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Question

Difficulty: MediumComparatives and Superlatives

Based on the rules of grammatical comparison in English, which words correctly complete the sentence comparing the two types of construction materials?

Answer:When comparing the structural integrity of ancient Roman concrete to modern Portland cement, researchers found that the ancient material was actually 【more】 durable 【than】 its modern counterpart.

Answer

The correct words to fill the blanks are 'more' for the first blank and 'than' for the second blank.
To compare two distinct entities (ancient Roman concrete and modern Portland cement), the comparative modifier 'more' must be paired with the comparative conjunction 'than'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the number of items being compared in the sentence.
Two items are compared: ancient Roman concrete and modern Portland cement.
The number of items determines whether to use a comparative form (for exactly two items) or a superlative form (for three or more items).
2
Select the correct modifier for comparing the two items.
Use the comparative modifier 'more' rather than the superlative 'most'.
Since only two items are being compared, the comparative form is grammatically required.
3
Select the correct conjunction to complete the comparison.
Use 'than' to connect the two elements of comparison.
The conjunction 'than' is used to establish a comparison, whereas the homophone 'then' is an adverb of time or sequence.

Key Concept

When comparing exactly two items, the comparative modifier (such as 'more') and the comparative conjunction 'than' must be used.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Comparatives and Superlatives

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