Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumComparatives and Superlatives

Based on the grammatical rules of comparison, which words should fill the blanks in the sentence below to make it grammatically correct?

Answer:Although both ancient aqueducts are architectural marvels, the Pont du Gard, reaching a height of 49 meters, is 【taller】 【than】 the Aqueduct of Segovia, which stands at only 28 meters.

Answer

The first blank must be filled with the comparative adjective "taller" (or "higher"), and the second blank must be filled with the comparative conjunction "than".
The sentence compares exactly two items (the Pont du Gard and the Aqueduct of Segovia) based on their heights (49 meters versus 28 meters). To correctly compare two items, the comparative form of the adjective ("taller" or "higher") must be used instead of the superlative form. Additionally, the comparative conjunction "than" is required to introduce the second item, rather than the adverb "then".

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the number of items being compared.
Two items are compared: the Pont du Gard and the Aqueduct of Segovia.
This determines whether to use a comparative form (for two items) or a superlative form (for three or more items).
2
Determine the correct form of the adjective based on the numerical clues provided.
The text mentions heights of 49 meters and 28 meters, indicating a height comparison. Since there are two items, the comparative form of "tall" or "high" must be used.
The comparative form of "tall" is "taller" and "high" is "higher". The superlative forms "tallest" or "highest" are incorrect for two items.
3
Select the correct conjunction to introduce the second element of the comparison.
The conjunction "than" must be used to introduce the Aqueduct of Segovia.
The word "than" is used to make comparisons, whereas its homophone "then" is used to indicate time or sequence.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives
Rate this question

Topics

Comparatives and Superlatives

More questions from this topic