Answer choices with the word “having” appear frequently in sentence improvement questions. The use of the word “having” usually makes a sentence longer without adding any meaning.

For example, “In his book, Mr. Stinkovsky made a statement of having proof that Bigfoot exists” (14 words). However, the meaning of this sentence can be conveyed much more concisely: “In his book, Mr. Stinkovsky stated proof for Bigfoot’s existence” (10 words).

Since conciseness is one criterion for the best sentence, unless “having” is the first word of the sentence, each answer choice with “having” is incorrect on REAL SAT tests. (Don't be fooled by poor questions in prep books from Kaplan, Princeton Review, Barron's, etc.).

TIPS FOR ANSWER CHOICES WITH "HAVING"

Tip 1: When you see the word “having” in an answer choice that places “having” anywhere except as the first word of the sentence, immediately eliminate it.

Tip 2: When you see the word “having” as the very first word of a sentence, please remember that it is possibly correct. For example, “Having come this far, the mountain climbers were determined to reach the summit.” This sentence is concise and grammatically correct.

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTION FOR ANSWER CHOICES WITH "HAVING"

        Franklin Duckworth was honored by Oxford University
        not only as a true ornithologist but also having donated a
        large sum to the university.

        (A) but also having donated a large sum
        (B) but also being a large donor
        (C) but having a large sum donated
        (D) but for being a large donor
        (E) but also a large donor

Regardless of any other errors that the answer choices contain, Choices (A) and (C) can be eliminated because they place “having” in the middle of the sentence. Choices (B) and (D) can be eliminated because they contain “being”.

Only choice (E) remains and is the correct answer.

SAT Writing: Answer Choices with "Having"

Lesson Includes:

—Explanation of Answer Choices

—Tips for Answer Choices with "Having"

—Sample Practice Questions

—Practice Questions

SAT Math

SAT Reading

SAT Writing

SAT Vocabulary

ANSWER CHOICES WITH "HAVING" REVIEW QUIZ

 

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