Problem: How does the sentence end?

The girl was more successful playing the piano than the harp because she practiced the 
Answer: piano more often.

Problem: How does the sentence end?

The cuttings from the trees were too long and could not fit into the houses. The 
Answer: cuttings were too long.

Problem: How does the sentence end?

Samantha liked the puppies more than Tanya did because 
Answer: Samantha thought they were cute animals.

Problem: How does the sentence end?

Laura chose a leather leash instead of a chain because the 
Answer:
chain seemed less professional.