Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage - SAT Writing

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.

Does one have a responsibility to help others, or do you only have a responsibility to help yourself?

Answer

In the sentence as it is written, "one" and "you" are both used. You should stick to using one of these pronouns or the other, and not switch between them in a sentence.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.

When you go to a buffet, one should make sure that you do not overeat.

Answer

The sentence begins by using the pronoun "you," but then switches to using the pronoun "one." These should be kept consistent.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If one is to construct a comprehensive model of the global economy, we must first account for alternating periods of expansion and contraction in the business cycle.

Answer

The original text contains a pronoun consistency error. The underlined portion of the sentence contains the pronoun "we," but the sentence uses "one" before that. In order to maintain consistency, the underlined portion should use "one" rather than "we."

The answer choice "one had first accounted for" contains a tense error, even though it correctly uses "one" instead of "we."

The answer choice "one must first account to" is incorrect because the correct idiom is "account for."

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If one wishes to understand a musical composition fully, we must consider the time period in which it was written.

Answer

The answer choice "one must consider the time period in which it was written" is correct because it contains the word "one," which matches the word "one" used in the first clause of the sentence.

All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain the pronoun "we," and therefore lead to pronoun agreement errors.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

When one is trying a dangerous sport such as rock-climbing, you should always use the proper safety equipment.

Answer

Because “one” is the subject in the relative clause that begins the sentence, “one” must also be the subject of the main independent clause that concludes the sentence. Pronouns and their antecedents must match, and “you,” “they,” and “he” do not match “one.” Also, “use” is more concise than “be using,” which is unnecessarily wordy.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.

Answer

Because the antecedent (“a person”) is singular, “their” and “they” are incorrect pronouns. Because the antecedent doesn’t indicate gender, the male “he” isn’t sufficient and “he or she” must be used. Although “its” and “it” are singular pronouns, they are used to talk about objects and not about people, so they are incorrect.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If one is to fully reform the nation's educational system, you must first account for the need to provide academic opportunities for students regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.

Answer

The sentence initially uses the pronoun "one," but then switches to "you." These pronouns should be kept consistent.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the underlined choices repeats the answer as it is written.

In order for one to be prepared for the SATs, you must practice every skill on the test until one is confident in the material.

Answer

The error in the sentence is in the consistency of pronouns. The sentence begins with "one" and therefore "one" must be used as the pronoun through the remainder of the sentence.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the underlined choices repeats the answer as it is written.

When we have purpose in our lives, they can wake up every day feeling confident and fulfilled.

Answer

The sentence begins with the pronoun "We" but switches to the pronoun "they." We must therefore change the second pronoun to "we" in order to maintain grammatical consistency.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If one is planning to argue with Damon about whether cats are better than dogs, you must be prepared to cite many sources to support your argument.

Answer

The error in this sentence stems from the lack of agreement between its pronouns. Since the sentence begins with the pronoun "one," we must change the other pronoun ("you") to "one" in order to make the sentence correct.

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Question

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

When one prepares for a marathon, it is easy to focus entirely on the exercise regimen and neglect the nutritional aspect that you also need to succeed. No error

Answer

Since the pronoun "one" is introduced at the beginning of the sentence, the pronoun at the end of the sentence should also be "one" instead of "you" in order for the sentence to be consistent.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.

When the marlin launched itself violently at the boat, its bill plunged through the space between David and I.

Answer

The first person pronoun is the object of the preposition "between" and therefore must be the object pronoun "me" and not the subject pronoun "I."

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

When you work hard and put forth your best effort, one can expect positive results.

Answer

Since the pronoun "you" is used to describe the subject in beginning of the sentence, the pronoun "one" must be changed to "you" to maintain grammatical consistency. Therefore, the correct answer is "you can expect." Once a pronoun has been used to describe the subject that pronoun must remain consistent throughout the sentence.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If one is going to purchase a pet, no matter how small, you should first do research on how to properly care for it.

Answer

Because the pronoun in the first part of the sentence is "one," it needs to be "one" later on to maintain consistent use. Any subject pronoun would be suitable in these slots; what matters is that it is the same pronoun in both, to maintain consistency.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

In order to lower your mile time, one must be following a strict schedule of training and not eating unhealthy foods.

Answer

The correct answer choice in this case will keep the pronouns consistent by keeping them in the second person (as "your" is used in the unchangeable part of the sentence). The best choice is the one which makes this change while remaining accurate and concise: "you must follow a strict training schedule and avoid unhealthy foods."

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

One's notebook should always be orderly because you never know when the teacher will decide to grade it.

Answer

The pronoun "you" is a second-person pronoun, which is incorrect because the sentence describes "one," which is a third-person pronoun.

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

If you want to go far in life, one must be willing to seize each and every opportune moment.

Answer

The pronoun in the portion of the sentence above that is not underlined is "you," and to avoid any inconsistency errors, this pronoun should be used throughout the sentence. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "you must be willing to seize each and every opportune moment."

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

One must treat elders with utmost deference and respect, as your elders have gone through unimaginable hardship to ensure your future.

Answer

The pronoun in the portion of the sentence above that is not underlined is "one," and to avoid any inconsistency errors, this pronoun should be used throughout the sentence. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "as one's elders have gone through unimaginable hardship to ensure one's future."

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

When a man loves his wife, she has a duty to defend her at all costs.

Answer

The pronoun in the portion of the sentence above that is not underlined is "his," which refers back to the antecedent "man." To avoid inconsistency/pronoun-antecedent errors, male pronouns should be used throughout the sentence. This also reflects the content, and intent, of the sentence. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "he has a duty to defend her at all costs."

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Question

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

I sent those boys down to the store to do their shopping; in spite of my perfectly clear instructions, he came back empty handed.

Answer

The pronoun in the portion of the sentence above that is not underlined is "their," and to avoid any inconsistency errors/pronoun antecedent errors, plural pronouns should be used throughout the sentence. After the first sentence, many boys did not become one boy. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "in spite of my perfectly clear instructions, they came back empty handed."

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