Examkin

Comparatives and Superlatives

20 questions

All types20Multiple choice10Fill in the blank10
Question 1Question →

The following sentence compares two types of leafy greens. Complete the sentence by writing the correct comparative form of the adjective 'healthy'. Which word correctly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Although both vegetables are nutritious, spinach is than iceberg lettuce because spinach contains a higher concentration of iron and vitamin K.
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Answer

healthier
The correct answer is 'healthier' because the sentence compares exactly two items (spinach and iceberg lettuce), requiring the comparative form, and the adjective 'healthy' is a two-syllable word ending in 'y' which spelling rules require changing 'y' to 'i' and adding '-er'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the number of items being compared.
Two items (spinach and iceberg lettuce) are compared.
The comparative form is used when comparing exactly two items.
2
Apply the rule for forming the comparative of the adjective 'healthy'.
The comparative form of 'healthy' is 'healthier'.
For two-syllable adjectives ending in 'y', change the 'y' to 'i' and add '-er'.

Key Concept

Comparatives are used to compare exactly two items, and two-syllable adjectives ending in 'y' change to '-ier'.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 2Question →

Although many of her colleagues found the research tedious, Marie Curie's dedication was more intense, more focused, and longer-lasting than any other scientist in her laboratory.

Which choice is the most effective and grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more intense, more focused, and longer-lasting than that of

Answer

The correct answer is the option that reads 'more intense, more focused, and longer-lasting than that of'.
The correct option correctly uses the comparative form of the adjectives to describe dedication, maintains parallel structure in the list of adjectives, uses the correct comparative conjunction 'than', and includes 'that of' to make a logical comparison between Marie Curie's dedication and the dedication of other scientists.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare 'Marie Curie's dedication' to other scientists in the laboratory.
Comparisons must be logically sound, comparing similar things (dedication to dedication, not dedication to people).
2
Select the pronoun phrase that corrects the illogical comparison.
Adding 'that of' refers back to 'dedication', making the comparison logical.
This ensures the sentence compares dedication to the dedication of other scientists.
3
Check the parallel structure of the items in the comparison list.
All three items in the list must be comparative adjectives: 'more intense', 'more focused', and 'longer-lasting'.
Parallel structure is grammatically required for items joined in a series.
4
Verify that the correct comparative conjunction is used.
The conjunction 'than' must be used for comparisons.
The word 'then' is an adverb of time, not a conjunction for comparison.

Key Concept

Logical comparisons, parallel structure in lists, and then/than distinction
Question 3Question →

Complete the sentence comparing two planets by filling in the blanks with the correct comparative form of the adjective "large" and the correct comparison word.

Fill in the blanks below

Of the two rocky planets, Venus is Mercury.
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Answer

larger than
The sentence compares exactly two items (Venus and Mercury), which requires the comparative form of the adjective 'large' ('larger') and the comparative conjunction 'than' to introduce the second element.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the number of objects being compared in the sentence.
Exactly two planets (Venus and Mercury) are compared.
This establishes that we must use the comparative form (used for comparing two things) rather than the superlative form (used for comparing three or more things).
2
Identify the correct comparative form of the adjective 'large'.
The comparative form of 'large' is 'larger'.
One-syllable adjectives form the comparative by adding the suffix '-er'.
3
Identify the correct conjunction to introduce the comparison.
The comparative conjunction is 'than'.
'Than' is the standard conjunction used to introduce the second element in a comparison, whereas the homophone 'then' refers to time or sequence.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives
Question 4Question →

Although both city-states were powerful in ancient Greece, Sparta's military training was more rigorous then that of Athens.

