PSAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #341 : 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.
Between Portia and Franklin, the majority of observers would zealously agree that Franklin is the most intelligent. No error
the majority of
Most
agree that
Between
No error
Most
When three or more items are being compared, "most" and other superlatives should be used. However, when only two items are being compared, as is the case here, "more" should be used instead.
Example Question #342 : 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.
At first the little boy couldn't choose between the white puppy and the brown puppy, but he eventually chose the brown puppy because it was the cutest of the two. No error
and
between
cutest
No error
At first
cutest
When comparing two items, "cuter," a comparative adjective, should be used. "Cutest," a superlative adjective, should only be used when there are three or more items being compared.
Example Question #343 : 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.
While Scott enjoys spending time with his brother and sister, he likes his brother best because they have more in common. No error
with
and
more in common
best
No error
best
Given that Scott is comparing only his brother and sister (two subjects), the superlative adjective “best” should not be used because it is only appropriate when three or more items are being compared. Here, the comparative adjective “better" should be used instead.
Example Question #41 : 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.
The oldest of the triplets is the activest one, perhaps because he intuitively knows that he is the big brother who needs to take care of everyone. No error
who
activest
because
of
No error
activest
“Activest” is not a word; “most active" should be used instead.
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.
Among the major newspapers in Los Angeles, the more popular is The Los Angeles Times, outselling the four other large publications in the area. No error
Among
outselling
more
other
No error
more
When there are more than three items being compared, the superlative adjective "most" should be used. The comparative adjective "more" is only used to compare two items. Given that The Los Angeles Times is being compared to four other newspapers, the appropriate word to use would be "most," not "more."
Example Question #3 : 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.
While I enjoy both swimming and running, I am best at swimming, as I naturally have more upper body strength and feel very natural in the water. No error
in the water
best
both
more
No error
best
When two items are being compared, the word "better" should be used to distinguish one from the other. "Best" is only used when three or more items are being compared.
Example Question #1 : 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
worst
and
which
isn't
No error
worst
"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 #6 : 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.
Between skirts and pants, skirts were most popular among women during the 1950s. No error
among
No error
during
and
most
most
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 #42 : 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.
A recent study that tested bleach, detergent, and vinegar found that vinegar was more effective at removing certain types of stains. No error
No error
that
and
more
found
more
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 #951 : Sat Writing
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
worse
eldest
her
No error
about
worse
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.”
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