SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #26 : Identifying Semicolon 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.
I really enjoy eating out with most of my friends; but I don't enjoy spending time with Emmett. NO ERROR
NO ERROR
really
Emmett.
friends;
with most
friends;
It is possible to separate two independent clauses with a semi-colon. It is also possible to separate two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction, but you can't mix and match the two methods. The sentence above should read, "I really enjoy eating out with most of my friends, but I don't enjoy spending time with Emmett."
Example Question #27 : Identifying Semicolon 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.
The old man was extremely tired; he had undergone one of the most arduous ordeals of his long life. NO ERROR
NO ERROR
The old man
undergone
tired;
his long life.
NO ERROR
The sentence above consists of two independent clauses. One way to join two such clauses is to use a semi-colon. The sentence above is correct as it is written.
Example Question #28 : Identifying Semicolon 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 ceremony began; she lit the candle and passed it to Natasha. No error
No error
lit
began;
passed
The ceremony
No error
"The ceremony began" and "she lit the candle and passed it to Natasha" alone are both independent clauses. A semicolon or a comma with a conjunction can be used to connect the two independent clauses into one sentence. The rest of the sentence is correct as written.
Example Question #571 : 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.
As she was packing for college, Jenna made a list of items to take that included the following things; alarm clock, trash can, and pillows. No error
things;
was
to take
made
No error
things;
When introducing a list of items following an independent clause a colon should be used, not a semicolon. Semicolons combine two independent clauses, or two sentences that could each stand alone. This is not the case here since "alarm clock, trash can, and pillows" cannot be its own sentence.
Example Question #31 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We had several snacks to choose from; popcorn, chips, chocolate, and ice cream. No error
from;
No error
several
had
to choose
from;
When beginning a list of three or more items following an independent clause, a colon should be used not a semicolon. Semicolons are only used to combine two independent clauses into one sentence.
Example Question #32 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Cindy is generally an outgoing person, however, tonight she hardly said a word. No error
word
No error
person,
generally
she
person,
There should be a semicolon after "person" because the sentence includes two independent clauses. Separating two independent clauses with just a comma creates a comma splice error. Comma splice errors can be fixed by inserting a coordinating conjunction after the comma, replacing the comma with a semicolon, or replacing the comma with a period.
Example Question #33 : Identifying Semicolon 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 professor was not only known for her oratorical skills; but also for her compassion for students. No error
was
No error
students
skills;
her
skills;
There should be a comma after skills, not a semicolon. A semicolon connects two independent clauses into one sentence. "But also for her compassion for students" cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Example Question #34 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When I visited Spain with my parents, I really wanted to see four cities; Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla. No error
wanted
When
visited
cities;
No error
cities;
At the introduction of a list following an independent clause, a colon should be used, not a semicolon. The items in this list do not form an independent clause, and therefore should not be preceded by a semicolon.
Example Question #35 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Juan's grandmother was becoming frail quickly: she was getting thinner by the second. No error
grandmother
quickly:
by
becoming
No error
quickly:
There should be a semicolon after quickly rather than a colon, since there are two independent clauses in the sentence. Two independent clauses should be connected into a compound sentence with a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction.
Example Question #36 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Kinjal drives a Mercedes; Michael drives a Toyota. No error
drives
a
Toyota
Mercedes;
No error
No error
The sentence is correct as written. The semicolon is correctly used to connect two independent clauses into one sentence. A comma and a conjunction, or a period would also have been acceptable options here.
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