SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Social media has both allowed some people to become more connected, but at the same time, has contributed to a feeling of loneliness with others. No error
more
No error
with
both
to
with
Idiomatically, the underlined part of the sentence should be "for" instead of "with." This is because the proper phrase is "loneliness for others" not "loneliness with others."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Robert's neighbor likes to argue for a wide variety of topics because he is a very contentious person, much to the lament of those around him. No error
because
for
much
No error
those
for
Idiomatically, the verb "argue" should not be accompanied by the preposition "for" unless it is clear that a person is arguing in favor of something. Here, that is not the case. This error would be eliminated if the phrase used was "argue about."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Preposition 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 is shocking for some people to realize that two from three people infected with bronchitis will develop the disease again later in life. No error
some people
from
with
It is
No error
from
To be grammatically correct, the sentence should read "two out of three," not "two from three." Idiomaticlly, "out of" is appropriate for the context, but "from" is not.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
During the interview, the applicant was grateful that he had managed to avoid from talking about his grades, which were not very impressive. No error
No error
During
which
was
avoid from
avoid from
This sentence does not comply with the idioms that govern when prepositions should follow verbs. “Avoid,” is not typically followed by a preposition. Therefore, the use of the preposition “from” after the word “avoid” is unnecessary and incorrect.
Example Question #501 : 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.
Macbeth is often described for being Shakespeare’s most accomplished play, as it delivers an incredibly high amount of drama. No error
described for
amount of
most
No error
as it
described for
This sentence does not comply with the idioms that govern which prepositions should follow verbs. “Described" is typically followed by the preposition “as,” not “for.” Therefore, the correct version of this sentence would read, "Macbeth is often described as being Shakespeare’s most accomplished play, as it delivers an incredible amount of drama."
Example Question #502 : 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.
The teacher was very proud of the student for pursuing towards her dream. No error
was
No error
towards
proud of
for
towards
This sentence does not comply with the idioms that govern which prepositions should follow verbs. “Pursuing” is not typically followed by a preposition. Therefore, “towards” should not come after “pursuing” in the sentence, and can be omitted.
Example Question #302 : 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 attorney was frustrated that despite being a lawyer, she was being treated for an intern. No error
despite
being
was
No error
for
for
This sentence does not comply with the idioms that govern which prepositions should follow certain verbs. “Treated” is typically followed either by “as” or not followed by a preposition at all. Therefore, the use of the preposition “for” after the word “treated” is inappropriate.
Example Question #503 : 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.
The athlete knew that in order for win the tournament, she would have to practice much more than she already did. No error
in order for win the tournament
than she already did
No error
would have to practice
more
in order for win the tournament
In standard English, the phrase "in order to (verb)" means to make it such that (verb)ing can occur. When used in this manner, the phrase is always "in order to (verb)," never "in order for (verb)." One might write "In order for the athlete to win the tournament" or "In order to win the tournament," but never "In order for win the tournament."
Example Question #504 : 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.
While the cake was baking, she ate half from the icing and ran to the store to buy more. No error
ran
No error
half from the icing
While the cake was baking,
to buy more
half from the icing
In standard English, "half from the icing" is incorrect; one should say "half of the icing" instead to convey that the subject ate half of the amount of icing that was available.
Example Question #505 : 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.
Nearly all of the city council members voted in favor of the proposal to increase the number of lanes on several notoriously busy streets in an effort at reducing heavy traffic.
No error
in an effort at
notoriously
in favor of
proposal to
in an effort at
This sentence contains an erroneous idiomatic expression. The correct idiom is "in an effort to" rather than "in an effort at." The idioms "in favor of" and "proposal to" are correct, and the adverb "notoriously" correctly modifies the adjective "busy."
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