PSAT Writing : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Case

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #72 : Correcting Word 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.

The real estate lawyer could not recall with who he had his next meeting.

Possible Answers:

with whom he had his next meeting

whom he had his next meeting with

who he had his next meeting with

with whom he had had his next meeting

with who he had his next meeting

Correct answer:

with whom he had his next meeting

Explanation:

“Who” must be changed to “whom” because it is the object of the preposition “with.” Also, it is not desirable to end a sentence with a preposition.

Example Question #73 : Correcting Word 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.

Many facts about astronomy have fascinated my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school.

Possible Answers:

fascinate my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school

have fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school

has fascinated my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school

has fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school

have fascinated my brother and I ever since we were in elementary school

Correct answer:

have fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school

Explanation:

The original text contains a pronoun case error. It says "my brother and I" when it should say "my brother and me." Remember to use objective pronouns—like "me," "him," and "us"—as the objects of verbs (in this case, the verb "fascinated").

Although answer choice "has fascinated my brother and me ever since we were in elementary school" correctly uses "me" instead of "I," it incorrectly uses the singular predicate "has fascinated" with the plural subject "facts."

Example Question #74 : Correcting Word 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.

Between you and I, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.

Possible Answers:

Between you and me, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive. 

Between you and I, we cannot send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive. 

Between you and I, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive.

Between you and I, we couldn’t send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive. 

Between you and I, we could not send you to that private high school for the tuition was so expensive. 

Correct answer:

Between you and me, we could not send you to that private high school because the tuition was so expensive. 

Explanation:

After the preposition "between," one uses the objects pronouns "you" and "me."

Example Question #44 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Case

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.

Me and the general always took a stroll in the morning.

Possible Answers:

The general and me

I and the general

The general, I

Me and the general

The general and I

Correct answer:

The general and I

Explanation:

The underlined portion is an incorrect usage of "me." A good rule of thumb, and the best way to find the answer, is to see which pronoun is appropriate alone, "me" or "I." "The general and I" is the correct answer.

Example Question #45 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Case

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.

She and him do not dance under any circumstances.

Possible Answers:

She and him do not

They does not

She and he do not

They do not

She and him does not

Correct answer:

They do not

Explanation:

Using "she and him" is always incorrect, as "she" is a subject and "him" is an object. The best way to fix this is to use "they" and its correct verb usage, "do not."

Example Question #75 : Correcting Word 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.

The archdeacon did not adopt Rigoberto out of pure pity or the goodness of his heart; rather, the archdeacon wanted to ensure that him and his brother Juan would be allowed entrance into heaven.

Possible Answers:

her

they

him

he

one

Correct answer:

he

Explanation:

In the phrase "...to ensure that that him and his brother Juan would be allowed...", "him and his brother" are carrying out the action implied in "would be allowed". For this reason, the subject "he" is required, not the object "him".

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