SAT Writing : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #181 : 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.
Sal, who purchasing stocks five years ago when the recession hit, is now reaping the benefits of his patience.
has been purchasing stocks five years ago when the recession hit
having been purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
purchasing stocks five years ago when the recession hit
had purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
purchased stocks five years ago when the recession hit
The word, purchasing, is incorrect, and must be changed to it's past tense, purchased, for the sentence to make sense.
Example Question #1891 : Sat Writing
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.
Various theories were proposed, but none prove satisfactory to the investigators.
nothing proving satisfactory
none proved satisfactory
none proving satisfactory
nothing prove satisfactory
none prove satisfactory
none proved satisfactory
The verb in the underlined portion of the sentence is in the present tense, while the verb in the first part of the sentence is in the past tense. The two verbs need to match their tenses due to the construction of the sentence. The correct answer choice is " none proved satisfactory."
Example Question #182 : 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.
Although he was suspicious of the deal, the negotiator knew he has to accept what he was offered or get nothing at all.
the negotiator knew he is accepting
the negotiator knew he had to accept
the negotiator knew he having to accept
the negotiator knew he has to accept
the negotiator knew he has to accepted
the negotiator knew he had to accept
The issue with the underlined sentence is quite simple, with the verb form "knew," a past tense construction, being at odds with "has," a present tense form. These need to work together, making the correct answer choice "the negotiator knew he had to accept."
Example Question #51 : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
The filmmaker's stated intention to shock his audiences with scenes of horror and violence.
The filmmaker's statement of intention to shock
The filmmakers stated intention to shock
The filmmaker's stated intention shocking
The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock
The filmmaker's stated intent to shock
The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock
The sentence as written actually contains no verb, as "stated" is used as an adjective to describe "intention," and the infinitive form "to shock" needs some form of the verb "to be." The only answer choice that remedies the lack of a verb is "The filmaker's stated intention was to shock," and is the correct answer.
Example Question #51 : Correcting Verb Tense 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 repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Traditionally, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences show of favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences showing favor towards lighter fare.
Traditional, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.
"Shown" is a past perfect verb, and any past perfect construction cannot stand alone as the verb in the sentence without a helping verb, also known as an auxilary verb. The past perfect verb "shown" needs to be accompanied by the verb "have" to make it a complete verbal phrase. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare."
Example Question #553 : Improving Sentences
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.
Coastal communities are hoping a mild winter makes summer arrive sooner, bring more tourists.
more tourists bringing.
bring more tourists.
more tourists brought.
bringing more tourists.
bring many tourists.
bringing more tourists.
The underlined portion of the sentence is a dependent clause that relies on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. As such, the verb form "bring" does not appropriately connect to the rest of the sentence. "Bringing more tourists, featuring the gerundive is the best answer choice.
Example Question #183 : 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.
American history littered with tales of prospective candidates who flopped in a Presidential election.
American history litters
American history is littered
American history littering
American history littered
American history is littering
American history is littered
The construction of the sentence makes it clear the "litter" is taking place throughout "American history." This means the verb should take the passive voice. "American history is littered" is therefore the correct answer choice.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Verb Tense 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.
Few people understand the depth of the deception from the Governor at the time.
Few people understood
Few people understand
Few understand
Fewer people understand
Few persons understand
Few people understood
The sentence describes what happened "at the time," or in the past; therefore, the verb usage must indicate the action taking place in the past, with a past tense verb. "Few people understood" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1901 : Sat Writing
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice 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.
David forgot that the popcorn was on the stove top and left it there for several minutes, burning the kernels severely and filled the room with a rather foul stench.
filling
filled
fills
is filling
he filled
filling
The progressive tense "filling" is correct here. This verb should be consistent with "burning," which precedes it in the list. Always think of descriptions of actions as scenes, and assess the logical viability of the scene painted (with grammar!). In this case, it doesn't really make sense that you would be "burning" the kernels but have "filled" the room with an odor since these two things occurred at the same time.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
Making things more difficult, the boy deciding to throw a tantrum right after his brother threw one.
the boy deciding throwing a tantrum
the boy decided to throw a tantrum
the boy deciding to throw a tantrum
the boy's decision to throw a tantrum
the boy deciding to throwing a tantrum
the boy decided to throw a tantrum
The underlined phrase contains an incorrect verb form. The present participle "deciding" describes an action taking place, and does not make a complete sentence. The correct answer is "the boy decided to throw a tantrum," using the past tense form.
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