PSAT Writing : Identifying Other Adjective and Adverb Errors
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Example Questions
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.
The red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
was running
throughout the night
No error.
the only sign that
steady
steady
This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."
Example Question #332 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
it is
to be patient
No error.
meticulous
calibrating
meticulous
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
Example Question #333 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
himself
climbed into
limousine and
No error.
comfortable
comfortable
This sentence uses an adjective (“comfortable”) to modify a verb (“settled”), which is not grammatically correct. Using an adverb instead of an adjective would be appropriate, however. The corrected sentence reads, "Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortably on one of the long leather seats."
Example Question #334 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The audience watched breathless as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose. No error.
breathless
No error.
in front of her nose
her
brought
breathless
This sentence uses the adjective “breathless” to modify the verb “watched”. An adjective cannot be used to modify a verb, but an adverb can, so an adverb would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "The audience watched breathlessly as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose."
Example Question #335 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragic cut short by a falling piano. No error.
tragic
cut short by
falling
promising career in opera
No error.
tragic
In this sentence, the adjective “tragic” is misused to modify a verb, “cut short.” An adverb would be correct here. The corrected sentence reads, "The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragically cut short by a falling piano."
Example Question #336 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smooth. No error
overly chaotic
went smooth
arrival of
was nervous that
No error
went smooth
In this sentence, the adjective “smooth” is used to modify the verb “went.” An adverb would be correct in this situation. The corrected sentence reads, "Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smoothly."
Example Question #337 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That track star is admired for his ability to run so swift, which is why many adoring fans have given him a nickname relating to his speed. No error
which
have given him
is admired
swift
No error
swift
Adverbs often end in "–ly" (e.g. "quickly," "slyly," and "happily"). Without this "–ly" ending, swift is only an adjective (e.g. "He is a swift runner."). In this case, “swift” acts as an adverb (describing how the track star runs), so it should be written “swiftly.”
Example Question #1 : 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.
quite tricky
execution of
may
No error
effortlessly
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 #338 : Psat Writing Skills
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terrible in the actual tournament. No error
terrible
No error
Although
excellently
the members
terrible
This sentence uses the adjective "terrible" to modify the verb "performed." An adverb is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terribly in the actual tournament."
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