Identifying No Error Questions - PSAT Writing
Card 1 of 412
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A born performer, Maria would much rather sing and dance on stage all day than work in her isolated cubicle. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A born performer, Maria would much rather sing and dance on stage all day than work in her isolated cubicle. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “A born performer” is a correctly placed phrase modifying “Maria,” “would” is appropriate use of the conditional voice, “on stage” is the correct idiom, and “than work in her isolated cubicle” is a correctly-formed comparison.
This sentence is correct as written! “A born performer” is a correctly placed phrase modifying “Maria,” “would” is appropriate use of the conditional voice, “on stage” is the correct idiom, and “than work in her isolated cubicle” is a correctly-formed comparison.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Though not Oscar-worthy fare, the silly comedy about a simian baseball player managed to make me and him laugh.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Though not Oscar-worthy fare, the silly comedy about a simian baseball player managed to make me and him laugh.
Tap to reveal answer
Young children often misuse "me" as the subject of a sentence ("Can me and Timmy watch a movie?"); however, sometimes we can be corrected for making this mistake so many times that we grow to fear using the word "me" at all—even when it's properly the object of a clause! In this sentence, the phrase "make me and him laugh" may sound funny, but it correct. "Comedy" is the subject, "make . . . laugh" the verbal phrase, and "me and him" is the object, so we use the object forms of the pronouns.
Young children often misuse "me" as the subject of a sentence ("Can me and Timmy watch a movie?"); however, sometimes we can be corrected for making this mistake so many times that we grow to fear using the word "me" at all—even when it's properly the object of a clause! In this sentence, the phrase "make me and him laugh" may sound funny, but it correct. "Comedy" is the subject, "make . . . laugh" the verbal phrase, and "me and him" is the object, so we use the object forms of the pronouns.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Performers are starting to move their art outdoors; they seek to engage a new audience by bringing theater to the sidewalks and public parks. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Performers are starting to move their art outdoors; they seek to engage a new audience by bringing theater to the sidewalks and public parks. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! The progressive tense works for “are starting,” “they” agrees with “performers,” “by bringing” is a correctly phrased transition, and “and” is the logical conjunction.
This sentence is correct as written! The progressive tense works for “are starting,” “they” agrees with “performers,” “by bringing” is a correctly phrased transition, and “and” is the logical conjunction.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The agency’s response was swift and thorough: all agents were immediately removed from the field and told not to disclose any details of the incident. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The agency’s response was swift and thorough: all agents were immediately removed from the field and told not to disclose any details of the incident. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Agency’s response” is a correctly-formed possessive, “swift and thorough” are two adjectives coordinated correctly, “immediately” is an adverb that modifies a verb, and “told” is a verb in the correct tense.
This sentence is correct as written! “Agency’s response” is a correctly-formed possessive, “swift and thorough” are two adjectives coordinated correctly, “immediately” is an adverb that modifies a verb, and “told” is a verb in the correct tense.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As globalizing forces reach out to remote corners of the globe, some worry that we will become a homogenous universal culture. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As globalizing forces reach out to remote corners of the globe, some worry that we will become a homogenous universal culture. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Globalizing” can be used as an adjective, “reach out to” uses the correct prepositions following the verb, “some” is an appropriate pronoun, and “will become” correctly uses future tense.
This sentence is correct as written! “Globalizing” can be used as an adjective, “reach out to” uses the correct prepositions following the verb, “some” is an appropriate pronoun, and “will become” correctly uses future tense.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The first landing of a man on the moon, a feat that many people considered impossible, was a historical highlight of the 1960s. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The first landing of a man on the moon, a feat that many people considered impossible, was a historical highlight of the 1960s. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “First landing” is an appropriate adjective-noun combination, “that” is the correct relative pronoun, “considered impossible” is an appropriate verb-adjective combination, and “historical” is an adjective that correctly modifies a noun.
