SAT Writing : Correcting Other Verb Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #198 :Correcting Verb 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.

The allied movements are designedmaking their opponents uneasy.

Possible Answers:

to make their opponents uneasy.

making their opponents uneasy.

make opponents of theirs uneasy.

make their opponents uneasy.

making opponents of theirs uneasy.

Correct answer:

to make their opponents uneasy.

Explanation:

The issue in the sentence is with the verb "making." It is used not as the verb, but as a modifier of "designed;" therefore, it needs to take a form that can appropriately do so, such as an infinitive. "To make their opponents uneasy," is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #199 :Correcting Verb 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.

The guitar is an extremely difficult instrumentlearning as an adult.

Possible Answers:

learning as an adult.

learning that took place as an adult.

learned for an adult.

to learn in an adult.

to learn as an adult.

Correct answer:

to learn as an adult.

Explanation:

The use of the verb "learning" is incorrect in the sentence. The correct answer needs to feature an infinitive as the sentence describes a capacity of learning. "To learn as an adult" is the only grammatically correct answer choice.

Example Question #200 :Correcting Verb Errors

Since the foundation of the club,new members enteringall the time.

Possible Answers:

new members entering

new members enters

new members entered

new member entering

new members enter

Correct answer:

new members entered

Explanation:

The use of the phrase "Since the foundation of the club," indicates that the verb used in the underlined portion should be in the past tense. Additionally, the phrase needs to become a complete sentence on its own. "New members entered" is the only answer choice that fits both criteria.

Example Question #51 :Correcting Other Verb Errors

Magicians use the fact peoplehaving trouble focusingon multiple things at once to fool their audiences.

Possible Answers:

having trouble focusing

having trouble focus

had trouble focusing

have trouble focusing

having troubles focused

Correct answer:

have trouble focusing

Explanation:

The underlined words are a compound verb, or multiple words that function as one verb in the sentence. These still need to follow a correct tense and form, which is not done with just "having" being placed after people. "Have trouble focusing" is the best way to improve the sentences among the answer choices.

Example Question #52 :Correcting Other Verb Errors

The young familywas heavily relianceon the kindness of strangers.

Possible Answers:

was heavy reliant

was heavily reliance

was heavily relianced

was heavily reliant

was heavy reliance

Correct answer:

was heavily reliant

Explanation:

The word "reliance" is inappropriate in the context of this sentence as it indicates the relationship of relying. "Reliant," in contrast, Connors the state of being; therefore, the correct answer choice is "was heavily reliant."

Example Question #53 :Correcting Other Verb Errors

Rita began work on the project last year, butshe has yet to reach completion.

Possible Answers:

she has yet to complete it.

she has yet to reach completion.

it is not at completion yet.

she is still yet to be completed.

it has yet to reach completion.

Correct answer:

she has yet to complete it.

Explanation:

The original sentence is wordy and awkward. The correct answer is concise, active, and clear.

Example Question #54 :Correcting Other Verb Errors

Being that he passedthe driver’s test, Timothy was looking forward to getting his license.

Possible Answers:

If he had passed

For passing

有通过

Passing

Being that he passed

Correct answer:

有通过

Explanation:

Sentences rarely start with “being.” Furthermore, "having passed" conveys the timing and cause of events with more precision.

Example Question #55 :Correcting Other Verb Errors

For amateur swimmers, or those who are lacking experience swimming, swimming half a mile seems like an impossible task.

What correction should be made to this sentence?

Possible Answers:

For amateur swimmers, which are swimmers that are lacking in swimming experience, swimming half a mile seems like an impossible task.

For amateur swimmers, meaning those who are lacking experience swimming, swimming half a mile seems like an impossible task.

No improvement necessary.

For amateur swimmers, or those who lack swimming experience, swimming half a mile seems like an impossible task.

For amateur swimmers, or those who have a lack of experience, which is in swimming, swimming half a mile seems like an impossible task.

Correct answer:

For amateur swimmers, or those who lack swimming experience, swimming half a mile seems like an impossible task.

Explanation:

The improved sentence is better than the original because it cuts out unnecessary words, changing "or those who are lacking," to "or those who lack." This change also avoids having the same word next to itself, as was the case in "swimming, swimming." Although there was nothing grammatically wrong with this sentence, there was room for stylistic improvement, which was made.

Example Question #56 :Correcting Other Verb 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.

In no uncertain terms, the principaloutlawing the useof live models for art classes.

Possible Answers:

outlawed the use

outlaw using

outlawing the use

outlawed using

outlawing using

Correct answer:

outlawed the use

Explanation:

The best clue to the correct answer is the fact "of" is not underlined, indicating the form must stay as "the use." The only issue is the form of "outlawing," which cannot be used with the subject of "the principal" as a verb on its own. "Outlawed the use" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #57 :Correcting Other Verb 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.

The young girlwas surprisingly involvingin the decisions her parents made.

Possible Answers:

was surprised involving

was surprising involved

was surprisingly involving

was surprisingly involved

was surprising involving

Correct answer:

was surprisingly involved

Explanation:

The underlined portion of the sentence has an odd verb usage in the word "involving." The sentence actually needs a past tense verb to make appropriate sense. "Was surprisingly involved" is the best choice among the answers.

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