SAT Writing : Identifying Comparative and Superlative Errors
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Example Question #292 : 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.
Though many people may disagree, I think my brother is the cuter baby in the whole wide world. No error
cuter baby
No error
the whole
I think my
many people
cuter baby
Because the baby is being compared to all of the babies in the world, the superlative "cutest baby" is needed. If the baby were being compared to only one other child, the comparative "cuter baby" would be appropriate. This makes the correct selection "cuter baby."
Example Question #291 : 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 a train and an airplane, an airplane is the fastest and more reliable way to travel. No error
an airplane
more reliable
Between a train
No error
is the fastest
is the fastest
Because only two objects (the train and the airplane) are being compared in this sentence, the comparative "faster" must be used. If there were three or more items being compared, the superlative "fastest" would be appropriate. This makes the correct selection "is the fastest."
Example Question #41 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative Errors
She stumped me with a riddle about ten boxes of various weights; the goal was to find the heavier one by only using the scale twice.
stumped me with
using
No error
heavier one
of various weights
heavier one
In this sentence, there are nine boxes, so the the superlative “heaviest” would be better than the comparative “heavier.” The corrected sentence reads: She stumped me with a riddle about ten boxes of various weights; the goal was to find the heaviest one by only using the scale twice.
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