SAT Writing : Correcting Preposition Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Correcting Other 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.
The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.
The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends.
The beach is always a fun place to visit beyond long weekends.
The beach is always a fun place to visit further long weekends.
The beach is often a fun place to visit around long weekends.
The beach can be a fun place to visit on long weekends.
Here, the preposition "on" is most appropriate of the choices available.
Example Question #12 : Correcting Other 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
They didn't have enough seats in the station wagon, so Frankie had to ride on the trunk.
behind
under
for
in
on
in
It's clear from the context of the sentence that Frankie is riding inside of the trunk, rather than on it, under it, or anywhere else. Therefore, the best choice is the word "in," which indicates his position within the trunk.
Example Question #13 : Correcting Other 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.
Greg always wore black clothing, in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different from his older brother.
in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different to his older brother.
in an effort to seem more different from his older brother.
on an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different from his older brother.
"Than" is used for comparatives, so "different from" is better to use than "different than."
Example Question #14 : Correcting Other 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Just among me and you, do you think Katie has any chance to win the top prize?
Just among me and you
Just between me and you
Just among the two of us
Just among you and I
Just between you and I
Just between me and you
"Among" is used when there are MORE than two entities being discussed. Seeing as there are only two entities being discussed here, "between" is the appropriate choice. "Me" is the correct choice, as opposed to "I," since it is the object of a preposition and therefore should be in objective case as opposed to subjective.
Example Question #15 : Correcting Other 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.
Never before did the members of the class see a sight such like that.
a sight such that.
sight such like that.
a sight such like.
a sight such like that.
a sight such as that.
a sight such as that.
"Such as" and "like" are related terms, with both being used to indicate examples of things mentioned earlier in the sentence. The correct usage, however, is either "such as" or "like," with "such like" being completely incorrect. The correct answer is "a sight such as that."
Example Question #16 : Correcting Other 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Bradley was standing knee deep into the swamp when the alligator swam by.
in
on
into
inside
in to
in
"In" is used in instances of position, whereas "into" is used in instances of direction of motion. Bradley's standing in the swamp was his position when the gator swam by; the preposition doesn't indicate any motion on his part. For this reason, "in" is most appropriate. Bradley wasn't fully & completely inside the swamp, so "inside" is also inappropriate.
Example Question #11 : Correcting Preposition 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.
Sandra's dog was different from all the others; its eyes were bright blue and its ears were exceptionally floppy.
different that
differently
different with
different
different from
different from
"Different from" is correct. All other options created errors. "Different from" is the proper construction in cases like this.
Example Question #14 : Correcting Preposition 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.
Do you know what you'll be doing for the springtime?
while
from
in
for
on
in
For specific dates or times, you typically want to use the prepositions "for" or "on." For general measurements of times, such as parts of the year or seasons, you use "in" instead. The preposition in the sentence above should be "in."
Example Question #18 : Correcting Other 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
What are you and your dogs doing in the Fourth of July?
in
under
while
over
on
on
For specific dates or times, you typically want to use the prepositions "for" or "on." For general measurements of times, such as parts of the year or seasons, you use "in" instead. The preposition in the sentence above should be "for" or "on," and "on" is the only option listed in the answers above.
Example Question #19 : Correcting Other 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
My family and I always have these discussions in ourselves.
among
from
at
in
against
among
The use of "in" is incorrect here. The correct preposition for this situation is "among." Discussions, since they involve other people, are usually held "by" or "among" groups of people. In this case the conversation is obviously being held "among ourselves."
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