SAT Writing : Correcting Preposition Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Correcting Preposition 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.

That dog is the most loyal pet Sarah has ever had; that dog really loves with her.  

Possible Answers:

loves on her

loves with her

loves for her

loves in her

loves her

Correct answer:

loves her

Explanation:

In the sentence above, the preposition "with" is unncessary and should be deleted to make the sentence correct. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is "loves her."

Example Question #32 : Correcting Preposition 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 man herded the unruly cattle by his bullwhip.

Possible Answers:

at his bullwhip.

by his bullwhip.

with his bullwhip.

in his bullwhip.

on his bullwhip.

Correct answer:

with his bullwhip.

Explanation:

When describing an instrument or tool that is used to accomplish a task, "with" is always the correct preoposition to use; therefore, the "by" in the underlined section above should be change to "with." The correct way to write the underlined portion of the sentence above is "with his bullwhip."

 

 

Example Question #33 : 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.

As a caddie, my job is mainly to take clubs from their owners and put them back on the bag.

Possible Answers:

my job is mainly to take clubs from their owners and put them back in the bag.

my job is main to take clubs from their owners and put them back on the bag.

my job is mainly to take the clubs from their owners and put them back on top of the bag.

my job is mainly to take the golf clubs from their owners and put them back on the bag.

my job is mainly to take clubs from their owners and put them back on the bag.

Correct answer:

my job is mainly to take clubs from their owners and put them back in the bag.

Explanation:

The sentence above contains a preposition error. The word "on" is being incorrectly used. The clubs are not stored "on" the bag, but inside of it. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence is: "my job is mainly to take clubs from their owners and put them back in the bag."

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