PSAT Writing › Identifying Ambiguity and Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Certain colors are associated with certain emotions in our minds, and while certain smells are associated with certain memories. No error
and while
with
associated
are
No error
Either "while" or "and" could be used as a proper transition between the two sections of the sentence, but the phrase "and while" is overly wordy and therefore incorrect.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's as well. No error.
as well
all the contemporary hits
played
popular jazz tunes
No error.
This sentence has both "in addition to" and "as well," which is redundant. You only need one! The corrected sentence reads: "In addition to all the contemporary hits, the band played popular jazz tunes from the 40's."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite the company’s supposed emphasis on customer service, I have only talked to grouchy support personnel however. No error
however
the company's
supposed emphasis on
have only talked
No error
Since this sentence opens with a “despite,” the word “however” is redundant. They both express the same relationship between parts of the sentence. Omit “however” to fix this problem: "Despite the company’s supposed emphasis on customer service, I have only talked to grouchy support personnel."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Statistical evidence supports the claim that a majority of middle-aged men do not never use deodorant. No error.
never use deodorant
Statistical
the claim that
majority of
No error.
This sentence has a double negative, which is redundant. The corrected sentence reads: "Statistical evidence supports the claim that a majority of middle-aged men do not use deodorant."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The overbearing manager demanded that his employees make hourly progress reports every sixty minutes. No error.
every sixty minutes
overbearing
his
make
No error.
This sentence contains redundancy. As the reports are "hourly," we already know they are to be made every sixty minutes. This phrase should be omitted.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our physics teacher is famous for distributing papers to students while at the same time chewing his gum quite loudly. No error
at the same time
physics
distributing
loudly
No error
“At the same time” means the same thing as “while.” Therefore, it is redundant, and doesn't need to be included in the sentence.