Conquering the SAT Writing and Language Test and SAT Essay by Christopher Black

Author:Christopher Black
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Published: 2020-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Exercise Set 14: Idiomatic Expression

1. C

Since the sentence describes a plan that was developed carefully over an extended period of time, the proper idiom is agreed on, as in choice C. Recall that although we can agree with a person, and agree to an offer, we agree on plans that are mutually decided.

2. D

The comparative preposition than is required when making unequal comparisons with comparative adjectives, as in smaller than or faster than. Notice, however, that different is not a comparative adjective like these, and it requires the idiom different from.

3. C

The proper idiom is comply with (a rule). None of the options in A, B, and D is idiomatic.

4. C

The proper idiom here is prefer A to B. Notice that this is a standard parallel construction (Chapter 5, Lesson 3). Notice, also, that the phrases in the comparison—the soft, diffuse light and the light of the old compact fluorescent bulbs—have parallel grammatical form.

5. A

Since a plea deal is a type of offer, rather than a general situation (agree about), person (agree with), or mutual plan (agree on), the proper idiom here is agree to, as in choice A.

6. D

Recall from Chapter 5, Lesson 3 that infinitives often provide the most concise way of expressing purpose, and therefore choice D, to investigate, is the most concise and idiomatic option. Choice A is needlessly wordy, and choices B and C are not idiomatic.

7. B

Choices A and C are incorrect because the phrase determine about is not idiomatic. As with most idioms, always ask whether the preposition is required at all. In this case, it is not. Choice D is incorrect because the pronouns which and that are redundant, since they refer to the same antecedent, activities, and play the same grammatical role.

8. C

Choice A is incorrect because arguments on is not a standard idiom. You can argue with a person, or you can argue for or argue against a claim or position. Since this refers to a position on a proposal, the only idiomatic option is C, arguments for.

9. D

The correct idiom here is a tribute to (a person). Choices A, B, and C are not idiomatic.

10. B (Challenge Question)

When you want to specify the primary function (a noun) that some device serves, the proper idiom is serves as (an object or action that serves that function). You may use the idiom serves (infinitive) if the infinitive specifies the purpose, as in This letter serves to notify you that… However, the infinitive to be does not specify a purpose, so choice A is incorrect. Choice C is unidiomatic. Choice D is incorrect because the idiom serves for is used to indicate a period of service, as in Charles served for 12 years as a State Representative.

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