<p>Paule Marshall, [whose] Barbadian background [has influenced] her writing, [describes] many details of life in the Carribean Islands [vividly] in her novels and short stories.</p>
<p>I thought the error was in [has influenced] because it sounds very akward. Apparently there is no error. Can someone explain why my choice is incorrect?</p>
<p>I also need help with this:</p>
<p>[Since some] people are [convinced that] dowsing, a method of finding underground water with a Y-shaped stick, is effective, but others condemn the procedure [as] [mere superstition.]</p>
<p>I thought the error was in [mere superstition] because i thought “mere superstition” was plural… but the answer is [since some]. Why?</p>
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<p>The verb is in the present perfect tense, which means that it has occured in the past and continues to occur. It’s perfectly reasonable that the author continues to be influenced by her background.</p>
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<p>“superstition” is singular. Plural nouns typically end in “s” (most common ending for plurals), “ae,” or “i.”</p>
<p>“Since some” is wrong because it doesn’t match the sentence structure. “Since some” should function the same as “Because some.” Here’s the meat of the sentence:</p>
<p>"Because some people are convinced [direct object], but others condemn [direct object]. </p>
<p>Independent clauses only start with “but” when linked to another independent clause. “Because…” is a dependent clause.</p>
<p>you are so helpful!
ps: i’m a junior student from China, preparing SAT…</p>