SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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Example Question #693 : Usage Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
He was a horribly comedian, and couldn't make anyone laugh.
He was a horrible comedian, and couldn't make anyone laugh.
He was a horribly comedian, and can't make anyone laugh.
He was a horribly comedian, and couldn't make anyone laugh.
He was a horribly comedian, and couldn't make one laugh.
He were a horribly comedian, and couldn't make anyone laugh.
He was a horrible comedian, and couldn't make anyone laugh.
The use of the adverb "horribly" is wrong, as the word modifies a noun, "comedian," and should actually be an adjective. This problem can be corrected by shifting "horribly" to its adjectival form. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "He was a horrible comedian, with no ability to make anybody laugh."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The non-profit organization never had financial issues, as it always handled its money perfect.
as it always handles its money perfect.
so it always handled its money perfect.
as it always handled its money perfectly.
as it always handled its money perfect.
as it always handled it's money perfect.
as it always handled its money perfectly.
The use of the adjective "perfect" is incorrect in this sentence, as it modifies the verb "handled." A verb can only be modified by an adverb, meaning "perfect" must be changed to its adverbial form. As the only answer choice to use the adverb "perfectly" instead of the adjective "perfect," the correct answer choice is "as it always handled its money perfectly."
Example Question #2 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Even after giving it thoughtfully consideration, we are unfortunately not able to accept your application.
giving it thoughtfully consideration
thoughtfully give it consderation
giving it thoughtfully considering
giving it thoughtful consideration
thoughtfully given it consideration
giving it thoughtful consideration
The use of the adverb "thoughtfully" is incorrect here, as it is being used to modify the noun "consideration." Adjectives, not adverbs, are used to modify nouns. The correct phrase is therefore "giving it thoughtful consideration," which uses the adjective "thoughtful" instead of the adverb "thoughtfully."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Questions abounded in the inquiry into illegal payments alleged made by the college to student athletes.
allegedly made
allegedly making
alleged made
alleged making
made alleged
allegedly made
The word "alleged" is modifying the word "made," a verb, which needs an adverb to modify it. The adverb form of "alleged" is "allegedly," which makes the correct answer "allegedly made."
Example Question #11 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Johnny doesn't understand why Sonya won't talk to him, he believes they'd get along great.
good
super
best
great
well
well
Here, the word at the end of the sentence needs to describe how Johnny and Sonya would get along. The word is modifying, specifically, the verb phrase "get along." Because it's a verb phrase, you must use an adverb, and of the options, "well" is the only adverb available.
Example Question #12 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
I don't understand how people who train for the 100 meter dash can move so fast.
fast
fastly
quickly
faster
fastest
quickly
Here, the thing being modified by the last word of the sentence is the verb "move." Any time you modify a verb (or, to look at it another way, are answering the question "How?" with your modifier) you must use an adverb. In this case, the only adverb available to you is "quickly," so that's the correct answer.
Example Question #2212 : Correcting Grammatical Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The old man usual took his walk around the neighborhood at roughly three in the afternoon.
The old man usual taken
The old man usually took
The old man usual takes
The old man usual took
The usual old man took
The old man usually took
The use of the word "usual" in the sentence is incorrect, as it describes the verb "took," which means it needs to take an adverb form. The only answer choice with the correct form that also keeps the intended meaning of the sentence is "The old man usually took."
Example Question #2213 : Correcting Grammatical Errors
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.
Marriages are increasing being delayed among young adults throughout the nation.
Marriages are increasing being delaying
Marriages are increasing being delayed
Marriages are increasingly been delayed
Marriages are increasingly being delayed
Marriages are increasingly being delaying
Marriages are increasingly being delayed
The word "increasing" in the sentence is used to describe the verb phrase "being delayed." Even though these words are not the verb in the sentence, they still need an adverb form to describe them. The correct answer is "Marriages are increasingly being delayed."
Example Question #13 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The older gentlemen is not thinking as rapid as his younger counterpart, but his steady pace will serve him in the long run.
The older gentlemen is not thinking as rapid as his younger counterparts
The older gentlemen is not thinking as rapidly as his younger counterpart
The oldest gentlemen is not thinking as rapidity as his youngest counterpart
The older gentlemen is not thinking as rapid as his younger counterpart
The older gentlemen may not be thinking as rapid as his younger counterpart
The older gentlemen is not thinking as rapidly as his younger counterpart
Adjectives describe nouns, and adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Always ensure that you are using the correct one for describing a particular word. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "The older gentlemen is not thinking as rapidly as his younger counterpart."
Example Question #14 : Correcting Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
My dog is much more fatly than Paul's dog; I am not good at policing my dog's diet.
My dog is much more fatly than Paul's dog:
My dog is much more fatly than Paul's dog,
My dog is much fat than Paul's dog;
My dog is much more fatly than Paul's dog;
My dog is much fatter than Paul's dog;
My dog is much fatter than Paul's dog;
Adjectives describe nouns, and adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Since Paul's dog is an animal, it is also a noun, so an adjective is required. Always ensure that you are using the correct one for describing a particular word. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "My dog is much fatter than Paul's dog;"
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