This sentence is correct as written! “First landing” is an appropriate adjective-noun combination, “that” is the correct relative pronoun, “considered impossible” is an appropriate verb-adjective combination, and “historical” is an adjective that correctly modifies a noun.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The movement to build a community garden in the empty lot was slowly gaining momentum, and Mrs. Higgins was already excitedly asking nurseries to donate plants. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The movement to build a community garden in the empty lot was slowly gaining momentum, and Mrs. Higgins was already excitedly asking nurseries to donate plants. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! The verb “to build” is correct in the infinitive, “in the empty lot” is an appropriate prepositional phrase, “was” is a verb in the correct tense, and “excitedly” is an adverb that modifies a verb.
This sentence is correct as written! The verb “to build” is correct in the infinitive, “in the empty lot” is an appropriate prepositional phrase, “was” is a verb in the correct tense, and “excitedly” is an adverb that modifies a verb.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite the odd smell and the suspicious noise it made when I turned left too quickly, the old car served its basic function of traveling down the road. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite the odd smell and the suspicious noise it made when I turned left too quickly, the old car served its basic function of traveling down the road. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Despite” works with the logic of the sentence, “and the suspicious noise” is grammatically parallel to “odd smell,” “when” introduces the dependent clause appropriately, and “served” is in the correct tense.
This sentence is correct as written! “Despite” works with the logic of the sentence, “and the suspicious noise” is grammatically parallel to “odd smell,” “when” introduces the dependent clause appropriately, and “served” is in the correct tense.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The bright red of a matador’s cape does not incite bulls to charge; cattle do not perceive red as a bright color. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The bright red of a matador’s cape does not incite bulls to charge; cattle do not perceive red as a bright color. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Bright red” works here as a noun, “does not incite” is a verb that matches its subject, “perceive” is a verb that is correctly formed, and “as a bright color” is an appropriate prepositional phrase.
This sentence is correct as written! “Bright red” works here as a noun, “does not incite” is a verb that matches its subject, “perceive” is a verb that is correctly formed, and “as a bright color” is an appropriate prepositional phrase.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The general blatantly ignored the lessons of history and commanded his army to invade Russia in the winter. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The general blatantly ignored the lessons of history and commanded his army to invade Russia in the winter. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Blatantly” is an adverb that modifies a verb, “and commanded” uses parallel structure, “to invade” is correct as an infinitive, and “in the winter” is a correctly formed prepositional phrase.
This sentence is correct as written! “Blatantly” is an adverb that modifies a verb, “and commanded” uses parallel structure, “to invade” is correct as an infinitive, and “in the winter” is a correctly formed prepositional phrase.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The stores filled with chocolates and hearts as Valentine’s Day approached, but Dave scoffed at the trite romantic commercialism. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The stores filled with chocolates and hearts as Valentine’s Day approached, but Dave scoffed at the trite romantic commercialism. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Filled with” uses the right preposition after the verb, “as” starts off an adverbial phrase correctly, “but” is the right conjunction for the logic of the sentence, and “romantic commercialism” is a correct adjective-noun combination.
This sentence is correct as written! “Filled with” uses the right preposition after the verb, “as” starts off an adverbial phrase correctly, “but” is the right conjunction for the logic of the sentence, and “romantic commercialism” is a correct adjective-noun combination.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The music lilted over the hills, creating a lovely soundtrack to the townspeople’s day. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The music lilted over the hills, creating a lovely soundtrack to the townspeople’s day. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written. “Music” and “lilted” agree, “creating” is the correct way to start a gerund phrase, “lovely” is an adjective that modifies a noun, and “townspeople’s day” uses apostrophes correctly.
This sentence is correct as written. “Music” and “lilted” agree, “creating” is the correct way to start a gerund phrase, “lovely” is an adjective that modifies a noun, and “townspeople’s day” uses apostrophes correctly.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Bicycles need regular maintenance to keep them performing well. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Bicycles need regular maintenance to keep them performing well. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written. “Need” is a verb that agrees with its plural subject, “regular” is an adjective that modifies a noun, “them” is a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent, and “performing well” is an appropriate verb-adverb combination.