Which of the following choices best completes the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more rigorous than

Answer

more rigorous than
The correct choice uses the comparative adjective form 'more rigorous' to compare Sparta's military training to Athens's military training (two entities) and correctly uses the comparative conjunction 'than' to connect the comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the number of items being compared in the sentence.
The sentence compares Sparta's military training to that of Athens, which represents exactly two items.
Determining the number of items dictates whether to use a comparative form (for two items) or a superlative form (for three or more items).
2
Select the correct adjective form for comparing two items.
The comparative form 'more rigorous' is appropriate, while the superlative 'most rigorous' is incorrect.
Superlative forms are reserved for comparisons of three or more items.
3
Determine the correct word to connect the comparison.
The conjunction 'than' must be used instead of the time-related adverb 'then'.
Comparisons require 'than' to connect the entities being compared.

Key Concept

Using comparative adjective forms (such as 'more' plus the adjective) and the conjunction 'than' when comparing exactly two entities.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 5Question →

Complete the sentence comparing the arguments of two historical documents by writing the correct comparative modifier for 'detailed' in the first blank, the correct comparative form of 'strong' in the second blank, and the pronoun that prevents an illogical comparison in the third blank.

Fill in the blanks below

Of the two historical documents analyzed by the committee, the second draft's argument proved to be the detailed, presenting a much thesis than of the first draft.
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Answer

more, stronger, that
The sentence compares exactly two documents, requiring the comparative modifier 'more' rather than the superlative 'most'. The one-syllable adjective 'strong' is correctly converted to its comparative form 'stronger'. Finally, the singular demonstrative pronoun 'that' is required to refer back to the singular noun 'thesis', thereby preventing an illogical comparison between the thesis of the second draft and the first draft as a whole.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the number of items being compared to select between comparative and superlative forms.
Two documents are compared ('the two historical documents... the second draft... than... the first draft'), requiring comparative forms.
Comparative forms are used when comparing exactly two items, whereas superlative forms are used for three or more.
2
Select the correct comparative modifier for 'detailed' in the first blank.
Write 'more'.
Even though the blank is preceded by the definite article 'the', the comparison is between exactly two documents, so the comparative 'more' must be used instead of the superlative 'most'.
3
Form the comparative of the adjective 'strong' for the second blank.
Write 'stronger'.
'Strong' is a one-syllable adjective, which forms its comparative by adding the suffix '-er'. Using 'more strong' is incorrect.
4
Identify the pronoun needed to make the comparison logical in the third blank.
Write 'that'.
Without the pronoun 'that', the sentence would illogically compare the 'thesis' of the second draft directly to the 'first draft' (a whole document) rather than to the first draft's thesis. The singular pronoun 'that' refers back to 'thesis'.

Key Concept

Using comparative forms when comparing two entities, and using representative pronouns to prevent illogical comparisons.
Question 6Question →

In the context of evolutionary biology, researchers have noted that the plumage of a male peacock is far more vibrant than a female peahen, serving as a primary signal of genetic fitness during courtship rituals.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be best?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: far more vibrant than that of a female peahen

Answer

far more vibrant than that of a female peahen
The correct option correctly uses 'than' for the comparison and includes 'that of' to ensure the peacock's plumage is compared to the peahen's plumage, rather than the peahen itself. It also avoids any unnecessary punctuation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare the 'plumage of a male peacock' with a 'female peahen'.
This is an illogical comparison because a specific feature (plumage) cannot be logically compared to a whole animal (peahen).
2
Correct the comparison using a demonstrative pronoun to refer back to the singular noun 'plumage'.
Add 'that of' before 'a female peahen' to represent 'the plumage of a female peahen'.
This ensures the comparison is grammatically parallel and logical.
3
Select the correct comparative conjunction.
Ensure 'than' is used for the comparison instead of the temporal homophone 'then'.
'Than' is the correct conjunction for comparisons, whereas 'then' indicates time or consequence.
4
Ensure punctuation is correct around the comparison.
No comma should separate the comparative adjective 'vibrant' and the conjunction 'than'.
Adding a comma would unnecessarily interrupt the flow of the restrictive comparative clause.

