PSAT Writing : Identifying Comparative and Superlative Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

The environmentalist isn't sure which is worst for the environment between styrofoam and plastic. No error

Possible Answers:

worst

No error

and

which

isn't

Correct answer:

worst

Explanation:

"Worse" is used to compare to objects, while "worst" is used for three or more objects. Given that two items are being compared here ("styrofoam and plastic"), "worse" should be used instead of "worst."

Example Question #21 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Between skirts and pants, skirts were most popular among women during the 1950s. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

during

and

most

among

Correct answer:

most

Explanation:

When two items are being compared, the comparative adjective “more” is the appropriate word to use, while the superlative adjective “most” is appropriate for comparisons involving three or more items. Here, two items ("skirts and pants") are being compared. Therefore, “more” is the appropriate word to use, not “most.”

Example Question #11 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

A recent study that tested bleach, detergent, and vinegar found that vinegar was more effective at removing certain types of stains. No error

Possible Answers:

more

and

that

No error

found

Correct answer:

more

Explanation:

When two items are being compared, “more” is the appropriate word to use, while “most” is appropriate when comparing three or more items. Here, three items are being compared: "bleach, detergent, and vinegar." Therefore, “most” is the appropriate word to use, not “more.”

Example Question #12 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

When Denise talks about raising her three boys, she always says that her eldest behaved the worse. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

eldest

about

her

worse

Correct answer:

worse

Explanation:

When two people or things are being compared, “worse” is the appropriate word to use, while “worst” is appropriate for comparisons involving three or more people or things. Here, three people are being compared (Denise's three boys). Therefore, “worst” is the appropriate word to use, not “worse.”

 

Example Question #13 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

After examining the two cookies on the plate, Rita choose the sweetest for her afternoon treat. No error

Possible Answers:

for

sweetest

examining

on

No error

Correct answer:

sweetest

Explanation:

Superlatives can be used when comparing three items, but when comparing only two objects, like the two cookies here), you must use comparative adjectives. So, the superlative adjective "sweetest" should be changed to the comparative adjective "sweeter" to correct the sentence's error.

Example Question #14 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Although Mary enjoyed both novels, she vehemently argued in class that the dystopian novel is the best novel of the two. No error

Possible Answers:

is

No error

both

vehemently

best

Correct answer:

best

Explanation:

Because two novels are being compared, Mary can only argue that one is "better" than the other. However, the sentences uses the superlative adjective "best" instead of the comparative adjective "better." The sentence's error could be corrected by changing "best" to "better."

Example Question #24 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

If I had to choose between watching soccer, basketball, or swimming, I would choose to watch swimming because it is the faster paced competition. No error

Possible Answers:

I would choose

faster paced

No error

had to choose

because

Correct answer:

faster paced

Explanation:

This sentence compares three different sports: soccer, basketball, and swimming. Whenever three or more things are compared, a superlative adjective is used in the comparison, not a comparative adjective, which is only used for comparisons between two things. So, "faster," a comparative adjective, needs to be changed to "fastest" to correct the sentence's error.

Example Question #15 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Walking and taking public transportation are also options, but driving remains the more popular way to arrive at the festival. No error

Possible Answers:

are

more popular

options

No error

and taking

Correct answer:

more popular

Explanation:

This sentence uses a comparison adjective (“more”) when comparing three things: "walking," "taking public transportation," and "driving." A superlative (“most”) would be grammatically correct. The corrected sentence reads: "Walking and taking public transportation are also options, but driving remains the most popular way to arrive at the festival."

Example Question #351 : Psat Writing Skills

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

He could have chosen any profession in the world, but he decided that accounting was more interesting. No error

Possible Answers:

could have chosen

No error

more

decided that

but

Correct answer:

more

Explanation:

This sentence uses the comparative “more,” which should be used when comparing only two things. As this sentence compares all professions, the superlative “most” should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "He could have chosen any profession in the world, but he decided that accounting was the most interesting."

Example Question #16 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Any nutritionist will tell you that between black tea and coffee, coffee has the most caffeine. No error

Possible Answers:

Any

No error

between

the most

has

Correct answer:

the most

Explanation:

When two items are being compared, “more” is the appropriate word to use, while “most” is appropriate for comparisons involving three or more items. Here, two items are being compared: "black tea and coffee." Therefore, “more” is the appropriate word to use, not the phrase “the most.”

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