question

verb tenses must agree in parallel

answer

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question

tapping does not need into after it

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question

pay attention to the noun, NOT adjective, when answering questions that ask for the preposition following a verb

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question

How do I find the purpose of a paragraph?

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question

If two separate sentences support the same point but lack a word that ties them together, combine the sentence or add a word that links them

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...

question

Do not switch out a simpler word for more information in the passive voice**UNSURE

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question

Subject _____ than (another subject that relates to original subject). Ex: The Amazon river carries more water than any other river in the world.

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...

question

because vs. due to

answer

Because defines causes, where as due to defines results from a DEBT

question

To say "My lunch was satisfactory is *complimentary, to say* "My lunch was adequate" is not. A) complimentary, to say B) complementary, to say C) complementary, however, to say D) complimentary, but to say E) complementary to saying

answer

complimentary vs. complementary Remember this mnemonic: I gave you a compliment about your IRISES. The "nice thing" version of "compliment" has an "I" in it complimentary - expressing a comment, praising or approving complementary - combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another A) comma splice B) wrong c word C) wrong c word D) NOT WRONG bc no comma splice and correct c word E) wrong c word

question

To say "My lunch was satisfactory" is complimentary, to say "My lunch was adequate" is not. = comma splice?

answer

Yes bc "not" has a subject

question

Everybody *but* him has paid *their* dues; we *must seek* ways to make him understand the *need for* prompt payment.

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Everybody is a singular pronoun. their --> his or her

question

[12] All it took was the desire to lift oneself up and some good honest work. [13] Millions succeeded on account of the American belief to honor and support the underdog in all its efforts. [14] The underdog does against all odds and defeats the stronger opponent with hope.

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Changing 13 to "honoring and supporting underdogs is a firmly held value in America, and it led to the success of underdogs" shifts the focus of the paragraph. --> on questions that ask for transition sentence revisions, make sure the revision keeps to the original focus

question

Gerunds (verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns) take the possessive pronoun

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...

question

which vs. that

answer

WHICH - requires commas around adjective clauses & introduces non-essential info to the sentence. THAT - does not use commas & does not separate info bc it is essential to the meaning of the sentence

question

Manhattan's jewelry is cooler than *Europe's*.

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okay comparison bc "that of Europe" = "Europe's"

question

Many of the innovations in the early compositions of Charles *Ives were adaptations of musical experiments performed by his father, particularly that of polytonality.* B) Ives, and in particular polytonality, was an adaptation of musical experiments performed by his father. C) Ives being adapted, and polytonality in particular, from musical experiments performed by his father D) Ives, these were adaptations of musical experiments performed by his father, particularly that of polytonality E) Ives, particularly polytonality, were adaptations of musical experiments performed by his father

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E - polytonality belongs to Charles, not his father so it must follow right after Charles' musical experiments

question

The president *has designated* Senator Frank *as* one of the Congressmen who *are going* to attend the conference *on* nuclear waste disposal.

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E - no error. "the Congressmen" is plural so "are going to" is correct.

question

Fifty years ago, movies *on* biblical themes, *far from being* the *more* controversial Hollywood offerings, *were among* the least.

answer

you cannot compare more to least --> change MORE to MOST

question

The annual guest lecture, originally *scheduled for* fall semester, is *liable* (*to be postponed*) until spring because of the visiting lecturer's *extended* illness.

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EVIL TWINS. errors in diction are possible on error ID. liable (responsible by law; legally answerable) --> likely

question

In the nineteenth century, photography was a *window on* the world for curious members of the public, *few of whom* (*could ever hope*) to visit exotic lands in person.

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E - sentence correct. you use "in the world" when talking all inclusively about something or there is a superlative in the sentence (highest, nicest). you use "on the world" in the phrase "a window on the world" or to talk about a specific world. C is OKAY bc use whom when saying many or few of _____.

question

To improve the coherence of paragraph 2, which of the following is the best sentence to delete from the essay? [4] One important development was the invention of communication satellites which allow images and messages to be sent wirelessly around the world. [5] One advantage is that current events can be sent worldwide in seconds. [6] News used to travel by boat and take weeks or months to get overseas. [7] When a disaster struck the World Trade Center, the world saw it immediately and condemned the terrorists' actions.

answer

6 bc 5 makes a broad statement and 7 gives an example for that broad statement.

