SAT Writing › Correcting Subordinate Conjunction 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.
Larry blew up at Diane since she was so rude to him.
because
where
for
and
since
When indicating causation, the proper subordinate conjunction to use is, "because." In this sentence, the best construction is "Larry blew up at Diane because she was so rude to him." "Since" is typically used to convey that something has occurred after some other event.
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.
So the python was bigger than the boar, the boar was faster and more fierce.
Even though the python was bigger than the boar,
So the python was bigger than the boar;
Because the python was bigger than the boar,
But the python was bigger than the boar,
So the python was bigger than the boar,
In the sentence above, it is clear that a subordinating conjunction (or pair of subordinating conjunctions) that shows contrast should be placed in the underlined section. The best way to correct the underlined section of the sentence above is: "Even though the python was bigger than the boar,"
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.
He would work outside for lower pay and stay stuck in an office all day, even if the pay was significantly higher.
rather than
in order to
because
since
and
It is clear from the context of the sentence that the person in question is choosing to work outside, in spite of the pay cut. "Rather than" is an appropriate subordinate conjunction to use for such a choice. The best possible construction of the potential answers for the sentence above is "He would work outside for lower pay rather than stay stuck in an office all day, even if the pay was significantly higher."
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.
If you fix the sink, you're going to continue having problems with water on the bathroom floor.
Unless you fix the sink, you're going to continue having problems with water on the bathroom floor.
If you fix the sink, you're going to continue having problems with water on the bathroom floor.
Unless you fix the sink you're going to continue having problems with water on the bathroom floor.
Because you fix the sink, you're going to continue having problems with water on the bathroom floor.
After you fix the sink, you're going to continue to having problems with water on the bathroom floor.
From the context of the sentence, it is clear that the person being addressed must fix their sink, or continue to deal with water leaking on their floor. "Unless" is an appropriate subordinating conjunction to use in such a case. It is clear in the example that the speaker is seeking to express a condition that must be met in order to stop the result the speaker predicts. Therefore, the best construction of the sentence above is "Unless you fix the sink, you're going to continue having problems with water on the bathroom floor."
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.
Because the old man was exhausted by his long day, so he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
The old man was exhausted by his long day, so he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
Because the old man was exhausted by his long day, so he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
Because the old man was exhausted by his long day, So he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
Because the old man was exhausted by his long day, and he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
Under the old man was exhausted by his long day, so he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
In the sentence above, the words "because" and "so" are being used to cause the portions of the sentence to be subordinate clauses: they are subordinate conjunctions. They also mean roughly the same thing, so only one of them is necessary, and the other should be deleted. The best way to correct the sentence above is: "The old man was exhausted by his long day, so he poured himself a glass of whiskey."
An alternative correct answer would be: "Because the old man was exhausted by his long day, he poured himself a glass of whiskey."
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 principal's office requires that these pamplets should be distribute before the end of the financial year.
that these pamplets be distributed
that these pamplets be distribute
that these pamplets distribution
for the pamplets to be distributing
that these pamplets should distribute
"The principal's office requires that these pamplets should be distribute before the end of the financial year." - This sentence contains one error. The verb tense of "distribute" is incorrect; it should be in the past tense to complete the past participle phrase.
"The principal's office requires that these pamplets distribution before the end of the financial year." - This sentence contains a diction error. "These pamplets distribution" is improper diction.
"The principal's office requires for the pamplets to be distributing before the end of the financial year." - This sentence contains two error. "Requires" cannot be paired with "for." Also, "distributing" incorrectly uses the present perfect tense.
"The principal's office requires that these pamplets should distribute before the end of the financial year." - This sentence contains two errors. "Should distribute" is both a Verb Tense and a diction error.
"The principal's office requires that these pamplets be distributed before the end of the financial year." - This sentence has no 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.
Paul was not selected for the final job, with he was the most qualified candidate.
but he was the most qualified candidate.
with he was the most qualified candidate
over he was the most qualified candidate.
under he was the most qualified candidate.
with he was the most Qualified Candidate.
In the sentence above, it is clear that a subordinating conjunction (or pair of subordinating conjunctions that shows contrast) should be placed in the underlined section. The best way to correct the underlined section of the sentence above is: "but he was the most qualified candidate."
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 man was sure he was as strong as the horse, but although he was not.
although he was not.
but and he was not.
with although he was not.
and although he was not.
but although he was not.
"But" and "although" are both coordinating conjunctions, and either would be appropriate for this sentence; they also mean exactly the same thing, so using them together is redundant. The best way to correct the sentence above is: "although he was not."
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.
According to the census, more than three times as many people inhabit New York as in Chicago.
as inhabit
as in
than in
compared to
as well as
“More than” implies a comparison in the sentence between New York and Chicago, immediately eliminating choices that don’t contain the word “as”, which functions as an adverb here. It is also important to keep uniformity between verbs when comparing two things. This means that because the verb “inhabit” is used in reference to New York, it must also be used in reference to Chicago. This leaves us with, "as inhabit."
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.
Arthur Vandelay’s drawings were not popular during his lifetime, now are considered to be among the most valuable artworks in the world.
but are now
now are
but they now
but being now
the paintings are now
This sentence contains two contrasting ideas: first, that Vandelay's paintings were not popular in his lifetime, and second, that they are now valuable. The conjunction “but” is thus necessary to include in the sentence.