SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #7 : Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If I were the head chef at a restaurant, I would include lots of bizarre dishes with rare ingredients and combinations that would be new and exciting to patrons. No error
ingredients and combinations
restaurant, I
would be
If I were
No error
No error
"If I were" is correct because subjunctive mood is needed in hypotheticals introduced by "if." "Were" is correct here, not "was." A comma is appropriate between "restaurant" and "I" because an introductory phrase should be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. "Would be" is consistent with the mood of the sentence, and there are no issues with "ingredients and combinations." There is no error in the sentence.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We quickly determined that we'd almost never stay on the ground if we was able to fly. No error
almost never
was able
quickly determined
No error
on the ground
was able
The sentence is intended to convey the possibility of what would happen if the speakers could fly; therefore, "was able" should be changed to the correct subjunctive mood form: "were able."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Verb Mood 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.
A lot of Paul's students wish that their professor was kinder. NO ERROR
kinder
Paul's
was
NO ERROR
A lot
was
The "wish" in the sentence above indicates that the sentence will be in the subjunctive mood. In subjunctive, "was" should be replaced by "were."
Example Question #211 : 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.
Brad knew that if he was serious about becoming a professional musician, he should really be practicing trumpet for three hours a day. No error
becoming
should really be
No error
musician,
was
was
This question is testing knowledge of verb mood. Since the sentence contains a hypothetical condition indicated by "if," the verb before "serious" should be in the subjunctive mood, which expresses wishes, desires, and hypothetical situations. A corrected sentence would look like this: "Brad knew that if he were serious about becoming a professional musician, he should really be practicing trumpet for three hours a day."
Example Question #212 : 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.
If I was in your position, I would let Erica know immediately. No error
No error
position,
let
know
was
was
The sentence is in the subjunctive mood, so "was" must be replaced with "were." The subjunctive mood is used to describe a suggestion, a command, a wish, or a condition that is not factual.
Example Question #213 : 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.
I suggest that you are at my seminar later; you need lessons about business acumen. No error
you are at
you need lessons
I suggest
No error
seminar later;
you are at
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence should read: "I suggest that you be at my seminar later; you need lessons about business acumen."
Example Question #214 : 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.
The dentist ordered that I be still while he powered up his drill. No error
No error
while
I be still
powered up
The dentist ordered
No error
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "ordered" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #215 : 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.
The young businessman made a proposal to his partner that he buys more office supplies for their company. No error
their company.
No error
The young businessman
to his partner
he buys more
he buys more
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the words "made a proposal" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used.
The sentence should read: "The young businessman made a proposal to his partner that he buy more office supplies for their company."
Example Question #216 : 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.
If the politician was a smarter man, he would not have crossed the senator. No error
No error
If the politician
was
crossed
he would
was
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility rather than truth. In the sentence above, because the word "If" begins the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the sentence above is "If the politician were a smarter man, he would not have crossed the senator."
Example Question #217 : 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.
Everyone agreed that Mrs. Powell were the best English teacher they'd ever had. No error
Everyone
had
No error
were
English
were
The verb "were" may be appropriately used if it describes a plural noun (as in "the Powells were the best English teachers") or if it describes a hypothetical situation in the subjunctive mood (as in "if Mrs. Powell were an English teacher, she would be the best"). In this case, it is more appropriate to use "was" instead.
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