PSAT Writing : Correcting Comparative and Superlative Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Correcting Comparative And Superlative Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
During his lifetime, few people knew about the fuller extent of his condition.
about the fuller extent for his condition.
about the full extent of his condition.
around the fuller extent of his condition.
about the fuller extents of his condition.
about the fuller extent of his condition.
about the full extent of his condition.
The use of "fuller" is incorrect in this sentence, as "fuller" implies a comparison, but is not comparing anything in the sentence. The use of the simple adjective "full" is perfectly appropriate in the sentence, making the correct answer choice "about the full extent of his condition."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Comparative And Superlative Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Carbohydrates and proteins both have less calories per gram than fats do.
Carbohydrates and proteins both have less calories per gram than fats do.
Carbohydrates and proteins have less calories per gram than fats.
Carbohydrates and proteins both have less calories per gram than fats were to have.
Carbohydrates and proteins both have fewer calories per gram than fats do.
Carbohydrates and proteins both have less calories per gram than fats.
Carbohydrates and proteins both have fewer calories per gram than fats do.
Calories can be counted, and so we use the word "fewer." "Less" is for quantities that cannot be counted, such as water.
Example Question #391 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Amy drinks lesser water than Johnny, which is why Johnny refills his water bottle more often than Amy does.
least
few
fewer
fewest
less
less
As the question compares two people, a comparative form of the adjective in question must be used, meaning that "few," the regular form of the adjective, and "least" and "fewest," which are each superlative forms, are incorrect. While "fewer" and "less" might each look like a potentially correct answer, "fewer" is used to distinguish between countable nouns, while "less" is used to distinguish between uncountable nouns, like "water." (You can tell if a noun is countable or not if you could precede it with a number, and "seven water" doesn't make sense, given how "water" is used here.) So, "less" is the correct answer.
Example Question #1991 : Sat Writing
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
I've heard that all vitamins are good for you, but of all the different kinds, are there any that are better?
is better
is the most
is the better
are best
are better
are best
When comparing more than two items, you should use superlative adjectives. So, in this case, you should use the word "best."
Example Question #201 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Less people threw they're support behind the politician as more of his personal issues were revealed.
Less people through they're support
Fewer people threw they're support
Fewer people threw their support
Less people threw there support
Less peoples threw they're support
Fewer people threw their support
The use of "they're" is incorrect in the sentence. "They're" is a contraction for "they are," while the sentence needs the third person plural possessive pronoun, "their." "Fewer people threw their support" is the correct answer choice.
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