SAT Writing : Identifying Preposition Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other 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.
Jon, as an avid lover of all animals, decided to protest over the depiction of violence towards dogs, which is becoming increasingly common in feature films. No error
lover of all animals
towards
becoming
over
No error
over
As a general idiomatic rule, the verb "protest" always goes with the preposition "against," not "over." Therefore, the phrase should be "protest against," not "protest over."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When the batter made contact with the baseball, it zoomed threw the air like a bullet and flew out of the park. No error
No error
like
out of the
made contact
threw
threw
The preposition here should be spelled "through." "Threw" is the past tense singular form of the verb "to throw" and is not appropriate in this sentence.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The zoo visitor became startled when he saw the tiger running at him with a crazed look in its eyes. No error
when
became
in
No error
at
at
Idiomatically, a person or animal would not be “running at” something, but rather, “running towards” something. Therefore, the underlined word “at” contains the error in the sentence.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other 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.
In choosing between hummus, salsa, and guacamole as a dip to serve with pita chips, most people would say that pita chips are best served with hummus. No error
No error
salsa, and
most
are
between
between
"Between" is used to compare two items, while "among" should be used to compare three or more items. Given that three items (hummus, salsa, and guacamole) are being compared, "among" should be used instead of "between."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other 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.
For people trying to lose weight, having herbal tea after dinner is a good substitution with dessert. No error
after
is
trying
with
No error
with
Idiomatically, the phrase that should be used here is "substitution for," not "substitution with."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Other 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.
Social media has both allowed some people to become more connected, but at the same time, has contributed to a feeling of loneliness with others. No error
more
with
both
to
No error
with
Idiomatically, the underlined part of the sentence should be "for" instead of "with." This is because the proper phrase is "loneliness for others" not "loneliness with others."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Other 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.
Robert's neighbor likes to argue for a wide variety of topics because he is a very contentious person, much to the lament of those around him. No error
No error
those
much
for
because
for
Idiomatically, the verb "argue" should not be accompanied by the preposition "for" unless it is clear that a person is arguing in favor of something. Here, that is not the case. This error would be eliminated if the phrase used was "argue about."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
It is shocking for some people to realize that two from three people infected with bronchitis will develop the disease again later in life. No error
No error
It is
some people
with
from
from
To be grammatically correct, the sentence should read "two out of three," not "two from three." Idiomaticlly, "out of" is appropriate for the context, but "from" is not.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
During the interview, the applicant was grateful that he had managed to avoid from talking about his grades, which were not very impressive. No error
During
No error
was
which
avoid from
avoid from
This sentence does not comply with the idioms that govern when prepositions should follow verbs. “Avoid,” is not typically followed by a preposition. Therefore, the use of the preposition “from” after the word “avoid” is unnecessary and incorrect.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Preposition Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Macbeth is often described for being Shakespeare’s most accomplished play, as it delivers an incredibly high amount of drama. No error
most
amount of
as it
described for
No error
described for
This sentence does not comply with the idioms that govern which prepositions should follow verbs. “Described" is typically followed by the preposition “as,” not “for.” Therefore, the correct version of this sentence would read, "Macbeth is often described as being Shakespeare’s most accomplished play, as it delivers an incredible amount of drama."
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