The Great Grammar Chalenge
– UFMG –
Fernando Magno Quintão Pereira
21 de Agosto de 2010
SAT Writing Questions
The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly Scholastic Aptitude Test and
Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test for college
admissions in the United States, firstly introduced in 1901. The
SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a
non-profit organization in the United States. It was formerly
developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing
Service which still administers the exam. The College Board claims
the test can assess a student’s readiness for college.
SAT – Identifying Sentence Errors
The next questions consist on a sentence, which contains either a
single error or no error at all.
1. Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly, paying
attention to underlined choices (1) through (4).
2. Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed
to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no
error at all.
3. If the sentence contains no error, select choice 5.
Question 1
Among the most widespread of marine animals, starfish and sea
urchins inhabit all seas except that of the polar regions.
1. Among
2. most widespread
3. inhabit
4. except that of the polar
5. No error
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Sec 1
Question 1
Among the most widespread of marine animals, starfish and sea
urchins inhabit all seas except that of the polar regions.
1. Among
2. most widespread
Question 1
3. inhabit
4. except that of the polar
5. No error
Number 4: agreement
The error in this sentence occurs at (4), where there is an improper
pronoun use. The plural pronoun “those”should be used to refer to the
plural noun “seas”.
Question 2
The students have discovered that they can address issues more
effectively through letter-writing campaigns and not through public
demonstrations.
1. have discovered
2. the
3. through
4. and not
5. No error
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Question 2
The students have discovered that they can address issues more
effectively through letter-writing campaigns and not through public
demonstrations.
1. have discovered
2. the
Question 2
3. through
4. and not
5. No error
Number 4: comparisons
• The error in this sentence occurs at (4). When a comparison is
introduced by the adverb “more”, as in “more effectively”, the
second part of the comparison must be introduced by the
conjunction “than”rather than “and not.”
• The other options contain no errors. In (1), the plural verb “have
discovered”agrees with the plural subject “students”. In (2), the
plural pronoun “they”correctly refers to the plural noun “students”.
In (3), the preposition “through”appropriately expresses the means
by which issues are addressed.
• The sentence may be corrected as follows: The students have
discovered that they can address issues more effectively through
letter-writing campaigns than through public demonstrations.
Question 3
After hours of futile debate, the committee has decided to
postpone further discussion of the resolution until their next
meeting.
1. After
2. postpone
3. of the resolution
4. their
5. No error
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Question 3
After hours of futile debate, the committee has decided to
postpone further discussion of the resolution until their next
meeting.
1. After
2. postpone
Question 3
3. of the resolution
4. their
5. No error
Number 4: Agreement
1. The error in this sentence occurs at (4). A pronoun must agree in
number (singular or plural) with the noun to which it refers. Here,
the plural pronoun “their”incorrectly refers to the singular noun
”committee.”
2. The other options contain no errors. In (1), the preposition
“After”appropriately introduces a phrase that indicates when the
committee made its decision. In (2), “to postpone”is the verb form
needed to complete the description of the committee’s decision. In
(3), the prepositional phrase “of the resolution”appropriately
specifies the subject of the postponed discussion.
3. The sentence may be corrected as follows: After hours of futile
debate, the committee has decided to postpone further discussion of
the resolution until its next meeting.
Question 4
At the music recital, Alexandra enjoyed listening to her friend
Mohammed’s insightful interpretation, which she thought was
more sophisticated than the other performers.
1. enjoyed listening
2. which she
3. more sophisticated
4. than the other performers
5. No error
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Question 4
At the music recital, Alexandra enjoyed listening to her friend
Mohammed’s insightful interpretation, which she thought was
more sophisticated than the other performers.
1. enjoyed listening
2. which she
Question 4
3. more sophisticated
4. than the other performers
5. No error
Number 4: illogical comparison
The problem in this sentence is one of illogical comparison. Alexandra is
said to consider Mohammed’s insightful interpretation more sophisticated
than the other performers, improperly comparing his interpretation to
other performers, rather than to interpretations of other performers. The
correct sentence reads:
At the music recital, Alexandra enjoyed listening to her friend
Mohammed’s insightful interpretation, which she thought was
more sophisticated than the interpretations of the other
performers.
