SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #88 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
One must do what one can for your country; it's incredibly important. NO ERROR
country;
important.
do what
your
NO ERROR
your
In the first part of the sentence, the writer begins using the pronoun "one." This usage should be kept consistent throughout the sentence, so the introduction of "your" is erroneous and should be corrected.
Example Question #89 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
You must be consistent in your actions, because the people will not respect ambivalent leadership. NO ERROR
consistent
actions, because
your
NO ERROR
will not
NO ERROR
In the sentence above, "you" is used, as is "your." This is consistent usage of the same pronoun, and the sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #791 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed in order to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In order for you to become a successful tennis player, one must devote many hours to practice; working on the intricacies can seem arduous, but it is of utmost importance. No error
player,
practice;
No error
one
arduous,
one
The uses of "you" and "one" here are inconsistent. They refer to the same subject, so using each one once is inconsistent. Either one would be a fine choice, as long as it is the same one - the choice should be consistent throughout the sentence.
Example Question #301 : 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.
One often finds that one can’t study when people are talking near you, especially if those people are giggling or yelling. No error
especially if
can't
you
No error
are
you
You can't switch between "one" and "you." The sentence begins with "one" and has to keep using it for the remainder of the statement.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The awkward tension between Sam and I was, as it turns out, completely one-sided. No error
No error
awkward
as it turns out
completely one-sided
Sam and I
Sam and I
The pronoun "I" is only used as the subject of a sentence. "Me" is used as the object of a verb or (as in this case) a preposition. The corrected sentence reads, "The awkward tension between me and Sam was, as it turns out, completely one-sided."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I say that between you and I, we can definitely eat that entire pizza. No error
we
I say
No error
between
you and I
you and I
The phrase "between you and I" is incorrect because "you" and "I" are acting as the objects of the prepositional phrase "between you and I," where the objective forms of these pronouns ("you" and "me") should be used instead.
Example Question #302 : 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.
I never heard the official announcement, but I received the news when Mark sent an email to Sharon and I. No error
never
when
Sharon and I
received
No error
Sharon and I
This sentence has a problem with pronoun case in the prepositional phrase "to Sharon and I." "I" is the subjective case of the first-person pronoun, but as an object of the preposition "to," the objective case of the first-person pronoun, "me," should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "I never heard the official announcement, but I received the news when Mark sent an email to Sharon and me."
Example Question #801 : 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.
“I don’t understand why I can’t come to the movies with you,” cried Tina’s younger brother, whom had a strict 8:00 bedtime. No error
whom
cried
No error
don't understand
to the movies
whom
The word "whom" is incorrect because it refers to the brother, who is the subject of the sentence (it is the younger brother who does the crying here). Therefore, the correct word choice would be "who."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
My boyfriend and me went to the animal shelter, and together, we adopted a dog. No error
went
me
No error
adopted
together
me
This sentence contains an error in its use of the pronoun "me." The proper subjects of the sentence are "my boyfriend" and "I." "Me" is an objective pronoun, not a subjective pronoun (e.g., "My boyfriend gave the puppy to me." is correct, but "Me went to the animal shelter" is not correct.)
Example Question #303 : 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.
It was a frightening experience when our camping leader left my friend and I to set up camp by ourselves while the wolves were howling. No error
when
by ourselves
I
were
No error
I
When someone is left behind, that person is the object of the action. "Me" is the first person pronoun that is used as an object, not "I." Therefore, the word "I" should be changed to the word "me" in the sentence.
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