PSAT Writing : Correcting Verb Mood Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : 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.
I would make it a priority to visit Rome if I was able to travel to Europe.
if I was able traveling to Europe
if I were able of traveling to Europe
if I were able to travel to Europe
if I was able to travel to Europe
if I was able of traveling to Europe
if I were able to travel to Europe
To talk about a hypothetical situation, you must use a verb that employs the subjunctive mood—"if I were" instead of "if I was," in the case of this specific sentence. “I was” is the simple past tense.
Example Question #2 : 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.
Victory is the ultimate goal of any general, but too precise a focus can clouds a leader's judgement.
can clouds a leader's judgements.
can cloud a leader's judgement.
can cloud a leaders judgement.
can clouds a leader's judgement.
can clouds leader's judgement.
can cloud a leader's judgement.
The phrase underlined in the sentence uses the modal verb "can," which conditions what might happen in the future. The verb form "clouds" is incorrect as the verb after "can" still needs to feature the singular form necessary with the subject "focus." "Can cloud a leader's judgement" is the best choice among the answer.
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