This sentence is correct as written. “Need” is a verb that agrees with its plural subject, “regular” is an adjective that modifies a noun, “them” is a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent, and “performing well” is an appropriate verb-adverb combination.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Fueled by a grim determination, Jonathan pushed the wheelbarrow full of bricks up to the top of the last hill. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Fueled by a grim determination, Jonathan pushed the wheelbarrow full of bricks up to the top of the last hill. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Fueled by” is the correct verb-preposition combination, “grim” is an adjective modifying a noun, “Jonathan pushed” has a verb in the right tense and person, and “the last hill” is an appropriate adjective-noun combination.
This sentence is correct as written! “Fueled by” is the correct verb-preposition combination, “grim” is an adjective modifying a noun, “Jonathan pushed” has a verb in the right tense and person, and “the last hill” is an appropriate adjective-noun combination.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Though the soup’s flavor is best when cremini mushrooms are used, it is possible to substitute white button mushrooms. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Though the soup’s flavor is best when cremini mushrooms are used, it is possible to substitute white button mushrooms. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Soup’s flavor” is an appropriate use of an apostrophe, “when” is the appropriate opener for an adverbial phrase, the comma in “used, it” is correct, and the form of the verb in “to substitute” is also correct.
This sentence is correct as written! “Soup’s flavor” is an appropriate use of an apostrophe, “when” is the appropriate opener for an adverbial phrase, the comma in “used, it” is correct, and the form of the verb in “to substitute” is also correct.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Chewing furiously, Moe tried to break up a stubborn chunk of venison. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Chewing furiously, Moe tried to break up a stubborn chunk of venison. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Chewing furiously” is a phrase modifying the subject, “tried to” has the correct preposition following the verb, “stubborn” is an adjective modifying a noun, and “of venison” is an appropriately formed prepositional phrase.
This sentence is correct as written! “Chewing furiously” is a phrase modifying the subject, “tried to” has the correct preposition following the verb, “stubborn” is an adjective modifying a noun, and “of venison” is an appropriately formed prepositional phrase.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
On the genetic level, the difference between a dung beetle and a rhinoceros is quite small. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
On the genetic level, the difference between a dung beetle and a rhinoceros is quite small. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! “Genetic” is an adjective that modifies a noun, “and” is the appropriate conjunction, “is” is a verb that is in the right tense and matches its subject, and “quite small” is a correct adverb-adjective combination.
This sentence is correct as written! “Genetic” is an adjective that modifies a noun, “and” is the appropriate conjunction, “is” is a verb that is in the right tense and matches its subject, and “quite small” is a correct adverb-adjective combination.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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 rare but not unheard of for goats to start chasing wild turkeys. No error.
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 rare but not unheard of for goats to start chasing wild turkeys. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! "It is" is an appropriate pronoun-verb combination, "rare" is an adjective describing an idea, "but not unheard of" is an appropriately used idiom, and "start chasing" is the correct conjugation of the verb.
This sentence is correct as written! "It is" is an appropriate pronoun-verb combination, "rare" is an adjective describing an idea, "but not unheard of" is an appropriately used idiom, and "start chasing" is the correct conjugation of the verb.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As to the astonishing amount of radishes piled on her front porch, Mrs. Lawton was flabbergasted. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As to the astonishing amount of radishes piled on her front porch, Mrs. Lawton was flabbergasted. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! "As to" is an appropriate transition to introduce a new topic, "piled" is the correct form of the verb, "her" is a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent, and "was flabbergasted" is an appropriate verb-adjective combination.
This sentence is correct as written! "As to" is an appropriate transition to introduce a new topic, "piled" is the correct form of the verb, "her" is a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent, and "was flabbergasted" is an appropriate verb-adjective combination.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The professor was certain that her research would provoke controversy and heated discussion throughout the academic community. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The professor was certain that her research would provoke controversy and heated discussion throughout the academic community. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence is correct as written! "Was certain" has a verb that agrees with its noun and an adjective that modifies that noun, "her" is a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent, "would provoke" is a verb in the correct tense, and "throughout the academic community" is a correctly-formed prepositional phrase.
This sentence is correct as written! "Was certain" has a verb that agrees with its noun and an adjective that modifies that noun, "her" is a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent, "would provoke" is a verb in the correct tense, and "throughout the academic community" is a correctly-formed prepositional phrase.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →