SAT Writing : Identifying Comparative and Superlative Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #51 : 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.
Alex has less ideas than his brother on how to convince their mother to buy them new television. No error
less
to convince
No error
has
than
less
We use the word "less" to describe a quantity that doesn't have discrete parts. For example, we can say that we have "less money," because money doesn't have an inherent discrete unit; however, we cannot say that we have "less dollars" because a dollar is a discrete unit of dollars. In the case of the sentence above, since ideas have a discrete unit of a single idea, we say "fewer ideas," not "less ideas."
Example Question #61 : 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.
Among the twins, Lisa seems to be the more athletic one because she participates in more sports and also works in the health and fitness industry. No error
No error
more sports
more athletic one
health and fitness industry
Among
Among
When two subjects are being compared (such as the twins in this sentence), the appropriate preposition to use for comparison is "between." "Among" is only appropriate when three or more subjects are being compared.
Example Question #181 : Identifying Word 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.
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
less
how many
No error
became
compared
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
latter
most
Between
No error
find
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 #183 : Identifying Word 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
Of English and biology
most
No error
nothing
logical
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 #185 : Identifying Word 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.
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
enjoy breaking into
and
bigger
While
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 #186 : Identifying Word 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.
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
they
No error
were fun
the most convenient
debated endlessly
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 #64 : 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 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
could not decide
No error
most
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 #357 : 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.
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
the best
because
Of
its
No error
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 #282 : Identifying Word 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
better
No error
the one
is reading
better
In this comparison of three items, the superlative form of good, "best," is required.
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