PSAT Writing : Correcting Other Adjective and Adverb Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
All PSAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Correcting Adjective And Adverb 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.
I found the unbelievable large mouse gnawing on the flour sack in my cupboard.
Gnawing on the flour sack in my cupboard, I found the unbelievably large mouse.
I found the mouse, large and unbelievable, gnawing on the flour sack in my cupboard.
I found the unbelievably large mouse gnawing on the flour sack in my cupboard.
I found the unbelievable large mouse gnawing on the flour sack in my cupboard.
In my cupboard, I found the unbelievable, large mouse gnawing on the flour sack.
I found the unbelievably large mouse gnawing on the flour sack in my cupboard.
In this sentence, the word "unbelievable" should be modifying "large" rather than "mouse," and, since "large" is an adjective, "unbelievable" must be made into an adverb, "unbelievably," to modify it. Two answer choices correct this adverb error, but only the correct answer choice does not add in any further errors. "Gnawing on a flour sack, I found the unbelievably large mouse" adds another ambiguous modifier and alters the meaning of the sentence by implying that the speaker was gnawing on a sack of flour, rather than the mouse.
Example Question #11 : Correcting Adjective And Adverb 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.
The old man usual took his walk around the neighborhood at roughly three in the afternoon.
The old man usual takes
The old man usual took
The old man usual taken
The old man usually took
The usual old man took
The old man usually took
The use of the word "usual" in the sentence is incorrect, as it describes the verb "took," which means it needs to take an adverb form. The only answer choice with the correct form that also keeps the intended meaning of the sentence is "The old man usually took."
Example Question #11 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb 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.
Marriages are increasing being delayed among young adults throughout the nation.
Marriages are increasingly been delayed
Marriages are increasingly being delayed
Marriages are increasingly being delaying
Marriages are increasing being delayed
Marriages are increasing being delaying
Marriages are increasingly being delayed
The word "increasing" in the sentence is used to describe the verb phrase "being delayed." Even though these words are not the verb in the sentence, they still need an adverb form to describe them. The correct answer is "Marriages are increasingly being delayed."
Certified Tutor
All PSAT Writing Resources
