SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #101 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
You should always try when playing games with friends, but one should not go so far as to cheat.
You should always try when playing games with friends:
One should always try when playing games with friends,
You guys should always try when playing games with friends,
You should always try when playing games with friends,
They should always try when playing games with friends,
One should always try when playing games with friends,
The pronoun in the portion of the sentence above that is not underlined is "one," and to avoid any inconsistency errors, this pronoun should be used throughout the sentence. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is, "One should always try when playing games with friends,"
Example Question #102 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Robert always doted on herself, bringing her flowers and asking her out more than a dozen times over two weeks.
to her,
in herself,
on her,
on she,
on herself
on her,
The reflexive pronoun "herself" is incorrect in this sentence because there is no previous reference to a third-person female pronoun. Reflexive pronouns ("herself," "myself," "yourself," etc.) are generally used when the subject of the sentence is the same as its object. Here, Robert is the subject and the person he dotes on is the object. "Herself" should be altered to the third-person objective pronoun "her," and since one dotes on someone rather than to them, "on her," is the correct answer.
Example Question #72 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When you are done with your work, please show it to myself.
me.
myself.
I.
we.
itself.
me.
The sentence presented uses a reflexive pronoun, "myself," that does not refer back to anything previously mentioned. The proper form would be the standard pronoun "me," which is the correct answer.
Example Question #61 : Correcting Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If one wishes to understand a musical composition fully, we must consider the time period in which it was written.
one must consider the time period in which it was written.
we must consider the time period in which it was written.
we must have considered the time period in which it was written.
we will have to consider the time period in which it was written.
we must consider the time period corresponding to when it was written.
one must consider the time period in which it was written.
The answer choice "one must consider the time period in which it was written" is correct because it contains the word "one," which matches the word "one" used in the first clause of the sentence.
All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain the pronoun "we," and therefore lead to pronoun agreement errors.
Example Question #62 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If one is to construct a comprehensive model of the global economy, we must first account for alternating periods of expansion and contraction in the business cycle.
we must account firstly for
one had first accounted for
we must first account for
one must first account for
one must first account to
one must first account for
The original text contains a pronoun consistency error. The underlined portion of the sentence contains the pronoun "we," but the sentence uses "one" before that. In order to maintain consistency, the underlined portion should use "one" rather than "we."
The answer choice "one had first accounted for" contains a tense error, even though it correctly uses "one" instead of "we."
The answer choice "one must first account to" is incorrect because the correct idiom is "account for."
Example Question #2 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Does one have a responsibility to help others, or do you only have a responsibility to help yourself?
Does one have a responsibility to help others, or do you only have a responsibility to help yourself?
Do you have a responsibility to help others, or do you only have a responsibility to help yourself?
Does one have a responsibility to the helping of the others, or does one only have a responsibility to the helping of yourself?
Do ones have a responsibility to help others, or do ones only have a responsibility to help his or herself?
Does one have a responsibility to help others, or does one only have a responsibility to help themselves?
Do you have a responsibility to help others, or do you only have a responsibility to help yourself?
In the sentence as it is written, "one" and "you" are both used. You should stick to using one of these pronouns or the other, and not switch between them in a sentence.
Example Question #3 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
When you go to a buffet, one should make sure that you do not overeat.
then make sure
one should make sure
and make sure
make sure
be sure of
make sure
The sentence begins by using the pronoun "you," but then switches to using the pronoun "one." These should be kept consistent.
Example Question #2 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When one is trying a dangerous sport such as rock-climbing, you should always use the proper safety equipment.
he should always be using proper safety equipment.
you should always use the proper safety equipment.
they should always use the proper safety equipment.
one should always use the proper safety equipment.
he or she should always be using the proper safety equipment.
one should always use the proper safety equipment.
Because “one” is the subject in the relative clause that begins the sentence, “one” must also be the subject of the main independent clause that concludes the sentence. Pronouns and their antecedents must match, and “you,” “they,” and “he” do not match “one.” Also, “use” is more concise than “be using,” which is unnecessarily wordy.
Example Question #3 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach his potential, he must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, they must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach its potential, it must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach his or her potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach his or her potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
Because the antecedent (“a person”) is singular, “their” and “they” are incorrect pronouns. Because the antecedent doesn’t indicate gender, the male “he” isn’t sufficient and “he or she” must be used. Although “its” and “it” are singular pronouns, they are used to talk about objects and not about people, so they are incorrect.
Example Question #4 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If one is to fully reform the nation's educational system, you must first account for the need to provide academic opportunities for students regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.
he must first account for
we must first account for
they must first account for
one must first account for
you must first account for
one must first account for
The sentence initially uses the pronoun "one," but then switches to "you." These pronouns should be kept consistent.
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