SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Identifying Other Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As we drove slowly away from the rickety, gray, termite-ridden house, a swarm of tiny animals explode from the bush to our left, blocking the path. No error
explode
slowly away
No error
to
rickety, gray,
explode
Although the fact that "blocking" is correct might throw some readers off, the narration says that they "drove" away in the past. "Explode" should therefore be in the past tense as well ("exploded").
Example Question #2882 : 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.
Our physics teacher is famous for distributing papers to students while at the same time chewing his gum quite loudly. No error
loudly
at the same time
physics
distributing
No error
at the same time
“At the same time” means the same thing as “while.” Therefore, it is redundant, and doesn't need to be included in the sentence.
Example Question #2883 : 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.
Certain colors are associated with certain emotions in our minds, and while certain smells are associated with certain memories. No error
No error
and while
are
associated
with
and while
Either "while" or "and" could be used as a proper transition between the two sections of the sentence, but the phrase "and while" is overly wordy and therefore incorrect.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our Algebra homework this week was definitely without a doubt the most challenging assignment yet, so it was gratifying to get a perfect score on it. No error
yet, so
No error
Algebra
without a doubt
most
without a doubt
"Without a doubt" means the same thing as "definitely" and therefore does not need to be included in the sentence.
Example Question #91 : Identifying Other Phrase, Clause, And 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.
When Lonnie stepped onto the field, he was definitely without a doubt the most confident member of our high school marching band. No error.
our
No error
most confident
When Lonnie stepped
definitely without a doubt
definitely without a doubt
"Without a doubt" means the same thing as "definitely," and is therefore redundant when used in the above sentence.
Example Question #2884 : 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.
While when Rachel was cleaning her apartment, she found her long-lost high school yearbook beneath her cat's bed. No error.
when
long-lost
No error
beneath
found
when
In the sentence above, "when" is redundant since "While" is already used.
Example Question #2885 : 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.
Jonah was really thirsty during the day, but however he didn't have enough money to buy a bottle of water from the vending machine. No error.
No error
to buy
from
really
however
however
In the sentence above, "however" is redundant, since "but" is already used.
Example Question #171 : Identifying Phrase, Clause, And 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.
April's pencils were not all sharpened, even though although she had run them through the sharpener several times. No error.
No error
several
were not
run them
although
although
In this instance, "although" means the same thing as "even though" and is therefore redundant.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Calvin would often tell Jimmy that Jimmy was his best friend, while simultaneously at the same time he would tell Steve that he was his best friend. No error.
No error
would often
simultaneously
Jimmy
he
simultaneously
"Simultaneously" means the same thing as "at the same time" in this sentence, and is therefore redundant.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy 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 kitten is very shy around most people, yet but he immediately runs up to play with Daisy whenever she comes into the house. No error.
whenever
to play
No error
but
around
but
"But" is a redundant word in the above sentence, as it is a synonym of "yet" and is not required for the sentence to be grammatically correct.
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