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.
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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
- Their were too many players on the field, so the referee called a foul.
- NO CHANGE
- Their was
- There were
- There was
Answer and Explanation
- 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.