Identifying Sentence Errors Introduction On most standardized exams, when it comes to identifying sentence errors, your task is to pinpoint the error in the underlined portion of the sentence. Typically, you don't have to correct this error or give an explanation as to what is wrong. You only have to find it. Focus Keep your focus on the underlined portion of the sentence. It doesn't matter if the error in the underlined portion also creates problems elsewhere in the sentence. Your job is not to fix or even point out those other problems. In fact, if you focus on them, it may just confuse you. All your attention should be concentrated on finding the error in the underlined portion, regardless of whatever improvements could be made to the rest of the sentence. Common Errors A smart strategy is to check for some of the most common errors first, like dangling modifiers, subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent problems, and misuse of adverbs and adjectives. You'll find that the most common errors tend to appear the most often in most standardized exams. Sentences Without Errors Keep in mind that some sentences will not contain any errors. If you're having trouble finding an error, it might be because there simply aren't any. Ten to twenty percent of all sentences have no errors at all. They may sound awkward or be confusing, but they're grammatically correct. Be careful of making up errors where they don't exist. If your gut doesn't tell you there's an error and you can see nothing wrong, then opt for answer (E) and move on to the next question. Trust Your Instincts It's wise to trust your instincts. Listen to the sentence as you repeat it in your mind. If something sounds wrong, it probably is. Keep in mind that you don't have to fix the problem or even explain why it is that you feel it's wrong. All you have to do is correctly identify the error.