PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Bianca and the sister were at odds because although they were members of the same family, they felt differently about their parents' divorce. No error
because
No error
differently
their
the sister
the sister
The error in this sentence arises where we are told that Bianca and her sister disagree over their parents' divorce, but her sister is presented abstractly; the correct usage of "her sister" allows the individual mentioned to be presented in relation to Bianca. Without the "her," we cannot be certain what the relation is, although it is clearly indicated elsewhere in the sentence.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Since Molly won first place and Meg won second, she was honored at the awards ceremony after dinner. No error
No error
at
she was
won
after dinner
she was
This sentence has an ambiguous pronoun. To whom does "she" refer? You could fix this either by referring to both women with "they," if it is indeed the case that both were honored at the awards ceremony after dinner, or by replacing "she" with the name of the woman being specified.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Mr. Harris told Mr. Jarvins that at the latest staff meeting, the owner of the company expressed a strong interest in promoting him to a senior executive position. No error
expressed
interest in
No error
him
executive
him
This sentence contains an ambiguous pronoun. We don't know whether "him" refers to Mr. Harris or Mr. Jarvins, so "him" is the error in the sentence. If we wanted to fix the error, we would have to replace "him" with the unique name of the person—Mr. Harris or Mr. Jarvins—being considered for the promotion.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jim and Tommy were late to work for the fourth time that week, since they had to pick her up at the airport and her flight was late. No error
they
No error
since
were
her
her
This is an ambiguous pronoun. We are not sure to whom "her" refers. The sentence should use her name.
Example Question #212 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Many experts advocate changing how children learn to write, theorizing that they will have more success in the long run. No error
changing
No error
to write
theorizing
they
they
"They" is an ambiguous pronoun reference—it could refer to either "experts" or "children."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Ambiguity
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
After the party, Janet organized her bedroom, collected several bags of clothing for donation, and drove it to the local thrift store. No error
After the party,
it
No error
bedroom, collected
donation, and
it
The error in this sentence is the use of the word "it" to refer to "several bags of clothing." In this case, the pronoun—"it"— is singular when it should be plural ("them").
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jeff gave up a lucrative private law practice to become an apprentice shoemaker, and his wife could not believe he did it. No error.
did it
could not
and
No error.
lucrative private law practice
did it
This sentence uses the pronoun “it” to describe an action: giving up a job and becoming an apprentice shoemaker. The pronoun “so” is used to refer to actions. The corrected sentence reads: "Jeff gave up a lucrative private law practice to become an apprentice shoemaker, and his wife could not believe he did so."
Example Question #2 : Identifying 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.
Despite it's positive critical reception, many members of the general public disliked the play, believing that the director betrayed his homegrown roots in order to appeal to a wealthier audience. No error
No error
believing that the director
members of the general public
appeal to
it's
it's
"It's" is an abbreviation for "it is." Here, "its" should be used in order to show possession. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "it's."
Example Question #174 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given that the mother walks very slowly and that the son never seems to be in much of a rush, it is safe to say that the family likes to take their time. No error
it is
Given
their
never
No error
their
"Family" is singular. Therefore, the possessive pronoun that refers to it should be singular as well. Thus, "its" should be used instead of "their."
Example Question #1 : Identifying 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.
While there are advantages to doing freelance work, it is outweighed by the stress of having an inconsistent income. No error
inconsistent
are
stress of
it
No error
it
The underlined word, "it," refers to the "advantages of freelance work," which is plural. Therefore, "it," a singular pronoun, should be changed to the plural pronoun "they."
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