Question

(A) NO CHANGE (B) smallest then (C) smaller than (D) smaller then

Short answer

The correct answer is (C) smaller than.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Sentence Context

First, comprehend the sentence to which the given choices serve as possible insertions. This will help in determining the correct grammatical structure. The context of the sentence often dictates which word forms fit best.

Identifying the Correct Form

Among the given options, identify the word pair required to maintain grammatical correctness and the intended meaning. The phrase structure typically requires a comparison, suggesting the use of 'than' not 'then' which signifies time.

Evaluating Each Option for Grammar

Evaluate each option: - NO CHANGE: Leaves the sentence unchanged, potentially incorrect if grammar requires change. - 'smallest then': 'then' is incorrect for comparisons. - 'smaller than': Correct comparative structure. - 'smaller then': Incorrect as 'then' refers to time, not comparison.

Making the Final Choice

Choose 'smaller than' as it correctly forms the comparative phrase, comparing the sizes of two objects, which is the structure needed for accuracy in the given context.

Key concepts

Comparative Forms

In English, when comparing two things, the comparative form is employed to express the differences. This involves using the appropriate form of adjectives or adverbs.

Commonly, for one-syllable adjectives, we add "-er" to the word before placing "than" to make comparisons, such as "smaller than." For adjectives with two or more syllables, "more" is usually added before the adjective, such as "more interesting than." This pattern allows us to clearly outline distinctions between objects or ideas.

• For example: "My car is faster than your car."
• "This book is more thrilling than the movie."

Selecting the correct form, like in our exercise, is crucial to conveying the right meaning. Mistakes often arise with the misuse of "then" and "than," where "then" is intended for sequencing events in time, whereas "than" is essential for these comparative expressions.

Grammar Rules

Grammar rules are the backbone of forming clear and correct sentences in English. An essential rule evident in our exercise is the correct application of comparatives.

When constructing sentences involving comparisons, it's important to follow these key grammar principles:

• Always follow a comparative adjective with "than."
• Ensure agreement between the subjects being compared in terms of singular or plural forms.
• Be cautious of homonyms like "then" and "than," which can change the sentence meaning entirely.

This exercise underscores the potential pitfalls in misunderstanding or misapplying these rules, leading to grammatical errors or unintended meanings.

Sentence Structure

Crafting coherent and effective sentences relies heavily on a solid understanding of sentence structure. This involves using syntactically correct word orders and logical connectors.

In comparisons, sentence structure plays a critical role, aligning the comparative term with the correct form needed to relay the intended meaning. Look at how the structure focuses on pairing adjectives (like "smaller") with "than" to clarify the relationship between the subjects compared.

• For example, "The new phone is lighter than the old one."
• Observe how "lighter" is naturally followed by "than" to compare the two phones succinctly.

Errors in sentence structure, such as incorrectly substituting "then" for "than," can disrupt the logic and flow of the sentence, leading to confusion. Recognizing the importance of structure enables students to construct more accurate and easily understood comparisons.