Is there an error in the sentence 'the use of cameras at red lights is becoming more common'?

Here’s a focused look at a sentence that comes up in PACT-style writing tasks: "the use of cameras at red lights is becoming more common." The question typically asks which part is correctly structured, and the answer is No error. That simple verdict hides a tidy little grammar lesson about how subject, modifiers, and the verb phrase work together. Let me break it down so the idea lands clearly—and sticks when you skim similar questions on the real thing.

Let’s break down the sentence, piece by piece

• The subject: the use of cameras

Think of the subject as the thing you’re talking about. In this sentence, the main idea is not the cameras themselves in isolation but the concept of their use. The phrase “the use of” turns what could be a mere noun into a larger topic: the act or practice of using. It’s a subtle shift, but it matters. You’ll often see this pattern—“the use of X”—when the writer wants to talk about the action rather than the thing itself.

• The modifier: at red lights

Here’s where nuance comes in. The phrase “at red lights” is a prepositional phrase that adds context to the subject. In everyday phrasing, you’d likely hear people say “the use of cameras at traffic signals” or “at red lights.” That little location phrase doesn’t change the subject’s core meaning; it sharpens it. It answers the question, “Where are these cameras being used?” In many sentences, a location or time phrase can sit like a precise modifier, guiding readers toward a clearer mental image.

• The predicate: is becoming more common

This is where tense and mood come into play. “Is” is the auxiliary (the helping verb), and “becoming” is the present participle that forms the progressive aspect. Put together, they communicate an ongoing change. The phrase “more common” is a comparative adjective, signaling that the frequency is increasing relative to some prior point. The whole predicate says, in effect, “Right now, this is happening more often than before.” That’s a compact way to express change over time without needing extra clauses.

Why this structure works in everyday writing—and in the PACT context

• Clarity comes first

The sentence doesn’t hide its subject inside a maze of other phrases. It starts with a clear “the use of cameras,” then adds a precise location, then states a trend. When you’re solving a multiple-choice question about structure, that kind straightforward order is a big clue.

• The modifier is attached to the right thing

“At red lights” clearly attaches to “cameras,” and by extension to the idea of their use. If readers somehow mistook the phrase as modifying “is becoming,” the meaning would feel off. But the way it’s placed keeps the reader anchored to the right target: where the cameras operate.

• The tense marks a real-time shift

The contraction-free cadence of “is becoming” signals ongoing evolution. In writing tasks, you’ll often see this form used to describe changes in policy, technology, or social trends. Recognizing that progressive aspect helps you evaluate whether the sentence communicates the intended sense of time.

A quick, practical approach to similar questions

If you’re staring at a sentence and wondering where the potential error lies, here’s a compact method you can apply without turning it into a scavenger hunt:

1. Identify the subject first

Ask: What’s the main thing the sentence is about? Is it a noun phrase? If you can name the subject quickly, you’ve paved the way for the rest.

2. Check any modifiers for placement and meaning

If there’s a prepositional phrase, ask what it’s modifying. Does it tell where, when, how, or under what condition? If the modifier seems to drift away from the intended target, you may have a miscue.

3. Examine the verb phrase for tense and aspect

Look at the auxiliary and main verb. Do they convey the right timing and continuity? A mismatch here can muddy the intended message.

4. Watch for agreement and form

Make sure the subject and verb agree, especially in more complex sentences with compound subjects or tricky phrases. A small mismatch can derail clarity.

5. Read for flow, not just rules

Sometimes a sentence is technically fine but sounds off in everyday reading. If a phrase feels jarring, you might reword it to preserve natural rhythm while keeping the meaning intact.

Putting it into a broader context

These little grammar moments pop up across a lot of PACT-style tasks—reading comprehension prompts, short-edit questions, and sentence-structure items. The common thread is not merely “is this perfectly grammatical?” but “does this line up with what the writer wants to express, and is it easy to follow?” When the answer is “No error,” you’ve got a sentence that effectively balances subject clarity, precise modifiers, and a robust verb phrase.

A few more flavors of the same idea

• Example with a similar subject and modifier:

“The use of drones in agricultural fields is expanding.” Here, the subject is still “the use of,” the modifier pinpoints where, and the predicate tells us about growth. If any part felt off, you might ask whether “in agricultural fields” is doing the right kind of supporting work.

• Example with a different tense:

“The use of recycled materials in packaging has become standard.” Swap in “has become” to mark a completed shift rather than an ongoing trend. The shift in tense subtly changes the sense of the statement, even though the structure remains clean.

• A cautionary note about modifiers:

If you hear something like “The use of cameras near intersections is dangerous,” the risk isn’t in the subject; it’s in whether “near intersections” properly targets the cameras, or perhaps the policy or practice. In tough items, mismatched modifiers are where you’ll often see the trouble.

Why this matters beyond a test question

Mastering this kind of sentence awareness isn’t just about getting a point on a quiz. It’s a real-world advantage when you’re drafting emails, briefs, or reports. Clear subjects, well-placed modifiers, and precise verb phrases help readers absorb your message without re-reading. It’s the difference between “we plan to implement a system” and “we will implement a system.” The second version feels decisive; the first can feel tentative. In professional writing, that choice matters.

A few practical tweaks you can try today

• Read aloud to test flow

If a sentence trips when spoken, it often trips readers. A natural rhythm usually indicates well-placed modifiers and a solid verb phrase.

• Swap in synonyms carefully

If you’re tempted to swap “the use of” with something punchier, pause. The “use of” construction is doing a lot of heavy lifting here, turning a simple subject into a topic. A rushed replacement can throw off the balance.

• Note the role of prepositional phrases

Prepositions are tiny engines of meaning. They connect ideas but can also derail clarity if they’re attached to the wrong word. If you’re unsure, try removing the prepositional phrase and seeing if the sentence still holds together.

Putting it all together for your reading and writing toolkit

The sentence “the use of cameras at red lights is becoming more common” isn’t just a trivia item. It’s a compact example of how English can express a complex idea with a clean structure. The subject leads, modifiers specify, and the predicate conveys movement over time. This balance between a precise topic, a contextual modifier, and a timely verb form is a pattern you’ll see again and again—whether you’re evaluating written material in a classroom setting, drafting a policy brief, or sharing insights in a campus newsletter.

If you’re exploring how to craft tight, clear sentences in the PACT writing framework, start with the same instinct you used here: identify the core idea, locate the details that clarify context, and verify that the verb shape matches the intended timing. It’s a small choreography, but it pays off in sharper, more confident writing.

A final thought to keep you moving forward

Grammar bites can feel like small, stubborn puzzles. But the payoff isn’t just about rules; it’s about communication that feels effortless. When you can spot the subject, the precise modifier, and the right verb form at a glance, you’re not just answering a question—you’re telling a story that another reader can follow with ease. In the end, that clarity is what turns a good line into a lasting impression.

If you’d like, I can walk through more similar sentences and unpack them step by step. It helps to see a few more real-world examples so the pattern becomes second nature—the kind of fluency that makes your writing sing, even under timed conditions.