<p>I need advice about this one. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>The process was not simple and photographers [had to] carry [lots of] flm and processing equipment; however, [this] did not stop photographers, especially [in] the United States.</p>
<p>Is there no error, or is "this" a problem? As far as I am concerned, we cannot say "The weather is hot. This is because ...", can we? I think "this" can only refer to a noun stated before, not an equivalent noun phrase.</p>
<p>Can anyone help me? >.<
I promise I will do my best to return the favor. This matter is kind of urgent now…</p>
<p>“This” on the SAT-W must ALWAYS be followed by a noun. Replace with “this problem,” “this fact,” or similar.</p>
<p>So is the sentence correct if it is in a non-sat context? My friend asks me if he can write the same way in a toefl essay.</p>
<p>I think it’s no error because “this” can be used to refer entirely to the previous sentence.
Ex: The cat was no where to be found. This caused the family to worry.</p>
<p>If I’m wrong please correct me anyone!</p>
<p>I would think that the error is “lots of” but I could be wrong. I’m like 85% sure.</p>
<p>Thanks for your concern. I’ll ask my teacher tomorrow.</p>
<p>One thing I’m sure is that the sentence is wrong in SAT context. “This” can only refer to a defined noun.</p>
<p>" This " must have an antecedent, the antecedent can be a noun, pronoun or gerund. In this case it is clear that “This” is referring to : carrying lots of film and processing equipment. However there is no gerund just a verb. A verb cannot be an antecedent, so here’s your mistake.</p>
<p>“This” without a noun after it is generally fine in a non-prescriptive context, yes (in fact, you’ll see it that way in the SAT Reading section, one of many inconsistencies in the College Board’s material!)</p>
<p>zephyr0: you’re definitely wrong. On SAT-W, “this” must always be followed immediately by a noun. There are zero exceptions to this rule on SAT-W. Your example is a great illustration of how the CB tests this principle: “this” applied to an entire clause or phrase.</p>