On your paper, rewrite the following sentences to correct errors in the degree of modifiers. If a sentence contains no errors, write "correct."

Question

1. Originally, lifesaving services were run by private organizations that tried to help the sinking ships most closest to shore.
2. American shipping magnates knew their crew and the cargo could be saved if help could get to them sooner.
3. Some critics claimed that of the crew and cargo, the magnates would miss the cargo the most.
4. By the late 1840's, Congress agreed to fund the construction of lifesaving stations to guard the worse areas of the shoreline.
5. Which of these two stations is closest to the ship in distress?

My revisions of these sentences are the following:
1. Originally, lifesaving services were run by private organizations that tried to help the sinking ships closest to shore.
2. Correct
3. Correct
4. By the late 1840's, Congress agreed to fund the construction of lifesaving stations to guard the worst areas of the shoreline.
5. Correct

Answer 1

1. right

2. I guess you're right; but I'd want to know "sooner" than ... what?

3. not right

4. right

5. not right

Answer 2

3. more
5. closer

Answer 3

Yes, now 3 and 5 are correct.