SAT Writing : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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Example Questions
Example Question #32 : 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.
Any leader who inspires their constituents must do so by cultivating a sense of national pride and maintaining peace with neighboring states. No error
with
their
maintaining
do so
No error
their
The possessive pronoun "their" in this sentence is meant to refer to the noun "leader." Because"their" is plural whereas "leader" is singular, the pronoun should be singular as well—"his or her" instead of "their."
The answer choice "do so" is correct because it simply replaces a verb phrase mentioned earlier in the sentence—"inspire their constituents."
The answer choice "maintaining" is correct because it preserves the parallel structure started by "cultivating."
The answer choice "with" is correct because to say "peace with" something or someone is the proper use of the idiom.
Example Question #11 : 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 members of the cleaning crew made the event enjoyable and safe for all, and it deserves our thanks. No error
made
No error
of
it deserves
enjoyable and safe
it deserves
In this sentence, it is easy to think that "it" refers to "cleaning crew," but since "cleaning crew" appears as the object of the preposition "of the cleaning crew" in the subject "the members of the cleaning crew," the plural noun "members" is actually the referent of the singular pronoun "it." To correct the sentence's error, "it" should be changed to "they," which agrees with plural antecedents. The corrected sentence reads, "The members of the cleaning crew made the event enjoyable and safe for all, and they deserve our thanks."
Example Question #34 : 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.
Jessica and Theresa hated doing her homework; however, once they were done they were allowed to play in the yard. No error
in the yard
homework; however, once
allowed
No error
her
her
The pronoun "her" does not agree in number with the plural subject, "Jessica and Theresa." It should be "their."
Example Question #35 : 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.
Little did he know that his two best friends, which had mistakenly thought it was his birthday, were waiting in the next room to surprise him. No error
No error
Little did he know that
were waiting
to surprise him
which
which
Since his friends are people, the relative pronoun “who” is more appropriate than “which.” The corrected sentence reads, "Little did he know that his two best friends, who had mistakenly thought it was his birthday, were waiting in the next room to surprise him."
Example Question #12 : 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.
Students which take too much initiative and participate in too many afterschool activities can sometimes stress themselves out to the point of exhaustion. No error
can
No error
themselves
which
in
which
Students are not things or concepts; they are people! When people are referenced, the word "who" or "whom" is used. Since the students are the subject, the word "which" should be replaced with "who."
Example Question #51 : 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.
An anthropologist always needs to ensure that their notes are meticulous and organized; detailed and accessible records are key to successful fieldwork. No error
organized; detailed
No error
their
successful
are
their
In this sentence, the pronoun “their” does not correspond in number with its antecedent “an anthropologist.” “Their” is plural, but there is only one anthropologist. The corrected sentence reads, "An anthropologist always needs to ensure that his or her notes are meticulous and organized; detailed and accessible records are key to successful fieldwork."
Example Question #38 : 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.
A politician has to choose their words carefully; political opponents and the media are always eager for a compromising quote. No error
are
No error
carefully
eager for
their
their
In this sentence, the pronoun “their” does not match in number with its antecedent “a politician.” The pronoun is plural and the antecedent is singular. The corrected sentence would read: A politician has to choose his or her words carefully; political opponents and the media are always eager for a compromising quote.
Example Question #41 : 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.
He had wanted to uproot the weeds in the backyard and plant a real garden, but he never seemed to have time to do it. No error
garden, but
and
No error
to do it
had wanted
to do it
This sentence uses the preposition “it” to refer to the actions of uprooting weeds and planting a garden. “It” should refer to a thing, not an action. A more appropriate choice would be “so”: "He had wanted to uproot the weeds in the backyard and plant a real garden, but he never seemed to have time to do so."
Example Question #42 : 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.
Rita tries to arrive ten minutes early to every meeting, but sometimes the rush hour traffic makes it impossible to do it. No error
ten minutes
impossible
do it
No error
but
do it
In this sentence, the pronoun “it” refers to the action of arriving ten minutes early. Since that is a verb, the better phrase would be “do so.” The corrected sentence reads, "Rita tries to arrive ten minutes early to every meeting, but sometimes the rush hour traffic makes it impossible to do so."
Example Question #43 : 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.
Each of the students is required to come to the stage to read their essays, in order to practice public speaking. No error
No error
their essays
is required
in order to
Each
their essays
Look for pronoun agreement: "each" is a similiar subject, and cannot be paired with "their," a plural pronoun.
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