Key Concept

Logical comparison parallel structure and proper homophone usage in comparatives.
Question 7Question →

The James Webb Space Telescope features a light-gathering capacity that is far greater than the Hubble Space Telescope, allowing astronomers to peer deeper into the history of the universe than ever before.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: far greater than that of the Hubble Space Telescope

Answer

The correct option is the phrase that states 'far greater than that of the Hubble Space Telescope'.
The correct option is correct because it uses the comparative adjective 'greater' to compare the capacities of two telescopes, uses the correct comparative conjunction 'than', and uses the pronoun phrase 'that of' to logically compare capacity to capacity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare the 'light-gathering capacity' of the James Webb Space Telescope to the Hubble Space Telescope.
To ensure grammatical logic, a quality or possession (capacity) must be compared to another quality or possession, not to a physical object (the telescope itself).
2
Evaluate the correct pronoun to complete the comparison logically.
Adding 'that of' before 'the Hubble Space Telescope' refers back to 'the light-gathering capacity', making the comparison logical.
Comparing 'capacity' to 'that of the Hubble Space Telescope' (meaning 'the capacity of the Hubble Space Telescope') resolves the illogical comparison.
3
Check the spelling of the comparative word and punctuation.
Use the comparative conjunction 'than' (not the temporal 'then') and do not place a comma between the comparative modifier 'greater' and the comparative phrase.
Comparisons require 'than' to connect the two items, and punctuation rules forbid separating a comparative adjective from its 'than' phrase with a comma.

Key Concept

Logical comparisons (comparatives and superlatives)
Question 8Question →

Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks. Use the comparative form of the adjective 'extensive' to show a greater degree in the first blank, and the appropriate singular pronoun in the second blank to maintain a logical comparison.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the local museum boasts a diverse array of artifacts, its collection of ancient Roman coins is than of the national treasury.
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Answer

Although the local museum boasts a diverse array of artifacts, its collection of ancient Roman coins is more extensive than that of the national treasury.
The correct completion uses 'more extensive' to properly compare the two collections using the comparative degree of a multi-syllable adjective, and 'that' as a singular pronoun pointing back to 'collection' to make the comparison logical.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two entities being compared.
The local museum's 'collection' is being compared to the 'national treasury'.
To ensure grammatical agreement and logical parity, we must verify what is being compared.
2
Formulate the correct comparative form of the adjective.
Since we are comparing exactly two collections, the comparative form 'more extensive' is required rather than the superlative 'most extensive'.
Comparative forms are used when comparing two entities, whereas superlatives are reserved for three or more.
3
Correct the illogical comparison structure.
Comparing a 'collection' directly to a 'treasury' (an institution) is illogical. Inserting the singular pronoun 'that' creates the parallel structure 'collection ... than that [collection] of the national treasury'.
Comparisons must compare like things (collection to collection, not collection to institution).

Key Concept

Logical comparison and comparative adjective forms. Comparisons must compare comparable things, and the comparative form must be used when exactly two things are being compared.
Question 9Question →

Although the dental wear patterns of the Tyrannosaurus rex were more pronounced then a Triceratops, both species exhibited specialized adaptations that suited their respective diets.

Which of the following choices best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

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Answer: more pronounced than those of a Triceratops

Answer

more pronounced than those of a Triceratops
The correct option correctly resolves the comparison by using 'those of' to represent the plural noun 'dental wear patterns', thereby comparing patterns to patterns. It also correctly uses 'than' for the comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare the 'dental wear patterns' of a Tyrannosaurus rex with the corresponding features of a Triceratops.
To maintain logical syntax, the comparison must be between two equivalent things: patterns to patterns, not patterns to an entire dinosaur.
2
Check for illogical comparison errors.
Comparing 'wear patterns' directly to 'a Triceratops' is illogical. The sentence must compare the patterns of the Tyrannosaurus rex to 'those of' (representing the wear patterns of) a Triceratops.
This establishes grammatical parallelism and logical comparison.
3
Determine the correct comparative word.
Use the conjunction 'than' for comparisons rather than the adverb 'then', which indicates time.
The sentence is comparing the degree of wear ('more pronounced'), so 'than' is required.

