PSAT Writing : Identifying Comparative and Superlative Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #156 :Identifying 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.
Of the sixteenjellybean varietiesavailable, theturquoisetastedmoreexquisite.No error.
No error.
available, the
Of the sixteen
more
tasted
more
This sentence uses a comparative (“more”) to compare more than two things—sixteen, in fact. For a comparison involving more than two things, a superlative (“most”) is used. The corrected sentence reads, "Of the sixteen jellybean varieties available, the turquoise tasted most exquisite."
Example Question #157 :Identifying 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.
Ofherfour classesthatsemester, Introductionto Biology was themore challenging.No error.
semester, Introduction
that
No error.
more challenging
her
more challenging
This sentence uses the comparative adjective “more” to compare four things. The superlative “most” would be correct here, as the superlative form of adjectives is used when three or more things are being compared. The corrected sentence reads, "Of her four classes that semester, Introduction to Biology was the most challenging."
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.
Peoplewhoexperiencelesshealth problems are more likely to behappierand less depressedthantheir unhealthy counterparts.No error
than
happier
No error
less
who
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."
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.
Even thoughJoe, Pat and Lisaare allneighbors, Joe lives in a house that isfurtherfrom Lisa'sthanit is from Pat's.No error
further
Even though
are all
than
No error
further
When describing physical distance, the adjective "farther" should be used. However, when describing figurative distance, the adjective "further" should be used. Given that the distance of a house from another house is being described—that is, a physical distance—the adjective "farther" should be used, not "further."
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.
BetweenPortia and Franklin,the majority ofobservers would zealouslyagree thatFranklin is themostintelligent.No error
No error
Most
the majority of
agree that
Between
Most
When three or more items are being compared, "most" and other superlatives should be used. However, when only two items are being compared, as is the case here, "more" should be used instead.
Example Question #161 :Identifying 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.
At firstthe little boy couldn't choosebetweenthe white puppyandthe brown puppy, but he eventually chose the brown puppy because it was thecutestof the two.No error
cutest
and
At first
between
No error
cutest
When comparing two items, "cuter," a comparative adjective, should be used. "Cutest," a superlative adjective, should only be used when there are three or more items being compared.
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.
While Scott enjoys spending timewithhis brotherandsister, he likes his brotherbestbecause they havemore in common.No error
best
and
more in common
with
No error
best
Given that Scott is comparing only his brother and sister (two subjects), the superlative adjective “best” should not be used because it is only appropriate when three or more items are being compared. Here, the comparative adjective “better" should be used instead.
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 oldestofthe tripletsistheactivestone, perhapsbecausehe intuitively knows that he is the big brotherwhoneeds to take care of everyone.No error
of
who
because
activest
No error
activest
“Activest” is not a word; “most active" should be used instead.
Example Question #18 :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.
Amongthe major newspapers in Los Angeles, themorepopular isThe Los Angeles Times,outsellingthe fourotherlarge publications in the area.No error
outselling
No error
Among
other
more
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 thatThe Los Angeles Timesis being compared to four other newspapers, the appropriate word to use would be "most," not "more."
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.
While I enjoybothswimming and running, I ambestat swimming, as I naturally havemoreupper body strength and feel very naturalin the water.No error
both
in the water
No error
best
more
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.
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