GRAMMAR & IDENTIFYING SENTENCE ERRORS
SAT Writing Section:
Writing Section: MC
Multiple Choice question types1. Identifying Sentence Errors
2. Improving Sentences
3. Improving Paragraphs
Identifying Sentence Errors
Covers 4 main areas of written English1. Basic Grammar
2. Sentence Structure
3. Idiomatic Expressions
4. Choice of words (diction)
Strategies for Identifying Sentence Errors
Examine the underlined choices A to D• Consider which kind of correction may be
needed for each one
If you can’t identify the error, eliminate the choices that don’t contain errors. • Choose from the remaining answer
choices
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
Identify the subject and action in the sentence (sometimes they are separated)
• Match underlined verbs with their subject• Draw parenthesis around prepositional
phrases & modifiers b/w subj. & verb
Only the conjunction “and” can form a plural verb
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
Prepositions usually tell “where”• Above, over, under, in, at, on, of, to
Word pairs neither…nor and either…or take singular verbs, if each side of the pair is singular• If one noun is plural & the other singular,
the verb should agree with the closest noun
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
Find the antecedent of each pronoun• Antecedent: the noun that the pronoun replaced• There is an error if there is no antecedent or if it
could refer to more than one thing or person• Be wary of vague subject references (its, their, they,
and those). Something’s missing if you can’t tell what the pronoun refers to
To check the tense of a sentence, look for context clues (dates, times) or verbs that aren’t underlined
Example of Error ID
In 1965, Betty Friedan's publication of The Feminine AMystique has marked a turning point that resulted in B Cimproved labor rights and working conditions for Dwomen. No error E
A. B. C. D. E.
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
Who and Whom• Who: the subject of the pronoun• Whom: the object of the pronoun
Be cautious when you see “they” underlined
Read aloud to find idiomatic errors• Idiom: a wide range of commonly
accepted combinations of words
Question Of the Day
I agree thatA a knowledge of Latin is helpful to buildB a good English vocabulary, butC I do not think I have the capacity toD study the subject at the moment. No errorE.
A. B. C. D. E.
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
“I” verbs vs. “No I” verbs• “I” verbs have no object• No “I” verbs are action verbs with objects• Sit vs. set• Lie vs. lay• Rise vs. raise
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
Comparatives vs. Superlatives • -er compares 2 things and has 2
letters• -est compares 3 or more things and
has 3 letters• Identify what’s being compared by
underlining
Sentence Error Grammar Tips
Pay attention to the nouns in each sentence to help with number agreement• Underline, circle, star your nouns
Common Errors
1. When the subject follows the verb
Example:
Every night talks Anna on the phone.
Common Errors
2. When the subject and verb are separated
Example
A speaker from Family Services are giving a presentation next week.
Common Errors
3. When the subject seems plural but isn’t
Example
Each of the girls sing well.
http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp
Common Errors
4. Wrong tenses
Example
If I have known the truth I wouldn’t be in this situation.
Common Errors
5. Incorrect use of past participles
Example
My friends had spoke with me about the subject.
Common Errors
6. Pronoun in the Wrong number
Example
The student forgot that they had a test.
Common Errors
7. Wrong Pronoun Case (subject vs. object)
Example
Mary gave the flowers to Kelly and I.
Common Errors
8. Pronoun Shift
Example
One must put forth effort if you want to get a good grade.
If you eat sensibly and watch your caloric intake, most people should be able to maintain their desired weight.
Common Errors
9. Pronoun with Ambiguous Reference
Example
Ethel told Lucy that her pie was wonderful.
(Whose pie? Ethel’s or Lucy’s)
Common Errors
10.Confusion of Infinitive and Gerund
Example
Mary keeps to talk about her problems.
Mary needs talking about her problems
Infinitives vs. Gerunds
List of verbs which are followed by a Gerund
http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/gerund_list.htm
List of verbs which are followed by an Infinitive
http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/infinitive_list.htm
Quirk Of the Day
Common Errors
11.Wrong preposition after verb agree on
No one could agree on anything. explain... to
It is difficult to explain a problem to people who don’t care. decide between
I cannot decide between the two. plan on
Why don’t you plan on staying at our place? refer to
If you are referring to me, you should say so. remind . . . of
You remind me of a bear. worry about
Mothers always worry about their children, and so do fathers.
Common Errors
11.Wrong preposition after verb
Comprehensive list found on this link
http://www.myenglishgrammar.com/list-18-prepositions/3-prepositions-after-verbs.html
Common Errors
12.Wrong word in context ACCEPT = aceptar EXCEPT = excepto
AFFECT = afectar EFFECT= efecto
CAN = to be able MAY = to be permitted/allowed or possiblity
CHOSE = past tense CHOOSE = present tense
CLOTHS = telas, trapos CLOTHES = ropas
COMPLEMENT = complementar, complemento
COMPLIMENT = cumplido, felicitar
CURRENTLY = right now PRESENTLY = immediate future/soon
FEWER = mass nouns LESS = count nouns
Common Errors
12.Wrong word in context ITS = belonging to it IT'S = contraction of it + is
MUCH= mass nouns MANY= count nouns
THAN = conjunction for comparisons THEN = time (adj or
adv)
THEIR = possessive THERE = location
THEY'RE= contraction they + are
FARTHER = physical distance
FURTHER = metaphorical/figurative distance
GOOD = adjective WELL = adverb
Common Errors
13.Faulty comparison
A faulty comparison is one that is not logical. Items that are compared must in fact be similar.
INCORRECT: I like Bruce Springsteen's songs more than Madonna.
CORRECT: I like Bruce Springsteen's songs more than Madonna's songs.
INCORRECT : The weather in Canada is colder than Mexico.
CORRECT : The weather in Canada is colder than the weather in Mexico.
Common Errors
14.Misuse of adjective or adverbAdjectives only modify nouns and pronouns.
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
Never use a double superlative (-est) or comparative (-er).
Example:
That was the most stupidest book that I've ever read.
My glass was more fuller than his.
Common Errors
14.Misuse of adjective or adverbAdjectives usually come before the nouns and pronouns that they modify, but they may also follow them, and they answer many questions:
What kind? Which one? How many? What color? What size?
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They also answer many questions:
When? Where? How? How often? How much? To what degree? Why?
Good is an adjective. It is never an adverb. One cannot play good.
Well is an adverb. It is never an adjective. One does play well.
Common Errors
15.Double negativeIn formal written English, you should never use two negative expressions to express a single negation. To correct a double negative, simply delete one of the negatives and add any other necessary words.
Examples:
Jeff did not do no lab report.
Jeff thought the instructor would not say nothing to him about it.
scarcely, hardly, and barely are negatives, do not combine them with NO or NOT
1. When the subject follows the verb
2. When the subject and verb are separated
3. When the subject seems plural but isn’t
4. Wrong tenses
5. Incorrect use of past participles
6. Pronoun in the Wrong number
7. Wrong Pronoun Case (subject vs. object)
8. Pronoun Shift
9. Pronoun with Ambiguous Reference
10.Confusion of Infinitive and Gerund
11.Wrong preposition after verb
12.Wrong word in context
13.Faulty comparison
14.Misuse of adjective or adverb
15.Double negative
Practice Time
1. 1. Determination ofA the long-term effects ofB aerosols on the upper atmosphere isC currently one of the more challengingD problems in climate research. No errorE.
Practice Time
2. The mostA important skill I had learnedB in my two years ofC senior high school was toD direct the course of my own studies. No errorE.
Practice Time
3. I have nearA written all the new tests forB inclusion in the revised edition of my book, and hope to finishC the work withinD a week. No errorE.
Practice Time
4. Neither of the answers provided in the memorandumA addressB my concerns aboutCthe validity ofD the procedure. No errorE.
Practice Time
55. . Katz claimed that reading classic novels isA more illuminatingB than to readC autobiographies written byD their authors. No errorE.
Practice Time
66. Suzanne recountedA her improbableB tale withC enthusiasm and in a convincing mannerD. No errorE.
Practice Time
7. The students have beenA practicing for the concert sinceB three weeks, andC in that time haveD improved considerably. No errorE.
Practice Time
88. If you were willingA to ask for directions, instead of doggedlyB driving on, we might get to ourC destination soonerD. No errorE.
Practice Time
9. Critics acclaim thatA the soundtrack of Hugo is much more B memorable thanC the movie DjangoD. No ErrorE
Practice Time
10. No president neverA gives a speech toB the general public without the consentC of congress orD the senate. No errorE.
Practice Time
11. If Sharon had spokeA with herB sister before the election there wouldC have been noD problem. No errorE.
Practice Time
12. If you wereA to study the anatomy of the body oneB would find that thereC are manyD organs. No errorE.
Practice Time
13. The professor becameA exasperated when he hadB to explain forC the students the theory ofD relativity. No errorE.
Practice Time
14. Congress, afterA prolonged deliberation, haveB decided notC to engage in furtherD debate over healthcare. No errorE.
Practice Time
15. It would have beenA better if herB and I kept talkingC to the teacher because of ourD knowledge of the material. No errorE.
ANSWERS!
Practice Time
1. 1. Determination ofA the long-term effects ofB aerosols on the upper atmosphere isC currently one of the more challengingD problems in climate research. No errorE.
D – More implies there are only two problems, in which case the “one” would be unnecessary
Comparatives vs. superlatives
Practice Time
2. The mostA important skill I had learnedB in my two years ofC senior high school was toD direct the course of my own studies. No errorE.
B – past perfect needs changes to past
Wrong tenses
Practice Time
3. I have nearA written all the new tests forB inclusion in the revised edition of my book, and hope to finishC the work withinD a week. No errorE.
A – Nearly, adverb that modifies written.
Adverb
Misuse of adjective or adverb
Shine
My favorite color is purple.
Also, I like unicorns!
Shine bright like a Diamond!
-Ms. Amanda
Practice Time
4. Neither of the answers provided in the memorandumA addressB my concerns aboutCthe validity ofD the procedure. No errorE.
B – Neither is singular and requires a singular verb, so use addresses.
When the subject seems plural but isn’t
Practice Time
55. . Katz claimed that reading classic novels isA more illuminatingB than to readC
autobiographies written byD their authors. No errorE.
C – To make the sentence construction parallel, change to read to reading.
List Parallelism
Practice Time
66. Suzanne recountedA her improbableB tale withC enthusiasm and in a convincing mannerD. No errorE.
D – Two items linked by and need to be parallel. Change “in a convincing manner” to “conviction”.
List Parallelism
Practice Time
7. The students have beenA practicing for the concert sinceB three weeks, andC in that time haveD improved considerably. No errorE.
B – “Since” is used to refer to a definite point in time, not a duration. Change since to for.
Wrong word in context
Practice Time
8. If you were willingA to ask for directions, instead of doggedlyB driving on, we might get to ourC destination soonerD. No errorE.
E – no error
Practice Time
9. Critics acclaim thatA the soundtrack of Hugo is much more B memorable thanC the movie DjangoD. No ErrorE
D – Compare like items, soundtrack to a soundtrack, not to a movie
Faulty comparison
Practice Time
10. No president neverA gives a speech toB the general public without the consentC of congress orD the senate. No errorE.
A – should be ever
Double negative
Practice Time
11. If Sharon had spokeA with herB sister before the election there wouldC have been noD problem. No errorE.
A – should be “spoken”
Incorrect use of past participles
Practice Time
12. If you wereA to study the anatomy of the body oneB would find that thereC are manyD organs. No errorE.
B – one should be “you”
Pronoun Shift
Practice Time
13. The professor becameA exasperated when he hadB to explain forC the students the theory ofD relativity. No errorE.
C – for should be “to”
Wrong preposition after verb
Practice Time
14. Congress, afterA prolonged deliberation, haveB decided notC to engage in furtherD debate over healthcare. No errorE.
B – have should be “has”
When the subject and verb are separated
Practice Time
15. It would have beenA better if herB and I kept talkingC to the teacher because of ourD knowledge of the material. No errorE.
B – her should be “she” because they are the subject
Wrong Pronoun Case (subject vs. object)
Done!!!!
For now.
IMPROVING SENTENCESSAT Writing Section:
Improving Sentences
Tests your ability to recognize and write clear, effective and accurate sentences
Errors generally involve the structure of the whole sentence
Improving Sentences
Improving Sentences
Improving Sentences
Strategies1. Read the sentence carefully, and listen for an
error
2. Identify the error or errors
3. Eliminate the choices that don’t address the error, and choose the most correct, concise, and relevant answer
When choosing b/w 2 choices, look at the shortest answer choice 1st (short is usually better)
4. Read the revised sentence
Improving Sentences Grammar Tips
An independent clause has a subject and a complete verb and can stand alone
A dependent (subordinate) clause has a subject and a complete verb but needs an independent clause to become a sentence
To combine 2 independent clauses
1. Insert a semicolon
2. Make one clause dependent
3. Use a (FANBOYS) conjunction: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Improving Sentences Grammar Tips
When you see a long sentence with just a comma in the middle, suspect a run-on sentence• Look at the answer choices to see the chosen
fixes
Sentences with 2+ similar elements must be worded similarly• Lists, series, comparisons, connective pairs• Take the 1st item in a list & compare it to the
others
Improving Sentences Grammar Tips
Match the modifier with the noun they modify• Modifier must be positioned so it is clear
which word is being modified• If the sentence starts with a gerund (-ing
verb), you could have a misplaced modifier
Use parallel structure with connective phrases such as neither…nor
Improving Sentences Grammar Tips
Determine the relationship b/w the 2 sentence’s clauses• Conjunctions connect 2 independent
clauses (FANBOYS) There must be a logical relation b/w the
clauses to use conjunctions Take out the conjunction to see what the
relationship is b/w the clauses
Improving Sentences Grammar Tips
2+ dependent (subordinate) clauses• Connective words that indicate a dependent
clause Since, because, so that, if
• If a dependent clause begins a sentence, an independent clause must follow somewhere in the sentence
A sentence that uses more words than necessary doesn’t have any grammatical errors but a style error: wordiness
Improving Sentences Common Errors
1. Run-On Sentences
2. Sentence Fragments
3. Misplaced Modifiers
4. Faulty Parallelism
5. Faulty Transitions in Clauses and Phrases
6. Wordiness
Practice
Let’s take a look at the Improving Sentences Guide & Practice
Review the errors Practice
Weekly Vocabulary Quiz
Take Week 3 Vocabulary Quiz by going to the web20.org website
This Week’s Assignments
1. Download and print “8 Week SAT Prep Plan”
• Complete the 4th Week’s assignments by next session
2. Download and print “SAT Word List 4”3. Study for vocabulary quiz