The ACT, SAT, and EST challenges students to apply their understanding of grammar, punctuation, and word choice to improve written passages. Among these skills, diction errors—incorrect word choices ,or confusing words—often trip up test-takers. Diction errors don’t necessarily involve spelling or grammar issues but instead focus on selecting the most appropriate word based on context. Below, we’ll explore strategies to identify and correct diction errors on the SAT, ACT, and EST.
What Are Diction Errors on ACT, SAT, and EST?
Diction errors occur when a word is used incorrectly for its context or meaning. On the SAT, these mistakes often arise from:
- Homophones: Words that sound alike but have different meanings (e.g., “affect” vs. “effect”).
- Confused pairs: Commonly misused word pairs (e.g., “precede” vs. “proceed”).
- Formal vs. informal tone: Using slang or overly casual language in an academic context.
- Idiomatic expressions: Misusing prepositions or phrases (e.g., “different than” instead of “different from”).
Understanding these categories helps students identify potential diction errors during the test.
Strategies for Solving Diction Errors on SAT, ACT, and EST
- Understand the Context The key to solving diction errors lies in understanding the sentence’s meaning and purpose. Read the entire sentence carefully and consider the surrounding sentences. Ask yourself:
- What is the tone of the passage? (e.g., formal, academic, conversational)
- What is the precise meaning the sentence is trying to convey?
- Look for Clues in the Sentence SAT questions often include contextual clues that point to the correct word. For example:
- Transition words like “however,” “therefore,” or “moreover” can indicate contrast or continuation.
- Adjectives or adverbs in the sentence may hint at the appropriate level of formality or specificity.
- Eliminate Incorrect Options Use the process of elimination to rule out options that:
- Do not fit the tone or purpose of the passage.
- Have a different meaning than what the sentence requires.
- Are redundant or overly wordy.
- Learn Commonly Tested Word Pairs and Phrases The SAT often tests a set of commonly confused words. Familiarize yourself with these pairs to improve your accuracy:
- Affect (verb: to influence) vs. Effect (noun: a result)
- Compliment (praise) vs. Complement (to go well with)
- Imply (to suggest) vs. Infer (to deduce)
- Recognize Idiomatic Expressions Idiomatic usage—phrases that are correct simply because they are conventional—is frequently tested. For example:
- Correct: “different from”
- Incorrect: “different than”
- Correct: “interested in”
- Incorrect: “interested on”
- Stay Formal The SAT favors formal academic language. Avoid answer choices that include slang, colloquialisms, or overly casual words unless the context clearly calls for them.
Practice Makes Perfect
To excel in identifying diction errors, practice with official SAT materials and other high-quality resources. Pay attention to diction-related questions, and review explanations for any mistakes you make. Here are additional tips for effective practice:
- Read widely: Exposure to academic and formal writing improves your ability to recognize proper word usage.
- Build your vocabulary: The more words you know, the easier it becomes to choose the right one.
- Review grammar rules: Understanding the relationships between words and their functions helps in identifying errors.
List of common diction errors
Adverse/Averse:
- “Adverse” means harmful or unfavorable.
- “Averse” means having a strong dislike or opposition to something.
Canvas/Canvass:
- “Canvas” is a heavy, coarse fabric used for sails, tents, or paintings.
- “Canvass” means to solicit votes, opinions, or support from a group of people.
Principal/Principle:
- “Principal” can refer to the head of a school, a sum of money, or a primary element.
- “Principle” refers to a fundamental truth, law, doctrine, or belief.
Censor/Censure/Sensor:
- “Censor” is to suppress or examine something for objectionable content.
- “Censure” is to express formal disapproval or condemnation.
- “Sensor” is a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.
Elicit/Illicit:
- “Elicit” means to draw out a response, information, or reaction.
- “Illicit” means unlawful or illegal.
Pastime/Past Time:
- “Pastime” refers to an activity that serves to make time pass agreeably.
- “Past time” refers to a former period of time.
Sensory/Sensorial:
- “Sensory” pertains to the senses or sensation.
- “Sensorial” is a less common synonym for sensory.
Affectation/Affection:
- “Affectation” is behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress.
- “Affection” is a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something.
Discreet/Discrete:
- “Discreet” means careful and circumspect in one’s speech or actions.
- “Discrete” means individually separate and distinct.
Climactic/Climatic:
- “Climactic” pertains to the climax or highest point.
- “Climatic” pertains to the climate or weather conditions of an area.
Explicit/Implicit:
- “Explicit” means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
- “Implicit” means implied though not plainly expressed.
Lay/Lie:
- “Lay” is a transitive verb meaning to put or place something down.
- “Lie” is an intransitive verb meaning to recline or be situated.
Borrow/Lend:
- “Borrow” means to take something with the intention of returning it.
- “Lend” means to give something to someone on the understanding that it will be returned.
Historic/Historical:
- “Historic” refers to something important or significant in history.
- “Historical” refers to something related to history or past events.
Precede/Proceed:
- “Precede” means to come before something in time or order.
- “Proceed” means to continue with a course of action.
Cue/Queue:
- “Cue” is a signal for someone to do something.
