<p>Mediators were standing by, prepared [to intervene in] the labor dispute [even though] both sides [had refused] earlier offers [for] assistance. [No error]</p>
<p>Why is D, "for", wrong?</p>
<p>Idiomatic error. Should be "offers of assistance". Someone double check me on that I'm pretty sure that's right; idioms are usually a bit tricky.</p>
<p>The only ones I seem to get wrong are idiom's and the one's that "sound funny." I'm good on subject/verb, parallelism, misplaced modified, and other standards one. How would you recommend that I learn these idiom one's and the "weird sounding ones?"</p>
<p>And thanks for the prompt answer.</p>
<p>.Masochist is definitely right. Idioms are tricky because they are specific to each language. I study French, and that language has its own idioms that are difficult to learn because they are unique to it. I would suggest taking more practice tests and then checking the answers, especially if they have explanations, although you seem to already be doing that if you've figured out the types of questions that give you trouble.</p>
<p>Usually the only way to know is by ear if you have never spent the time memorizing idioms. They are very rare on tests and appear on at most 1-2 questions. While being very familiar with English is a good way to learn these idioms, I've seen in countless places where people use them incorrectly on print. Doing practice tests and compiling a list would be helpful. </p>
<p>With a quick search I found a couple lists, perhaps this could help: </p>
<p>a-SAT</a> prepositional idioms</p>
<p>SAT</a> idioms</p>
<p>Thanks for the help .Masochist and walkthewalk</p>