<p>I came across this sentence while studying. Princeton Review claims that this sentence is correct as written but I am unsure.
The sentence reads as follows:
Not having traveled abroad before, John was both apprehensive and excited about his upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands.
The answer choices are:
A: Not having
B: abroad
C: was
D: excited about
E: No error</p>
<p>Can someone tell me if this sentence is correct? I would also like to know the rule for the usage of "not having traveled abroad" and the past tense that follows.</p>
<p>The sentence is correct as written.</p>
<p>The wording suggests that he “was” but perhaps he is no longer apprehensive. But is he still excited? I suppose that it could be clearer.</p>
<p>Perhaps this would be better:</p>
<p>Not having traveled abroad before, John was at first both apprehensive and excited about his upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands.</p>
<p>But is he still excited?</p>
<p>Or this:</p>
<p>Not having traveled abroad before, John is both apprehensive and excited about his upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands.</p>
<p>Here he still “is” apprehensive. Perhaps tomorrow he would be more courageous and then the “is” would become “was”.</p>
<p>You may be over thinking the question. There isn’t enough context to “pick” from among the possible correct options.</p>
<p>Technically, you could very well say he was excited about the upcoming trip…</p>
<p>…but does that mean he’s not excited anymore?</p>
<p>It’s way too tricky. I don’t think this would ever be an actual SAT question. Stick to real questions.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with the sentence.</p>
<p>(A): Incorrect because the present participle “not having” is correctly used to modify the subject, John.</p>
<p>(B): Incorrect because the adverb “abroad” is correctly used to modify the verb “traveled”.</p>
<p>(C): Incorrect because the verb “was” agrees in number with the subject, John, and there is nothing wrong with the tense.</p>
<p>(D): Incorrect because I’m pretty sure “excited about” is an idiom and if not, it’s still correct.</p>
<p>(E): This is the right answer.</p>
<p>fogcity, the explanation you gave about no longer being apprehensive was very helpful. I made the mistake of thinking it was incorrect to say “was” about an upcoming trip. I definitely over thought this question.</p>
<p>johnnyzxz, I agree with you in sticking to real questions. The questions in the Princeton Review are not quite like the real SAT’s.</p>
<p>I am glad everyone agreed that the sentence is correct as written. This serves as a lesson to not spend too much time on one question and over think the answer choices. You guys were extremely helpful.</p>
<p>Also, is “having traveled” in the present perfect or past perfect tense?</p>
<p>^“Having traveled” is in the past perfect tense.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks again.</p>