SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #82 : Pronoun 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.
Our dad's detailed lectures were rarely understood by my brother and I.
by me and my brother.
by I and my brother.
for my brother and I.
by my brother and I.
by my brother and myself.
by me and my brother.
The key issue in the underlined portion of the sentence is the use of the first person pronoun, "I." "I" is the subjective form, but is used as an object in the sentence. Thus, it needs to be changed to the object form "me," making "for me and my brother" the correct answer choice.
Example Question #83 : Pronoun 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.
The negotiations were specifically targeted to attack he and I.
for attacking he and I.
to attack me and him.
to attack him and I.
to attack he and I.
to attack he and me.
to attack me and him.
The use of both "he" and "I" is absolutely incorrect, as both pronouns are subjective pronouns that should only be used as the subject of the sentence. Both pronouns should be changed to the objective forms. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "to attack me and him."
Example Question #84 : Pronoun 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.
For he and I, the most important issue is the debate over voting rights.
For him and I,
For I and he,
For he and I,
For he and me,
For me and him,
For me and him,
The underlined introductory phrase features two subjective pronouns, "he" and "I," but an introductory phrase does not contain the subject of the sentence. Both pronouns need to be changed to the appropriate objective pronouns, making "For me and him" the correct answer choice.
Example Question #85 : Pronoun 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 repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
John commented, “Our preference for the same foods leads me to believe that you and me have a great deal in common.”
to believing that you and me have a great deal in common."
to believe that you and I have a great deal in common."
to believe that yourself and I have a great deal in common."
to believing that you and I have a great deal in common."
to believe that you and me have a great deal in common."
to believe that you and I have a great deal in common."
“Believing” would constitute an incorrect gerund usage. “Me” must be changed to “I” because it is the nominative case pronoun.
Example Question #451 : Improving Sentences
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.
He and her would have been a great couple if they'd lived in the same state.
He and she would have been
He and her were have been
Him and her would have been
He and her would have been
He and her would have be
He and she would have been
The word "her" should never be used in the subject of a sentence, only the object. "She" is the correct form of the female singular pronoun when used in the subject. "He" is already correct in the original sentence and should not be changed.
Example Question #452 : Improving Sentences
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.
Everyone had prepared for the apocalyptic fallout except I.
except I
except me
accept I
accept me
except, me
except me
The sentence above contains a pronoun case error. The "I" in the second part of the sentence should be "me" as the pronoun is the object of that clause, rather than its subject. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "except me."
Example Question #453 : Improving Sentences
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.
I still don't get it: who was Hecuba and why was her worth weeping about?
she worth, weeping about?
she worth weeping about?
her worth weeping about?
her worth weeping, about?
her worth, weeping about?
she worth weeping about?
The sentence above contains a pronoun case error. The "her" in the second part of the sentence should be "she" as the pronoun is the subject of that clause, rather than its object. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "she worth weeping about?"
Example Question #454 : Improving Sentences
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.
Paul and me always have a good time together, but lately he's been a little forlorn about his dead dog.
Paul and me always have a good time together,
Paul and me always have a good time together;
Paul and me always have a good time together:
Paul or me always have a good time together,
Paul and I always have a good time together,
Paul and I always have a good time together,
The sentence above contains a pronoun case error. The "me" in the first part of the sentence should be "I" as the pronoun is the subject of that clause, rather than its object. The best way to correct the sentence above is: "Paul and I always have a good time together,"
Example Question #455 : Improving Sentences
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.
The best way for she to move forward is to stop arguing and get it together.
The best way for she
The best way for her
The best way for them
The best way for he
The best way for they
The best way for her
The sentence above contains a pronoun case error. The "she" in the first part of the sentence should be "her" as the pronoun is the object of that clause, rather than its subject. The best way to correct the sentence above is: "The best way for her"
Example Question #456 : Improving Sentences
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.
Johnny does not work hard enough in his classes, and him will have a hard time in the future.
and him will had a hard time in the future.
and she will have a hard time in the future.
and her will have a hard time in the future.
and him will have a hard time in the future.
and he will have a hard time in the future.
and he will have a hard time in the future.
The sentence above contains a pronoun case error. The "him" in the second part of the sentence should be "he" as the pronoun is the subject of that clause, rather than its object. The best way to correct the sentence above is, "and he will have a hard time in the future."
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All SAT Writing Resources