- “Queue” refers to a line or sequence of people or vehicles waiting for their turn.
Canvas/Canvass:
- “Canvas” is a heavy, coarse cloth used for sails, tents, or paintings.
- “Canvass” means to solicit votes, opinions, or support from a group of people.
Beside/Besides:
- “Beside” means next to or at the side of.
- “Besides” means in addition to or apart from.
Peak/Peak/Pique:
- “Peak” is the pointed top of a mountain or anything that comes to a point.
- “Peek” means to glance quickly or furtively.
- “Pique” means to stimulate interest or provoke someone’s interest or curiosity.
Passed/Past:
- “Passed” is the past tense of “pass.”
- “Past” refers to a time that has gone by or something that is beyond a particular point.
More common Diction errors
Principle/Principal:
- “Principle” refers to a fundamental truth, law, or belief.
- “Principal” can refer to a sum of money, a person in a leading position, or the head of a school.
Complement/Compliment:
- “Complement” refers to something that completes or goes well with something else.
- “Compliment” is an expression of praise or admiration.
Stationary/Stationery:
- “Stationary” means not moving or still.
- “Stationery” refers to writing materials (e.g., paper, pens, envelopes).
Desert/Dessert:
- “Desert” is a dry, often sandy, region.
- “Dessert” is a sweet course served at the end of a meal.
Practical/Practicable:
- “Practical” refers to something realistic or useful.
- “Practicable” means capable of being done or put into practice.
Peak/Peek/Pique:
- “Peak” is the topmost point of something or the highest level of something.
- “Peek” means to look quickly or sneakily.
- “Pique” means to arouse interest, curiosity, or resentment.
Sight/Site/Cite:
- “Sight” refers to the ability to see, or something worth seeing.
- “Site” is a location or place.
- “Cite” means to quote or refer to as evidence.
Capital/Capitol:
- “Capital” can refer to a city serving as a seat of government, wealth in the form of money or assets, or an uppercase letter.
- “Capitol” specifically refers to the building in which a legislative body meets.
Allusion/Illusion:
- “Allusion” is an indirect reference to something.
- “Illusion” is a false idea or belief, or a deceptive appearance or impression.
Wary/Weary:
- “Wary” means cautious or suspicious.
- “Weary” means tired or exhausted.
Affect/Effect:
- “Affect” is usually a verb meaning to influence or make a difference to something.
- “Effect” is usually a noun meaning the result or outcome of an action.
Accept/Except:
- “Accept” is a verb meaning to receive or agree to something.
- “Except” is usually a preposition meaning not including or other than.
Their/They’re/There:
- “Their” is a possessive pronoun, indicating belonging to a group.
- “They’re” is a contraction for “they are.”
- “There” is an adverb indicating a place or the existence of something.
Your/You’re:
- “Your” is a possessive pronoun, indicating belonging to the person you are addressing.
- “You’re” is a contraction for “you are.”
Its/It’s:
- “Its” is a possessive pronoun, indicating belonging to “it.”
- “It’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
Than/Then:
- “Than” is a conjunction used in making comparisons.
- “Then” is an adverb indicating a point in time or sequence of events.
Loose/Lose:
- “Loose” is an adjective meaning not tight or firmly fixed.
- “Lose” is a verb meaning to be deprived of or unable to find.
To/Too/Two:
- “To” is a preposition indicating direction or intention.
- “Too” is an adverb meaning also or excessively.
- “Two” is the number 2.
Farther/Further:
- “Farther” refers to physical distance.
- “Further” is used for figurative distance or to indicate additional advancement.
Its/It’s:
- “Its” is the possessive form of “it.”
- “It’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
Final Thoughts
Diction errors on the SAT can seem subtle, but with careful reading and strategic thinking, they are entirely manageable. By understanding context, recognizing common pitfalls, and practicing diligently, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle these questions and boost your Writing and Language score. Remember, success on the SAT isn’t just about memorizing rules—it’s about applying them thoughtfully and confidently.
Diction or confusing words questions in ACT, SAT, EST
Question 1: The scientist’s groundbreaking discovery had a significant (affect/effect) on the field of biology.
Answer: Effect Explanation: “Effect” is the correct choice because it refers to the result or impact of the discovery. “Affect” is a verb that means to influence.
Question 2: Although the new policy was controversial, it ultimately (preceded/proceeded) without significant opposition.
Answer: Proceeded Explanation: “Proceeded” means to move forward or continue. “Preceded” means to come before, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
Question 3: The two styles of painting (complement/compliment) each other beautifully, creating a harmonious display.
Answer: Complement Explanation: “Complement” means to enhance or go well together, which fits the context. “Compliment” refers to giving praise, which does not apply here.
Question 4: The student was interested (in/on) pursuing a career in medicine.
Answer: In Explanation: “Interested in” is the correct idiomatic expression. “Interested on” is not standard English.
Question 5: The author’s argument was (implied/inferred) rather than directly stated in the text.
Answer: Implied Explanation: “Implied” means suggested without being explicitly stated, which fits the context. “Inferred” means deduced by the reader, which would not make sense here.
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