SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #12 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified 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.
In this city, the strong survive much more frequent than the weak. No error
frequent
the strong
survive
No error
the weak.
frequent
In the sentence above, the word "survive" is being modified by the word "frequent." We know that frequent should be an adverb, rather than an adjective. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"In this city, the strong survive much more frequently than the weak."
Example Question #13 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified 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.
Which of the two track stars will be quickest than the other? No error
No error
Which of the two
other?
quickest
will be
quickest
In the sentence above, the phrase "which of the two track stars" is being modified by the word "quickest." Only two things are being compared, so a comparative adjective should be used, rather than a superlative. Superlatives are used when one item is being distinguished from a group of 3 or more items; comparatives are used to directly compare two items. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"Which of the two track stars will be quicker than the other?"
Example Question #14 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified 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 soldiers may well have been the bravest man in the unit, but that bravery cost him his life. No error
soldiers
bravest man in the unit
No error
cost him his life
but that
soldiers
In the sentence above, the word "soldiers" is being modified by the phrase "bravest man in the unit." Therefore, we know that soldiers should be singular. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"The soldier may well have been the bravest man in the unit, but that bravery cost him his life."
Example Question #15 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified 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.
After practicing for hour on end, Sarah finally managed to perform a perfect kickflip on her skateboard. No error
her
hour
managed
perform
No error
hour
The structure of the sentence suggests that Sarah practiced for several hours in a row. The phrase "hours on end" would be correct.
Example Question #16 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified 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.
Josie ran as quick as the wind; she knew that she needed to gain some distance now, if she wanted a chance to win the race. No error
quick
to win
to gain
now,
No error
quick
The word "quick" is modifying the verb "ran." Any time a verb is modified, it is correct to use an adverb (in this case, "quickly") rather than an adjective. A runner is quick, but that runner runs "quickly."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
All four of Martha’s children became a varsity athlete in high school; she was incredibly proud of her family. No error
a varsity athelete
All four
was
proud of
No error
a varsity athelete
Given that Martha has four children, the number of athletes should be plural. Therefore, “a varsity athlete” should be “varsity athletes."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
Two out of four teenagers who become addicted to drugs will go on to become a high school dropout. No error
out of
will
who
No error
a high school dropout
a high school dropout
Given that this sentence is talking about the fate of “two out of four teenagers,” multiple teenagers are being referred to. Therefore, “a high school dropout” should also be plural, and therefore read, “high school dropouts.”
Example Question #3 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
All of my classmates wanted to become a singer when they grew up, except for me. No error
All of
a singer
No error
except
wanted to
a singer
There are multiple classmates described in the sentence. Therefore, there should also be multiple (or plural) singers. However, the word here is the singular, “singer,” which is incorrect.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
I despise the chores that my mother asks me to do, but the act of pairing socks is by far the most tedious tasks. No error
is
but
tasks
asks
No error
tasks
In the clause "the act of pairing socks is by far the most tedious tasks," "act" and "tasks" are referring to the same thing, so "task" must be singular like "act" is. "Tasks" is plural and is therefore incorrect.
Example Question #5 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
Polydactyl cats can have seven toes on each feet, a fact that makes me wonder whether the extra digits make it easier for them to scratch things. No error
easier
seven toes
No error
feet
that makes me wonder whether
feet
The sentence uses the phrase "seven toes on each feet," and this is incorrect because "each" is used to describe a singular noun, but "feet" is plural. Changing "feet" to "foot" corrects this error.
Certified Tutor
All SAT Writing Resources
