HSPT Language Skills

Master the essential language skills needed to succeed on the HSPT, including grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Grammar FundamentalsVocabulary BuildingPunctuation and Capitalization
Sentence Structure and TypesCommon Usage ErrorsAnalogies and Relationships
Effective CommunicationReading ComprehensionWriting for Different Purposes
Time Management on the HSPTElimination and Guessing TechniquesCareful Reading and Double-Checking
Grammar FundamentalsVocabulary BuildingPunctuation and Capi...Sentence Structure a...Common Usage ErrorsAnalogies and Relati...Effective Communicat...Reading Comprehensio...Writing for Differen...Time Management on t...Elimination and Gues...Careful Reading and ...
Advanced Topics

Common Usage Errors

Spotting and Fixing Mistakes

Some words and phrases are often used incorrectly. Recognizing these errors can help you avoid them on the HSPT and in everyday writing.

Frequently Confused Words

  • Their / There / They're
  • Your / You're
  • Its / It's

Double Negatives

Using two negatives in a sentence can make your meaning unclear.

  • Incorrect: I don't need no help.
  • Correct: I don't need any help.

Misplaced Modifiers

Place descriptive words close to what they describe.

  • Confusing: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
  • Clear: She drove her kids to school almost every day.

Practice

Read your writing carefully to catch these common mistakes!

Examples

  • You're going to love your new backpack.

  • The dog wagged its tail.

In a Nutshell

Avoiding usage errors makes your communication clear and correct.

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Analogies and Relationships