SAT Writing › Correcting Conventional and Idiomatic 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
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.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
After Mindy reflected to her life, she moved back to her hometown and became a much sought-after piano teacher. No error
reflected to
move back
and became
No error
sought-after
The correct idiom is "reflect on" rather than "reflect to."
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 magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning allusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion to the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning allusion to the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion at the captivated audience.
An “illusion” is a trick; an “allusion” is a reference (often literary). Tricks and illusions are performed “for” audiences, not “to” or “at” them.
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.
Kylie studied until morning in preparing her test stategy for the next exam.
to prepare her test strategy
in preparing her test strategy
for preparing her test strategy
in an effort to prepare her test strategy
for the preparation of her test strategy
This is an usual utilization of the word "preparing." Simply "to prepare" is more practical.
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.
I learned a lot from the woman that I talked to.
I learned a lot from the woman to whom I talked.
I learned a lot from the woman who I talked to.
I would learn a lot from the woman that I had talked to.
I learned a lot from the woman whom I talked to.
I learned a lot from the woman that I talked to.
We do not end a sentence with a preposition. Also, we use the pronoun "whom" when a person is the object of the verb. Here, the woman is the object of the verb "talked".
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.
The birdwatching guide gave us a brief demonstration on which kinds of calls we could potentially here hear.
hear here
hear hear
here here
here hear
hearing hearing
"Here" is the adverb; "hear" is the verb that has to do with ear. In this case, "hear here" is appropriate - the main verb "hear" follows the auxiliary verb "could," with the adverb "here" following that.
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 rain has a big affect on his mood.
The rain has a big effect on his mood.
(No changes to original.)
On his mood, the rain is largely effecting.
The rain affects his mood.
His mood has a big affect on the rain.
Here, we need the noun “effect,” not the verb “affect.”
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.
Many New Yorkers had no choice but to evacuate the area because of the imminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
because of the imminent danger of the approaching snowstorm.
because of the eminent danger from the approaching snowstorm.
because of the imminent danger from the approaching snow storm.
because of the eminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
because of the imminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
“Imminent” means threatening or looming, while “eminent” means well-known or famous. Also, “snowstorm” is a compound word (two words put 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.
The car was determined to be the one which was used in the robbery.
the one which was used in the robbery
the one having been used in the robbery.
that was used in the robbery.
which was used in the robbery.
that which was used in the robbery.
While the underlined phrase is a bit convoluted, the phrase is fully grammatically correct. Either "that" or "which" would be appropriate in the sentence, but using both or futher modifying the phrase makes it confusing and unclear.
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.
Floridians often have to secure and fortify their homes in anticipation of an eminent costal hurricane.
in anticipation of an imminent costal hurricane
anticipating an eminent costal hurricane
as they anticipate an eminent costal hurricane
having to anticipate an imminent costal hurricane
in anticipation of an eminent costal hurricane
Eminent means famous or well known, while imminent means threatening or looming. These two words sound identical in speech, but only imminent can describe a hurricane (unless it is a specific and famous hurricane in history, such as Hurricane Sandy).