Question 5
Originally a protest on conventional painting, the Pre-Raphaelite
movement exerted great influence on the art of its time.
1. protest on
2. conventional
3. exerted
4. its
5. No error
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Question 5
Originally a protest on conventional painting, the Pre-Raphaelite
movement exerted great influence on the art of its time.
1. protest on
2. conventional
Question 5
3. exerted
4. its
5. No error
Number 1: preposition usage
The error in this sentence is (1): the phrase “protest on”is not idiomatic
in standard written English. The verb “protest”takes the preposition
“against.”The correct sentence reads: Originally a protest against
conventional painting, the Pre-Raphaelite movement exerted great
influence on the art of its time.
Question 6
The board reviewing the courses offered by the college found that
the quality of academic programs were generally good but
somewhat uneven.
1. reviewing
2. found
3. were
4. somewhat
5. No error
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Question 6
The board reviewing the courses offered by the college found that
the quality of academic programs were generally good but
somewhat uneven.
1. reviewing
2. found
Question 6
3. were
4. somewhat
5. No error
Number 3: agreement
The error in this sentence is (3): the verb “were”(which is plural) does
not agree in number with the noun “quality”(which is singular). The
correct sentence reads: The board reviewing the courses offered by
the college found that the quality of academic programs was
generally good but somewhat uneven.
Question 7
If he had begun earlier, he might have succeeded in finishing the
extremely complex project before the deadline
1. had begun
2. earlier
3. in finishing
4. extremely
5. No error
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Question 7
If he had begun earlier, he might have succeeded in finishing the
extremely complex project before the deadline
1. had begun
2. earlier
Question 7
3. in finishing
4. extremely
5. No error
Number 5:
Each of the parts of the sentence underlined with 1, 2, 3, and 4 is correct
as written. Therefore choice (5): no error is the appropriate answer.
Question 8
Maude Adams, after her spectacular triumph as the original Peter
Pan, went about heavy veiled and was accessible to only a handful
of intimate friends.
1. triumph as
2. went about
3. heavy veiled
4. only a handful
5. No error
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Question 8
Maude Adams, after her spectacular triumph as the original Peter
Pan, went about heavy veiled and was accessible to only a handful
of intimate friends.
1. triumph as
2. went about
Question 8
3. heavy veiled
4. only a handful
5. No error
Number 3: adverb usage
The error in this sentence is (3): the word “heavy”in the phrase “heavy
veiled”should not be in the form of an adjective but in the adverbial form
since it is used to modify the participle “veiled.”The correct sentence
reads: Maude Adams, after her spectacular triumph as the original
Peter Pan, went about heavily veiled and was accessible to only a
handful of intimate friends.
Question 9
All states impose severe penalties on drivers who do not stop when
he or she is involved in accidents.
1. impose
2. penalties
3. he or she
4. involved in
5. No error
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Question 9
All states impose severe penalties on drivers who do not stop when
he or she is involved in accidents.
1. impose
2. penalties
Question 9
3. he or she
4. involved in
5. No error
Number 3: pronoun usage
The error in this sentence is (3): the pronouns “he or she”(which are
both singular) do not agree with the noun “drivers”(which is plural). The
correct sentence reads: All states impose severe penalties on drivers
who do not stop when they are involved in accidents. Note that the
verb “is”has to be changed to “are”when the subject becomes plural.
Question 10
In the modern era, face-to-face commnication is becoming near as
uncommon as hand-written letters.
1. era
2. near
3. as uncommon
4. hand-written
5. No error
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Question 10
In the modern era, face-to-face commnication is becoming near as
uncommon as hand-written letters.
1. era
2. near
Question 10
3. as uncommon
4. hand-written
5. No error
Number 2: Adverb usage
Near is a preposition; nearly is an adverb. We need an adverb here to
modify the comparison as uncommon as.
