ACT English : Preposition Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Preposition 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 night grew so cold that all the campers were shivering although a raging fire.
from a raging fire.
even though a raging fire.
despite a raging fire.
through a raging fire.
although a raging fire.
despite a raging fire.
The use of "although" in the last part of the sentence is confusing and awkward. A different preposition can more clearly indicate the fact the campers "were shivering" while a fire was "raging," which should warm them. The best answer choice to do this is "despite a raging fire."
Example Question #2 : Preposition 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.
That author's most recent novel is based on the Civil War in Spain, but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
but on a deeper level many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
but on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest against Spanish social conventions.
The fragment “on a deeper level” must have a comma before and after it because it interrupts the second clause of the sentence. Also, the word “protest” must be paired with the preposition “against.”
Example Question #1 : Preposition Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined section of the sentence below:
The dog was above his owners, sitting in the roof of the car.
sitting under
no change
sitting on the
sitting by the
sitting for the
sitting on the
The best answer is sitting on the roof of the car, because one does not sit in a roof, one sits on it. The other answers either fail to correct the error, or change the meaning of the sentence unnecessarily.
Example Question #2 : Preposition Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence below:
I lived in Chicago during 2008–2012.
no change
between 2008 and 2012
during 2008 to 2012
between 2008 to 2012
during 2008 and 2012
between 2008 and 2012
When two specific dates are used, the proper construction is to use the word between, followed by the conjunction, "and," between the particular years; therefore, the best way to phrase the bolded section of the sentence is "between 2008 and 2012."
Example Question #3 : Preposition Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence below:
The weapons of the German soldiers were superior than the weapons of their enemies.
inferior than
superior of
no change
superior from
superior to
superior to
For comparative adjectives like superior and inferior, you always need to follow the adjective with the preposition to; therefore, the best answer to this question is "superior to."
Example Question #4 : Preposition Errors
I know that Marcella cares with me; she's always kind and aware of what I need.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
for
NO CHANGE
on
over
for
In this sentence, the correct preposition to use is "for" or "about." "About" is not a possible answer; therefore, "for" is the best possible choice.
Example Question #5 : Preposition Errors
You must travel by boat or by plane to reach the island—the bridge is out.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
in
NO CHANGE
by the
for
on
NO CHANGE
If there is no article, (i.e. "a," "an," or "the"), you may say that you travel "by" a particular mode of transportation. As there is no article preceding the modes of transportation listed in the sentence, the correct preposition here is "by." Therefore, the best answer is "NO CHANGE."
Example Question #6 : Preposition Errors
After the car nearly struck him, Jimmy trembled for fear.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
with
on
under
NO CHANGE
with
"Trembled for fear" is perhaps technically correct, but it is a touch archaic, and not the best way to phrase the idea being expressed. "Trembled with fear," on the other hand, is a common expression still in regular use. "With" is therefore the best correct preposition to use in this instance, and is the best answer to this question.
Example Question #7 : Preposition Errors
Alex came in last; his total time raced was just over fifteen minutes.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
NO CHANGE
in
with
on
NO CHANGE
Here, the author of the sentence is clearly trying to express that the runner in question ran the race in a time that is slightly longer than fifteen minutes. The optimal way to express this in context is to say, "his total time raced was just over fifteen minutes," because the word "over" is a preposition that conveys this fact clearly. The best answer is "NO CHANGE."
Example Question #8 : Preposition Errors
Claire had to wash her clothes very carefully on a special solution to get all of the stains out.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
with
through
under
NO CHANGE
with
"With" is the correct preposition to use whenever an instrument with which something is being done is in the sentence. In this case, "special solution" is just such an instrument; therefore, the best answer for this sentence is "with."
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