SAT Identify Sentence Errors Practice Test 1a
Writing Instructions
Directions for "Identifying Sentence Error" Questions
The following sentences may contain errors in grammar, usage, diction, or idiom. Some of the sentences are correct. No sentence contains more than one error.
If the sentence contains an error, it is underlined and lettered. The parts that are not underlined are correct.
If there is an error, select the part that must be changed to correct the sentence.
If there is no error, choose (E).
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We have no choice but A to appoint Mary:B she is the best C of the two candidates, and there isD no prospect of finding more applicants. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
C. -Explanation
Since there are only two candidates we must use better not best.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The reason I will A not be going B to Mexico this year is because C I will use up all my travel money attendingD an important meeting in Singapore. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
C. -Explanation
The correct usage is to say, “the reason is that”, not “the reason is because”. 'Reason is because' is a redundancy. 'Because' already means 'for the reason that'Rate this question:
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- 3.
If you were A to work at least four hours a day on the project, we would B complete it in a shorter C time, and with less D problems. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
D. -Explanation
Change less to fewer. Generally, when nouns are 'countable' use fewer; when nouns are 'uncountable' use less.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The manager tried hard to effect A a change in company policy, but B the owner, who steadfastly refused to compromise C, overruled D him on every point. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
E. -Explanation
No error.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The new library is undoubtedly A well stocked and functional, but B no one can say that its C atmosphere is anything like the old one D. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
D. -Explanation
Incorrect comparison. Atmosphere must be compared to atmosphere. We could write, “... its atmosphere is anything like 'that' of the old one.”Rate this question:
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- 6.
My uncle, who A was B on vacation, along with my two cousins and I C, went D fishing down by the river. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
C. -Explanation
Change I to me (object of a preposition).Rate this question:
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- 7.
We hope A, we can be B able to complete the building before C the rainy season sets in D. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
B. -Explanation
Hope implies future tense. Change 'can' to 'will'.Rate this question:
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You would A have to choose her B, if you are looking for C the best athlete to represent D the school. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
A. -Explanation
Change would to will. 'Will' is future tense. 'Would' is conditional (e.g., If I knew the answer, I would tell you).Rate this question:
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- 9.
All the trapped miners began A to lose B hope, it C had been twenty four hours since D the tunnel collapsed. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
C. -Explanation
Change the comma to a semi-colon since you can't join two sentences with a comma. You could use a comma and conjunction, but since the two sentences are related, a semicolon is a better fit.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Because A they played by B the rules, the members of the team were given C a standing ovation even though it D did not win the match. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
D. -Explanation
It has no antecedent. Change to they or the team.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Her avaricious A relatives assembled at the lawyer's B office to hear the reading of C Jemima's will D. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
E. -Explanation
No error.Rate this question:
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- 12.
He was expected not merely A to contribute funds to the project, but B to work as hard as C the other D patrons. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
E. -Explanation
No error. Parallel structure.Rate this question:
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- 13.
None of us A knows B what the outcome of the battle between C the coordinator and us D will be. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
E. -Explanation
No error.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Neither of my brothers do A anything to make life better for our B parents who C are both suffering from D arthritis. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
A. -Explanation
Neither is singular and so we should change do to does.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The teacher sat A down besides B the frightened child and tried to reassure C him that the monster was merely D imaginary. No errorE.
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Correct Answer
B. -Explanation
Change besides to beside. "Beside" is a preposition meaning "next to." "Besides" is a preposition meaning "except"Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 26, 2011Quiz Created by
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