Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case
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SAT Reading & Writing › Identifying Pronoun Errors: Case
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Samantha walked over to me and whispered, "Just between you and I, I don't think we can trust him to keep this secret." No error
you and I
to me
him
to keep
No error
Explanation
This first person pronoun following "between" is an object of the preposition, and therefore should be the object pronoun "me" as opposed to the subject pronoun "I."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While it continues to be popular among motorists, SUVs are gradually being replaced by smaller, more efficient cars. No error
While it continues
are
being replaced
smaller
No error
Explanation
"SUVs," the subject of this sentence, is the plural form of SUV. Since we are dealing with a plural, it is incorrect to use the singular pronoun “it” at the beginning of the sentence. Rather, the plural form of the pronoun “they” must be used instead so that the sentence begins, “While they continue.”
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
My boyfriend and me went to the animal shelter, and together, we adopted a dog. No error
me
went
together
adopted
No error
Explanation
This sentence contains an error in its use of the pronoun "me." The proper subjects of the sentence are "my boyfriend" and "I." "Me" is an objective pronoun, not a subjective pronoun (e.g., "My boyfriend gave the puppy to me." is correct, but "Me went to the animal shelter" is not correct.)
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I never heard the official announcement, but I received the news when Mark sent an email to Sharon and I. No error
Sharon and I
never
received
when
No error
Explanation
This sentence has a problem with pronoun case in the prepositional phrase "to Sharon and I." "I" is the subjective case of the first-person pronoun, but as an object of the preposition "to," the objective case of the first-person pronoun, "me," should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "I never heard the official announcement, but I received the news when Mark sent an email to Sharon and me."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
It was a frightening experience when our camping leader left my friend and I to set up camp by ourselves while the wolves were howling. No error
I
when
by ourselves
were
No error
Explanation
When someone is left behind, that person is the object of the action. "Me" is the first person pronoun that is used as an object, not "I." Therefore, the word "I" should be changed to the word "me" in the sentence.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed in order to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The noise from the fighter jets that flew directly above John and I was deafening. No error
John and I
that flew
was
No error
above
Explanation
"John and I" is incorrect because this first person pronoun needs to be in objective case, "me." It is the object of the preposition "above" and is not the subject of the sentence; therefore, the objective case "John and me" is correct over subjective case "I."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
“I don’t understand why I can’t come to the movies with you,” cried Tina’s younger brother, whom had a strict 8:00 bedtime. No error
whom
don't understand
to the movies
cried
No error
Explanation
The word "whom" is incorrect because it refers to the brother, who is the subject of the sentence (it is the younger brother who does the crying here). Therefore, the correct word choice would be "who."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The awkward tension between Sam and Iwas, as it turns out, completely one-sided. No error
Sam and I
awkward
as it turns out
completely one-sided
No error
Explanation
The pronoun "I" is only used as the subject of a sentence. "Me" is used as the object of a verb or (as in this case) a preposition. The corrected sentence reads, "The awkward tension between me and Sam was, as it turns out, completely one-sided."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Even though Arnold and his wife had never been to Hawaii, them were sure they would have fun there. No error
them
Even though
had never been
No error
would have
Explanation
This sentence incorrectly uses the objective pronoun "them" where it should use the subjective pronoun "they." Since the pronoun in question is acting as the subject of the independent clause "(pronoun) were sure they would have fun there," it needs to be in its subjective form. Objective pronouns, on the other hand, are used when the pronoun in question is acting as a direct object or the object of a preposition, e.g. the exchange "To whom did you give the cake?" "I gave it to them." Here, both the pronouns "whom" and "them" are in their objective forms because each is funcitoning as the object of the preposition "to."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Even though it did not have a history of biting, the dog that lived next door always made me feel uneasy; I didn't like the way it snarled at Jason and I. No error
Jason and I
Even though it did not have a history of biting
dog that lived next door
uneasy;
No error
Explanation
There is an issue with the prepositional phrase "at Jason and I." "I" is a subjective pronoun, but the objective pronoun "me" should be used in this instance, since it is the object of the preposition "at."