SAT – Improving Sentences
1. Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly and ask yourself
whether the underlined portion is correct or whether it needs
to be revised.
2. Read choices (1) through (5), replacing the underlined part
with each answer choice to determine which revision results in
a sentence that is clear and precise and meets the
requirements of standard written English.
Question 1
Scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans, which are
realistically depicted in the paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner.
1. Scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans, which
are realistically depicted in the paintings of Henry Ossawa
Tanner.
2. Scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans being
realistically depicted in the paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner.
3. The paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner realistically depict
scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans.
4. Henry Ossawa Tanner, in his realistic paintings, depicting
scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans.
5. Henry Ossawa Tanner, whose paintings realistically depict
scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans.
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Question 1
Scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans, which are
realistically depicted in the paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Sec 1
1. Scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans, which
are realistically depicted in the paintings of Henry Ossawa
Tanner.
2. Scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans being
realistically depicted in the paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Question 1
3. The paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner realistically depict
scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans.
4. Henry Ossawa Tanner, in his realistic paintings, depicting
scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans.
5. Henry Ossawa Tanner, whose paintings realistically depict
scenes from the everyday lives of African Americans.
Number 3: subject plus predicate
For a sentence to be grammatically complete, it must include both a subject and a
main verb. When a sentence lacks either a subject or a main verb, the result is a
sentence fragment. In this example all options but (3) are sentence fragments.
• the phrase “Scenes ... Americans”is modified by the dependent clause “which ...
Tanner,”but there is no main verb.
• the phrase “Scenes ... Tanner”contains no main verb.
• the noun “Henry Ossawa Tanner”is modified by “depicting”but is not combined
with a main verb.
• the noun “Henry Ossawa Tanner”is modified by the dependent clause “whose ...
Americans”but not combined with a main verb.
• (3) is correct. It is the only choice in which a subject (“The paintings of Henry
Ossawa Tanner”) is combined with a verb (“depict”) to express a complete
thought.
Question 2
Looking up from the base of the mountain, the trail seemed more
treacherous than it really was.
1. Looking up
2. While looking up
3. By looking up
4. Viewing
5. Viewed
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Question 2
Looking up from the base of the mountain, the trail seemed more
treacherous than it really was.
1. Looking up
2. While looking up
Question 2
3. By looking up
4. Viewing
5. Viewed
Number 5: dangling modifier
When a modifying phrase begins a sentence, it must logically modify the
sentence’s subject; otherwise, it is a dangling modifier. In this example,
every option except (E) is a dangling modifier.
• In (1), the phrase “Looking up from the base of the mountain”does
not logically modify the subject “the trail.”A person might stand at
the base of a mountain and look up at a trail, but it is illogical to
suggest that a trail looks up from the base of a mountain.
• (2), (3), and (4) are simply variations of the error found in (1).
Each results in a sentence that illogically suggests that a trail was
looking up from the base of a mountain.
• (5) is correct. Although a trail cannot itself look up from the base
of a mountain, a trail can be viewed by someone looking up from
the base of a mountain, so the phrase “Viewed from the base of the
mountain”logically modifies the subject “the trail.”
Question 3
One of the most common types of mistakes that inexperienced
physicians make is misreading symptoms, another that occurs
about as frequently is recommending inappropriate treatment.
1. symptoms, another that occurs
2. symptoms; another one that occurs
3. symptoms, the other, and it occurs
4. symptoms; another one which is occurring
5. symptoms and also occurring
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Question 3
One of the most common types of mistakes that inexperienced
physicians make is misreading symptoms, another that occurs
about as frequently is recommending inappropriate treatment.
