement Errors
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Example Question #11 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
Jamie, struggling to comprehend the activity in science class, is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable part.
is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable partses
is puzzled with all of the various interchangeable parts
is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable parts
is puzzled by all various interchangeable part
is puzzled by various of the interchangeable parts
is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable parts
The phrase "all of" requires that the noun that completes that phrase be plural. "All of the... parts" is correct, then.
Example Question #12 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Greyhounds are among the fastest canines in the world.
fastest
quickly
fast
faster
most fast
fastest
In the sentence above, greyhounds are being compared with all other canines. Therefore, the use of the superlative adjective "fastest" is appropriate as written.
Example Question #13 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
My favorite television show is more highly regarded than you favorite television show.
my
your
you're
yours
you
your
Given that the first part of the sentence indicates that is is comparing two people's favorite shows, the "you" in the second part of the sentence is erroneous. It should be corrected to "your" so that the comparison makes sense.
Example Question #14 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
These set of problems that our math teacher gave us is incredibly difficult.
There
This
Those
These
Their
This
Even though there are multiple problems in the "set of problems," the "set" itself is singular. Therefore, the plural word "These" at the beginning of the sentence should be replaced with "This."
Example Question #15 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
In several region of the country, people fly American flags every single day.
In several region of the country
In several regions of the country
In several region of the countries
In several piece of the country
In several part of the country
In several regions of the country
In the sentence above, the word "region" is being modified by the word several; therefore, we know that region should be plural. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "In several regions of the country."
Example Question #16 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
The tired old dog wasn't capable of running anymore, but he still liked to play catch, he walked slow after the ball.
he walked slower after the ball.
he walked slowly after the ball.
he walked slow for the ball.
he walked slow after the ball.
he walked slow after the ball.
he walked slowly after the ball.
In the sentence above, the word "walked" is being modified by the word "slow." This is an error, as you cannot modify a verb with an adjective; you must use an adverb. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "he walked slowly after the ball."
Example Question #17 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
Do you prefer these houses over there, or our house right here?
them houses over there
with houses over there
some houses over there
these houses over there
those houses over there
those houses over there
In the sentence above, the word "houses" is being modified by the words "over there," and by the word "these." This is an error, as you must modify something that is "over there" with the word "those" rather than "these." The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "those houses over there."
Example Question #18 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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.
My favorite gym to work out in is those one over in Rogers Park.
a
those
that
these
an
that
In the sentence above, the word "gym" is clearly singular; therefore, we know that all words modifiying it must also be singular. "Those" is a plural word. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "that."
Example Question #19 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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 series of industry that have disappeared over the last few years are a great cause of alarm for many modern economists.
The serieses of industrys
The series for industry
The series of industries
The serieses of industry
The series of industry
The series of industries
In the sentence above, the word "industry" is being modified by the phrase "series of;" therefore we know that industry should be plural. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is, "The series of industries."
Example Question #20 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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 once knew a man who had six fingers on one of his hand; it was scary to look at.
none one of his hand
on one of his hands
on ones of his hand
on one of his hand
on one of her hand
on one of his hands
In the sentence above, the word "hand" is being modified by the phrase "one of;" therefore, we know that hand should be plural. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is, "on one of his hands."
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