PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
All PSAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1001 :Identifying Sentence 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.
Judging fromthereaversion toloudnoises, I doubt that the catswill enjoy havingthree toddlersrunning amok.No error
running amok
loud
will enjoy having
there
No error
there
This sentence uses the wrong version of there/their. The possessive “their” is appropriate in this case. The corrected sentence reads, "Judging from their aversion to loud noises, I doubt that the cats will enjoy having three toddlers running amok."
Example Question #101 :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.
Starters are not meant to fill diners up, but towettheirappetite before asubstantialentréeis served.No error
is served
wet
No error
their
substantial
wet
“Wet” means tomoistenordampen. “Whet,” however, means tostimulateorawaken. In this case, we are looking for the verb “whet.”
Example Question #101 :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.
Theresolutecomedian did not seemphasedby the audience’sdisparagingcomments; he remained focused despitetheirattacks.No error
No error
resolute
their
phased
disparaging
phased
The verb “phased” stems from the noun “phase” (a stage of development). The correct spelling in this case is “fazed,” which meansunnervedordisturbed. The comedian was not fazed, meaning he was not bothered by the insults.
Example Question #103 :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.
Mrs. Davis insistedonrunningto the corner store for acourtof milk so she could bake herreputedlemon loaf.No error
No error
court
running
reputed
on
court
A “court” isan official legal buildingora place where sports are played. “Quart,” on the other hand, isa unit used to measure liquids.
Example Question #104 :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.
Though the surferwas hopingto ride the tidal wave, he soon realizedthatit was slightlytohighfor himto master.No error
that
to
for him
was hoping
No error
to
“To” is a preposition (as in the sentence “I’m going to school”), while “too” meansexcessively. We can deduce that the wave was “too high” for the surfer to ride.
Example Question #101 :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.
Nancybrought overthe most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls,thatwould have beenlovelyif I weren’t allergic toboth nuts and gluten.No error
both nuts and gluten
No error
that
brought over
lovely
that
This sentence mixes up the words “that” and “which.” “Which” is used to start a phrase that provides additional information after a comma.The content of a which-phrase is loosely connected to the content of the main phrase, and the sentence would still make sense if the information contained in the phrase were omitted. “That” directly follows the word it’s modifying, with no comma intervening. The corrected sentence reads, "Nancy brought over the most heavenly-smelling batch of pecan rolls, which would have been lovely if I weren’t allergic to both nuts and gluten."
Example Question #1 :Identifying Other Verb 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.
Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, is oftenbeingrepresentedin the mediaas aconnivingwoman ratherthan a successful political figure.No error.
No error.
being
conniving
than a successful political figure
in the media
being
The progressive verb “being” is not necessary in this sentence. It is more concise and to-the-point to say: "Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, is often represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure."
Example Question #2 :Identifying Other Verb 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.
The spectators looked atone another, nothavingmuch to say, as they weredumbfoundedby the tricks of theNew York Citystreet magician.No error.
having
one another
dumbfounded
No error.
New York City
having
“Having” is an incorrect use of a gerund. It creates confusion with respect to time, as both “looked” and “dumbfounded” are in the simple past tense.
Example Question #3 :Identifying Other Verb 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 her best intentions,Suzy’sattemptingto throw asurprise birthdaypartywasa complete disaster.No error.
surprise birthday
attempting
was
Despite her best intentions
No error.
attempting
It is not necessary to use the gerund “attempting” in this sentence because the noun “attempt” already exists. The corrected sentence reads,"Despite her best intentions, Suzy’s attempt to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster."
Example Question #4 :Identifying Other Verb 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.
Most老年妇女更喜欢to go to bedearlyinstead of stay up latewatching television.No error.
No error.
Most
to go to bed
instead of
stay up late
stay up late
Usually, the phrase “instead of” is followed by a gerund or verb that ends in "-ing". The corrected sentence reads, "Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of staying up late watching television."
Certified Tutor
All PSAT Writing Resources
