SAT Writing: Comparatives vs. Superlatives

This grammar topic hasn't been tested directly on the SAT yet, but it's good to know just in case.

Example 1
Wrong:Between the lion and the tiger, the tiger is the most fierce and the most strong.
Between the lion and the tiger, the tiger is the fiercest and the strongest.
Correct:Between the lion and the tiger, the tiger is the fiercer and the stronger.
Between the lion and the tiger, the tiger is more fierce and more strong.
Example 2
Wrong:Among all the bears in the world, the panda bear is stronger.
Among all the bears in the world, the panda bear is more strong.
Correct:Among all the bears in the world, the panda bear is most strong.
Among all the bears in the world, the panda bear is strongest.
Rule 1
Comparing two things requires the -er ending or more.
Comparing three things or more requires the -est ending or most.
Rule 2
Between is used only for comparing two things. Use among to compare more than two things.

  1. One of the tastiest deli sandwiches offered at Katz's is the pastrami on rye.

    A) NO CHANGE
    B) One of the most tastiest
    C) The most tasty
    D) The tastiest

  2. After the AP exam, the subject test seemed far more easier.

    A) NO CHANGE
    B) far easier.
    C) more easier.
    D) most easiest.

  3. There are two types of models: the easily configurable TI-Inspire and the smallest TI-84.

    A) NO CHANGE
    B) very littlest
    C) more small
    D) smaller

  4. The coca leaf has great significance in the Andean civilization, once the more richer and more influential empire in South America.

    A) NO CHANGE
    B) one of the richest and most
    C) the richest and most
    D) the richer and more

  5. The drive usually takes just thirty minutes but it felt longer then ever.

    A) NO CHANGE
    B) more longer then
    C) the longest than
    D) longer than

  1. A
  2. B
  3. D
  4. C
  5. D