SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
The scapula are not actual connected to the rib cage through any bones or joints.
are
through any
No error
or joints
actually
actually
In this sentence, the adjective “actual” is used to describe the verb “connected.” The adverb should be used instead. The corrected sentence reads: The scapula are not actually connected to the rib cage through any bones or joints.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
She will arrive lately than expected due to travel issues.
later expectedly
lately expectedly.
expectedly lately.
later than expected.
lately than expected.
later than expected.
The underlined portion of the sentence uses an adverb "lately," where an adjective should be used. The only answer choice that properly uses an adjective is "later than expected," which is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors
In the following question, please choose the best sentence improvement.
The parents looked at their college graduate so proud that they seemed to glow with happiness.
so prideful
so proudly
so proud
so much pride
so very proud
so proudly
The word proud needs to be an adverb because it is modifying looked.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
may
effortlessly
execution of
quite tricky
No error
effortlessly
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors
The woman convinced the rest of humanity that the aliens should be allowed to stay, and they settled peaceful in the Great Barrier Reef.
they
peaceful
convinced the rest
should be allowed
No error
peaceful
This sentence uses the adjective “peaceful” to describe a verb. The correct sentence uses an adverb: The woman convinced the rest of humanity that the aliens should be allowed to stay, and they settled peacefully in the Great Barrier Reef.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Other 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.
As soon as (A) he woke up, he sprinted (B) quick downstairs to open his gifts (C) that were (D) under the tree. (E) No error
A
E
B
D
C
B
Since "quick" is modifying the verb "ran," it needs to be an adverb. "Quick" is an adjective, but "quickly" is an adverb. So, "quick" must be changed to "quickly."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Other 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.
Having finished their homework, the students quick decided to escape to the TV for entertainment. No error
their
No error
Having
to escape
quick decided
quick decided
Here, "quick decided" contains the sentence's error. "Quick" is an adjective, but it is being used to describe a verb, "decided," so it needs to be in its adverbial form, "quickly."
Example Question #421 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Randy grabbed the ball with his hand, moving intense and with a focused look in his steely blue eyes. No error
steely blue
No error
focused
intense
grabbed
intense
The underlined word "intense" modifies the verb, "grabbed." Therefore, "intense" should be an adverb, not an adjective. "Intense" is an adjective; the appropriate adverb would be "intensely."
Example Question #422 : Identifying Sentence 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 narrator described how as a child, he loved to let his body drift down the river, floating serene and happily in the sparkling water. No error
as a child
described
happily
serene
No error
serene
The word "serene" is modifying the verb "floating." Therefore, "serenely," an adverb, should be used; "serene" is an adjective, and is improperly used in this sentence.
Example Question #423 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
It is often hard to keep up with my friend because she is in much better shape than I am and also walks very quick. No error
she is
quick
keep up
No error
than
quick
Adverbs modify verbs, while adjectives modify nouns. Given that “walks” is a verb, it should be modified by an adverb. “Quick,” however is an adjective, so the adverb "quickly" should be used instead.
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