Key Concept

Illogical comparisons occur when a sentence compares two items that are not of the same type. To fix this, use a comparative conjunction like 'than' and ensure the items being compared are parallel, often by using possessive nouns or pronouns like 'that of' or 'those of'.
Question 10Question →

Which words correctly complete the comparative and superlative structures in the passage below? Complete the passage by writing the correct word or phrase in each blank.

Fill in the blanks below

Of the three classical composers of the era, Mozart possesses the diverse symphonic catalog; however, when comparing only Mozart and Haydn, Haydn's development of the string quartet format is considered more innovative Mozart.
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Answer

The passage is correctly completed with 'most' in the first blank, 'than' in the second blank, and 'that of' in the third blank.
The correct response completes the sentence logically and grammatically. The first blank requires the superlative 'most' because it compares three classical composers. The second blank requires the comparative conjunction 'than' to complete the comparison introduced by 'more innovative.' The third blank requires the pronoun phrase 'that of' to refer back to the singular noun 'development,' which prevents an illogical comparison between a musical development and a person.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first blank to determine whether a comparative or superlative form is required.
The sentence begins with the phrase 'Of the three classical composers,' indicating a comparison among three entities. Therefore, the superlative modifier 'most' is required to describe the degree of diversity in Mozart's catalog.
Superlative forms are used when comparing three or more items, whereas comparative forms are used for exactly two items.
2
Analyze the second blank to identify the correct comparative conjunction.
The phrase 'more innovative' introduces a comparison between two items (Haydn's development and Mozart's development). The standard comparative conjunction 'than' is required to link the compared elements.
'Than' is the correct conjunction for comparisons, whereas 'then' is an adverb of time and is a common homophone error in comparative structures.
3
Analyze the third blank to resolve the logical comparison.
The subject being compared is 'Haydn's development' (a singular noun phrase). Comparing 'Haydn's development' directly to 'Mozart' (the person) is illogical. To make the comparison parallel and logical, we must use the singular pronoun phrase 'that of' to refer back to 'the development of.'
Illogical comparisons occur when a specific attribute or possession of one entity is compared directly to another whole entity rather than to the corresponding attribute of that entity.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives, Logical Comparisons, Homophones
Question 11Question →

The following sentence compares the architectural features of two historic buildings. Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks with the correct comparative and referential words to form a grammatically correct and logical comparison.

Fill in the blanks below

Although both monuments are grand, the columns of the Supreme Court Building are taller of the nearby Library of Congress.
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Answer

than those (or than the columns)
The correct response requires 'than' to form the comparison and 'those' (or a plural equivalent) to refer back to the plural noun 'columns'. This ensures a grammatically correct and logical comparison of architectural elements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two entities being compared.
The columns of the Supreme Court Building are compared to the columns of the Library of Congress.
Establishing the comparison targets helps determine the correct number (singular or plural) for referential pronouns.
2
Choose the correct comparative conjunction.
Use 'than' to connect the two compared elements.
The word 'than' is the correct conjunction for comparisons, whereas 'then' is a homophone used for time or sequence.
3
Select a plural pronoun to complete the comparison logically.
Use 'those' (or 'the columns') before the preposition 'of'.
Since the compared noun 'columns' is plural, the plural pronoun 'those' is required to ensure a logical comparison (comparing columns to columns, rather than columns to a building).

Key Concept

Logical comparisons (comparative conjunctions and referential pronouns)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 12Question →

Climatologists have observed that the average annual precipitation of the Amazon basin is greater then the Congo basin, sustaining an incredibly dense canopy and a vast array of unique species.

