PSAT Writing : Identifying Usage Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #471 : Identifying Sentence 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 Bobby counted how many Christmas presents he had compared to his brother, he became very upset when he realized that he had less presents. No error
No error
compared
how many
less
became
less
When describing the quantity of an item that is countable, like "presents," "fewer" should be used. "Less" should only be used when a particular item is not countable, as in "less water" or "less fuel."
Example Question #181 : Identifying Usage 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 Melville’s Moby Dick and Cervantes’ Don Quixote, I find the latter to be most compelling. No error
find
No error
most
latter
Between
most
This sentence uses a superlative incorrectly. Since there are only two options, “more” should be used instead of “most.” The corrected sentence reads, "Between Melville’s Moby Dick and Cervantes’ Don Quixote, I find the latter to be more compelling."
Example Question #182 : Identifying Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Of English and biology, I find English to be the most challenging subject—nothing is logical! No error
most
Of English and biology
logical
nothing
No error
most
This sentence uses a superlative (“most”) when comparing between only two items. The comparative “more” is better here. The corrected sentence reads: Of English and biology, I find English to be the more challenging subject—nothing is logical!
Example Question #183 : Identifying Usage 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 mushroom-topped cheeseburger and the roasted beet salad both sounded appealing, but Henry decided that the cheeseburger was likely to keep him full longest. No error
but
was likely to keep
both sounded
No error
longest
longest
This sentence uses a superlative adjective (“longest”) to make a comparison between only two items (the cheeseburger and the salad). Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more items. A comparative adjective would be grammatically correct. The corrected sentence reads: "The mushroom-topped cheeseburger and the roasted beet salad both sounded appealing, but Henry decided that the cheeseburger was likely to keep him full longer."
Example Question #32 : 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.
While my friends Jenny, Tom, and Beth all enjoy breaking into spontaneous song and dance routines, Beth gets the bigger kick out of it. No error
No error
bigger
enjoy breaking into
While
and
bigger
This sentence uses a comparative adjective “bigger” when there are three elements being compared. With three or more elements, a superlative (in this case “biggest”) is required. The corrected sentence reads, "While my friends Jenny, Tom, and Beth all enjoy breaking into spontaneous song and dance routines, Beth gets the biggest kick out of it."
Example Question #475 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Richard debated endlessly between two options on the drug store shelf: the sour candies were fun because they made you pucker, but the lollipops were the most convenient because they came on little white sticks. No error
debated endlessly
No error
the most convenient
they
were fun
the most convenient
This sentence uses a superlative (“the most convenient”) that only compares two things. A comparative is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Richard debated endlessly between two options on the drug store shelf: the sour candies were fun because they made you pucker, but the lollipops were more convenient because they came on little white sticks."
Example Question #184 : Identifying Usage 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 toddler could not decide which he liked most: chasing the dog around the house or throwing his spoon down the laundry chute. No error
throwing
most
could not decide
No error
he
most
This sentence uses a superlative (most) when it is only comparing two things. A comparative would be better. The corrected sentence reads, "The toddler could not decide which he liked more: chasing the dog around the house or throwing his spoon down the laundry chute."
Example Question #185 : Identifying Usage Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Of the two epics I have read, I like The Odyssey the best, not only because of its structure but also because of its fascinating story. No error
its
No error
the best
because
Of
the best
This sentence makes a comparison incorrectly. When you compare two objects, use the comparative ("better") instead of the superlative ("the best").
Example Question #186 : Identifying Usage 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 reading, writing, and problem solving, the one I like better is reading. No error
between
is reading
No error
the one
better
better
In this comparison of three items, the superlative form of good, "best," is required.
Example Question #972 : 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.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, the author reflected that he had rarely been more wearier. No error
more wearier
No error
his reverie
reflected
Shaking himself
more wearier
This sentence combines two ways of forming comparisons. The “more” in unnecessary. The corrected sentence reads: "Shaking himself out of his reverie, the author reflected that he had rarely been wearier."
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