question

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined sections of sentences 1 and 2 (below), so that the two sentences are combined into one? From the colonial times until today, *the appeal of the underdog has retained a hold on Americans. It is a familiar sight today to see someone rooting for the underdog* while watching a sports event on television. A) the appeal of the underdog has retained a hold on Americans, and it is a familiar sight today to see underdogs being the one rooted for B) the appeal of the underdog has retained a hold on Americans, but it is a familiar sight today to see someone rooting for the underdog C) the underdog has retained a hold on Americas, who commonly root for the underdog, for example, D) the underdog has retained a hold on Americans, commonly rooting for the underdog E) the underdog's appeal has retained a hold on Americans, for example, they commonly root for the underdog

answer

A) wrong bc *underdogs is plural* so the sentence should read "the ones" instead of "the one" C) for example does not automatically mean I need a new sentence --> won't automatically create a comma splice D) noun, ___ verb --> must have "who" in the blank spot

question

*In the aftermath* of the space shuttle Challenger explosion, *where* seven crew members *were killed*, the NASA program underwent a *massive examination* of priorities.

answer

noun clauses - group of words that functions as a single noun. to modify explosion, you change where to in which. If something is happening at a certain event, use "in which"

question

Neither the midlife career change applicant *nor* the young, inexperienced applicant *are finding it* easy *to begin* a career in data processing *because of* a shortage of job openings.

answer

in neither ___ nor ___ construction, the second blank determines the verb --> need a singular verb. "are finding it" --> "is finding it"

question

The *ancient concept* that *states that* the sun *revolves around* Earth *is questioned by* Copernicus in the sixteenth century.

answer

to make passive verbs agree in tense, you look at the context. "is questioned by" --> "was questioned by"

question

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined segment of sentence 5 below? Although many artists of the 1970s used this method as well, *their issues were not as severe that banning their album was possible.* A) the issues were less severe than those which caused banning their album to be possible. B) their issues were not as sever that their albums were in danger of being banned. C) they never raised issues that could have caused their albums to be banned. D) the issues they raised were not serious enough that banning their album was a possibility. E) they raised less serious issues and banning their albums was not likely.

answer

C. awkward phrasing if after an although clause, you don't follow with the subject of the although clause.

question

B) Obscene language is common in the songs of heavy metal and rap groups. C) Certain heavy metal and rap groups use foul and obscene language.

answer

B bc C uses redundant langauge

question

you can begin a sentence with but

answer

...

question

*There is* (*probably no*) story *more dramatic* (*than baseball's*) great hitter and right fielder Hank Aaron.

answer

D - change to "than the story of baseball's" bc can't compare stories to baseball.

question

In context, which of the following is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? *In royal places there were to be found many comforts that medieval castles did not offer. These had dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters instead.* A) Because medieval castles had dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters, royal palaces offered many more comforts than could be found there. B) Lacking many comforts compared to royal palaces, medieval castles instead offered dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters. C) While medieval castles offered only dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters, many comforts were to be found in royal palaces. D) Unlike medieval castles, royal palaces offered many comforts not found in dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters. E) With their dark dungeons and damp, drafty living quarters, medieval castles offered few of the comforts to be found in royal palaces.

answer

focus on errors A) there is ambiguous B) wrong bc "instead" implies the crappy conditions are an alternative C) wrong bc "only" implies crappy conditions are the sole things castles offer which is not in original sentence D) doesn't tie medieval castles and damp, drafty living quarters together E) correct :)

question

Acquaintances of Alexei have commented that he is at once annoying because of his unpredictability *but his imagination is still a delight*. B) although he is delightfully imaginative C) and he is delightful in his imagination too D) while being imaginative and they are delighted E) and delightful because of his imagination

answer

"at once" brings together two contrasting traits. E) correct bc annoying and delightful are contrasting. also agrees with parallel structure.

question

"workers that"

answer

you can't refer to human beings as "that" - only as "who" or "whom!"

question

*Acupuncture has been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions, studies* have repeatedly endorsed its usefulness. A) Acupuncture has been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions, studies B) Although acupuncture having been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions, studies C) Acupuncture has been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions, and studies D) Due to the fact that acupuncture has been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions, studies E) Because acupuncture has been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions is the reason why studies

answer

A) comma splice B) studies endorsing acupuncture's usefulness & acupuncture being useful are not in contrast C) NOT wrong bc "and" gets rid of comma splice D) wrong bc studies do not endorse acupuncture BECAUSE it is widely used; studies are an objective measure E) studies are independent measures

question

*Although* many people are *unfamiliar with* the web site, *it is* well known to shoppers *desirous for* comparing prices before they make purchases online.

