SAT Writing : Identifying Adjective and Adverb Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #940 : Sat Writing
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The little girl could never sit still for longer then five minutes.
The little girl could never sit still of longer then five minutes.
The little girl could never sit still for longer than five minutes.
The little girl could never sit still for long then five minutes.
The little girl could never sit still for longer then five minutes.
The little girl could never sat still for longer then five minute.
The little girl could never sit still for longer than five minutes.
"Then" is an adverb that means at that particular moment, and "than" is an adverb used to compare two things, as in the sentence, "My fall coat is less heavy than my winter coat." So, "then" is being used incorrectly in this sentence and should be replaced with "than" in order to correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #31 : 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.
Because the oven did not heat up properly, Megan's cupcakes baked uneven; some were burnt and overdone, while others were raw and runny. No error
No error
properly
while
raw
uneven
uneven
In this sentence, "uneven" is meant to modify the verb "baked." Therefore, an adverb is needed. However, "uneven" is an adjective. The adverbial form is "unevenly," so the correct sentence would read, "Because the oven did not heat properly, Megan's cupcakes baked unevenly; some were burnt and overdone, while others were still raw and runny." Remember that adjectives only modify nouns, and adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Example Question #32 : 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 sloth crept slow across the roadway, risking life and limb in its determination to explore the world on the other side. No error
risking
No error
on the other side
slow
in his determination
slow
In this sentence, the adjective “slow” is used to modify the verb “crept.” Adjectives should only modify nouns and pronouns, so to correct the sentence's error, the adjective "slow" should be replaced with the adverb “slowly." The corrected sentence reads, "The sloth crept slowly across the roadway, risking life and limb in his determination to explore the world on the other side."
Example Question #33 : 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.
Chad’s political views took an abrupt swing to the left; afterwards, he had to find a way to remove bumper stickers quick. No error
quick
a way to
took
No error
afterwards, he
quick
In this sentence, the adjective “quick” describes the verb “remove.” An adverb would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: Chad’s political views took an abrupt swing to the left, and he had to find a way to remove bumper stickers quickly.
Example Question #34 : 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.
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
No error
carried
careful and slow
it
of the eggs
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 #35 : 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.
I could never distinguish between the two Johnson twins, and their mother did not help matters by dressing them similar.
No error
and
similar
between
did not help
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 #36 : 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.
Playing a brass or woodwind instrument good requires one to have good posture. No error
good
No error
good posture
requires one
a brass or woodwind instrument
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 #37 : 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.
“We need some pie,” he said to Joleen gentle, hoping that the sugary treat would lift his melancholy friend’s spirits. No error
gentle
sugary
to
need
melancholy
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 #38 : 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.
When her boyfriend arrived at the airport, Cathy ran quick towards him, ready to give him a hug. No error
No error
arrived
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."
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.
People who experience less health problems are more likely to be happier and less depressed than their unhealthy counterparts. No error
less
than
No error
who
happier
less
The error in this sentence is "less" because "health problems" are countable nouns—you can count the number of health problems a person has. When referring to countable nouns, you should use "fewer" instead of "less." The beginning of this sentence, then, should read, "People who experience fewer health problems."
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