PSAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
All PSAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #752 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I've had more teachers than I can count, but by far the best one was Mr. Brown, that taught second grade. No error
I've had
but
Mr. Brown, that
than
No error
Mr. Brown, that
Because the dependent clause "that taught second grade" is modifying a person, it needs to be introduced by "who," not "that," so "Mr. Brown, that" is the part of the sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #31 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While on vacation in the Smokey Mountains, Jack saw a brown bear and it's cub run across the road. No error
No error
While on vacation
run across the road
a brown bear and it's cub
in the Smokey Mountains,
a brown bear and it's cub
The phrase "a brown bear and it's cub" contains this sentence's error because it uses "it's," which is the contracted form of "it is," instead of "its," which is the possessive form of the singular pronoun "it." Changing "it's" to "its" would correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #32 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If one puts meticulous effort into your studies day after day, one will most likely succeed. No error
most likely
after
one
No error
your studies
your studies
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents. Since the sentence uses the pronoun "one," and remains consistent with that pronoun in the final clause, the pronoun is "your" is incorrect." Pronouns must remain consistent throughout a sentence. One could correct the sentence's error by changing "your" to "one's."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
One should always take care to file away the operation instructions of new machinery in a safe place, because you never know when you might need to troubleshoot a problem. No error.
One should always
might need to troubleshoot
in a safe place
to file away
No error.
One should always
This sentence switches between “one” and “you.” These should be kept consistent. The corrected sentence reads, "You should always take care to file away the operation instructions of new machinery in a safe place, because you never know when you might need to troubleshoot a problem."
Example Question #211 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
One should always locate all of the exits in a new location before you find yourself in an emergency situation. No error.
in a new location
One
No error.
always
emergency
One
This sentence uses both “one” and “you” as pronouns. These should be kept consistent; if you start a sentence by using "one," you shouldn't switch to using "you" in the middle of the sentence. The corrected sentence reads, "You should always locate all of the exits in a new location before you find yourself in an emergency situation."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
It is always important for one to be alert when driving because you never know when another driver might come into your lane, or when a pedestrian might cross the street illegally. No error
always
when
to be
you never know
No error
you never know
When a sentence uses "one" as a neutral third-person pronoun, the sentence should not then switch to using "you" instead of "one." Therefore, "you never know" contains the error in this sentence.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If you are being attacked, it is important not to provoke the other person because one never knows whether the attacker has weapons. No error
are
one
No error
it is
other person
one
If a sentence is describing how “you” should behave, it creates discontinuity if it then begins to use the word “one” in place of "you" later in the sentence. Therefore, “one" should be replaced by the word “you" to correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #271 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When one is interviewed, it is important that you be articulate and present oneself well. No error
you
it is
is interviewed
No error
well
you
If a sentence is describing how “one” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “you" later in the sentence. Therefore, “you” should be replaced by the word “one" to fix the sentence's error.
Example Question #71 : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
You should always make sure to have a first-aid kit in your car, because one never knows when it can be useful, or even save a life. No error
No error
when
should
your car
one
one
If a sentence is describing how “you” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “one.” Therefore, “one” should be replaced by the word “you.”
Example Question #73 : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When one prepares for a marathon, it is essential that you prepare an exercise routine and stick to it. No error
When
No error
to it
it is
you
you
If a sentence is describing how “one” should behave, it creates discontinuity to then begin using the word “you.” Therefore, “you” should be replaced by the word “one,” or the sentence should be rewritten so that this discontinuity is resolved.
Certified Tutor
All PSAT Writing Resources