answer

idiomatic expression: "desirous of X" --> desirous for comparing prices --> desirous of comparing prices

question

To improve the unity of the first paragraph, which of the following is the best sentence to delete? A) Sentence 1 B) Sentence 2 C) Sentence 3 D) Sentence 4 E) Sentence 5 *see back for passage*

answer

[1] Although some people believe that certain celebrations have no point, celebrations are one of the few things that all people have in common. [2] They take place everywhere. [3] Listing all of them would be an impossible task. [4] People of all kinds look forward to celebrations for keeping traditions alive for generation after generation. [5] Those who criticize celebrations do not understand the human need to preserve tradition and culture. main idea of paragraph: everyone everywhere celebrates and celebrations keep traditions alive. --> delete sentence 3

question

Whatever the surface appearances at the moment may be, modern men are fundamentally *less tolerant of despots then men of old.* A) less tolerant of despots then men of old. B) less tolerant of despots than of older men C) more intolerant of despots than men of old D) more intolerant of despots then men in former years E) less tolerant of despots than were men of old

answer

despot - a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way. --> separate from old men vs. young men. *strip sentence down to regular meeting* sentence means modern men are less tolerant than older men were of despots --> E

question

This multimedia exhibition, *part of a* worldwide *celebration of* the ceremony of Balanchine's birth, *includes* photographs, designs, costumes, and set models, *complimented by* videotapes and excerpts from oral histories in the Library of Performing Arts.

answer

~compliment: to praise. ~complement: to go well with. "complimented by" is wrong bc the videotapes and excerpts did not praise the multimedia exhibition.

question

*Perspective* visitors to *tropical countries* should plan to start taking antimalaria pills one to two weeks *prior to* (*their setting out*) on their trips.

answer

A is wrong bc perspective is a noun while prospective is the adjective. D is not wrong bc "their" agrees w/the plural "visitors"

question

With regard to the sentences that precede and follow sentence 3, which of the following is the best revision of sentence 3? A) On the other hand, the whole exhibition should be presented. B) The exhibit, however, should be presented in its entirety. C) The exhibit should be entirely presented regardless of what the critics say. D) But another point of view is that the exhibit should be presented in its entirety. E) Still other members also say the whole exhibit should be presented in its entirety.

answer

B is wrong bc it's abrupt D is not wrong bc it transitions

question

At the conclusion of the novel The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway, a young Midwesterner recently *arrived to* New York, *moodily* (*watches*) the blinking green light at the *tip of* Long Island.

answer

Can't say "arrived to" X city, must say "arrived in" X city. "Arrived to" is not a standard verb expression while "arrived in" and "arrived at" are.

question

...

answer

E) NOT WRONG D) wrong bc subject of description must follow description but "Maria Elena's art" is not the subject of the description

question

The reason the event was cancelled was not so much the poor weather *as the lack of interest*. A) as the lack of interest B) than the lack of interest C) than because of the lack of interest D) but rather the lack of interest E) as it was lacking interest

answer

proper form of the idiomatic expression: "not so much (noun) as (noun)" --> A

question

As the investigation concludes, the debate over the origins of the scandal, the merits of the federal investigation, and *the legal authority of the prosecutor have* intensified greatly. A) the legal authority of the prosecutor have B) whether the prosecutor has legal authority has C) the legal authority of the prosecutor has D) what the legal authority of the prosecutor is has E) the prosecutor's legal authority have

answer

the subject here is the debate, which is singular, even though the list of topics within the debate makes the subject look plural --> need "has" A) have B) whether makes it not parallel C) NOT WRONG bc parallel & has D) what makes it not parallel E) have

question

Jason *was confused* by the theory, *about* which many of his classmates often referred, *because* it seemed to *be based* on an obviously false premise.

answer

"about" is not idiomatic, I refer *to* a theory, not *about* a theory --> trick is to read the sentence again in first person tense to check for idiomaticness

question

Although statistical methods *can rarely prove* causality, they can frequently *refute* theories by demonstrating that no correlation *exists* between *particular effects* and their presumed causes.

