SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #3431 : 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.
While I expected giraffes and monkeys at the zoo, I had no idea their were going to be naked mole rats as well. No error
as well
zoo, I
While
their
No error
their
In this sentence, the incorrect spelling of their/there/they’re is used. “Their” is a possessive pronoun (e.g. their giraffes), while “there” is used for existence (e.g. there are naked mole rats). The corrected sentence reads: While I expected giraffes and monkeys at the zoo, I had no idea there were going to be naked mole rats as well.
Example Question #3432 : 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’ll admit that I was a little skeptical about the idea of chickens as pets, but you’re chicken Spike’s friendliness and character took away all of my doubts. No error
skeptical
No error
you're
all of my doubts
admit that
you're
In this sentence, the wrong version of you’re/your is used. “You’re” is a contraction of “you” and “are,” while “your” is the possessive pronoun that we want in this sentence. The corrected sentence reads, "I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical about the idea of chickens as pets, but you’re chicken Spike’s friendliness and character took away all of my doubts."
Example Question #295 : 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 new regulations are too strict; they will neither be affective nor respected by the target demographic. No error
target demographic
No error
nor
too
affective
affective
"Affective" is easily confused with "effective." "Affective" means to influence someone emotively, while "effective" means to produce a desired result.
Here, the problem is that the regulations will not be "effective," or produce the desired result. However, the sentence uses the word "affective," which is not the proper word choice. Therefore, "affective" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #112 : Identifying Other 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.
My sister has always loved to watch the swimmers in the Olympics when she was younger, so its no surprise that they inspired her to become an amazing athlete and win every race she ever swam during high school. No error
its
No error
she ever swam
has always loved
that they
its
"Its" and "it's" are a pair of homonyms that are often confused. Without the apostrophe, "its" is the possessive form of the pronoun "it." On the other hand, "it's" is the contraction of "it" and "is." In this sentence, "it is no surprise" captures the sentence's meaning, but the possessive form of the pronoun "it" does not make any sense. So, "its" is the part of the sentence that contains the error.
Example Question #111 : Identifying Other 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.
John and Susan were disappointed when they heard the rain, because they knew that they're soccer game would be canceled. No error
were disappointed
heard
they're
knew
No error
they're
"They're" is a contraction which means "they are." The correct form in this case is the possessive pronoun "their." So, "they're" contains the sentence's error.
Example Question #44 : Identifying Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The hand jive is a dance from the '50s where one slaps and claps one's hands to the beat. No error
is
No error
one's
where
'50s
where
"Where" speaks to location. In this sentence, the clause should be "during which" or "in which." Note that '50s is appropriate: it is never "50's."
Example Question #111 : Identifying Other 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 last question, that was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying. No error
issue of
famously
No error
government spying
that
that
This sentence uses “that” where “which” is more appropriate. Use “which” for added information, after a comma. The corrected sentence reads, "The last question, which was asked by the town’s famously off-kilter librarian, addressed the completely irrelevant issue of protection against government spying."
Example Question #471 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Judging from there aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok. No error
No error
there
running amok
will enjoy having
loud
there
This sentence uses the wrong version of there/their. The possessive “their” is appropriate in this case. The corrected sentence reads, "Judging from their aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok."
Example Question #111 : Identifying Other 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.
Christopher Columbus did not reach India like he had originally planned; instead, he arrived at an island which is currently part of the Dominican Republic. No error
No error
planned; instead
at
had
which
which
“That” would be a better substitute for “which” since the island we’re referring to is a thing. “Which” is used to refer to an action and/or introduce a new clause, especially after a comma. For example, “I couldn’t understand the directions, which bothered me.”
Example Question #112 : Identifying Other 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.
Sarah believed that she would be excepted into her favorite university until she received a letter that dashed her hopes. No error
had believed
dashed her hopes
No error
excepted
would be
excepted
This sentence contains a common usage error—the word "accepted," meaning allowed into, has been confused with the word "excepted," meaning specifically left out. Confusing these words completely changes the meaning of the sentence.
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