ACT English Skill Review: Diction

Sometimes you will have to identify words that are misused rather than grammatically incorrect. For example, a sentence may use the word imply where it should use infer. This grammar concept is tested most commonly on the Error ID multiple-choice questions.

Here is a brief list of commonly confused words. Many more are available in grammar texts and online. Develop your own list based on words you often confuse.



So, when you see one of these words (or one like them) underlined on the ACT Englishtest, ask yourself, "Is this word being used correctly?"

Example

1. Their were too many players on the field, so the referee called a foul.
   
   
   1. NO CHANGE
   2. Their was
   3. There were
   4. There was

Answer and Explanation

1. The correct answer is C. In this sentence, we need there (used as a pronoun) rather than their, which is used to indicate possession. Don’t be fooled by choice D; we can’t use the singular verb was with the plural subject players.