Which of the following options is the correct revision for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: greater than that of the Congo basin

Answer

The phrase 'greater than that of the Congo basin' is the correct revision because it logically compares the average annual precipitation of the two basins using the pronoun 'that' and the correct comparative conjunction 'than' without grammatical redundancy.
The correct answer correctly uses the comparative adjective 'greater' and the conjunction 'than' to compare the precipitation of the Amazon basin to the precipitation of the Congo basin, using the singular demonstrative pronoun 'that' to refer back to 'precipitation' and ensure a logical, parallel comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare 'the average annual precipitation of the Amazon basin' with something related to the Congo basin.
This establishes the targets of the comparison so that their grammatical structure can be evaluated.
2
Check for logical parallelism in the comparison.
Comparing 'precipitation' (a noun representing an amount of rainfall) to 'the Congo basin' (a physical geographic region) is illogical. To make the comparison parallel, the sentence must compare 'precipitation' to the 'precipitation of the Congo basin'. This is achieved using the singular demonstrative pronoun 'that of'.
A logical comparison must compare elements of the same type.
3
Verify correct homophone usage and comparative modifiers.
The conjunction 'than' must be used for comparisons, not the adverb 'then'. Additionally, the comparative adjective 'greater' must not be paired with 'more', as 'more greater' creates an incorrect double comparative.
This ensures the sentence conforms to standard grammar rules regarding homophones and comparative forms.

Key Concept

Logical comparative structures and homophone distinction in comparisons
Estimated Time:45s
Question 13Question →

The following sentence compares the physical characteristics of two whale species. Complete the sentence by determining the correct comparative form of the adjective 'large' and the correct comparative conjunction. Which words correctly fill the blanks?

Fill in the blanks below

Although both the blue whale and the fin whale are massive marine mammals, the blue whale is the of the two species, measuring several feet longer its close relative.
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Answer

The correct words to fill the blanks are 'larger' for the first blank and 'than' for the second blank.
The comparative form 'larger' is correct because the sentence compares exactly two species: the blue whale and the fin whale. The comparative conjunction 'than' is correct because it is used to introduce the second element of a comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the number of items being compared to choose the correct adjective form.
Two items are compared: the blue whale and the fin whale.
When comparing exactly two items, the comparative form ending in '-er' (or preceded by 'more') must be used instead of the superlative form. Thus, the adjective 'large' becomes 'larger'.
2
Select the correct word to introduce the second element of the comparison.
The comparative conjunction 'than' must be used.
The word 'than' is used to connect the two elements of a comparison, whereas 'then' is an adverb indicating time or sequence.

Key Concept

Using comparative adjective forms when comparing exactly two items, and utilizing the conjunction 'than' to link the comparison.
Question 14Question →

Many literary historians argue that the detailed records kept by the early Sumerian scribes were more comprehensive then other civilizations of the same era.

Which choice best completes the sentence by maintaining logical comparison and correct grammatical usage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more comprehensive than those of other civilizations

Answer

more comprehensive than those of other civilizations
The correct option correctly uses 'than' to establish a comparison and includes the pronoun 'those' to make the comparison logical, comparing 'records' to 'those (records) of other civilizations'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence compares the 'detailed records' (plural noun) kept by Sumerian scribes with other civilizations of the same era.
To ensure logical comparison, a sentence must compare similar things. Comparing physical 'records' to entire 'civilizations' is illogical.
2
Select the correct comparative structure to resolve the illogical comparison.
Use the plural pronoun 'those' to represent 'records', changing the compared element to 'those of other civilizations'.
This compares Sumerian records to the records of other civilizations, establishing a logical comparison.
3
Choose the correct comparative conjunction.
Use 'than' instead of 'then' to show comparison.
'Than' is used for comparisons, whereas 'then' refers to time.

