TACHS Language : Usage
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
Select from the given options the one that includes a usage error. If all of the options are correct, select "no mistakes."
No mistakes
I sincerely do not like football.
We had a terrible time at the football game. It was bitter cold.
The brain trauma issue deeply bothers me, especially when the players are not being paid.
We had a terrible time at the football game. It was bitter cold.
The example sentence erroneously uses an adjective where an adverb is needed. "Bitter," in this context, modifies the verb "was," and therefore should be replaced by the adverb "bitterly." If the cold were being used as a noun, then the adjective form of "bitter" would be appropriate—for example, "We were wrapped in a bitter cold."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select from the given options the one that includes a usage error. If all of the options are correct, select "no mistakes."
I have no clear idea who I am speaking to.
Listen, I'm reaching the limits of my patience.
No mistakes
Excuse me, could you say that again?
I have no clear idea who I am speaking to.
The correct choice features a very common error of pronoun case, which leads the sentence to incorrectly conclude with a preposition. Rather than using the subjective-case "who" in saying "who I am speaking to," it is correct to use the objective-case "whom." Sentences should never, in academic writing, end with a preposition.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors
Select from the given options the one that includes a usage error. If all of the options are correct, select "no mistakes."
Kent was extremely sad; he had been thinking about cross the street an unhealthy amount
It is very important to look both ways when one crosses the street because you never know when a car might come.
No mistakes
If you cross the street carelessly, you never know what might happen.
It is very important to look both ways when one crosses the street because you never know when a car might come.
The correct answer features inconsistent pronoun usage. Since the sentence first uses the pronoun "one," the sentence must remain consistent in its usage of that pronoun. It is incorrect to follow "one" (when used as a pronoun) with "you." The correct version of the sentence reads, "It is very important to look both ways when one crosses the street because one never knows when a car might come." This question interrogates the principle of consistent pronoun usage. None of the other options included any grammatical errors.
Example Question #1 : Incorrect Usage
Select from the given options the one that includes a usage error. If all of the options are correct, select "no mistakes."
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was her's.
Could I really argue with her?
No mistakes
She seemed so doggedly insistent.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was her's.
The possessive pronouns "hers," "his," "yours," "its," "ours," and "theirs" are never used with apostrophes. None of the other given options contained any grammatical errors.
Example Question #1 : Usage
Select from the given options the one that includes a usage error. If all of the options are correct, select "no mistakes."
Having left that job, I would be extremely happy.
No mistakes
If I was you, I would leave that job immediately.
Being extremely happy, I would be generous with my time and emotional energy.
If I was you, I would leave that job immediately.
The example sentence expresses a hypothetical condition that is contrary to fact ("I," by definition, am not "you"); therefore the thought needs to be expressed using verbs in the subjunctive mood. "If" is a usually a good indication that a sentence will be in the subjunctive mood. In the subjunctive, "were" should be used instead of "was." "If I were you, I would leave that job immediately."
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