SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #571 : 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.
Every morning, I eat a piece of whole grain toast with almond butter because the combination of carbohydrates and protein provide me with energy that lasts until lunch. No error
No error
eat
until
provide
because
provide
The verb "provide" refers to the subject "combination." Because "combination" is a singular noun, the verb needs be changed from "provide" to "provides." The verb may follow the two nouns "carbohydrates and protein," which makes the verb "provide" seem appropriate. However, those nouns are actually part of the prepositional phrase "of carbohydrates and protein." Breaking down a sentence to make sure that each verb agrees with its subject is a good start when looking for sentence errors!
Example Question #572 : 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.
Not one of Johnny's teachers believe he cheated on his exit exams; however, given the severity of the accusations, the school's administrators forced Johnny to retake all of his exit exams. No error
of
No error
of Johnny's teachers
believe
however
believe
In this sentence, "one" is the subject of the sentence, not "teachers," and "one" is a singular noun. As a result, the verb of the sentence ("believe") needs to match the subject's plurality. Therefore, the verb of the sentence must be singular, too: "Not one of the teachers believes."
Example Question #573 : 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 protest of students, professors, and community members were unsuccessful in their attempt to change the university's policy on sexual assault to include harsher punishments for assailants. No error
were unsuccessful in their
on
harsher
No error
to change
were unsuccessful in their
The subject of the sentence is "protest," not "students, professors, and community members." Thus, the verb of the sentence, "were," is incorrect. The verb must match the plurality of its subject. Since "protest" is singular, the verb must be singular, too: "The protest of students, professors, and community members was unsuccessful."
Example Question #574 : 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.
Neither Sheila nor Ann have ever gone to the fair without having bought tickets beforehand. No error
gone
have
beforehand
No error
having bought
have
The sentence features two subjects: "Sheila" and "Ann." The word "Neither" classifies them as singular, but the verb "have" is used with plural subjects. To correct this sentence, "have" should be changed to "has."
Example Question #575 : 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.
Early education programs, like the one started in that school district last year, has been shown to improve academic success later in life. No error
No error
improve
has been shown
later in life
like the one
has been shown
The subject of the sentence, "Early education programs," is plural, but the verb that refers to it, "has been shown," agrees with a singular subject. It can be easy to miss this because of the interrupting phrase that separates the sentence's subject from the verb that refers to it. Changing "has been shown" to "have been shown" corrects the sentence's error. The corrected sentence reads, "Early education programs, like the one started in that school district last year, have been shown to improve academic success later in life."
Example Question #576 : 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.
During the period of English colonialism, the reigning monarch, rather than elected officials, were responsible for nearly all political matters. No error
rather than
for
During
No error
were
were
The subject of this sentence is "the reigning monarch," which is singular, but the verb "were," which refers to "the reigning monarch," is plural. "Were" should be changed to "was" to match the singular subject.
Example Question #577 : 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.
Carefully crafted plots and a brilliantly developed main character is what makes the book so compelling. No error
so compelling
is what makes
brilliantly developed
No error
and
is what makes
This sentence has a plural, compound subject, but the verb "is" agrees with a singular subject. Changing "is" to "are" corrects the sentence's error. The corrected sentence reads, "Carefully crafted plots and a brilliantly developed main character are what makes the book so compelling."
Example Question #1071 : 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.
The rules posted in the lobby is intended to be guidelines only. No error
guidelines
No error
intended to be
posted
is
is
The subject of this sentence is plural ("rules"), but the verb "is" agrees with a singular subject. Changing "is" to "are" corrects the sentence's error. The corrected sentence reads, "The rules posted in the lobby are intended to be guidelines only."
Example Question #578 : 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 frequency with which her father was bringing home bushels of raw beets were concerning to Kathy. No error
were concerning
with which
raw
was bringing home
No error
were concerning
In this sentence, the verb “were” does not agree with the singular subject “frequency.” The corrected sentence reads, "The frequency with which her father was bringing home bushels of raw beets was concerning to Kathy."
Example Question #579 : 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 rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seems out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure. No error
No error
rhododendrons and lilacs
seems
in the shadow
structure
seems
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject “rhododendrons and lilacs” is plural, but “seems” agrees with a singular noun. The corrected sentence reads, "The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seem out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure."
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