SAT Writing : Identifying Adjective and Adverb Errors
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Example Question #3 : Identifying Other 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.
execution of
No error
quite tricky
may
effortlessly
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 #221 : Identifying Word Usage 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.
No error
convinced the rest
peaceful
they
should be allowed
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 #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.
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
C
D
E
A
B
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 #223 : 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.
Having finished their homework, the students quick decided to escape to the TV for entertainment. No error
Having
quick decided
their
No error
to escape
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."
Example Question #11 : 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.
Randy grabbed the ball with his hand, moving intense and with a focused look in his steely blue eyes. No error
intense
No error
steely blue
grabbed
focused
intense
The underlined word "intense" modifies the verb, "grabbed." Therefore, "intense" should be an adverb, not an adjective. "Intense" is an adjective; the appropriate adverb would be "intensely."
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.
The narrator described how as a child, he loved to let his body drift down the river, floating serene and happily in the sparkling water. No error
No error
described
serene
happily
as a child
serene
The word "serene" is modifying the verb "floating." Therefore, "serenely," an adverb, should be used; "serene" is an adjective, and is improperly used in this sentence.
Example Question #13 : 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.
It is often hard to keep up with my friend because she is in much better shape than I am and also walks very quick. No error
she is
quick
than
keep up
No error
quick
Adverbs modify verbs, while adjectives modify nouns. Given that “walks” is a verb, it should be modified by an adverb. “Quick,” however is an adjective, so the adverb "quickly" should be used instead.
Example Question #14 : 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 the online presence of businesses has expanded at a rapidly pace, so too have the outlets for cyber shopping. No error
rapidly
too
online
for
No error
rapidly
The underlined word, "rapidly," is modifying "pace," which is a noun. Therefore, the underlined word should be the adjective, "rapid," as opposed to the adverb, "rapidly."
Example Question #15 : 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 artist painted slowly and deliberate, trying to capture every detail that she could with her paintbrush. No error
painted
No error
deliberate
with
every
deliberate
In this sentence, the adjective “deliberate” modifies the verb “painted.” Given that only adverbs can modify verbs, "deliberate" should be changed to “deliberately,” which is an adverb.
Example Question #16 : 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 horse ran beautifully and fierce towards the ranch, anxious to see its new foals, which were only a few weeks old. No error
ran
its
which
fierce
No error
fierce
In this sentence, the adjective “fierce” modifies the verb “ran.” Given that adverbs can only modify verbs, the proper word would instead be “fiercely,” which is an adverb.
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