Identifying No Error Questions
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The first landing of a man on the moon, a feat that many people considered impossible, was a historical highlight of the 1960s. No error.
No error.
first landing
that
considered impossible
historical
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written! “First landing” is an appropriate adjective-noun combination, “that” is the correct relative pronoun, “considered impossible” is an appropriate verb-adjective combination, and “historical” is an adjective that correctly modifies a noun.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Stooping down to tie her shoe, Margaret saw a tiny note scribbled onto the wall only a few inches above the floor. No error
No error
Stooping down
Stooping down
saw
saw
scribbled
scribbled
above the floor
above the floor
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written. “Stooping down” uses a conventional combination of verb and preposition, “saw” is in the correct tense, “scribbled” is also in the correct tense, and “above the floor” is an appropriate prepositional phrase.
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.
With excitement sparkling behind the tears in her eyes, Mary announced that her poodle, the pride and joy of her life, had just won the regional dog show.
No error
behind
eyes, Mary
announced
had just won
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written. “Behind” is the appropriate use of a preposition, the comma between “eyes” and “Mary” is grammatical, “announced” is a verb in the correct tense, and “had just won” is an appropriate combination of verb and adverb.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I would rather run an entire marathon than spend one more day sitting at that table nibbling crumpets. No error
No error
entire
than spend one more day
that
nibbling
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written. “Entire” is an adjective that modifies a noun, “than spend one more day” is a logical comparison, “that” is a demonstrative pronoun used correctly, and “nibbling” is a present progressive verb that describes a concurrent action.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Missing home, he tried to grow a palm tree sapling, but it could not survive Maine’s harsh winters. No error
No error
Missing home
tried to grow
it
Maine's harsh winters
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The movement to build a community garden in the empty lot was slowly gaining momentum, and Mrs. Higgins was already excitedly asking nurseries to donate plants. No error.
No error.
to build
in the empty lot
was
excitedly
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written! The verb “to build” is correct in the infinitive, “in the empty lot” is an appropriate prepositional phrase, “was” is a verb in the correct tense, and “excitedly” is an adverb that modifies a verb.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As globalizing forces reach out to remote corners of the globe, some worry that we will become a homogenous universal culture. No error.
No error.
globalizing
reach out to
some
will become
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written! “Globalizing” can be used as an adjective, “reach out to” uses the correct prepositions following the verb, “some” is an appropriate pronoun, and “will become” correctly uses future tense.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Henry was a fiercely stubborn child; he would carry out incredibly successful hunger strikes if he was not served macaroni and cheese for dinner. No error
No error
child; he
incredibly successful
was
for dinner
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written. The semi-colon between “child” and “he” is grammatical, “incredibly successful” uses adverbs and adjectives to modify the appropriate words, “was” is in the correct tense, and “for dinner” is an acceptable prepositional phrase.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The stores filled with chocolates and hearts as Valentine’s Day approached, but Dave scoffed at the trite romantic commercialism. No error.
No error.
filled with
as
but
romantic commercialism
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written! “Filled with” uses the right preposition after the verb, “as” starts off an adverbial phrase correctly, “but” is the right conjunction for the logic of the sentence, and “romantic commercialism” is a correct adjective-noun combination.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite the odd smell and the suspicious noise it made when I turned left too quickly, the old car served its basic function of traveling down the road. No error
No error
Despite
when
served
and the suspicious noise
Explanation
This sentence is correct as written! “Despite” works with the logic of the sentence, “and the suspicious noise” is grammatically parallel to “odd smell,” “when” introduces the dependent clause appropriately, and “served” is in the correct tense.