SAT 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.
In addition to providing lunch for the children, the camp counselors also gave them dessert and played educational games with them. No error
also
the children, the
them
played
No error
The error in this sentence is redundancy, which is basically saying more than you need to. Since the beginning of the sentence already established that the counselors were going to provide something else besides lunch ("in addition"), saying "also" later is redundant. The solution for redundancy is almost always just cutting something out so the revised sentence would read "In addition to providing lunch for the children, the camp counselors gave them dessert and played educational games with them."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jonah was really thirsty during the day, but however he didn't have enough money to buy a bottle of water from the vending machine. No error.
however
really
to buy
from
No error
In the sentence above, "however" is redundant, since "but" is already used.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While when Rachel was cleaning her apartment, she found her long-lost high school yearbook beneath her cat's bed. No error.
when
found
long-lost
beneath
No error
In the sentence above, "when" is redundant since "While" is already used.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our Algebra homework this week was definitely without a doubt the most challenging assignment yet, so it was gratifying to get a perfect score on it. No error
without a doubt
most
yet, so
Algebra
No error
"Without a doubt" means the same thing as "definitely" and therefore does not need to be included in the sentence.
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.
When Lonnie stepped onto the field, he was definitely without a doubt the most confident member of our high school marching band. No error.
definitely without a doubt
When Lonnie stepped
most confident
our
No error
"Without a doubt" means the same thing as "definitely," and is therefore redundant when used in the above sentence.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As the substitute teacher wrote the homework assignment on the board, the last bell began to ring as well. No error
as well
wrote
board, the last bell
No error
on
Since the use of "as" in the introductory clause already establishes that another action is happening at the same time, the "as well" is redundant and 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.
April's pencils were not all sharpened, even though although she had run them through the sharpener several times. No error.
although
were not
run them
several
No error
In this instance, "although" means the same thing as "even though" and is therefore redundant.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Calvin would often tell Jimmy that Jimmy was his best friend, while simultaneously at the same time he would tell Steve that he was his best friend. No error.
simultaneously
would often
Jimmy
he
No error
"Simultaneously" means the same thing as "at the same time" in this sentence, and is therefore redundant.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The kitten is very shy around most people, yet but he immediately runs up to play with Daisy whenever she comes into the house. No error.
but
around
to play
whenever
No error
"But" is a redundant word in the above sentence, as it is a synonym of "yet" and is not required for the sentence to be grammatically correct.