ACT Preparation / Unit 3 ACT 0225 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Describing Words in Context
The idea
Describing-word questions are answered in two steps. First, find what the word describes: if it is a noun or a pronoun, use an adjective; if it is a verb, an adjective or another adverb, use an adverb. Second, if the word compares, count the things compared: two take the comparative, three or more the superlative, and only one method, the ending or more and most, is used.
In practice
Worked example: "The new bridge was built (quick, quickly), and it is the (longer, longest) of the city's three bridges. Drivers say the ride feels (smooth, smoothly) and is (more safer, safer) than before." Quickly describes was built, a verb. There are three bridges, so longest. Feels links the ride to a description, so smooth, an adjective. Safer compares two with one method.
Where people slip
Verbs such as feels, looks and seems often link a subject to a description, and then the adjective is correct. "The ride feels smooth" describes the ride, not the feeling.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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