SAT Writing : Identifying Other Adjective and Adverb Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #446 : 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.
Brayden carried the basket from the coop to the house careful and slow, mindful not to break any of the eggs within it. No error
it
No error
carried
of the eggs
careful and slow
careful and slow
the words "careful and slow" are describing the verb "carried," and so should be adverbs instead of adjectives. The correction would be "carefully and slowly."
Example Question #447 : 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.
I could never distinguish between the two Johnson twins, and their mother did not help matters by dressing them similar.
similar
No error
did not help
between
and
similar
In this sentence, the adjective “similar” modifies the verb “dressing.” As adjectives can only modify nouns and pronouns, an adverb should be used instead. The corrected sentence reads, "I could never distinguish between the two Johnson twins, and their mother did not help matters by dressing them similarly."
Example Question #448 : 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.
Playing a brass or woodwind instrument good requires one to have good posture. No error
good
a brass or woodwind instrument
good posture
No error
requires one
good
In this sentence, the first "good" (in "Playing a brass or woodwind instrument good") is incorrect; "good" is an adjective, and this "good" is used to describe the way in which one plays a brass or woodwind instrument, so it needs to be changed to "well," which is an adverb, because adjectives cannot describe verbs, but adverbs can.
Example Question #31 : Identifying Other 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.
“We need some pie,” he said to Joleen gentle, hoping that the sugary treat would lift his melancholy friend’s spirits. No error
to
melancholy
gentle
need
sugary
gentle
Adverbs modify verbs (or sometimes adjectives). "Gentle" modifies "said"—he said the phrase in a gentle manner. Adverbs tend to tend in "-ly," but don't be fooled by the adjective "melancholy" here, which modifies "spirits" (a noun) and is therefore an adjective!
The sentence would be fixed by replacing "gentle" with "gently."
Example Question #32 : Identifying Other 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.
When her boyfriend arrived at the airport, Cathy ran quick towards him, ready to give him a hug. No error
arrived
No error
quick
towards
give him
quick
"Quick" modifies the verb, "ran." However, "quick" is an adjective and therefore is incorrectly used, becuase adjectives aren't used to describe verbs. Adverbs are used to describe verbs, so to correct the sentence's error, "quick" should be changed to the adverb "quickly."
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