SAT Writing : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite it's positive critical reception, many members of the general public disliked the play, believing that the director betrayed his homegrown roots in order to appeal to a wealthier audience. No error
it's
believing that the director
appeal to
No error
members of the general public
it's
"It's" is an abbreviation for "it is." Here, "its" should be used in order to show possession. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "it's."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given that the mother walks very slowly and that the son never seems to be in much of a rush, it is safe to say that the family likes to take their time. No error
their
Given
No error
it is
never
their
"Family" is singular. Therefore, the possessive pronoun that refers to it should be singular as well. Thus, "its" should be used instead of "their."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While there are advantages to doing freelance work, it is outweighed by the stress of having an inconsistent income. No error
stress of
No error
it
inconsistent
are
it
The underlined word, "it," refers to the "advantages of freelance work," which is plural. Therefore, "it," a singular pronoun, should be changed to the plural pronoun "they."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all
A psychotherapist always needs to be sure that they are meeting the emotional needs of clients by developing a keen awareness of other people's feelings. No error
of clients
always
a keen awareness of
they are
No error
they are
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “they” does not correspond to the singular antecedent “psychotherapist.” To correct the sentence's error, one would need to replace "they" with "he or she."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite an incredible investment of time and energy into the project, Gary was disappointed with their final result. No error
No error
into
their
despite
was
their
In this sentence, “their” does not correspond to the antecedent “Gary.” Since we can reasonably infer that Gary is male, the correct version of this sentence would use the pronoun "his" instead of "their."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The web designer never received their pay for the work completed on the restaurant’s webpage because the owners had declared bankruptcy. No error
their
never
declared
No error
because
their
In this sentence, “their” does not correspond to the antecedent “web designer.” The correct version of this sentence would use the phrase "his or her" or avoid use of a possessive personal pronoun altogether.
Example Question #12 : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
It is the flight attendant’s responsibility to make sure that they inform all passengers of the necessary safety precautions to take. No error
they inform
of the
It is
to take
No error
they inform
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “they” does not correspond to the singular antecedent “flight attendant.” To correct the error, one would need to change "they inform" to "he or she informs."
Example Question #231 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jackie thought that the new traffic circle in the neighborhood was a terrible idea; Franklin thought it too. No error
No error
that
was
too
it
it
The wrong pronoun is used here after "thought," since we do not have a specific "it" to which to refer. The corrected sentence reads, "Jackie thought that the new traffic circle in the neighborhood was a terrible idea; Franklin thought so too."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A new player might take some time to internalize all of the complicated rules of the game, but they will become an expert with some practice. No error
they
complicated
take some time
but
No error
they
Here, the pronoun “they” does not agree in number with its antecedent, “a new player.” The pronoun is plural and the antecedent is singular. The corrected sentence might read: "A new player might take some time to internalize all of the complicated rules of the game, but he or she will become an expert with some practice."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When guests sleep in my room, they can have trouble sleeping through the night because you can hear the highway outside my window. No error
outside
they can
No error
through
you
you
In this sentence, the people who have trouble sleeping are the "guests." Therefore, in order to maintain continuity within the sentence, "you" should not be used, as "you" does not refer to the "guests." The plural third-person pronoun "they" should be used instead.
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