16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumAdverb modifying a verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

After the repair, the engine ran ____ for the rest of the journey.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. smoothlyCorrect
  2. B. smooth
  3. C. more smooth
  4. D. smoothest

Answer: A. smoothly

The word describes how the engine RAN — it modifies a verb — so an adverb is needed: 'smoothly'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. smooth
'smooth' is an adjective; it can describe the engine but not how the engine ran.
C. more smooth
'more smooth' is a comparative, and nothing is being compared.
D. smoothest
'smoothest' is a superlative adjective; no comparison is being made, and an adverb is needed.

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