SAT Writing : Correcting Word Usage Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #411 : Correcting Word 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 is regarded as one of the greater actors of all time.

Possible Answers:

most great

greater

greatest

more great

Correct answer:

greatest

Explanation:

When comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. "Greater" is the comparative construction and would only be correct if the actor in question were being compared to one other actor. In this case, the superlative form of "great" is "greatest" which is the best option to replace the underlined portion of the sentence above.

Example Question #412 : Correcting Word 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.

When in dire straits, most people take the easier way out.

Possible Answers:

easiest

most easy

easier

more easy

Correct answer:

easiest

Explanation:

When comparing three or more things, including in the instance of an indefinite comparison like the one in the example sentence, you must use the superlative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. In this case, the superlative form of "easy" is "easiest" which is the best option to replace the underlined portion of the sentence above.

Example Question #413 : Correcting Word 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.

The raw recruits were the absolute bad troops in the army. 

Possible Answers:

bad

baddest

worse

worst

Correct answer:

worst

Explanation:

When comparing three or more things you must use the superlative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. In this case, the superlative form of "bad" is "worst" which is the best option to replace the underlined portion of the sentence above. "Absolute" is a fairly reliable indicator that a superlative might be coming, as this is a word that will commonly precede a distinction of the "best" or "worst" of something.

Example Question #414 : Correcting Word 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.

Amanda hated finals week because it was the stressfullest time of the year for her.

Possible Answers:

most stressful

more stressful

stressfuller

stressfullest

Correct answer:

most stressful

Explanation:

When comparing three or more things you must use the superlative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. In this case, an incorrect version of the superlative form was used. The superlative form of "stressful" is "most stressful" which is the best option to replace the underlined portion of the sentence above.

Example Question #415 : Correcting Word 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.

Which of the nine greyhounds do you think will be the swifter in the race?

Possible Answers:

the swiftiest in the Race?

the swifter for the race?

the swifter with the race?

the swiftest in the race?

the swifter in the race?

Correct answer:

the swiftest in the race?

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "the swiftest in the race?"

Example Question #71 : Correcting 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.

If I were hard pressed to choose between William and Jeffrey, I would have to choose Jeffrey because he is most beautiful than William.

Possible Answers:

I would have to choose Jeffrey because he is more beautiful than William.

I would have to choose Jeffrey because he is most beautiful than William.

I would have to chose Jeffrey because he is most beautiful over William.

I will have to choose Jeffrey because he is mostly beautiful than William.

I would have to choose Jeffrey because he is the most beautiful than William.

Correct answer:

I would have to choose Jeffrey because he is more beautiful than William.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "I would have to choose Jeffrey because he is more beautiful than William."

Example Question #416 : Correcting Word 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.

Do you think the party will be most fun with or without firecrackers?

Possible Answers:

Do you think the party will be most fun with or without firecrackers?

Do you think the party will be more fun with or without firecrackers?

Do you think the party will be most funner with or without firecrackers?

Do you think the party will be funner with or without firecrackers?

Do you think the party will be funnest with or without firecrackers?

Correct answer:

Do you think the party will be more fun with or without firecrackers?

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "Do you think the party will be more fun with or without firecrackers?"

Example Question #417 : Correcting Word 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.

Which mountain do you think is the most bigger in the whole world?

Possible Answers:

the bigger in the whole world?

the most bigger in the whole world?

the most big in the whole world?

the most bigger in the whole wide world?

the biggest in the whole world?

Correct answer:

the biggest in the whole world?

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "the biggest in the whole world?"

Example Question #418 : Correcting Word 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.

All three of those girls are pure of heart, but Myrtle is by far the kinder. 

Possible Answers:

but Myrtle is by far the kindest.

but Myrtle is by far the kinder.

and Myrtle is by far the kinder.

but Myrtle is the kinder.

but Myrtle is kinder.

Correct answer:

but Myrtle is by far the kindest.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "but Myrtle is by far the kindest."

Example Question #419 : Correcting Word 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.

Marcus and Paula are excellent workers, but Paula works hardest.

Possible Answers:

but Paula works the hardest.

but Paula works hardest.

but Paula works more harder.

but Paula works harder.

but Paula works more hardest.

Correct answer:

but Paula works harder.

Explanation:

When you are comparing only two things, you must use the comparative construction of the adjective or adverb in question. When you are comparing three or more things, you must use the superlative construction instead. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "but Paula works harder."

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