Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumComparatives and Superlatives

Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks with the correct comparative form of the adjective in parentheses and the appropriate comparative conjunction.

Answer:Although both plants are adapted to arid environments, the taproot of the honey mesquite tree is much 【deeper】 (deep) 【than】 the shallow roots of the saguaro cactus.

Answer

deeper; than
The sentence compares exactly two subjects: the taproot of the honey mesquite tree and the shallow roots of the saguaro cactus. Therefore, the comparative form of the adjective 'deep' (which is 'deeper') is required. To connect the two compared elements, the comparative conjunction 'than' must be used.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the number of items being compared to choose between comparative and superlative forms.
Two items are compared: the taproot of the honey mesquite tree and the shallow roots of the saguaro cactus.
When comparing exactly two items, the comparative form of the adjective is required.
2
Form the comparative of the adjective 'deep'.
The comparative form is 'deeper'.
Single-syllable adjectives form their comparative by adding the suffix '-er'.
3
Identify the correct conjunction to introduce the second element of the comparison.
The correct conjunction is 'than'.
The word 'than' is used to make comparisons, whereas the homophone 'then' refers to time or sequence.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives
Rate this question

Topics

Comparatives and Superlatives

More questions from this topic