PSAT Writing : Identifying Other Adjective and Adverb Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #142 : 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.
The red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
the only sign that
was running
steady
throughout the night
No error.
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 #143 : 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.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
No error.
it is
meticulous
calibrating
to be patient
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 #3 : 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.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
comfortable
climbed into
No error.
limousine and
himself
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 #1 : 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.
The audience watched breathless as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose. No error.
brought
breathless
her
in front of her nose
No error.
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 #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 mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragic cut short by a falling piano. No error.
promising career in opera
No error.
falling
tragic
cut short by
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 #3 : 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.
Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smooth. No error
No error
went smooth
overly chaotic
was nervous that
arrival of
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 #2 : 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.
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
swift
have given him
is admired
No error
which
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 #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 #5 : 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.
Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terrible in the actual tournament. No error
the members
terrible
No error
Although
excellently
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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