SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #586 : 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 doctor insists that I be still during my examination.
I am still
I will be still
I was still
I were still
I be still
I be still
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 "insists" precedes the subordinate clause in the second part of the sentence, we know that the subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the underlined portion above is "I be still." The sentence is correct as written.
Example Question #331 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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 I were President for a day, I would try to solve the gridlock in Congress.
Be I were President for a day
If I was President for a day
If I were President for a day
If I were President on a day
If I be President for a day
If I were President for a day
The subjunctive verb 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 subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #332 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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.
Despair could render everyone, the strongest among us, weak and unwilling to fight every time.
Despair could render
Despair can render,
Despairs can renders
Despair renders
Despair be rendering
Despair renders
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, "could" expresses a possibility, whereas the rest of the sentence expresses a definite, universal statment.
Example Question #333 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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 propose that we are more patient with each other; these negotiations don't have to be so arduous.
I propose that we were more patient with each other
I propose that we was more patient with each other
I propose that we be more patient with each other
I propose that we are more patient with each other
I propose that we is more patient with each other
I propose that we be more patient with each other
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 "propose" is used, we know that subjunctive should be used.
Example Question #334 : 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.
I suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture, because that great man only has so much tolerance in his heart.
I suggested that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you is quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you were quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
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 of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read: "I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,"
Example Question #31 : 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.
If he was handled properly, he would perform well.
If, he was handled properly,
If he were handled properly,
If he was handled properly,
If he were, properly handled,
If he was been handled properly,
If he were handled properly,
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. The example sentence is discussing a purely hypothetical situation, as suggested by the word "if." The correct version of the sentence reads: "If he were handled properly, he would perform well."
Example Question #32 : 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.
The general wished that his aid was more competent, but it was simply not the case.
The general wished that his aid were more competent
The general wished that his aide was more competent
The general wished that his aids was more competent
The general wished that his aid was more competent
The general wishes that his aid was more competent
The general wished that his aid were more competent
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "wished" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read, "The general wished that his aid were more competent"
Example Question #33 : 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.
If he was more competent as a lawyer, he would make more money.
If he was more competent as a lawyer,
If he was competenter as a lawyer,
If he was more competent as a lawyer;
If he was competent as a lawyer,
If he were more competent as a lawyer,
If he were more competent as a lawyer,
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "if" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read, "If he were more competent as a lawyer,"
Example Question #34 : 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 suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you were quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggested that you are quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you is quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt, possibility, hypothetical conditions, or suggestions. In the sentence above, because of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence should read, "I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
Example Question #35 : 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.
The commander requested that his men are patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men is patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men be patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men be patient during their, long trial.
The commander requested that his men was patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men are patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men be patient during their long trial.
In the sentence above, because of the word "requested" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The subjunctive is used to express unreal conditions, of which a request is one. One cannot request that something that has already happened happen. The sentence should read, "The commander requested that his men be patient during their long trial."
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