SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #501 : 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.
During the political debate, it was quite obvious whom the speaker’s insult was directed at.
at who the speaker’s insult was directed
to who the speaker had directed his insult
at whom the speaker’s insult was directed
who the speaker’s insult was directed at
whom the speaker’s insult was directed at
at whom the speaker’s insult was directed
In a grammatical sense, the person being insulted acts as an object, so we should use “whom” to describe him/her. Also, sentences should not be ended with prepositions, so the word “at” should be placed earlier on in the sentence.
Example Question #502 : 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 you enter the contest, you could win a sneak peak at the fall fashion line.
you could win a sneak peak in the fall fashion line.
you could win a sneak peek to the fall fashion line.
you could win a sneak peek at the fall fashion line.
you could win a sneak peak at the fall fashion line.
you could win a sneak peak to the fall fashion line.
you could win a sneak peek at the fall fashion line.
In conventional usage, people take a peek “at” something, not “to” or “in” it. The word “peak” refers to a mountaintop; “peek” is the synonym for a glance or look.
Example Question #503 : 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.
The magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning allusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion to the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion at the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning allusion to the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
An “illusion” is a trick; an “allusion” is a reference (often literary). Tricks and illusions are performed “for” audiences, not “to” or “at” them.
Example Question #504 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
After Mindy reflected to her life, she moved back to her hometown and became a much sought-after piano teacher. No error
sought-after
move back
No error
reflected to
and became
reflected to
The correct idiom is "reflect on" rather than "reflect to."
Example Question #11 : Correcting Conventional And Idiomatic 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.
The politicians couldn't hardly believe their luck.
couldn't hardly believe his or her luck.
couldn't nearly believe their luck.
couldn't hardly believe their luck.
could hardly believe their luck.
would not hardly believe their luck.
could hardly believe their luck.
We are looking for the answer choice without negation. "Could hardly believe their luck" is the only answer that does not contain a negative.
Example Question #505 : 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.
The birdwatching guide gave us a brief demonstration on which kinds of calls we could potentially here hear.
hear here
hear hear
here hear
here here
hearing hearing
hear here
"Here" is the adverb; "hear" is the verb that has to do with ear. In this case, "hear here" is appropriate - the main verb "hear" follows the auxiliary verb "could," with the adverb "here" following that.
Example Question #16 : Correcting Conventional And Idiomatic Usage Errors
1 If you’ve watched any environmental news reports in the last few years, it’s likely you’ve stumbled among the idea of fracking. 2 The word is short for “hydraulic fracturing” and involves injecting liquid into rock to create fractures and fractals, there allowing natural gas to be extracted more querulously.3 Proponents say the method facilitates oil drilling and allows countries, like the United States, to cut back on their foreign oil dependence. 4 Amateurs say that fracking, causes significant and sometimes irresponsible environmental damage.
5 Fracking can require sonorous quantities of water, and leach dangerous carcinogenic chemicals into the groundwater. 6 Some people have even inquired minor earthquakes to fracking: as the process thought to spurn tremors.7 Perhaps most worrisome, fracking allows governments to continue depending on fossil fuel rather than exploring renewable energy. 8 These sources could include wind turbines, solar panels, even hot springs and waterwheels.
In Sentence 1, what word should replace “among?”
across
within
around
between
among (no change)
across
One stumbles “across” an idea, not another preposition. This is an example of an idiom, the only correct way to describe "stumbling" in relation to an idea is to "stumble across" it.
Example Question #2 : Correcting Other 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.
Had been immersed in the literature since childhood, he maintained an appreciation for it as an adult.
Having been immersed
Had been immersed
Immersion having happened
Immersion happening
He who had been immersed
Having been immersed
The sentence's introductory clause seems to intend to describe the subject "he," but it begins with a verb that doesn't clearly connect to the rest of the sentence and is grammatically incorrect. Introductory clauses can begin with participles, which would make much more sense in this sentence by allowing the start of the sentence to connect clearly to the subject. Of the potential answer choices, only "Having been immersed" omits the incorrect verb and replaces it with a grammatically correct participle. The other answer choices don't make sense: "Immersion having happened" and "Immersion happening" don't clearly connect the first phrase to the subject, and "He who had been immersed" introduces a grammatical error by making the sentence contain two disconnected subjects, "He who had been immersed in the literature since childhood" and "he." The corrected sentence reads, "Having been immersed in the literature since childhood, he maintained an appreciation for it as an adult."
Example Question #802 : Psat Writing Skills
Conflicting desires existing in every single person, and are quite difficult to sort out.
Conflicting desires existing in every single person
Conflicting desires exist in every single person
The existence of conflicting desires in every single person
The existing of conflicting desires in every single person
Conflicting desires existence in every single person
Conflicting desires exist in every single person
The issue in the underlined portion of the sentence is the use of the verb form "existing," which is a participle and not an actual verb. The word needs to be changed into a form that functions as a verb. "Conflicting desires exist in every single person" is the correct choice among the answers.
Example Question #2 : Correcting Other Verb Errors
Hold back tears, the woman was moved deeply by her son's gift.
Holding backing tears
Held back tears
Hold back tears
Hold back of tears
Holding back tears
Holding back tears
The introductory phrase that is highlighted in the sentence describes the condition under which the woman reacted to her son's gift. Therefore, the verb form needs to describe a condition or way of being. Such a form is the present participle, which shows action currently being taken, and the correct answer is "Holding back tears."
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