SAT Writing : Identifying Phrase, Clause, and Sentence Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #2891 : Sat Writing

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all. 

Calvin would often tell Jimmy that Jimmy was his best friend, while simultaneously at the same time he would tell Steve that he was his best friend. No error

Possible Answers:

he

would often

simultaneously

Jimmy

No error

Correct answer:

simultaneously

Explanation:

"Simultaneously" means the same thing as "at the same time" in this sentence, and is therefore redundant. 

Example Question #1 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all. 

The kitten is very shy around most people, yet but he immediately runs up to play with Daisy whenever she comes into the house. No error.  

Possible Answers:

whenever

to play

but

around

No error

Correct answer:

but

Explanation:

"But" is a redundant word in the above sentence, as it is a synonym of "yet" and is not required for the sentence to be grammatically correct.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

As the substitute teacher wrote the homework assignment on the board, the last bell began to ring as well. No error

Possible Answers:

as well

No error

board, the last bell

on

wrote

Correct answer:

as well

Explanation:

Since the use of "as" in the introductory clause already establishes that another action is happening at the same time, the "as well" is redundant and should be omitted.

Example Question #2891 : Sat Writing

Select the underlined portion of the sentence that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Darren spent most of the day sulking alone in his room, but however he came out once to eat dinner with his parents. No error

Possible Answers:

to eat

spent

No error

most of the day

but however

Correct answer:

but however

Explanation:

Using both "but" and "however" is redundant; there is no need for both of those conjunctions here. Only one is necessary (and, for what it's worth, "but" would sound better in this sentence).

Example Question #2892 : Sat Writing

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error. 

In addition to providing lunch for the children, the camp counselors also gave them dessert and played educational games with them. No error

Possible Answers:

also 

the children, the

played

No error

them

Correct answer:

also 

Explanation:

The error in this sentence is redundancy, which is basically saying more than you need to. Since the beginning of the sentence already established that the counselors were going to provide something else besides lunch ("in addition"), saying "also" later is redundant. The solution for redundancy is almost always just cutting something out so the revised sentence would read "In addition to providing lunch for the children, the camp counselors gave them dessert and played educational games with them."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors