Chapter 5: Problem 14
F. NO CHANGE G. more shorter then H. the shortest than J. shorter than
Short Answer
Expert verified
Question: Which of the following options correctly uses the comparative adjective in the sentence: "The new train route is short then the old one."
A. NO CHANGE
B. more shorter then
C. the shortest than
D. shorter than
Answer: D. shorter than
Step by step solution
01
Understand the comparative adjectives
Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things or persons. The format is typically "adjective + er" for one-syllable adjectives or "more + adjective" for adjectives with two or more syllables.
Examples of comparatives include:
- fast → faster
- beautiful → more beautiful
02
Look for the correct comparative adjective among the options
Let us now analyze the given options:
F. NO CHANGE
G. more shorter then
H. the shortest than
J. shorter than
We can eliminate option G, as "more shorter" is incorrect; there's no need to use 'more' before 'shorter'. Similarly, option H ("the shortest than") is incorrect as shortest is the superlative form of the adjective and using "than" after it doesn't fit grammatically. The correct choice must be between options F and J.
03
Determine the correct choice
Since we've already ruled out options G and H, we're left with options F and J.
Option F: NO CHANGE
Option J: shorter than
The correct comparison format is "adjective + er" or "more + adjective" followed by "than," which matches option J perfectly. Therefore,
The correct choice is:
J. shorter than
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Grammar Rules
Grammar is the backbone of effective communication and understanding comparative adjectives is essential for mastery of the English language. Comparative adjectives are adjectives that compare differences between the attributes of two nouns. These adjectives typically take the suffix '-er' or the word 'more' to indicate that one of the items being compared has a greater degree of the quality being described. For one-syllable adjectives like 'fast', 'tall', or 'short', we usually add '-er' as in 'faster', 'taller', or 'shorter'. When dealing with two-syllable adjectives, especially those ending in '-y', like 'happy' or 'hungry', we also convert them by ending with '-ier': 'happier', 'hungrier'.
For adjectives with more than two syllables, such as 'beautiful' or 'comfortable', we preface the adjective with 'more' as in 'more beautiful' and 'more comfortable'. One key rule to remember is that we should not combine '-er' and 'more'; it's either one or the other. Furthermore, the comparative form is always completed with the word 'than' when making comparisons, such as 'happier than' or 'more exciting than'. Recognizing and correcting incorrect comparative forms, like 'more shorter', is an important skill both for everyday use and for standardized tests.
For adjectives with more than two syllables, such as 'beautiful' or 'comfortable', we preface the adjective with 'more' as in 'more beautiful' and 'more comfortable'. One key rule to remember is that we should not combine '-er' and 'more'; it's either one or the other. Furthermore, the comparative form is always completed with the word 'than' when making comparisons, such as 'happier than' or 'more exciting than'. Recognizing and correcting incorrect comparative forms, like 'more shorter', is an important skill both for everyday use and for standardized tests.
ACT English Preparation
Preparing for the ACT English section requires an understanding of the fundamental grammar rules, including the proper use of comparative adjectives. Mastery of grammar and usage rules can vastly improve ACT English scores. When studying for this section, students should familiarize themselves with the guidelines for making adjectives comparative and superlative. This involves knowing when to add '-er' or '-est', or when to precede an adjective with 'more' or 'most'.
In addition to understanding the rules, it is beneficial to engage in regular practice exercises that reflect the types of questions presented on the ACT. Analyzing common errors, like ‘more shorter then’ or ‘the shortest than’, can also sharpen a student's ability to spot and correct mistakes. It’s equally important to read extensively to reinforce correct usage and see grammar rules in action. By incorporating these strategies into their test preparation, students can build a strong foundation that will aid them in the ACT English section.
In addition to understanding the rules, it is beneficial to engage in regular practice exercises that reflect the types of questions presented on the ACT. Analyzing common errors, like ‘more shorter then’ or ‘the shortest than’, can also sharpen a student's ability to spot and correct mistakes. It’s equally important to read extensively to reinforce correct usage and see grammar rules in action. By incorporating these strategies into their test preparation, students can build a strong foundation that will aid them in the ACT English section.
Standardized Test Strategies
Standardized tests often assess grammar knowledge, including the proper use of comparative adjectives. Here are some strategies to approach these tests successfully:
By integrating these strategies into your preparation routine, you can approach standardized tests, including ACT English, with a higher level of confidence and proficiency.
- Understand the basics: Make sure you are comfortable with grammar rules. This foundational knowledge will help you across multiple sections of the test.
- Practice with purpose: Rather than passively answering questions, actively analyze errors in incorrect answer choices to understand why they are wrong.
- Time management: Learn to quickly identify and dismiss incorrect options like 'the shortest than' or 'more shorter', which will save time for more challenging questions.
- Attention to detail: Always look for small but crucial elements such as the word 'than' following comparative adjectives, as missing these can lead to easy mistakes.
- Eliminate and select: When faced with multiple choice questions, narrow down your options by eliminating grammatically incorrect ones first, then choose the best remaining answer.
By integrating these strategies into your preparation routine, you can approach standardized tests, including ACT English, with a higher level of confidence and proficiency.