1. symptoms, another that occurs
2. symptoms; another one that occurs
Question 3
3. symptoms, the other, and it occurs
4. symptoms; another one which is occurring
5. symptoms and also occurring
Number 2: punctuation
This sentence illustrates a comma splice, the incorrect use of a comma to
connect two complete sentences. Choice (2) correctly uses a semicolon to
coordinate two independent clauses and form a compound sentence
(while at the same time keeping verb tenses parallel). The correct
sentence reads: One of the most common types of mistakes that
inexperienced physicians make is misreading symptoms; another
one that occurs about as frequently is recommending inappropriate
treatment.
Question 4
Underestimating its value, breakfast is a meal many people skip.
1. Underestimating its value, breakfast is a meal many people
skip.
2. Breakfast is skipped by many people because of their
underestimating its value.
3. Many people, underestimating the value of breakfast, and
skipping it.
4. Many people skip breakfast because they underestimate its
value.
5. A meal skipped by many people underestimating its value is
breakfast.
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Question 4
Underestimating its value, breakfast is a meal many people skip.
Sec 1
1. Underestimating its value, breakfast is a meal many people
skip.
2. Breakfast is skipped by many people because of their
underestimating its value.
Question 4
3. Many people, underestimating the value of breakfast, and
skipping it.
4. Many people skip breakfast because they underestimate its
value.
5. A meal skipped by many people underestimating its value is
breakfast.
Number 4: Modifier
The problem with this sentence is that the opening phrase
“underestimating its value”modifies “breakfast,”not “people.”The order
of the words in the sentence in choice (4) does not have this problem of
a misplaced modifying phrase. Choice (4) also clarifies the causal
relationship between the two clauses in the sentence. None of the other
choices convey the information presented in the sentence as effectively
and directly as choice (4).
Question 5
Certain shipwrecks have a particular fascination for those people
which have a belief in finding the treasure in them.
1. which have a belief in finding the treasure in them
2. that belief there is treasure to be found in them
3. who believe they hold treasure and that they can find it
4. who believe that there is treasure to be found in them
5. who believe about treasure to be found in them
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Question 5
Certain shipwrecks have a particular fascination for those people
which have a belief in finding the treasure in them.
1. which have a belief in finding the treasure in them
2. that belief there is treasure to be found in them
Question 5
3. who believe they hold treasure and that they can find it
4. who believe that there is treasure to be found in them
5. who believe about treasure to be found in them
Number 4: relative pronouns
This sentence is awkward as written, and the pronoun “which”is the
wrong relative pronoun to refer to “people”(the antecedent of the
pronoun in this sentence). Choice (4) uses the correct pronoun “who”and
more effectively than the other choices states the characteristics of
people who are fascinated by shipwrecks. The correct sentence reads:
Certain shipwrecks have a particular fascination for those people
who believe that there is treasure to be found in them.
Question 6
The revolt against Victorianism was perhaps even more marked in
poetry than either fiction or drama.
1. either fiction or drama
2. either fiction or in drama
3. either in fiction or drama
4. in either fiction or drama
5. in either fiction or in drama
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Question 6
The revolt against Victorianism was perhaps even more marked in
poetry than either fiction or drama.
1. either fiction or drama
2. either fiction or in drama
Question 6
3. either in fiction or drama
4. in either fiction or drama
5. in either fiction or in drama
Number 4: parallelism
Correcting the error in this sentence requires close attention to the need
for parallelism. The structure of the underlined portion should match the
structure of the phrase “in poetry”that appears earlier in the sentence.
Neither choice (1) nor choice (2) includes the preposition “in.”Among
the remaining choices, only choice (4) has the preposition
“in”appropriately located in the phrase. The correct sentence reads: The
revolt against Victorianism was perhaps even more marked in
poetry than in either fiction or drama.
Question 7
Many of the instruments used in early operations of the United
States Army Signal Corps were adaptations of equipment used by
the Plains Indians, particularly that of the heliograph.
1. Corps were adaptations of equipment used by the Plains
Indians, particularly that of the heliograph
2. Corps, there were adaptations of equipment used by the
Plains Indians, particularly the heliograph
3. Corps, and in particular the heliograph, was an adaptation of
equipment used by the Plains Indians
4. Corps, and in particular the heliograph, were adaptations of
equipment used by the Plains Indians
5. Corps being adaptations, the heliograph in particular, of those
used by Plains Indians
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Question 7
Many of the instruments used in early operations of the United
States Army Signal Corps were adaptations of equipment used by
the Plains Indians, particularly that of the heliograph.
