SAT Writing : Correcting Verb Mood Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #21 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 usher requested that the lady be quiet during the performance; she was disturbing the other patrons.
is quiet
were quiet
be quiet
was quiet
are quiet
be quiet
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "regret" is used, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #22 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 voters demanded that their representatives were held accountable for their shady behavior.
were held
was held
is held
are held
be held
be held
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "demanded" is used, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "be held."
Example Question #23 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If I was you, I wouldn't treat my brothers so poorly; they grow up faster than you think.
If I are you
If I was you
If I wasn't you
If I were you
If I is you
If I were you
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "if" begins the sentence, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "If I were you."
Example Question #24 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The General wished that his subordinate was more loyal, but it was not the case.
subordinate was most loyal
subordinate was loyaler
subordinate were more loyal
subordinate was more loyal
subordinate was loyalest
subordinate were more loyal
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "wished" is in the sentence, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "subordinate were more loyal."
Example Question #25 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The President requires that everyone is respectful during visits to the White House.
everyone was respectful
everyone be respectful
everyone are respectful
everyone is respectful
everyone were respectful
everyone be respectful
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "requires" precedes the subordinate clause, thus making this a requirement or request for possible future behavior, as opposed to an expression of actual behavior that is occuring. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "everyone be respectful."
Example Question #22 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The doctor insists that I be still during my examination.
I am still
I was still
I be still
I will be still
I were still
I be still
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "insists" precedes the subordinate clause in the second part of the sentence, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "I be still." The sentence is correct as written.
Example Question #23 : Correcting Verb Mood 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.
If I were President for a day, I would try to solve the gridlock in Congress.
If I be President for a day
Be I were President for a day
If I was President for a day
If I were President on a day
If I were President for a day
If I were President for a day
The subjunctive verb mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "if" begins the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #24 : Correcting Verb Mood 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.
Despair could render everyone, the strongest among us, weak and unwilling to fight every time.
Despairs can renders
Despair could render
Despair can render,
Despair be rendering
Despair renders
Despair renders
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, "could" expresses a possibility, whereas the rest of the sentence expresses a definite, universal statment.
Example Question #25 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 propose that we are more patient with each other; these negotiations don't have to be so arduous.
I propose that we are more patient with each other
I propose that we be more patient with each other
I propose that we were more patient with each other
I propose that we was more patient with each other
I propose that we is more patient with each other
I propose that we be more patient with each other
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "propose" is used, we know that subjunctive should be used.
Example Question #26 : Correcting Verb Mood 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 suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture, because that great man only has so much tolerance in his heart.
I suggested that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you were quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you is quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read: "I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,"
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