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Difficulty: MediumAdjective and Adverb Usage

During the final phase of testing, the engineering team monitored the prototype's performance in a soundproof chamber. Although the new engine was expected to run loudly, it actually operated much more quieter than its predecessor. This noise reduction was attributed to the newly designed exhaust valves.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. much more quietly than itsAnswer
  3. C
    much quieter than its
  4. D
    much more quietly than it's

Answer

The choice that reads 'much more quietly than its' is correct.
The correct option correctly uses the comparative adverb phrase 'more quietly' to modify the action verb 'operated'. It also correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'predecessor'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the word being modified by the underlined phrase.
The underlined phrase describes the manner in which the engine 'operated,' which is an action verb.
Determining whether the modified word is a noun or a verb tells us whether to use an adjective or an adverb.
2
Select the correct part of speech and comparative form.
Since 'operated' is a verb, it must be modified by an adverb. The adverb form is 'quietly,' and its comparative form is 'more quietly.' This rules out 'quieter' and the double comparative 'more quieter.'
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, whereas adjectives modify nouns.
3
Evaluate pronoun and conjunction usage.
The comparative preposition 'than' is correct. The possessive pronoun 'its' is needed to show ownership over the 'predecessor.' The contraction 'it's' (it is) is incorrect.
Standard comparison requires 'than,' and showing ownership requires the possessive pronoun without an apostrophe.

Key Concept

Adjective and Adverb Modifier Usage
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Topics

Adjective and Adverb Usage

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