SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
My mother explained the process to me in an excruciating detailed manner; you don’t need to worry about me forgetting anything.
excruciating
anything
manner; you
to me
No error
excruciating
In this sentence, the adjective “excruciating” is used to describe the other adjective “detailed.” Adverbs should describe adjectives, so the adverb form “excruciatingly” would be better. The corrected sentence reads: My mother explained the process to me in an excruciatingly detailed manner; you don’t need to worry about me forgetting anything.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
The kite caught the breeze, flew up in the air, danced graceful about the sky, and lodged itself in a tree.
graceful
flew
and lodged itself in a tree
No error
in the air
graceful
In this sentence, the adjective “graceful” is used to describe the verb “danced.” Adverbs, not adjectives, should describe verbs, so the adverb version “gracefully” would be better. The corrected sentence reads: The kite caught the breeze, flew up in the air, danced gracefully about the sky, and lodged itself in a tree.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
It was impossible to choose between the litter, because all of the kittens were just too adorable!
, because
kittens
between
no error
!
between
The correct adverb here would be among, because there are multiple kittens in a litter, not just two.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
The scapula are not actual connected to the rib cage through any bones or joints.
or joints
actually
through any
are
No error
actually
In this sentence, the adjective “actual” is used to describe the verb “connected.” The adverb should be used instead. The corrected sentence reads: The scapula are not actually connected to the rib cage through any bones or joints.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
She will arrive lately than expected due to travel issues.
later expectedly
expectedly lately.
lately than expected.
lately expectedly.
later than expected.
later than expected.
The underlined portion of the sentence uses an adverb "lately," where an adjective should be used. The only answer choice that properly uses an adjective is "later than expected," which is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
In the following question, please choose the best sentence improvement.
The parents looked at their college graduate so proud that they seemed to glow with happiness.
so proud
so much pride
so very proud
so proudly
so prideful
so proudly
The word proud needs to be an adverb because it is modifying looked.
Example Question #11 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
may
No error
execution of
effortlessly
quite tricky
effortlessly
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
Example Question #421 : Identifying Sentence Errors
The woman convinced the rest of humanity that the aliens should be allowed to stay, and they settled peaceful in the Great Barrier Reef.
peaceful
should be allowed
convinced the rest
they
No error
peaceful
This sentence uses the adjective “peaceful” to describe a verb. The correct sentence uses an adverb: The woman convinced the rest of humanity that the aliens should be allowed to stay, and they settled peacefully in the Great Barrier Reef.
Example Question #12 : 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.
As soon as (A) he woke up, he sprinted (B) quick downstairs to open his gifts (C) that were (D) under the tree. (E) No error
D
B
A
C
E
B
Since "quick" is modifying the verb "ran," it needs to be an adverb. "Quick" is an adjective, but "quickly" is an adverb. So, "quick" must be changed to "quickly."
Example Question #1 : 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.
Having finished their homework, the students quick decided to escape to the TV for entertainment. No error
to escape
their
No error
quick decided
Having
quick decided
Here, "quick decided" contains the sentence's error. "Quick" is an adjective, but it is being used to describe a verb, "decided," so it needs to be in its adverbial form, "quickly."
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All SAT Writing Resources
