SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

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.

Possible Answers:

would go

had gone

were going

would have gone

go

Correct answer:

would have gone

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

Were you to have chosen

Was you to choose

Were you to choose

Was you to chose

Were you to chose

Correct answer:

Were you to choose

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

Danielle know what time she is being picked up

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

was

would

wasn't

were

be

Correct answer:

were

Explanation:

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.  

Possible Answers:

was

be

were

weren't

wasn't

Correct answer:

were

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

is quiet

were quiet

was quiet

are quiet

be quiet

Correct answer:

be quiet

Explanation:

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. 

Possible Answers:

was held

were held

are held

be held

is held

Correct answer:

be held

Explanation:

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. 

Possible Answers:

If I is you

If I were you

If I wasn't you

If I was you

If I are you

Correct answer:

If I were you

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

subordinate was more loyal

subordinate was loyaler

subordinate was loyalest

subordinate was most loyal

subordinate were more loyal

Correct answer:

subordinate were more loyal

Explanation:

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. 

Possible Answers:

everyone are respectful

everyone is respectful

everyone was respectful

everyone were respectful

everyone be respectful

Correct answer:

everyone be respectful

Explanation:

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."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors