All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #16 : Correcting Verb Mood 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.
Because it was raining, the students had recess inside the classroom; but, if the weather had been nice, they go outside for recess.
would go
had gone
were going
would have gone
go
would have gone
The second part of this sentence expresses a counterfactual statement. It is describing what might have happened if the weather had been nice; however, we know that in reality, it was raining. Since counterfactual statements use the subjunctive mood, we need to change the indicative verb “go” to a past-tense subjunctive form, “would have gone.” We know that the subjunctive form has to be in the past tense because the conditional is talking about what might have happened in the past.
Example Question #11 : Verb Mood 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.
Were you to have chosen that restaurant, we would have to dress up.
Were you to have chosen
Was you to choose
Were you to choose
Was you to chose
Were you to chose
Were you to choose
This sentence is an example of the present subjunctive, which is most commonly used in English to express hypothetical situations, wishes, and desires. The correct long form of the sentence is “if you were to choose that restaurant,” and “were you to choose that restaurant” is simply an inversion and shortening of the long form. (“Were you to have chosen that restaurant” is the past subjunctive, which doesn’t match the future conditional form of the second half of the sentence.)
Example Question #581 : 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.
It is necessary that Danielle knows what time she is being picked up.
Danielle know what time she was being picked up
Danielle known what time she is being picked up
Danielle know what time she is being picked up
Danielle knows what time she is being picked up
Danielle knowed what time she is being picked up
Danielle know what time she is being picked up
The subjunctive verb mood is used when sentences express conditions contrary to fact, or as in this case, in clauses that contain an order or a recommendation. The correct version of this sentence reads: "It is necessary that Danielle know what time she is being picked up."
Example Question #108 : Correcting Verb 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.
I like to think that if I was king, I would be a fair and just ruler.
was
would
wasn't
were
be
were
The word "if" at the beginning of the sentence indicates that the sentence is an indicator that the sentence is in the subjunctive mood. Given that the sentence is subjunctive, the word "was" should be replaced by "were."
Example Question #18 : Correcting Verb Mood 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.
I wish that school were out for the summer, but it isn't.
was
be
were
weren't
wasn't
were
The first part of the sentence indicates that the sentence is a wish, therefore, the sentence is in subjunctive mood. "Were" is the correct verb to use with "school" when using the subjunctive mood.
Example Question #111 : Correcting Verb Errors
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
The usher requested that the lady be quiet during the performance; she was disturbing the other patrons.
is quiet
were quiet
was quiet
are quiet
be quiet
be quiet
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "regret" is used, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #582 : Improving Sentences
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
The voters demanded that their representatives were held accountable for their shady behavior.
was held
were held
are held
be held
is held
be held
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "demanded" is used, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "be held."
Example Question #583 : 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If I was you, I wouldn't treat my brothers so poorly; they grow up faster than you think.
If I is you
If I were you
If I wasn't you
If I was you
If I are you
If I were you
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "if" begins the sentence, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "If I were you."
Example Question #584 : 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The General wished that his subordinate was more loyal, but it was not the case.
subordinate was more loyal
subordinate was loyaler
subordinate was loyalest
subordinate was most loyal
subordinate were more loyal
subordinate were more loyal
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "wished" is in the sentence, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "subordinate were more loyal."
Example Question #585 : 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 repreoduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The President requires that everyone is respectful during visits to the White House.
everyone are respectful
everyone is respectful
everyone was respectful
everyone were respectful
everyone be respectful
everyone be respectful
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "requires" precedes the subordinate clause, thus making this a requirement or request for possible future behavior, as opposed to an expression of actual behavior that is occuring. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "everyone be respectful."
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