Sec 1
1. Corps were adaptations of equipment used by the Plains
Indians, particularly that of the heliograph
2. Corps, there were adaptations of equipment used by the
Plains Indians, particularly the heliograph
Question 7
3. Corps, and in particular the heliograph, was an adaptation of
equipment used by the Plains Indians
4. Corps, and in particular the heliograph, were adaptations of
equipment used by the Plains Indians
5. Corps being adaptations, the heliograph in particular, of those
used by Plains Indians
Number 4: appositive and agreement
Correcting the error in this sentence requires moving the information
about the heliograph closer to “instruments,”which is the material it
relates to. Only choice (4) accomplishes this without introducing an error
in subject-verb agreement, as in (3), or producing a sentence fragment,
as in (5). The correct sentence reads: Many of the instruments used
in early operations of the United States Army Signal Corps, and in
particular the heliograph, were adaptations of equipment used by
the Plains Indians.
Question 8
The problem of antibiotic resistance, frequently compounded in
certain countries because the sale and use of antibiotics are not
tightly controlled.
1. resistance, frequently compounded in certain countries
because
2. resistance, frequently compounded in certain countries and
3. resistance, frequently compounded in certain countries when
4. resistance is frequently compounded in certain countries where
5. resistance is frequently compounded in certain countries and
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Question 8
The problem of antibiotic resistance, frequently compounded in
certain countries because the sale and use of antibiotics are not
tightly controlled.
1. resistance, frequently compounded in certain countries
because
Question 8
2. resistance, frequently compounded in certain countries and
3. resistance, frequently compounded in certain countries when
4. resistance is frequently compounded in certain countries where
5. resistance is frequently compounded in certain countries and
Number 4: sentence structure
This sentence is a fragment as written; there is no verb in the main
clause. Of the choices offered, only (3) and (4) correct this problem. (4)
is the best choice because the adverb “where”connects the second part of
the sentence in a way that clarifies the relationship between the two parts
of the sentence. The correct sentence reads: The problem of antibiotic
resistance is frequently compounded in certain countries where the
sale and use of antibiotics are not tightly controlled.
Question 9
Analyzing campaign expenditures, the media has had as a focus
the high costs and low ethics of campaign finance, but they have
generally overlooked the cost of actually administering elections,
which includes facilities, transport, printing, staffing, and
technology.
1. Analyzing campaign expenditures, the media has had as a
focus
2. Analyses of campaign expenditures by the media has been
focus
3. In analyzing campaign expenditures, the media have focused
on
4. Media analyses of campaign expenditures have had as a focus
5. In their analysis of campaign expenditures, the media has
focused on
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Question 9
Analyzing campaign expenditures, the media has had as a focus
the high costs and low ethics of campaign finance, but they have
generally overlooked the cost of actually administering elections,
which includes facilities, transport, printing, staffing, and
technology.
1. Analyzing campaign expenditures, the media has had as a
focus
Question 9
2. Analyses of campaign expenditures by the media has been
focus
3. In analyzing campaign expenditures, the media have focused
on
4. Media analyses of campaign expenditures have had as a focus
5. In their analysis of campaign expenditures, the media has
focused on
Number 3: agreement and vocabulary
Media is plural. Sentences (1), (2) and (5) treat media as singular. The
phrase in (4) has changed the meaning of the sentence, for “they” refers
to media, and not media analyses.
Question 10
After moving to Switzerland in the 1890’s, Albert Einstein
attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich, receiving
in-depth training in quantitative analysis and developing a
foundation for his future work in mathematical physics.
1. attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
receiving in-depth training in quantitative analysis and
developing
2. attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
receiving in-depth training in quantitative analysis and
developed
3. attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
received in-depth training in quantitative analysis, and he
developed
4. attending the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
receiving in-depth training in quantitative analysis, and
developing
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Question 10
After moving to Switzerland in the 1890’s, Albert Einstein
attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich, receiving
in-depth training in quantitative analysis and developing a
foundation for his future work in mathematical physics.
1. attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
receiving in-depth training in quantitative analysis and
developing
Question 10
2. attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
receiving in-depth training in quantitative analysis and
developed
3. attended the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
received in-depth training in quantitative analysis, and he
developed
4. attending the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich,
receiving in-depth training in quantitative analysis, and
developing
Number 1: parallelism
The correct answer is (1), “receiving”must be parallel with
“developing”(receiving and developing are gerunds here ).
In all other options parallelism is not maintained except (4); However, in
(4) “attending”is incorrect, for the sentence clearly states an event that
took place in a specific point in the past.
Question 11
People in the north central region of the United States use certain
utterances that distinguish their speech from other regions.
1. distinguish their speech from
2. distinguishes their manner of speaking from
3. distinguish their speech from that of
4. distinguish the way they speak from
5. distinguishes their speech from those of
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Question 11
People in the north central region of the United States use certain
utterances that distinguish their speech from other regions.
1. distinguish their speech from
2. distinguishes their manner of speaking from
Question 11
3. distinguish their speech from that of
4. distinguish the way they speak from
5. distinguishes their speech from those of
Number 3: comparisons and agreement
The correct response is (3). The original sentence (1) makes an illogical
comparison between speech and region. (3) corrects the problem in the
original version by adding that of.
(2) and (4) each fail to correct the illogical comparison between speech
and region. Also, (2) incorrectly uses the singular verb distinguishes
instead of the plural form.
(5) corrects the illogical comparison. However, (5) incorrectly uses the
singular verb distinguishes. The verb must agree with its plural subject
utterances. (5) also incorrectly uses those instead of the correct relative
pronoun that (to refer to the singular speech).
Question 12
Improved sonar technology, together with less stringent quotas,
account for the recent increase in the amount of fish caught by
commercial vessels.
1. account for the recent increase in the amount of
2. would account for a recent increase in
3. accounts for the recent increase in the number of
4. account for recent increases in amounts of
5. is accounted for by the recent increase in
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Sec 1
Question 12
Improved sonar technology, together with less stringent quotas,
account for the recent increase in the amount of fish caught by
commercial vessels.
1. account for the recent increase in the amount of
2. would account for a recent increase in
Question 12
3. accounts for the recent increase in the number of
4. account for recent increases in amounts of
5. is accounted for by the recent increase in
Number 3: agreement, countable nouns
The correct response is (3). The original sentence (1) contains a subject-verb
agreement error. The plural verb account does not agree in number with its singular
subject technology. The intervening clause (set off by commas) should not affect the
verb’s case, which should be plural (accounts). (3) corrects this error. Notice that (3)
changes amount to number; either word is acceptable here since in this context fish
could be considered either by number or by weight–for example, tonnage. Although
(2) seems to correct the agreement error by using the subjunctive verb form “would
account”(this form could be either singular or plural), it alters the meaning of the
original sentence, transforming it into a hypothetical statement. (4) fails to correct
the subject-verb agreement error. Also, the plural “amounts”is misused. Although (5)
is grammatically correct, by using the passive voice without reconstructing the
sentence, (5) distorts the meaning of the original sentence. (5) suggests that the
increase in fish caught by commercial vessels is responsible for improved solar
technology–instead of the other way around.
Question 13
Contrary to popular myth, war heroes rarely earn their status by
acting as if they themselves are invincible.
1. if they themselves are invincible
2. though they are invincible
3. being invincible
4. invincible
5. if they were invincible
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Question 13
Contrary to popular myth, war heroes rarely earn their status by
acting as if they themselves are invincible.
