SAT Grammar: 11 Common Usage Errors to Avoid [2023]
SAT Grammar: 11 Common Usage Errors to Avoid [@ all cost…].
The SAT Grammar section tests your knowledge of English grammar rules and usage. To perform well in this section, it's essential to understand and avoid common usage errors.
I decided to draft this article a few hours ago to assist you clearly highlight some of the most common errors students make and provide tips to help you steer clear of them. By familiarizing yourself with these errors and practicing correct usage, you can improve your performance on the SAT Grammar section.
Subject-Verb Agreement:
This is arguably the most recurring usage error out there. You must ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. Pay attention to singular and plural forms, especially when dealing with compound subjects or tricky sentence structures.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement:
Make sure that pronouns and their antecedents agree in number and gender. Avoid ambiguous pronoun references that can confuse the reader. To be clear, the pronoun that is used in place of a noun must agree with it in terms of both gender and number.
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers:
Place modifiers (adjectives or adverbs) close to the words they modify to avoid ambiguity. Watch out for dangling modifiers that don't have a clear noun or pronoun to modify.
Parallel Structure:
Maintain parallel structure when listing items or expressing comparisons. Ensure that phrases and clauses within a sentence have a consistent grammatical structure.
Verb Tense Consistency:
Maintain consistent verb tense throughout a sentence or paragraph. Avoid unnecessary shifts between past, present, and future tense unless required by the context.
Double Negatives:
Avoid using double negatives, as they can create confusion and negate the intended meaning. Use one negative word or expression to convey negation effectively.
Apostrophe Use:
Use apostrophes correctly to indicate possession or contraction. Avoid common errors such as confusing “its” and “it's” or using apostrophes in plural nouns.
Pronoun Case:
Use the appropriate pronoun case (subjective, objective, or possessive) based on the role it plays in the sentence. Avoid errors such as using “I” instead of “me” or vice versa.
Word Choice and Idiomatic Expressions:
Be mindful of word choice and use idiomatic expressions correctly. Pay attention to commonly confused words, such as “affect” and “effect” or “complement” and “compliment.”
Run-on Sentences and Fragments:
Ensure that sentences are properly structured, avoiding run-on sentences (independent clauses without proper punctuation) and sentence fragments (incomplete sentences lacking a subject or verb).
Consistent Pronoun Reference:
Maintain consistent pronoun reference throughout a sentence or paragraph, ensuring that the pronoun clearly refers to the intended noun or antecedent.
By being aware of these common usage errors and practicing correct grammar usage, you can improve your performance on the SAT Grammar section and convey your ideas effectively.
Read More:
To further enhance your understanding of grammar rules and improve your usage, consider exploring the following resources:
- “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White – This classic guide provides concise explanations and examples of grammar and usage rules. (Link: https://www.bartleby.com/141/)
- “The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation” by Jane Straus – This comprehensive guide covers grammar rules, punctuation, and common usage errors with clear explanations and examples. (Link: https://www.grammarbook.com/)
- “Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing” – A podcast and website by Mignon Fogarty that offers practical grammar tips and answers to common usage questions. (Link: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl)
You can utilize these resources, strengthen your grammar skills and avoid common usage errors. The ultimate improvement in your performance on the SAT Grammar section depends strongly on your ability to equip your grammar with little or zero usage errors. Good luck with your preparation!
