SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #591 : 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 trail of ants, which crossed the entire kitchen floor and disappeared into the cabinet, were new arrivals this morning. No error
were new arrivals
No error
trail of ants
disappeared
entire
were new arrivals
The predicate of this sentence does not match in number with the single subject “trail.” The corrected sentence reads: The trail of ants, which crossed the entire kitchen floor and disappeared into the cabinet, was a new arrival this morning.
Example Question #592 : 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 events director, along with the administrative staff, are responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly. No error
making sure
smoothly
along with
No error
are
are
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the number of the subject. The subject is singular (the administrative staff is in a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form would be “is.” The corrected sentence reads, "The events director, along with the administrative staff, is responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly."
Example Question #533 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, were what fascinated Peter the most. No error
were
all
sloth, out
the most
No error
were
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. “Were” should go with a plural subject, but here the subject “the sloth” is singular. The corrected sentence reads, "The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, was what fascinated Peter the most."
Example Question #541 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelm the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed. No error
overwhelm
of each and every one
they
audience; nobody
No error
overwhelm
In this sentence, the verb “overwhelm” does not agree with the singular subject “the physicality.” The corrected sentence reads: "The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelms the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed."
Example Question #51 : Identifying Agreement 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 many facets of the problem leads to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it. No error
No error
leads
it
many
that
leads
In this sentence, the verb “leads” does not agree in number with the subject “facets.” The subject is plural, but the “leads” works with a singular subject. The corrected sentence reads: The many facets of the problem lead to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it.
Example Question #542 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The unexpected donation, along with the other annual contributions, are among the reasons the opera remained open this season. No error
remained open
No error
contribution, are
along with
the reasons the
contribution, are
Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
Example Question #543 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The list of items to buy for the parade were given to the treasurer to approve. No error
were given
to approve
No error
to buy
of items
were given
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Example Question #361 : 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 journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the bill. No error
of the bill
effects
No error
were responsible
wrong: neither
were responsible
Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
Example Question #593 : 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.
In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buried. No error
was buried
where
neither Jane nor
No error
were able
No error
There is no error. Subjects all agree with their verbs, particularly with the phrase "neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover"—a singular and plural verb connected by "or/nor" requires a plural verb.
Example Question #545 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error
its
issuing from
No error
is
tantalizing
is
Here, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “aromas.” The corrected sentence reads, "The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen are its best marketing technique."
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All SAT Writing Resources