Key Concept

Logical comparisons require comparing comparable things, and comparative structures must use 'than' rather than the homophone 'then'.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 15Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Although both plants are adapted to arid environments, the taproot of the honey mesquite tree is much (deep) the shallow roots of the saguaro cactus.
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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
Question 16Question →

Although both leaders implemented sweeping economic reforms during the reconstruction era, President Alvarez's policies proved to be more effective than his predecessor, ultimately stabilizing the nation's currency. Which option represents the correct version of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more effective than those of his predecessor

Answer

The option containing 'more effective than those of his predecessor' is the correct answer.
The correct option is 'more effective than those of his predecessor' because it correctly compares the policies of one president to the policies (represented by 'those') of another. It also uses 'than' for the comparison rather than 'then' and has no unnecessary punctuation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the items being compared.
The sentence compares 'President Alvarez's policies' with 'his predecessor's policies'.
A comparison must compare logically equivalent items. Comparing 'policies' to 'a person' is illogical.
2
Select the correct comparative word and spelling.
Use 'more effective than' because two items are being compared and 'than' is the correct spelling for comparative relationships.
'Then' denotes time or sequence, whereas 'than' is used for comparisons.
3
Evaluate the punctuation and pronouns.
Use the pronoun 'those' to represent 'policies' and avoid inserting unnecessary commas.
The correct phrase is 'more effective than those of his predecessor' without any commas around it.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives
Estimated Time:45s
Question 17Question →

The following sentence contains an underlined portion:

'Although Venus and Mars are both terrestrial planets with rocky compositions, Venus possesses a much denser atmosphere than that of Mars, which traps heat and creates surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead.'

Which choice best completes the sentence grammatically?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

NO CHANGE
The correct option correctly applies the comparative adjective 'denser' to compare the atmospheres of two planets. It uses the correct comparative conjunction 'than' and introduces 'that of' to refer back to the atmosphere, maintaining a logical and parallel comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the items being compared in the sentence.
The sentence compares the atmosphere of Venus to the atmosphere of Mars.
To ensure a logical comparison, the two items compared must be of the same type (atmosphere to atmosphere, not atmosphere to planet).
2
Determine the correct comparative modifier and conjunction.
Since two planets are compared, the comparative form 'denser' must be paired with the conjunction 'than'.
The comparative form is used for comparing exactly two items, and 'than' is the correct conjunction for comparisons (unlike 'then', which indicates time).
3
Verify parallel structure and logic.
The phrase 'that of Mars' acts as a pronoun replacement for 'the atmosphere of Mars', completing the parallel comparison.
Omitting 'that of' results in an illogical comparison because Venus's atmosphere cannot be logically compared to the physical planet Mars.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives
Question 18Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Although both ancient aqueducts are architectural marvels, the Pont du Gard, reaching a height of 49 meters, is the Aqueduct of Segovia, which stands at only 28 meters.
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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
Question 19Question →

Although both Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin made groundbreaking contributions to chemistry, Curie's research was ultimately widely recognized, with her two Nobel Prizes rendering her legacy more celebrated then Franklin.

Which choice makes the comparison in the sentence grammatically correct and logical?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more celebrated than Franklin's

Answer

more celebrated than Franklin's
The correct answer is the option that states 'more celebrated than Franklin's'. This choice correctly uses the comparative conjunction 'than' (rather than 'then') and properly compares Curie's legacy to Franklin's legacy. By using the possessive form 'Franklin's', the sentence logically compares Curie's legacy to Franklin's legacy, preventing an illogical comparison.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence compares Marie Curie's legacy to Rosalind Franklin's legacy.
To ensure a logical comparison, the two items compared must be of the same type (legacy to legacy, not legacy to person).
2
Evaluate the conjunction used for comparison.
The correct conjunction is 'than', not the adverb 'then'.
Comparative adjectives require the conjunction 'than' to connect the compared elements.
3
Choose the grammatical structure that is logical and non-redundant.
The phrase 'more celebrated than Franklin's' correctly and concisely compares the two legacies without using redundant possessive structures like 'that of Franklin's'.
The possessive noun 'Franklin's' acts as a pronoun for 'Franklin's legacy', resolving the illogical comparison concisely.

Key Concept

Comparatives and Superlatives
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 20Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

When comparing the structural integrity of ancient Roman concrete to modern Portland cement, researchers found that the ancient material was actually durable its modern counterpart.
Show answer & explanation

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