Correcting Other Usage Errors
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SAT Reading & Writing › Correcting Other Usage 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.
Some writers use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors who previously wrote about similar themes.
tactfully use literary allusions to reference authors
tactfully use literary illusions to reference authors
use literary allusions to tactfully reference authors
use literary illusions tactfully to reference authors
use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors
Explanation
An illusion is a hallucination, an image that isn’t really there. An allusion is a reference or citation, especially to/from another text. Also, there is a split infinitive; the adverb “tactfully” must be moved elsewhere in the sentence so the verb “to reference” is kept together.
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.
Some writers use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors who previously wrote about similar themes.
tactfully use literary allusions to reference authors
tactfully use literary illusions to reference authors
use literary allusions to tactfully reference authors
use literary illusions tactfully to reference authors
use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors
Explanation
An illusion is a hallucination, an image that isn’t really there. An allusion is a reference or citation, especially to/from another text. Also, there is a split infinitive; the adverb “tactfully” must be moved elsewhere in the sentence so the verb “to reference” is kept together.
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
The Congressman is opposed with the new trade deal: he will never support it.
opposed to the new trade deal:
opposed with the new trade deal
opposed with the new trade deal:
opposed with the new trade deal,
opposed at the new trade deal:
Explanation
The correct preposition to use after the phrase "is opposed" is "to," not "with." This should be corrected in the sentence above, the best way to correct the underlined portion is "opposed to the new trade deal:"
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
When you go to the market for onions, will you also buy some lettuce as well?
you also buy some lettuce?
you also buy some lettuce as well please?
you also buy some lettuce!
you as well buy some lettuce?
you also buy some lettuce as well?
Explanation
"Also" and "as well" mean the same thing—in addition to. Only one is necessary to convey the meaning of the sentence above, and having both of them is redundant. The best way to rewrite the sentence is to delete either "also" or "as well."
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
When you go to the market for onions, will you also buy some lettuce as well?
you also buy some lettuce?
you also buy some lettuce as well please?
you also buy some lettuce!
you as well buy some lettuce?
you also buy some lettuce as well?
Explanation
"Also" and "as well" mean the same thing—in addition to. Only one is necessary to convey the meaning of the sentence above, and having both of them is redundant. The best way to rewrite the sentence is to delete either "also" or "as well."
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 girls were always challenging their father's rules for every opportunity.
their father's rules at every opportunity.
their father's rules for every opportunity.
their father's rules in every opportunity.
their father's rules on every opportunity.
their father's rules onto every opportunity.
Explanation
The use of the preposition "for" in the sentence is odd, and does not properly reflect what the girls are doing. The preposition should be changed to indicate that they challenged during certain moments. The preposition that best shows this is "at," making the correct answer choice "their father's rules at every opportunity."
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 girls were always challenging their father's rules for every opportunity.
their father's rules at every opportunity.
their father's rules for every opportunity.
their father's rules in every opportunity.
their father's rules on every opportunity.
their father's rules onto every opportunity.
Explanation
The use of the preposition "for" in the sentence is odd, and does not properly reflect what the girls are doing. The preposition should be changed to indicate that they challenged during certain moments. The preposition that best shows this is "at," making the correct answer choice "their father's rules at every opportunity."
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.
Greg always wore black clothing, in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different from his older brother.
in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different to his older brother.
on an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem more different from his older brother.
Explanation
"Than" is used for comparatives, so "different from" is better to use than "different than."
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.
Greg always wore black clothing, in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different from his older brother.
in an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem different to his older brother.
on an effort to seem different than his older brother.
in an effort to seem more different from his older brother.
Explanation
"Than" is used for comparatives, so "different from" is better to use than "different than."
Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.
The Congressman is opposed with the new trade deal: he will never support it.
opposed to the new trade deal:
opposed with the new trade deal
opposed with the new trade deal:
opposed with the new trade deal,
opposed at the new trade deal:
Explanation
The correct preposition to use after the phrase "is opposed" is "to," not "with." This should be corrected in the sentence above, the best way to correct the underlined portion is "opposed to the new trade deal:"