SAT Writing : Identifying Verb Errors
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Example Question #9 :Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Wequickly determinedthat we'dalmost neverstayon the groundif wewas ableto fly.No error
quickly determined
on the ground
almost never
was able
No error
was able
The sentence is intended to convey the possibility of what would happen if the speakers could fly; therefore, "was able" should be changed to the correct subjunctive mood form: "were able."
Example Question #10 :Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A lotofPaul'sstudents wish that their professorwaskinder.NO ERROR
was
NO ERROR
kinder
A lot
Paul's
was
The "wish" in the sentence above indicates that the sentence will be in the subjunctive mood. In subjunctive, "was" should be replaced by "were."
Example Question #81 :Identifying Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error.
Brad knew that if hewasserious aboutbecominga professionalmusician,heshould really bepracticing trumpet for three hours a day.No error
was
musician,
becoming
should really be
No error
was
This question is testing knowledge of verb mood. Since the sentence contains a hypothetical condition indicated by "if," the verb before "serious" should be in the subjunctive mood, which expresses wishes, desires, and hypothetical situations. A corrected sentence would look like this: "Brad knew that if he were serious about becoming a professional musician, he should really be practicing trumpet for three hours a day."
Example Question #82 :Identifying Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If Iwasin yourposition,I wouldletEricaknowimmediately.No error
position,
know
let
No error
was
was
The sentence is in the subjunctive mood, so "was" must be replaced with "were." The subjunctive mood is used to describe a suggestion, a command, a wish, or a condition that is not factual.
Example Question #83 :Identifying Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I suggestthatyou are atmyseminar later;you need lessonsabout business acumen.No error
you need lessons
you are at
No error
I suggest
seminar later;
you are at
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence should read: "I suggest that you be at my seminar later; you need lessons about business acumen."
Example Question #84 :Identifying Verb 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 dentist orderedthatI be stillwhilehepowered uphis drill.No error
I be still
powered up
while
No error
The dentist ordered
No error
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "ordered" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #85 :Identifying Verb 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 young businessmanmade a proposalto his partnerthathe buys moreoffice supplies fortheir company.No error
their company.
The young businessman
to his partner
he buys more
No error
he buys more
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the words "made a proposal" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used.
The sentence should read:"The young businessman made a proposal to his partner that he buy more office supplies for their company."
Example Question #86 :Identifying Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If the politicianwasa smarter man,he wouldnot havecrossedthe senator.No error
he would
No error
was
crossed
If the politician
was
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility rather than truth. In the sentence above, because the word "If" begins the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The correct subjunctive construction of the sentence above is"If the politician were a smarter man, he would not have crossed the senator."
Example Question #87 :Identifying Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Everyoneagreed that Mrs. Powellwerethe bestEnglishteacher they'd everhad.No error
were
No error
English
Everyone
had
were
The verb "were" may be appropriately used if it describes a plural noun (as in "the Powells were the best English teachers") or if it describes a hypothetical situation in the subjunctive mood (as in "if Mrs. Powell were an English teacher, she would be the best"). In this case, it is more appropriate to use "was" instead.
Example Question #1 :Identifying Other Verb Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If youhad bookeda hotel like Iasked,wewouldn’t havehave to sleepat the airport.No error
have to sleep
had booked
asked,
No error
wouldn't have
have to sleep
Here, the correct form of the present perfect is “wouldn’t have had to sleep,” not “wouldn’t have have to sleep.”
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