PSAT Writing : Identifying Comparative and Superlative Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #283 : 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.
The toddler could not decide which he liked most: chasing the dog around the house or throwing his spoon down the laundry chute. No error
most
could not decide
No error
he
throwing
most
This sentence uses a superlative (most) when it is only comparing two things. A comparative would be better. The corrected sentence reads, "The toddler could not decide which he liked more: chasing the dog around the house or throwing his spoon down the laundry chute."
Example Question #31 : 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.
Of the two epics I have read, I like The Odyssey the best, not only because of its structure but also because of its fascinating story. No error
because
its
No error
the best
Of
the best
This sentence makes a comparison incorrectly. When you compare two objects, use the comparative ("better") instead of the superlative ("the best").
Example Question #69 : 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.
Between reading, writing, and problem solving, the one I like better is reading. No error
between
is reading
the one
No error
better
better
In this comparison of three items, the superlative form of good, "best," is required.
Example Question #31 : 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.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, the author reflected that he had rarely been more wearier. No error
reflected
his reverie
more wearier
Shaking himself
No error
more wearier
This sentence combines two ways of forming comparisons. The “more” in unnecessary. The corrected sentence reads: "Shaking himself out of his reverie, the author reflected that he had rarely been wearier."
Example Question #32 : 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 chefs have discovered that they can cook most effectively using simple tools rather than electronic devices. No error
most effectively
have discovered
No error
they
rather than
most effectively
"Most" is a superlative that is only used when at least three items are being compared. Here, only two items are being compared ("simple tools" and "electronic devices"). Therefore, "more" is the proper word choice, not "most." "Most effectively" is therefore the part of this sentence that contains an error.
Example Question #33 : 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 ideal option for us is to put Jane on the panel on globalization because she is the best of the two potential speakers, and no one else has shown any interest in participating. No error
best
the panel
No error
no one else has shown
is to put
best
When two items or people are being compared, the appropriate word for the comparison is "better," not "best." Therefore, "best" contains the error; there were two applicants, so "better" should have been used, not "best," which is used to compare three or more items or people.
Example Question #34 : 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 though everyone's experiments at the science fair were very well done, Ashley's was by far the better out of all of them. No error
was
No error
were
better
at
better
When comparing more than two things, the superlative version of an adjective should be used. "Better" would be used to compare two experiments, but in this sentence, the word "best" should be used. So, "better" is the part of the sentence that contains the error.
Example Question #35 : 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.
We are very very excited about the change in the price of gas; it is great news. No error
We
about
great news
No error
very
very
The double use of "very" is an empty superlative; it serves no purpose in formal written American English, which is what the SAT is testing.
Example Question #32 : 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.
Maria had a gigantic bouncy castle at her birthday party, making it significantly more popular than Susie. No error
at her
No error
making
gigantic
more popular than Susie
more popular than Susie
In this sentence, there is an illogical comparison between Maria’s birthday party (a thing) and Susie (a person). Assuming that the comparison should be between two birthday parties, the corrected sentence reads: "Maria had a gigantic bouncy castle at her birthday party, making it significantly more popular than Susie’s party."
Example Question #38 : 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.
I used to find information about public transportation on the printed schedules, but I have discovered that the online ones are the most helpful. No error
the most helpful
schedules, but
have discovered
used to find
No error
the most helpful
This sentence uses a superlative (“most”) when it is only comparing between two things. The comparative “more” would be better. The corrected sentence reads, "I used to find information about public transportation on the printed schedules, but I have discovered that the online ones are the most helpful."
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