SAT Writing : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

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Example Question #1 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

It isalwaysimportant for oneto bealert when driving becauseyou never knowwhen another driver might come into your lane, orwhena pedestrian might cross the street illegally.No error

Possible Answers:

always

when

to be

No error

you never know

Correct answer:

you never know

Explanation:

When a sentence uses "one" as a neutral third-person pronoun, the sentence should not then switch to using "you" instead of "one." Therefore, "you never know" contains the error in this sentence.

Example Question #2 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

If youare被攻击,it isimportant not to provoke theother personbecauseonenever knows whether the attacker has weapons.No error

Possible Answers:

No error

are

it is

one

other person

Correct answer:

one

Explanation:

If a sentence is describing how “you” should behave, it creates discontinuity if it then begins to use the word “one” in place of "you" later in the sentence. Therefore, “one" should be replaced by the word “you" to correct the sentence's error.

Example Question #61 :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.

When oneis interviewed,it isimportant thatyoube articulate and present oneselfwell.No error

Possible Answers:

well

No error

it is

you

is interviewed

Correct answer:

you

Explanation:

If a sentence is describing how “one” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “you" later in the sentence. Therefore, “you” should be replaced by the word “one" to fix the sentence's error.

Example Question #4 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Youshouldalways make sure to have a first-aid kit inyour car, becauseonenever knowswhenit can be useful, or even save a life.No error

Possible Answers:

your car

when

should

one

No error

Correct answer:

one

Explanation:

If a sentence is describing how “you” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “one.” Therefore, “one” should be replaced by the word “you.”

Example Question #5 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Whenone prepares for a marathon,it isessential thatyouprepare an exercise routine and stickto it.No error

Possible Answers:

When

you

to it

No error

it is

Correct answer:

you

Explanation:

If a sentence is describing how “one” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “you.” Therefore, “you” should be replaced by the word “one,” or the sentence should be rewritten so that this discontinuity is resolved.

Example Question #6 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Onemight initiallythinkthat youunderstandthe expression "I think therefore I am," but you might not fully understand it untilyou mull it over for a while.No error

Possible Answers:

understand

No error

think

One

完全理解,直到

Correct answer:

One

Explanation:

The "one" and "you" need to be properly distinguished in this sentence; choose one to use, and stick with it. The sentence uses "you" throughout except for the first word, "One," so it could be corrected by changing this "One" to "You."

Example Question #7 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Afteryouplay in the sand at the beach,it'svery easy to geta lotof sandstuckin one's shoes.No error

Possible Answers:

stuck

a lot

No error

you

it's

Correct answer:

you

Explanation:

It is not grammatically correct to use both "you" and "one" as pronouns in the same sentence. As written, the sentence begins by using "you," but then changes to using "one" when it ends with the phrase "one's shoes." So, to correct the sentence's error, "you" should be changed to "one."

Example Question #8 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

One should nevertrust peoplewho talkabout othersbehind their backs, because you can safely assumethey will dothe same to you.No error

Possible Answers:

they will do

One should never

behind their backs

No Error

who talk

Correct answer:

One should never

Explanation:

The sentence starts off by using "one" as a pronoun, but then switches to using "you." In a single sentence, you should pick one of these pronouns to use and stick with it, and not change from using one to using the other in the middle of the sentence. To correct the sentence's error, you would need to change "One" to "You."

Example Question #1 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

If you planto studyphysics in college,oneshould focus ontakingscienceandmath courses in high school.No error

Possible Answers:

and

to study

taking

No error

one

Correct answer:

one

Explanation:

When using "you" or "one" as the subject of a sentence, you need to be consistent. Because the first half of this sentence uses "you" as the subject, the second half must also use "you"—not "one."

Example Question #10 :确定代词错误:Inconsistent Usage

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

If youwantto eat at a new restaurantona Saturday night,onemust make reservations as soon as possible to avoid alengthywait.No error

Possible Answers:

lengthy

one

on

No error

want

Correct answer:

one

Explanation:

Sentences must consistently use either "you" or "one" as the subject, and because this sentence identifies "you" as the subject in the first clause, the second clause must also use "you" (not "one").

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