Identifying Other Verb Usage Errors - PSAT Writing
Card 1 of 44
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 often being represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure. No error.
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 often being represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure. No error.
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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."
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."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes andstiff corsets, chose instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes andstiff corsets, chose instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics. No error
Tap to reveal answer
The last clause in this sentence needs to be reformatted to fit into the logic of the sentence. Turning “chose” into a gerund accomplishes this. The corrected sentence reads: "A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes and traditional stiff corsets, choosing instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics."
The last clause in this sentence needs to be reformatted to fit into the logic of the sentence. Turning “chose” into a gerund accomplishes this. The corrected sentence reads: "A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes and traditional stiff corsets, choosing instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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’s attempting to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster. No error.
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’s attempting to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster. No error.
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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."
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."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of stay up late watching television. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of stay up late watching television. No error.
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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."
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."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to risen at half past six, and it was almost seven. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to risen at half past six, and it was almost seven. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses a participle (“risen”) after “to.” Here, an infinitive is correct. If you read the sentence as it is written out loud, it will probably sound incorrect. The corrected sentence reads, "The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to rise at half past six, and it was almost seven."
This sentence uses a participle (“risen”) after “to.” Here, an infinitive is correct. If you read the sentence as it is written out loud, it will probably sound incorrect. The corrected sentence reads, "The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to rise at half past six, and it was almost seven."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swim the English Channel. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swim the English Channel. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the verb “swim” when it needs a gerund, “swimming.” A gerund is a verb that is acting as a noun. The corrected sentence reads, "Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swimming the English Channel."
This sentence uses the verb “swim” when it needs a gerund, “swimming.” A gerund is a verb that is acting as a noun. The corrected sentence reads, "Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swimming the English Channel."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide being closed for repairs. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide being closed for repairs. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence has the gerund "being" in it, but the past tense "was" is cleaner and more direct. The corrected sentence reads, "All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide was closed for repairs."
This sentence has the gerund "being" in it, but the past tense "was" is cleaner and more direct. The corrected sentence reads, "All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide was closed for repairs."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management being overly fatiguing. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management being overly fatiguing. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses “being” as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) when the infinitive is necessary. Always, when you use "find" followed by a noun and then an adjective or an adjectival phrase, you should connect the noun and adjective or adjectival phrase with the infinitive “to be.” The corrected sentence reads, "Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management to be overly fatiguing."
This sentence uses “being” as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) when the infinitive is necessary. Always, when you use "find" followed by a noun and then an adjective or an adjectival phrase, you should connect the noun and adjective or adjectival phrase with the infinitive “to be.” The corrected sentence reads, "Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management to be overly fatiguing."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Not wanting being behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Not wanting being behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the gerund “being” when the infinitive “to be” is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Not wanting to be behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk."
This sentence uses the gerund “being” when the infinitive “to be” is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Not wanting to be behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Tanner was afraid for returning to the cold winters of the northern states. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Tanner was afraid for returning to the cold winters of the northern states. No error.
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The adjective “afraid” is usually followed by either an infinitive (“to return”) or “of” and a gerund (“of returning”). Choose one of those to fix this sentence: "Tanner was afraid to return to the cold winters of the northern states."
The adjective “afraid” is usually followed by either an infinitive (“to return”) or “of” and a gerund (“of returning”). Choose one of those to fix this sentence: "Tanner was afraid to return to the cold winters of the northern states."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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 at one another, not having much to say, as they were dumbfounded by the tricks of the New York City street magician. No error.
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 at one another, not having much to say, as they were dumbfounded by the tricks of the New York City street magician. No error.
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“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.
“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.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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 often being represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure. No error.
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 often being represented in the media as a conniving woman rather than a successful political figure. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
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."
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."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes andstiff corsets, chose instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes andstiff corsets, chose instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics. No error
Tap to reveal answer
The last clause in this sentence needs to be reformatted to fit into the logic of the sentence. Turning “chose” into a gerund accomplishes this. The corrected sentence reads: "A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes and traditional stiff corsets, choosing instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics."
The last clause in this sentence needs to be reformatted to fit into the logic of the sentence. Turning “chose” into a gerund accomplishes this. The corrected sentence reads: "A revolutionary in American dance, Isadora Duncan rejected pointe shoes and traditional stiff corsets, choosing instead to dance barefoot in loose tunics."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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’s attempting to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster. No error.
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’s attempting to throw a surprise birthday party was a complete disaster. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
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."
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."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of stay up late watching television. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Most elderly women prefer to go to bed early instead of stay up late watching television. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
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."
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."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to risen at half past six, and it was almost seven. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to risen at half past six, and it was almost seven. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses a participle (“risen”) after “to.” Here, an infinitive is correct. If you read the sentence as it is written out loud, it will probably sound incorrect. The corrected sentence reads, "The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to rise at half past six, and it was almost seven."
This sentence uses a participle (“risen”) after “to.” Here, an infinitive is correct. If you read the sentence as it is written out loud, it will probably sound incorrect. The corrected sentence reads, "The sense of expectation in the air was almost unbearable; the curtain was supposed to rise at half past six, and it was almost seven."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swim the English Channel. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swim the English Channel. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the verb “swim” when it needs a gerund, “swimming.” A gerund is a verb that is acting as a noun. The corrected sentence reads, "Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swimming the English Channel."
This sentence uses the verb “swim” when it needs a gerund, “swimming.” A gerund is a verb that is acting as a noun. The corrected sentence reads, "Given the chance, Frank would drop everything and dedicate his life to swimming the English Channel."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide being closed for repairs. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide being closed for repairs. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence has the gerund "being" in it, but the past tense "was" is cleaner and more direct. The corrected sentence reads, "All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide was closed for repairs."
This sentence has the gerund "being" in it, but the past tense "was" is cleaner and more direct. The corrected sentence reads, "All of the children were sorely disappointed that the water slide was closed for repairs."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management being overly fatiguing. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management being overly fatiguing. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses “being” as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) when the infinitive is necessary. Always, when you use "find" followed by a noun and then an adjective or an adjectival phrase, you should connect the noun and adjective or adjectival phrase with the infinitive “to be.” The corrected sentence reads, "Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management to be overly fatiguing."
This sentence uses “being” as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) when the infinitive is necessary. Always, when you use "find" followed by a noun and then an adjective or an adjectival phrase, you should connect the noun and adjective or adjectival phrase with the infinitive “to be.” The corrected sentence reads, "Many people find the rigorous schedule associated with campaign management to be overly fatiguing."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Not wanting being behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Not wanting being behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the gerund “being” when the infinitive “to be” is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Not wanting to be behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk."
This sentence uses the gerund “being” when the infinitive “to be” is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Not wanting to be behind on her work, Maria furiously finished editing the pile of documents on her desk."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →