Sentence Correction Flashcards
Reinforce knowledge of the common errors on sentence correction. This deck provides a roadmap to navigating the way to a confident score. (102 cards)
1
Q
How do you identify the sentence correction portion of the SAT writing test?
A
Sentence correction questions present a sentence with four short underlines throughout and a “no error” choice at the end.
The (a) grand parade (b) was postponed for two hours, because the rain (c) expects (d) to abate soon. (e) no error
2
Q
What is the best strategy to prepare for sentence correction on SAT writing?
A
The best strategy for preparing for sentence correction is to study the most common errors, then practice recognizing them on sample questions.
3
Q
What makes sentence correction challenging?
A
Sentence correction challenges:
- large number of rules
- good process requires specific checklists
- prior knowledge and understanding may be weak
- questions with “no error” are hard
- limited time
4
Q
What part of speech is most often incorrect in the sentence correction section?
A
Verbs are most often incorrect on this part of the test.
5
Q
What common verb errors are tested on SAT sentence correction?
A
Common verb errors:
- Verb agreement
- Verb tense
- Verb form confusion
- Verb idioms
6
Q
What is verb agreement? When do you look for verb agreement errors?
A
Verb agreement is the use of a verb form that matches with the subject of the sentence.
They sing – he sings. (adding an -s for the he/she/it form)
Look for this error only in the present tense and two special past tense forms.
7
Q
Which sentence has an agreement error?
(a) The imaginary dancers performs for her each night.
(b) There are scads of good reasons why he went to the show.
A
Sentence (a) has an agreement error.
“Performs” is the verb. Who is performing? “Dancers,” which is plural. So, to agree with the subject, it should be “perform.”
8
Q
How does the SAT challenge you with verb ageement?
A
The SAT always tries to confuse you about the subject of the sentence.
Each of the students score well on standardized tests.
If you identify the wrong subject, you’ll choose the wrong verb form. Each…scores is correct; “of the students” is the trap.
9
Q
What are the three ways verb agreement errors are hidden on the SAT?
A
- Separation using phrases
- Inverted order
- Disguised singular
Cards to follow will detail each.
10
Q
How does the SAT confuse the student with subject/predicate separation?
The manager of the company’s three divisions await the market forecast to see if she can approve hiring again.
A
The SAT confuses you by separating the predicate from the subject with a phrase or clause that is meant to trick you.
The manager (subject) of the company’s three divisions [trick separator] awaits (predicate) the market forecast to see if she can approve hiring again.
11
Q
What kind of verb agreement trap is used in this sentence?
The local congressman, a loyal member of his party but living in two communities, liken his role as a bridge from one to the other.
A
Verb agreement is hidden by separation.
The large apositive (set apart from the sentence with commas) leaves “communities” next to “liken”, but the subject is clearly “congressman” (singular).
Learn to look for these structures as indicators of an error. Once you know every way that the SAT hides errors, you’ll catch on easily!
12
Q
What kind of verb agreement trap is used in this sentence.
Consequently, there is certainly many Americans willing to serve their country.
A
The test will show you inverted verb-subject structures.
The subject is often expected to the left of the predicate.
In this case, “there” is an adverb, and “is” does not agree with it. The subject of the sentence is the plural “Americans”, which agrees with “are”.
13
Q
What is the agreement error in this sentence?
On the other side of those perilous mountains lie the land that they seek.
A
“Lie” is incorrect. It needs to be “lies” to agree with “land”.
This word order is ancient and really rare, but not rare on the SAT test.
Notice, “On the other side of those perilous mountains” isn’t followed by a comma. In this syntax, a comma isn’t necessary. That’s a hint that they are using a weird word order.
14
Q
What is the best process for finding verb agreement errors on the test?
A
To find verb agreement errors:
- Spot the flags, so an error may jump out
- Find the verb and ask “who or what is doing this?” to confirm the subject
- Check the number and the verb form
15
Q
In what way can the SAT confuse you about whether the subject is singular or plural?
(a) Polly and Megan likes the new dribbling drill at soccer camp.
(b) The time limitation along with unusual forms and outright tricks are what makes the SAT writing difficult.
A
The SAT disguises the subject to appear plural.
(a) “Polly and Megan” is replaced by the pronoun “they” but a student might just overlook “Polly and” and see only the word to the left of the verb and read “Megan likes”.
(b) “Limitation” is the singular subject and needs “is” to agree. “Along with…” is a disguise.
16
Q
What are the flags that indicate disguised errors for verb agreement in a sentence?
Commitment to practice, in addition to good coaching and time management, ensure effective preparation for SAT.
Gardening, as well as walking around the neighborhood and volunteering at the retirement center, is what keeps grandma vibrant.
A
The disguised flags for subject-verb errors are:
along with…
in addition to…
as well as…
When you see any of these phrases, look carefully at verb agreement.
17
Q
Find the error in this sentence.
The handler (a) of the teen sensation, as well as a few other (b) notable stars, (c) work tirelessly (d) to market her image. (e) no error
A
(c) subject verb agreement error - “handler…works”
(a) “of” is the correct preposition.
(b) “notable” modifies “stars” correctly.
(d) “to market” works better than “marketing”
18
Q
Find the error in this sentence.
(a) Between the bowling alley and the skating rink (b) sit a large, (c) albeit modest, monument (d) depicting Christopher Columbus. (e) no error
A
(b) sits - “monument” is subject
(a) “Between” is fine
(c) “albeit” is a correct modifier for “modest”.
(d) “depicting” is preferred to “to depict”.
19
Q
Find the error in this sentence.
The members of every team in the tournament (a) was exposed to (b) virulent meningitis during the games, and doctors admitted some to the hospital despite (c) the fact that several (d) only had a mild cold. (e) no error
A
(a) “were exposed” - members
(b) “virulent” is the correct word and modifies “meningitis” correctly.
(c) “the fact that” could certainly be rephrased, but isn’t incorrect.
(d) “only had” matches the tense of the other verbs, and is properly limited.
20
Q
What kind of verb error requires the clearest understanding of grammar to reliably correct?
A
Verb tenses require the clearest understanding of grammar to reliably correct.
21
Q
Which verb tenses are commonly tested in the sentence correction portion of SAT Writing?
A
The SAT tests present and past perfect tenses most often.
22
Q
How is the present perfect tense formed?
A
The present perfect is formed with a helping verb (have, has) and a past participle form of a verb.
He has spoken at his high school several times.
I have never jumped so high in all my life.
23
Q
How does the present perfect form below convey a slightly different idea than the past form?
(a) By her reaction, I can tell that she **has seen **his face before.
(b) She saw clearly that he intended harm.
A
(a) “has seen” is used for a non-specific past reference.
(b) “saw” is a single event that is nailed down to a specific point in time.
24
Q
Do the verbs in the following sentences need to be in the present perfect tense?
(a) Up to now, Antoine slept well on his waterbed.
(b) Purdita cared for her puppies very well.
(c) I think I ridiculed him a little too much.
A
(a) needs to be present perfect.
“Up to now” creates a verb continuing from the past and ending in the present. “Antoine has slept”
(b) doesn’t need to change.
(c) needs to be present perfect.
“I think” is present, which never can go with past. “I think I have ridiculed” is correct.
25
When you face a verb underlined in the sentence correction section, how do you eliminate tense as a possible error?
Look for other verbs or definite time indicators.
## Footnote
A present tense verb can only match with another present tense or present perfect, NOT with past or past perfect.
Time indicators like, "Yesterday morning" limit the tense possibilities.
As you first read the sentence recognize these indicators and check the verbs immediately.
26
How are these two sentences interpreted differently in time?
## Footnote
(a) I **had** two dollars in my pocket just a minute ago.
(b) Despite the actions of that demented woman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was able to come to Washington and tell the world about the dream that he **had had**.
(a) "had" here means possessed, but the possession is over.
(b) the double "had had" shows that having a dream happened before "was able to come".
So, we interpret the verb in the past perfect as happening before the past tense verb.
27
Which of the following verbs needs to be in the past perfect tense?
(a) In first half of the thirteenth century, European maps **grew** in scope and detail.
(b) Brutus reasoned that Caesar **became** a monster that had to be opposed.
(c) Throughout the twenties, bootleggers **consolidated** their power.
(d) By the end of World War II, America **grew** to be a dominant world power.
(a) doesn't need it.
(b) "became" needs to be "had become".
(c) doesn't need it.
(d) "grew" needs to be "had grown".
In three of the cases, there are indicators of time, but "In" and "Throughout" locate an event in time, while "By the end of..." references some continuous event.
28
How do you check whether the verb should be in past perfect tense?
As you first read the sentence, notice the tense of each verb and the presence of prepositions that define time.
The past perfect form (had + past participle) will be used **with simple past** or with time indicators relating to the ending of some past continuing action.
29
How should you approach tense errors on the SAT if you still don't completely understand them?
Skip them until last.
## Footnote
During the test there is often a more obvious error in some other area for you to find. Don't get bogged down in complicated thinking. Come back to it once you've eliminated all the others then concentrate on finding and interpreting the flags.
30
How do you decide whether "have", "has", or "had" needs to be used with a past participle?
Deciding on "have" or "has" is about agreeing with the subject, just like in the present tense.
He **has** finally found his missing glove.
They **have** placed the money into the account, as instructed.
Deciding on "had" means you need the past perfect tense.
He **had** donated two million to their cause before the scandal broke.
31
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
With (a) _so many_ of his team having (b) _immediate and explosive_ digestive disorders, Coach Berkin (c) _suspects_ the cooler of energy drink might have (d) _been spiked_ with laxative. (e) _no error_
(c) tense error - "suspected" matches "might have been spiked"
## Footnote
(a) "so many" is correct here with "many" as a pronoun standing for the implied "members or "players" of the team.
(b) "immediate and explosive" is one correct way to phrase this.
(d) "been spiked" properly completes the verb form here.
32
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
(a) _Thinking_ about his career in track and field, Frank considers that javelin toss to be (b) _one_ of the (c) _best_ he (d) _ever threw_. (e) _no error_
(d) tense error - "has ever thrown"
## Footnote
Frank considers his career in the present so the verb is a summation of past events and needs to be present perfect.
(a) "Thinking" begins the participle phrase modifying the subject.
(b) "one" refers to the toss of the javelin.
(c) "best" is correct here assuming that Frank's career in track and field has more than two tosses in it.
33
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Gandalf told Frodo that, hitherto, Sauron (a) _has_ (b) _completely_ overlooked the existence of hobbits, but (c) _their_ time of safety in (d) _obscurity_ was past. (e) _no error_
(a) tense error - "hitherto" means "up to this moment"; it should be "had".
## Footnote
(b) "completely" is an adverb modifying the verb.
(c) "their" time refers to the hobbits.
(d) "obscurity" is the correct word.
34
What errors in SAT sentence correction need to be checked when the verb is in the simple past tense?
When you see the simple past tense, check for "was/were" verb agreement and the misuse of the past participle as a past tense form.
35
Find the error in the past tense form of the verb in the following sentences.
In that situation, facing death for the first time, Sheriff Arlan spoken through a dry throat.
"Spoken" is a past participle form and cannot stand alone as a verb. It should be in the past tense form, "spoke".
36
How should you prepare for confusion of past with past participle errors?
Review your irregular verb list. Use them as flags to look at the verb. READ carefully.
When students make this error, it is most often a misread. You might actually read it making a self-correction and not realize what you "read" is not even on the page.
37
What kind of verb error on the SAT isn't really about the verb form at all?
Mr. Burns composes his softball team with "ringers" from Major League Baseball.
Verb preposition idiom errors
## Footnote
In fact, for these errors, you rarely choose the underlined verb (the verb may not even be underlined). However, the verb is key to finding these errors.
38
Find the error in the sentence below.
## Footnote
My dad, and I don't fault him at all about this, is concerned with my grades, because he wants me to attend his alma mater.
The word "with" is wrong. It does not go with "concerned". The correct English idiom is "concerned about".
39
What is the best way to prepare for verb idiom errors on SAT sentence correction?
Be proactive. Study lists of common pairings tested. Use them as flags to check for this error.
## Footnote
These are among the more difficult questions.
Start by going to the deck called "SAT Verb Preposition Idioms" and study the paired words to recognize them as you scan.
40
On SAT sentence correction, what are three forms that are often mistaken for verbs, but are not and have different checklists?
Participles, gerunds, and infinitives.
## Footnote
Participles are -ing forms of verbs that do not function as verbs in their given sentences.
Gerunds look exactly like participles but function as nouns.
Infinitives are verbs suspended in time because they are preceded by the preposition "to".
41
Which verb in the sentence is active in time? Which is a participle?
## Footnote
Waiting by the piano, John is clearly bored stiff.
The active verb in the sentence is "is". "Waiting" is the participle.
## Footnote
While reading the sentence, you have to distinguish what needs to be checked and how. The participle form is the distractor here, taking precious time to check it.
42
Find the active verb in the sentence, then find the subject.
## Footnote
Fishing always relieves my nerves.
"Relieves" is the active verb. To find the subject ask, "What relieves my nerves?" "Fishing". You just found the gerund.
## Footnote
Gerunds are verbs in an -ing form that function as nouns in sentences.
43
Find the gerund in this sentence.
## Footnote
Welcoming his son back after years of separation, Mr. Klein couldn't stop himself from crying.
"Crying" is the gerund here, and it can be the object of a prepostion.
44
Find the active verb in the sentence, and find the verb in the infinitive.
## Footnote
To err is human; to forgive is divine.
"Is" is the active verb in both clauses in this sentence. "To err" and "to forgive" are infinitives functioning as subjects here.
## Footnote
Inifinitives almost ALWAYS have the word "to" in front of them.
45
How does the SAT present infinitive-gerund errors in sentence correction?
SAT infinitive-gerund errors are presented as an either/or situation.
They give you a sentence with an infinitive, but a gerund form is better, and vice versa.
46
Does this sentence have an infinitive gerund error?
With good reason, students at all levels are forbidden to gamble.
The gerund phrase "from gambling" should change to "to gamble."
47
Does this sentence have an infinitive gerund error?
## Footnote
Penelope likes playing soccer with boys more than with girls.
"Playing soccer" or "to play soccer" is correct in either form.
48
Does this sentence have an infinitive gerund error?
## Footnote
Attemping cheating on my exam would be foolish.
"Attempting to cheat" is correct here.
49
What's the best process for identifying infinitive gerund errors on SAT sentence correction?
* Identify the underlined word as infinitive or gerund
* Try the other form
* Trust your gut
It should sound better to your ear one way or the other, but remember sometimes it's fine both ways.
50
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Ms. Darling, placed the "reward jar" high (a) _upon_ a shelf (b) _in order_ to prevent children (c) _to sneak_ candy and stickers when (d) _she_ wasn't looking. (e) _no error_
(C) infinitive/gerund error - "from sneaking"
## Footnote
(a) "upon" can't be "up on" here.
(b) "in order" is also a passable idiom.
(d) "she" refers to Ms. Darling.
51
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
(a) _When_ Eva, Ed, and Vicky (b) _finished_ the project, they wanted (c) _marking_ the occasion with an (d) _agreeable_ dinner and champagne. (e) _no error_
(c) infinitive gerund - "to mark"
## Footnote
(a) "When" properly subordinates the clause.
(b) "finished" matches with "wanted".
(d) "agreeable" properly modifies "dinner".
52
What part of speech produces unexpectedly difficult questions on SAT sentence correction?
Pronouns
## Footnote
Pronouns require careful analysis and are small enough to not draw attention to themselves while scanning the sentence.
53
What are the four types of errors related to pronouns on the SAT sentence correction?
Pronouns errors can be:
* wrong number
* wrong case
* shift
* ambiguous
54
In SAT sentence correction, what is the key to analyzing whether a pronoun is wrong or right?
The key is finding the antecedent of the pronoun.
## Footnote
Antecedent refers to the noun that has been replaced by the pronoun.
"Antecedent" means the "thing that came before."
55
What word does the pronoun replace in this sentence?
## Footnote
The commercial building needed extensive renovation, before it could pass code.
"It" takes the place of "building" in the sentence.
56
Find the pronoun error in the following sentence.
## Footnote
A mid-level career diplomat serving in a U. S. embassy or consulate must dispatch their duties efficiently and with discretion.
"Their" is the only pronoun, but since "diplomat" is its antecedent it needs to be replaced with "his or her".
Since this is a common error in speech, the ear shouldn't be trusted.
It's easier to find these errors when you are told to look for them. On the test, remember, this will be one of four distractors and the dreaded "no error."
57
Find the antecedent to identify if the pronouns are correct in the following sentences.
(a) The band set up their gear and began the concert while the audience took its seats.
(b) The members of the team barely got a chance to practice with its new equipment.
(a) "Band" is antecedent for "their", but band is a collective, so it's singular and takes "its".
(b) "members" is the antecedent for "its" here, which should be "their."
58
How does SAT sentence correction hide pronoun case errors?
Rich and him are going to the store right now.
Most pronoun case errors are hidden within compound subjects or objects.
## Footnote
Rich and he are going to the store right now.
59
What's the best way to identify pronoun case errors in compounds?
(a) Aunt Margaret invites my sister and I to dinner every Tuesday night.
(b) Besides having nothing to do, Sally and me really weren't getting along well.
Read the phrase eliminating the other noun in the compound.
## Footnote
(a) Aunt Margaret invites **me** to dinner every Tuesday night.
(b) Besides having nothing to do, **I** really [wasn't] getting along well.
60
Why are certain pronoun case forms really difficult on SAT sentence correction?
The impatient teacher, misinterpreting the boy's lisp as a joke, grew annoyed at him reading the selection aloud to the tittering class.
Almost all student's ear training is wrong on some forms. There's always the temptation to select "no error."
The impatient teacher, misinterpreting the boy's lisp as a joke, grew annoyed at **his** reading the selection aloud to the tittering class.
For these, you have to remember the way they look for the test.
61
Which pronoun error on SAT sentence correction requires you to check other pronouns as well as antecedents?
Pronoun shift
## Footnote
Pronoun shift errors occur when one pronoun is used in one part of the sentence, but another is used elsewhere.
62
What flags a pronoun shift error in SAT sentence correction?
(a) If someone wants to find me, they can reach me on my cell.
(b) If one wants to do well on the SAT sentence correction, he or she should study for knowledge and practice good process.
The word "one" indicates strongly the chance that a pronoun shift is happening in the sentence.
Writers used the indefinite pronoun "one", but then they find it sounds stupid to continue. So, again, ear training is against finding this error.
63
Find the errors in the following sentences.
## Footnote
(a) If someone wants to find me, they can reach me on my cell.
(b) If one wants to do well on the SAT sentence correction, he or she should study for knowledge and practice good process.
(a) "they" can't be correctly used as a pronoun for "someone".
(b) "he or she" is a shift from the pronoun "one".
In both cases, these errors are commonly used both in speech and writing. Don't trust your gut here. Learn the flags and beat the test!
64
What pronoun error on SAT sentence correction cannot be recognized by finding the antecedent?
Pronoun ambiguous error
## Footnote
This error cannot be recogninzed by finding the antecedent, but by recognizing that there is more than one possible antecedent.
If you go too quickly in this check you just might find one and not the other.
65
What flags indicate that you should check for pronoun ambiguity in the following sentence?
(a) Tensions between Israel and Iran eased, when it opened a new policy of engagement.
(b) Lorena didn't recognize her cousin Stacey at the mall, because she had on sunglasses while she shopped.
(a) "Israel" and "Iran"
(b) "Lorena" and "Stacey"
Two nouns that would take the same pronoun.
Look for two countries, two men, two women, then ask "Could this pronoun be either?" Notice this as you skim. Ask this question before you eliminate the pronoun error as a possibility.
66
Find the error in this sentence:
## Footnote
I (a) _was hoping_ that the Cranfords (b) _would offer_ to take (c) _Camille and I_ on (d) _their_ trip to Fort Lauderdale this spring. (e) _no error_
(c) pronoun case - "Camille and me"
## Footnote
If you miss this kind of error, put your thumb over the first part of the compound and read it.
(a) "was hoping" is a proper form for a past continuous action.
(b) "would offer" matches with "was hoping".
(d) "their" refers to the Cranfords.
67
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
The building that (a) _housed_ the administrative offices (b) _was renovated_, and only the security (c) _staff_ remained (d) _in them_ during that time. (e) _no error_
(d) pronoun number error - "in it"
## Footnote
(a) "housed" is an unusual but correct verb here.
(b) "was renovated" agrees with the subject "building" and is a good use of passive voice, since it makes no difference to the sentence who is doing the renovating.
(c) "staff" is also an usual meaning here, but is correct.
68
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
When one is (a) _traveling_ to a foreign country, it behooves (b) _you to learn_ something of the language and local (c) _culture_ before (d) _arriving_. (e) _no error_
(b) pronoun shift - "one" to "learn"
## Footnote
(a) "traveling" completes the present continuous and it's cool.
(c) "culture" could be replaced with "customs" in this context depending upon the meaning around this sentence.
(d) "arriving" is preferred to "to arrive".
69
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Harold and Kumar (a) _looked_ all over the apartment for (b) _his_ _missing_ car keys, which they found (c) _encased_ in a gelatin (d) _dessert_ in the fridge. (e) _no error_
(b) pronoun ambiguous - whose keys are they
## Footnote
(a) "looked" matches tense with "encased".
(c) "encases" matches tense with "looked".
(d) "dessert" / desert wrong word, but it's right here.
70
Look for the pronoun error in this sentence.
## Footnote
After the fire in the garment district that killed over fifty workers, along with indicting those responsible for it, they began to revise the safety codes at all production plants throughout the state.
If you said "they", you're right.
## Footnote
If you just try to establish the antecedents in the sentence, you find "it" stands for "fire", but "they" doesn't really have a word to connect back to it. It's the other kind of ambiguous.
71
What are the flags related to pronouns that should be memorized so that you can recognize errors during first read?
Pronoun flags:
* **compounds** (she and I)
* **One** (will probably shift)
* **Two people or things** (for ambiguous)
* **They** (no antecedent)
72
Which word in the following sentence is being mistaken for another word?
With so much at stake, she felt she had to except the terms.
"Except" is wrong; "accept" is the word needed.
73
How should you prepare for the wrong word errors on the SAT sentence correction?
You should be proactive and study the list of most common wrong words.
Each word from the list is a flag to indicate a check is needed for wrong words.
You'll find these in a deck with irregular verbs and other flags.
74
What's the best process for catching wrong words as you check for errors on SAT sentence correction?
The process is:
* Scan the sentence, checking for **flags** from the wrong word list.
* **Recall** the other word that it is often confused with and **compare** meanings.
* Don't eliminate until you think about whether the word you're checking might have a sound similar pair.
75
Find the wrong word in the following sentence.
## Footnote
The student didn't think his low grade on the project would effect his overall mark that much.
"Effect" is wrong here; "affect" is the correct word.
## Footnote
"Effect" is almost always used as a noun; "affect" is almost always used as a verb, and the exceptions are NOT tested on the SAT.
(For more practice: Look for deck on SAT Irregular, Verbs, Wrong Word, and Flags.)
76
What is a number agreement error on SAT sentence correction?
(a) The venue only allowed entrance for students with a valid ID.
(b) Several United Nations' diplomats presented an amendment to the language of the resolutions before the body.
Number agreement errors are incongruities in the way related nouns are singular and plural within a sentence.
(a) "Students with a valid ID" creates the impression that a number of students can share one ID.
(b) "Diplomats presented an amendment...of the resolutions" means one amendment was made by many for many.
77
What is the key to finding number agreement errors quickly on the SAT?
The policeman checked the _dogs_ and found that they were wearing a _collar_.
The key to finding number agreement errors is to identify the part of speech.
Nouns can have number agreement problems, faulty comparisons, and wrong word errors. If you recogninze it's a noun, checklist these errors.
(Number agreement is differentiated from subject verb agreement which is a verb error.)
78
Find the number agreement error in the following sentence.
## Footnote
Ads that market alcohol to economically depressed areas are both a detriment and an eyesore to the community.
"Detriment" and "eyesore" are not in agreement with "Ads".
## Footnote
Hard to spot until you practice this skill, but once you know to look and the underline guides you, you can get these.
79
Find the number agreement error among the underlined parts of the following sentence.
The coach _wanted_ a list of students who had _a car_ and were willing to drive people to the game in the neighboring town _to be_ given to his _secretary_. _No error_.
"a car" should be "cars" because otherwise it means students share one car
80
What is a comparison error on SAT sentence correction?
## Footnote
I liked much better the way Coach Riley set up his dribbling drills than Coach Morgan.
Comparison errors on the SAT compare things that are not alike.
## Footnote
You can't compare Coach Riley's way to Coach Morgan. That's comparing a way to a man. You can compare the men or the ways.
81
What is the key to predicting a comparison error on SAT sentence correction?
The key to comparison errors is recognizing the flags for comparisons "like, as or than", and the part of speech of the underlined word.
Very few things go wrong with nouns.
82
Find the comparison errors in the following sentences?
## Footnote
(a) Attempting to make amends for some past indiscretion is sometimes easier than to forget about it.
(b) Americans can probably more easily recall the name of a celebrity than an important inventor.
(a) "Attempting to make amends" is not quite the same as "to forget"; it needs to be "attempting to forget."
(b) "the name of a celebrity" is compared to "an important inventor"; should be "that of an important inventor."
83
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
The referee (a) _reminded_ both teams to wear (b) _their helmet_ at all times on the field (c) _of play_ or suffer loss of (d) _yardage_. (e) _no error_
(b) number agreement - "their helmets"
## Footnote
(a) "reminded" is fine. It could be changed to present tense but doesn't need to be.
(c) "of play" completes the idiom "field of play" and is correct.
(d) "yardage" is the correct term within the game of American football.
84
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
The (a) _electronic_ features on the new American hybrid cars (b) _are much more_ advanced (c) _than_ (d) _the top-selling imports_. (e) _no error_
(d) comparison error - "features" is compared to "imports", should be"those of the top-selling import"
## Footnote
(a) "electronic" modifies "features".
(b) "are" doesn't need to change tense and agrees with the subject "features".
(c) "than" is a wrong word candidate with "then", but is the correct form.
85
What are the two kinds of adjective adverb errors on SAT sentence correction?
Two kinds of adjective-adverb errors:
* Using an adjective as an adverb
* Using an adjective in wrong degree
86
How should you go about finding and checking for adjective/adverb errors on the SAT sentence correction?
The process for confidently finding adjective/adverb errors:
* Identify the part of speech.
* Check the other form. (Add or take away the -ly ending)
* Ask "What is this word modifying?" (Adjectives only modify nouns.)
* Trust your gut.
87
Find the adjectives that need to take an -ly ending because they should be adverbs.
## Footnote
(a) The grinch's grin converted to a monstrous horrible smile.
(b) When he saw the car bearing down on him, he got out of the way quick.
(a) "monstrously" because it intensifies "horrible", which is an adjective.
(b) "quickly", because it modifies how "he got out of the way".
88
What does the degree of an adjective mean?
It means comparitive and superlative.
## Footnote
Like *tall, taller,* and *tallest.*
You probably remember that *taller* is used in comparing two people or things, while *tallest* should only be used for comparisons of three or more people or things.
89
What is the key to finding the errors in the following sentences.
## Footnote
(a) Unlike most critics who read Austen Wiley's first two books to date, I liked his first best.
(b) Of the social insects, a group including bees, ants, and some species of spiders, the leaf-cutting ant probably shows the greater collective intelligence.
It's all about the numbers.
(a) compares two books, so it can only be "better" not "best".
(b) compares a group of at least three, so doesn't show the "greater" but the "greatest" intelligence
90
Find the adjective errors in the following sentences?
## Footnote
(a) Of the Axis powers, Italy was certainly the weaker partner in the pan-global war machine.
(b) He didn't succeed, because he wasn't committed, was slow at development, but, more importantly, his product idea wasn't good.
(a) "weaker" is incorrect, because the Axis powers included Germany and Japan.
(b) "more" is incorrect, because there were three reasons that he didn't succeed.
91
What are the flags predicting an adjective/adverb error on SAT sentence correction?
The adjective/adverb error flags are:
* Stacked adjectives (two in a row)
* -er, -est endings
* more and most
* adjectives next to verbs
92
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Frederick had an (a) _unusual_ (b) _slow_ style of speech, and most people (c) _anticipated_ his (d) _intended_ meaning several seconds ahead of him. (e) _no error_
(a) adjective/adverb - "unusually"
## Footnote
(b) "slow" is an adjective modifying style.
(c) "anticipated" matches the tense of "had".
(d) "intended" is a pariciple used as an adjective here.
93
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
(a) _Practicing_ for the winter bi-athlon, Lewis (b) _did best_ at the cross-country skiing, though he needed (c) _desperately_ to improve (d) _at shooting_. (e) _no error_
(b) adjective degree - "did better"
## Footnote
(a) "Practicing" properly starts a participle phrase modifying the subject, "Lewis".
(c) "desperately" is a proper adverb, modifying "needed".
(d) "at shooting" is preferred over "to shoot".
94
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Peggy (a) _took_ the (b) _elixir_ of Lily-of-the-Valley water, and her health improved (c) _gradual_ until she was (d) _well_ again. (e) _no error_
(c) adjective/adverb - "gradually" modifies "improved"
## Footnote
(a) "took" matches tense with "was".
(b) "elixir" seems like a wrong word, but isn't.
(d) "well" is preferred to "good" here.
95
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Sir Gawain (a) _faces_ the Green Knight in (b) _mortal_ combat, and (c) _painful_ suffers a (d) _laceration_ to his neck. (e) _no error_
(c) adjective/adverb - "painfully" modifies the verb "suffers"
## Footnote
(a) "faces" matches tense with "suffers".
(b) "mortal" is an adjective modifying "combat".
(d) "laceration" could be a wrong word, but it isn't.
96
What is a double negative error on SAT sentence correction?
A double negative means language that, as phrased, means the opposite of the intended meaning. As in math, two minuses equal a plus.
My history teacher doesn't know nothing about U. S. history.
97
What's the best process for confidently catching double negative errors on the SAT?
The best process for finding double negative is memorizing the flags.
As you scan the sentence at the beginning you should spot flags immediately.
98
What are the three flags that indicate the SAT is trying to hide a double negative error?
The three most common double-negative flags on the SAT are:
* barely
* scarcely
* hardly
As you are reading the sentence for the first time, if you see any of these words, immediately look for this error.
99
Find the double negatives in the following sentences.
## Footnote
(a) The team did well considering it had barely no practice time.
(b) Without scarcely any breath in his body, he belly-crawled into the pantry out of harm's way.
(c) I don't know how he plays trumpet so well, he hardly never practices.
(a) "barely no" needs to be "barely any".
(b) "Without scarcely" is wrong too.
(c) "hardly never" is also wrong.
100
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
Sgt. Yaeger had barely (a) _no_ malice in his heart for Lt. Koster, only pity, (b) _but_ the enlisted man still thought (c) _he_ should be (d) _relieved_ of his command. (e) _no error_
(a) double negative - "barely any"
## Footnote
(b) "but" properly coordinates the two clauses.
(c) "he" could only be the officer, Lt. Koster, since it's "his" command.
(d) "relieved" is a proper passive voice here, since it doesn't matter who "relieves" the Lieutenant.
101
Find the error in this sentence.
## Footnote
During the Pearl Harbor attack, "Dorie" Miller had (a) _scarcely_ any time to think, (b) _when_ he (c) _took over_ a machine gun battery on the (d) _disabled_ ship and fired upon enemy planes until out of ammunition. (e) _no error_
(e) no error
## Footnote
(a) "scarcely" is definitely on the flag list, but "scarcely any" is correct.
(b) "when" properly subordinates the clause.
(c) "took over" is a proper idiom.
(d) "disabled" properly modifies "ship".
Remember, once you've identified an error, by name, you don't need to look at the others to make sure they are right. That's a confidence error, and wastes so much time.
102
When doing SAT sentence correction, how should you approach each sentence?
Follow this overall process for sentence correction.
* **Read for the error to jump out at you**, or you find you've corrected it as you read.
* Recognize **flags** that indicate specialized errors
* Check errors related to flags
* Grid the error OR
* Search and checklist each underline to eliminate
* Eliminate all four and choose "no error" OR
* Guess if you can eliminate any, even if not all, choices
