SAT Writing : Identifying Subordinate Conjunction Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subordinate Conjunction 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 was a young man I used to love to go and hang out in parks. No error
When I was
man I used
No error
go
in parks.
man I used
In the sentence above, the word "when" is being used as a subordinate conjunction. Any such subordinate clause must be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"When I was a young man, I used to love to go out and hang out in parks."
Example Question #12 : Identifying Subordinate Conjunction 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 United States, many women feel they must make a choice between having a career or starting a family. No error
or
No error
a choice
having
feel
or
The word “between,” relating two independent clauses, implies that the correct conjunction to be used here is “and” rather than “or.”
Example Question #13 : Identifying Subordinate Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
According to new research, families with multiple children prefer the suburbs more than cities because they can afford homes with more space. No error
they can
more than
prefer
No error
with
more than
The verb “prefer” takes the preposition “to,” not “than.” In other words, it is grammatically correct to say families prefer “suburbs to cities” but not correct to say they prefer “suburbs more than cities.”
Example Question #14 : Identifying Subordinate Conjunction Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Many endangered species which inhabit the African savanna may become extinct if government agencies do not quickly take protective action to save them. No error
may become
No error
which inhabit
take
if
which inhabit
This sentence begins with the restrictive clause, “Many endangered species.” Using the word “which” after a restrictive clause is incorrect. Rather, we must use the word “that.” While it is a common grammatical error to use "that" in situations when "which" is needed, it is equally incorrect to use "which" in instances when "that" is required, like after a restrictive clause.
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