SAT Writing : Identifying Modifier-Word Modified Agreement Errors
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Example Question #11 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although many think of them as incredibly fast, my cheetah runs less than half as fast as my pet falcon flies. No error
as fast as
No error
less than
my pet
them
them
"A cheetah" is singular, which does not match with the pronoun "them" used to refer to the cheetah in the preceding clause.
Example Question #12 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In this city, the strong survive much more frequent than the weak. No error
survive
frequent
the weak.
No error
the strong
frequent
In the sentence above, the word "survive" is being modified by the word "frequent." We know that frequent should be an adverb, rather than an adjective. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"In this city, the strong survive much more frequently than the weak."
Example Question #13 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Which of the two track stars will be quickest than the other? No error
quickest
will be
other?
Which of the two
No error
quickest
In the sentence above, the phrase "which of the two track stars" is being modified by the word "quickest." Only two things are being compared, so a comparative adjective should be used, rather than a superlative. Superlatives are used when one item is being distinguished from a group of 3 or more items; comparatives are used to directly compare two items. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"Which of the two track stars will be quicker than the other?"
Example Question #14 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement 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 soldiers may well have been the bravest man in the unit, but that bravery cost him his life. No error
bravest man in the unit
No error
soldiers
but that
cost him his life
soldiers
In the sentence above, the word "soldiers" is being modified by the phrase "bravest man in the unit." Therefore, we know that soldiers should be singular. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"The soldier may well have been the bravest man in the unit, but that bravery cost him his life."
Example Question #15 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement 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 practicing for hour on end, Sarah finally managed to perform a perfect kickflip on her skateboard. No error
her
hour
perform
managed
No error
hour
The structure of the sentence suggests that Sarah practiced for several hours in a row. The phrase "hours on end" would be correct.
Example Question #16 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Josie ran as quick as the wind; she knew that she needed to gain some distance now, if she wanted a chance to win the race. No error
No error
to win
to gain
quick
now,
quick
The word "quick" is modifying the verb "ran." Any time a verb is modified, it is correct to use an adverb (in this case, "quickly") rather than an adjective. A runner is quick, but that runner runs "quickly."
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