SAT Writing : Correcting Adjective and Adverb Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #2033 : 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.

Of all her offspring, Romeo made Lady Montague the prouder.

Possible Answers:

Of all her offspring, but Romeo made Lady Montague the proudest.

Of all her offspring, Romeo made Lady Montague the prouder.

Of all her offspring, Romeo made Lady Montague the proudest.

Of all her offspring; Romeo made Lady Montague the prouder.

Of all her offspring; Romeo made Lady Montague the proudest.

Correct answer:

Of all her offspring, Romeo made Lady Montague the proudest.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The phrase "Of all" is usually a very reliable indicator that a superlative construction will be needed, if you wish to distinguish one particular item from that group. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "Of all her offspring, Romeo made Lady Montague the proudest."

Example Question #91 : 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 have the harder time playing tennis, of all sports it is by far the most difficult for me.

Possible Answers:

I have the hardest time playing tennis,

I have the harder time playing tennis,

I had the harder time playing tennis,

I have the hardest time playing tennis;

I have the hardest time playing tennis:

Correct answer:

I have the hardest time playing tennis,

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. In this case, the superlative construction is needed (as it usually is when the phrase "of all" makes an appearance), so the best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "I have the hardest time playing tennis,"

Example Question #2035 : 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.

Of all the eligible candidates, Paulus would make the better emperor.

Possible Answers:

Of all the eligible candidates; Paulus would make the better emperor.

Of all the eligible candidates, Paulus would make the better emperor.

Of all the eligible candidates: Paulus would make the better emperor.

Of all the eligible candidates, Paulus would make the worse emperor.

Of all the eligible candidates, Paulus would make the best emperor.

Correct answer:

Of all the eligible candidates, Paulus would make the best emperor.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. Since the word "all" is used, we can assume there are more than two "eligible candidates." The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "Of all the eligible candidates, Paulus would make the best emperor."

Example Question #2036 : 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.

It is often said that hippos are most dangerous than lions, but I don't know if I believe that.

Possible Answers:

It is often said that hippos are most dangerous than lions; but I don't know if I believe that.

It's often said that hippos are most dangerous than lions, but I don't know if I believe that.

It is often said that hippos are more dangerous than lions, but I don't know if I believe that.

It is often said that hippos are most dangerous than lions, and I don't know if I believe that.

It is often said that hippos are most dangerous than lions, but I don't know if I believe that.

Correct answer:

It is often said that hippos are more dangerous than lions, but I don't know if I believe that.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. Since there are two, and only two, specific kinds of animals mentioned, the correct option is to use the comparative construction. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "It is often said that hippos are more dangerous than lions, but I don't know if I believe that."

Note that a comma and a coordinating conjunction correctly combine these two independent clauses into a compound sentence.

Example Question #2037 : 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 really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the more kind man I have ever met.

Possible Answers:

I really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the more kind man I have ever met.

I really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the most kindest man I have ever met.

I really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the more kinder man I have ever met.

I really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the kindest man I have ever met.

I really enjoy Father Bill's company, he is the most kind man I have ever met.

Correct answer:

I really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the kindest man I have ever met.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. Since there is no specific point of comparison named in this sentence, we can assume that Father Bill is being distinguished from all other people. The superlative construction is needed. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "I really enjoy Father Bill's company: he is the kindest man I have ever met."

 

Example Question #2038 : 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

The legend of the Pied Piper is one of the more horrifying stories I have ever heard.

Possible Answers:

The legend of the Pied Piper is one of the most horrifying story I have ever heard.

The legend of the Pied Piper is ones of the most horrifying stories I have ever heard.

The legend of the Pied Piper is one of the more horrifying stories I have ever heard.

The legend of the Pied Piper is one of the most horrifying stories I have ever heard.

The legends of the Pied Piper is one of the more horrifying stories I have ever heard.

Correct answer:

The legend of the Pied Piper is one of the most horrifying stories I have ever heard.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. Since "the legend of the Pied Piper" is being distinguished from the indefinite (but likely much larger than two) number of stories the writer has "ever heard." The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "The legend of the Pied Piper is one of the most horrifying stories I have ever heard."

Example Question #2039 : 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'm afraid that George is most powerful than Jonathan, and he will win their inevitable struggle.

Possible Answers:

I'm afraid that George is most powerful than Jonathan, but he will win their inevitable struggle.

I'm afraid that George is most powerful than Jonathan, then he will win their inevitable struggle.

I'm afraid that George is more powerful than Jonathan, and will win their inevitable struggle.

I'm afraid that George is most powerful than Jonathan, and he will win their inevitable struggle.

I'm afraid that George is more powerful than Jonathan, and will win their inevitable struggle.

Correct answer:

I'm afraid that George is more powerful than Jonathan, and will win their inevitable struggle.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. Since two specific people are being directly compared, the best way to correct the example sentence is, "I'm afraid that George is more powerful than Jonathan, and will win their inevitable struggle."

Example Question #2040 : 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 find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning; it is my less favorite part of the day.

Possible Answers:

I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning, but it is my less favorite part of the day.

I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning, because it is my lesser favorite part of the day.

I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning; it is my less favorite part of the day.

I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning; it is my less than favorite part of the day.

I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning; it is my least favorite part of the day.

Correct answer:

I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning; it is my least favorite part of the day.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. Since there are not two specified parts of the day in this sentence, we must use the superlative construction. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus in the morning; it is my least favorite part of the day."

Example Question #701 : Improving Sentences

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.

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was more proud of Joshua.

Possible Answers:

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was the more proud of Joshua.

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was most proud of Joshua.

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was more proud then Joshua.

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was more proud of Joshua.

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was more than proud than Joshua.

Correct answer:

Of all three of her sons, Mergo was most proud of Joshua.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. In the example sentence the phrase "of all" appears, this is an almost foolproof sign that the superlative construction will be required. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "Of all three of her sons, Mergo was most proud of Joshua."

Example Question #702 : Improving Sentences

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.

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is worst by far.

Possible Answers:

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is the worst by far.

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is far worst.

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is worse by far.

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is much worst by a lot.

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is worst by far.

Correct answer:

Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is worse by far.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, or an indefinite number of things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The sentence only mentions "Paul and John," therefore the comparative construction is required. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "Both Paul and John are poor public speakers, but John is worse by far."

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