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Lesson 19 : Error Identification Full Error Checklist

Key Identifying Sentence Errors Strategies This checklist outlines the questions you need to ask about each part of speech or
common category of word. I've also marked when a specific issue is especially rare
(though these topics do still appear).
Always read the entire sentence

The word types are arranged in the order you should check them, though not every
When looking for the error, examine each choice individually question will be relevant in a given sentence.

Check verbs and pronouns first, since they're the most likely to include Keep in mind that some underlined sections may contain more than one type of
word: the most common such pairs are pronoun/verb, adverb/adjective, and
errors verb/pronoun combos. When you see these, just check each part.

When an answer choice contains more than one type of word, check both

Don't be afraid to pick E, "no error," if you've ruled out all the other choices

Always make sure you can explain what error the answer contains

Even if you think you know the answer, quickly check the other choices

confirm

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#1: Verbs #2: Pronouns

Is the verb in the correct form and tense? Does the pronoun agree with the noun it's replacing?

Does it agree with the subject? Is it in the correct case?

Example : A (Because) of the Internet, B (working) at jobs C (at home) D (have Example : “Pull it out A (by) B (its) plug, not by the C (cord),” said D (dad). E (No
become) much more common. E (No error). error).

A. A “Dad” is a name or proper noun and should be capitalized. “By” is a correct

preposition to use here. “Its” is the correct use of the third-person singular
possessive impersonal pronoun. The punctuation at the end of the quotation is
The error is “have become,” which should be “has become.” The plural form correct.
of the auxiliary verb “have” is incorrect because the subject of the independent
clause is “working,” which is singular and thus takes a singular verb—i.e. “working
has…” The other underlined sections are correct. Example : A (Either) Lisa or Karen B (will always volunteer) C (their) valuable D (time)
to serve on our board. E (No error).
Example : Symptoms of this illness A (that warrant) a doctor visit B (includes) fever,
C (vomiting, and) diarrhea, as well as the D (loss) of appetite. E (No error).

“Includes” is incorrect because it is the singular form of the verb, but the C. C
subject, “symptoms,” is plural. The verb should be “include.” The subordinating
conjunction “that” introducing the dependent clause, and its plural verb “warrant,”
(A) are both correct. “…vomiting, and” (C) is punctuated correctly as the last in a “Their” is incorrect because it is a plural third-person possessive pronoun,
series of three or more words. The singular noun “loss” (D) is correct. but the use of “either (A)…or” indicates a singular form. It should be “her.” “Will
always volunteer” (B) is a singular verb phrase and is correct. “Time” (D) is correct
regardless of whether it is modified by a singular (“her”) or plural (“their”)
possessive pronoun, e.g. “They both volunteered their valuable time.”

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#3: Gerunds (-ing verbs) #5: Adjectives and Adverbs

Is the gerund replacing a main verb and creating a sentence fragment? Is the modifier of the correct type?

Is it part of a list that isn't parallel? Are -er and -est used appropriately? (Rare)

Has it been incorrectly switched with an infintive?

Example : Susan's term paper was definitely the A.(most thorough) researched work
B.(she had done) all year, but she C.(was) still worried that the teacher wouldn't like
EXAMPLE:
D. (it). E.(No error)
She’s the one who is A (washing) the dishes, B (cooking) foods, and C (clean) the
house. D. (No Error)
Correct answer: most thorough

Answer : C
Explanation:

The error here is "most thorough." Since "thorough" is followed by a verb it is an

Explanation : Because as you can see, all the choices follow a pattern or parallel to
adverb, and thus must become "thoroughly." The correct way to write this would be
each other like cooking and washing. Therefore, the verb that will fit must also end
"the most thoroughly researched." Adding the "-ly" to an adjective usually makes it
in –ing. Instead of clean it should be cleaning.
an adverb, and every time and adjective is describing another adjective or a verb it
must become an adverb. The "it" at the end is the correct pronoun, as "it" is
referring to the paper.
#4: Prepositions

Is the preposition idiomatically correct?

Does it incorrectly complete a word pair?

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Example : The lights (were dimmed) (slow), and the crowd (gasped) when the blue The conjunction 'as soon as' is used to denote simultaneous actions i.e. two things/
glow of the painted letters (became apparent). (No Error) actions taking place at the same time

Correct answer: slow Example:

As soon as the watchman (1)/ rings the bell, then all (2) / the workers (3) /
assemble in the hall. (4) / No Error (5)

Explanation:
ANSWER: 2

Explanation:
This sentence uses the adjective “slow” to describe a the verb “were dimmed.” An
adverb would be better. The corrected sentence reads: The lights were dimmed Remove 'then'. 'Than/then' is NOT used with 'as soon as','as long as','so long as'.
slowly, and the crowd gasped when the blue glow of the painted letters became
apparent.
e.g. As soon as he came, the boy opened the door.