1. if they themselves are invincible
2. though they are invincible
Question 13
3. being invincible
4. invincible
5. if they were invincible
Number 5: subjunctive
The correct response is (5). The original version (1) intends to express a
contrary-to-fact situation, using the subjunctive mood; thus were (instead
of are) is appropriate here. Also, the reflexive pronoun themselves is
improper here. (Compare the phrase consider themselves invincible,
which uses the reflexive form properly.) (5) corrects both problems with
the original version.
• (2) does not use the subjunctive form.
• (3) uses an improper idiom (as being).
• (4) does not use the subjunctive form, and the phrase as invincible
makes no sense in the sentence’s context (as invincible as what?).
Question 14
The need to foster allegiances between all the states was recognized by Madison and
Hamilton, among others, during its burgeoning independence from England by the
United States.
1. The need to foster allegiances between all the states was recognized by Madison
and Hamilton, among others, during its burgeoning independence from England
by the United States.
2. The need to foster allegiances was recognized by Madison and Hamilton, among
others, between all the states during the United States’ burgeoning
independence from England.
3. During a burgeoning independence from England by the United States, among
others, Madison and Hamilton recognized the need to foster allegiances among
all the states.
4. During the United States’ burgeoning independence from England, Madison and
Hamilton, among others, recognized the need to foster allegiances among all the
states.
5. The need recognized by Madison and Hamilton, among others, was to foster
allegiances among all the states during the United States’ burgeoning
independence from England.
2010-08-21
The Great Grammar Chalenge– UFMG –
Question 14
The need to foster allegiances between all the states was recognized by Madison and
Hamilton, among others, during its burgeoning independence from England by the
United States.
Sec 1
1. The need to foster allegiances between all the states was recognized by Madison
and Hamilton, among others, during its burgeoning independence from England
by the United States.
2. The need to foster allegiances was recognized by Madison and Hamilton, among
others, between all the states during the United States’ burgeoning
independence from England.
Question 14
3. During a burgeoning independence from England by the United States, among
others, Madison and Hamilton recognized the need to foster allegiances among
all the states.
4. During the United States’ burgeoning independence from England, Madison and
Hamilton, among others, recognized the need to foster allegiances among all the
states.
5. The need recognized by Madison and Hamilton, among others, was to foster
allegiances among all the states during the United States’ burgeoning
independence from England.
Number 4: between × among
The correct response is (4). (1) and (2) uses “between”incorrectly to refer to more
than two states; “among”should be used instead.
(3) remedies the problems with the original version, but the position of “among
others”confuses the meaning of the sentence, suggesting that the independence of the
United States was from not just England but other countries as well.
(5) is grammatically correct, but the first portion (“The need recognized by ... was to
foster”) distorts the sentence’s meaning, implying that Madison and Hamilton
recognized only one “need”.
Question 15
Job applicants for computer programming jobs are at times asked
to demonstrate their programming skills on the spot.
1. Job applicants for computer programming jobs are at times
2. Job applicants are sometimes for computer programming jobs
3. For some computer programming jobs, job applicants at times
are
4. In some cases some applicants for computer programming
jobs are
5. Applicants for computer programming jobs are sometimes
2010-08-21
The Great Grammar Chalenge– UFMG –
Sec 1
Question 15
Job applicants for computer programming jobs are at times asked
to demonstrate their programming skills on the spot.
1. Job applicants for computer programming jobs are at times
2. Job applicants are sometimes for computer programming jobs
Question 15
3. For some computer programming jobs, job applicants at times
are
4. In some cases some applicants for computer programming
jobs are
5. Applicants for computer programming jobs are sometimes
Number 5: idiomatic usage
The correct response is (5). The original version (1) uses “at
times”improperly. Two proper idioms here would be “sometimes”and
“occasionally”. (5) avoids redundancy by omitting “job”from the
beginning of the sentence and by replacing at times with sometimes.
(2) and (3) each fails to correct the redundancy, in addition of being
awkwardly constructed.
In (4), the phrase “in some cases”is awkward. Moreover, this phrase
alters the meaning of the original version by going too far in limiting the
situations in which a demonstration is requested.