answer

E "particular" is okay bc I do not need to replace with "certain"

question

Toward vs. Towards

answer

Which one of these words is right? There's no difference between these words! You can use them interchangeably and they'll always work. So don't sweat it.

question

Among vs. Amongst

answer

Just like "toward" vs. "towards," there's actually no difference between among vs. amongst other than the regions in which they're typically used. Don't worry about the difference, as there won't be any appreciable difference between the two on the SAT.

question

Eluded vs. Alluded

answer

To *elude* someone is to escape or avoid them. To *allude* to something is "to make a veiled reference to that thing." An allusion is an indirect reference to something. For instance, here's an allusion to the devil: Was his ex-girlfriend nice? Well, let's just say that she'd look most appropriate with red horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. I never actually mention the devil - I'm simply alluding to him. When you elude someone, you avoid or escape them. So "the criminal eluded the police by painting his car a different color and wearing a fake mustache," and "the point eluded me - no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't grasp it."

question

Farther vs. Further

answer

Farther - actual, physical difference. Further - everything but actual, physical difference. Texas is *farther* away from California than is New Mexico. I am standing *farther* away from the table than I was a day ago. You're moving *farther* away from me? What a bummer. Your point couldn't be *further* from the truth. We're getting further and *further* away from a good solution. He'll go *further* down the depths of culinary knowledge to find the tastiest solution.

question

Healthful vs. Healthy

answer

For all intents and purposes, they're the exact same word. Healthful seems really wordy, but it's actually fine. You can use them interchangeably.

question

Indeterminate vs. Indecisive vs. Indefinite

answer

Indeterminate - not able to be determined, or not yet having been determined. "For an indeterminate number of people, life is getting harder and harder - it's tough to put an exact figure on a spreadsheet, but we do know that things are getting worse." used to describe things which cannot be determined. Indefinite - without any set end time or quantitative limit. "There's no deadline for finishing a novel - often, the timeline for writing a truly perfect novel is indefinite. used to describe things for which an *end or limit* is not yet defined The teacher was working on the project for an indecisive period of time. That makes no sense - the teacher can be indecisive, but a period of time cannot be.

question

All my friends, *along with* some of my enemies, are out to change the world.

answer

correct

question

She is the best cook in the county *according to* Alexander.

answer

correct. "according to" is proper prepositional phrase.

question

I come *on behalf of* the officer.

answer

correct

question

She walked towards her death *due from* the murder charges.

answer

WRONG. "due to"

question

I am all ready to go *except with* my need to pack the dishes.

answer

WRONG. "except for"

question

I want to stay far *apart from* you.

answer

correct

question

I want to run *because of* the ad for running scholarships.

answer

correct

question

I think you are correct in this particular instance, *contrary to* every liberal ideal I hold.

answer

correct

question

*In accordance to* the rules, Jules burned her old clothes.

answer

WRONG. "In accordance with"

question

*In line with* the 10 commandments, Elana did not kill.

answer

correct

question

*With reference to* her own failed relationship, she gave guidance to a younger girl going through a bad break-up.

answer

correct

question

*With respect for* her mentor, Gillian backed down from the fight.

answer

WRONG. "with respect to"

question

*As to* your terrible paper, it will never see a publishing house.

answer

WRONG. "As for"

question

We would have reached the summit *but for* the weather.

answer

correct.

question

*Whom* did you fire yesterday?

answer

Correct bc "Who" is the subject, and "Whom" is the object.

question

use who/whom: I punched him. --> ?

answer

Who did you punch? If you would use "he" in a sentence, replace the word with "who," and if you'd use "him" in a sentence, replace the word with "whom!"

question

With *whom* did you speak yesterday?

answer

correct. whom always follows prepopsitions

question

To *who* am I speaking?

answer

WRONG. whom always follows prepositions.

question

You moved in near *whom*?

answer

correct. whom always follows prepositions

question

If you're deciding between two sentences, there are no other sentences, but the order of one seems "off," KILL IT.

answer

...

question

"From from being the shortest basketball player on the team, I'm actually the *tallest*."

answer

OKAY bc You're actually maintaining parallelism because there's no other possible meaning for "least." Least basically "writes itself out" to maintain the parallelism.

question

be vs. become

answer

for the most part, they're pretty interchangeable. The only difference is that "become" suggests a bit of cause and effect or transformation. For instance, "I will be a great tennis player" stands on its own, whereas "I will become a great tennis player" usually begs for some sort of explanation as to why - what process will cause that to happen?

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