SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When Susanne and Patricia were called on stage as the finalists for the debate competition, she knew who was going to win. No error.
were called
the finalists
No error.
When
she
she
"She" contains this sentence's error. As Susanne and Patricia are both girls, the pronoun "she" is ambiguous. Also, the "she" could refer to another person—perhaps someone observing the competition in the audience. We don't know if the she refers to Susanne, Patricia, or someone else, and this makes the sentence's meaning unclear.
Example Question #213 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jane and Annabel were so focused on the music the DJ was playing that she lost track of time. No error
were
was playing
she
No error
of time
she
While the subjects of the sentence are "Jane and Annabel," the sentence later uses the pronoun "she," which could refer to either of the women. We can correct this ambiguity by replacing "she" with "they."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We were confused when our Physics and Calculus teachers were not around during lunch, but then we heard that he was in a faculty meeting. No error
No error
during
he
were confused
but then
he
The writer uses the pronoun "he" in this sentence, which is ambiguous because there are two teachers. The writer should use the pronoun "they," which is plural and thus agrees with its plural antecedent "teachers."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Regina and Katherine have been best friends since the third grade, so it was no surprise to anyone that she ended up going to the same college. No error.
she
have been
anyone
No error
no
she
Since the subject of the sentence is "Regina and Katherine," the pronoun "she" is used incorrectly here and does not reflect that the writer is referring to two women. The writer should replace "she" with the plural pronoun "they."
Example Question #221 : 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.
Kenny told Pete that the angry chickens on Mr. Peterson's farm would have nothing to do with him. No error.
No error
him
would
on
nothing
him
The pronoun "him" is ambiguous here, as the reader cannot say for certain whether the "him" is referring to Kenny or Pete. To fix the error, we would need to replace "him" with the unique name of the person that the angry chickens would have nothing to do with.
Example Question #221 : 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.
Many politicians support granting immunity from deportation to the children of illegal immigrants, believing that they will use the opportunities to create better lives here in America. No error.
granting
they
from
No error
to create
they
The pronoun "they" is ambiguous in this sentence, as it is not clear if it is referring to the politicians or the children of illegal immigrants.
Example Question #222 : 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.
Monica had never been late for work before, but after escorting her cousins to the train station, she found herself running two hours late because he had gotten lost. No error
had never
he
No error
escorting
found
he
The sentence includes an ambiguous pronoun, "he." From the information presented, it is impossible for the reader to determine which of Monica's two cousins got lost. To correct the sentence, the writer could specify this information by giving the names of the two cousins (e.g. "her cousins Tom and Harry") and then specify which one had gotten lost.
Example Question #721 : Sat Writing
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.
Mark and Paul are both very good at baseball, but I think he is better. NO ERROR
baseball,
very
he
NO ERROR
Mark and Paul
he
Because both "Mark" and "Paul" could potentially be the antecedent of "he" in the second part of the sentence, "he" is an ambiguous pronoun. It should be corrected to one of their names, so that we know who the speaker is talking about specifically.
Example Question #722 : Sat Writing
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.
After breaking the plate on the floor, I had to clean it up. NO ERROR
I had
NO ERROR
plate
After breaking
it
it
Because both "plate" and "floor" could potentially be the antecedent of "it" in the second part of the sentence, "he" is an ambiguous pronoun. It should be corrected to one of the objects, so that we know what the speaker is talking about specifically.
Example Question #723 : 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.
Even the famous director was nervous about giving the belligerent actor his notes. No error
giving
Even the famous
No error
was
his
his
As written above, the sentence contains an ambiguous pronoun. It is unclear whether "his" refers to the director's notes or the actor's notes.
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