All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #257 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Drums in one form or another, are used in nearly every kind of regional music on the planet. No error
another, are
nearly
Drums in
No error
on
Drums in
Here, "in one form or another" is being used as an interrupting phrase in the sentence, therefore, it should be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. The relevant grammatical structure of the sentence has "drums" (the subject) being used (the verb here is "are"). The additional phrase "in one form or another" interrupts the flow of the sentence to modify the universality of the statement.
The full, correct version of this sentence reads: "Drums, in one form or another, are used in nearly every kind of regional music on the planet."
Example Question #258 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Even Mr. Williams, who had a great deal of experience working with all manner of students, was unable to help the young girl. No error
students, was
No error
of experience working
to help
Williams, who
No error
"Who had a great deal of experience working with all manner of students" here acts as an interrupting phrase, and, in this instance, is correctly separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. The sentence is correct as written.
Example Question #259 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Gaius Marius, a great man in his time was dismayed at what Rome had become. No error
at
Gaius Marius, a great man
time was
no error
Rome
time was
Here, the phrase "a great man in his time" describes "Gaius Marius," and interrupts the grammatical flow of the sentence. It is therefore the interrupting phrase in the sentence, and should be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Note that in the example sentence the failure to correctly enclose the interrupting phrase with a second comma results in a comma use error, separating the subject from its verb.
The full, correct version of the sentence reads: "Gaius Marius, a great man in his time, was dismayed at what Rome had become."
Example Question #101 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Ramen a traditional dish from Japan, is an extremely hearty meal. No error
extremely
no error
hearty meal
Ramen a traditional dish from Japan,
an
Ramen a traditional dish from Japan,
Here, the phrase "a traditional dish from Japan" acts as an interrupting phrase in the sentence, disrupting the flow of the sentence for a contextual, not a grammatical, purpose. As such, the phrase should be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. As written in the example, there is a comma missing between the word "ramen," and "a traditional dish from Japan."
Example Question #21 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas For Introductory Or Interrupting Phrases
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The science museum, one of my favorite places in the city was closed for repairs. No error
my
museum, one
repairs
in the city was
No error
in the city was
Here, "one of my favorite places in the city" is acting as an interrupting phrase, and should be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Note that if the interrupting clause is NOT correctly separated from the sentence with two commas, but rather only one comma is used, it will result in a comma error by separating the subject ("the science museum") from the verb "was closed."
Example Question #22 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas For Introductory Or Interrupting Phrases
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If you wanted to be absolutely certain that there were no mistakes you should have overseen the details of the project yourself. No error
no mistakes you
should have overseen
If you wanted
No error
yourself
no mistakes you
"If you wanted to be absolutely certain that there were no mistakes" is an introductory phrase, and therefore it must be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma. The corrected sentence would read: "If you wanted to be absolutely certain that there were no mistakes, you should have overseen the details of the project yourself."
Example Question #1121 : Identifying Sentence 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.
While I was out walking my dog it started to rain so hard I couldn't see. No error
see.
No error
to rain so hard
While
dog it
dog it
The sentence above contains a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand on its own as a complete grammatical sentence). Dependent clauses must be separated from the rest of the sentence, often using commas. This clause is also an introductory clause, and thus must be separated from the main clause with a comma after "dog." The best way to correct the sentence above is "While I was out walking my dog, it started to rain so hard I couldn't see."
Example Question #1122 : Identifying Sentence 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.
After the rain stopped entirely I finally managed to get all of my groceries in. No error
all
managed
entirely I
After the rain
No error
entirely I
The sentence above contains a dependent introductory clause. Such clauses must be separated from the rest of the sentence. The best way to correct the sentence above is "After the rain stopped entirely, I finally managed to get all of my groceries in."
Example Question #1123 : Identifying Sentence 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.
If you don't stop being so rude in your classes you will get sent home before the end of the day. No error
classes you
If you
day.
No error
being
classes you
The sentence above contains a dependent introductory clause. Such clauses must be separated from the rest of the sentence. The best way to correct the sentence above is, "If you don't stop being so rude in your classes, you will get sent home before the end of the day."
Example Question #1124 : Identifying Sentence 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.
When I walked in the woods I saw many beautiful creatures. No error
many
creatures.
No error
woods I
When I
woods I
The sentence above contains a dependent clause, a clause that cannot stand on its own as a grammatically complete sentence. "When I walked in the woods," is used as an introductory clause and thus must be separated from the rest of the sentence. The best way to correct the sentence above is "When I walked in the woods, I saw many beautiful creatures."
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