SAT Writing : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #41 : 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 oldest of the triplets is the activest one, perhaps because he intuitively knows that he is the big brother who needs to take care of everyone. No error
who
activest
because
of
No error
activest
“Activest” is not a word; “most active" should be used instead.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative 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 major newspapers in Los Angeles, the more popular is The Los Angeles Times, outselling the four other large publications in the area. No error
Among
outselling
more
other
No error
more
When there are more than three items being compared, the superlative adjective "most" should be used. The comparative adjective "more" is only used to compare two items. Given that The Los Angeles Times is being compared to four other newspapers, the appropriate word to use would be "most," not "more."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative 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 I enjoy both swimming and running, I am best at swimming, as I naturally have more upper body strength and feel very natural in the water. No error
in the water
best
both
more
No error
best
When two items are being compared, the word "better" should be used to distinguish one from the other. "Best" is only used when three or more items are being compared.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative 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 environmentalist isn't sure which is worst for the environment between styrofoam and plastic. No error
worst
and
which
isn't
No error
worst
"Worse" is used to compare to objects, while "worst" is used for three or more objects. Given that two items are being compared here ("styrofoam and plastic"), "worse" should be used instead of "worst."
Example Question #6 : Identifying Comparative And Superlative 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 skirts and pants, skirts were most popular among women during the 1950s. No error
among
No error
during
and
most
most
When two items are being compared, the comparative adjective “more” is the appropriate word to use, while the superlative adjective “most” is appropriate for comparisons involving three or more items. Here, two items ("skirts and pants") are being compared. Therefore, “more” is the appropriate word to use, not “most.”
Example Question #42 : 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.
A recent study that tested bleach, detergent, and vinegar found that vinegar was more effective at removing certain types of stains. No error
No error
that
and
more
found
more
When two items are being compared, “more” is the appropriate word to use, while “most” is appropriate when comparing three or more items. Here, three items are being compared: "bleach, detergent, and vinegar." Therefore, “most” is the appropriate word to use, not “more.”
Example Question #951 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When Denise talks about raising her three boys, she always says that her eldest behaved the worse. No error
worse
eldest
her
No error
about
worse
When two people or things are being compared, “worse” is the appropriate word to use, while “worst” is appropriate for comparisons involving three or more people or things. Here, three people are being compared (Denise's three boys). Therefore, “worst” is the appropriate word to use, not “worse.”
Example Question #22 : 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.
After examining the two cookies on the plate, Rita choose the sweetest for her afternoon treat. No error
on
No error
for
examining
sweetest
sweetest
Superlatives can be used when comparing three items, but when comparing only two objects, like the two cookies here), you must use comparative adjectives. So, the superlative adjective "sweetest" should be changed to the comparative adjective "sweeter" to correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #23 : 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.
Although Mary enjoyed both novels, she vehemently argued in class that the dystopian novel is the best novel of the two. No error
No error
is
vehemently
best
both
best
Because two novels are being compared, Mary can only argue that one is "better" than the other. However, the sentences uses the superlative adjective "best" instead of the comparative adjective "better." The sentence's error could be corrected by changing "best" to "better."
Example Question #24 : 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.
If I had to choose between watching soccer, basketball, or swimming, I would choose to watch swimming because it is the faster paced competition. No error
I would choose
faster paced
No error
had to choose
because
faster paced
This sentence compares three different sports: soccer, basketball, and swimming. Whenever three or more things are compared, a superlative adjective is used in the comparison, not a comparative adjective, which is only used for comparisons between two things. So, "faster," a comparative adjective, needs to be changed to "fastest" to correct the sentence's error.
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