#6: Conjunctions
The correct sentence here should be: As soon as the watchman rings the bell, all the
workers assemble in the hall.
Is the conjunction creating a sentence fragment?

Does it logically connect ideas?

#7: Nouns
As soon as (1) / he got the (2) / letter, at once (3) / he started. (4) / No Error (5)

Is the noun part of a faulty comparison?

ANSWER: 1
Is the sentence consistent in its use of plural and singular nouns? (Rare)

Explanation:

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#8: Relative pronouns (who, which, that, etc.) Lesson 20 : Sentence Completion

Is the correct pronoun used for the context?

Does the pronoun have a clear noun antecedent? Sentence completion: Concepts and Tricks

When we use a relative pronoun as a subject in the relative clause, we don’t use a Sentence Completion is a common test item in most competitive exams. A sentence
personal pronoun or noun: contains one or two blanks (usually), to be filled in using the choices. These
questions test your vocabulary and knowledge of the finer distinctions among
words. A good vocabulary can be a great help here. But you can use many strategies
That’s the school that does lots of music and drama. for these questions, even without knowing all the choices.

Not: That’s the school that it does lots of music and drama.
Strategies for Sentence Completion:

When a relative pronoun is the object of the relative clause, we need a subject
(pronoun or noun)
1. Read the Sentence

Use the sentence clues by reading the sentence thoroughly. Two things make a
When a relative pronoun is the object of the relative clause, we don’t need another question difficult: difficult words and sentence structure. If you cannot dissect a
object (pronoun or noun) in the relative clause: sentence to figure out what fits best, you CANNOT crack the question though you
know the word meanings. We need to properly take apart the sentences and
improve our vocabulary.
They went to the same restaurant that Mark had been to.

Not: They went to the same restaurant that Mark had been to it. 2. Hints

The hints indicate what should go into the blank for the sentence to make sense.
In writing, we don’t use commas in defining relative clauses: Here’s a test to locate the right hint: if you change the hint, the choice in the blank
MUST be changed. Often, you can use the hint by putting that word or phrase into
the blank itself.
Sally is a committee member who finds it difficult to make decisions.

Not: Sally is a committee member, who finds it difficult to make decisions.

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3. Pluses and Minuses EXAMPLES

Once you find the word clues, indicate the kind of word you’re looking for with a +
(positive meaning) or – (negative) sign. Also, to indicate synonyms or antonyms, you
A. Neem has _______qualities and in many clinical trials, doctor have saved
can use these symbols.
countless lives by using raw Neem leaves on serious wounds.

4. Structure Words
- Remedial
Look for words like but, rather, although, however, and, while, but, therefore. They - Flavouring
reveal the sentence organization and the hint-blank relationship. They tell you what - Inferior
kinds of words to look for as they change the thought process in the sentence. - Doubtful
- notorious

5. Visualize
We need a positive word with a “life saving”-like meaning. Choices C, D, and E are
Before you go to the choices, think of the possible words for the blanks. It will save
negative and are ruled out. You may be unaware of remedial but you know that
you from wrong choices. If you know roughly the KIND of words needed, the
“flavouring” doesn’t mean anything like life saving. Therefore, the answer is
elimination is much easier. The word you visualize doesn’t have to be fancy – a
remedial.
general idea is fine.

B. The much-hated bill sparked off a wave of public ________which could

not_________by the
This is better than trying out the choices to find out “what sounds good.” It is faster
and less prone to errors.
- concessions the British announced.
- enthusiasm…dampened
- clamour…misled
- curiosity…complemented
- adoration…channelized
- discontent…abated

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Much-hated indicates a negative choice for the first blank indicating anger or deep and broad knowledge will definitely make you go beyond the limits for this
protest here. The second one needs harder thinking; even the British concessions type of exam.
did not “lessen” the public anger. Once you are clear about the word SHADES
needed, find the words similar to the ones you had visualized.
MORE EXAMPLES

6. Elimination
Under the ______ of their mother, the newborn kittens knew they were
Ruling out the wrong choices should be easy now. But remember, BOTH the words
protected, since any predator would have to harm their mother before it could get
have to fit in the given ORDER for the right answer. If one word is a perfect choice
to them.
but the other one doesn’t make sense, the answer is WRONG. DO NOT rule out
choices if you don’t know their meanings and unless you are sure they do not work.
If you have doubts, leave and return after checking the other choices.
a) aegis
b) negligence
c) truancy
7. Improve Your Vocabulary
d) apostasy
Improving your vocabulary and usage can help you do better as the words meaning e) primogeniture
help you find the right answer.

ANSWER) A
8. Working Backwards

The two-blank questions can be easier as you have more opportunities to eliminate
To figure out what the missing word is, try to predict its definition by using
wrong choices. If you can eliminate a choice based on one word, you don’t need to
keywords from the prompt. Here, the keywords are in the phrase “any predator
know the other word. Often, working BACKWARDS i.e. picking the second blank
would have to harm their mother before it could get to them,” a phrase that is used
choice first works better.
to explain why the kittens felt protected. The missing word is also part of a phrase
that explains why the kittens felt protected, so it must have similar meaning. Thus,
the missing word must be one that implies the mother is protecting her young.
9. Always apply the Grammar Rules
Because aegis is protection or support, choice (A) is correct.
Some of the sentence completion ask for your knowledge in grammar so that they
intend to remove the grammar part for you to choose the proper one. Having a

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negligence is the act of not caring for something or someone properly. As such, this
word has the opposite meaning of the missing word, since the missing word should
E. totter ... stable
imply that the kittens were protected by the mother.

truancy is the act of shirking or neglecting one’s duties. As such, this word has the
opposite meaning of the missing word, since the missing word should imply that the ANSWER) E
kittens were protected by the mother.

apostasy is a departure of one’s principles or religious beliefs. Cats don’t have

principles or beliefs, so they cannot engage in apostasy. To figure out what the missing words are, try to predict their definitions by using
keywords from the prompt. Here, the only keywords are those between the missing
primogeniture is the inheritance of wealth by the eldest child in a family. The words, the phrase “and was never quite.” This phrase sets up the two missing words
prompt does not imply that the mother cat only helps her oldest kitten; she helps as opposites of each other. For more specific clues to help predict the meaning of
and protects all her kittens. Furthermore, cats do not pass on wealth from these words, the prompt provides evidence that this government did not last,
generation to generation as humans do. leading “to a second revolution.” Therefore, the missing words must relate to a lack
of stability or permanence of the government. The first word must mean
impermanent, while the second must permanence. Totter means to sway as if about
In the decade after the revolution, the new government seemed to ______ to fall, while stable means steady and constant. Together, these words suggest that
and was never quite ______; this period ultimately led to a second revolution in the government seemed to sway and was never quite steady, leading to a second
which the current ruling party took power. revolution. This makes logical sense, so choice is correct.

A. careen ... ephemeral A is incorrect because. Careen means to lean or sway. This could describe what the
new government seemed to do. However, ephemeral means brief, which accurately
describes the new government, but does not work after the modifier “never.” If the
B. fortify ... faltering government were not ephemeral, then it would have lasted longer than a decade
before being overthrown

C. waver ... flimsy

. (B) is incorrect because neither word works in context. Fortify means to make
something stronger, while faltering means stumbling. These words would work in
D. coagulate ... tenable the opposite order but not in the given order.

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To figure out what the missing word is, try to predict its definition by using
keywords from the prompt. Here, the keywords are found in the phrase “quite
C is incorrect because only the first word works in context. Waver means to sway or
adept at navigating city life,” which is used to describe Vladimir. The prompt implies
shift, which could describe what the “new government” did. However, flimsy means
that this ability is surprising, since the prompt hinges on the word “despite.” This
without strength or solidity, and the new government would not be described as
word sets up a contrasting relationship. Thus, the missing word must mean the
“never flimsy.”
opposite of city life, implying that Vladimir’s upbringing was rural, not urban.
D is incorrect because only the second word works in context. Coagulate means to Therefore, choice (C) is correct, since bucolic means idyllic or rural.
harden, though the prompt implies that “the new government” never became
strong.
suave or sophisticated. This word can be associated with city life, so it would not
make sense to say Vladimir was “adept at navigating city life” “despite” such an
However, tenable means able to be held or defended, so this word correctly upbringing.
describes a characteristic that the “new government” never had.

acrid means sharp or bitter. There is not enough evidence in the prompt to suggest
that Vladimir had a rough or hard upbringing. The prompt merely suggests that he
did not grow up in a city.
Despite his ______ upbringing, Vladimir proved quite adept at navigating
city life.

A. urbane cosmopolitan means worldly or not given to provincial tastes or prejudices. In other
words, it would describe Vladimir’s later life but not his upbringing.
B. acrid

C. bucolic
harsh means grimly unpleasant or severe. There is not enough evidence in the
D. cosmopolitan prompt to suggest that Vladimir had a rough or hard upbringing. The prompt merely
E. harsh suggests that he did not grow up in a city.

ANSWER) C

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